In all honestly the first week was pretty difficult. Elsa had many, many tantrums compounded with the jet leg, time adjustment, culture shock, change of foods, doctors appointments, change of language, and a new environment. As you can imagine it has been incredibly overwhelming for the poor girl. I remind myself that her tantrums are the only way she can communicate with me that she is not happy with something. Things are usually worse for her when she is tired or overwhelmed. It is very difficult to watch her go through this grieving process, but it is necessary for her to work through it so she can find a sense of security.
Even though it has been really hard at times, every day I see her improve. She is starting to find refuge and comfort in her new environment. She plays, laughs, hugs, kisses, and jokes around. She loves her big brother (she also knows how to push his buttons too). I get so excited to see glimpses of Elsa's little personality coming out, and each day seeing the progress she makes. When she gets overwhelmed or starts into a tantrum, Nate and I are figuring out how to handle it better and how to calm her down. Great progress is being made! It is such a relief!
Tonight when I cuddled Elsa before bed, her sleepy eyes locked with mine and she rested her sweet little hand on my cheek as she fell asleep. It is the moments like this which feels like we are making huge progress.
