We got the official adoption letter in the mail today. Even though it only reminded us of the time and date, I was nearly in tears. Seeing it on paper makes it so much more realistic. Both kids had great days at school...although Bunter had a bathroom accident severe enough to send his teacher out in search of me. I had to leave my class, find clothes for him (somehow he wound up with two shirts, but no extra pants in his cubby), bathe him in the stall, and get him back to class. That was his first accident in nearly two months.

Bear has had two green days in a row. Woohoo! She was grounded from crayons, markers, pencils, etc. because she was caught coloring on her dresser (more than once). I told her that she can have them back if she has green days all week long. This incentive seems to be working so far, and I can see that she is trying really hard.

Her personality is changing so much since this new medicine has been put into play. She is so much more sociable. Even her teachers are commenting on how much different she is acting. She doesn't argue and scream at Bunter like she usually does. Her fake smile has been evicted, and a real smile has moved in. She laughs, sings, dances, and engages in other forms of high energy play. She talks without sarcasm, and she even tells me she loves me. I see her several times a day since I teach where she attends school. As my class is entering the lunchroom, her class is leaving. A long time ago, I taught them how to say I love you in sign language, and I always give her the sign when we pass. She hardly ever responds to it. When I walked in today, she caught me by surprise. As I came into view, her fingers were already set into place. She beat me to it! I sent the sign back to her, and she smiled with delight. I felt those warm fuzzies forming in my chest. Then, I saw her on the playground, and she sent me the sign AGAIN!!! Twice in one day!

I think as she realizes that this is permanent, she will be able to trust in me more. We have talked a lot about the adoption, and she is showing less fear/anxiety and more confidence and excitement.