Our situation is unique in that we adopted an almost 5 year old. We didn't have to deal with nighttime feedings, diaper changes, potty training, formula, etc. We traded those in for some other struggles, namely a little girl going through some tough things that she shouldn't have had to go through. She didn't understand why she couldn't stay with her birth mother (and still really doesn't totally). When she came to us she started calling us mommy and daddy before she even knew that we were adopting her. At four years old she didn't really have a concept of what a forever family was. When we talked about how we were going to be her new family she nonchalantly said, "Ok". Then she immediately said, "And I'll have another new family next year". I still don't know if she has accepted that she is with us "for good". I think this will be an ongoing conversation with her, probably for a long time.
At six months in she has grown so much already. Her meltdowns and tantrums are almost a thing of the past. She still tests us, but it's more of what a normal 5 year old should be doing. No more dramatic screaming, crying, kicking, hitting and biting fits. She is doing really well in school. She knows all of her letters now and is learning to read by sounding out words. She has also started basic addition and subtraction. She LOVES to count. Often when we are driving somewhere I will hear her in the backseat counting out loud. We still haven't left her with a babysitter or overnight anywhere (besides when my sister-in-law watched her this past summer while I was at work and before school started). I don't think she's ready for overnights yet. We still keep in touch with her former foster mom (Hi Lisa!) and went to her foster brother's birthday party a few weeks ago. After the party Savannah told us that she didn't want to live with us anymore and wanted to go back and live with her foster mother. To me, that's a signal that she's not ready for an overnight somewhere else. I'm sure that's a disappointment to the grandparents because they have already asked us when Savannah can come stay with them. I think we'll reevaluate that at a year.
When she came to us we were worried that she might have to repeat Kindergarten since she has a June birthday and we weren't sure where she was academically or emotionally. With the year half over, it looks like she is on track to start first grade next year. At least from my unprofessional viewpoint. We are open to whatever her teacher suggests though.
To sum it up, the past six months have been hard, but they have been equally rewarding. I really can't imagine what the next six months will hold.
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