31 for 21, Day 31: God's still got our backs

The last day of 31 for 21!! I MADE IT!!  Patting myself on the back for posting every single day this month whether it was on this blog or our family blog.  I was worried I wouldn't have enough to post about, nor the time to do it, but I did it!! YAY!!  I hope during this time of Down Syndrome Awareness Month that you may have learned a thing or two- I would love to hear from you!  Was there something in particular you took away from reading?

So, back to the title of this post- God's still got our backs.  Had another one of those moments last night where after a moment of complete panic regarding one of our documents, I realized that God was totally looking out for us and made sure we were put on the right path.

I belong to a couple private online forums related to Reece's Rainbow adoptions- groups of families involved in the adoption process, and one group in particular adopting from the same country.  It was a question raised on the latter forum that caused extreme panic- we completed something incorrectly on one of our most important applications: our I-600A- application to the United States Customs and Immigration Services for permission to bring a child into the country.  Yea, just a tad important!!

Someone on the forum posed a question while completing the application, and I know God brought her to ask this question so I would see it with the responses and learn I entered the wrong information.  I would see this error before it was completely processed giving us time to get it corrected before it threw a wrench into our plans.  I started to panic right away when I saw my error, digging out the copy of the application I saved in my files.  I thought the question was asking for the location where we would be going for our fingerprints, but in fact I needed to enter the US Embassy in P's country where the approval needs to be sent!!  BIG difference!!  I immediately e-mailed our adoption agency last night.

Have I expressed how awesome our agency is??  HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend them!! I will give more info after our adoption process is complete.  Our adoption coordinator e-mailed me RIGHT back reassuring me that this error was not catastrophic.  I need to make a phone call in the morning to the government office and see what I need to do to get the approval on the right track after it is processed.  WHEW.

I call this morning- the staff I have spoken with on a couple different occasions have been wonderful also.  I was told that our file hasn't been assigned to an officer yet, but she would make a note for the change.  It would simply involve them crossing out the one location and entering the correct one.  WHEWWWW. *deep inhale..... deep exhale....*  I also mentioned that we would be out of country for the appointment date given to us for our fingerprinting and that we wish to walk into the office early to have that done.  She requested I call back the day after we have the fingerprinting completed to let them note on our file that it is complete- the officer assigned to us would normally wait until the appointment time to check and see if it has been completed.  This way they will know it is finished and our application can be processed quicker. :)  So glad I called!

Mike and I are going tomorrow for our fingerprinting- we've been assured that all should be fine and they should let us walk in with our letters and let us get printed even though it's not the date/time printed on our letter.  Keep us in your thoughts tomorrow that all goes smoothly with that!

31 for 21, Day 26: Reservations :)

***Please make note*** We have a new web address!!  Please revise your bookmark if you had the old blog saved, and make sure you click to follow us at this new address!!  Due to some concerns regarding *P*'s name and photos getting around, we had to take them all down, and I had to change the web address for this blog since it too included her name.  Lots of work getting everything moved over and set up.  My babygirl is worth it though!  We can't afford to have any glitches and will do whatever is necessary.

Whew this 31 for 21 is getting more and more difficult, especially now that we have travel plans!!  Everything is so rushed... I booked airfare today as well as our first hotel night in P's country.  Our adoption agency will make our travel arrangements into P's region and they will make our hotel reservations there as well- we will pay them those expenses upon arrival.

Our itinerary will look something like this:  we will fly into P's country- departing in the evening here and arriving the next day there... stay one night in the big city, then take an overnight train into P's region... stay three days there going to appointments and meeting P and the orphanage director, then take the train back to the big city, and fly home.

We are also on another paper chase- collecting documents for court and the rest of our dossier which will need to be submitted as soon as we return from our first trip. Busy busy!!  Things are really moving and we are getting very excited and nervous all at the same time.  Some specific prayer requests:

* please pray that all goes smoothly, that we have a safe and successful trip
* that P is in good health and spirits, and that P accepts us as her family
* for our strength as it will be so difficult to leave her after just three days
* that P will understand that we will be back <3
* for our family and children at home- that all will be well here and Evan especially will adjust ok to Mommy and Daddy being gone

Thanks so much!! <3

31 for 21, Day 23: Happy Birthday to me!

Yep, today's my birthday.  Oh, you forgot to send a card?  That's ok.  I have been awful at remembering to send cards also, especially since having kids.... Just ask my bff Heidi- that girl NEVER forgets an occasion, and I always feel the most guilty when I realize I didn't get a card in the mail for her birthday.  Or anniversary.  And what is up with the prices these days?  Some of these cards can cost upwards of $5.00!!  For a piece of paper with words and a picture printed on it.  I'll tell ya what... if you want to give me a birthday present or card, just donate that $5 to P's grant. ;)  You're giving me the gift of a daughter, and it doesn't get much better than that!  Evan's birthday is in 6 short days (I still can't believe my baby boy is turning TWO!!) so you could even do a two for one! ;)  Evan gave me the most WONDERFUL present this morning- he slept until 7:30! So sweet! :)

Gosh I can't wait to get my hands on our little girl!!  And with the exciting news on my last post HERE- it should be happening sometime in November!!  Hallelujah!!!  That will be the best belated birthday present EVER.  We also received our biometrics fingerprint appointments in the mail yesterday!!  For those unfamiliar with the adoption process, we had to submit applications to the US Customs and Immigration Services- part of the Department of Homeland Security, to gain permission to bring an internationally adopted child into the country.  Along with paying a hefty fee, we have to get fingerprints taken for yet another background search, and then receive our approval.

Wanna go one step further for my birthday?  It won't cost you a penny, I promise.  Go sign up at Reece's Rainbow to be a Christmas Warrior for one of the many waiting children.  Last I saw posted from Andrea- there were still 32 boys and 11 girls waiting for a warrior to be their voice.

As an extension of our Prayer Warrior project, and an enhancement to our annual Christmas Angel Tree Project, we are seeking passionate folks to be one child's Christmas Warrior this year.  

Our Christmas Angel Tree Project is our biggest and most important fundraiser of the year. All of our orphans with Down syndrome from ages 0-5 are posted on one page for people to sponsor and donate for their adoption grants. It runs from November 1- December 31, 2011. Those who give more than $35 recieve a beautiful photo ornament of their sponsored child to hang on their Christmas tree. These ornaments make fabulous gifts for your friends, family, and fellow Down syndrome advocates, while providing a life-saving gift for the child who is in desperate need of a "forever family" of their own.

When you sign up to be a Christmas Warrior   (laurie@reecesrainbow.org) for your child, you are working towards the goal of raising $1000 or more for YOUR CHILD. There are lots of ways you can do this, and the power of the internet makes saving a life even easier than you might think. Even if you don't have a cent of your own to donate, your willingness to reach out to other people is all that matters!


No, you are not in any way obligated to raise $1,000 for your angel tree child.  It's simply a goal that would be wonderful to meet.  Any efforts are appreciated!!  You can share on Facebook, Twitter, blogs, perhaps approach your local fire or police department about doing a fundraiser... find someone who is a consultant for home parties and do a fundraiser, anything!!  Please consider signing up so a child may find themselves in the home of a loving family for Christmas 2012.  I have already been scoping out special ornaments for P, and there is no way she will be home by this Christmas.  Holidays are such a special time, and these children deserve the opportunity to share and be a part of these many blessings we so often take for granted.

Wordless Wednesday

Getting closer...

...closer to completing our homestudy!!  I just received the draft in my e-mail today for review, had just a couple little adjustments and sent it back.  Sent our adoption education certificates along as well- all our other documents have been received except one.  Hopefully that will be received later this week.

Just sent in a check for $2,120 with our pre-file documents and found out today we still need to send another $1,300 before the homestudy is released.  The $1,300 is prepayment of the post-adoption procedures which was on a separate document from the other adoption invoice we received.  It's been so confusing to decipher what we owe when since our adoption agency is also our homestudy agency- things are billed separately and on different invoices and I didn't realize the $1,300 was due at this time- otherwise I would have included it in the check I just mailed a couple days ago! Oh well.  I shared my confusion with the agency and she said they should think about combining the two on one invoice so it's less confusing.  Certainly would help me anyway. :) Overall it has been a huge convenience having the two together though- one place to contact and send documents... so easy.

October is approaching quickly.... I get overwhelmed thinking we could be traveling just one month away, and then I keep praying that we can get all this paperwork completed in time to receive an October travel date.  People keep asking if we could have her home by Christmas- how awesome would that be???  I certainly am not holding my breath, nor do I want to get my hopes up only to be let down.  Honestly, I think it is highly unlikely we'd get her home for Christmas- I am hoping for sometime in January.  Christmas would be a fabulous surprise though.

Now that school is in full-swing, I am thinking about all the activities and events Kaylin and Justin will have in October also, hoping that everything will run smoothly while we are away.  I have to keep reminding myself that this first trip is only about 5 days- we can do it! :)

I started working on a photo book to bring with us and show P her family, her pets, her house. :) Fun stuff.  I'm also thinking about what else I'd like to bring to entertain her when we visit- toys and activities etc.  If you have traveled to your child's orphanage already, please share some ideas of what you brought!  I'm thinking P may like some of Kaylin's mini pony toys and maybe some Polly Pockets. :)

Please keep sharing our Birthday Bash Giveaway!!  And remember- each time you share on Facebook, Twitter, or your blog- please leave a comment on the Birthday Bash post so you can get an extra entry- you can get one extra entry per day!  I know I have many people who donated on my Facebook, but I can easily miss seeing a post here and there, and certainly will not be able to find them all when it's time to chart out all the entries.  I left a few for people already, but I haven't had a chance to do so for some of the last ones I've seen- so please go quickly leave a comment.  Thanks!

And just to refresh your memory.... ;)

First up- the Big Kahuna.... an Apple iPad 2 

32 GB with Wi-Fi

Your choice of black or white as well as engraving

Retail Price $599
***UPDATE***
Winner of the iPad 2 will also receive a leather smart cover in your choice of color!

 Next up:  Tastefully Simple Share the Love Gift Basket

Share the Love™ includes:

• Bountiful Beer Bread Mix®
• Homestyle Biscuits & Gravy Mix
• Chicken Tortilla Soup Mix
• Cinnamon Muffin Melt Mix™
• Chocolate Ugly Cake Mix™
• Wahoo! Chili
• The Trio
• Spinach & Herb Dip Mix
• Roasted Garlic Infused Oil
• Tuscany Bread Dipping Mix™
• Seasoned Salt
• Perfectly Potato Cheddar Soup Mix
• Oblong Storage Tote**
• retail value: $124.95

Baby Teether and Necklace for Mama all in one!!

This chic teething necklace is made with premium 100% cotton, beaded with natural unfinished beads, and knotted for a beautiful fashionable accessory for any mama to wear!  The necklace is tied back into a cute bow with satin ribbon.  But best of all, you don't need to be a mama to rock this necklace!!  This necklace is beautiful to wear on just about any occasion.  Handcrafted by my dear friend, Jenna- please go check out her Etsy shop- she has the most beautiful things there from adorable paper products to beautiful diaper cakes and gorgeous jewelry.  She is one of the craftiest people I know! 

Another super sweet crafty friend of mine, Erin, is donating this beautiful ombre purple scarf in super soft chenille.  She takes custom orders and can crochet just about anything!! You can find her on Facebook HERE. I have to tell you, last winter I ordered the most ADORABLE angry birds hat for Justin and he absolutely LOVES it.  

Erin will also be graciously donating a hat- photo coming!!

Our cousin, Jazmin, is generously donating this beautiful infinity scarf- wear it long or wrap it twice for a tighter look and feel!  You can find her Etsy shop HERE- beautifully crocheted items as well as jewelry and other art items- check them out!

Sooooooooo.... how do you enter to win these awesome prizes??  Super easy!! 

Make a donation using the Birthday Bash ChipIn Widget above- this is tax deductible!!  It goes through Reece's Rainbow so PLEASE be sure to specify "P for the LIVINGSTON FAMILY" in the comment section while checking out.  Very important, otherwise P doesn't get her birthday present!

$10 = 1 entry

  $25 = 5 entries

    $50 = 15 entries

  $100 = 50 entries

After you make a donation, you can get a freebie entry each day you share on Facebook, Twitter, or if you blog about it (please share a link) - just be sure to leave a comment on this post when you do so.  PLEASE spread the word!!  This Giveaway will end October 7th at midnight Eastern Time.  This Giveaway is open to US and Canada residents only.  Each prize is separate aside from the iPad 2 and cover.  Winners will be chosen using www.random.org.

If for some reason we don't bring in enough money to pay for the iPad 2- we will split the money 50/50 with the winner of that prize.  Praying we bring in more than enough money and won't have to worry about that!  By the way, if we bring in at least $2,000- we will start adding accessories to be given with the iPad!!  So SHARE SHARE SHARE!!

Happy Birthday, baby girl.... I can't wait to throw you a big birthday party of your very own.... You are so special and deserve a special day all about YOU. <3

It's HERE!! P's BIRTHDAY BASH GIVEAWAY!!!

To those who are new to my blog- Hello, and Welcome!!! :)) We are SO happy you stopped by.  Please pull up a chair- grab a party hat and some cake, and enjoy the party!  First, introductions- my name is Amy, and I'm the mama here- you can read about our family's story HERE on how we found P and why we felt called to adopt.  It truly is an amazing story, and both Mike and I truly believe this was all meant to be.

P is on the other side of the world, turning another year older.... My baby across the ocean is turning 5 years old this very month.... and this will be the very last birthday that passes her by without the love of a family... her last birthday as an orphan.  I am doubting she gets much fanfare for her birthday in an orphanage.... no special cake with candles to blow out.... no party streamers and special plates and napkins.... no balloons.... Do they even tell her it's her birthday?  Does she know when it is or how old she is turning?  Do they sing to her?  Has she ever received a present?  Does she make a wish? What would she wish for?

I know what my wish for her is.....

This is where YOU help her wish come true- there's a party going on right HERE... we've got presents, some very nice presents I might add... But these presents aren't for P.... these are for YOU to enter to win!!  What are these presents you might ask??

First up- the Big Kahuna.... an Apple iPad 2 

32 GB with Wi-Fi

Your choice of black or white as well as engraving

Retail Price $599
***UPDATE***
Winner of the iPad 2 will also receive a leather smart cover in your choice of color!

 Next up:  Tastefully Simple Share the Love Gift Basket

Share the Love™ includes:

• Bountiful Beer Bread Mix®
• Homestyle Biscuits & Gravy Mix
• Chicken Tortilla Soup Mix
• Cinnamon Muffin Melt Mix™
• Chocolate Ugly Cake Mix™
• Wahoo! Chili
• The Trio
• Spinach & Herb Dip Mix
• Roasted Garlic Infused Oil
• Tuscany Bread Dipping Mix™
• Seasoned Salt
• Perfectly Potato Cheddar Soup Mix
• Oblong Storage Tote**
• retail value: $124.95

Baby Teether and Necklace for Mama all in one!!

This chic teething necklace is made with premium 100% cotton, beaded with natural unfinished beads, and knotted for a beautiful fashionable accessory for any mama to wear!  The necklace is tied back into a cute bow with satin ribbon.  But best of all, you don't need to be a mama to rock this necklace!!  This necklace is beautiful to wear on just about any occasion.  Handcrafted by my dear friend, Jenna- please go check out her Etsy shop- she has the most beautiful things there from adorable paper products to beautiful diaper cakes and gorgeous jewelry.  She is one of the craftiest people I know! 

Another super sweet crafty friend of mine, Erin, is donating this beautiful ombre purple scarf in super soft chenille.  She takes custom orders and can crochet just about anything!! You can find her on Facebook HERE. I have to tell you, last winter I ordered the most ADORABLE angry birds hat for Justin and he absolutely LOVES it.  

Erin will also be graciously donating a hat- photo coming!!

Our cousin, Jazmin, is generously donating this beautiful infinity scarf- wear it long or wrap it twice for a tighter look and feel!  You can find her Etsy shop HERE- beautifully crocheted items as well as jewelry and other art items- check them out!

Sooooooooo.... how do you enter to win these awesome prizes??  Super easy!! 

Make a donation using the Birthday Bash ChipIn Widget above- this is tax deductible!!  It goes through Reece's Rainbow so PLEASE be sure to specify "P for the LIVINGSTON FAMILY" in the comment section while checking out.  Very important, otherwise P doesn't get her birthday present!

$10 = 1 entry
***SPECIAL FOR DOWN SYNDROME AWARENESS MONTH***
$21 = 3 entries

  $25 = 5 entries

    $50 = 15 entries

  $100 = 50 entries

After you make a donation, you can get a freebie entry each day you share on Facebook, Twitter, or if you blog about it (please share a link) - just be sure to leave a comment on this post when you do so.  PLEASE spread the word!!  This Giveaway will end October 7th at midnight Eastern Time.  This Giveaway is open to US and Canada residents only.  Each prize is separate aside from the iPad 2 and cover.  Winners will be chosen using www.random.org.

If for some reason we don't bring in enough money to pay for the iPad 2- we will split the money 50/50 with the winner of that prize.  Praying we bring in more than enough money and won't have to worry about that!  By the way, if we bring in at least $2,000- we will start adding accessories to be given with the iPad!!  So SHARE SHARE SHARE!!

Happy Birthday, baby girl.... I can't wait to throw you a big birthday party of your very own.... You are so special and deserve a special day all about YOU. <3

Our story: finding Lina

Ok, so I had this post all typed up in advance, but I need to add something here before we get started....

I need to extend a huge THANK YOU to all of Lina's faithful friends out there- I have been awed and inspired by all the comments left here as well as on my friend Patti's blog announcing us as  Lina's family.  I knew  Lina was well-loved before committing to her, but I am just amazed that in less than 24 hours of this blog being live-  Lina has had over 600 visitors from 10 different countries!!  And she already has $240 in her FSP- thank you so much!!!  It is YOUR thoughts and prayers that will carry us through this journey and they are all GREATLY appreciated. <3

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


It truly is amazing to me how we became so lucky as to be the family working to bring  Lina home.  You will find our story to be a bit unique. :)


I was introduced to Reece's Rainbow almost a year ago from an online Down syndrome parenting group. While my initial intent was not to adopt, though Mike and I did discuss adoption and fostering before we had our own children, I had the desire to donate where I could and help advocate for these children to find families. I thought maybe... just maybe... IF I could get Mike on board with me (and that was a big if), we could adopt a child from RR a few years down the road when Evan is in school full-time and my mom is retired.


A little aside.... Before becoming a stay-at-home mom, I taught Pre-kindergarten in the public schools for 8 years.  Ever since I started working in the classroom, I have had the desire to adopt an older child.  I will never ever forget little "B".... I was student teaching in a Kindergarten class while still in college, and this little girl was rail thin... I mean if I made a circle with my thumb and index finger- it could fit around her leg.  She had at least 4 older sisters and was always dressed in their old tattered clothes, at least three sizes too big.  All the girls were required to see the school nurse every Monday morning to be checked for head lice since their house was infested.  Oftentimes they were sent home.  Oh how little B wanted to be hugged and cuddled, and I tried my very best to give her some attention, but felt awful having to be careful not to let her hair get too close just in case.... I still think about her often- she should have graduated high school two years ago if my calculations are correct.  Not that she was ever up for adoption, but I so wanted to take her home with me, give her a nice warm bubble bath, and shower her with hugs and affection as well as some good food for her tummy.


So back to our story....

The majority of children born with disabilities into Eastern Europe are given up at the hospital and sent to impoverished orphanages. Their lives aren't valued and there is no funding to support them.  It's not uncommon for orphanages to run out of diapers or soap- my last contribution was toward a fundraiser working to supply an orphanage with cloth diapers and accessories since they were washing and reusing disposable diapers.  I just can't even imagine.  Orphanages are often short staffed as well, and it's not uncommon for children to be placed in "laying rooms" where they simply lay in a crib all day and all night.  I'm talking for YEARS.  Thankfully, from the photos we have seen, it appears  Lina  has been cared for appropriately in her orphanage.


Between the ages of 4 and 6, children with disabilities are usually transferred from the baby house to an adult mental institution. About 80% of them die within one year.   I've been haunted by the stories, videos, and photographs, and then I look at our precious Evan. I can't imagine him being taken from me and forced to suffer in these conditions. And then I look at  Lina. She certainly doesn't deserve this fate either.

I first found her photo on Reece's Rainbow almost a year ago, and seeing how beautiful she is as well as being listed as “high functioning” with no health issues posted, I knew there would be many families interested in bringing her home. Many months passed, and then this past April I saw my friend, Patti, post  Lina's picture on her Facebook wall, asking, “Are you her mommy?”. I had to inquire. 

Before I contacted Reece's Rainbow, I showed her photo to Mike and said with big puppy dog eyes, "I want her."  I figured he would just think I was joking, and I honestly didn't expect him to actually say yes, so in a way I sort of was. Sort of.  Instead, he hestiated for just a second, and said, "Go ahead..."  Really???  I certainly had no intentions of expressing any interest without his full support as of course this is a huge endeavor.  He said, "Well we can ask...."  


I contacted Reece's Rainbow and was told there were already a few families who had inquired about  Lina, so I was relieved she should have a family. But another month passed, and she still hadn't been moved to the “My family found me” section of the website. May 27^th, I noticed there were suddenly new requirements listed on her page. Requirements I just knew the other families who had shown interest wouldn't be able to meet. Requirements that we DID meet.

Now this time, I asked him again, much more seriously. There was no hesitation from him this time at all. He was on board 100%. I asked him over and over again- are you sure??  His response was, "You know we can't save them all..." knowing that if we claimed one I would surely fall for more and want to bring them all home with me.... but realistically I know we can only adopt one, and I'm ok with that.  


I sent another e-mail to Reece's Rainbow inquiring yet again about  Lina.  I received a prompt response:

Oh, Amy wow!! Amazing timing! We just found out two days ago that all the families who submitted preliminary applications were rejected by the judge in her region and these new strict requirements were put in place.  I intended to go through my emails this weekend and contact all the families who inquired about her whom I told she had a family to see if there was any slim chance any of them would meet those requirements.  To be honest, we haven't been optimistic that there would be a qualified family for her. Wow! 

What are these strict requirements which disqualified many others?

*must live in Maryland (since this is where the adoption agency is located- no judge has ever required this before)

*must already have a child with Down syndrome

*must make a certain amount of money

*must not have more than 4 children at home already

Once I saw these requirements, the first two in particular, I just knew we had to do this. God was calling to me, and this child was OURS.  Mike has been extremely supportive and is just as excited about all this as I am. The kids were through the roof when we told them they were getting a little sister!! Kaylin is absolutely THRILLED to be getting the little sister she's always wanted, and Justin keeps saying he is going to give one of his two blankeys to his little sister. <3  Love it!!  


We hope you all will be supportive of us as well. We certainly are not trying to be saints- we have fallen in love with this precious little girl and know she deserves the love of a family. She deserves bedtime stories at night as well as being tucked in with a full belly. She deserves showers of affection.  She deserves an education and opportunity. She deserves a life. Yes, there will be challenges. Yes, they will be worth it. SHE is worth it.

Hi, and Welcome!! :)

Welcome to P's blog!!  We are SUPER excited about beginning this journey to bring her home.  I poured over this blog for hours, trying to brainstorm a theme and title (bless you sweet friend who was stuck chatting with me online and helping to pick my brain!), and fell in love with the butterfly analogy.  I envisioned P as a fragile butterfly just emerging from her cocoon which is the facility or facilities she's been living in for the past 4+ years.... finally getting the chance to stretch her brand new wings... and taking off to FLY and begin a whole new beautiful life on this earth.

While brainstorming, I resorted to the ever-so-resourceful Mr. Google many times, and when I searched for "butterfly analogy" I found this amazing blog with the most absolutely perfect post!!

{an excerpt from The Butterfly and the Special Child copied with permission from The Special Parent}

...Robin describes how the emerging butterfly beats its wings against the cocoon repeatedly to escape. She relates how if the butterfly were to be cut free of the cocoon and not win its freedom through the struggle it doesn’t gain the necessary strength to survive.

I have always thought of my daughter as a butterfly as well. My original theory sprang from the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly and the entire struggle they go through to get to that point and emerge this beautiful and graceful creature. I do believe that Robin’s butterfly analogy still applies to all our children.

Each one in their own way may have a struggle, a cocoon from which they will escape. Beating their wings they slowly emerge having overcome one adversity or another. No matter how many cocoons your youngster must fight their way through it will make them stronger.

Let your child break through the cocoon. Be there to cheer them on, but let them be the ones to break through. To cut your butterfly loose from it’s cocoon would not allow it to win it’s freedom and would not give it the strength it needs to live it’s life. As the parent of a special child, sometimes it’s harder I think to watch the struggle. You feel like you need to help cut open the cocoon. You need to facilitate, but the breakthrough must be their own, hard won maybe, but their own.

Without question we are all blessed with some amazing butterflies.

So while I wholeheartedly agree with this comparison to all children with special needs, I see another analogy to orphans surviving in an institution and finding their freedom.  I pray each night that P has the strength to carry on in her orphanage and knows in her heart that her family is coming.  We love you, little butterfly.