The Fuller Four: June 16th

For bed last night we had a big slumber party. The hotel had brought in a crib but Ella was way to big for it. Plus we knew that Ella was used to sleeping with her foster parents. So we moved our beds all together and slept Ava, Mama, Ella, Baba. And we all slept all night long!! In fact, I'm not sure Ella even moved during the night.

Ella woke up happy but with uncertain eyes. She let us get her dressed for the day and we headed down to breakfast. Ella was immediately tied to Baba again this morning. He was the only one who could hold her. She did cry on our way to breakfast but once we were seated at our table she quieted down and ate a good breakfast. She had some congee but moved to fruit and dry cereal.

Today was a big day. After breakfast we headed back to the Civil Affairs Office to finalize Ella's adoption. Yesterday we signed a 24 hour contract which essentially gave us 24 hours to decide for sure...like we would ever say no to her. This unfortunately all took place in the exact same room we were in yesterday. Ella did great until we walked into that room. I have no idea if she remembered the trauma that occurred in that room yesterday or if it was just another change in place, but once we walked through those doors the tears started again. Matt was able to comfort her and we were able to get her some food which calmed her down.

We signed our adoption agreement with Echo there to translate and 2 officials. We were asked if Ella was in the condition stated in her paperwork; if we wanted to adopt her and take on all her care needs; and why we wanted to adopt her. After the interview portion Matt and I thumb printed all our signatures and then Ella put her foot print on the paperwork. We are officially the Fuller Four. Welcome to the family, officially, Ella Fuller!!!

We were one of the first families done with the finalization and afterwards we went to the next door park to play while we waited for the others. Ava had been asking to go to the park yesterday but upon further inspection it looked more like exercise equipment. Ava wasn't concerned, she still had a great time. The other families slowly trickled out so that Ava had more children to play with. Ella still hung very close to Baba, content in his arms. However, at one point I was talking with another mom and looked over and Ella was walking near where most of the families were sitting. It didn't last long but it was good to see! She's getting more comfortable!

This was the only task of the day so when we were done we all headed to Pizza Hut for lunch. Ava and Ella were getting sleepy but we wanted to get some food in their tummies before nap time. Lunch went well, until the end...Ava threw a fit and Ella was trying to walk around the restaurant crying. It was time for us to leave! LOL!

We all laid down for a nap after lunch but Ella wasn't having it. She only slept a few minutes and only when Matt was laying under her, perfectly still. And even though she was so tired, once she was up she couldn't get calmed back down. Matt tried to comfort and cuddle her while Kim and I tried everything we could think of; lullabys, food, drink, toys, blankets, you name it. And Ella would calm down but just couldn't relax enough to sleep. She always had at least a little whimper. Finally Matt and I decided to take her outside since she seemed to like being outside. And Matt and I needed a break and some fresh air. Ava was sounds asleep at this point so Mark and Kim stayed with her. As soon as we got outside Ella stopped crying and seemed to relax some. At this point I was crying...poor Matt! I was and still am just heartbroken for my baby girl. That's a lot of hurt that is pouring out of her the last 2 days. I love her so much and wish I could do anything to make it better or take away the pain...but I can't. And it's not fair that my sweet daughter(s) have had to endure far more than any of us could ever dream in their short lives so far. They are more tough and more brave than I could ever hope to be.

After a walk which helped on and off, we headed back to the hotel. At this point we all needed to cool off from the heat and high humidity we'd been walking in and it was about dinner time. Hopefully Ella would eat a good dinner tonight. I knew Matt needed a break at this point, even if Ella cried the whole time he was gone, so I sent him and Mark out for dinner. Ella did chase after Matt to the door but calmed fairly quickly. It didn't take us long to have her sitting on the bed with us again, playing and smiling. What a change from most of the day! Ava made her laugh at one point which seemed to delight Ava!! Ella did finally eat some food too including yogurt, chicken nuggets, milk, and a couple pieces of candy.

Ava is struggling more with sharing our attention today. If we don't answer quick enough or if Ava thinks we've been spending too much time on Ella she will throw a fit or come put herself right in the middle of things. This too will get better. I know it's a big change for her as well and she only understands part of what is going on. I love my sweet, tenderhearted girl!

Tonight was Ella's first bath night. Ava was so excited to take a bath with her sister but Matt and I knew it was going to be scary for Ella. Ava got in first so that Ella could see it was okay. But Ella started crying as soon as we started to undress her and immediately climbed out of the tub to me for comfort. I tried once more but certainly did not want to do anything to traumatize her more. So Kim and I gave her a quick wash in the bathroom sink. She wouldn't sit in it but we were able to wash her off for the most part. Ava was really sad when Ella didn't want to take a bath with her so I spent a little extra tlc time with Ava during bath time. Ava said to me, “Mama I'm sad because Ella doesn't want to play with me.” I did my best to explain to her that wasn't the case at all but that Ella is just very sad and scared. Eventually she will love taking baths with Ava.

After baths we put on a movie and the girls cuddled up to watch it. It seemed like a great ending to the day. We are praying that we all continue to adjust and have patience with each other. But we are especially praying for our sweet Ella as she transitions through the hardest part of her life.