One Month Together

While we’ve only known Lexi for one month, it seems like she has always been part of our family. To say that she fits right in is an understatement. She is clearly already one of the Bray bunch. Over the last couple of weeks, she has truly blossomed, and we are seeing more and more of her outgoing personality. Much like our other children, she is very busy. (We had definitely forgotten how exhausting it can be to keep up with a three year old.) She is certainly  a go-er!  If anybody leaves, she wants to go with them. She has even brought me my keys and pocketbook on several occasions. She loves to read, and she is so very happy. She smiles, laughs and sings. All. The. Time.

She is completely comfortable at home. She plays and plays and plays! The kitchen stuff is her favorite, and she has recently discovered the Barbie camper! I am so grateful that she feels right at home. 

Emmie and Lexi playing with the Barbie camper.

Lexi inside the Barbie camper!

I couldn't get Lexi to stand still for a good picture with the kitchen!

Many folks have asked how Lexi’s language is developing. We are so pleased with her progress. She not only repeats lots of things we say but she has many words and phrases that she uses without prompting.  She’s also very adept at understanding what we say and communicating what she wants and needs . . . drink, eat, potty, etc. 

  

Some of her favorite phrases . . .

Um . . . that’s good! Mimi . . . Mimi cool (Emmie’s at school.)Thank you, Baba. Open it, please.  One, two, three (as she’s jumping down the stairs)! Come on, Mama. Where’s Mama? (playing peekaboo)

And my favorite . . . I love you, Mama (Baba, Will, Jake, Zach, Emmie)

Some words that she uses . . .

Car . . .Barbie . . . Apple (for all foods in the refrigerator) . . . Juice (for any drink) . . .Shoes . . . Please . . . Bye, bye!

She also says everybody’s name ~ Mimi for Emmie and Newell for Will (not sure where that one came from)???

All in all the first two weeks home have far exceeded our expectations. Lexi is adjusting so well and totally adores her brothers and sister. She had a couple of meltdowns last week, and while that sounds terrible, it’s actually a good thing. She allows us to comfort her and is beginning to understand that even though her Baba and siblings leave, they will come back. 

The two of us are enjoying our days at home, playing, reading, and keeping up with the laundry. Lexi’s schedule is pretty predictable. She wakes up about 6:30 or 7:00 and then naps around 10:30. Her favorite time of day is when we leave to get the kids from school. She SCREAMS when Zach and Emmie get in the car! We have attended church services and several of the kids extra-curricular events but are spending most days just getting to know each other. And thankfully . . . this girl likes to sleep. She goes to bed at 9:00 and sleeps all night long!!! Hallelujah! 

We feel so incredibly blessed. Every time we think about what could have been, we are amazed at what the Lord has done. No . . . every day has not been easy. Grafting a new member into the family is definitely hard work, and we realize there will be even more difficult days ahead, especially as she gets older. However, we rest assured that God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness and His mercies are brand new every morning. I am so thankful that He’s crafting a masterpiece out of our mess. May we glorify Him as we continue this incredible journey!