Family Age: 1 Week

It's hard to believe that Aubree Lemlem has already been home for a week. The first part of the week was a blur as we recovered from jet lag, and there have been a lot of ups and downs. The downs are mostly a result of poor communication due to language barrier, and all of us being overly tired. The ups are amazing. Seeing even the slightest amount of progress with Aubree is so rewarding. She is so much fun.


We had a breakthrough tonight, which I am oddly excited about. Since we've been home, Aubree has gone to bed extremely easily and has slept through the night. I know that sounds great...every parent's dream, right? Well, it was a worry for me. I've done some reading about attachment and bonding between adoptive parents and their children. In this situation, Aubree's sleeping habits show that she is not necessarily attached to us yet. A book that I reference A LOT (Parenting Your Internationally Adopted Child by Patty Cogen), encourages adoptive parents to think about their child's family age rather than chronological age, when it comes to dealing with behaviors. Even though Aubree is almost 4, her family age is only 1 week. As far as attachment goes, we need to think of her in terms of a 1 week old. A 1 week old child needs her mother for almost everything, especially when it comes to being soothed and falling asleep. If Aubree was properly attached to us as parents, she would need us to help her fall asleep at this point. Finally tonight, she needed me. She wanted me next to her bed until she fell asleep. I realize this seems like an odd thing to be happy about, but I see it as a very positive sign that good things are happening. A bond is being formed!

We are learning more about Aubree everyday, and she is like a little sponge, soaking up everything around her. Her english vocabulary increases a little each day, and she is understanding more and more of what we say. Just tonight I said, "Time to get jammies on." She ran right to her room without me even making a physical gesture.


Here are some things we've learned about Aubree so far:
-She loves to sing and dance. It is impossible for her to sit still when she hears any kind of music. She LOVES the High School Musical movies!
-She is very much a girly girl. We knew this before she came home, but had no idea just how true that statement was.
-She loves meat and any kind of bread/carb. She also likes milk, cheese, and yogurt.
-She doesn't like chocolate milk or ice cream.
-She is extremely independent with everything, especially with choosing her clothes.
-She loves the snow and cold air...welcome to Michigan!
-She loves having her hair done, and sits so patiently for this inexperienced mama!

Sleeping during "hair time"

Before bed tonight, I painted Aubree's nails. She thought it was the GREATEST THING EVER. I get the cool mom award today! :)