Thursday, July 23, 2009

Thursday thoughts:

Eliza did wonderful at speech therapy today w/ the use of a bowl of chips as a motivator (1 chip for each successful attempt at a sound). I think the teacher thought I was nuts, but hey, whatever works. Proud of my little girl!

Eliza really enjoyed hiking up Grandfather Mountain (NC). She was very purposeful in her foot placements and even pushed my hand away when I attempted to help her up or down onto some of the high rocks. I thought she'd hold us back from keeping up with the rest of the family, but she really motored along. These were very narrow, windy, rocky trails too! I told her I was proud of her and asked her if she liked hiking...a few minutes later, as clear as day, I heard her say "uh huh". I smiled to myself.

At the top, while waiting for the brave members of the family to return from crossing the Swinging Bridge (no thank you), I met a Chinese female dr. married to an american man. They just returned from Guilin, where Ava Meiying is, 3 weeks ago. She had previously practiced as a dr. working w/ some orphanages in Ava's province, Guangxi. Of course, she told Eliza that she is a very lucky girl. She was excited that we were going to adopt a 7 yo from Guilin. Don't you know I was sitting there wishing Ava was there to experience the vacation with us...and poof, up that man and woman walked! Do you think they were angels sent to tell me that Ava was there with us?

On top of that...10 minutes later, a couple walked up from Amarillo w/ a 6 and 7 yo from China. The younger daughter was adopted in '04 and they adopted the 7 yo last year as a waiting child (she had a brace on her lower leg, but still managed to make the hike). They were sweet and beautiful. They were excited that we were going back to China for a 7 year old too! I wish I had asked if they had a blog.

Eliza withdrew around my brother and his family and was quite content playing w/ Barney and some of the toys we brought off on her own, but overall, I think she had a very good time and had no problem taking in the cabin and change of routine. She thought it was funny that I was up on the top bunk enjoying my a.m. coffee one morning and tried so hard to climb the ladder herself. Once Daddy helped her up, she was full of herself and played up there by herself for about an hour!

Lastly, Hogan was amazing on his first vacation with the family. He was so quiet and well-behaved. He was super gentle w/ my 5 yo nephew who has a great fear of dogs. He even got my nephew to play ball w/ him. He was quite the site whever we went. Everyone had to stop and pet him along the hiking trails. He even had his photo taken by an asian family (ha, remember all the photos we'd take in China that I'm sure they wondered what was so special to merit a photo?); and by many other families. He was an inspiration for many people who were trying to conquer their fear of heights. They would stop and tell us that they saw Hogan sitting and almost looking right at them and it calmed them down as they made the trek. He is definitely going into training to be a service/therapy dog. It's his calling and he was so happy to be top dog for the weekend. You should've seen how sad he was when he came home and realized he was just a dog again. Oh, but we did find one imperfection: he gets car sick...it could've been the twisting road up thru the mountains of NC, but after 4 yacks up and 4 yacks back home...dramamine will be given next time.


The bunkhouse a/k/a cabin

Discovering the fun of the top bunk!

Hiking, having celebrity status and photo sessions is tiring!

Barney, mommy said you couldn't come hiking with us. It's not fair.

I should've had a sign hanging on Hogan that read:
Conquer your fears. Bridge walk assistant for hire!


Finally, back home and showered up...shiney, swinging hair!

And look who was there to greet us...she missed us!



7 comments:

Kristi said...

Sweet post- thanks for sharing this. Eliza continues to make huge strides. You were so right on to motivate her with chips during her speech lesson; whatever it takes! What a darling little cabin and such touching "hiking" stories ...I do believe these are comforts that God is sending your way during your wait to let you know that you are on your destined path. Eliza is beautiful as always.

The Montieth Family said...

Hi Sarah!!!
I was so excited to see a new post as I have been stalking Eliza's blog! ;) First I have to tell you how grown up Eliza looks and she is as BEATTIFUL as ever!!! I know that you told me all of this on the telephone, but you forgot to share that Hogan is a puker! :o Oh the poor dog, I was dying laughing! Dog vomit in the car is nasty...Mikey gets sick too. I miss ya'll sooooo much!

Jean said...

Don't worry about the chips- I'm using candy for potty training! Sometimes you just gotta do it!!

What a great vacation!! Eliza did such a good job on the hike!! How old is Eliza? I am thinking she is younger than Ava? Both of your daughters are beautiful girls!

That is so cool you met someone from Guilin!! A little angel from God!

So excited for when you travel!!
Blessings,
Jean

Truly Blessed said...

What a great family vacation (my kids would have been overjoyed to stay in that cabin!). Love that you met some "red thread" folks on your trip.

Eliza's hair is gorgeous and your itty bitty kitten is just darling (almost makes me want a kitty....but not quite!).

Halo said...

Thank you for popping over at my blog, I look forward to reading more about beautiful Eliza. I love the name of your blog too! My daughters name begins with an 'E' too - E is for Eloise! Take care xx

day by day said...

Hi Eliza's Mommy!

I just came across your blog. One of my little ones from China is diagnosed with a form of autism. I have most of my posts in reference to this on my private blog, if you want to read the entries some time... just let me know. Please know that I am not afraid to share her story and it did start on my open blog...but a few comments lead me to feel it better to move it to a private blog.

Your daughter is just beautiful!! I pray that she continues to blossom in your love....I know she will! I have been seeing that happen with my little one for the past 2 years. : )

I am so glad to have found your blog!

Have a great day!!!

~Michelle

braddie granes said...

Hey, hi. Your daughter is just cute, she has beautiful hair though.