It has been a crazy busy time right now. First of all, we had her hearing tested, which was inconclusive due to the amount of fluid in her ears. Then we went to the family doctor to see if she had an ear infection. Also inconclusive due to the amount of wax, nonocclusive though. She did burst into tears upon seeing her doctor who, up to this point, has only given her needles... sorry kid! A week later, we return to the doctor for her flu shot! She got over it much quicker this time.
We also received her permanent resident card finally! Yeah!!!! Now, at any time before she is 18, we can apply for her citizenship!
We also had first hair cut, first snow fall, visit from Gramma Mary, and many other antics!
Then we did the big visit to the cleft palate clinic at the children's hospital here. We met some really nice parents of kids who have been attending the clinics for longer than us and have assured us that this really is the best clinic. They had to travel to other provinces for a few surgeries and were grateful that this hospital was their home base for everything. The team of employees we met were very, very nice and informative. It was a heck of a lot of information thrown at us in a few hours (still much longer than I had anticipated and Dania did wonderfully being trucked around from office to office and only getting cranky at the very end!). The cleft palate coordinator and head nurse met us first and went over standard protocol of who we would meet and who might be in our future. We didn't need to meet with their speech pathologist or pediatrician because we had prior appointments with them outside the clinic and nothing has changed. That probably saved us 2 hours of time! They talked about preparation and recovery procedures. A lot of prep had to do with weening kids off of bottles, soothers, sucky things that can pop the incisions - we are ahead of the game there! Then the recovery had to do with the possibility of bracing the arms so the kids can't get their fingers at the incisions, how to eat, and how to clean and care for the wounds properly. Then we were sent to the ear surgeon and met with him and his nurse. They looked in her ear, confirmed the presence of fluid still, and said that she probably always has a build up of it because it cannot drain properly. He showed us the tubes and how they would be inserted during the main operation. They will stay in for a year and we will reevaluate at that time, and after hearing testing post operation, if he needs to intervene further. There was a lot of post tube care that seems different from when I had tubes, but nothing drastic. She didn't mind him poking around in her ears and was very good. Overall, the big question of whether or not she has ever heard us correctly (due to constantly present fluid) has been raised. We may sound a whole lot clearer post surgery ie. M and B or G and K not sounding the same.
We then had to go back to the shared surgery section and be directed to the oral maxillofacial surgeon. He and his resident were so nice and gentle. She was cranky at this point, hungry and thirsty too, and she has never liked people poking in her mouth - I assume it is because she has always had that! My nose started gushing blood due to dryness and I got over a sink only to discover the tap didn't work. Mike had to find someone to show them so it could get cleaned up... well, that resulted in me being heavily questioned and I kept insisting it was just dry nose and I only wanted to ensure the blood got cleaned up! Afterward, we started playing a game with Dania. The crush-up-tissue-and-throw-it-out game while we waited and waited. When the surgeons came in it was actually pretty quick. They both looked in her mouth and she semi-cooperated. She didn't bit the mirror in half, at least! The main surgeon then drew up some diagrams for us and I now have an even better understanding of what will happen. He says he can do it all in one surgery since her jaw isn't too wide and he wants to get it done before she is 2. She turns two in two months and a week! I asked if this could happen in January. He seemed to imply that he just had plans change with a different client so there is a distinct possibility that that could happen (next month! holy smokes!) but if not, this winter for sure. Wow! Now I'm nervous! The procedure will be: we come in the day before for prep, go home and come in first thing the next morning with her having fasted. The actual surgery is 1.5-2 hours and, if all goes smoothly, 2 days in recovery. The first day with strictly IV food, the next day and the next 3 weeks will be soft food only. We will stay with her in a private room and decide if we need the arm braces. They look to be fun fabric covered bamboo place mats that tie around the elbow so kids cannot bend the hand to the mouth but can still use their arms for arm-length play.
Now, we wait for a call, probably next week, with the proposed date!
Wow! All of that, my play going on (3 more shows to perform as of this moment!), my last two weeks of my course, AND Christmas!
I'm tired hahaha. Now, hopefully, you can understand why I had almost a month gap in between blog entries! Sorry and thanks to those of you who still follow! xoxo
Friday, December 13, 2013
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Speech Pathologist
Today was the first of all the ear, nose, throat appointments. I loved her. She, E, was very informative and kind and, above all else, impressed! She really was impressed with Dania's stages of speech development considering she had only known Russian up until 3 months ago! She went over how cleft pallet kids are delayed in sounds or make other sounds for compensation but had expected Dania to be further behind because of the second language. She said for a child who stared English 3 months ago Dania was pretty much at par with most stages of typical speech development.
She did tests to see if she recognized her name, ie would stop her present activity and acknowledge the name prompt. She gave simple commands, put in box, give to Mama. Tested how much she could do without a physical gesture to prompt her, ie. saying hug without opening your arms. She gave her objects to see how she would interact with them and wanting her to use them in conjunction with each other even though they might not be a set of toys normally used together, ie. clapping them together, putting one inside the other. She then progressed farther to commands like 'throw the ball to mama,' which we haven't done with her. She also would show her two objects, or pictures of objects, and ask her to point to a specific one, which we have just started with animal pictures. I told E that Dania loves books and loves animals so E got a book and a bag of toy animals that correspond with the pictures. Well, Dania was RIGHT into that game! She asked about what sounds Dania makes and we explained all front of the mouth or back of the throat, with the exception of 'la la la,' and she was happy that she was bringing her tongue forward to make a sound. We then showed E how Dania recognized the parts of the body without us gesturing and she was impressed with that!
She gave us some suggestions for work at home, more work in front of a mirror to get her to use her lips more, we need to stop saying "can you" when we ask her to do something and make it more simple and direct, start giving her two objects and getting her to identify a particular one to hand to us, place objects out of reach for her to gesture to them and then we can say the object and try and get her to say it too - even if it is just a vowel sound, and always reinforce what we are doing with simple dialogue. She said she loves what we have been doing because clearly we are doing stuff right for her! That felt great! We just need to simplify and work on the front of the mouth more. She said that even once she has the pallet repaired, if she is using compensation sounds now she will most likely continue to use them. Basically, a cleft kid doesn't have the glottis at the back of the throat that cuts off the airway to make a difference between nasal sounds and non-nasal sounds. If she is using the back of her throat to simulate a sound she will continue to so we will need to follow with E even after the surgery.
She wants to see us again in about a month to see development, go over in more detail things we can do, and set us up in a cleft pallet workshop as well as an early language development workshop. She had gone over with us the physicality of her throat and nose and even said that cleft kids are often prone to ear infections because of fluid drainage issues so it is great we are going to get her ears and hearing looked at in detail next week. Also, if there is an issue with the inner ears, the cleft kid may not be hearing the sounds properly to mimic them!
We spent almost two hours going over different tests and strategies. It was awesome. She was laughing that I was all over the difference between speech and language and developmental stages and then I told her I learned a lot of that in teacher's college.
It was just such a good visit and I look forward to the next and the workshops!
She did tests to see if she recognized her name, ie would stop her present activity and acknowledge the name prompt. She gave simple commands, put in box, give to Mama. Tested how much she could do without a physical gesture to prompt her, ie. saying hug without opening your arms. She gave her objects to see how she would interact with them and wanting her to use them in conjunction with each other even though they might not be a set of toys normally used together, ie. clapping them together, putting one inside the other. She then progressed farther to commands like 'throw the ball to mama,' which we haven't done with her. She also would show her two objects, or pictures of objects, and ask her to point to a specific one, which we have just started with animal pictures. I told E that Dania loves books and loves animals so E got a book and a bag of toy animals that correspond with the pictures. Well, Dania was RIGHT into that game! She asked about what sounds Dania makes and we explained all front of the mouth or back of the throat, with the exception of 'la la la,' and she was happy that she was bringing her tongue forward to make a sound. We then showed E how Dania recognized the parts of the body without us gesturing and she was impressed with that!
She gave us some suggestions for work at home, more work in front of a mirror to get her to use her lips more, we need to stop saying "can you" when we ask her to do something and make it more simple and direct, start giving her two objects and getting her to identify a particular one to hand to us, place objects out of reach for her to gesture to them and then we can say the object and try and get her to say it too - even if it is just a vowel sound, and always reinforce what we are doing with simple dialogue. She said she loves what we have been doing because clearly we are doing stuff right for her! That felt great! We just need to simplify and work on the front of the mouth more. She said that even once she has the pallet repaired, if she is using compensation sounds now she will most likely continue to use them. Basically, a cleft kid doesn't have the glottis at the back of the throat that cuts off the airway to make a difference between nasal sounds and non-nasal sounds. If she is using the back of her throat to simulate a sound she will continue to so we will need to follow with E even after the surgery.
She wants to see us again in about a month to see development, go over in more detail things we can do, and set us up in a cleft pallet workshop as well as an early language development workshop. She had gone over with us the physicality of her throat and nose and even said that cleft kids are often prone to ear infections because of fluid drainage issues so it is great we are going to get her ears and hearing looked at in detail next week. Also, if there is an issue with the inner ears, the cleft kid may not be hearing the sounds properly to mimic them!
We spent almost two hours going over different tests and strategies. It was awesome. She was laughing that I was all over the difference between speech and language and developmental stages and then I told her I learned a lot of that in teacher's college.
It was just such a good visit and I look forward to the next and the workshops!
Saturday, November 16, 2013
She's Got...Personality!
She started the week with a kerfuffle with Leia. Mike saw Dania fall on the dog and the dog reacted like a dog and snipped at her 'attacker.' By the time I made it into the room, because I could tell the cries were not the usual, the dog was cowering and looking ashamed and Dania was having tissues blotting the small nick between her eyes. By the time she had calmed down and been put down for a nap, a nice cheek bruise had started to crop up. She woke from the nap, still not fully clotted between the eyes because of how much she rubs her nose, and therefore the bridge between her eyes, and continued to play with the dog like normal. Leia was a little quieter than usual but she continued to give kisses to Dania and Dania continued to giggle at receiving them.
We went back to our family doctor this week for flu and meningitis vaccinations and he, and his office assistant, both commented that she was much more interactive now. Then he pulled out the needles... as soon as she saw them she started crying. Poor baby! She recovered a lot quicker this time though - a bit more meat on her bones makes a difference.
She has also been showing a love for electronic games. Sigh. HAHAHAHA. She has these FisherPrice apps on Mike's phone and on the tablet and she wants those as much as possible. She even drools when she "plays" these. By play, I mean she taps the screen until it changes while making a noise from the back of her throat...
She is also starting to 'watch' programs other than The Muppet Show. She has shown a preference for Baby Einstein programs. She has started trying to make many different animal noises... elephant being the best because she just yells. She loves the episodes that just play music too.
She even pointed at my iPod the other day and indicated she wanted music playing. She loves music.
This week, I also had an interview with a parenting magazine that is distributed to all public schools in the HRM. I was referred by a friend who told her how she was impressed by our journey and the fact that we are younger than most couples going through adoption. It was a flattering reference and I enjoyed the experience. I had nerves going into it because I write much more smoother than I talk and I was afraid that I would babble. Actually, I am certain I DID babble! Thankfully, I get to read over her article for clarification before she submits it (hopefully for January's issue).
She has been showing frustration when we tell her 'no' (usually when it involves the FisherPrice apps) and it is hard not to laugh. It is also hard to understand why she keeps hitting the home key on they tablet and then screaming when the game disappeared... She is a smart kid! She HAS to know it is the result of her hitting the key. Hell, she understands body parts after 1 introduction and she understands about putting books back on the shelf before taking off new ones - most of the time. She is too funny. She also gets out the Mother Goose book more than the rest and will back up until she is able to sit in one of our laps. She then flips directly to the Pat-a-Cake page and insists I sing it and make her arms do the 'roll it' action.
She is laughing and talking to herself all the time. She clearly works with a purpose in her mind. She is trying to mimic our words. She shows preference for certain books. She hates being told to wait. She wants her chin and neck tickled. She wants her forehead banged with - anything! She has shown a complete preference for my Rainbow Brite Christmas Ornament. She looks reverently at the Christmas tree and listens when we say gentle. She still LOVES the cat and dog and any cat and dog pictures or videos. She tries to plant a smacking kiss on many, many different things hahaha.
I love her.
We went back to our family doctor this week for flu and meningitis vaccinations and he, and his office assistant, both commented that she was much more interactive now. Then he pulled out the needles... as soon as she saw them she started crying. Poor baby! She recovered a lot quicker this time though - a bit more meat on her bones makes a difference.
She has also been showing a love for electronic games. Sigh. HAHAHAHA. She has these FisherPrice apps on Mike's phone and on the tablet and she wants those as much as possible. She even drools when she "plays" these. By play, I mean she taps the screen until it changes while making a noise from the back of her throat...
She is also starting to 'watch' programs other than The Muppet Show. She has shown a preference for Baby Einstein programs. She has started trying to make many different animal noises... elephant being the best because she just yells. She loves the episodes that just play music too.
She even pointed at my iPod the other day and indicated she wanted music playing. She loves music.
This week, I also had an interview with a parenting magazine that is distributed to all public schools in the HRM. I was referred by a friend who told her how she was impressed by our journey and the fact that we are younger than most couples going through adoption. It was a flattering reference and I enjoyed the experience. I had nerves going into it because I write much more smoother than I talk and I was afraid that I would babble. Actually, I am certain I DID babble! Thankfully, I get to read over her article for clarification before she submits it (hopefully for January's issue).
She has been showing frustration when we tell her 'no' (usually when it involves the FisherPrice apps) and it is hard not to laugh. It is also hard to understand why she keeps hitting the home key on they tablet and then screaming when the game disappeared... She is a smart kid! She HAS to know it is the result of her hitting the key. Hell, she understands body parts after 1 introduction and she understands about putting books back on the shelf before taking off new ones - most of the time. She is too funny. She also gets out the Mother Goose book more than the rest and will back up until she is able to sit in one of our laps. She then flips directly to the Pat-a-Cake page and insists I sing it and make her arms do the 'roll it' action.
She is laughing and talking to herself all the time. She clearly works with a purpose in her mind. She is trying to mimic our words. She shows preference for certain books. She hates being told to wait. She wants her chin and neck tickled. She wants her forehead banged with - anything! She has shown a complete preference for my Rainbow Brite Christmas Ornament. She looks reverently at the Christmas tree and listens when we say gentle. She still LOVES the cat and dog and any cat and dog pictures or videos. She tries to plant a smacking kiss on many, many different things hahaha.
I love her.
Here she is looking a little sad and bruised after a few days of healing. Those eyes and cheeks! Guh!
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Have To Say It
My kid is SO freaking cute!
Got home from play rehearsal and went into her room before going to bed, as I always do to ensure she hasn't pooped, and she was sleeping, as she often does, with her bum pointed up in the air. I wanted to squeal and pinch her but she was asleep so I had to refrain myself. Have to saying though... she is just SO freaking cute!!!
Got home from play rehearsal and went into her room before going to bed, as I always do to ensure she hasn't pooped, and she was sleeping, as she often does, with her bum pointed up in the air. I wanted to squeal and pinch her but she was asleep so I had to refrain myself. Have to saying though... she is just SO freaking cute!!!
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Eyes and Hair
This week started with the visit to the eye doctor again. We had to use the dilating drops and I had put one in my eye the night before to see how much they 'sting,' (as the pharmacist informed me they would). They sting a bit but they didn't seem to bother her. As I have previously stated, she likes water being pored on her face. The first round of drops went in with ease. We held her down and held open each eye and dropped in one drop. The second round, five minutes later, had her crying and I think it was because of us forcing her eyes open. Once the drops were in, she was fine. Even when I knew the drops must have made her vision blurry, she was playing happily with her train. She wore her sunglasses in the car the whole time and was a star at the clinic. The doctor said Dania's eyes are much better than he had thought! No glasses needed... I admit, I am a little sad about that. She would have been so cute with glasses. We have to go back in six months just to ensure her muscles continue to develop appropriately.
I also had my hairdresser take a look at her hair. It is growing in top-heavy and I wanted to know if it was worth it to shape it and if that would bring out the curls more. After she was cooed over by a lot of the ladies at the salon, my hairdresser said she would definitely bring her in to shape it in a few more weeks. She was taken by how long and thick the hair from the top of her head is compared to the rest.
We also had her permanent resident card photograph rejected so we had to take that again. I did it at the shoppers myself so I know it is the correct size. The one we sent before was the one from Russia and her face was a centimeter too big. We will mail this back tomorrow and THEN we should get her card! Finally!
I also have to relate the tale from Sunday night prebedtime... We were at our friends' place for boardgames and I had been saying she is a different kid now since Ontario. Much more playful. As soon as the bath was done and they two little ones were in their jammies, Dania began spinning and acting silly. Well, this was new for E and he seemed to like it. He climbed up onto the couch and I had to help Dani up and then E started mimicking her! Well, this was the most hilarious thing ever to her! She was squealing and giggling and doing different things for him to copy. Erik seemed to like all of this too and even laughed himself right off the couch! I cannot explain how much it warms my heart to see Dania play this way. She was always so quiet and self-sustaining in her actions, as we noted at the orphanage, but now she enjoys interacting with other kids with imagination and delight! I LOVE it!
I also had my hairdresser take a look at her hair. It is growing in top-heavy and I wanted to know if it was worth it to shape it and if that would bring out the curls more. After she was cooed over by a lot of the ladies at the salon, my hairdresser said she would definitely bring her in to shape it in a few more weeks. She was taken by how long and thick the hair from the top of her head is compared to the rest.
We also had her permanent resident card photograph rejected so we had to take that again. I did it at the shoppers myself so I know it is the correct size. The one we sent before was the one from Russia and her face was a centimeter too big. We will mail this back tomorrow and THEN we should get her card! Finally!
I also have to relate the tale from Sunday night prebedtime... We were at our friends' place for boardgames and I had been saying she is a different kid now since Ontario. Much more playful. As soon as the bath was done and they two little ones were in their jammies, Dania began spinning and acting silly. Well, this was new for E and he seemed to like it. He climbed up onto the couch and I had to help Dani up and then E started mimicking her! Well, this was the most hilarious thing ever to her! She was squealing and giggling and doing different things for him to copy. Erik seemed to like all of this too and even laughed himself right off the couch! I cannot explain how much it warms my heart to see Dania play this way. She was always so quiet and self-sustaining in her actions, as we noted at the orphanage, but now she enjoys interacting with other kids with imagination and delight! I LOVE it!
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Ontario Trip
We were a little apprehensive about the plane ride since the last one was such a trial... but she was perfect! What a peach that charmed everyone and now waves 'hi' and 'bye' almost all of the time (we practiced with people coming on and off the plane. When we landed in Ontario she was clingy towards me... she had never been like that. I think she was nervous about the change in environment and wanted to make sure I was not going anywhere - melt my heart! She is completely attached to us and that is the evidence right there. By the next morning, though, I think she had remembered Aunt Kitty and Uncle Fil (they were the most recent visitors), it took her a bit longer with gramma and grampa. Just like we did when she first came here, we took it easy with introduction and tried not to do more than one face a day. There were two parties though, and at those she was a complete charmer again.
The first party was my cousin J's wedding. She was quiet at first and then discovered the wall of mirrors! She walked around with my cousin C's kids and they watched over her and Dania was great. She didn't get a full length nap that afternoon so she was a little cranky at the restaurant after the ceremony but, all in all, the day was a success! And she looked darn cute too!
We went to the aquarium in Toronto too. AMAZING! It opened the day we arrived in Ontario so it was still VERY new and just a stellar place to visit! She loved it too. She likes water so we had a feeling she would the view. She liked when the sharks swam over top of her. She was a little hesitant about the glass floors, clearly they were confusing her because they were see through but she wasn't falling in... It was enjoyable for us to watch her mind work.
On this trip she developed so many new habits. She now goes crazy before bed every night. It was a once in a while event before, but now she loooves to make herself dizzy and run around from person to person. She also is more melodic with her talking. She still isn't saying words but she sounds more like she is having a conversation for sure! She also is a lot more approachable to people. She always was easy going with new faces, thanks to the orphanage, but she is a lot more immediately interactive. She still initial breaks the ice by pointing out her eye, but a visit with O and M had her nodding and waiting for them to mimic her. She nods, shrugs, tilts her head in a creepy-twins-from-The-Shining manner, head rolls, and will all out laugh now! She has somersaulted on her own, likes to be startled, and play peek-a-boo!
Dania met and had dinner with her 4 great-grandparents that live in Brantford. Papa Jim was waiting when the elevator doors opened and yelled down the hall to Nana, "told you I was going to meet her first!" It was wonderful. He also declared he was going to hold her first and kind of sent Nana to get her something so he could sit in the chair with Dania! At her other great-grandparents' it was cute to see Dania sit in the same little rocking chair that I remember sitting in when I was little, as did my mum and gramma! Perfect!
To end the whole visit with a bang we had a meet and greet planned and the entire world came to visit! She looked amazing again... in a unicorn dress, no less! I loved unicorns as a kid so I HAD to buy this dress when I saw it!
The first party was my cousin J's wedding. She was quiet at first and then discovered the wall of mirrors! She walked around with my cousin C's kids and they watched over her and Dania was great. She didn't get a full length nap that afternoon so she was a little cranky at the restaurant after the ceremony but, all in all, the day was a success! And she looked darn cute too!
We went to the aquarium in Toronto too. AMAZING! It opened the day we arrived in Ontario so it was still VERY new and just a stellar place to visit! She loved it too. She likes water so we had a feeling she would the view. She liked when the sharks swam over top of her. She was a little hesitant about the glass floors, clearly they were confusing her because they were see through but she wasn't falling in... It was enjoyable for us to watch her mind work.
Dania met and had dinner with her 4 great-grandparents that live in Brantford. Papa Jim was waiting when the elevator doors opened and yelled down the hall to Nana, "told you I was going to meet her first!" It was wonderful. He also declared he was going to hold her first and kind of sent Nana to get her something so he could sit in the chair with Dania! At her other great-grandparents' it was cute to see Dania sit in the same little rocking chair that I remember sitting in when I was little, as did my mum and gramma! Perfect!
To end the whole visit with a bang we had a meet and greet planned and the entire world came to visit! She looked amazing again... in a unicorn dress, no less! I loved unicorns as a kid so I HAD to buy this dress when I saw it!
Even with 55 people in the room, Dania was not shy! She actually reached from person to person and went looking for the food she liked best (pretzels) and would let herself be picked up to converse with all of the strangers. I keep saying it, but it means the world to me how many friends and family came to see Dania and the generosity from everyone! It was an amazing evening and hear and see Dania giggle and laugh so much now made all the pre-trip apprehensions worth it!
We are back to reality now and will be starting with the doctors again on Monday! Phew! What an adventure. And the plane ride back? It was great. She was the best behaved kid on the plane, so much so that she actually started mimicking one other girl who was crying - it sounded like she was making fun of her! Eeesh. Had to try and stop that! She didn't get to nap and was cranky and out of sorts when she went down to bed but she was just fine after a good sleep-in!
I have also just noticed that a lot of her 3-6 month clothes don't fit now! Yeah!!!! She's growing! I love this kid! She makes me laugh soooo much!
Monday, October 28, 2013
Thank You, En Masse!
Ummm, seriously might have cried myself to sleep last night over the immense display of interest and love from long time friends and family! Wow!
More details will be added in later, upon return home, but while it is all fresh in my mind...
-Thank you great grandparents x 4 for letting us come visit you so you didn't need endure the wondrous cacophony that was last night!
-Thank you Heather, Amy, Olive, Steph, Jack, Lucy for allowing us to visit you a few days prior.
- thank you Mum and Katie, for being astounding hosts and organizers
- and in order of appearance( give or take)...Dad -aunt Carly -Larbi - Dean, Cherie, Laura -Kelly, Chris, Grady -Robyn -Natasha, Ryan, Christina, -Chaundra, Abby, Sidney -Bob, Jeannie, -Fil (& your folks via you!) -Tall Maureen (and Beau and Ben via your sentiments!) -Heather, Matt, Cameron, Heather, Kenner -Maureen (& John), Laura, Patrick, Danielle, -Courtney, Scott, Brayden, -Lacey, Cam, Cadence, Kendall, -Tom, Brenda, C.J. -Clayton, Sam, Nathan(and your sick Grandma who is my mum's best friend and therefore on you side!) -Julie, Stephane (I know I spelled your last name wrong on your wedding photo file, I'm soooo sorry!) -Jenn Feijo Action News at 7, -Ashley, Dave, Alex, Josh, -Ashley (you're always Stinx to me), Jay, Kate (who had the line of the night with "they are all horrible people" in regards to those who were giving my dad green ju-jubes!)!
-Then, the visits that came outside of 'visiting hours:' Kees (& Amy, Keegan, your mum and Will via you!) -Kim (a complete pleasure to finally get to know you!), -Oliver and Megan (the first people she didn't hesitate the slightest with when asking you to knock on her skull) -Cindy, Sadie, Reid (who drove the furthest for the shortest and sweetest visit! Y'all have pen pals for life!)
Seriously, I'm wanting to cry writing this list... heck, I AM crying! It has been two months since she has 'landed' and y'all were lining up to meet her. I am so thankful for your kindness, generosity, PATIENCE, and, above all else, love! I am sorry if I fail to send a thank you card between now and Christmas cards... but forgive me please!!!! I did take time to open and appreciate all kind words and thoughts and I am saving every single slip of paper that relates to Dania so that she will KNOW just how excited everyone was to meet her!
This kid has changed my future but all of you (ALL those who have hoped, prayed, encouraged, loved, and gave previous to this too!) have built my past and it is a story I hope to share with anyone who will listen! Seriously... It has been an incredible reception leading up to last week and to now be able to add this away-from-home reception too... counting my innumerable stars!
"Wow" is the only adjective that I can use to accurately describe the present...
More details will be added in later, upon return home, but while it is all fresh in my mind...
-Thank you great grandparents x 4 for letting us come visit you so you didn't need endure the wondrous cacophony that was last night!
-Thank you Heather, Amy, Olive, Steph, Jack, Lucy for allowing us to visit you a few days prior.
- thank you Mum and Katie, for being astounding hosts and organizers
- and in order of appearance( give or take)...Dad -aunt Carly -Larbi - Dean, Cherie, Laura -Kelly, Chris, Grady -Robyn -Natasha, Ryan, Christina, -Chaundra, Abby, Sidney -Bob, Jeannie, -Fil (& your folks via you!) -Tall Maureen (and Beau and Ben via your sentiments!) -Heather, Matt, Cameron, Heather, Kenner -Maureen (& John), Laura, Patrick, Danielle, -Courtney, Scott, Brayden, -Lacey, Cam, Cadence, Kendall, -Tom, Brenda, C.J. -Clayton, Sam, Nathan(and your sick Grandma who is my mum's best friend and therefore on you side!) -Julie, Stephane (I know I spelled your last name wrong on your wedding photo file, I'm soooo sorry!) -Jenn Feijo Action News at 7, -Ashley, Dave, Alex, Josh, -Ashley (you're always Stinx to me), Jay, Kate (who had the line of the night with "they are all horrible people" in regards to those who were giving my dad green ju-jubes!)!
-Then, the visits that came outside of 'visiting hours:' Kees (& Amy, Keegan, your mum and Will via you!) -Kim (a complete pleasure to finally get to know you!), -Oliver and Megan (the first people she didn't hesitate the slightest with when asking you to knock on her skull) -Cindy, Sadie, Reid (who drove the furthest for the shortest and sweetest visit! Y'all have pen pals for life!)
Seriously, I'm wanting to cry writing this list... heck, I AM crying! It has been two months since she has 'landed' and y'all were lining up to meet her. I am so thankful for your kindness, generosity, PATIENCE, and, above all else, love! I am sorry if I fail to send a thank you card between now and Christmas cards... but forgive me please!!!! I did take time to open and appreciate all kind words and thoughts and I am saving every single slip of paper that relates to Dania so that she will KNOW just how excited everyone was to meet her!
This kid has changed my future but all of you (ALL those who have hoped, prayed, encouraged, loved, and gave previous to this too!) have built my past and it is a story I hope to share with anyone who will listen! Seriously... It has been an incredible reception leading up to last week and to now be able to add this away-from-home reception too... counting my innumerable stars!
"Wow" is the only adjective that I can use to accurately describe the present...
Monday, October 14, 2013
Busy Week for Dania
This week started with a visit from the social worker. She was a total doll for D! She came in the morning and stayed for almost 2 hours. She probably didn't need to stay that long but she was obviously happy for us and I was excited for D to meet Dania. She actually said that she could sit there all morning and just watch me and Dania play because we there was such positive and happy energy from us all!
She took notes and asked a lot of the standard questions about what the leave situation is like, how much is our monthly income, what's our schedule like. Then she kept asking about Dania and, well, I just couldn't stop talking! She asked about her likes and dislikes, habits, how she has changed, what medical plans we have, how she reacts to people and surroundings and the animals. It felt great to keep relaying how awesome this kid is! Really! It may all hit the fan when she decides to rebel because "you're not my real mom" but for the time being, this kid is wonderful!
The next day we had an ophthalmologist appointment. This older gentleman took one quick peak in her eyes with the lighted scope and said, "yes, she is near-sighted." I asked how he could tell and he replied, "you see that plaque in the hall that says I've been doing this for 36 years? That's how." Oh my! How we all laughed! I liked him instantly. He also kept proclaiming how cute Dania is. He held a few items in his hand at different distances and then tried to get her to look at a lighted cartoon dog across the room and she definitely didn't focus on it. He wants us to come back on Nov. 4th and do a more extensive test with the dilating drops just to make sure there isn't anything more going on. I think she will be so adorable with glasses and was a little disappointed that we didn't get to try glasses on right away!
Thursday we had the pediatrician visit. This lady said she used to see all of the international orphans at one time because GPs tend to be weary about drawing some conclusions for these children and would feel more comfortable with an expert. She told us this after she asked us what concerns we had and I said I didn't have any! She also said that she is the pediatrician at the IWK (children's hospital) in the Ear, Nose, Throat clinic and was shocked we had not been contacted by them for an appointment yet. She said that a cleft like hers would normally be treated after two years old (one year if she was born here) because the tissue heals better when it is older. She asked us to call her on Wednesday and she will check on Thursday about Dania's appointment. Jackpot! Dr. S said she was going to keep Dania's file open but that she did not have any concerns. Dania was extremely well-behaved, even gave a fecal sample almost on cue. She wanted us to come back at 2 years just so she can keep tracking her measurements. Dania has gained a pound since the GP visit (18.5 by official scales) and she is proportionate. There was one oddity, her head circumference went down from 1 year to now... Dr. S seems to think this is not accurate but we will double check progress at her 2 year appointment. The female growth spectrum chart had Dania in the bottom for everything so she will probably always be petite, but, again, no concerns. She even settled my concern that Dania wasn't drinking enough milk (she totally is) and Mike's concern that she doesn't eat enough (again, she totally is).
Then she had Thanksgiving dinner with all of Mike's side of the family! Uncle Jon is the favourite because he can lift her the highest! She loves being able to touch the ceiling. She also was given cheesecake again and went nuts. She was spinning around and being a super zombie. It was so funny! She wore a cute dress and was pretty well behaved. Starting getting a little cranky at the end of the night but that was expected. If she has a frisbee that she can push around on the ground or bang on hard floors she is a happy camper. She liked the turkey too - and cranberry sauch!
As for my personal observations from the week, she is starting to make different sounds, finally. She actually was trying to mimic 'hello' while we were playing peed-a-boo. She kind of sounded like a dove, it was so cute. She is also indicating specific pictures in books or more specific items (and less of just the general direction of 'over-there') and making a sound after as if she is saying what it is. She can indicate toes and knees, and tries shoulders but she cannot touch them without my help; she touches her armpits LOL. She is trying hard to jump and has gotten off the ground a few times - this stems from her want to dance and not the fact that she knows what jumping is. She sings aloud whenever I play Sarah Slean - it is instant. Most other musicians she will start by swaying and then, maybe, make a little coo here or there. She must love Sarah Slean as inherently as I do! She also lights up as soon as she hears the Muppet Show theme song!
We travel this week. I'm a little nervous about the plane because it could bring back memories and feelings from the looooong flight from Moscow. Although, if she is similar to how she was on the flight from Ufa to Moscow we will be fine! I know my family has gotten everything she could possibly need for when we visit so that is a huge relief and I feel lucky, again, to have such great family! I also went shopping with a friend, M, and he picked out the dress that Dania will wear for my cousin's wedding! She will be adorable!
She is almost always adorable!
Here is my favourite pic of the week:
-Still waiting for the permanent resident card.
-Printed the photos for our post placement report that we have to mail tomorrow. We also have to get the money order for that. D will mail her report directly from her social work business.
-Booked an appointment with speech pathologist next month.
-Need to phone Dr. S. to investigate Dania's ENT appointment.
Here we come Ontario!
xoxo
She took notes and asked a lot of the standard questions about what the leave situation is like, how much is our monthly income, what's our schedule like. Then she kept asking about Dania and, well, I just couldn't stop talking! She asked about her likes and dislikes, habits, how she has changed, what medical plans we have, how she reacts to people and surroundings and the animals. It felt great to keep relaying how awesome this kid is! Really! It may all hit the fan when she decides to rebel because "you're not my real mom" but for the time being, this kid is wonderful!
The next day we had an ophthalmologist appointment. This older gentleman took one quick peak in her eyes with the lighted scope and said, "yes, she is near-sighted." I asked how he could tell and he replied, "you see that plaque in the hall that says I've been doing this for 36 years? That's how." Oh my! How we all laughed! I liked him instantly. He also kept proclaiming how cute Dania is. He held a few items in his hand at different distances and then tried to get her to look at a lighted cartoon dog across the room and she definitely didn't focus on it. He wants us to come back on Nov. 4th and do a more extensive test with the dilating drops just to make sure there isn't anything more going on. I think she will be so adorable with glasses and was a little disappointed that we didn't get to try glasses on right away!
Thursday we had the pediatrician visit. This lady said she used to see all of the international orphans at one time because GPs tend to be weary about drawing some conclusions for these children and would feel more comfortable with an expert. She told us this after she asked us what concerns we had and I said I didn't have any! She also said that she is the pediatrician at the IWK (children's hospital) in the Ear, Nose, Throat clinic and was shocked we had not been contacted by them for an appointment yet. She said that a cleft like hers would normally be treated after two years old (one year if she was born here) because the tissue heals better when it is older. She asked us to call her on Wednesday and she will check on Thursday about Dania's appointment. Jackpot! Dr. S said she was going to keep Dania's file open but that she did not have any concerns. Dania was extremely well-behaved, even gave a fecal sample almost on cue. She wanted us to come back at 2 years just so she can keep tracking her measurements. Dania has gained a pound since the GP visit (18.5 by official scales) and she is proportionate. There was one oddity, her head circumference went down from 1 year to now... Dr. S seems to think this is not accurate but we will double check progress at her 2 year appointment. The female growth spectrum chart had Dania in the bottom for everything so she will probably always be petite, but, again, no concerns. She even settled my concern that Dania wasn't drinking enough milk (she totally is) and Mike's concern that she doesn't eat enough (again, she totally is).
Then she had Thanksgiving dinner with all of Mike's side of the family! Uncle Jon is the favourite because he can lift her the highest! She loves being able to touch the ceiling. She also was given cheesecake again and went nuts. She was spinning around and being a super zombie. It was so funny! She wore a cute dress and was pretty well behaved. Starting getting a little cranky at the end of the night but that was expected. If she has a frisbee that she can push around on the ground or bang on hard floors she is a happy camper. She liked the turkey too - and cranberry sauch!
As for my personal observations from the week, she is starting to make different sounds, finally. She actually was trying to mimic 'hello' while we were playing peed-a-boo. She kind of sounded like a dove, it was so cute. She is also indicating specific pictures in books or more specific items (and less of just the general direction of 'over-there') and making a sound after as if she is saying what it is. She can indicate toes and knees, and tries shoulders but she cannot touch them without my help; she touches her armpits LOL. She is trying hard to jump and has gotten off the ground a few times - this stems from her want to dance and not the fact that she knows what jumping is. She sings aloud whenever I play Sarah Slean - it is instant. Most other musicians she will start by swaying and then, maybe, make a little coo here or there. She must love Sarah Slean as inherently as I do! She also lights up as soon as she hears the Muppet Show theme song!
We travel this week. I'm a little nervous about the plane because it could bring back memories and feelings from the looooong flight from Moscow. Although, if she is similar to how she was on the flight from Ufa to Moscow we will be fine! I know my family has gotten everything she could possibly need for when we visit so that is a huge relief and I feel lucky, again, to have such great family! I also went shopping with a friend, M, and he picked out the dress that Dania will wear for my cousin's wedding! She will be adorable!
She is almost always adorable!
Here is my favourite pic of the week:
-Printed the photos for our post placement report that we have to mail tomorrow. We also have to get the money order for that. D will mail her report directly from her social work business.
-Booked an appointment with speech pathologist next month.
-Need to phone Dr. S. to investigate Dania's ENT appointment.
Here we come Ontario!
xoxo
Monday, October 7, 2013
Week 7
Can you believe that is all it has been??? I'm soooo antsy for that permanent resident card!
Well, this is a big week coming up. We have our social worker 'play date,' (we've been calling it that because we both know that there aren't any issues and this added first report is unwarranted) tomorrow. We have the eye doctor on Tuesday and the pediatrician on Thursday. I'm hoping the pediatrician will have a better idea for a timeline for the ENT doctor since my GP said he really doesn't know or have a patient reference. He just sent the referral to the hospital at the same time he sent the pediatrician and eye doctor.
We've been putting sunglasses on her to try and get her used to wearing something. It will be interesting as I'm sure she will need glasses... Oh! My favourite is when I get her dizzy during our prebedtime dance parties and her one eye goes all wonky from being unable to focus! WoW! The first time I saw that I kind of had my heart jump into my throat! Hilarious now, though!
Ok, so this week we took her to the community pool to try her out and she loved it. I had a HUGE round of "oh, she's so small," in the women's locker room. Sigh. Just the beginning. I told them the quick version on her story and she pointed out her eyes and they all forgot how small she was. Beautiful. I suspect we will get a lot of that now that we are going out more with her. Just have to say that aunt Candy made her a monkey hat and it was almost too small so she's not THAT small! (Such a cute hat too! Dania could pull the ears when asking where her ears were!)
We also had our first round of strangers mentioning genetic looks too! LOL! We went to vote and she received a future voter sticker, which she was completely enthralled with, and just sat quietly and played in a chair off to the side with whomever wasn't in the booth, and the lady running our poll was so impressed with Dania's calmness. Then Dania started 'flirting' a little - her definition of flirting is to show you where her hair is and ask for a fist bump. The lady kept telling her how pretty she was and made comments about whose side the looks came from... we just smiled and laughed. As I buckled Dania into the car I conspiratorially stated how we were going to fool a lot of people in the future and it will be our joke to giggle at afterwards! I think that's the angle I'm going to go with for those situations where we don't bother explaining since it really doesn't matter to a 2-minute stranger.
We also went to our first party with her. This was a birthday party for our friends' daughter turning 3. Dania had met 3 of the kids that would be there and we dressed her up in a cute outfit (now that some of the bigger clothes are fitting!) and went over wondering how she would react since it was the first big crowd of little kids since the orphanage. Well, she spent the night trying to kiss the dogs (3 of them ranging in size from 6 pounds to 85 pounds), slowly circling the whole scene, and playing beside a kid who would sit still for a few minutes. I was soooo happy and, again, impressed with how well she did! She honestly did not seem upset in the least and also didn't seem like she was out to please anyone (a coping mechanism I'm on the look out for) and just had fun! She had no problem going to sleep after and also didn't shy away from people. She is so amazing. Yes, I'm biased, but I really have to wonder what's going through her head, and I know others think that too, but she is just so chill! She also expressed an affinity for the kid-sized foam chairs so we had to go get her one. I was looking up where to buy them and at one place they happened to be on sale so we just went for it and I am so excited for her to find it in the morning! She sat and bounced herself in it for a long time. I'm hoping she will sit with her books in it.
She is starting to point to thinks in her books now. She loves flipping pages and is pretty rough with the cardboard books but she will point to something specific and say, "ghka-ghka," and wait for me to say the name of the picture and then turn to another. Things like that make me antsy to get to the ENT doctor but I have to remember that she was losing her Russian and then gaining her English. A normal human, on average, wouldn't start the 'ga-ga-ing' at specific thing like she is saying what it is at 7 weeks. She really could still just be absorbing. She makes the L, M, K, G, H, sounds so it's just a matter of practice and exposure.
Ok, That's all for tonight... well, it's morning now, but we spent the Sunday night at our friends' playing board games and we put her down there and then do the sleep transfer after a few hours and I just HAD the need to blog right now! I wanted to get this stuff in before all of the appointments. This will be a big week for entries, I'm sure.
xoxo
Well, this is a big week coming up. We have our social worker 'play date,' (we've been calling it that because we both know that there aren't any issues and this added first report is unwarranted) tomorrow. We have the eye doctor on Tuesday and the pediatrician on Thursday. I'm hoping the pediatrician will have a better idea for a timeline for the ENT doctor since my GP said he really doesn't know or have a patient reference. He just sent the referral to the hospital at the same time he sent the pediatrician and eye doctor.
We've been putting sunglasses on her to try and get her used to wearing something. It will be interesting as I'm sure she will need glasses... Oh! My favourite is when I get her dizzy during our prebedtime dance parties and her one eye goes all wonky from being unable to focus! WoW! The first time I saw that I kind of had my heart jump into my throat! Hilarious now, though!
Ok, so this week we took her to the community pool to try her out and she loved it. I had a HUGE round of "oh, she's so small," in the women's locker room. Sigh. Just the beginning. I told them the quick version on her story and she pointed out her eyes and they all forgot how small she was. Beautiful. I suspect we will get a lot of that now that we are going out more with her. Just have to say that aunt Candy made her a monkey hat and it was almost too small so she's not THAT small! (Such a cute hat too! Dania could pull the ears when asking where her ears were!)
We also had our first round of strangers mentioning genetic looks too! LOL! We went to vote and she received a future voter sticker, which she was completely enthralled with, and just sat quietly and played in a chair off to the side with whomever wasn't in the booth, and the lady running our poll was so impressed with Dania's calmness. Then Dania started 'flirting' a little - her definition of flirting is to show you where her hair is and ask for a fist bump. The lady kept telling her how pretty she was and made comments about whose side the looks came from... we just smiled and laughed. As I buckled Dania into the car I conspiratorially stated how we were going to fool a lot of people in the future and it will be our joke to giggle at afterwards! I think that's the angle I'm going to go with for those situations where we don't bother explaining since it really doesn't matter to a 2-minute stranger.
We also went to our first party with her. This was a birthday party for our friends' daughter turning 3. Dania had met 3 of the kids that would be there and we dressed her up in a cute outfit (now that some of the bigger clothes are fitting!) and went over wondering how she would react since it was the first big crowd of little kids since the orphanage. Well, she spent the night trying to kiss the dogs (3 of them ranging in size from 6 pounds to 85 pounds), slowly circling the whole scene, and playing beside a kid who would sit still for a few minutes. I was soooo happy and, again, impressed with how well she did! She honestly did not seem upset in the least and also didn't seem like she was out to please anyone (a coping mechanism I'm on the look out for) and just had fun! She had no problem going to sleep after and also didn't shy away from people. She is so amazing. Yes, I'm biased, but I really have to wonder what's going through her head, and I know others think that too, but she is just so chill! She also expressed an affinity for the kid-sized foam chairs so we had to go get her one. I was looking up where to buy them and at one place they happened to be on sale so we just went for it and I am so excited for her to find it in the morning! She sat and bounced herself in it for a long time. I'm hoping she will sit with her books in it.
She is starting to point to thinks in her books now. She loves flipping pages and is pretty rough with the cardboard books but she will point to something specific and say, "ghka-ghka," and wait for me to say the name of the picture and then turn to another. Things like that make me antsy to get to the ENT doctor but I have to remember that she was losing her Russian and then gaining her English. A normal human, on average, wouldn't start the 'ga-ga-ing' at specific thing like she is saying what it is at 7 weeks. She really could still just be absorbing. She makes the L, M, K, G, H, sounds so it's just a matter of practice and exposure.
Ok, That's all for tonight... well, it's morning now, but we spent the Sunday night at our friends' playing board games and we put her down there and then do the sleep transfer after a few hours and I just HAD the need to blog right now! I wanted to get this stuff in before all of the appointments. This will be a big week for entries, I'm sure.
xoxo
Her new "uh-oh" face.
After swimming.
Daily walks with sunglasses now.
Being pulled around by Erik at the party.
Saturday, September 28, 2013
Just So Pleased
I'm sorry it has been so long since my last post. I promised to try a once per week update but I had another surprise Ontario visit, my sister and her husband, and that distracted me. Dania had soooo much fun with them here. She has a tricycle now, and a basketball net. She has tried beaver tails and cheesecake (which she went absolutely mental for!) and has toured the waterfront.
This kid just constantly impresses me with her adaptability and easygoing-ness (so not like me!) She takes the visitors with a grain of caution to start and then warms up, but doesn't seem like she is trying to please and is definitely still drawn to her mama and daddy over others. She is also starting to test us with the things we have said 'no' to her about. She will wait a day and then try to stick her hand between the dog and the dog food to see if she can get away with it today. The dog doesn't want anything to do with that, of course, so that is the one thing we hope she will learn to avoid before any of the other little things (pushing on the screen, pulling at the curtains in the living room) where we say 'no.'
She still LOVES food and wants to eat whatever we are eating (as pictured above) and it has paid off because she has gained over 2 pounds and is now able to wear the 12-month sized tights without them falling off! They are still quite loose but they stay up so that's what counts!
She walks around the block almost everyday now. She is happy with her one midday nap. She has speakers in her room so we can have pre-bed dance parties. She chases the cat's tail. She is learning new words almost daily (still not speaking any yet, but definitely can distinguish words we say).
We are waiting for the Ear, Nose, Throat doctor to call us back, but we have appointments with a pediatrician and an opthamologist in less than 2 weeks. I am most excited for the eye doctor because I think that will make a huge difference in her quality of life right now. She looses interest when things are too far for her to be focused on just one item, but for books or other close-up activities, she has to bend over and hold her face quite close. Plus, she will look adorable in glasses!
Still waiting for her permanent resident card to arrive in the mail so we can finish off the citizenship process. It won't be 8 weeks until October 16 so we still have lots of waiting time there. We also have our first post-placement social worker visit scheduled for a week from Monday. I am excited for D to meet Dania, she has been with us for almost as long as we have been working with Russia and she is excited to meet Dania!
That's the quick and dirty and wonderfulness of it all for right now. I am also laughing because I have noticed that Dania's mouth is wide open in every one of these photos! hahaha! What a kid!
We are waiting for the Ear, Nose, Throat doctor to call us back, but we have appointments with a pediatrician and an opthamologist in less than 2 weeks. I am most excited for the eye doctor because I think that will make a huge difference in her quality of life right now. She looses interest when things are too far for her to be focused on just one item, but for books or other close-up activities, she has to bend over and hold her face quite close. Plus, she will look adorable in glasses!
Still waiting for her permanent resident card to arrive in the mail so we can finish off the citizenship process. It won't be 8 weeks until October 16 so we still have lots of waiting time there. We also have our first post-placement social worker visit scheduled for a week from Monday. I am excited for D to meet Dania, she has been with us for almost as long as we have been working with Russia and she is excited to meet Dania!
Friday, September 13, 2013
Needles, and Grampa, and English, oh my!
What a week! We had our first major flashback or horror (at least, I think it was!). We went to the doctor on Monday to get our referrals for the pediatrician; ear, nose, and throat specialist; and ophthalmologist. She also was given her 18-month needles. She did not like that. She was as could be expected in the office and then off for the rest of the day. That night she would not sleep. She woke up screaming and would not stop. I picked her up and she couldn't even look at me and just kept screaming and thrashing her head and hands around. I had to hold her close to me and I rocked in the chair and sang for a loooong time. Nothing seemed to be working. I really think the needles brought back memories from her medical exams in Russia. It was so not her normal crying. Eventually, I had to put her back in the crib because she was getting so hot and sweaty. I rubbed her hair and kept singing and she kept screaming. Then, she turned her head and looked at me, actually looked at me, and poked her fist up at me for a fist bump. There was my girl! She was still upset but calmed down after that! Phew!
My dad came to visit on a whim too! That was great for me to watch him watch her. He looks at her like she is a scientist. She is very inquisitive and observational and takes it all in and then does it! I felt bad he had to see her out-of-sorts because of the needles, but she was her giggly self once her legs didn't hurt her anymore! Dad now knows the train songs and her circuit of the main floor here. He saw her in the tub, pretty much swimming, and we pushed her up and down the driveway in her car (a purple Flintstone-style car that her legs are too short to work). Dad got to see her learning her new game. 3-2-1-Kaboom! All I do is count down from 3, say kaboom and she squeels and falls on her butt. Over and over again. It made me realize she is recognizing my words better.
We started to teach her some body part words. Hair, nose, eye, teeth, neck, ear. She knows these ones. She also "says" (more like hummmms) them with the same inflection that I do. She is so freaking smart! Everything we were told by our Russian training said she shouldn't have lost her Russian yet but she is already recognizing and trying to speak the English! She listens (sometimes) when we say 'no,' like, when she unrolled the toilet paper; she hasn't tried again.
Speaking of being told by the Russians, guidelines and rules have changed yet again! We now have to submit a 3 month post-placement report before the formerly initial 6 month one. I shake my head but we will do it because we have to. It just means paying for an extra set of document translation and certifications, postage, and the social worker visit. If this money actually went to Russia I would say it was a cash-grab, but it does not.
Lighter notes: Other things I've noticed this week are, she still likes her moon. She says 'ha-ka' for anything she wants. She is faster coming down the stairs. Her hair has gotten darker and curlier. She is getting bolder with the dog and approaches both pets a lot more. She enjoys laying in the tub water now; relaxing with her ears under the surface. She is bigger but she looks a lot bigger because we were handed-down a bunch of clothes that don't fall off her shoulders or need to be pinned. She is getting quicker at talking to new people. She can work her talking Russian dog by herself - and has totally worn out the mechanism inside as it now plays 1 and a half phrases out of the 6 or 7 it initially spoke! She can walk 3/4 of the way around the block. She motions to be picked up in the kitchen so she can 'ha-ka' the arrowroots we keep on the counter... clever girl.
Jeans that fit and a sticker from the doctor.
My dad came to visit on a whim too! That was great for me to watch him watch her. He looks at her like she is a scientist. She is very inquisitive and observational and takes it all in and then does it! I felt bad he had to see her out-of-sorts because of the needles, but she was her giggly self once her legs didn't hurt her anymore! Dad now knows the train songs and her circuit of the main floor here. He saw her in the tub, pretty much swimming, and we pushed her up and down the driveway in her car (a purple Flintstone-style car that her legs are too short to work). Dad got to see her learning her new game. 3-2-1-Kaboom! All I do is count down from 3, say kaboom and she squeels and falls on her butt. Over and over again. It made me realize she is recognizing my words better.
We started to teach her some body part words. Hair, nose, eye, teeth, neck, ear. She knows these ones. She also "says" (more like hummmms) them with the same inflection that I do. She is so freaking smart! Everything we were told by our Russian training said she shouldn't have lost her Russian yet but she is already recognizing and trying to speak the English! She listens (sometimes) when we say 'no,' like, when she unrolled the toilet paper; she hasn't tried again.
Speaking of being told by the Russians, guidelines and rules have changed yet again! We now have to submit a 3 month post-placement report before the formerly initial 6 month one. I shake my head but we will do it because we have to. It just means paying for an extra set of document translation and certifications, postage, and the social worker visit. If this money actually went to Russia I would say it was a cash-grab, but it does not.
Lighter notes: Other things I've noticed this week are, she still likes her moon. She says 'ha-ka' for anything she wants. She is faster coming down the stairs. Her hair has gotten darker and curlier. She is getting bolder with the dog and approaches both pets a lot more. She enjoys laying in the tub water now; relaxing with her ears under the surface. She is bigger but she looks a lot bigger because we were handed-down a bunch of clothes that don't fall off her shoulders or need to be pinned. She is getting quicker at talking to new people. She can work her talking Russian dog by herself - and has totally worn out the mechanism inside as it now plays 1 and a half phrases out of the 6 or 7 it initially spoke! She can walk 3/4 of the way around the block. She motions to be picked up in the kitchen so she can 'ha-ka' the arrowroots we keep on the counter... clever girl.
Sunday, September 8, 2013
One Month as a Mama!
It has been one month since we became Dania's full-time parents! The first week is still dream-like as it was in Moscow, but it has been that long already! She is sitting beside me looking through a book right now-something she wouldn't have done 30 days ago.
This past week has been the week of wonderful homemade gifts! Thank you everyone for everything but I do love a good homemade gift since it's usually something one of a kind. She has also been to a few different houses now and was wonderfully well behaved and not over excited when leaving. One of those houses was Mike's parents' place and there was another dog there, Finn, and she was trying to kiss him like she kisses Leia, even though Finn was much more enthusiastic to return the kisses and would have continually knocked her to the ground if we hadn`t been there. LOL! She sure loves dogs!
She also loves the moon light in her room. I put that in just to make a `night`corner and so that she would never be completely in the dark - it`s a sensor light that turns on as soon as it`s dark. She looks to the light whenever we are putting her down in the crib, wants to see it turn on. Then, in the morning, when we come in to get her and walk over to the window, she looks to the moon to watch it turn off. I love it!
I think the weather has finally turned here too and the lake time is done. We got in one more awesome day (but you never know with the weather here)...
She is starting to gesture for items that she wants and she`s baby talking more. I am anxious to hear her first English word - I don`t count Mama because that`s the same in Russian!
This past week has been the week of wonderful homemade gifts! Thank you everyone for everything but I do love a good homemade gift since it's usually something one of a kind. She has also been to a few different houses now and was wonderfully well behaved and not over excited when leaving. One of those houses was Mike's parents' place and there was another dog there, Finn, and she was trying to kiss him like she kisses Leia, even though Finn was much more enthusiastic to return the kisses and would have continually knocked her to the ground if we hadn`t been there. LOL! She sure loves dogs!
I think the weather has finally turned here too and the lake time is done. We got in one more awesome day (but you never know with the weather here)...
She is starting to gesture for items that she wants and she`s baby talking more. I am anxious to hear her first English word - I don`t count Mama because that`s the same in Russian!
She also has funny eating habits that she has picked up from us. When she is taking a mouthful of food she makes a Homer Simpson-esque biting noise. That was what we did to make her want to eat... kind of like the airplane for the Simpson generation. And when she has the food in her mouth she always makes the noise, ``mmmMMMMmmm`` in a very sing-song voice. I was doing that while we introduced new food because I didn`t want her to reject different textures and tastes before she got a chance to actually taste it. I would make that noise and she would, and by the time she said mmMMMmmm she had tasted the food and was usually ok with it! Now, at a friend`s house, she tried a sugar cookie and made her noise and the `chef`though it was funny! Then she started screaming and reaching for the cookie jar! Her first `LOVE`for food is sugar cookies! LOL!
She is also recognizing a few words. She knows `bath¸` for sure, and I think she knows `come here`and `Leia`and `hair`. She loves Pat-a-cake and other rhythmic songs too. She loves the Muppet Show!
This seems to be a random blog post... no exact point and no train of thought to flow from topic to topic. It`s kind of the way the day goes with her! LOL!
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Friday, August 30, 2013
I will Keep Blogging...
...just not as frequently! I promise though! I like doing this for me too, it gives me a chance to regroup thoughts and vent any bureaucratic frustrations I may be having, although, hopefully, those should be few and far between now!
On Tuesday, I emailed CHOC digital copies of all of our documentation and that 'closed' our file - other than the post placement reports that will come over the next 3 years. I also emailed them to our provincial government and the international adoption lady said she would love to speak with me and hear my story. I also told her we would love to be part of any panels and be references for anyone that is working with Russia.
Speaking of reference, someone found the blog because of searching for the specific orphanage. It fills me with joy to think I could help future people looking to travel to this region! yeah!
We also took Dania to my family doctor this week. She needed to be assessed and have the required testing done here in order to be referred to the oral surgeon, a pediatrician, and an ophthalmologist. My GP was quite impressed with the medical history we were able to provide - all of her tests, vaccinations, dates of treatments, supplements or medications she has been given. It took me several hours to translate that myself... I had written it all down but I thought it would look better if it was formatted to match the Russian document that was notarized. He loved her and thought she was doing quite well! We then went to get her chest x-ray and blood work and she was really good during all of that too! She, or course, cried at the needle but she calmed down as soon as it was done and we started moving around. I think she was more annoyed that she couldn't move her arms as opposed to in pain from the needle. She likes to touch things!
She also had an out of sorts day on Tuesday, but I think that was because my mum had left the eve before so it was a change in her routine. She was used to seeing Gramma when she ate and played and all of a sudden she was gone. She was better the next day. Let me tell you, this transition to Canada could not have been done without my mum! Not only did she become a laundry machine, but Mike and I were both sick after we landed and all three of us were messed up with the time changes! She was wonderful! If I had given birth I would have wanted her here so I couldn't imagine having it any other way when I got to bring Dania home!
Things are becoming routine-ish for us. I say ish because nothing is ever set in stone with kids. Mike and I each have our own outside-of-the-house activity, dodgeball for Mike and the pantomime for me, and we are working really well together. She is beginning to display frustration when we limit her actions or say 'no' to going somewhere or touching something she shouldn't. Perfect! We first had to teach her that she could try to do things on her own and go places on her own, so she has learned that, now she has to learn boundaries! She IS a fast learner. Clever girl...
singing 'la la la' in the mirror
the had I crocheted for her.
enjoying some 18 month birthday cake!
I don't plan to celebrate all of her monthly birthdays, but we didn't get to do her first with her so forgive us for letting her eat the chocolate cake! hahaha!
On Tuesday, I emailed CHOC digital copies of all of our documentation and that 'closed' our file - other than the post placement reports that will come over the next 3 years. I also emailed them to our provincial government and the international adoption lady said she would love to speak with me and hear my story. I also told her we would love to be part of any panels and be references for anyone that is working with Russia.
Speaking of reference, someone found the blog because of searching for the specific orphanage. It fills me with joy to think I could help future people looking to travel to this region! yeah!
We also took Dania to my family doctor this week. She needed to be assessed and have the required testing done here in order to be referred to the oral surgeon, a pediatrician, and an ophthalmologist. My GP was quite impressed with the medical history we were able to provide - all of her tests, vaccinations, dates of treatments, supplements or medications she has been given. It took me several hours to translate that myself... I had written it all down but I thought it would look better if it was formatted to match the Russian document that was notarized. He loved her and thought she was doing quite well! We then went to get her chest x-ray and blood work and she was really good during all of that too! She, or course, cried at the needle but she calmed down as soon as it was done and we started moving around. I think she was more annoyed that she couldn't move her arms as opposed to in pain from the needle. She likes to touch things!
She also had an out of sorts day on Tuesday, but I think that was because my mum had left the eve before so it was a change in her routine. She was used to seeing Gramma when she ate and played and all of a sudden she was gone. She was better the next day. Let me tell you, this transition to Canada could not have been done without my mum! Not only did she become a laundry machine, but Mike and I were both sick after we landed and all three of us were messed up with the time changes! She was wonderful! If I had given birth I would have wanted her here so I couldn't imagine having it any other way when I got to bring Dania home!
Things are becoming routine-ish for us. I say ish because nothing is ever set in stone with kids. Mike and I each have our own outside-of-the-house activity, dodgeball for Mike and the pantomime for me, and we are working really well together. She is beginning to display frustration when we limit her actions or say 'no' to going somewhere or touching something she shouldn't. Perfect! We first had to teach her that she could try to do things on her own and go places on her own, so she has learned that, now she has to learn boundaries! She IS a fast learner. Clever girl...
singing 'la la la' in the mirrorenjoying some 18 month birthday cake!Saturday, August 24, 2013
7 Nights and 7 Days
Well, it has been a whole week since landing in Canada. What a flipping great week!
After getting over the sickness, we have a rough routine that we follow. I say rough because she still will need more sleep sometimes. Her train is her favourite toy and she plays with that nonstop. She likes to 'dance' to the music it plays. She also has been meeting new people, experiences, food each day and taking it all in good stride. She has only one 'big' new event each day, or every other day, and she has been enjoying it. Sometimes, she takes it all quietly and just watches, but other times she will just walk right up to the person and babble.
After visiting our neighbours' kiddy pool I realized she must miss little kids. She crawled right over to J, our neighbours' little guy, and started interacting. She also watched our other friends' little guy when he came over and rode her train all over the place. The next day she started getting on it on her own and can almost maneuver it around - her legs are just a tiny bit too short. She does seem to be overwhelmed a little when parting from the kids, but she is such a remarkable kid that she continues to impress me with her resilience and acceptance.
She keeps trying new food and simply spits out what she doesn't like or what she cannot chew properly. She likes steak, oatmeal, yogurt, and soups. She does try to eat a lot with her hands now, which is so great, but she also needs to learn to put her cup down after she drinks instead of pitching it over the side! hahaha!
I crocheted her a little hat that is similar to the ones she wore in the baby home, and it's so cute. That's my one self-promote thing this entry!
I made her a photo-book about her journey to us. Only her part as opposed to the many years before her. This will go in a box I am compiling of her experience. A memory box to show we appreciate her beginnings to us. I will also put copies of what is not 'confidential' documentation. We had to copy all of the documents we brought home, the certificates, the court decree, the application for adoption...everything, and will send it to CHOC next week to close our file!!! CLOSED! Other than post-placement reports (at 6 months, 1 year, 2 and 3 years), we do not have to deal with the agency anymore. That seems crazy!
We also applied for her provincial health care card. We can do that because we have declared her a permanent resident as of right now. She will receive her permanent resident card in a few weeks and we will be able to apply for the actual card as opposed to just the number and papers that we have now. When we receive that card I will also start the next steps in the immigration process. I am going to call them (now that I have a file number and can get through!) to clarify if I need to resend the forms we already filled out because we didn't have any specific information for her at that time and she was just Child Miklos Bathurst. I hope not because it's just more chances for it to be mailed back for silly reasons like no signature from my 18-month-old.
18 months old! Tomorrow! That's how old she is! WOW! She has probably had more firsts in the last week than she has had in her previous 17 months! We love her.
She has had one freakout, but we bathed her early and got that calmed down. Otherwise, a normal day has her waking up and breakfasting, then playing for about 3 hours before a nap. She will then wake up and have lunch and play. She might have an afternoon nap but she usually sups around 5:30 and then bathes around 6:30 and to bed around 7:30. Oh, there was the one night when neither Mike or I heard her cries! Mum stood in our bedroom door and asked us if we were going to get up or if we were just playing a game with each other to see who would get up first... we didn't hear her either. We both felt bad when we learned about that! Hasn't happened since, thank goodness! That was also the only time she woke up for real during the night. Thanks Mum!
Her baths are the best! She throws herself backwards (the first two days had her hitting her head on the tub bottom but she didn't care!) and then rolls over and sits up with water dripping all over her face and she LOVES it! She does this over and over and it is hilarious! I will get it on video soon. We also took her to the lake today and she liked that! I could tell she was a bit colder but she definitely liked it! She was squealing and she was trying to walk instead of throwing herself backwards. I am so glad she liked it because I love swimming and we have that perfect lake right close by!
That smile, when I first walk in in the morning, sets my mood for the day and it is fantastic!
After getting over the sickness, we have a rough routine that we follow. I say rough because she still will need more sleep sometimes. Her train is her favourite toy and she plays with that nonstop. She likes to 'dance' to the music it plays. She also has been meeting new people, experiences, food each day and taking it all in good stride. She has only one 'big' new event each day, or every other day, and she has been enjoying it. Sometimes, she takes it all quietly and just watches, but other times she will just walk right up to the person and babble.
After visiting our neighbours' kiddy pool I realized she must miss little kids. She crawled right over to J, our neighbours' little guy, and started interacting. She also watched our other friends' little guy when he came over and rode her train all over the place. The next day she started getting on it on her own and can almost maneuver it around - her legs are just a tiny bit too short. She does seem to be overwhelmed a little when parting from the kids, but she is such a remarkable kid that she continues to impress me with her resilience and acceptance.
She keeps trying new food and simply spits out what she doesn't like or what she cannot chew properly. She likes steak, oatmeal, yogurt, and soups. She does try to eat a lot with her hands now, which is so great, but she also needs to learn to put her cup down after she drinks instead of pitching it over the side! hahaha!
I crocheted her a little hat that is similar to the ones she wore in the baby home, and it's so cute. That's my one self-promote thing this entry!
I made her a photo-book about her journey to us. Only her part as opposed to the many years before her. This will go in a box I am compiling of her experience. A memory box to show we appreciate her beginnings to us. I will also put copies of what is not 'confidential' documentation. We had to copy all of the documents we brought home, the certificates, the court decree, the application for adoption...everything, and will send it to CHOC next week to close our file!!! CLOSED! Other than post-placement reports (at 6 months, 1 year, 2 and 3 years), we do not have to deal with the agency anymore. That seems crazy!
We also applied for her provincial health care card. We can do that because we have declared her a permanent resident as of right now. She will receive her permanent resident card in a few weeks and we will be able to apply for the actual card as opposed to just the number and papers that we have now. When we receive that card I will also start the next steps in the immigration process. I am going to call them (now that I have a file number and can get through!) to clarify if I need to resend the forms we already filled out because we didn't have any specific information for her at that time and she was just Child Miklos Bathurst. I hope not because it's just more chances for it to be mailed back for silly reasons like no signature from my 18-month-old.
18 months old! Tomorrow! That's how old she is! WOW! She has probably had more firsts in the last week than she has had in her previous 17 months! We love her.
She has had one freakout, but we bathed her early and got that calmed down. Otherwise, a normal day has her waking up and breakfasting, then playing for about 3 hours before a nap. She will then wake up and have lunch and play. She might have an afternoon nap but she usually sups around 5:30 and then bathes around 6:30 and to bed around 7:30. Oh, there was the one night when neither Mike or I heard her cries! Mum stood in our bedroom door and asked us if we were going to get up or if we were just playing a game with each other to see who would get up first... we didn't hear her either. We both felt bad when we learned about that! Hasn't happened since, thank goodness! That was also the only time she woke up for real during the night. Thanks Mum!
Her baths are the best! She throws herself backwards (the first two days had her hitting her head on the tub bottom but she didn't care!) and then rolls over and sits up with water dripping all over her face and she LOVES it! She does this over and over and it is hilarious! I will get it on video soon. We also took her to the lake today and she liked that! I could tell she was a bit colder but she definitely liked it! She was squealing and she was trying to walk instead of throwing herself backwards. I am so glad she liked it because I love swimming and we have that perfect lake right close by!
That smile, when I first walk in in the morning, sets my mood for the day and it is fantastic!
Saturday, August 17, 2013
For Impatient Sisters...
I only have one!!! She says I need to stop loafing around and blog already!
Laziness or jet lag... you tell HER after reading this.
I am still tired. guh. But oh, so, happy. I KNOW this was the right decision because to me it feels like she has been here always. I emphasize the knowing because I started to question this decision after the court hearing. Not because it was now final, but because the prosecutor asked if we would regret this decision because we were so young and could feel in five years that this high needs child would be a mistake. I had no doubts going into it but you can bet your sweet bottoms that I started to at that point.
Then, at the airport in Toronto, Dad says to me that he could tell I was a great mom for her already. Done with the questioning. After day one and how well she has fit here, done with the worrying (well, the worries about this being the right decision...)! It seriously feels to me that she has been here for her whole life so far. Other than her not understanding us and us not knowing so many little things about her likes and dislikes, because they are already established, we have slipped back into Canada with no hiccups.
We woke up around 5 am yesterday morning (Moscow time), traveled to the airport, went through passport control with no problems, and got on the plane. I never again want to do that long plane ride with a child who is so unfamiliar with change. She was so overstimulated and cranky and seriously did not sleep longer than 1 hour and 15 minutes, not in one stint, and I just felt so bad for how cranky and exhausted and upset she was getting on the plane. Her cries were easy to muffle so I didn't give a care about the surrounding people, and she's not large enough to hit the seat in front so that wasn't an issue either. We were all tired when we landed in Toronto.
I started crying as soon as the wheels hit the runway upon landing. I didn't expect too... thought I was too tired. But I looked at Dania and said 'you are home'. I looked at Mike and we were both grinning. Customs was a breeze, the immigration officer we had was so nice and excited for us, it was just a smooth procedure.
I was then excited to see the family! Yeah! Mum was there first and then Dad, and then my sister and cousin. It was great. Dania was tired but she was so watchful. As soon as we sat down she was all cute and flirty and kissing people and fist bumping and being her great self.
The same could have been said for Halifax if it hadn't been 7 hours later and she was Extremely exhausted. She did give them a few fist bumps and smiles, but she hit the car seat and fell asleep within ten minutes. She woke up and was excited to see the bathtub, and then was out like a light as soon as she was lowered into the crib. She didn't even move and she is normally traveling all over the crib while she sleeps! She slept 8 hours still and didn't have a massive freakout when she woke in a different place... it must feel right to her too.
She has spent the day puttering around here, meeting a few new faces, but mostly finding her places in the house and still being her cute self, of course. She definitely knows Mike and me and smiles huge when she sees one of us. I love that. She also is really comfortable and relaxed being put into all these new rooms and fixtures around the house. It will be fun to find out what food she likes (steak, we found out tonight) and to get her routine here now that she can have more room to run around and a yard to play in! And friends that don't spend every minute of the day with you! LOL!
Other than the crying baby on the plane (mine, if there was any misunderstanding about how upset she was) the whole trip went smoother than any other. In 6 - 8 weeks her permanent resident card will be here and we can start her official immigration process!
Laziness or jet lag... you tell HER after reading this.
I am still tired. guh. But oh, so, happy. I KNOW this was the right decision because to me it feels like she has been here always. I emphasize the knowing because I started to question this decision after the court hearing. Not because it was now final, but because the prosecutor asked if we would regret this decision because we were so young and could feel in five years that this high needs child would be a mistake. I had no doubts going into it but you can bet your sweet bottoms that I started to at that point.
Then, at the airport in Toronto, Dad says to me that he could tell I was a great mom for her already. Done with the questioning. After day one and how well she has fit here, done with the worrying (well, the worries about this being the right decision...)! It seriously feels to me that she has been here for her whole life so far. Other than her not understanding us and us not knowing so many little things about her likes and dislikes, because they are already established, we have slipped back into Canada with no hiccups.
We woke up around 5 am yesterday morning (Moscow time), traveled to the airport, went through passport control with no problems, and got on the plane. I never again want to do that long plane ride with a child who is so unfamiliar with change. She was so overstimulated and cranky and seriously did not sleep longer than 1 hour and 15 minutes, not in one stint, and I just felt so bad for how cranky and exhausted and upset she was getting on the plane. Her cries were easy to muffle so I didn't give a care about the surrounding people, and she's not large enough to hit the seat in front so that wasn't an issue either. We were all tired when we landed in Toronto.
I started crying as soon as the wheels hit the runway upon landing. I didn't expect too... thought I was too tired. But I looked at Dania and said 'you are home'. I looked at Mike and we were both grinning. Customs was a breeze, the immigration officer we had was so nice and excited for us, it was just a smooth procedure.
I was then excited to see the family! Yeah! Mum was there first and then Dad, and then my sister and cousin. It was great. Dania was tired but she was so watchful. As soon as we sat down she was all cute and flirty and kissing people and fist bumping and being her great self.
The same could have been said for Halifax if it hadn't been 7 hours later and she was Extremely exhausted. She did give them a few fist bumps and smiles, but she hit the car seat and fell asleep within ten minutes. She woke up and was excited to see the bathtub, and then was out like a light as soon as she was lowered into the crib. She didn't even move and she is normally traveling all over the crib while she sleeps! She slept 8 hours still and didn't have a massive freakout when she woke in a different place... it must feel right to her too.
She has spent the day puttering around here, meeting a few new faces, but mostly finding her places in the house and still being her cute self, of course. She definitely knows Mike and me and smiles huge when she sees one of us. I love that. She also is really comfortable and relaxed being put into all these new rooms and fixtures around the house. It will be fun to find out what food she likes (steak, we found out tonight) and to get her routine here now that she can have more room to run around and a yard to play in! And friends that don't spend every minute of the day with you! LOL!
Other than the crying baby on the plane (mine, if there was any misunderstanding about how upset she was) the whole trip went smoother than any other. In 6 - 8 weeks her permanent resident card will be here and we can start her official immigration process!
her one 45 minute long stretch of sleep on the plane
her performing for everyone at the toronto airport
her asleep at the end of her 22 hour long day!
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Meanwhile, in Moscow...
The internet has been out so I am posting all days I was MIA all at once, while I sip a coffee in the Dunkin' Donuts across the street and scam on their wifi!
Sunday.
She slept 9 hours! I know I keep mistakenly thinking in newborn terms for things, like she should be up several times a night, but she's new to me so you can see where I blur the lines. It was a quick morning of walking practice before she crawled into the bedroom, threw Boublik into the crib, and pointed at me to be lifted up. Just like that, nap for three hours! Not only do I believe she never slept enough, but I KNOW she never ate enough. We are discovering with her that she does feel full really quickly because of air intake with her food, so we will be giving her smaller meals at quicker intervals instead of packing as much in before she starts to cry a la the orphanage. She will get fussy if it is packing into her nasal passages and refuse to eat more. This will also cause her to sneeze more and then it is like the play d'oh factory... yikes!
After lunch, we walked the old Arbat pedestrian area with D and S and G. I think they liked seeing each other again! Both girls looked happy. Dania was in the carrier with Mike and was doing really well until she just got too hot and sweaty being against him. We all sat down and had a drink or two and then went home for naps.
After nap and dinner she was more than excited to have her bath as she kept crawling into the bathroom every chance she got! She always goes to bed easy, I think she is used to being put in the crib and left. She will warm up to the cuddles, I hope! I was sitting and listening to her talk to herself for an hour and a half before going to sleep. She just loves it. I'm willing to bet it is a first for her as she has never slept alone like this before! All of a sudden she can imagine whatever and as squeelingly happily as she wants without disturbing anyone or being disturbed!!!
Monday.
207 days to the Olympics as per the big countdown in the city center!
It cooled down with the rain and thunder last night so we decided to go for along trek right after breakfast. Mike wanted to don the carrier again and we bundled her up a bit more so she was toasty but not sweaty. We took her to some of the famous spots, the Kremlin wall, the Red Square, St. Basil's, the Bolshoi Theatre, so she can know she visited her homeland's capital's hot spots. She fell asleep right after the cathedral and just slept against Mike until we stopped to eat. What a cutie. After lunch we went to Alexander's Garden, the place with all the water fountains and pretty flowers from our first trip here. I figured she'd like the fountains since she loves the tub. Did she ever! Loved them so much we had to leave because we wouldn't let her go in them or drink from them!
After lunch and naps, all around, we did a lot of walking practice. She is getting sooooo much sturdier. We are both very impressed. She was also a bit more independent today with the food...just a bit though, she fed herself some pieces of grilled cheese, Mike did more though. Later on she fed herself all of the banana and apple we cut up; she was getting delightfully frustrated with the slimey banana. Then at dinner she did a few bits of chicken and wanted the rest fed to her. She did pick up the empty spoon and put it in her mouth a few times though. I don't think she's ever had to hold a spoon! We are also really trying to encourage her independent drinking. It is at the point now where she will pick the water up off the table and hand it to us if she wants some. When playing, she has actually done it a few times on her own. Lots and lots of changes and she is adapting well.
After another fun bath we had her into bed and cooing to herself without problem. Music to my ears. She just sounds so happy playing with her reflection and the Boublik stuffy. We've actually heard it talk a few times without us squeezing it but we don't think she has figured a consistent way to activate it on her own, just luck. She loves him though! Mmmm, I'm going to sleep with the smell Johnson & Johnson in my nose and her coos ringing in my ears! I love it!
Tuesday.
This whole no internet thing really sucks, especially when waiting to hear if you have to change your flights and find accommodations! We won't have to, by the way. Fantastic relief. The visas should have been finished today and O will take them to the consulate tomorrow.
I am sick. I don't know if I caught it from Dani's cold or if I just had a lucky draw. I woke up in the night feeling like I was swallowing glass. Blah. I tried to shake it off with a walk while she was napping but no luck. I was useless today.
We have been working hard on the walking and I am proud (but nowhere near as proud as Dani) to say she IS walking! She isn't just back and forth between me and Mike, now she can get up and go on her own, steady herself, and kind of steer. We just need to work on turning on the spot. Four days was all it took for her to get that she can do it on her own.
She is also getting more comfortable with eating herself. She still prefers to be fed but we try to only do that with soup, yogurt, porridge. Loves bananas and banana yogurt.
She even likes getting her teeth brushed! The only thing she hates is us wiping her nose or mouth. She also loves making the 'h' sound. She will do it while she walks now. Kind of sounds like a dog panting...
Wednesday
She slept ten hours and I'm fairly certain she was sore from all the walking and getting up from a squat position. We decided to take her to the Moscow zoo. She slept. We enjoyed the nice day and Mike revelled in the fact that Dania slept on him for an hour. She did get a chance to mimic then parrots who were louder than a dump truck in a nitro glycerin plant (reference anyone?).
When we got home and ate she immediately began being upset and we could tell it was the belly. Pore girl. It didn't get better until after dinner and her relief was akin to a state of elated drunkeness. She couldn't walk straight and was extra goofy until the fingers went to the mouth. She settled happily in bed, thank goodness, since she had no real naps today.
She is just the best!
Sunday.
She slept 9 hours! I know I keep mistakenly thinking in newborn terms for things, like she should be up several times a night, but she's new to me so you can see where I blur the lines. It was a quick morning of walking practice before she crawled into the bedroom, threw Boublik into the crib, and pointed at me to be lifted up. Just like that, nap for three hours! Not only do I believe she never slept enough, but I KNOW she never ate enough. We are discovering with her that she does feel full really quickly because of air intake with her food, so we will be giving her smaller meals at quicker intervals instead of packing as much in before she starts to cry a la the orphanage. She will get fussy if it is packing into her nasal passages and refuse to eat more. This will also cause her to sneeze more and then it is like the play d'oh factory... yikes!
After lunch, we walked the old Arbat pedestrian area with D and S and G. I think they liked seeing each other again! Both girls looked happy. Dania was in the carrier with Mike and was doing really well until she just got too hot and sweaty being against him. We all sat down and had a drink or two and then went home for naps.
After nap and dinner she was more than excited to have her bath as she kept crawling into the bathroom every chance she got! She always goes to bed easy, I think she is used to being put in the crib and left. She will warm up to the cuddles, I hope! I was sitting and listening to her talk to herself for an hour and a half before going to sleep. She just loves it. I'm willing to bet it is a first for her as she has never slept alone like this before! All of a sudden she can imagine whatever and as squeelingly happily as she wants without disturbing anyone or being disturbed!!!
Monday.
207 days to the Olympics as per the big countdown in the city center!
It cooled down with the rain and thunder last night so we decided to go for along trek right after breakfast. Mike wanted to don the carrier again and we bundled her up a bit more so she was toasty but not sweaty. We took her to some of the famous spots, the Kremlin wall, the Red Square, St. Basil's, the Bolshoi Theatre, so she can know she visited her homeland's capital's hot spots. She fell asleep right after the cathedral and just slept against Mike until we stopped to eat. What a cutie. After lunch we went to Alexander's Garden, the place with all the water fountains and pretty flowers from our first trip here. I figured she'd like the fountains since she loves the tub. Did she ever! Loved them so much we had to leave because we wouldn't let her go in them or drink from them!
After lunch and naps, all around, we did a lot of walking practice. She is getting sooooo much sturdier. We are both very impressed. She was also a bit more independent today with the food...just a bit though, she fed herself some pieces of grilled cheese, Mike did more though. Later on she fed herself all of the banana and apple we cut up; she was getting delightfully frustrated with the slimey banana. Then at dinner she did a few bits of chicken and wanted the rest fed to her. She did pick up the empty spoon and put it in her mouth a few times though. I don't think she's ever had to hold a spoon! We are also really trying to encourage her independent drinking. It is at the point now where she will pick the water up off the table and hand it to us if she wants some. When playing, she has actually done it a few times on her own. Lots and lots of changes and she is adapting well.
After another fun bath we had her into bed and cooing to herself without problem. Music to my ears. She just sounds so happy playing with her reflection and the Boublik stuffy. We've actually heard it talk a few times without us squeezing it but we don't think she has figured a consistent way to activate it on her own, just luck. She loves him though! Mmmm, I'm going to sleep with the smell Johnson & Johnson in my nose and her coos ringing in my ears! I love it!
Tuesday.
This whole no internet thing really sucks, especially when waiting to hear if you have to change your flights and find accommodations! We won't have to, by the way. Fantastic relief. The visas should have been finished today and O will take them to the consulate tomorrow.
I am sick. I don't know if I caught it from Dani's cold or if I just had a lucky draw. I woke up in the night feeling like I was swallowing glass. Blah. I tried to shake it off with a walk while she was napping but no luck. I was useless today.
We have been working hard on the walking and I am proud (but nowhere near as proud as Dani) to say she IS walking! She isn't just back and forth between me and Mike, now she can get up and go on her own, steady herself, and kind of steer. We just need to work on turning on the spot. Four days was all it took for her to get that she can do it on her own.
She is also getting more comfortable with eating herself. She still prefers to be fed but we try to only do that with soup, yogurt, porridge. Loves bananas and banana yogurt.
She even likes getting her teeth brushed! The only thing she hates is us wiping her nose or mouth. She also loves making the 'h' sound. She will do it while she walks now. Kind of sounds like a dog panting...
Wednesday
She slept ten hours and I'm fairly certain she was sore from all the walking and getting up from a squat position. We decided to take her to the Moscow zoo. She slept. We enjoyed the nice day and Mike revelled in the fact that Dania slept on him for an hour. She did get a chance to mimic then parrots who were louder than a dump truck in a nitro glycerin plant (reference anyone?).
When we got home and ate she immediately began being upset and we could tell it was the belly. Pore girl. It didn't get better until after dinner and her relief was akin to a state of elated drunkeness. She couldn't walk straight and was extra goofy until the fingers went to the mouth. She settled happily in bed, thank goodness, since she had no real naps today.
She is just the best!
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