As for an update, Reese and Niko are thriving! How can anyone be so happy all the time? They are making me appreciate all the small things in life we often take for granted. I love seeing their wide eyes and smiling faces when they discover/see something new. The first time we caught sight of this was actually in Moscow when we went to a playground and Reese saw an 8 year old boy for the first time. She actually stood there, not moving, for fifteen minutes just staring at this boy. This occurred many times while in Russia and for the first couple of weeks back in the States. She had been the oldest (3 1/2) at the baby orphanage, and had never seen a child older than her - only adults. Pretty amazing to think of it like that, huh? Just weird little insignificant stuff like watching a car window roll down and having their hair be blown around, or seeing a ceiling fan for the first time, first time in a bathtub (so funny!), taking their first ride at the fair, etc.
Reese is picking up more English and pronunciation of those words is slightly better. Niko has also picked up a few more words. Today, a woman we know from Russia (Ina) came over and spoke Russian to them. You could tell they thought it was familiar, but didn’t respond back to her at all in Russian. Actually they spoke mostly English or baby talk. It’s somewhat sad to see their native language going. It was cute to hear some words in Russian. They lose it so quickly, as I know too well with my Italian. If it’s not spoken or you’re not around it very often--it goes. Roger and I still have several command phrases that we say to them. They abide by them very well, so we figure why change those phrases. Ina is also translating a letter we wrote to send to the caregiver at their orphanage in Moscow. This woman obviously loved them very much and very much wanted us to write to her and let her know how they are both doing. We also sent her a lot of pictures so that she could see how much they have changed already.
We have decided not to do occupational therapy. We’ve seen great progress by bringing them to the bouncy Pump it Up place and going to swim lessons. Also, we’ve been showing them how to button and snap things and use scissors. No speech therapy, either. We’re going to wait and see on that. Just working with them more closely on a daily basis on their words and speech. We’re also just beginning to have them participate in “playdates” with other kids in the neighborhood. That will be very good for them to interact with other children. The next thing on my list will be to find a pre-school for Reese. Reese is mostly potty trained, except for naps and nighttime. I hear that could take a while to master those. Niko...not even interested yet. He is comfortable sitting on the potty, though, as we have him sit there a few times a day.
I think that’s it for an update. For my days being “not boring”, it seems I should be writing a novella. Each day brings a new experience and new way for Roger and me to see the world through their eyes. It’s quite a life altering time.
July 19, 2009
September 19, 2009
6 comments:
Loved this post! I especially thought it was interesting her response to an 8 year old!
Just had to let you know that the boys had to look for my mom's diamond ring today, and they found it!! : )
What a great story! It's it great watching the changes and developments?? I love seeing the world through their eyes.
So how do you feel about a FL trip in Feb? :)
I agree that experiencing our children's happiness and awe over small things helps you to appreciate things that are often taken for granted.
I'm so glad to hear that Reese and Niko are doing so well in language development and gross/fine motor skills. I agree that going to bounce gyms or playing at home can be just as beneficial at this phase as therapy. Our daughter still has issues with both gross and fine motor skills; however, she tested out of therapy that is provided by the school system. We have enrolled her in gymnastics for her gross development and were told that playdough and stress balls are good for fine motor.
Your website has been kicking me out the last week and I'm not sure why? I had my co-worker (computer guy) check and he couldn't figure it out either.
Yes - so true that seeing the excitement of 'firsts' is so much fun - I don't I posted this but on the way home from the airport Daniel would wake up and cry due to the restraints of the car seat and all I had to do was roll the window down and he would calm down and go instantly back to sleep - too bad it doesn't work anymore!!
Isn't the difference amazing that you can see in their faces after just 2 months - you have 2 very happy children!
The new experiences is amazing, isn't it? When we came home, Aidan stood staring around outside for about 15 minutes. . .he couldn't believe all the green! Being from Siberia, he didn't see much of that. he would bend down and just grab handfuls of grass and show it to us with this fantastic look of wonder on his face. . .18 months later, it is still extrememly hard to get him to come inside.
Your children are beautiful and look to be not just thriving, but really living a wonderful life. God Bless!
Absolutely a life-altering time. This holiday season will be filled with so much joy. Watching everything through lil ones eyes and perspective. Lot's of Smiles!
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