Thursday, June 19, 2008

A little sad

We have been having such a blast the last few months since Helina came home. Our family unit is settling in. Logan does not want to do anything or be anywhere without his sister and Noah lights up whenever Helina or Logan walk in the room. The transition has been really pretty seamless. It seems as if Helina has been with us forever in so many ways. Because it feels this way I was struck with a wave of sadness last night when my dad asked me if I ever heard her talking in Amharic anymore. Up until about 3 weeks ago she would at least sing songs in Amharic but since then not 1 word. Her english is amazing but it came with a price. I had heard from other adoptive parents that this could happen fairly quickly but still feel a sense of loss for her that her native language is "gone". It only strenghens my determination that Noah and Helinas Ethiopian heritage WILL be celebrated in our household. Such a strong and beautiful people!!!!!

4 comments:

Rebecca Lily said...

Oh Amy that IS sad!! It's so great that she has picked up English so quickly - but I am sure it feels like a loss to see her leaving her native tongue behind. I know I will feel that way when Owen stops saying the little bit of Mandarin that he knows!!! Maybe we should learn at least the basics of their language and speak it with them - just to keep it alive! (You know, you take Amharic classes & I'll take Mandarin classes in all our free time. Hahahahhaha!!)

R

megan said...

I just found your blog I spent the last 5 minutes laughing Logan is really quite the character! I love it!!! You have a beautiful family! Is your dog an american bulldog?

Lisa said...

Hi Amy!
I am so happy things are going so well for you and the kids! I am sorry to hear about the loss of the Amharic language :-(
Take care!

Chris said...

Amy, I have been thinking about you hoping all is well. I am so glad to hear that Helina and your family are doing so well. It is bittersweet to think of Helina is picking up the English language so well and letting go of her native one. She probably is focusing on English right now. I would love to hear her sweet songs from ET.
Blessings,
Christine