More about Penelope Mei

I'm typing this at 7:30 in the morning on Wednesday, which is Tuesday at 5:30 pm for you all. Tuesday was a crazy busy day for us, more on that next post. 

As I type, Penelope is still asleep in the crib after sleeping all night for the second night in a row. 

We are just crazy about her. In a way, she is still something of a mystery. She is obviously still guarding herself, she probably has no clue what in the world is going on here. No idea really of who we are or how long we're going to be around. 

I see some encouraging signs already. Last night it took me a couple of tries to put her down in her crib. She cried. That is a good, good thing! In her orphanage, she wouldn't have cried. She would have had no reason to. No one was coming. No one. The babies learn there is no point in crying. In less than 48 hours, Penelope has learned that she likes having someone to snuggle her so she cried for mama to pick her back up. This is good stuff!

She has giggled a couple of times. Melt. My. Heart!!  I just know she's going to have the sweetest voice. I can't wait to hear more of it.

As you read this, Stop for a second. Think of a 2 year old you know. Think of everything they can say and do. Now please take that expectation and throw it out the window. This is NOT Penelope. She is not anywhere close to what we think of a 2 year old being. In fact, not that close to what we think of a 1 year old. She is much more like a baby. 

I say this not so anyone will feel sorry for her or for us, no sympathy and certainly no sainthood required. I just want our family and friends to have realistic expectations. She has spent 2 years in a crib. Period. She has a lot of catching up to do. I don't think pictures can do justice to how tiny she is. She is literally wearing newborn diapers. I'm sure PT and OT will quickly become a regular part of our life when we get home. 

It will truly be our pleasure and privilege to watch what unfolds for this precious girl. I just know she is going to have the most amazing "before and after" story. 

Getting her footprint for some official adoption paperwork. 

She sucks her thumb and holds her other arm like her big brother Quincy!! To put size in perspective, that outfit is size 9 months. 

I can hold my toys while I suck my thumb! 

Give her a snack and she goes to town! Like in this picture, she often avoids looking at us. We catch her peeking at us a lot when she thinks we're not looking :). 

Extra small, extra large. 

They may or may not be watching The Walking Dead together. Sorry Nanny and Mam. 

So she seems weak, but when she has that bottle it is almost impossible to move those little fingers! I think she might be stronger than she lets on! 

God sets the lonely in families. 

Good night Princess. First night with a family. You will never be lonely again.