Soups ON!! and more "everyday" happenings

Soup's ON!!!!

I have much to update...I will start with the funniest!

Libi has become "grabby"and QUICK. She managed to pull a Tupperware filled soup over onto both of us. There went dinner, we managed and had hot dogs!! :) I laughed so hard. She was absolutely STUNNED. Her eyes were huge when that big container of soup splattered all over us and she remained in a state of shock for a bit.

I am thankful it was cold!

GARDEN TIME...

Libi and I have been having a lot of fun playing in her garden. Thanks to one of Libi's therapists who helps me with great "playtime" ideas. She loves to sit in her garden and pull out her vegetables and then put them in the mailbox. I think I know who she is mailing them to. She also plays peek-a-boo with me through the mailbox. It is so much fun and GREAT sitting up time for her. I wonder when she will wise up to the fact that mom is making her work?

Playing Princess...

Speaking of therapy sessions. One of Libi's very favorite things is playing princess. This is a very motivating game for her. It is used to motivate her to stand, to sign "more" and just keeps her engaged.

This has a lot of meaning for me. I had a hard time for awhile wanting to do the "little girl" things with Libi. Playing dress up and having tea parties. I had an introduction into this world by my precious daughter, Ari, and I longed, selfishly to play these things with Libi.

One day, as I expressed my heart to my husband, he said,

"Then do it. Have and tea party, play dress up." Was it really that simple?

YES.

The very next day Libi's therapist pulled out the princess dress ups!!! Thank you God for showing me a glimpse into my daughters heart that I did not realize was there. In turn, He blessed mine!!!

I'm as Pretty and a Princess!




Speaking of Princess...



Brad and I were out shopping at Target the other night and I saw this little princess might gown. I bought it for Libi, but I really bought it for me! When we put it on her later, it was the most precious thing. She KNEW what it was! We told her she was a princess, and she immediately started to sign "more". I didn't get it at first. we took her in and put her in front of the mirror, and then it dawned on me. She wanted "more" princess, not just the dress, bring on the jewels. We dug out some beads and then she was happy!





signing "more"







More Cracker success!




Libi was successful with crackers to the mouth again. She also did well with some whipped cream at Thanksgiving. This is a goal that I am praying we will see her reach soon! It is hard to see her do something with great success and then not repeat it. Join us in praying for this little sweetie to become an independent feeder!






The TREE...


We put our Christmas tress up this weekend. It always amazes me how i picture these beautiful Martha Stewart like moments in putting up the tree. Every year without fail, I end up mad and crying, my kids end up mad and crying...does this happen to anyone else??? We did finally have success. We all enjoyed watching Libi gaze at the tree with excitement and furiously sign "more" and clapping. we think she liked it.





FINALLY...THANKSGIVING!!!!!



We had a very blessed day with our family. The food was amazing and the blessings abundant! We pray that your Thanksgiving was also very blessed!!!!


Libi with her Great Grandparents

with Uncle Scott!

Libi Meets Santa-walking w/ new orthodics

Libi went to meet Santa! She would look at him, touch his beard, then look at us and smile. It was very sweet. I knew she would like him!

I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your prayers and concerns regarding Libi's last seizure. I can't believe the progress we have seen in her in the last 2 weeks. I know that God is showing His miraculous healing touch! How crazy it is to see this very engaged little girl who just 2 weeks ago went through such a traumatic experience. The only thing that explains it to me is ...GOD! Enjoy the video of her walking with her new orthodics. This has become her new favorite activity!

We marvel at God's great work in our little Libi Love!

6 months! Thank you Jesus!!

It has been 6 months since Libi came home. How great our rejoicing in the miraculous changes we have seen in this little girl!


One year ago I was struggling to let go of my dreams and expectations of adoption. I was longing that my precious little Ari (our foster daughter of a year and a half) would not have to leave us. I remember feeling that there would be a void and emptyness that would never be filled. That is not what our God plans for us in letting go. He does not leave us "empty". He fills us to overflowing!

I could have never imagined that Libi would be part of that plan to complete me. To bring me to a place of wholeness in Christ that I had never been. Some of you have never seen the video posted below. It was just 14 months ago that this was Libi Faith. To some, it may not be scary. To Brad and I we were TERRIFIED! Does anyone ever feel prepared or feel capable to care for a child with special needs? I feel so strongly that when God leads us into something that will be difficult, challenging, beyond what we think we are capable of...we want to run from it. Oh that we would be people that would run to it!!! Knowing that our Loving and Great God will always be faithful to provide what we need for the task, and trusting in His goodness. It is in that place of trust and surrender that holds the greatest blessings for our lives!





Enjoy this giggling beauty...she has become quite animated. Thank You Father for what you have done...

Listen for Libi saying, "Daddy" and "Yeah"
Also, pay attention to her anticipating the "yum yum" part of her speckled frog song.
THANK YOU GOD FOR GIVING US THIS ABUNDANT BLESSING!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Filming done by Big Brother Joel.