A few things Izabella says...

It's another post about things she says. I know. I know. Not again. But I have to document these things--and realized why the other day when I she said something really remarkable--and I tried to remember previous things she said when we were first home. Of course I remember the "I you you" (which was her way to say I love you). But I drew a blank on others. So...

The other day when putting her shoes on to go to school. Out of the blue came this little conversation.

I: Mommy I'm from China.

M: Yes you are. Where in China are you from?

I: With God.

Whenever we talk about China--she always insist she lived there with God.

Another day, she was scared of something. I told her it's ok to be scared, it makes us alert to things around us--that might hurt us. So we proceed with caution. But we can't let it stop us. It then occured to me--she might have been afraid in China--although she never expresses any fear.  And I so want her to talk about any fears she has or concerns she has. Or at least feel open to talk abot it--so I asked--

M: Izabella were you scared when you were in China?

I: Said with such insistence, "No Mommy! I had God! I wasn't afraid at all!"

M: OK then--I won't worry about it then. But you would tell me if you were frightened of something and needed to talk about it right?

I: Yes. I will. I understand.

I was interviewing her the other day about her favorites. Just to see where she's at on things.

Her favorite color is still pink.
Her favorite food is still noodles.
Her favorite thing to do is "help mommy".
Her favorite friend is "God".

Amen.
 
The other day we visited a Chinese restaurant--we love chinese food (well the american-ized version)--and have our favorite places. Often Izabella will request it. We just love the woman that owns "Mandarin Grill and Sushi Bar" --Jade. She's so good to us and just adores Izabella. And she always gets down to Izabella's level and opens her arms to her and offers a hug. Izabella always does it with much hesitation. We haven't been there recently--and I was curious how Izabella would react. She has been home almost as long as she was lived in the orphanage--and which they say means they're likely settled into who they are by this point. We've seen huge changes in her--especially lately. She's more shy with strangers a good sign for our bonding process (she used to be so friendly with strangers it made us a little nervous--bonding wise--we knew this was to be expected early on), and she just seems like she was doing 'GREAT". Well think again--she was again very nervous about Jades welcome hug. Jade and I talked about it--and she understood the fears she might have. And was very good about it all.

After we got home-I thought I should talk to her about this. She has never been comfortable around Asian women. I remember at one point home--I was chatting with a neighbor family that is from China and she refused to look at them--clung to me--and was very upset while we visited. Once we were on our way again--she was back to herself again. So I tried to talk to her about it a little:

M: Why are you so nervous when Jade wants to give you a hug?

I: I'm afraid Mommy.

M: Afraid of Jade? She is our friend, she wouldn't hurt you, and Mommy and  Daddy are right there with you.

I: I not want take me. And I never see Mommy and Daddy again.

Obviously, I assured her she would never, ever lose us--we were here a family forever and ever. And not to worry about that. I promise. I do. Forever!

Oh goodness. Breaks my heart. Bless her little heart.

To end on a good note:

I: Mommy.

M: Yes Izabella.

I: I have a question.

NOTE: When she says "question" she means I want to "tell you something".

M: Ok. What's your question.

I: Can I love on you Mommy? I want to love on you!

M: Ahhhhh...ABSOLUTELY!