Six months ago, I had to play "near" Ellie without playing with her. I had to let others do things for her that I desperatey wanted to do. She was only with Mama in this picture, because Bobbie Ayi took her out of the hotel room, and snuck away once we were playing.But, Ellie has begun a new behavior in the past few weeks.
She cries and cries hard when I leave for work.
When I first went back to work, after being home less than 2 weeks, I could tell her good-bye while she sat on the couch drinking milk, and she would cheerfully say, "Bye Mama." As the weeks have turned to months, I've had to be a little more creative to keep her cheerful.
But, now, no matter the effort, there are tears for every departure. And, the good thing is, I know these are healthy tears. I know it means she is really attaching and bonding to her mother. I know it means she feels safe, secure, and loved by her mama, who would do anything to make sure she continues to feel safe, secure, and loved.
Isn't it interesting? Five months ago, it tugged at my heart to watch her so comfortable when I was leaving her. I felt guilty that somehow I wasn't loving on her enough in the mornings. And, now, it tugs on my heart when I hear her cry, but the tug is peaceful. For, I know we have made PROGRESS!!!
And, once again, to hear her say, "This is MY mama!" "This is MY daddy!" " This is MY sister."
This is MY Caleb." "This is MY Brandon." Praise the LORD for the lessons she is learning about belonging to a family. Praise the LORD for the ayis in her foster home, who prepared her for her family. Praise the LORD, for HE has done great things!!!!
She cries and cries hard when I leave for work.
When I first went back to work, after being home less than 2 weeks, I could tell her good-bye while she sat on the couch drinking milk, and she would cheerfully say, "Bye Mama." As the weeks have turned to months, I've had to be a little more creative to keep her cheerful.
But, now, no matter the effort, there are tears for every departure. And, the good thing is, I know these are healthy tears. I know it means she is really attaching and bonding to her mother. I know it means she feels safe, secure, and loved by her mama, who would do anything to make sure she continues to feel safe, secure, and loved.
Isn't it interesting? Five months ago, it tugged at my heart to watch her so comfortable when I was leaving her. I felt guilty that somehow I wasn't loving on her enough in the mornings. And, now, it tugs on my heart when I hear her cry, but the tug is peaceful. For, I know we have made PROGRESS!!!
And, once again, to hear her say, "This is MY mama!" "This is MY daddy!" " This is MY sister."
This is MY Caleb." "This is MY Brandon." Praise the LORD for the lessons she is learning about belonging to a family. Praise the LORD for the ayis in her foster home, who prepared her for her family. Praise the LORD, for HE has done great things!!!!
2 comments:
Praise God for all of Ellie's milestones. She will always have a special place in my heart, Robbie. You are such a good Mommy.
Love,
Kim K.
http://youbelong.net/thekenwards
It's hard to believe it's been over 7 mos for you!. We've had Sarah home 6 mos. :) So many hurdles have been overcome. So glad to hear that things have turned around with Ellie. God has truly blessed us all!
Blessings!
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