Ange-Laurette's new style!

Although Bailey and I were getting much better at braiding and beading Ange-Laurette's hair, she was excited to try something new. I had caught her several times with that disappointed look in the mirror. I had heard enough comments that she didn't like her hair or didn't think she was pretty. It is so disheartening when any mother hears her daughter say things like that...because we see them as simply so beautiful.

I'd been talking with my hairdresser and good friend about Chris Rock's documentary "Hair" that was highlighted on an Oprah episode. In it, he explains how we white gals have NO idea the amount of time, money, and effort that goes into caring for black hair. The importance of their hair to be styled nice/unique...and for others to NOT touch it...was not something I had understood. We agreed to have Ange-Laurette try extensions in her hair, so it could be styled just the way she wanted. Every girl dreams of long hair at one point in time, right?!

We chose the intricately braided strands that fall in zigzag waves, so they would hold up well and look more natural for a young girl. I was surprised at how quickly the process went. She would be able to shampoo and swim with them in, and the braids could be used more than once! After cornrowing her hair all to the back, extensions were sewn (latchhooked) in one at a time right through the cornrows. About 125 strands, folded in half...two hours...and wah lah!

A new normal ~

This entry is for all those new adoptive parents who wonder at times, like we did, if we would ever gain our bearings again! We just returned from Spring Break at a nearby waterpark (our version of Disney!), and we can say tell you, with confidence, that there will be a day!

So many evenings I have wanted to update our blog but did not have any new, exciting issue or achievement to report. THAT is progress! The kids just have this true sibling closeness. Yes, they bonded early on and have been amazing, but it is different and so much more natural now. They understand all each others' quirks, know where to take their punches :) , and yet defend each other to the end. They seem to appreciate their differences/uniqueness and are not as sensitive about "fairness" anymore. Bruce and I have found a way to spend individual time with each one. We are more intentional about our bedtime routines so we have time to really listen to them. Every single day lately, there is talk of Haiti or where they have been. The kids are more honest about the hardships and have the vocabulary to share details we had not heard before.

This weekend, our family has been asked to present at our local "Unity in Diversity" event. In preparing, we've been talking about the things we want others to learn from our experience. We also want the kids to be able to tell all about the country they know and love so much. They will teach games and songs, mixed with stories of real life in Port-au-Prince. We will explain how our eyes have been opened...and how tricky it has been to teach them to fit in this new culture while still respecting their Haitian culture.

We cannot express how proud we are of Pierre and Ange-Laurette. This has been a long road filled with hard work for them. Others see how "lucky" or "blessed" they are to be here...but we know that it has not been easy. There are many hurdles ahead still, but we are a true family...

and we will all be fine! YAY!!