Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Hope

Ok, so I have not done as well as I intended at keeping up here-- but we have been posting on the family blog! Still, there is no excuse for not recording the EXCITING things that are happening with our Elli!!!

I must say, when Teri made this comment Jeremy and I just looked at each other like, "Wow. Really? Can she really be right?" It seemed so far off-- the day where Elizabeth would put two words together. Such a distant thing that it was hard to really even imagine. She has been copying phrases for awhile now-- even complete sentences sometimes-- but never using them on her own to communicate something to us.

Well, I am pleased and humbled and thrilled to announce that SHE HAS DONE IT!!! Our sweet lilttle Elli, who just months ago was not talking, has begun to put two words together!!! In the past few days, she has used the following phrases without being prompted:

"Go night-night!"
"Yummy, yummy oatmeal!"
"Take bath"
"Fruit snacks all gone."

It still seems a little surreal to think that she may actually learn to really talk some day!! I think that both Jeremy and I, while having hope in miracles and faith in our Father in Heaven, had in part resigned ourselves to the idea that she may never learn to communicate fully. Like having hope, while deep down thinking that it just wouldn't happen. I know that we have had many discussions over whether or not she could ever lead any kind of "normal" life. You have to understand that it took SIX MONTHS to teach her how to put food in her mouth! It took a year to get her to not be afraid of toys. It took WELL OVER A YEAR before she would consistently try to copy words we would say. When she first joined our family, at age 2 1/2, she would every once in awhile use a word, like "more" for a day or two, then stop all speech for a month or two. She had vocal tics (still does sometimes) that would drive me batty. She would have frequent tantrums and meltdowns because of lack of communication.

The Elli you would meet now is almost always HAPPY!!!! She understands A LOT! Sometimes we're not sure what or how much she understands, but compared to when she became ours, it is A LOT!!! Now, when I tuck her in and she wants a drink, I can tell her that I will get her one in a few minutes and she waits happily until I come back. It wasn't long ago that she would SCREAM if I didn't give her something RIGHT AWAY.

Elli is also letting us sing along with her much of the time (she can still be stubborn about that, but it does happen). She has a great ear for music, singing perfectly tunes that she has only been exposed to a few times. She is very deliberate when sitting at the piano-- not just banging like many kids do, but playing and then putting her ear close to the piano and really listening. She has been AMAZING in the past few months at singing the lyrics to MANY, MANY songs. She is great at memorizing. The other day, she was singing the song, "Bubble Gum." When she finished she said, "Little faster? Follow me," and proceeded to sing the song faster. Again, at the end of the song, "Little faster? Follow me," and sang as fast as she could! (: I was grinning ear to ear and asked her teacher about it. Surely enough, the CD they listen to at school asks for them to faster each time. So so cute.

Speaking of school, if you remember, the DAY AFTER I decided to set up this website, I was informed of a new preschool option for Elli. She has been going there for a few weeks now and it is FABULOUS! I cannot even tell you how pleased I am with the teachers and facility. It is perfect for her. Still two hours a day, four days a week, but now with a smaller class size and more teachers. More importantly, the head teacher has really taken charge of Elli's education. She has really, truly worked to insure that Elli's day fits her needs exactly. There is a lot of structure-- and a lot of stimulation. She does the exact same routine every day, and it is so so good for her!! The classroom has a trampoline, ball pit, and swing. It is full of toys that have music and texture. It is just, well-- perfect!! Elli's vision/mobility specialist, Eileen, has transferred to this new school with Elli and has told me that Elli is just blossoming there, and last I heard, has not had ANY TANTRUMS. YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

One especially cute thing-- they have been working on "quiet hands." This means that she has to take her hands from her eyes (where they so often are) and put them on her lap. They count to three and if she keeps them there, she is rewarded with an M&M. Well, Elli is very motivated by food! (: It is hilarious to watch her, as I say, "quiet hands!" She'll put her hands on her lap and then reach out almost frantically for her M&M. It is so hard for her to wait the full three seconds, but she is getting it! Soon, the time will be lengthened, and she won't always be rewarded. Eventually we hope that she will consistently do "quiet hands" even without a treat, and we can get those hands away from her poor eyes!!! The optometrist says it is a concern, because eye-pressing can push the eyeballs back into the head. This of course, isn't a concern vision-wise, but cosmetically it is, and I don't want her beautiful eyes to be pushed back!

So, are you ready for the cherry on top?

The other night, I was putting Elli's jammies on and she said, "Go night night?" I said "Yes, we are going night-night." She then surprised my by saying, "oatmeal?" I answered, "Yes, when you wake up, you will have oatmeal!" She then said, "bath?" I said "Yes, then you will take a bath." She replied, "rock-a-bye?" I told her that I would rock-a-bye her. She didn't say anything else, so I asked, "Then what?" She replied, "Bus?" I couldn't believe it. I was actually having a conversation with my little girl. It may not sound like much, but this was really my first (and only) real conversation I have had with Elli. It felt so good. She really seemed to understand what we were talking about! Again, I was filled with the hope that Elli, might indeed, rise above the struggles that have been hers and understand life.

I have always known that God could heal Elli. He could heal her completely, eyesight included. But I have not known that He will. I still do not know. He could very well keep the miracles coming beyond our wildest dreams, and she could live a life of great accomplishment-- graduating from college, marrying, and raising a family of her own-- with or without vision. Or she might level out right where she is, living dependent on us for the rest of her earthly life-- never learning how to read or talk with others or even use the bathroom on her own.

I am fine, either way.

I really, really am.

Because I know that HE knows what is best for her and for our family. I will love her the same EITHER WAY. And I know that SOMEDAY, because of HIM

my Elizabeth Mei will sing and talk and laugh and converse in full. and be FREE (one of my favorite pics EVER)
from the chains that now bind her. I know it will happen.

But I YEARN for her happiness NOW, and it sure seems like that would most likely be acheived if she were to live a "more normal" life here on earth! (: If she could one day have a conversation with anyone she chose. If she could experience the wonder and joy and adventure that comes from learning to read. If she could hold her own precious child in her arms.

And so, I hope!

And I find GREAT REASON to hope! Because this week, our Elli spoke two words together, on her own!! Because this week, our Elli at an ENTIRE bowl of oatmeal by herself WITHOUT me loading the spoon! Because this week, our Elli tried to put her jacket on by herself, and almost succeeded. Because this week, Elli giggled and laughed and sang and went entire days without crying.

Because THIS WEEK, I HAD A CONVERSATION WITH MY LITTLE GIRL!

15 comments:

  1. Christi, you are such a great mom. I love that you started this blog and that it lets us all watch the blessings that are taking place in Elli's life. It is a blessing for me to watch the miracles that happen everyday and to see the Lord's hand on such a regular basis. I know her progress is made possible by Him and his love for her. I also want you to know that you are such a wonderful mother. I'm sure that Elli's progress is also propelled by your amazing faith, patience, love, and continued efforts. Matt and I love Elli so much and we are so grateful to you and Jeremy for making her a part of our lives. Not only did you bless Elli by adopting her, but you've also blessed all of your extended family and friends. I have cherished the time I have spent with Elli and look forward to the future. She never fails to make me smile. We love you!

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  2. I felt a big "YAY!" welling up inside as I finished reading this post. Thanks for the great update.

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  3. What a wonderful, amazing miracle is this beautiful little girl. She is touching so many hearts and lives. I am so thankful to be your mom and her grandmother. Love always....

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  4. Wish I could give her and you a giant hug right now! Love you guys! Love witnessing miracles! Thanks for sharing!

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  5. Wow! Thank you for sharing - all of it! The progress as well as your testimony and hope. It helps the rest of us with our own challenges. Elli is so blessed with you as parents. Ü

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  6. It took me a while to get my tears under control - you guys are evidence of God's movement in our world - your daughter evidence of God's Gifts to the faithful - your family proof of God's love....and I am confident that you have had only the first of many conversations with your daughter! Great joy for you here in Cincy - and lots of love and hugs!

    aus and co.

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  7. I love the constant updates. It makes my day, every day. Reading about having your first conversation with Elli touched my heart. We take so much for granted. I have thought, ever since I was a little girl, that part of the reason people with extra challenges are put on this earth is to remind us "normal" people of the gifts we have - sight, hearing, bodies and brains that function well, the ability to read and communicate - all those things we would take even more for granted if we were never reminded what it might be like to be without them. But knowing and loving Elli and reading about her progress makes me think of another reason that people with special challenges are placed in our presence. It challenges US to believe in miracles, place the future in God's hands, and simply do our best. Thank you so much for sharing Elli with us!

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  8. I love the constant updates. It makes my day, every day. Reading about having your first conversation with Elli touched my heart. We take so much for granted. I have thought, ever since I was a little girl, that part of the reason people with extra challenges are put on this earth is to remind us "normal" people of the gifts we have - sight, hearing, bodies and brains that function well, the ability to read and communicate - all those things we would take even more for granted if we were never reminded what it might be like to be without them. But knowing and loving Elli and reading about her progress makes me think of another reason that people with special challenges are placed in our presence. It challenges US to believe in miracles, place the future in God's hands, and simply do our best. Thank you so much for sharing Elli with us!

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  9. Ok..that picture of Elli? That's the level of delight I am feeling reading of Elli's progress. Can you even believe I get to help unlock children's potential every day ... and I get paid??? :~) Keep up the good work, Green family! Dream BIG for your Elli!

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  10. I love these updates. I know it's prob. exhausting to keep up with it but it is a testament to me to watch her grow. You are amazing Christi...I miss you!!!

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  11. We are so happy that you were able to have a conversation with sweet Elli! It is so neat to listen to all of the changes that Elli has made since last Easter. It is like she is a completely different girl. I cannot wait to see her this Easter.

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  12. Hurrah
    Love the little steps that add up to a big journey.
    Acer's done some potty regression lately in reaction to his beloved teacher's assistant's death. We'll get through it day by day.
    Wish Acer did better at loading his spoon tho'
    Heather BT

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  13. Hooray! Hooray! Miracles really are happening. What a gift our precious Elli is to our whole extended family. Though I did not think it was possible for me to love sweet Christianne any more than I already do, my love and respect for her grow as I see her amazing love for her children, her seemingly endless delight in caring for them. Thank you sweet girl. (Jer, you are pretty good too!) Love, Grandma Rose

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  14. Elli may not be forsaken, but her website is! I miss your daily blogs. I can't imagine what else you have to do all day! :) I sure love you guys!

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  15. Hi! My name is Jessie and I am one of the aides in Elli's classroom. I would just like to tell you what an awesome girl she is and how much we love having her in our class. She is making so much progress and is such a joy. You are an amazing family and its really neat to feel your love because that is when changes happen is when there is love. She truly was supposed to be with you guys. Thanks for sharing her for a couple of hours everyday. :)

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