Never underestimate a child.

As you know, our youngest has Arthrogryposis in her upper extremities. When we received her referral from China, we were not given a concrete diagnosis (She was diagnosed after we got home). Before our agency gave us her information, we were warned "she may never be independent of you, she will probably always need assistance in self grooming and toileting". This information didn't scare us as we believe our God is bigger than Arthrogryposis. Linzhi has been home for over a year now and is potty trained. CJ and I take her to the bathroom but encourage her to use the step stool and to try pulling down her pants, etc... all of which is difficult for her but she always tries and she's always excited to be trying.

On Friday, as I was house cleaning my little China baby told me she had to go potty (which she says often as she drinks water all day long). I told her to go down there and set up her stool and I would be there shortly. Well, to be honest...I forgot! A few minutes later Linzhi appears again with out her pants but her underwear was pulled up all the way...Hmmm, did sissy help you? Linzhi replied "nope, I do it myself". So we went in the bathroom and sure enough there was pee pee in the toilet and a little tiny piece of toilet paper stuck on the seat. I quickly asked Rachel, "did you help Linz potty" (not that I didn't believe Linzhi but I couldn't believe my EYES). Rachel assured me, "I was too busy to help her, I told her to do it herself"....LOL...

So yes, my little baby girl that we were told might never be independent from her mommy and daddy made a HUGE milestone on Friday...HUGE! I can't even put into words how much of a VICTORY this is for her and to top it off, she pulled her panties up over her bootie which she has struggled with, she could only pull them up mid thigh. I know the Lord was smiling down on our baby girl. He created her in all his glory and grace. He provided her with an undeniable will that completely puts CJ and myself in complete awe of HIM. We are just so excited to see what this kid will do next!