Independence and Mac & Cheese

Well, July 3rd brought Libi's Official Certificate of Citizenship to the United States. We thought that was pretty cool timing for that to arrive. It was the first time that Libi met Brad's brother and family who played a significant role in helping us to bring her home. We had quite a time of celebrating together. Libi watched the fireworks display just 50 short yards from where they were being lit. We thought it might be too much for her to take in, but we were very wrong. The girl was smiling and laughing!! It was hard to watch the fireworks display because I had my own little show sitting in my lap. As Libi celebrated her first Independence Day I thought of how I look forward to celebrating other Independence days with her in the future. Celebrating Independence for her many new ways in the days and weeks to come...feeding herself, sitting up, walking, talking...

As far as progress and medical updates. I think the biggest thing we notice is the lack of tongue thrusting and the increase in baby babble. Jack has begun to call this complaining. She enjoys rolling on the floor very much. She has learned how to get herself to the TV. We continue to work on the sign for "more" and waving "hi" and "bye".

We had an EKG last week and the results were great. The cardiologist said her heart looked beautiful! We are so grateful to God for such a great report.

Tonight I was introducing Libi to some good ole mac and cheese. She was quite pleased with it. It took her a minute to get the idea of just how to suck macaroni noodles in her mouth. She does well with spaghetti, but the macaroni was tripping her up a bit due to the hole in the middle. You loose a lot of air through that little hole!

Libi is learning to enjoy the pool. As you can tell from the pictures this girl is high maintenance! The glasses, the hat, the special chair... This last trip to the pool she was putting her face into the water. I was also blessed to be with a friend who has experience with disabled children. She showed me some ways to help Libi enjoy some water therapy. It was very fun. Tonight I had her doing some floating on her back in the tub and she was signing "more". It was very cute! I am beginning to think our little sweet heart has a bit of a wild side.

I have been writing a short story about our journey to Libi Faith. It is so amazing to look back. What a story the Lord is writing for her. I feel so blessed and privileged to be her mama!

On Tuesday Libi will have a procedure done to unclog her tear duct. It is not a procedure that guarantees success. So...that is our desire, and we ask that you to join us in praying. It will be a fairly quick procedure beginning around 8:00 AM and lasting only 15 minutes. It will require her to be put to sleep. Ask our God for peace for little Libi's heart and mind. Once again, thank you for praying for her.