{9 months home. Ariyat update}

Thought I'd give you a little update on our Ariyat:) She has been home 9 months now!! It often feels like she has been home so much longer...
She is doing so well!! We are currently working on 1st grade curriculum with her..she goes to ESL 4x/week for an hour each time & that sure seems to be helping with her reading. She is a delightful little girl! She had her 1st dental appointment & handled that so well. After 9 months home, I can very happily say she seems like she is securely attached to our family:) One night last week as I was putting her to bed, she said, "momma, come here." She put her arm around my back & said, "you are a really nice & good momma, I love you so much!" "Did nana teach you how to be good mom, she did good job!" Made my heart smile & my eyes teary. She continues to visit with us about her family & life in Ethiopia...she has very fond memories & loves to talk about it with us. Up until a few days ago, we assumed she'd forgotten alot of her amharic...guess not!! Yesterday while driving, she started speaking in Amharic & trying to teach us what she knows...my, do we have much to learn!!!

She loves going to kids church on Wednesday nights!! I can now leave her their with our other kiddos & she feels safe, secure & taken care of while I'm gone..each week, she loves seeing her kids church teachers & friends:)

She loves any type of food!! Her favorite meal is probably spaghetti!! I think she's finally understanding & realizing that she doesn't have to worry about where her next meal will come from & if she'll receive enough. Love witnessing her worries subside & her joy, ease & happiness increase!!

As you can see, that smile of hers continues to shine bright!!

The care she shows to younger children is so tender. You can definitely tell she has been around little ones & enjoys being a little mother hen:) Along with that, we are also very aware that the independence we see in her was just a normal way of life for her & we are so thankful that she is allowing us to take care of her needs & allowing her to just be a kid:)

She loves My Little Pony & about anything princess!!! It is so fun to watch her discover, learn & play with toys/puzzles/movies!! She loves dancing around with dress-up clothes on & she talks often about being a ballerina!!

Thought you'd enjoy a little glimpse about our girl!!! 

xo