Monday, July 18, 2011

Maggie!

It's taken all day to get a chance to sit down and post.  And I'm not going to fluff it up too much...today has been a hard day.  On the positive side, Maggie is beautiful, and she uses her hand incredibly well.  The experience of meeting Maggie, though, was very different from Mary Helen's "Gotcha Day."  Maggie didn't cry at first...in fact, she was completely emotionless.  She kept herself pretty limp at the Civil Affairs Office and had a very vacant look.  We were very scared not knowing if that was developmental or grief.  When we got on board the bus back to the hotel, she started to cry.  She finally fell asleep on Kenny and took a short nap.  Once she woke up, a bath was absolutely necessary, including a scalp treatment (you can read between the lines!).  That didn't go well at all, and she pitched a fit.  Honestly, we were glad to see the emotion and the fight in her.

The hardest part, though, was watching how it unfolded today for her and Mary Helen.  Mary Helen, as usual, was eager and very much in her face.  Maggie reacted first by literally pushing her away and having nothing to do with her.  In fact, she is most drawn to Kenny at this point.  This was very hard for Mary Helen, and she reacted by getting mad and very jealous.  After a long nap for both girls, things improved some.  Maggie played quite a bit with the toys we brought, especially the stacking cups.  She started handing toys out and offering them to Mary Helen.  She let both me and Mary Helen feed her rice tonight at dinner. 

So far, Maggie says only a couple of words or noises, and she hasn't truly smiled or laughed at us.  But, she is eating, sleeping, and interacting with all three of us now.  We all feel a little beat up, but more hopeful after tonight. 
Trying to get Maggie to walk to me...the hairdo was really quite something!

Mary Helen is a little more into this pose than Maggie is at this point!

Hmmm...I think this is where she's deciding that she'll like Kenny best.

Playing together (finally) after bath...and more crazy hair for both!



6 comments:

  1. DonnaJuly 18, 2011 at 11:20 AM

    Those eyes, oh my those precious eyes!! Praying Maggies grieving isn't too tough on her and that MH try's to understand her sisters saddness. One day at a time my friend.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Mississippi China MomJuly 18, 2011 at 11:32 AM

    So sorry it has been a hard day but glad to hear that Maggie is already showing signs of improvement. Miles was pretty withdrawn the first few days, but you know from experience that it doesn't take them long to figure out that they are loved. She is absolutely beautiful! Praying for you all!

    ReplyDelete
  3. CissiJuly 18, 2011 at 6:32 PM

    She will soon know the joy and love that you have given Mary Helen will be hers too...2 of the luckiest girls in the world. Love you B!

    ReplyDelete
  4. JenJuly 18, 2011 at 7:25 PM

    She's beautiful! Congratulations! Things will change. With each new day they will get better. Oh, and Kelly said to tell you she loves Maggie's name! :) You are blessed with two beautiful daughters!

    ReplyDelete
  5. TeresaJuly 18, 2011 at 7:46 PM

    Maggie is precious. Things will get better each day and she will adjust. She will realize how lucky she is to have such a wonderful family. Tell Mary Helen that we can tell she is an awesome big sister already. Abby said to tell MH that the last picture is her favorite.

    ReplyDelete
  6. TrinaJuly 19, 2011 at 4:55 AM

    Maggie is so beautiful. I know this has not been easy so far but it will get better as the days go by she will adapt and realize she is safe and loved. The picture of her and Mary Helen playing together is so precious. Can't wait to see more.

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)