Day 2

Still going great! The girls continue to get along with each other and with me so very well. There were some definite moments of sibling tension at times today, which I’m actually glad to see. I hope it means they are starting to feel comfortable enough to let a tiny portion of their guard down. Ada is fully stepping into her role as oldest sister, and is already trying to boss Kaiya around. As you might guess, this is one of the things that makes for a bit of tension, as Kaiya is not really buying into this whole idea. And since I want Ada to be able to be a child, without needing to act like a little mother, I’m encouraging her to step back and let me handle the things that need to be handled.

Ada is independent, competitive, and not the least bit afraid to ask for what she wants. It’s so hard not being able to understand what she’s trying to say sometimes! But with some sign language, a lot of pointing, and a French translation app, we’re getting by. J Tonight as we were reading a story before bed, she gave the first signs that she’s interested in learning some English words. And voila! She can now count to 10 in English. She’s also so sweet to Kaiya (when she’s not bossing her around). This morning, Kaiya found a box of hair beads that I’d packed and was enamored with them. Ada immediately sat down behind her and started tying them into her hair. Kaiya was thrilled! Sweet sisters. J

Kaiya is my little clown. Her smile could seriously light up the darkest room! She loves to laugh, loves to sing, and loves to be silly. She doesn’t stay still for long, and truly does have a little mischievous streak. She’s also so generous and kind. She shares her food with Ada, which is a huge thing for a child who has known hunger! She also occasionally shares her toys, though that’s a little more up in the air. J She’s also a little snuggler and loves to be right up against me.  When we Skyped with Papa (and then Nana & Mati too) tonight, Kaiya was imitating everything she saw Papa do. So cute and funny!

Both girls are back in bed now. They’ve been so good about bedtime. Yay! Hopefully this will continue without issue. J

And now it’s time for me to follow them, I think.