Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Gracie's English

Ok...well, here it is.  I am going to address the question as to how Gracie's English is coming along.  We were home 8 weeks this past Friday, and I can say that I have seen a great improvement in the amount of words she can use just in the past few days!  She and I have been understanding most of what the other says for a while...at least enough to get by.  She has understood English for a while now and could speak some very basic words.  Just lately, she's able to put more English words together to form thoughts.  Some examples would be "Cade, come here" or "Wesleigh went bonk".  She loves to sing the ABC's and sings it alot.  The first video I'm loading is of her singing them.  She knows the song as well as Wesleigh does :) 

My biggest struggle with her learning is to make sure she's pronouncing the words like me and not like Wesleigh.  Wesleigh has some articulation problems, and encourages Gracie to repeat after her...like the blind leading the blind!  The words Gracie says are perfect...I'm trying to keep them that way :)

I haven't noticed alot of frustration from her because of a lack of communication.  I'm a little surprised by that.  We learned in China that she is VERY vocal, but she has not been since we got home.  She learned very quickly that we couldn't understand what she was saying, so she quit saying it...so sad :(  With her increased vocabulary, we've had an increase in "chatter" too.  I am happy about that.  I can't believe she hasn't been more unhappy not being able to communicate...amazing!  She is pretty good at acting things out.  I think she's so smart to figure out that she can act something out when she can't speak it.  I am just in awe of her.  She is frustrating sometimes because her energy is not controlled alot of the times, but she's such a survivor, and has done it with such joy...You can't help but be amazed and pray that you could do the same.

So...here's the first video of her singing the ABC's



Here's another one with more of a "conversation". This is what day-to-day life sounds like :) She sat at this table playing with playdoh for, at least, 2 hours the other day! Wesleigh was there for alot of that time, but Gracie never moved.



I think her vocabulary is really going to take off from here on out.  I have a conference with their teacher next week to see how they're doing.  I can't wait to hear what she has to say!

18 comments:

V said...

she's so sweet!!! I loved it, and I loved hearing Wesleigh wispering "yes" to her, they are adorable!

Paige said...

So precious...loved her "yes ma'am" so cute! I think she is doing so fabulous! She reminds me of my Madeline in how she does not stop moving. People comment to me all the time how much M moves and I don't even notice it..haha ...guess you just get used to it:)

Linda said...

It is inspiring to see how courageous she is - and Wesleigh too. God uses the stories of all of you - adoptive parents and children - to help me face the world and life with more courage.

Ani said...

What an incredible little girl! Love her little big voice!

3 Peanuts said...

oh so cute. I love her voice. She is something else:)

Yes, Maam. I also love how W tells her the answers;)

Pink Velvet Mommy said...

I am cracking up....I am pretty sure she is going to have the New Orleans draw:) I really can already hear her southern accent coming thru!!!

Adorable and I think it is remarkable that she is speaking and understanding so much!!!

Yay Gracie:)

Number 6 and no more counting! said...

aw so sweet!

lea
xo

Krissiem said...

My hubby and I are such HUGE fans of your family! We love seeing videos of the girls, it warms our hearts and gives us hope that when we are matched, that we will be just as blessed with FUN children such as yours!
Keep up the GREAT work! And keep posting!!!! This is great training material too!!!

Jennifer said...

What a incredible and courageous little girl! It's so amazing how far they have come with everything in such a short amount of time.
I loved hearing both of their sweet voices on the phone yesterday! Made my day!
Love y'all!

snekcip said...

Oh she is just TOO PRECIOUS!!! Her English is coming along wonderfully!! *love the whisper from Wesleigh* TOO FUNNY!!

Lindy D. said...

So sweet! She is doing so well.

(Is there a second video? I can only see the ABC's.)

Lauren McG said...

It is unbelievable that Gracie has learned so quickly! She's going to be smart and active...lucky you! Hey, I love the monogrammed dress she was wearing in the abc clip. Where did you get that??? LOL!!!

redmaryjanes said...

I think that she is doing great. It took Sophia about 3 months before we could really have a good conversation with her.
I just love to hear you talk. I forget that you are a Southern Girl :)

Shannon said...

So precious!! Just love both of their little sweet voices. Wesleigh cracks me up that she whispers the answers. Can't wait to meet them in person next week!!

Deanna said...

LOVE LOVE LOVE Wesleigh giving Gracie the answers, so funny! Thanks for sharing. They are amazing!

Anonymous said...

Her "yes ma'am" was soooo precious!

Football and Fried Rice said...

She may be frustrating, but she really doesnt seem frustrated at all :) Just living life like a typical three year old. You are right, she is such an overcomes - may we all wish to do it with such grace.

The 5 Bickies said...

I love hearing the two of them talking.
I sure wish I had taught my children to say "yes ma'am" even though we live up north. It's really sweet.

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