Ana put Abby to sleep

Thursday, March 19

Wow. Ana put Abby to sleep tonight in her own big bed upstairs. Now that's being a big sister.

We've had a great first few days home, and Abby has jumped right in with two feet. Took the wheel from Ana in her Barbie jeep; ran around the park today with cousin Hayley and our friends' children, as if she were their age; tried desperately to ride a scooter (and almost did it). Abby and Ana have had a ball this week, and having spring break fall on our first week home gave the girls lots of time together. Cousin Hayley has spent a lot of time with us, and she's been a great help to mommy, in addition to being fun for Ana and Abby.

Abby had her first doctor's appointment yesterday. It was the ENT, and they checked her hearing to see if there was any deficiency due to her having a cleft lip and palette. Actually, she hears pretty well and responds to (and understands) us extremely well. But the doctor said there is fluid behind the ears and she'll need tubes put in. Not uncommon with children with a cleft lip and palette. We have an appointment with the Cleft Clinic at Children's Hospital in early April, so we won't do anyting until we hear from them.

As I write this, Ana is watching the video of her first few days home after bringing her from Russia. She asked to watch it and is getting a kick out of how small she was and all her "firsts" -- first breakfast, first playground visit (same one we went to today with Abby), etc. She keeps asking if we thought she was cute, like we think Abby's cute. Guess it's natural to need that reassurance when you're five...actually, when you're any age. It's fun to see her relive those wonderful first days and know that her mommy and daddy made just as much a fuss over her as we now do over her new little sister.

Life is good.