myadoptionwebsite.com - International adoption web sites and announcements

Sunday, July 30, 2006We celebrated Isabelle's second birthday on June 26th with family. She wasn't quite sure what all the hubbub was about, but she sure enjoyed eating her Hello Kitty cake! Last year on her birthday she wouldn't even touch her birthday cake so it was exciting to see her so eager to stick her fingers into her cake this year. It's a welcome sign that some of her sensory issues are diminishing, plus it was great to see her having a wonderful time getting messy. Her favorite gifts were her new baby stroller and her electronic keyboard. Isabelle loves music and has proved that she can definitely put some notes together on her new keyboard. She even 'sings' into the microphone while she plays. She also loves dancing while listening to her brothers' CDs. She spins and twirls and giggles ... she's definitely all girl.

Daddy was able to come home for the 4th of July weekend and all the kids were thrilled to see him, especially Isabelle. She sure loves her daddy. We went to a local fireworks display where we all ate funnel cake and the kids chased each other around until the fireworks started. Then Isabelle panicked. She hated the fireworks, refused to even peek at them and clung to her daddy for dear life. She didn't fuss, she just hung onto him until it was over. Thankfully for her it was a short show and as soon as it was over she was back to her busy, energetic self. She has recently become afraid of things and this all new for her. There is a particular SpongeBob episode that scares her and she will start fussing if she even sees the episode on the DVD player in the car. We went to the movies for the first time the other day to see The WIld and she was afraid of a few scenes in the movie as well. We are hopeful that this is a healthy milestone she has reached and are taking to opportunity to remind her of the fact that we are always here to comfort and protect her.

We have all been settling in well at our new house. I can see a big change in Isabelle's demeanor from just a month ago. She is much more relaxed and has been getting into a lot less mischief ~ but believe me, that is a relative thing. So far this month we have only had one major 'incident' and yes, it included an unflushed toilet and Isabelle. But, it's too gross to go into here ;) Other than that she's only drawn on the walls twice, gotten into the fireplace once and hasn't spit her food or drink out at all! She only goes to the naughty spot on occasion and most of the time she will stop the offending behavior when I ask. Finally, we can go play out front and I don't have to chase her down constantly! She is also eating better and has regained the little bit of weight she lost while I was in China and during the move. She and Sophie are continually growing closer and they now 'wash' each other's backs in the tub. The other day they were just out of the bath, up on my bed, and they were tickling each other. So sweet! They also share almost everything (within reason) and give each other hugs when they have hurt the other in some way. The jealousy seems to have subsided completely for Isabelle, she is fine if I am holding Sophie, but still loves it when I pull her up on my lap for a snuggle or a bottle. I finally broke down and bought a double stroller. I think this will be a welcome answer to our issue of who gets to be carried and who has to walk when we go places. I am also looking forward to going on walks with the girls during the school day, it will just be the three of us as Dalton starts pre K this fall!

We had Isabelle's hearing tested by a wonderful audiologist who is a China adoptive mom as well! Thankfully Isabelle's hearing seems to be fine. She does have some fluid in her ears which we are watching to see if it disappears. At least now we know she is choosing to ignore us ;) We are still going through the rigamarole of trying to get her into the Early Intervention program here. We will meet on Wednesday to have her IFSP written up and speech therapy will begin after that. We are pursuing an occupational therapist outside of the program as they will only allow one specialist to see each child, unless there is a significant need. We feel like they most likely won't consider Isabelle to have a significant need for OT, but we believe she needs it so we are looking into having her seen privately. The audiologist that evaluated Isabelle is very knowledgeable in the field and has given us a name of an OT who is experienced with SI issues. That said, Isabelle has been getting much more verbal lately! Praise God! On a speech therapist's recommendation, I am trying to make Isabelle say a word, or at least attempt to say the word, for something she really wants. So far she has tried to say "swing", "blue" (for a blue popsicle), "juice", "cheese", "noodles" and she is signing much more frequently and effectively. And she is not resisting when I do ask her to say something. Before, this used to send her into a crying fit, complete with the added drama of throwing herself on the floor. So this is huge! Isabelle turned 2 on June 26th!

Clinging to daddy during the fireworks

Exploring at a new park

Getting her groove on

Colors compliments of sidewalk chalk

That signature kissy face

She will also bring her cup to me to ask for more juice which, for Isabelle, is a really big deal! We have learned that Isabelle is still learning to trust us and that we will care for her and love her always. By not communicating and asking for things, she is remaining independent and 'in control'. We are slowing, slowly seeing this facade melt away and it is so exciting!! It is also saddening to fully understand the reality of what her life must have been like at her orphanage, a life of deprivation and severe lack of stimulation on a physical and personal level. I will always believe the workers did they best they could with the resources and information they had and our family will always be grateful to them for caring for our little one until we could be united with her. Life would just be so pale and boring without our little tornado!

Web site by myadoptionwebsite.com