Ten Weeks Home......tales, tidbits and birthday blessings (part 2 of 2)

    As I was mentioning in the previous post, Lucy is getting increasingly more comfortable with routines, habits and details of everyday life at the Zimmerman ranch!  In fact, the way you do something with or for Lucy the first time in her mind is the way it needs to be replicated each sequential time thereafter, and in the EXACT same manner.  In other words, Lucy Kim likes SAMENESS, ROUTINE.  Like most little people (shoot a lot of big people for that matter!), there is great comfort in knowing what is coming or what to expect.
   While sometimes the urge to "skip a step" or "hurry through a part of a particular routine" is very tempting, it's not worth it.   You see a sweet little dark haired girl WILL mime to you the portion you have skipped and insist it's done!  Her little world is out of order.  And, most likely she will be persistent that you complete the missed step.

   If you put yourself in her little shoes, and think about it, it makes sense doesn't it?  WHY she would probably have some of those thoughts and feelings.  

   On September 1st, her life was turned upside down.    All "knowns" were thrown out the window.  All familiar faces disappeared.  The language she was familiar with hearing vanished.  The food she ate and the smells that accompanied those foods were gone.  For so many weeks, she didn't know what to expect was coming next, where she was headed or who she might be seeing.  (hopefully we eased those unknowns a wee bit by the infamous laminated photo ring (wink/wink)
   Now, after several weeks of sameness and routine, she knows some of what to expect and it feels good to her!  So, don't mess with even one step of routine!!
   An example of this happened not so long ago.  Supper time at the Zimmerman home is family time.  For twenty seven years I have tried my best to have supper as a family - together!  Having a large family  that has a whole host of age ranges, there are certainly times and schedules that simply don't allow ALL members to be here, but we try.  Lucy has caught onto this "family routine" and very much likes it!  And just like most families, we all have our (unofficial) "assigned" seating arrangements where we sit every single meal.  One evening, our daughter, Emily could not be here for supper due to her music rehearsal schedule.  The two youngest boys decided it would be  fun to have big brother, Kurt sit in between them since Emily wasn't going to be home (where she would normally sit).  So they moved his place setting between theirs.  We were all at the table waiting on Kurt.  While waiting on him, we held hands in anticipation of family prayer (as is our tradition).  Kurt, knowing we're waiting,  came running up the steps, sees his plate is moved and being the flexible guy that he is, simply takes a seat where his brothers have put his place setting.
   HOLD THE PHONE!!  Lucy immediately let go of Mommy and Daddy's hands and is unable to pray - she needs to get things "right!"  She sternly looks at big brother, says "Kut, Kut" ("r" sound is hard for her to say) and motions him to go to his normal seating place and says the word SIT.  She was distraught by this change. We all burst out in laughter at her stern face and perfect mime motions.  Laughing obviously because only the words "Kut, Kut" and "sit" were needed - she mimed it from there.  We also found it funny that this big twenty year old brother looks at us and says "should I move, so she's happy?"  (he's a sweetheart of a brother!!)

Kurt and Lucy

Thankfully it's only taken a few weeks for Lucy to realize she can share her Mommy with niece, Sadie and for Sadie to understand that Nana doesn't love her one ounce less because Lucy is now part of our family.  I'm thrilled that they have moved off my lap, and are playing together and having FUN with each other.  Lucy is seven months older then Sadie.  Although I'm pretty sure that Sadie thinks she's older.  One morning while baby brother Isaac was napping the two girls were having fun playing together in the bean bin and building blocks.

Sadie and Lucy

The infamous bean bin

Block building buddies

On another day, I dressed for the day and realized when getting Lucy ready that she had the same color pants and shirt as Mama - so we dressed alike.  She learned the word "same" that day!!

S-A-M-E!

Remember our trip to the Asian grocery store, where I bought "roasted seaweed?"  Lucy loves it!

("don't knock it 'til you've tried it")

Lovin' the roasted seaweed

  Our family is blessed with the love and support of  family as well as friends.  In an earlier blog post here, I wrote a few ideas of how others could support an adoptive family.  I did not write "take other children out for a big bike ride to tire them out" but my dear sister, Rhonda did just that (great idea or what?!)  Obviously, a lot of time these days is devoted to taking care of Lucy and helping her with the transition.  This time was special for some of the others!  (thanks so much Aunt Rhonda!!)

Helping Aunt Rhon hook on the bike carrier

Ready for the bike trail!

We've learned that Lucy girl LOVES music!  For many weeks now, each night we play a particular cd for Lucy (and the boys too in their room) with songs about Jesus.  We think it's a great way for her to fall asleep, hearing over and over about the love and blood of Jesus.    Recently she's been singing along with some parts of some of the songs!  "What can wash away our sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus!"  (oh how precious to hear her little voice sing those words!!)  Lucy's also enamored when she hears or sees her big sister Emily practicing music or dance and will try and imitate.

Big sis and lil' sis!

It's been pretty many years since Daddy has come home each evening to a toddler to pick up and smother with kisses.  It's a role he's gladly resumed the past ten weeks!

Today's my birthday,  and  I am blessed far beyond what I deserve.  I just love my nest full!

At this time of year when we turn our minds and hearts to reflecting on all we're thankful for.....we're so appreciative of your love and support and for being pieces of the puzzle in bringing Lucy home! In God's provision through you, there is one less orphan this Thanksgiving and Christmas!   We'll keep the camera handy as we look forward to celebrating Lucy's first Thanksgiving and Christmas with her family!  Stay tuned......