Hope: One Less: Day 7

I wish I had better news to report but last night's bedtime was more of the same. We started process at 7:30 which consisted of bathtime, brush teeth, lotion, jammies, read books with Chris, I walk into give Benadryl for itchy skin, breakdown with tears, up, eating congee (not a fan of this routine and it seems to be on repeat). She wanted more congee but I said no, go to bed. She actually walked down the hall and climbed into her bed by herself. I could not believe it. By the time I finished a few things and got ready for bed, she was asleep. It just took till 10:30.

One of the recommendations (requirements) of hosting is that we make sure the child has a pediatric exam, dental exam, and vision exam. Although she is in a great orphanage, access to these services are limited. We have been fortunate to have these services donated. Anything behind these basic services is a bonus. This morning we sent to SBLHC because Dr. Leifheit recommended she have an echocardiogram and a bone age test. She had heart surgery when she was a baby so just want to make sure everything is going well. The bone age test will determine the age of her bones to see whether they think she is a 5 year old or 8 year old and will help determine whether she may be able to catch up in size to her peers. She has health insurance during her stay but it is for major accident or illness only. Luckily, the SBLHC Foundation had some funds designated to help cover the costs of pediatric patients in need. We will still have some out of pocket, but a few hundred dollars sounds a whole lot better than several thousand. Grateful that she can have access to these services and that the Lord has provided the resources. She did great on both and now we wait for results.

Chris: We had an early lunch and naptime before our company arrived. I always volunteer to take the shift that includes naptime and this time was no different. We headed to bed 3 times prior to going to sleep but when you are stalling it is important to make individual trips to get drinks, small snacks and a bathroom break. I am pretty sure she has this routine down to a science and she definitely knows that I am weaker than Kelsey.

Papa Swing and Grandma Barb arrived around 1:30. She was just waking from her nap so they were welcomed by a very reserved little girl. This was her first time meeting them. We played with waffle blocks and she eventually warmed up to them. She opened her stocking which contained a bunch of candy that she probably will not eat (Chris is thrilled). Her favorite stocking stuffer was a two-pack of chapstick. She immediately wanted it opened and it went into her purse. She also opened one gift which was Christmas jammies. We had a nice dinner together and we doubted the she would partake in our American cuisine. You are never going to believe this, but she ate italian beef, mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole. I was in shock, but thrilled. Not sure she will eat it tomorrow as leftovers, but we will take it. She also tried some of a peanut butter blossom cookie. Lots of laughs all afternoon and evening. This girl knows how to turn on the charm. Grandma Barb was a huge hit and I'm pretty sure they are BFFs now. She wanted Grandma Barb to hold her, take her potty, and put on her dress clothes for church. We all went to Christmas Eve services at church and the music was fantastic. She just sang right a long with us while coloring, eating goldfish, and tracing our hands onto paper. She turned to the page with the nativity scene and said "baby."

We just had bathtime and she insisted on wearing her new Christmas jammies. Eating a snack and hopefully heading to bed with no tears. I am hearing lots of laughter from the bedroom as she and Chris are reading books. Hopefully that is a good sign.