tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078327224041099639.post714657268775640957..comments2023-06-04T10:40:03.689-04:00Comments on Loving Alina: Two Weeks In...Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17347490959410472081noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078327224041099639.post-57354447081722068702010-05-10T20:56:03.045-04:002010-05-10T20:56:03.045-04:00Alina sounds so much like our Tatiana - a lovable,...Alina sounds so much like our Tatiana - a lovable, wild, crazy mess!!! It also looks like Alina is an absolute perfect fit for your family and is thriving in your home. Hope your transition continues to go well...and I can totally relate to your mid day exhaustion - somedays I look at the clock expecting it to be mid afternoon, only to find it's 10 am!!! ;)<br />~MaryBending & Blowinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01518947602842073814noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078327224041099639.post-16099945268945485172010-05-09T21:42:50.477-04:002010-05-09T21:42:50.477-04:00I have so much to say! LOL! Nika never fought me b...I have so much to say! LOL! Nika never fought me brushing her teeth either ... and her gums bled too at first. She wasn't much on affection/touch either, well ... she was cuddly, but it took awhile for us to get a good full belly laugh out of her ... it was like she didn't want to let it all out. I want to meet Alina! Are ya'll going to Orlando in July?Bethanyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09481397897364739480noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078327224041099639.post-27982160173795594622010-05-09T10:19:01.930-04:002010-05-09T10:19:01.930-04:00Yes, uh-nuh-nuh is "A-li-na" :).
The c...Yes, uh-nuh-nuh is "A-li-na" :). <br /><br />The cultural differences are fascinating. We can always learn things from each other! <br /><br />We have had two babies in the NICU here in the States, and the nurses there use a cloth, not wipes, on the babies as well. It is much more soothing, I am sure...and more cost effective!Lisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17347490959410472081noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078327224041099639.post-87728439866859357952010-05-09T10:02:29.538-04:002010-05-09T10:02:29.538-04:00what an awesome update!
wipes are just now gain...what an awesome update! <br /><br />wipes are just now gaining popularity here in saudi too. most women clean their babies with water and dry with a towel. it's interesting the differences we find in cultures throughout the world.<br /><br />btw, when bridget calls alina "uh-nuh-nuh" is that her trying to sound out her name (a-li-na)? same amt of syllables. :)Kylie Mchttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06758064198312489139noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078327224041099639.post-82633542022561578962010-05-09T01:31:00.331-04:002010-05-09T01:31:00.331-04:00I am in tears! I really can't believe how qui...I am in tears! I really can't believe how quickly Alina has adapted. I think it is so great that she is already "at home". What a beautiful life! :)Andreahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10105218943497910058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078327224041099639.post-2638797877971552742010-05-08T08:04:45.531-04:002010-05-08T08:04:45.531-04:00Lisa, so happy Alina's settling into her new f...Lisa, so happy Alina's settling into her new family & showing so much of her lively personality already! You are all so blessed to be part of such a loving family.<br /><br />The orphanage may have just used cloth wipes with oil or warm water, which is actually common here in Europe. Wipes are gaining popularity among parents, but hospitals & other institutions seem to prefer sticking with the less expensive cloth option.<br /><br />We first noticed the nurses using cloth and pure almond oil on our daughter's bottom in the NICU. When we asked about it, they said they avoided any kind of wipes or soaps on the babies there to protect their sensitive skin. By the time we got home, we were so used to the cloth wipe and oil routine that we kept it up - & our little one is the first of our 4 kids never to develop diaper rash. Thank goodness for those clever NICU nurses! :-)Chipmunkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03507021366100198106noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078327224041099639.post-78454603564292360302010-05-07T09:50:01.787-04:002010-05-07T09:50:01.787-04:00I loved reading this update! The girls are just p...I loved reading this update! The girls are just precious. Like Alina, Lucas is SO messy! He cleans up only when I request it (repeatedly) or chase him with a napkin. <br /><br />Your family is amazing and a great source of inspiration. It's fun to be a part of your journey.<br /><br />SandyMomma2Beanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05412117325765439367noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078327224041099639.post-23448504868383315442010-05-07T09:23:24.916-04:002010-05-07T09:23:24.916-04:00You have made me cry reading your special post on ...You have made me cry reading your special post on your lovely children. The part where you talked about the girls holding hands and touching fingers-it just felt as though these two sister have always been connected. Always. <br /><br />Blessings to you and your husband. and a VERY special Happy Mother's Day wish coming from our gang to yours.Sarihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16604795442859757843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078327224041099639.post-21177706423092883172010-05-06T18:45:13.929-04:002010-05-06T18:45:13.929-04:00So sweet! I love the last photo of Alina!So sweet! I love the last photo of Alina!Maryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13467859467559900843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078327224041099639.post-86454652084602253802010-05-06T17:56:32.326-04:002010-05-06T17:56:32.326-04:00Thanks, friends :).
I might break down and get a ...Thanks, friends :).<br /><br />I might break down and get a diaper wipes warmer for Alina. She deserves it :)!<br /><br />Bridget has always LOVED Hi-5 on Discovery Kids, probably because of the music. We thought that was a good bet for Alina. She seems to be more interested in that than any of the other kids shows (we did try Fresh Beat Band with her, too), but that isn't saying much. The strange thing is that her reaction to music is almost like she's never heard it before...she seems sort of confused. She can hear very well, or at least she picks up quiet sounds with ease. Maybe her hearing is not clear? Or maybe she has not really been exposed to music. Is that possible? <br /><br />She was very confused when I sang to her in the orphanage and right after we got home. We have one CD of Ukrainian language lullabies that seems to soothe her, but otherwise she hasn't shown much interest...except for last night when she saw Sara and Bridget rocking out the AD/DC song in the car. They were having so much fun that she decided to join in :)!<br /><br />I think it will be interesting to see if Alina becomes more aware of music and begins to enjoy it.<br /><br />I am going to check into the Your Baby Can Read program. Bridget is three, and is working with a woman for supplemental learning. She has a "word ring" of words that she is beginning to read as well. I think they would both benefit from continued focus on words, written and spoken :).Lisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17347490959410472081noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078327224041099639.post-40782380878505914212010-05-06T17:52:04.509-04:002010-05-06T17:52:04.509-04:00You have done such a great job assimilating Alina ...You have done such a great job assimilating Alina into your home and family. She has a wonderful Mama who is patient and knows a lot about looking for clues as to what will help her be successful. Good job my friend!<br /><br />I cracked up at the differences between dainty Bridget and bulldog Alina. I LOVE it! They are going to be so much fun as they get closer and more comfortable with each other--more than they are already that is! :)<br /><br />Hope the appointment goes well tomorrow. How fortunate that you have that clinic so nearby!<br /><br />KristinKristin Fergusonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13420096126951493195noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078327224041099639.post-87507691452153383312010-05-06T17:44:28.532-04:002010-05-06T17:44:28.532-04:00This is SO great to read... love to hear that Alin...This is SO great to read... love to hear that Alina has transitioned well and so has Bridget! They are awesome!Lisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16749431284192436424noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078327224041099639.post-73428007940500840032010-05-06T16:48:09.766-04:002010-05-06T16:48:09.766-04:00I just want to say that your two girls are beyond ...I just want to say that your two girls are beyond gorgeous..I have really enjoyed following your story, and enjoy it even now more, with the happy non-ending.<br />Thanks for letting us all witness your triumph! I look forward to reading more and seeing more pictures!heatherbrownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02456990754074308268noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078327224041099639.post-41794754546164133342010-05-06T16:40:34.077-04:002010-05-06T16:40:34.077-04:00I'm so thrilled that everything is going so we...I'm so thrilled that everything is going so well! As for the cold diaper wipes hitting Alina's warm little bottom, might I suggest an inexpensive wipes warmer like this one I found on eBay: <br />http://cgi.ebay.com/Dex-Brand-Hard-Find-Wraparound-Baby-Wipes-Warmer-/170482170757?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27b1877b85<br />This type worked well for us! <br /><br />As for her affinity for American Idol, I believe that music is an international language. If she likes that, try all the shows with tons of music like Imagination Movers (on Disney) and the Fresh Beat Band (on NICK) :o)<br /><br />I also have to suggest the Your Baby Can Read DVD set - we got ours pretty cheap on eBay. It will not only teach them to read certain words, but will teach Alina the English words for a lot of things.<br /><br />Does it work? Here is a YouTube video of my daughter at age 3 years 3 months, reading. She now reads over 250 words :o)<br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEkCG30jsUw<br /><br />Of course these are just silly suggestions of things we have used or tried in the past. I'm not trying to peddle anything, and goodness knows Alina will get used to cold wipes sooner or later - LOL!<br />Again - I'm so very happy for you and Alina!!Bulldogmahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04773653470602929019noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078327224041099639.post-34238280300991600682010-05-06T14:56:41.810-04:002010-05-06T14:56:41.810-04:00Oh Lis, this cracked me up and gave me goose bumps...Oh Lis, this cracked me up and gave me goose bumps and brought tears to my eyes all at the same time! I'm so happy to hear that God's plan is always perfect and He is an excellent match-maker. Who knew that by happen chance this little love would steal hearts all the way across the other side of the world?!?! What a perfect family God placed her in. I'm so happy for you all. <br /><br />Love, <br />NancyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078327224041099639.post-71355313257651816372010-05-06T14:53:11.650-04:002010-05-06T14:53:11.650-04:00Oh Lisa...I have chills and tears and I am so amaz...Oh Lisa...I have chills and tears and I am so amazed at this wonderful bundle of love...and your family!<br /><br />You guys are amazing!Kellihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04758559804272645059noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078327224041099639.post-81817576024623768552010-05-06T14:22:05.761-04:002010-05-06T14:22:05.761-04:00Oh I love to hear every bit of this!! It is so pre...Oh I love to hear every bit of this!! It is so precious...they are so precious...you are all so fortunate!<br /><br />Both of our days are busy...I will hopefully catch up to you soon with questions. Dossier submitted today! Very excited. Should hear something in a couple weeks.<br /><br />GretchenGretchenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09853902524761986719noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078327224041099639.post-76922081617475791482010-05-06T13:38:39.141-04:002010-05-06T13:38:39.141-04:00oh man, i'm crying. i have no idea why. mayb...oh man, i'm crying. i have no idea why. maybe it's the feeling of happiness or maybe it's relief or maybe it's because my hearts about to explode with love! lisa, you are awesome.amy jupinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03950664598348845531noreply@blogger.com