Madison

Madison has been one busy girl! She went to Honduras last week and then came home and started kindergarten this week. Last night she was busy playing on the floor and I realized it got quiet on the other side of the couch where she was. She had completely fallen asleep in this position! It was so cute!

Melissa

We've had a really fun week with Melissa! On Monday Julie and I took Melissa shopping and to register her at Target. We couldn't wait to see what she thought of our America malls and also what kind of clothes she would try on. We found out that her love for pink includes clothing and her taste is definitely girly and dressy. She did throw us a couple of surprises every now and then and pick out something completely different. Like the belt she wanted was a black one with silver spikes on it. Or this sweater that had a fur hood on it. The things Julie bought her are SO cute on her.

We have had lots of laughs making our way through the little Spanish I know and the stuff Julie knows. Melisa smiles or laughs at us trying, but then we make her say the English word. The other day when they dropped me off at my house, I gave her a hug she told me she loved me in English! It melted my heart.

Yesterday was her first Doctor's appointment. Thankfully the family doctor speaks Spanish so she was able to communicate and find out what she needed to know. Melissa did great, even with the shots and blood drawn that had to be done. We had a hilarous time when we were waiting for the doctor and we were trying to translate the stuff that was going to happen.

Last night she actually watched America's Next Top Model with Julie and me. We aren't sure how much she understands, but we think she understands more than people realize.

On to my other niece - Madison. She is adapting okay. Chad said she is acting out more than she ever has, but I guess that is to be expected since she was an only child and that is all she knows. I think it's cute how she is trying to boss Melissa around. Julie has tried to explain to Melissa that she is the boss and Madison needs to obey Melissa. :) I don't think Madison got that memo.

When the family arrived at the church with Melissa, Madison saw all her little friends outside in the backyard and when she ran out to them with her arms opened wide yelling "my friends" the kids all came running towards her, but then went right around her realizing Melissa must be here. It was pretty funny. Someone yelled out "Someone give Madison a hug!", so little Parker gave her a hug.

She is here!!!

After two and a half years of waiting my adopted niece Melissa from Honduras has finally come home! Chad, Julie and Madison went down there a week ago to pick her up. They arrived in Monroe just after church today where she was met by her new family and church family. There were lots of tears and hugs.

Melissa is turning 15 years old this month and she is the perfect addition to our family. She is the sweetest girl you have ever met and we love her so much. She is also a very pretty young lady. It doesn't seem real that she is finally here. That was a long wait and there were many times when we doubted if we would ever have her home with us.

She does not speak English, but they have decided to hire a tutor this year to help her learn English and prepare for High School next year. There will be many exciting firsts for Melissa. There are many changes, but mostly good changes. Just having her own bedroom with pink painted walls (She LOVES pink - sound like another niece of mine?), beautiful furniture and carpet is amazing. Tomorrow Julie and I are taking her shopping. It's going to be so much fun!

Thank you for your prayers. Please continue to pray for her as she adapts to everything. She is excited to meet my family hopefully in the next few months. I'm sure she is feeling a bit overwhelmed by everything, but she seems happy to be here.