Adopting Anna
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AnnaLyn's world turned upside down on April 13, 2018 - the day her Daddy died. The days that followed are still a blurry whirlwind for all of us who called him Dad, Son, Brother, Uncle, and Friend.
As the dust settled, and everyone was finding their new normal without Dave - we were asked to take over guardianship of AnnaLyn. But, the first week she spent with our family, we just knew that she was always meant to be a part of our family. We are in the process of not just guardianship transfer, but adopting AnnaLyn to be our daughter.
We knew immediately that she fit in... but we also knew immediately that although she was almost 2, she wasn't doing most of the things our boys had done at that age. With an evaluation by a speech therapist, a physical therapist, and also a first visit to the Pediatrician, we are starting a journey that includes weekly Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy, and lots and lots of play!
There is no doubt in our mind that AnnaLyn is already our daughter, an integral part of our family. But, we are planners... and we weren't planning for this addition or the immediate financial weight of an adoption. There are lawyer fees, court fees, and a home study that all amount to around $5000. Therapy cost is minimal at $100 per month, but the extent is unknown. We both have full time careers that keep us working outside the home, so daycare at about $300 per week is another monetary hurdle. And then, while not immediate, we only have 1 car that will fit 2 booster seats PLUS 1 rear facing convertible seat - Liz's car just won't fit three carseats, no matter how good our Tetris skills...
Our boys, Ethan and Gavin, are besides themselves with excitement over having a little sister. Ethan reminds us over and over, "See, I told you I needed a little sister." And we honestly cannot believe there was a day that we ever doubted him...
Our family doesn't do well with long names, we nickname just about everything... so she's already been given the nickname, "Anna". And honestly, it just fits - Ethan, Gavin, Anna - The three of them are already thick as thieves... and they know they outnumber us, parents. The past few weeks have seen many giggle fits during breakfast, family walks and bike rides, dancing around the kitchen to Sinatra and Kidz Bop, cuddling on the couch with the dog and too many blankets, and getting out every-single-duplo-lego-block-and-little-people-car we have... The boys now know the difference between a pony tail and pigtails, and how to properly push a doll stroller around the house (while you chase your siblings).
At 2 years old, her slobbery kisses are perfection! And her beautiful blue eyes can melt you on the spot.... But at 2 years old, she's behind in almost every developmental area... she's not able to effectively communicate her needs yet, and this is probably the most challenging aspect of our new relationship. But, we are determined to give her every tool she needs to learn this life-skill. She's also still pretty unsteady when walking, and her muscle tone is low... but between PT and chasing two big brothers, we think she'll be catching up to her peers in no time.
"It takes a village to raise a child." Never before have we felt this to be so true... Thank you so much for being our village - we are so grateful for your support.
As the dust settled, and everyone was finding their new normal without Dave - we were asked to take over guardianship of AnnaLyn. But, the first week she spent with our family, we just knew that she was always meant to be a part of our family. We are in the process of not just guardianship transfer, but adopting AnnaLyn to be our daughter.
We knew immediately that she fit in... but we also knew immediately that although she was almost 2, she wasn't doing most of the things our boys had done at that age. With an evaluation by a speech therapist, a physical therapist, and also a first visit to the Pediatrician, we are starting a journey that includes weekly Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy, and lots and lots of play!
There is no doubt in our mind that AnnaLyn is already our daughter, an integral part of our family. But, we are planners... and we weren't planning for this addition or the immediate financial weight of an adoption. There are lawyer fees, court fees, and a home study that all amount to around $5000. Therapy cost is minimal at $100 per month, but the extent is unknown. We both have full time careers that keep us working outside the home, so daycare at about $300 per week is another monetary hurdle. And then, while not immediate, we only have 1 car that will fit 2 booster seats PLUS 1 rear facing convertible seat - Liz's car just won't fit three carseats, no matter how good our Tetris skills...
Our boys, Ethan and Gavin, are besides themselves with excitement over having a little sister. Ethan reminds us over and over, "See, I told you I needed a little sister." And we honestly cannot believe there was a day that we ever doubted him...
Our family doesn't do well with long names, we nickname just about everything... so she's already been given the nickname, "Anna". And honestly, it just fits - Ethan, Gavin, Anna - The three of them are already thick as thieves... and they know they outnumber us, parents. The past few weeks have seen many giggle fits during breakfast, family walks and bike rides, dancing around the kitchen to Sinatra and Kidz Bop, cuddling on the couch with the dog and too many blankets, and getting out every-single-duplo-lego-block-and-little-people-car we have... The boys now know the difference between a pony tail and pigtails, and how to properly push a doll stroller around the house (while you chase your siblings).
At 2 years old, her slobbery kisses are perfection! And her beautiful blue eyes can melt you on the spot.... But at 2 years old, she's behind in almost every developmental area... she's not able to effectively communicate her needs yet, and this is probably the most challenging aspect of our new relationship. But, we are determined to give her every tool she needs to learn this life-skill. She's also still pretty unsteady when walking, and her muscle tone is low... but between PT and chasing two big brothers, we think she'll be catching up to her peers in no time.
"It takes a village to raise a child." Never before have we felt this to be so true... Thank you so much for being our village - we are so grateful for your support.
Organizer
Liz Arras
Organizer
Ballwin, MO
