Maryellis is growing like a champ! At her 8 week check up she was 11lb 11oz 84 percentile, in length she measured 23 1/2 94 percentile, and her head circumference was in the 40th percentile. Shes got the strong body to keep her neck and head up! Her doctor was very impressed with everything in her growth and development. We also gave her Maryellis files and in utero history making things clear for the doctor as Maryellis continues to grow. Maryellis did so well with her shots, I was one impressed mamma! She had them all done as they suggest, our personal choice we're comfortable with the guidelines. Thankfully too there were no reactions or negative side-effects from them...just a little more tired that day.
Our second "Post Placement" check in with he adoption agency was a few weeks ago. There's not much to it, our social worker comes over for a one hour
scheduled visit. She holds Maryellis, asks how she's doing, doctor updates, how we are doing-home life, etc. They go really well, we're grateful for a wonderful social worker who makes us feel
comfortable. There's also opportunity for us to ask questions or pose any concerns we may have... thus far none. We have one more meeting with her to go!
We've had a lot of fun going to my Aunts farm and getting produce, or the local market not far from our house. Maryellis joins me in the garden....gotta teach her while shes young. We go on lots of walks, down to the river, enjoying the sunny outdoors as much as we can!
We couldn't have been more blessed by our family & friends that threw us a shower a few weeks ago. It was a wonderful time, beautiful decorations, tasty food & drinks, and joyful conversation that filled the air. We left with our car full to the brim of clothes, diapers, books, wooden toys and many beautiful hand crafted gifts. (My friends are so talented!)This little girl is surrounded by so much love---so blessed to raise her with such a wonderful community of people. She has yet to know how many people have been praying for her, and for such a long time, long before she was ever born.
Daily life: Making sure that Maryellis is continuing to thrive as she continues to grow. We do lots of tummy time, try to stimulate her senses, reading books, listening to music, talking to each other, oh the bumbo is something new she is growing into---her full thighs make it comfortable for her. We are blessed with (as of now) such a mild tempered baby. She does well on her eat, play, sleep schedule---making life easier to plan, as well as knowing what she "needs"/"wants" at that time.
Maryellis was able to meet most of the Imlach family a few weeks ago. We had to make a sudden trip down to Redding for a sad event, Matt's grandmother passed away. I will say the best thing about it was not only being with the family, but Maryellis was able to meet them all while she was still young. One of Matt's cousins shared that the day their grandma found out she had the brain tumor, was also the day we found out that we had been chosen to be placed with Maryellis, for her and others this was a comforting thing to cling to.
There was one day this week while I was getting ready- Maryellis was entertaining herself, happy as could be. I thought to
myself and said to God, not only
are we unbelievably blessed by the gift he's given us, but how unworthy I feel
to have recieved such a blessing. I've longed and dreamed of the day I'd
become a mother, and that day has come. Thank you Jesus for giving us the desires of our heart, in your perfect plan and journey.
Blessings to you all.
