Eyes and Arms Wide Open

We have sustained eye contact and true hugs this week. When I give E her bottle each night, she used to look around and occasionally glance up at me.  Now, she locks eyes and stares the whole time.  It is only two minutes, because the tip is cut off since she can't physically suck, but sustained eye contact proves her trust and attachment are strengthening.  She favors me for certain.  The other families we were with in China probably can't even imagine that! A month ago, if I tried to take her off Brent for a moment, she squirmed and panicked.  She goes to both of us freely, but has become a Mama's girl.

She has given hugs from day one and would come running with arms wide open.  As soon as she reached us though, she would tuck her arms in and keep them on our chest.  She's always allowed us to wrap ours arms around her, but a full embrace was not returned.  On Tuesday afternoon, while playing with fridge magnets in the kitchen, she embraced me with her arms around my neck.  A real hug.  It's wild that I will remember the exact moment.  The sensation sent shivers down my back and a flutter to my heart.  

She is bonding.  These moments confirm it.

She also knows her name now and says "Mama" discriminately for me.  She is following basic commands too, such as "Get your shoes," "Wave bye-bye," and "Put it in the trash."  I wonder how quickly she is losing her native language.  That makes me sad to think about, but I am thankful she is understanding us more.  

Still working on the sibling thing between Everlee and Penn.  Some days are better then others as brother and sister, just like any other family.  She's a big fan of the sleeping bag, so it's an easy way to cheat bonding with her brothers.    

Inaugural visit to the Children's Museum.  E couldn't get enough.  She tired on the way home, as you could see her processing all she touched and did while there.  

The 'ol water in a tub trick.  Grabbed some plastic sea animals and filled it up.  Keeps them occupied every time! Notice E had to put on a deflated floaty to play in eight inch deep water.  Adorable.