Aria's 4th Family Day

Dear Aria,

On August 27, 2019, Pa and I were once again in Guyana. It had been an excruciatingly long 2 1/2 month wait for us to return, but on this day you'd once again be in my arms. And by the end of this trip, you would legally be our daughter, and we would all be going home together.

That morning, we excitedly headed to the Child Protection Agency (CPA) to get you. But after waiting some time for your arrival, we eventually got ahold of your foster mom, Joycelyn. There had been a mix up, and Joycelyn didn't realized she was supposed to bring you to the CPA. You were still at her house. Joycelyn would have to pack up your belongings, then carry you and your bags to the bus stop and then take a couple different buses to get to us. We simply could not wait a moment longer and said to stay put. We would come to you! 

After an unfortunate long wait for our driver to come back to pick us up, we finally made it back to the same house we had left you at 2 1/2 months prior. As soon as I saw you, I scooped you up. It had been heartbreaking to be separated for so long, I wasn't going to waste another minute. 

You were feeling so much better than the last time we had seen you. Full of big, toothy grins. You had been toothless when we had left Guyana, but now you had 6 teeth! And that hair of yours! It simply did not want to be tamed after growing out from your surgery.

We'd spend the next 25 days in Georgetown working through the adoption process before saying our goodbyes to your foster family. It was finally time to go home and begin our new lives together as a family of seven.

Fast forward 4 years and you have changed so much! You have grown into such a big, strong girl with so many opinions on every topic from what's for lunch to where you want to sit to what you want to watch on TV. Your communication skills have blossomed. You even learned how to speak "hi" and "help"! We couldn't believe it when you uttered your first "hi". It was the most precious sound imaginable! You can also sign "yes" and shake your head for "no". You will reach and point to let us know exactly what you want. And I can tell just from the look on your face when you need something - you give me the "pouty lip and big eyes" look. You are simply too cute! Recently you've started playing around with your eye gaze communication device too. We are so excited to see your communication skills continue to grow.

You are no longer content laying in one spot. You love to move - rolling, pulling yourself on the floor with your arms, and sitting up on your own! You have accomplished so much over these 4 years. You are getting stronger and stronger. You are the hardest working 5 year old I've ever met. With 9 1/2 hours of weekly therapies plus lots of at home therapy with Mom, you are almost always working on some new skill. Bench sitting is your most recent accomplishment!

You still love your pacifier. You had one in Guyana and are still very attached to it today. You typically only use it in the car or when you are going to bed. The moment I lay you down to sleep, you open your mouth wide ready and waiting for that paci of yours. I don't have the heart to take it away. It's the way you've learned to self sooth. You can't quite settle down for bed without it. That and of course your Mama. You are very attached to me and will only go to sleep if I am by your side. Sometimes I can sneak out for a while after you've dozed off, but it's never too long before your little arm goes in search of me next to you. You prefer to sleep with your arm tucked under my neck, making it nearly impossible to sneak out. Of course that's most definitely your plan all along.

You are quickly outgrowing your little pink car, but you still often ask to go for rides in it. You love turning the wheel and being pushed around the house as quickly as possible. The faster the better as you squeal and squeal with delight and ask for more and more. Being wild and silly is your M.O. You let out the same loud high pitch squeals whenever we walk up the stairs with one of your siblings trailing behind us. You think they are chasing you and it is just soooooo very hilarious. Now that you are bigger and stronger, I hold onto you with all my might while you laugh and squirm all the way up the steps, nearly jumping out of my arms due to your sheer excitement.

You are one mischievous little one. You like exploring your surroundings, digging into drawers and cabinets, and of course, unrolling the toilet paper! And when I find you, you give me the biggest grin. You are always so proud of the mess you were able to make all on your own. 

For your Family Day, this year we celebrated in Grayslake, IL. We were in Illinois for 3 weeks while you attended therapy at the NAPA Center. You had been hard at work doing 4 hours of therapy daily. Luckily your Family Day fell on Sunday so we had the entire day to enjoy. We started out the day with a trip to Wagner Farm in Glenview, IL. We strolled around looking at the animals and tractors, and played on the playground.

Your favorite part by far was the sand pit. You love sand and happily sat there playing and occasionally tossing sand all over Nana Bev while you laughed and laughed.

Then we were off to a local shop for ice cream and cookies. You loved the ice cream and kept asking for more. Luckily your sisters were very gracious and willing to share theirs with you.

We ended your fun day with swimming. You love the water and our rental house had its very own indoor pool. You had a blast floating and splashing away. 

A very happy Family Day to you, Aria! We are so privileged to call you our daughter. You were our missing piece. We are so very blessed to be able to watch you grow, learn and thrive. We love you to the moon and back!