tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20783272240410996392024-03-05T06:41:06.551-05:00Loving AlinaA Story of Hope: Our Journey to Bring An Angel HomeLisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17347490959410472081noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078327224041099639.post-2098030960779857442010-10-02T14:14:00.003-04:002010-10-03T07:18:07.911-04:00Please Come Visit...our new blog: <a href="http://www.bridgets-light.blogspot.com/">LIVING IN THE LIGHT</a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17347490959410472081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078327224041099639.post-67055290133135465532010-09-25T22:27:00.000-04:002010-09-25T22:27:41.177-04:00She Remembers<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Many people have asked whether Alina misses the orphanage, and whether she remembers the people or her time there.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Alina is becoming more verbal, but she doesn't have the words to tell us what she remembers about her groupa or her life at Solnishko.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Tonight Chris discovered a few pictures on his Blackberry that we had taken while we were there. He showed one picture to Alina. Her face lit up. She started pointing to the faces, one by one. I asked, "Alina, can you show me Sasha?" She moved her index finger to Sasha's face. "Katya?" She moved her finger to Katya. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">When we got to a picture of the sweet, little dark-haired girl who took special care of Alina (we still don't know her name), she leaned forward and kissed the screen. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">She remembers.</span>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17347490959410472081noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078327224041099639.post-40696023516160175562010-09-07T14:00:00.050-04:002010-09-07T16:11:03.402-04:00First Week of Preschool Re-cap<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2YNLLiRiRhxB7-R_2bjhh06qG3R6E8eZg-PsY3QqOi8624BrdGVbY4wfkJZdGOylYI6dAZnl_ZYoF62hDPfyKCDPU_jPyf4WlSdS8uWg83gM8vFKpwUj_9_uJl-OA8L5fSjtZdaLiQ2MD/s1600/Bus+cross+process.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2YNLLiRiRhxB7-R_2bjhh06qG3R6E8eZg-PsY3QqOi8624BrdGVbY4wfkJZdGOylYI6dAZnl_ZYoF62hDPfyKCDPU_jPyf4WlSdS8uWg83gM8vFKpwUj_9_uJl-OA8L5fSjtZdaLiQ2MD/s400/Bus+cross+process.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">From the preschool teacher: </span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>The girls are doing GREAT! Both of them have really surprised me. Bridget is such a different little girl than she was last fall - following directions, using her words, I can even have a conversation with her... I LOVE IT! Alina has adjusted so well, too. She is a bright little girl. I am amazed by how well she seems to understand and follow directions. She LOVES circle time and is very attentive to what is happening in front of her. All in all, they are off to a great start! </em></span><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>The girls had a WONDERFUL week - you would be so proud of both of them!</em></span> <span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>You are more than welcome to pop in any time or even just watch through the window. They are doing great things!</em></span></div></blockquote><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidxBniNsnfAdTO3ie6EjJMKgu8wWNF0kXS7JQSnnARy7ZSEBc05IYEbL_YhINc0xiwwp2OX0c1zNgBTUyv851i9TtZ6poIj8Qwvo50qf2VZLmhHHHgLqLgO5u8IQPlwvxk1fhulgiRzkoW/s1600/Little+Girls+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidxBniNsnfAdTO3ie6EjJMKgu8wWNF0kXS7JQSnnARy7ZSEBc05IYEbL_YhINc0xiwwp2OX0c1zNgBTUyv851i9TtZ6poIj8Qwvo50qf2VZLmhHHHgLqLgO5u8IQPlwvxk1fhulgiRzkoW/s400/Little+Girls+.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17347490959410472081noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078327224041099639.post-61482788476467814312010-09-04T16:56:00.001-04:002010-09-04T17:10:16.748-04:00First Day of Preschool 2010-11<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZpst7hjP1Slcf_SfF3jT1iHWTM7epFZg6yLo8tAyhnt6-E-kAZ-IYvjCZ0HVh20r68KfjY1D6w04C8LV0slmjnd6nAl9mYTTRuAMT3uS85enZEr4GnDf4v2rmFcHWp9GxtGfnVeShQ3i/s1600/On+the+Bus+-+window.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZpst7hjP1Slcf_SfF3jT1iHWTM7epFZg6yLo8tAyhnt6-E-kAZ-IYvjCZ0HVh20r68KfjY1D6w04C8LV0slmjnd6nAl9mYTTRuAMT3uS85enZEr4GnDf4v2rmFcHWp9GxtGfnVeShQ3i/s320/On+the+Bus+-+window.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the Bus - Bridget is Happy :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL-CAvOHHqLN-s_7DQ1gMj09UHySOLrgXgi1sK2vKClpNMhVUnVkOJLYmMuSvcngQIJL2WwR86F99o9X-UJ5dOzS7JHJwp5a5Los-uGHhmJCVs7LidH7NDeSZg5XnCdIvrwqGjBnliZt5l/s1600/Alina+Waving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL-CAvOHHqLN-s_7DQ1gMj09UHySOLrgXgi1sK2vKClpNMhVUnVkOJLYmMuSvcngQIJL2WwR86F99o9X-UJ5dOzS7JHJwp5a5Los-uGHhmJCVs7LidH7NDeSZg5XnCdIvrwqGjBnliZt5l/s320/Alina+Waving.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alina Waves Goodbye</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFcuYyOCCe48RuAtBLxHxEBlir3xQnJv9ttnKZ-1ILBOJsBFo303-YrDRehMHYyU54QuNN-55l8v038DLjoSgOWlvRW8MsES6PLmQV8ZNIvEz23sLnvEiSX0oLSY8lddE3vHz3XftbDbMY/s1600/On+the+Bus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFcuYyOCCe48RuAtBLxHxEBlir3xQnJv9ttnKZ-1ILBOJsBFo303-YrDRehMHYyU54QuNN-55l8v038DLjoSgOWlvRW8MsES6PLmQV8ZNIvEz23sLnvEiSX0oLSY8lddE3vHz3XftbDbMY/s320/On+the+Bus.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridget: "Yippee!" - Alina: "What on Earth?"</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxFzhLIio2XgLPTSLuQXUhvgqgQRiqu1CHBHHHlghWTiSeZVWcUIrSR3D9XokD2DRYfdo0Z_i1CcnqkImnQFj5ZH13l_7hvzlg0fvm2FnjMD8pBEQdiycRPPRtDzheWLgkbm9OXagTUZTb/s1600/On+the+Bus+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxFzhLIio2XgLPTSLuQXUhvgqgQRiqu1CHBHHHlghWTiSeZVWcUIrSR3D9XokD2DRYfdo0Z_i1CcnqkImnQFj5ZH13l_7hvzlg0fvm2FnjMD8pBEQdiycRPPRtDzheWLgkbm9OXagTUZTb/s320/On+the+Bus+2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sitting Together</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-qYNWJZUfTAfIEGMglEBZZkgBgdlr4VuxSAmEZWCYQsXGWmw3now7nr5l6jCdEZ4zn8tUrRedhmM4u2ogZUIIuaG22VfGZ9jSPpDaWf33V7bozNUZHc2duuhjobBA0zU0SFFDOE0LHSmF/s1600/Walking+In.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-qYNWJZUfTAfIEGMglEBZZkgBgdlr4VuxSAmEZWCYQsXGWmw3now7nr5l6jCdEZ4zn8tUrRedhmM4u2ogZUIIuaG22VfGZ9jSPpDaWf33V7bozNUZHc2duuhjobBA0zU0SFFDOE0LHSmF/s320/Walking+In.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking in - Ready for the Day!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17347490959410472081noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078327224041099639.post-28109869726762696122010-08-29T12:46:00.005-04:002010-08-29T16:32:57.226-04:00An Orphan No More (Loving Alina)<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">From LOST to LOVED, watch the transformation in our beautiful Alina in just four short months...</div><br />
<div><embed flashvars="&p=b5ed3e9d039b60404e32d8&skin_id=701&host=http://www.onetruemedia.com" height="382" name="FLVPlayer" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" quality="high" salign="LT" scale="noscale" src="http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_view_player?p=b5ed3e9d039b60404e32d8" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="408" wmode="transparent"></embed><br />
<div style="font: 12px/20px verdana,arial,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; text-align: center; width: 408px;"><br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span></div></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17347490959410472081noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078327224041099639.post-29977583354754202892010-08-09T19:54:00.001-04:002010-08-09T20:01:31.667-04:00Sisters & Sunlight<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeNFqGsKFF5prcVo3PgFO9HtwOHUvxtCoEo775J9XiHxWP-VHu8G5R63JAVgMwLIteJ8VW9fVziLORYp7AopCSltC9wR3un19G3YhuM306ZxtNAi_hBcOH-wKzONiTx-pPCuS92N3lHcid/s1600/1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeNFqGsKFF5prcVo3PgFO9HtwOHUvxtCoEo775J9XiHxWP-VHu8G5R63JAVgMwLIteJ8VW9fVziLORYp7AopCSltC9wR3un19G3YhuM306ZxtNAi_hBcOH-wKzONiTx-pPCuS92N3lHcid/s400/1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503563328589221826" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipaLV2ta2GQB1VPwWpnqc-F4-vE6od7875hDnH8PCOlP01d9vlTapeMsWwOukrmXUPrBvWhkxIpW6060F46rL4mzJtKfN6MViurhOQWmvs0nC8Pug2BMvxHjOaEeywdIEzBGZKhs86GJHN/s1600/9.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipaLV2ta2GQB1VPwWpnqc-F4-vE6od7875hDnH8PCOlP01d9vlTapeMsWwOukrmXUPrBvWhkxIpW6060F46rL4mzJtKfN6MViurhOQWmvs0nC8Pug2BMvxHjOaEeywdIEzBGZKhs86GJHN/s400/9.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503563324615287634" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-vvEM1mkSxskCHiGDffuB0pPC15IBZggJR9hzJBJjLwnwvNQXNIq0HxIy-x45jQHfyFKsiBWxzAxggG8sfr7iUWwye4_oAJyTBNpwzV66Z7_mmjKpl3_1l2req750kNd7FBrrjinDQeq7/s1600/8.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-vvEM1mkSxskCHiGDffuB0pPC15IBZggJR9hzJBJjLwnwvNQXNIq0HxIy-x45jQHfyFKsiBWxzAxggG8sfr7iUWwye4_oAJyTBNpwzV66Z7_mmjKpl3_1l2req750kNd7FBrrjinDQeq7/s400/8.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503563318983122002" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmzgv415d6kvlMyaV-vHeVWRGMFFTbWT92LTpna52UYPcw15JsVhnofkPRYSDe1BlWA77GpwRqO4t8RC-9jAzGyyCE6D-5l7hLhyphenhypheneTwDN_1gQOTyeg05rPHR9czUODvcoTw1xV97xS_0OA/s1600/6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmzgv415d6kvlMyaV-vHeVWRGMFFTbWT92LTpna52UYPcw15JsVhnofkPRYSDe1BlWA77GpwRqO4t8RC-9jAzGyyCE6D-5l7hLhyphenhypheneTwDN_1gQOTyeg05rPHR9czUODvcoTw1xV97xS_0OA/s400/6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503563313019965890" /></a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17347490959410472081noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078327224041099639.post-53748841099900540412010-07-24T10:06:00.003-04:002010-07-24T12:58:26.517-04:00A Glimpse...of life over here :).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8JzxxSN3UilLl2cF9y45gP1UkNejcOHzZqEu18ZSIY12laiDHBN6j9EUZ89yL58XKf4mlV_QcM4IEUfk3A5Z2WPl8rJajh8EBN5WIWJ6Njf2XPlUSvg-D2O-tXdNvTYbfZm166W9dYJK/s1600/Dress-up9.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8JzxxSN3UilLl2cF9y45gP1UkNejcOHzZqEu18ZSIY12laiDHBN6j9EUZ89yL58XKf4mlV_QcM4IEUfk3A5Z2WPl8rJajh8EBN5WIWJ6Njf2XPlUSvg-D2O-tXdNvTYbfZm166W9dYJK/s320/Dress-up9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497474147889834194" border="0" /></a>More soon...I promise.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17347490959410472081noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078327224041099639.post-11374250997359204092010-06-26T14:30:00.001-04:002010-06-26T14:38:48.325-04:00Official PauseWe're going to take a little break to spend our first summer together as a family of eight. <br /><br />I am needed--now more than ever--in the home, but not on my computer ;). <br /><br />I want to take this opportunity to say <span style="font-style: italic;">Thank You So Much for Everything</span> :). We are so grateful for all the interest, love and support from family, friends and the blogging community. <br /><br />A new blog is in the works, as we merge <span style="font-style: italic;">Bridget's Light</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Loving Alina</span> into one. We'll be back with pictures and stories as summer comes to a close.<br /><br />I won't be completely out of the loop. I just won't be actively posting. I hope to check in on other blogs and catch up with friends when the house is quiet at night. <br /><br />I am always happy to answer questions via email about Bridget & Alina, or about our experience with Down syndrome or our adoption process.<br /><br />Wishing you all a summer filled with love and light,<br /><br />LisaLisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17347490959410472081noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078327224041099639.post-70883559834733501812010-06-21T20:00:00.004-04:002010-06-22T09:02:43.094-04:00Popsicles, Pools, and PedicuresSummer is here :)...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqT3d6o5OtSMNVaBiGXvq0PQPQi6YQwwWwQdEzPgjIVIwfFyAdl5P5dnLjt8V7ZwPxZv-ERbPghiDE7Zy1-l-l7oLRiGUcstR0RpGwEShT0PHdsNNH2NnYcSy3kOBCmaDLqrEo5XsvU3Kg/s1600/Alina+pool+June+with+Bridget.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqT3d6o5OtSMNVaBiGXvq0PQPQi6YQwwWwQdEzPgjIVIwfFyAdl5P5dnLjt8V7ZwPxZv-ERbPghiDE7Zy1-l-l7oLRiGUcstR0RpGwEShT0PHdsNNH2NnYcSy3kOBCmaDLqrEo5XsvU3Kg/s320/Alina+pool+June+with+Bridget.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485373014637139202" border="0" /></a><br />Bridget and Alina both have pink toenails :)...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8jh6Slht6SLpKJWoGNqFDl1p-x-M6b4KFKfuBcW2lIYPwR_KGLTnTv9ttm1Wt_BwTYab2u3TxrUTRJ5woHD8mSOxbru1U-kJQQKpWYTbRBjpTu9f0qLNd5WbCsdOP6-Nm_BAkTjlrs10O/s1600/Alina+pool+painted+toes.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8jh6Slht6SLpKJWoGNqFDl1p-x-M6b4KFKfuBcW2lIYPwR_KGLTnTv9ttm1Wt_BwTYab2u3TxrUTRJ5woHD8mSOxbru1U-kJQQKpWYTbRBjpTu9f0qLNd5WbCsdOP6-Nm_BAkTjlrs10O/s320/Alina+pool+painted+toes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485354049257621394" border="0" /></a>They are enjoying popsicles and the little baby pool in our backyard...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihT18U6YMln8n8mOQ-KGrLm6PNELGLpdur1NXWgVOXQzM0MJn4mkybwCUicRCxXAXD38sSvxkHunqipTR78pZGbdT0ZJXSkvOfAEOsuO6ApYB9K5LqJWPCF5eeoV2kGvz76Z99gZgkvpMD/s1600/Bridget+June+pool.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihT18U6YMln8n8mOQ-KGrLm6PNELGLpdur1NXWgVOXQzM0MJn4mkybwCUicRCxXAXD38sSvxkHunqipTR78pZGbdT0ZJXSkvOfAEOsuO6ApYB9K5LqJWPCF5eeoV2kGvz76Z99gZgkvpMD/s320/Bridget+June+pool.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485373023113366914" border="0" /></a>Emmy is a great helper with her little sisters. They both adore her!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEYKNU61fN1eEby-MWn8_g2aTz-S_BBE-fhJUUk3UQKiR7QPN0W_hY0GO6pgvbpcZtBluksAmTzsTjtP5qvJRe9LzhiguSkiLTuAz4fXDj_J_-ZwNMTcAtZPCKz2rY6_ILobWAwI94cq3k/s1600/Alina+pool+Emmy+2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEYKNU61fN1eEby-MWn8_g2aTz-S_BBE-fhJUUk3UQKiR7QPN0W_hY0GO6pgvbpcZtBluksAmTzsTjtP5qvJRe9LzhiguSkiLTuAz4fXDj_J_-ZwNMTcAtZPCKz2rY6_ILobWAwI94cq3k/s320/Alina+pool+Emmy+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485354009889009490" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_i5zyiNWdk5PcXLdqlCKvhODvNP6dZMsI7Ghxv4bNy7q2KbRTezQorywbvjrJSAuXStg86GoUWRgRg8BCts4UPqykceM1Hd7qXDrS7nI5gkAqSarUB8PqYRdi5gYr-g7uaKwwqUQRN8bQ/s1600/Alina+pool+Emmy.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_i5zyiNWdk5PcXLdqlCKvhODvNP6dZMsI7Ghxv4bNy7q2KbRTezQorywbvjrJSAuXStg86GoUWRgRg8BCts4UPqykceM1Hd7qXDrS7nI5gkAqSarUB8PqYRdi5gYr-g7uaKwwqUQRN8bQ/s320/Alina+pool+Emmy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485353638849809186" border="0" /></a>Alina is always making this face:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfuF4Ja1NQrFTJdNxblteU_HC7Rf93JHTFu6X-1JCym7uienzIp_ZvBuT5DuC768rPS1In4baaDLpEr3AEpHtBCyr2pvUJzrlxWJp5e3maDl-or01X1ircJxFx4dtLW1DSKMLiX3lKgP9l/s1600/Alina+pool+June+funny+face.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfuF4Ja1NQrFTJdNxblteU_HC7Rf93JHTFu6X-1JCym7uienzIp_ZvBuT5DuC768rPS1In4baaDLpEr3AEpHtBCyr2pvUJzrlxWJp5e3maDl-or01X1ircJxFx4dtLW1DSKMLiX3lKgP9l/s320/Alina+pool+June+funny+face.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485354036967877250" border="0" /></a><br />And this one :)...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMZgrMzSZ_DKnhjN9yi5IIBsnxY5Th0YY2gReEdeTbkaj1d67sV5Y_-PC_GPVbbnWvfNl1zmcbp5oNM8C6ZI26diauvjpfXlfjxOdkK4x1Anf9YvSM9hAWF6qu2DgPGG_0t96mvhpa9bv9/s1600/Alina+pool+June.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMZgrMzSZ_DKnhjN9yi5IIBsnxY5Th0YY2gReEdeTbkaj1d67sV5Y_-PC_GPVbbnWvfNl1zmcbp5oNM8C6ZI26diauvjpfXlfjxOdkK4x1Anf9YvSM9hAWF6qu2DgPGG_0t96mvhpa9bv9/s320/Alina+pool+June.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485354016561800850" border="0" /></a>I have so much more to say, and <span style="font-style: italic;">so little time</span>...now that <span style="font-style: italic;">summer is here and all the kids are, too </span>;).Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17347490959410472081noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078327224041099639.post-23960676815737950082010-06-19T21:43:00.009-04:002010-06-20T14:13:34.183-04:00New Pictures of Anne Marie (20)!In January, I <a href="http://lovingalina.blogspot.com/2010/01/baby-house-20.html">posted</a> about two girls in Alina's orphanage. <a href="http://seeingtheupsideofdown.blogspot.com/">Nadia (known as Nadine on RR) is already with her forever family</a>.<br /><br />Anne Marie is still waiting, though, and she is four already. <span style="font-style: italic;">She is in desperate need of a family</span>. If you have had your eye on Anne Marie, don't wait any longer! If you are just seeing her for the first time, look closer ;)...could she be yours?? She's darling, and she is very close to being transferred. Someone, please, GO GET HER.<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"><br /><br />**There are a handful of families who have recently adopted from this orphanage, and we have loads of helpful tips and information for the family who commits to Anne Marie :)!</span></span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Plus, </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://ready4ross.blogspot.com/">there is a family at this orphanage right now </a><span style="font-weight: bold;">who has seen Anne Marie in person and will answer questions about her! **</span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYbMZoyMyd66EdQDZK0BIdD3iphK8fITFnlDV83vKGTWvTDhrxbj9sdF5cRi8sl5uVwqu2aSKk00hdevZ6I9AOrPcfihyphenhyphenDOQiqsTR-Jyy3cVBwIBFPUsmGqK6xmj7mZZZJnK6WVFXpsUqB/s1600/Anne+Marie+June.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYbMZoyMyd66EdQDZK0BIdD3iphK8fITFnlDV83vKGTWvTDhrxbj9sdF5cRi8sl5uVwqu2aSKk00hdevZ6I9AOrPcfihyphenhyphenDOQiqsTR-Jyy3cVBwIBFPUsmGqK6xmj7mZZZJnK6WVFXpsUqB/s320/Anne+Marie+June.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484669801131244322" border="0" /></a><blockquote><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgesWqxwh4jljIzupdMkRnhWpcRrGlIURxdeOT9F-1_uzGAanRsg4f9Nm-j1JUQNIYFzXSXfGAG6tZ6rypOWf_OeRCG_UXZEF19W-Ck5bzObfrSx-mUvVH7g0Da9-xdGypu9zBv8BuZsauP/s1600/Anne+Marie+June+2.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgesWqxwh4jljIzupdMkRnhWpcRrGlIURxdeOT9F-1_uzGAanRsg4f9Nm-j1JUQNIYFzXSXfGAG6tZ6rypOWf_OeRCG_UXZEF19W-Ck5bzObfrSx-mUvVH7g0Da9-xdGypu9zBv8BuZsauP/s320/Anne+Marie+June+2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484920457628637986" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWdPk6GR9nj6T3nObMZH8NEoX92IXaVK0ae3WvFoTqsO0mEOCpiK9n_F3nHHGVWCfbHA6eFHUPmD0CS8y2rwA3_FiYoQAUL53RoTb4AFXj0f-E9L6ZXCYvwJCqZBSS6I8etozk7FYjDiEu/s1600/Anne+Marie+June+3.jpg"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><strong></strong><span><span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://lovingalina.blogspot.com/2010/01/baby-house-20.html">Anne Marie</a> </span>(20) </span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span>Girl, Born November 25, 2005 </span></span></span><br /><br /></div><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span>Look at this beautiful princess!! She is blowing you KISSES! Anne Marie has been waiting far too long for a loving family of her own. So many of her friends from this orphanage have already been adopted, and she continues to watch each of them leave with their new "forever family". Hope someone will consider Anne Marie! Miss Anne Marie does have a heart murmur that should be checked once home. From an adoptive family who visited with her in June 2010: "Anne Marie is a happy child, she is aware, interactive, and very sweet! She will do so well in a family. She has the most striking blue eyes!"<br /><br /></span></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span>I have <span style="font-weight: bold;">$1075 </span>in my grant fund<br />towards the cost of my adoption!</span></span></span></div></blockquote><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Georgia;font-size:10pt;" ><div align="center"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Georgia;font-size:10pt;" ><b><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);font-family:Georgia;font-size:10pt;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Georgia;font-size:10pt;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Georgia;font-size:10pt;" ><b><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);font-family:Georgia;font-size:10pt;" ></span></b><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Georgia;font-size:10pt;" ></span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Georgia;font-size:10pt;" > </span></span></span></b></span></div></span></span> <p> </p>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17347490959410472081noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078327224041099639.post-68104584289094271632010-06-09T14:57:00.020-04:002010-06-11T13:32:06.329-04:00Happy Anniversary to Reece's Rainbow!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.reecesrainbow.com/newsite/index.php"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 79px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHYgQaFxja05F9xYUwiTtBBBzGhsrl2wTS-cQAVw-_X5x5yO6jtJt3eWjnu5O_CmgH4d0-Eigel__DSn7IXi9FRjFrjBJIlt7v-os7xIVVtevhiVpNrYD0rbcVifUSNVGN42GKV4fhpaXh/s320/banner_01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480853116338219170" border="0" /></a><br />Today, <a href="http://www.reecesrainbow.com/newsite/index.php">Reece's Rainbow</a> is celebrating 4 years of finding homes for orphans with special needs.<br /><br />It isn't a secret that we feel strongly about the worth of people with Down syndrome, and about the important work that RR is doing. The number of children with disabilities that are hidden away overseas is staggering.<br /><br />We know firsthand the beauty and promise that are being tossed aside in the many, many children waiting patiently for someone to find them and bring them home. Reece's Rainbow is the voice for a growing number of these children. But there is still <span style="font-style: italic;">great need</span>.<br /><br />Here is just one example: This precious little girl needs a family. She's captured my heart, but the most I can do right now is advocate for her. Who else loves her? Who will be her <span style="font-style: italic;">Yes</span>? Who is going to <span style="font-style: italic;">go get her </span><span>and help her find her smile again</span>??<br /><a href="http://www.reecesrainbow.org/eelittles.html"><br /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.reecesrainbow.org/eelittles.html">Jessie (Jessica) (23) </a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5QbRdlLBegWMWE161VT4z5iYytQUQRzXLCP56TBo_hP56jY36wBP_xZAxORaUQIvPsPL3EQ6JKTRXX9N1VVSbytlNazO30Axz2hfnvNH_niRnnPFCZXyEWK4tZkzrsTYFEXjN1xkLpUUM/s1600/Jessie+Feb2010.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 233px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5QbRdlLBegWMWE161VT4z5iYytQUQRzXLCP56TBo_hP56jY36wBP_xZAxORaUQIvPsPL3EQ6JKTRXX9N1VVSbytlNazO30Axz2hfnvNH_niRnnPFCZXyEWK4tZkzrsTYFEXjN1xkLpUUM/s320/Jessie+Feb2010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480850255576602802" border="0" /></a>Girl, Born October 22, 2007 </div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote>Jessie is darling!!! Brown hair and brown eyes, and totally healthy. Perfect age to benefit from early intervention, and to join her new family!</blockquote><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">Here</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"> is another picture of Jessie, when she was little (look at this smile!):<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit7dZ0V1ek665MzBjDfBMU_xc8QCRdU6HA20dyVwDptBXtmYLVbhYBQynLknc01RlAom4NfZX1mV-vGaP615yicaTogEdD8TXhEHKqZVdnQXPAW6THzu3RVpX9ke2ZVllz3A6kLJ17Mc9f/s1600/Jessie+profile+pic+baby.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 234px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit7dZ0V1ek665MzBjDfBMU_xc8QCRdU6HA20dyVwDptBXtmYLVbhYBQynLknc01RlAom4NfZX1mV-vGaP615yicaTogEdD8TXhEHKqZVdnQXPAW6THzu3RVpX9ke2ZVllz3A6kLJ17Mc9f/s320/Jessie+profile+pic+baby.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481569673359694482" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"><br />**Jessie's birthday is the same day as our Sara's :). She is in an orphanage in Eastern Europe just waiting for someone to love her and tell her she's home for good. If she is not adopted before she turns 4, she will be sent to a mental institution.</span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">Jessie does have Down syndrome, but is otherwise healthy. </span><br /></div><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">If you would like to be Jessie's mama and papa, or if you would like more information on her, contact Andrea (you can find her contact info on the RR website). If you are not in a position to adopt, but would like to help Jessie find a family, please follow the link to <a href="http://www.reecesrainbow.com/newsite/eelittles.html">her page on Reece's Rainbow</a> (Children 0-2 with Down syndrome--you can donate at the top of the page, or scroll down to Orphanage 23 to find her profile). To contribute to her adoption fund, give directly to RR via Paypal or check and specify Jessie (23).</span><br /><h6 style="font-weight: normal;" class="uiStreamMessage" ft="{"type":"msg"}"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.reecesrainbow.org"></a></span></h6><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Georgia;font-size:10pt;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Georgia;font-size:10pt;" ><span style="color: rgb(30, 144, 255);font-size:18pt;" ><span style="color: rgb(30, 144, 255);font-size:18pt;" ><span style="color: rgb(30, 144, 255);font-size:18pt;" ><span style="color: rgb(30, 144, 255);font-size:18pt;" ><span style="color: rgb(30, 144, 255);font-size:18pt;" ><span style="color: rgb(30, 144, 255);font-size:18pt;" ><span style="color: rgb(30, 144, 255);font-size:18pt;" ><span style="color: rgb(30, 144, 255);font-size:24pt;" ><strong><span style="color: rgb(30, 144, 255);font-size:18pt;" ><span style="color: rgb(30, 144, 255);font-size:18pt;" ><span style="color: rgb(30, 144, 255);font-size:18pt;" ><span style="color: rgb(30, 144, 255);font-size:18pt;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Georgia;font-size:36pt;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><span><span><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></strong></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17347490959410472081noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078327224041099639.post-84647892124073000002010-06-07T09:45:00.001-04:002010-06-07T10:00:20.104-04:00Toddlers Gone Wild<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEzwowAveshzcdGKKpgJq08WHtS885LVE5dgYhiXtjOxXkaiH-6lWi86jXIP_qhnob1e2jQ-XLx9cVHzCSO6fuXCaYyD2f4XmPx8UNCW9_EQbnjypbuc8VBdYFTvpxeSGxmYe8vMVSy_ul/s1600/Nightgowns2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEzwowAveshzcdGKKpgJq08WHtS885LVE5dgYhiXtjOxXkaiH-6lWi86jXIP_qhnob1e2jQ-XLx9cVHzCSO6fuXCaYyD2f4XmPx8UNCW9_EQbnjypbuc8VBdYFTvpxeSGxmYe8vMVSy_ul/s320/Nightgowns2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480021264844695842" border="0" /></a>Who would think that the two little girls pictured above would be such <span style="font-style: italic;">trouble</span> :)?<br /><br />These two monkeys decided together that nap time is overrated, escaped from their beds (Bridget from her crib and Alina from her PeaPod sleeping tent) and trashed their room this past weekend! (Alina is in the sleeping tent because she had already figured out how to get out of the pack and play and the crib.)<br /><br />We are not sure who instigated the whole event, but both took part equally.<br /><br />Bridget emptied all of the drawers and Alina shredded an entire 500-piece box of tissues. When their plot was foiled, Bridget was sitting <span style="font-style: italic;">on top</span> of the dresser, and Alina was back in her sleeping tent covered by enough torn-up Kleenex to fuel a ticker-tape parade.<br /><br />They are both now the proud owners of matching (blue camouflage, the only pattern available when we purchased the first one two years ago) <a href="http://www.amazon.com/KidCo-PeaPod-Portable-Travel-Camouflage/dp/B001G63Z22/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1275919167&sr=8-2">PeaPod tents</a> tied shut with pink and white ribbons ;).<br /><br />The girls can see each other through the mesh windows on the tents, which they love. And the Dynamic Duo is safe once again.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEy1p1e-u7tJxS-9MeXbmgSHsdCCzBoYqP8_wbu-pJDS5tF-NJXhkG46JHTh_LeJBax35Grqc3j4j2kthAyX4xlKmVrCDDj2lA6Wcxo959knhKMkflP0GXKst7cDfww_6lUYO2N31XIYdB/s1600/Pea+Pod2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEy1p1e-u7tJxS-9MeXbmgSHsdCCzBoYqP8_wbu-pJDS5tF-NJXhkG46JHTh_LeJBax35Grqc3j4j2kthAyX4xlKmVrCDDj2lA6Wcxo959knhKMkflP0GXKst7cDfww_6lUYO2N31XIYdB/s320/Pea+Pod2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480021255388353746" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRi12XrhJkuW1cLdPbpj1agVrDFxSzsmxZpnmhyetKeQnmmsmTcS1vfnoVyMM9PrUQQnIn8_9qGUWckdg4SGWUs23-F_KdT_AQvS2sUDpJJYc2ZHwk_nEkwCaG9wdUKGYloaPOo_iodfjC/s1600/Pea+Pod.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRi12XrhJkuW1cLdPbpj1agVrDFxSzsmxZpnmhyetKeQnmmsmTcS1vfnoVyMM9PrUQQnIn8_9qGUWckdg4SGWUs23-F_KdT_AQvS2sUDpJJYc2ZHwk_nEkwCaG9wdUKGYloaPOo_iodfjC/s320/Pea+Pod.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480021254582337314" border="0" /></a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17347490959410472081noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078327224041099639.post-18482614689058774182010-06-01T20:00:00.010-04:002010-06-02T11:48:08.828-04:00A Choice?Last December, when Chris and I told the kids about Alina and her need for a home, they were shocked that her parents were willing to "give her away"--in particular because they are aware of the stereotypes about Down syndrome and how Bridget defies them.<br /><br />Chris and I did not truly understand, until we traveled, that people with disabilities do not have a place in the world in Eastern Europe. Scratch that. They<span style="font-style: italic;"> do</span> have a place--and unfortunately, it is <span style="font-style: italic;">behind</span> a closed door. There is no support for parents wanting to raise children with special needs, and society does not condone raising them in public.<br /><br />I am not making a value judgment. Twenty-five years ago, it was the same situation in the United States.<br /><br />When we had court, we heard details about Alina's parents--their names, their address--that they were married when she was born and that they are still together. We saw their signatures on the abandonment decree they signed in the presence of a notary when Alina was two months old (per Ukrainian law--they had left her at the hospital when she was two days old, but waited until the last minute to sign, after blood tests came back confirming that she did have Down syndrome).<br /><br />I sobbed in the quiet of the court room as we heard details about them.<br /><br />Alina's full name was absolutely beautiful. Her middle name was the female version of her dad's name.<br /><br />Her parents were both in their mid-twenties when they had her, and her mom had two miscarriages before Alina was born (full term, weighing about 7 lbs and measuring 22 inches).<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">They wanted her</span>. They did. We are <span style="font-style: italic;">sure of it</span>. I should clarify. We are sure they wanted her <span style="font-style: italic;">before</span> they knew she had Down syndrome. We have no idea how they felt when they found out--but it meant that they could not keep the baby they had wanted--and we can guess that they were devastated.<br /><br />We ache for them. As a mom, I can only imagine the pain her birth mom feels having her gone. Even if she was able to rationalize the decision to release Alina for adoption, and even if she would never want to raise a child with Ds, her mom has to feel the physical absence of her daughter.<br /><br />And she has to wonder what happened to her little girl.<br /><br />We look at Alina and we see a child who is so worthy of love, who would have surprised and elated her parents on a daily basis. We see a little girl who would have made a great big sister, a great daughter, a great grand-daughter.<br /><br />We have to assume that her mom and dad would have been as blown away with her as we are...Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17347490959410472081noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078327224041099639.post-35903485393351558042010-05-31T13:00:00.024-04:002010-05-31T21:01:32.452-04:00Q & A on Transition and Assimilation<span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 51);"><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">There have been some great questions from readers on how Alina has adapted to life at home. This is a long post, but there are many things in it that I have been wanting to write about here for the past several weeks. I am happy to answer any other specific questions or to provide more detail on the items below (or others, should anyone have different questions). This should be a pretty good start, though :)...</span><br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 51);">I'm really curious how Alina is doing with English & your family with Russian.</span><br /><br />Alina appears to understand much of what we say in English (she definitely understands gestures, tone of voice and facial expressions). We learned some key words and phrases in Russian (the kids even know a few)--which we used a lot at first, always along with the English word or phrase. We started adding signs to very basic words (thank you, cup, sorry, tired) while we were still in Ukraine, and have continued to use signs on a limited basis when appropriate. She seems to pick up signs quickly.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 51);">Are there are any distinct characteristics/habits Alina (still) has that reflect her upbringing in the orphanage?</span> <span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 51);">How much of a snuggle-bug :-) has she become (or not)?</span><br /><br />We have been surprised that the orphanage environment has not been more of a defining influence on Alina. She has such a survivor spirit. In her, we see <span style="font-style: italic;">a</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> person</span>, separate from any diagnosis or label or circumstance. We see that underneath it all, she is a little girl becoming who she was always meant to be. She has so many interests and abilities and, like all children, is <span style="font-style: italic;">full of potential</span>. (All of the kids in the orphanages, even the ones with significant needs or those who have been otherwise strongly affected by their environment, will develop and grow with love and a chance at life on the outside--and all of these children deserve the chance to fulfill their potential within the safety and support of a family.)<br /><br />We have not noticed "orphanage behaviors" (such as teeth grinding, hoarding, banging, rocking, etc.) in Alina.<br /><br />She does not have attachment issues that we can see, though she has definitely had to learn <span style="font-style: italic;">how to be loved</span>. She was at first really confused by affection (especially little kisses on her cheeks or forehead and snuggling). She has always been happy to lay her head on someone's shoulder or be rocked when she was sleepy. But she is really starting to <span style="font-style: italic;">work</span> the consolation love--if she gets hurt (or gets her feelings hurt), she milks it for all it's worth--with all of us.<br /><br />She's so very busy, that catching her for snuggles has become an art. But she is starting to come to us more and more for consolation and for general closeness. Within this past week, she has started sitting on the couch when we watch the news in the morning or watch t.v. as a family at night. She will climb right up and sit right next to someone, trying to cuddle in under their arm. (She doesn't stay there for long :), but she is starting to initiate contact, which is a great sign).<br /><br />Each day she is changing and coming into her own. She has been in a very restrictive environment on a strict routine. Her upbringing in the orphanage is sure to have had an impact on how she relates to the world.<br /><br />She is a child <span style="font-style: italic;">unleashed</span>. Having seen the walls of two or three rooms all her life--and not being encouraged to explore and experience life like a child should be--she seems to be making up for lost time. She wants to do it all--often at once :)...which means that we have had to step up our child-proofing and monitoring!<br /><br />She seems to prefer a firm touch to a gentle one--even with hugs and such. In Ukraine, parents tend to praise and scold loudly. People move more swiftly in general, and <span style="font-style: italic;">with purpose</span>...sounds familiar. In Ukraine, people work hard. They are often on the move, busy doing something. Again, that sounds like our little girl. As we learn about Alina and the things that make her unique, we see links and connections every day to <span style="font-style: italic;">something else</span>, something we are not familiar with. So some things we see in her may just be how <span style="font-style: italic;">she</span> is, but they also may be related as much to being from a different country (and obviously to her biological parents--how they are) as much as they are to her having grown up in an orphanage thus far.<br /><br />From orphanage life, in particular, we see:<br /><br />-A somewhat atypical image of food/eating: she eats like it is a business, or a race to the finish. We assume this is because there was only a certain amount of time--and food--allotted for meals in the orphanage. Alina laughs when we put more food on her plate or tray and cries briefly when we take the plate (even after she has to be stuffed!). Again, likely because she was rarely (or never) offered more food once her portion was gone. She wants to eat <span style="font-style: italic;">as soon</span> as she sits down in her high chair, and she fusses until we bring the food (with a sad little face and her palms up, like, <span style="font-style: italic;">What? Am I going to get any?</span>).<br /><br />-Pieces and parts of daily life there: washing up, for example. Alina has no idea what to do in a bathtub. She loves to splash the water with her hands and also wants to stand up and march in it. She needs many reminders to sit down ;). If we give her a wash cloth (or a diaper wipe), she washes herself. She's thorough. She gets her feet, behind her neck and ears, under her chin. We assume she was given a cloth to clean herself sometimes, or that she was studying closely while she was cleaned.<br /><br />Bedtime routines, also: she started off not wanting <span style="font-style: italic;">anything</span> in bed with her. She didn't want or need comfort items, although she is learning to like them. Initially, she tossed everything out of bed (blankets, soft toys, pillows). She has started wanting to put her head on a pillow and to be covered up. She will also hold a teddy bear or doll at naptime...if Bridget has one also :). We assume she was put in bed in the orphanage without toys or other items.<br /><br />-At the orphanage, most everything Alina ate or drank had been warmed. She prefers food and drinks warm, but will not refuse anything. She just makes a funny face, like, <span style="font-style: italic;">I don't know how I feel about this, but I'm not going to complain too much--they might take it.</span> Alina and Bridget have been enjoying tiny kid-sized ice cream cones after dinner, and Alina practically inhales hers (always finishing before Bridget has even made it down to the cone), but she makes a funny face the whole time!<br /><br />-She thinks she has to do literally everything on her own. She pats her own back when she is having trouble swallowing something, wipes her own nose and dresses herself. She lays herself down and takes off her diaper when it is time for changes. She puts herself in time out when Bridget cries, even if she had nothing to do with it :).<span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 51);"><br /><br />How does Alina relate to you as authority figures?</span><br /><br />She knows, without a doubt, that mom and dad are the authority figures in the home. She responds quickly when we ask her to do something, or to quit doing something. She will also listen to the kids, well, other than Bridget :). It is clear to us that she very much likes to be praised, and does not enjoy being scolded. She tests the boundaries once in a while (tossing her cup from her high chair or grabbing Bridget's hair, for example), and a firm <span style="font-style: italic;">No</span> is usually enough to illicit a sad face and moment of silence from her. When we first tried to discipline Alina, she would stop and smile. That morphed to stomping her feet with a grin or a giggle. But recently, she has been full-out crying when she is put in time out (i.e., removed from the situation--whatever it is that is causing trouble--and asked to sit in one particular spot on our couch for a very short period of time). She knows when she is doing something she is not supposed to do.<br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 51);"><br />Does she cry or ask for the caregivers from the orphanage? Does she seem to miss the orphanage? </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 51);">I'm curious about how much you reference back to her home in the Ukraine with pictures/stories/songs/etc. & how she responds.</span><br /><br />We only visited Alina at the orphanage for 5 days, so we did not get to see much of what her daily life was like there. We did notice that her caregivers seemed to enjoy her very much. While they were firm with some of the other children some of the time, they were fairly patient and would often smile or giggle when they "redirected" Alina (when she tried to get into the shelf full of shoes, or when she made a mess while eating, for example). There were a few of the women who were very nurturing with her and seemed to like her very much. They called her "Alinka" (pronounced Uh-LEEN-kuh).<br /><br />We have a memory box for Alina, which includes pictures we took while we were in Ukraine, a few items we purchased there (a painted box, a small metal plate like the ones she used at the orphanage, a Ukrainian flag, a few books); the one picture we have of her when she was little, and the Angel Tree ornament we received for donating to Alina's grant fund on Reece's Rainbow.<br /><br />The <a href="http://lovingalina.blogspot.com/2010/04/day-3-morning-visit.html">green dress</a>--the one she wore every day we were there--is also in the box. (It is ripped and missing the buttons on the back, but we traded a new dress so we could take it with us. The day we left the orphanage, one of the caregivers brought Alina out to us in a diaper. That's what we had to leave with--a little girl in a diaper. Other than the baby picture from her SDA file, that green dress is the only thing we have of her childhood, and it was a shared item...she had nothing of her own.)<br /><br />When we walked out the doors of the orphanage, it is like she never looked back. She was already starting to look to us for comfort by the time we left Zaporozhye.<br /><br />She does love it when we speak Russian to her, though. She <span style="font-style: italic;">always</span> smiles when I say "good job" or "I love you" or "thank you" in Russian. Unfortunately, we don't know any songs or hand rhymes in Russian. She is beginning to enjoy the English versions of things like "The Itsy Bitsy Spider", "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and "Head, Shoulders Knees and Toes," especially if Bridget is right near her enjoying them, too. We suspect that either her hearing is not great, or she did not get a lot of exposure to music/songs/fingerplays at the orphanage.<br /><br />We have really enjoyed learning about Ukraine, and have already included many things from our time there (including food items, music, traditions) in our lives here at home.<br /><br />While it is hard to grasp that there is no place for Alina in her society, we treasure her Ukrainian heritage nonetheless. We understand that her parents didn't have much of a choice in whether or not to keep her, and we have to assume that they agonized over their decision to place her in an orphanage. We also believe they knew that it was her only chance at a better life.<br /><br />I only wish they knew that we made our way to her, that she is now safe, and loved and cherished--and that her future is so bright...Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17347490959410472081noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078327224041099639.post-60156902138532845552010-05-30T09:00:00.008-04:002010-05-30T13:00:44.339-04:00Life at Home Since Alina's Arrival: Thoughts from Her Siblings<span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 51); font-weight: bold;">Emmy</span>, almost 8<br /><br />What is it like having a new sister?<span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);"><br /><br />I'm glad to have a new roommate in my room! It was lonely when I was by myself before Bridget was born. Then once she was there, it was better, but there was still space. It is more crowded, but now it's like a big party in our room :)!</span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);"><br /><br />It is exciting having a new sister because we had never seen her before. We had no idea what she would look like and be like.</span><br /><br />Tell me about Alina...<span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);"><br /><br />Well, she's playful, sweet and loving...and a big eater! She does things that a lot of little kids might not know how to do, like dressing herself and pretending to pour tea into a cup. She just knows a lot.</span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);"> She's my sister and I love her.</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 51); font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><br />Brian</span>, 11<br /><br />What do you think about having a new sister? What is it like having her here with us?<span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);"><br /><br />It's fun and exciting to see the new stuff that she does (like exploring, showing her imagination). It's sort of crazy times two--with Bridget--and a lot more humor.</span><br /><br />What is good about Alina?<span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);"><br /><br />How much she knows right now, how fun and cute she is to play with.</span><br /><br />Have things changed at home since we added another child?<span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);"><br /><br />Nope, not really :).</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 51); font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><br />Kyle</span>, 13<br /><br />Tell me what you think about having Alina home...<span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);"><br /><br />It's awesome. She's cool and she's funny and she's sweet. And it's good to know that we saved someone's life. It's good to share </span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 51);">{with others}</span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);"> that people with Down syndrome should get a chance. And Bridget has a buddy now.</span><br /><br />What has been hard about the adoption?<span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);"><br /><br />It was hard that my parents had to leave and be gone from us, but it all paid off. I don't see a downside </span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 51);">{to adoption}</span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);">.</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 51); font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><br />Sara</span>, 14<br /><br />What is it like now that Alina is finally here?<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);">Having her home has been really smooth. It's like she fit in right where she was supposed to. Having her here didn't completely change our schedule. And it is a really good thing for her. She really needed us.</span><br /><br />How do you think she has changed since she's been here?<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);">In the beginning, she seemed unsure in her new environment but she's adapted to us really quickly--and in this short amount of time she's a part of our family.</span><br /><br />What do you enjoy about Alina?<span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);"><br /><br />I love her smile and her laugh. Some people give a half-hearted smile or laugh. But she doesn't waste them. Every time, she means it.</span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);"><br /></span>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17347490959410472081noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078327224041099639.post-81685280771576138212010-05-29T11:00:00.004-04:002010-05-29T15:14:40.922-04:00Alina & Bridget<span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">Many people have asked how the two little girls in our family are adjusting to each other--and how they interact. So here it is, a post devoted to our dynamic duo :)...</span><br /><br />Sisters:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfoBU5WA8YPfuRO_Co-G4Zs484X9U2K8cYHoBmmiEGaEQhbzQHXdaRtW9J6sao3aYzW1rwMHxQE-t8vgogUN3LX4Zbg1uH-Uz6gdnb0EzuG1YGG_SZBBygyxb3gwJr96ufc83qY_NRzxxc/s1600/Girls+stroller+5.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfoBU5WA8YPfuRO_Co-G4Zs484X9U2K8cYHoBmmiEGaEQhbzQHXdaRtW9J6sao3aYzW1rwMHxQE-t8vgogUN3LX4Zbg1uH-Uz6gdnb0EzuG1YGG_SZBBygyxb3gwJr96ufc83qY_NRzxxc/s320/Girls+stroller+5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475575124333159314" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNiWzns0VofVy0SOFNnSHoj5emyFmx94FwGcNH1GzGmE6BjKE_F72tY5rjwY5I0HsZsJsgcTmNGQQRt7kLhw-Zd-9k6iitulMC9kumE40I1WERa2ohgJWu9UyBh0ZdGZbRP4Bfj5-tRDtW/s1600/Girls+stroller+4.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNiWzns0VofVy0SOFNnSHoj5emyFmx94FwGcNH1GzGmE6BjKE_F72tY5rjwY5I0HsZsJsgcTmNGQQRt7kLhw-Zd-9k6iitulMC9kumE40I1WERa2ohgJWu9UyBh0ZdGZbRP4Bfj5-tRDtW/s320/Girls+stroller+4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475575114149677266" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgPlCHOIpxpmq1Lf0kBeHgYLvBvCpLC8pyemah1s5w8bD3fr5binM0d49p0t4qUR47nhrvjdNcDeGwkG9mnn9KJlwmpNZ1PENNZraFiY0JoNIvedYRtDalB_cGsjYzowdaLKoTiTpVASp/s1600/Girls+stroller+3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgPlCHOIpxpmq1Lf0kBeHgYLvBvCpLC8pyemah1s5w8bD3fr5binM0d49p0t4qUR47nhrvjdNcDeGwkG9mnn9KJlwmpNZ1PENNZraFiY0JoNIvedYRtDalB_cGsjYzowdaLKoTiTpVASp/s320/Girls+stroller+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475575107189270722" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZyo3lYi72LSAxKgv0SRAkCzR5iEPdnprqokOYPu2O0OAQUDEhfLE8Z8iyeIesaPU8ywnAF904oQhyphenhyphenXUGT0X51-cfRpOYF6dRnij_FOd9JvvUwv8-Oji-zEEap_cvUl87zdxlidyUbbLvZ/s1600/Girls+stroller.jpg"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiID0iFh3nebrzGX0zzlBp4dW5JjGFkLCzkiDNJxtfp60Vi4GHU9WRvyVwH_VugeZQncJY9LPalP1kOjXPfF-JzG99wav1wr7c2S55ZGOMGBmJwH1WYzr4ttzVq8ZqVOcu1JNxwnqnXW3Jt/s1600/Girls+stroller+2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiID0iFh3nebrzGX0zzlBp4dW5JjGFkLCzkiDNJxtfp60Vi4GHU9WRvyVwH_VugeZQncJY9LPalP1kOjXPfF-JzG99wav1wr7c2S55ZGOMGBmJwH1WYzr4ttzVq8ZqVOcu1JNxwnqnXW3Jt/s320/Girls+stroller+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475575102841750322" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZyo3lYi72LSAxKgv0SRAkCzR5iEPdnprqokOYPu2O0OAQUDEhfLE8Z8iyeIesaPU8ywnAF904oQhyphenhyphenXUGT0X51-cfRpOYF6dRnij_FOd9JvvUwv8-Oji-zEEap_cvUl87zdxlidyUbbLvZ/s1600/Girls+stroller.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZyo3lYi72LSAxKgv0SRAkCzR5iEPdnprqokOYPu2O0OAQUDEhfLE8Z8iyeIesaPU8ywnAF904oQhyphenhyphenXUGT0X51-cfRpOYF6dRnij_FOd9JvvUwv8-Oji-zEEap_cvUl87zdxlidyUbbLvZ/s320/Girls+stroller.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475575091127044402" border="0" /></a>Bridget and Alina went from not knowing each other to doing <span style="font-style: italic;">everything</span> together. For a three year old, that has to be confusing--and for two little girls who have been forced into a forever partnership overnight, they are doing exactly what we had expected--and hoped for. They are busy <span style="font-style: italic;">being kids</span>, and in the process are learning about <span style="font-style: italic;">being sisters</span>.<br /><br />When we first brought Alina home, the two girls were very much in their own individual worlds. They played side-by-side, rather than together, were sometimes amused by the presence of the other and sometimes seemed to be simply tolerating each other.<br /><br />Within the span of one week, they were already beginning to expect (and enjoy) that they would <span style="font-style: italic;">both</span> be doing whatever we were doing, that they would <span style="font-style: italic;">both</span> be going wherever we were going.<br /><br />Surprisingly, there has been very little jealousy, if any.<br /><br />We've had our moments, as you would expect, when one of them takes a toy, pulls hair or pushes the other. We have our squabbles that would be typical of any toddlers permanently inhabiting the same spaces, playing with shared items, interested in getting help and attention from the same people. And yes, <a href="http://lovingalina.blogspot.com/2010/05/whistle-while-you-work.html"><span style="font-style: italic;">that mop</span></a> has been used as a weapon--by both girls.<br /><br />But our two youngest girls are <span style="font-style: italic;">working it out</span>.<br /><br />Bridget has figured out that Alina (while she usually means well), is rough. She tends to take a wide arc around her little sister and gives Alina the Heisman when she needs to get by her. <span>She has been saying</span><span style="font-style: italic;">, Nee-yet, Nuh-Nuh</span>! (No, Alina!), which is very funny to hear. (She is also often overheard saying, <span style="font-style: italic;">Nuh-Nuh, CUTE</span>!)<br /><br />Bridget and Alina take care of each other. If one is out of Cheerios or crackers, the other will usually share willingly. They point to each other's empty bowls. They offer each other sips from a cup and wipe each other's noses. Bridget has a delicate touch, and Alina seems happy to be "helped" by her. Alina, on the other hand, comes at Bridget with an intense expression, and Bridget looks stunned as Alina firmly presses a sippy cup to her lips or wipes her nose with vigor.<br /><br />But Alina coughs and Bridget shouts, <span style="font-style: italic;">CUP</span>! <span style="font-style: italic;">Okay</span>? If Bridget wakes up before Alina, she tells me, <span style="font-style: italic;">Mommy, Nuh-Nuh...check</span>! (check on Alina!).<br /><br />And when Bridget is in school and Alina goes somewhere with me in the car, she points to Bridget's carseat, saying <span style="font-style: italic;">Buh</span>? (where's Bridget?).<br /><br />When they are playing <span>with</span> each other, Bridget and Alina like to take care of baby dolls, spread out a napkin and dishes on the family room floor, and "clean" house :).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWpgdpqEz94g18Tk163AH2cEMjO-RFYsL-BCO5UNMdDX-AQLiMtmxNuJzT8NC-Hy4HbAWkat3NOBviVF1bHhvgHy2_eL5VUW1yQmYhZnAVlBWWTcQnpx4QA4MkT-3x0PSDwpy5GLCzrOD/s1600/Girls+cleaning.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWpgdpqEz94g18Tk163AH2cEMjO-RFYsL-BCO5UNMdDX-AQLiMtmxNuJzT8NC-Hy4HbAWkat3NOBviVF1bHhvgHy2_eL5VUW1yQmYhZnAVlBWWTcQnpx4QA4MkT-3x0PSDwpy5GLCzrOD/s320/Girls+cleaning.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476474045403658834" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nBQjnOytJ53ubpZWZvbElecH1luwIYqJpDi_Zz4vizuXT7r-6R4nWcdeMrAvPFQXWq7TKqn_FtgH94cYhhS9vN0e0yOIJRbSnK7spAGau299gaMKPHWTTJUS6ODsyJYdWfeovNzx5y3v/s1600/Girls+cleaning+2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nBQjnOytJ53ubpZWZvbElecH1luwIYqJpDi_Zz4vizuXT7r-6R4nWcdeMrAvPFQXWq7TKqn_FtgH94cYhhS9vN0e0yOIJRbSnK7spAGau299gaMKPHWTTJUS6ODsyJYdWfeovNzx5y3v/s320/Girls+cleaning+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476474054302076386" border="0" /></a>They are double trouble, for sure :). They're also double the LOVE.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_z7o3aMjkZcZVvPs2EQr6zC85uv-AAl_aK86VNbhYcsWNxhBvoYHAe2cI7b3ECKDx3U22WfihWCWfsbuue14QWHfUT_1CG7zHx6prowsuIOy8RytEPrAFsnsh0BZw1wUoRR8MrrEOHTAq/s1600/Girls+yard+2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_z7o3aMjkZcZVvPs2EQr6zC85uv-AAl_aK86VNbhYcsWNxhBvoYHAe2cI7b3ECKDx3U22WfihWCWfsbuue14QWHfUT_1CG7zHx6prowsuIOy8RytEPrAFsnsh0BZw1wUoRR8MrrEOHTAq/s320/Girls+yard+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475573726126267154" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_lKQVYGfuVTUUUDB4djZqS6sIOpJgfR9VLNmEzD2vMnbrQkg33BODdwkZgElAwBjIbrF3Q0F3ZYSpL-KuE8iQ2Z0gKdTNuigri9gOT9EzAj5Nkd3xcRchqGmx29iioqhacsLe1a2Hhro0/s1600/Girls+yard.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_lKQVYGfuVTUUUDB4djZqS6sIOpJgfR9VLNmEzD2vMnbrQkg33BODdwkZgElAwBjIbrF3Q0F3ZYSpL-KuE8iQ2Z0gKdTNuigri9gOT9EzAj5Nkd3xcRchqGmx29iioqhacsLe1a2Hhro0/s320/Girls+yard.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475573711109378210" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDLF83T4k_6R-rb2AgB70naQtAdmikTg4ZCs8VJwz-__pSjsKyftYXWXfL5Yvl2X6p6wiVUf3ZrCel7BBOj85gxNh57hQT4mUcUc-Dw03NuiId0rslsoHW_2-FPgv7sN3BC5Hsg7koI3rJ/s1600/IMG_5882.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDLF83T4k_6R-rb2AgB70naQtAdmikTg4ZCs8VJwz-__pSjsKyftYXWXfL5Yvl2X6p6wiVUf3ZrCel7BBOj85gxNh57hQT4mUcUc-Dw03NuiId0rslsoHW_2-FPgv7sN3BC5Hsg7koI3rJ/s320/IMG_5882.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475573739502153970" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"><br />Up next: Notes from our family discussion on Alina and answers to questions about Alina's transition and assimilation process.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_NNgeCw7Bz-wQropfy4exO41MZNMr2r5bquyAbpDVZP2v1fGYS6rKMagWyW-GZWNhyBDzgZ3cEV31NGXOcIg9mSK98hEV_GzWlkN267FuWfSXvlHORhMqD8KlOc08spG4ekg_nlMcc3Mw/s1600/Alina+laughing.jpg"><br /></a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17347490959410472081noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078327224041099639.post-42674016653012582772010-05-28T21:00:00.002-04:002010-05-28T22:24:12.701-04:00ALL ABOUT ALINA<span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 102);">We have enjoyed getting to know Alina over the past six weeks! Here is what we have learned about our newest little girl:</span><br /><br />Alina is self-assured, adaptable and good-natured. She is<span style="font-style: italic;"></span> curious and active, with definite ideas and seemingly boundless energy.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8yHnTjQOX7yD9OCgwKE6AvoGh9CXJWt_WKL3q4wKKknXGxiyNfsD_fA9w9Up9FSQMRj7-ovQQCUjcfLOuwqTtfs-6MYHusKEc6pWNWSJRVpbmDFbW34RJxZh2SQbRHAXuyg_2NtjskIj9/s1600/Alina+stroller+2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8yHnTjQOX7yD9OCgwKE6AvoGh9CXJWt_WKL3q4wKKknXGxiyNfsD_fA9w9Up9FSQMRj7-ovQQCUjcfLOuwqTtfs-6MYHusKEc6pWNWSJRVpbmDFbW34RJxZh2SQbRHAXuyg_2NtjskIj9/s320/Alina+stroller+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476432911897448578" border="0" /></a>She is alert—and <span style="font-style: italic;">very</span> observant. She smiles and laughs easily. She’s interested in people and enjoys social interaction. She likes to give “fist bumps,” and “fives” and “high one’s” (with her index finger). She waves at every. single. person. she sees at the grocery store.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGGDOZeBweQAsqlbaszzSCQDRvLQdKUSGr-UeqRGUyn__icX8uqYC1XJhunt1ULbNutIuTW6Y2QI74gecX737T9yRhPOQT6QLC1K16XeEPx_E7be3XqWQJTzLNG-hDlXHnFus7S4Ak5nKa/s1600/Alina+stroller.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGGDOZeBweQAsqlbaszzSCQDRvLQdKUSGr-UeqRGUyn__icX8uqYC1XJhunt1ULbNutIuTW6Y2QI74gecX737T9yRhPOQT6QLC1K16XeEPx_E7be3XqWQJTzLNG-hDlXHnFus7S4Ak5nKa/s320/Alina+stroller.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476432901222638482" border="0" /></a>Alina likes to try to do things for herself. We believe she began walking just over 6 months ago, so she is still really a “toddler” and can be wobbly at times. That does not stop her from trying anything. She does not hold back—she’s on a mission, and does literally <span style="font-style: italic;">everything</span> with purpose.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR_5Zxq7O_1LVC_rWtQX_u1ED68VD9gnsWyQVoM6TBfmCFOb2sdPyVm0xEEE2HGgrlYAcp1HUwpx8T1plqpZG_jexvCYNWN2vbQJ1vO6-syoWHdAxWTRuIBnDwagTSDzJLdixJZZ9tvXLe/s1600/Alina+onesie.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR_5Zxq7O_1LVC_rWtQX_u1ED68VD9gnsWyQVoM6TBfmCFOb2sdPyVm0xEEE2HGgrlYAcp1HUwpx8T1plqpZG_jexvCYNWN2vbQJ1vO6-syoWHdAxWTRuIBnDwagTSDzJLdixJZZ9tvXLe/s320/Alina+onesie.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476440070531986258" border="0" /></a>Alina is very sharp--she is a <span style="font-style: italic;">quick study</span>. She understands how to play with toys (which buttons to push, how they work). She is a little Houdini, and has figured out how to get out of her crib and how to take her Onesies off by slipping them over her shoulders and down. (Notice the ribbon tie on the picture above...it works! For now.) Chris keeps saying, <span style="font-style: italic;">Don't show Alina how you did that! </span>(unhooking a safety latch on the cabinet, or getting her out of the harness on her carseat, for example). <span style="font-style: italic;">She watches once, and it is over </span>:).<br /><br />Alina is an interesting mixture of active and content. As seen in the last post, she plays <span style="font-style: italic;">with gusto</span>. She <span style="font-style: italic;">works hard</span> at playing. She plays for long periods of time (by herself or with others), and has a very good attention span (if, of course, the object or activity is something she is interested in!).<br /><br />Like most children, she likes to be praised and does not like to be scolded.<br /><br />Alina is <span style="font-style: italic;">expressive</span>. (Who knew, from her profile pictures??)<br /><br />She enjoys: eating, books, phones, pretend play (baby dolls, cleaning, kitchen), things she can carry (purses, bags and buckets), and playing “dress up” (i.e., dressing and undressing).<br /><br />Her speech is delayed (though we are not sure exactly how much since her native language is Russian!), but her total communication is quite good. She not only understands much of what we ask of her in English, but she is also beginning to communicate some of her wants and needs using a variety of strategies (facial expressions, sounds, gestures, signs). She is beginning to repeat sounds for us as well.<br /><br />Since Alina has been home, she has learned to say: book, more (“muh”), cup (“puh”), mama, hi, and “Buh!” for Bridget.<br /><br />She is signing: more, apple, gentle, sad, and cup. She waves “hi” and “bye-bye”.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_NNgeCw7Bz-wQropfy4exO41MZNMr2r5bquyAbpDVZP2v1fGYS6rKMagWyW-GZWNhyBDzgZ3cEV31NGXOcIg9mSK98hEV_GzWlkN267FuWfSXvlHORhMqD8KlOc08spG4ekg_nlMcc3Mw/s1600/Alina+laughing.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_NNgeCw7Bz-wQropfy4exO41MZNMr2r5bquyAbpDVZP2v1fGYS6rKMagWyW-GZWNhyBDzgZ3cEV31NGXOcIg9mSK98hEV_GzWlkN267FuWfSXvlHORhMqD8KlOc08spG4ekg_nlMcc3Mw/s320/Alina+laughing.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474651944296007922" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-jOrpZqEdEcloqoT84_82DvUQ3aEIF70LzzdbTvWchmhSsTmuTR_ELZn5PTzu1GkbtZekDv6DuCE83jbcG16u97Le_NCQYrJ5KpcqXaoM8XVDIzs0sEd2dBxWRn4cc5xxQeop1wgzNtYZ/s1600/Silly+girl+in+pjs.jpg"><br /></a>Alina keeps us running...and smiling...and giving thanks on an hourly basis.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-jOrpZqEdEcloqoT84_82DvUQ3aEIF70LzzdbTvWchmhSsTmuTR_ELZn5PTzu1GkbtZekDv6DuCE83jbcG16u97Le_NCQYrJ5KpcqXaoM8XVDIzs0sEd2dBxWRn4cc5xxQeop1wgzNtYZ/s1600/Silly+girl+in+pjs.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-jOrpZqEdEcloqoT84_82DvUQ3aEIF70LzzdbTvWchmhSsTmuTR_ELZn5PTzu1GkbtZekDv6DuCE83jbcG16u97Le_NCQYrJ5KpcqXaoM8XVDIzs0sEd2dBxWRn4cc5xxQeop1wgzNtYZ/s320/Silly+girl+in+pjs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474651947292814274" border="0" /></a>She is a delightful child, who is so full of life and potential. She is a wonderful daughter...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4zXOdJgz9yEOosxSdkwxpZbLYPs1fuV2njPu_AxHVYm-DqAC3rMYQqHPcp_uJgjL8htFq-BzU1aAzckE31VqFBCAI5SyZRy-L7dHJKT2GI2MSEiS0AlJuknsT9lq3Og2_KuAh0Xcs1gd-/s1600/Sweetheart+in+pjs.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4zXOdJgz9yEOosxSdkwxpZbLYPs1fuV2njPu_AxHVYm-DqAC3rMYQqHPcp_uJgjL8htFq-BzU1aAzckE31VqFBCAI5SyZRy-L7dHJKT2GI2MSEiS0AlJuknsT9lq3Og2_KuAh0Xcs1gd-/s320/Sweetheart+in+pjs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474651958519108610" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">...and we feel lucky to be able to call her our own<span style="font-style: italic;">...</span></span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51); font-style: italic;"><br /><br />Up next: Alina & Bridget--how they are adjusting and NEW PICS :)</span>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17347490959410472081noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078327224041099639.post-50994004282929534902010-05-25T20:30:00.000-04:002010-05-25T20:52:08.693-04:00Whistle While You WorkSo we have discovered that Alina is a little "worker bee"--she works/plays <span style="font-style: italic;">hard</span>.<br /><br />She loves the cleaning set I got for Bridget last year (Bridget likes it, too). And she is thorough. When she mops, she gets underneath and behind the furniture. She moves stuff to clean under it, too.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1vc5qMmbYWNcvR6-2VW78MTFNmY4564F8K38vR4Bzqmgd8UI6n5IKd3R7LecA7UbLZJ2U40EvF2N5OfM9P8JZlgblHae-27jkpret8GzjK4W3bdNliFokkDlHWbJlylMlQV06HSLR-iJW/s1600/Alina+cleaning+3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1vc5qMmbYWNcvR6-2VW78MTFNmY4564F8K38vR4Bzqmgd8UI6n5IKd3R7LecA7UbLZJ2U40EvF2N5OfM9P8JZlgblHae-27jkpret8GzjK4W3bdNliFokkDlHWbJlylMlQV06HSLR-iJW/s320/Alina+cleaning+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474914970234655970" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_DeE_y4h_sabwEpo6ZlJnic86PZkR1iKWyAMiHXRE46NoKTQrzT2g-WeP98nH7-prfL2dtfZtsDpSdyJHbTh5UN49T1F2VMqfUm11EJRoY6tQ1M2dYCBVVk6pVIValez-fc1LBmVKx9j/s1600/Alina+cleaning+2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_DeE_y4h_sabwEpo6ZlJnic86PZkR1iKWyAMiHXRE46NoKTQrzT2g-WeP98nH7-prfL2dtfZtsDpSdyJHbTh5UN49T1F2VMqfUm11EJRoY6tQ1M2dYCBVVk6pVIValez-fc1LBmVKx9j/s320/Alina+cleaning+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474914966535263778" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVgljKYXH67iHGfjkzlFoHuAAihC2givRBnUj-KwRTiYd4Ip23u5eKvZHfK5xYn_Xoq8tmjkGKF8GPtjh9A-wT6efvkuhHuo73ddFyRQtkJxhfXwjTFnBgB-lr-p99klVVbc-TNJ6_zcAD/s1600/Alina+cleaning.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVgljKYXH67iHGfjkzlFoHuAAihC2givRBnUj-KwRTiYd4Ip23u5eKvZHfK5xYn_Xoq8tmjkGKF8GPtjh9A-wT6efvkuhHuo73ddFyRQtkJxhfXwjTFnBgB-lr-p99klVVbc-TNJ6_zcAD/s320/Alina+cleaning.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474914956886936034" border="0" /></a>We sat down as a family tonight to talk about life with Alina, how things have changed (or not) since she arrived, and how we feel about her.<br /><br />I have pictures, details, descriptions and stories to share over the next few days. I'll answer the questions people have asked about her assimilation process and about how the rest of the group has done with a new little sister.<br /><br />Feel free to ask any questions through the comments section here or via email. I'll try to get to each request :). Please stay tuned...Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17347490959410472081noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078327224041099639.post-14183346566553678732010-05-23T20:13:00.002-04:002010-05-23T20:16:35.238-04:00These Two Little Girls<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5u2SB0OenrS9KBOejhYtSOeuyHrdlYEQ3dLf8vqmbHHrZhoG2LyBPEeP9ouz6sbi6c1E4Gy_97YDLiOH9Bj6aP5fY8UzRaZ3XVdyJ9TW8cD9hnMfEfbhavOkJ0-dQSlExD-S0yrsLaXy/s1600/Little+girls+outside.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5u2SB0OenrS9KBOejhYtSOeuyHrdlYEQ3dLf8vqmbHHrZhoG2LyBPEeP9ouz6sbi6c1E4Gy_97YDLiOH9Bj6aP5fY8UzRaZ3XVdyJ9TW8cD9hnMfEfbhavOkJ0-dQSlExD-S0yrsLaXy/s320/Little+girls+outside.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474623445540492226" border="0" /></a>...are keeping me busy :)!Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17347490959410472081noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078327224041099639.post-37052579149500109182010-05-12T12:41:00.007-04:002010-05-12T13:06:33.503-04:00Video--Gotcha DayWhile we were in Ukraine, Chris took several short videos with his Blackberry.<br /><br />I hope to share more of our trip, of what we did and saw while we were there. But as I was looking over the videos Chris uploaded onto my computer last night, the following seems like a good place to start, even though it is not at the beginning of our trip. <br /><br />It is the beginning of Alina's new life.<br /><br />The day we took Alina out of the orphanage...forever:<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz_ETof9cM19-hemCi5sg1JeupatlNd58gnWIqHFSfPssSkRiYz-S8s4uCLfaBJllGzRAHlUEZ1LsD3PrNUqA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dylqFZRH9SwjxmmkiipOpswnEdbEPJaNAeIKqdbPDjO9W53QzMIxZWPipGxBpYv3Hlg65sSgmczoIpRLye3CQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxu3WVhkOU4YIgNZUIt9B5StK7whNIcSGqoCebP07UlYHIMyLHvJWY7Gxf9iH6JIvrt1q4Qh_h1lqa6t_DOJA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzN6dIPaYuwiCEHUoL7x5GNjv4ycLwPzgeSHF9z75Q3mjYCkqASsjha7-XdKVVqA0XSmKnMETGkDYdrp5UW5A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17347490959410472081noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078327224041099639.post-7146572687756409572010-05-06T11:00:00.016-04:002010-05-06T14:37:09.694-04:00Two Weeks In...<span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51); font-style: italic;">Tomorrow, we will have been home for two weeks. Alina and I will celebrate by going to the International Adoption Clinic for her comprehensive check-up :). I have spent the past few days writing out all the important details that we have learned about Alina's health history and development in preparation for the appointment. I will also take along her vaccination record and notes from the head doctor at the orphanage where Alina had been living. I will post a re-cap of her appointment here sometime next week.</span><br /><br /><br />It is hard to believe that we met Alina less than a month ago. We feel like we have known her forever.<br /><br />This little girl is so busy and curious. She is such a <span style="font-style: italic;">bundle of love</span>.<br /><br />She is very sociable and giggles easily. She has had nothing of her own, yet she willingly shares her food and toys. She is a sturdy little girl who craves affection and gives it right back. When she comes in for a hug, she lunges toward you, grinning with her arms wide open. She rarely cries, but when she does, she is easily consoled.<br /><br />A few details that several people have asked about:<br /><br />Alina was confused at first by physical affection. We gave her space to start, and when we first began to hug and kiss her, she looked at us like<span style="font-style: italic;">, what is that?</span> and moved slightly away. Within a few days, though, she realized that having people love her felt pretty nice. One day at the orphanage, she scratched her arm and I came right over to ask if she was hurt. She looked up, appearing to be a bit confused by me kissing her arm. She paused, then smiled, then went right over to Chris and lifted her arm to his mouth so he would kiss her boo-boo, too. She's all about the love now. Instead of leaning away, she leans <span style="font-style: italic;">toward</span> us. Loving a child who has been abandoned and hasn't known love, and having them love you back--it feels like Heaven.<br /><br />Alina is eating, drinking and sleeping well. She seems to like most everything we have fed her, except Brussels sprouts (not a surprise) and mashed potatoes (a surprise). She does prefer food and drinks to be warm (everything was warmed in the orphanage), but she won't refuse items that are cold. She is drinking apple juice, water and rice milk from a sippy cup. (She can drink from an open cup, but needs supervision because she tends to play in it, or pour some of it if left unattended. She wasn't given milk in the orphanage, as far as we know, so we are introducing dairy slowly.) She naps once a day, for about two hours, and sleeps soundly from about 8 p.m. to 7 a.m.<br /><br />Alina doesn't love diaper wipes. Scratch that. She loves diaper wipes, just not when we are wiping her bottom with them :). We don't know what they used in the orphanage (maybe a warm cloth?). <br /><br />She doesn't mind baths, although we assume she had never had one until she got here. She <span style="font-style: italic;">really</span> likes to splash the water, so her baths are quick :). We also assume she did not have any sort of dental care in the orphanage. She cleans her teeth with her tongue when she lays down to sleep at night. It is sweet and sad. She has let me brush her teeth right from the start, which is crazy. I have no idea why it doesn't bother her. Her gums bled a little at first, even though I was super careful. They are not bleeding anymore. And yes, the pediatric dentist is on our list of visits to make soon.<br /><br />Alina doesn't watch t.v. (although she likes the remote and knows exactly how to use it--they had a t.v. in her groupa's room), but she does seem to like one show: American Idol. It's true. I have no idea why Dora the Explorer does not hold her attention, but American Idol does. (Dang, I wish I had the whole season recorded!)<br /><br />The staff at the orphanage was able to tell us two things about Alina (in English): <span style="font-style: italic;">Alina clever</span>.... and <span style="font-style: italic;">Alina messy</span>. Holy cow, were they ever right on both accounts :).<br /><br />Alina is doing so well developmentally. She is very sharp and able. Her spoken language is her largest delay as far as we can tell, although she is making lots of sounds (like <span style="font-style: italic;">Boo</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">Woo</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">Oof, Ha Ha</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">Huh</span>!), and she has started to say some words in English, too, like <span style="font-style: italic;">HI!</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">more</span> ("muh"), which she has also learned to sign. Alina understands much of what we say to her in English and is fairly compliant :). She <span style="font-style: italic;">loves</span> to hear Russian words--she smiles when she hears them--and will do everything we ask of her in Russian. She's lucky our Russian-language skills are limited ;).<br /><br />Bridget and Alina spent about a week sizing each other up :). Bridget realized quickly that Alina tends to stumble and will squash her when she falls, so Bridget would gladly wave and smile at Alina, but kept a safe distance from her "little" sister. For the first week or so, I would say that the girls tolerated one another and were amused by each other. They both seem to know that the other one isn't going anywhere, and they seem to be happy with that :).<br /><br />They are really beginning to enjoy each other. They will wave to each other and smile. They like to hold hands, or touch their index fingers together. They "share" food items and cups (which is <span style="font-style: italic;">lovely</span>, in truth as well as in sarcasm). Bridget tries to help Alina by making sure we are aware of her apparent needs and status on a moment-to-moment basis.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ4bu8OjEvFm-n8cP4sTdN6ErV5Mj3RCDTzQocpUr535IX30rpXD4j0JPpLgg7abb3ROWY1HbH7GHOdB1JF15lv3uiJ4Gqe9Jn73qa4lkw9ZgoulqdLrkrNpwcEt2jglNYJ6nXRdfmVg7v/s1600/Girls+index+fingers.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ4bu8OjEvFm-n8cP4sTdN6ErV5Mj3RCDTzQocpUr535IX30rpXD4j0JPpLgg7abb3ROWY1HbH7GHOdB1JF15lv3uiJ4Gqe9Jn73qa4lkw9ZgoulqdLrkrNpwcEt2jglNYJ6nXRdfmVg7v/s400/Girls+index+fingers.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468124234946130306" border="0" /></a><br />Bridget calls Alina <span style="font-style: italic;">sissy</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">nuh-nuh</span>, but it is usually <span style="font-style: italic;">uh-nuh-nuh</span>. Things I hear often: <span style="font-style: italic;">uh-nuh-nuh...mess</span>; <span style="font-style: italic;">uh-nuh-nuh...cup</span>; <span style="font-style: italic;">uh-nuh-nuh cryin'; uh-nuh-nuh cracker...me, cracker</span>.<br /><br />There have been some very funny moments already with the two of them. On the way home from dance class last night, Alina and Bridget were in their carseats, both double fist-pumping to AC/DC "You Shook Me All Night Long". It was classic.<br /><h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" ft="{"type":"msg"}"><span class="UIStory_Message"></span></h3><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZAfIWScxoA74KyQd_vjR4ujQnRlH4qQp2AjCr8FCQoYbKlEJKdpkluT4d6UtRxLLy0CdJjr9PhtapfW9_YDZHU4V2vBhpWysXCjp0rmT-RLB0rJPwExutXK-njXbUSyVLjnF0Xo3QClD/s1600/IMG_5732.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZAfIWScxoA74KyQd_vjR4ujQnRlH4qQp2AjCr8FCQoYbKlEJKdpkluT4d6UtRxLLy0CdJjr9PhtapfW9_YDZHU4V2vBhpWysXCjp0rmT-RLB0rJPwExutXK-njXbUSyVLjnF0Xo3QClD/s200/IMG_5732.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468167551145181266" border="0" /></a>Bridget and Alina are very similar in some ways: they both like dolls and books and food and being around people. Despite very different body types, they are also almost exactly the same height and weight and wear the same size shoe.<br /><br />Our three-year-olds are also polar opposites in some ways. Bridget tends to be very dainty and gentle. When she falls or drops something she says <span style="font-style: italic;">Oopsie</span> in a sweet little voice. Alina is a bit of a <span style="font-style: italic;">bull in a china closet</span>. She is not the most gentle creature, but then again--neither am I :). When she falls or drops something, she says <span style="font-style: italic;">OOF!</span> It is hilarious.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdlwIzlOI-JMXXHsYQejsH9ekx-Af0k2O-gk13EguDuwmBOVHjUesV0pGe0kFtWasNlj0EMs74ajSglnK3bjTB_kCeq4lcpokFw3pLxw_qRfnTorMHoSUmxyC42NEOLifWccYaEevDBlJp/s1600/Alina+yogurt.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdlwIzlOI-JMXXHsYQejsH9ekx-Af0k2O-gk13EguDuwmBOVHjUesV0pGe0kFtWasNlj0EMs74ajSglnK3bjTB_kCeq4lcpokFw3pLxw_qRfnTorMHoSUmxyC42NEOLifWccYaEevDBlJp/s200/Alina+yogurt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468167565282510722" border="0" /></a>Bridget likes to be clean and gets grossed-out easily (she is often heard saying <span style="font-style: italic;">Ewww</span>! for one reason or another). Alina is a disaster half the time. Bridget keeps a napkin beside her yogurt in the morning and wipes her mouth throughout. She isn't <span style="font-style: italic;">always</span> clean, but she tries.<br /><br />Alina, on the other hand, eats her yogurt with wild abandon--just how she does most other things :). She has it everywhere from her eyebrows to her elbows.<br /><br />Yesterday, Bridget looked over at Alina (right when I took the above picture) and whispered, <span style="font-style: italic;">mess</span>. Yep, she's a mess alright :). A beautiful, busy mess, who we are lucky enough to call our own.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxly27p4j3MkyDgRT9jVrh2qBvMkDOcyyiqTPJdfdgen6twMSqZfSEkuYFfYkApTnalgrBeubwvSGwFhayD-sulKqaoCSnr5rMgayLp90cMN85p6t7b8ROn1OLOtIjg909TrnTZA46r7uR/s1600/Alina+high+chair+2.jpg"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7f_bAN_Z5pSwrmHxgUjo4sSQS9ju5-_VW4yoJkc085P_YaT_zJFyaw4MSKol1Po_qU64hPgrdy_Lk0NiOf1kKlpkhRkHFBI8Qu2GI9TBncuuqDvSQKlkQ9EvAQaQRuQDJ22rWIeEeTpy/s1600/Alina+shadow+sunset.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7f_bAN_Z5pSwrmHxgUjo4sSQS9ju5-_VW4yoJkc085P_YaT_zJFyaw4MSKol1Po_qU64hPgrdy_Lk0NiOf1kKlpkhRkHFBI8Qu2GI9TBncuuqDvSQKlkQ9EvAQaQRuQDJ22rWIeEeTpy/s400/Alina+shadow+sunset.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468124225840593490" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbs_1Yg7bU4Nt9zsUzngM4O71YbO1Ok_MvyvPY0w42I34j7q7ICmy2CU_gDueLfUwGsYVGDRGjoQdjrdPEyT0t80sUpwYN1dlCRZn6jw3w2NrJwdWTGnyjwzujhAUYMrFfl6H2q3PbBgr7/s1600/Alina+high+chair.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbs_1Yg7bU4Nt9zsUzngM4O71YbO1Ok_MvyvPY0w42I34j7q7ICmy2CU_gDueLfUwGsYVGDRGjoQdjrdPEyT0t80sUpwYN1dlCRZn6jw3w2NrJwdWTGnyjwzujhAUYMrFfl6H2q3PbBgr7/s400/Alina+high+chair.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468124213795831890" border="0" /></a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17347490959410472081noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078327224041099639.post-61431798249867805732010-05-05T12:45:00.000-04:002010-05-05T12:56:52.314-04:00Tired & HappyI have so much to say...so much on my mind and in my heart. And I promise that I am trying to put words and pictures together to share some of it here.<br /><br />At the moment, I have just finished cleaning the kitchen up after lunch...is it bedtime yet :)?<br /><br />We've jumped right back into life at home. I shouldn't be surprised that things are busy, now that we have <span style="font-style: italic;">six</span> children under fourteen. Chris is already back to traveling for work and all of the kids have been sick at one point or another since we have been home.<br /><br />It took at least a week to shake off the exhaustion of the trip overseas and back. And now, what we've got is just <span style="font-style: italic;">plain old exhaustion</span> :).<br /><br />So, I am going to put the youngest girls down for a nap and take one myself! Tonight, I will write (and post) all about Alina, and how she is doing at home.<br /><br />I'll end with an image (in words, though I wish I could have safely photographed the moment): Last night, on the way to take Sara to dance class, Bridget and Alina were in their car seats behind the passenger and driver seats in our minivan. I looked in the rearview mirror to see their little hands stretched toward each other, index fingers touching. They were both smiling from ear to ear.<br /><br />It had been a hectic day, but a split-second glance--seeing the two of them like that--was all the reminder I needed that we are living exactly the life that was meant for us.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17347490959410472081noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078327224041099639.post-48262058693949368552010-04-29T17:29:00.001-04:002010-04-29T17:33:35.080-04:00Watching the Girls Outside<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjssjOqj1sne4UO-Gzc9Y-BWpnFVrZtKXBj5lMo7thenS-jLDNK_-d-UgioTwiwvaySC_YG4c7PE2EhnnlQ7zvtBXs5FDAAjFsjlmJxtbe4hDNncXYpY_oo5cRlBUTl9sqvhN2hVvXfE9s3/s1600/Alina+watching+girls.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjssjOqj1sne4UO-Gzc9Y-BWpnFVrZtKXBj5lMo7thenS-jLDNK_-d-UgioTwiwvaySC_YG4c7PE2EhnnlQ7zvtBXs5FDAAjFsjlmJxtbe4hDNncXYpY_oo5cRlBUTl9sqvhN2hVvXfE9s3/s400/Alina+watching+girls.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465674852303373026" border="0" /></a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17347490959410472081noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078327224041099639.post-33017980645297372152010-04-28T18:26:00.005-04:002010-04-29T18:01:16.971-04:00Am I Dreaming? (A Family of Her Own)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdwRZonMQgRxb-Qf-Gs_xEWJEzhQqt-5pCE_yKEr3Z5rTU3KHB6S5WZU2QC_jpvaJR6vUJ7QZaGbeYKSZWKxt0w9mNfcxmxd3bmGfmOaIH-UkWo8MVyPwEereBTLm6U7sr9JF1mNUUb_V/s1600/Alina+sleeping+with+book.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdwRZonMQgRxb-Qf-Gs_xEWJEzhQqt-5pCE_yKEr3Z5rTU3KHB6S5WZU2QC_jpvaJR6vUJ7QZaGbeYKSZWKxt0w9mNfcxmxd3bmGfmOaIH-UkWo8MVyPwEereBTLm6U7sr9JF1mNUUb_V/s400/Alina+sleeping+with+book.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465318446127647906" border="0" /></a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17347490959410472081noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078327224041099639.post-1081872913267309842010-04-28T10:29:00.002-04:002010-04-29T17:31:25.362-04:00Happy Girl<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjffAVzTLVCuqGBbeBbCw-i0WjF897KnwYtCcOgGEUBpAkcLAXbgdS85yiTL9cPeBFwmkBZELVKQGgDo_kaReYDa92dmYaWCwNkMfKjeLIJeqSNQ4piiAFiUQQoC6askWrQcwa4Cm6UCNt_/s1600/Alina+home.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjffAVzTLVCuqGBbeBbCw-i0WjF897KnwYtCcOgGEUBpAkcLAXbgdS85yiTL9cPeBFwmkBZELVKQGgDo_kaReYDa92dmYaWCwNkMfKjeLIJeqSNQ4piiAFiUQQoC6askWrQcwa4Cm6UCNt_/s400/Alina+home.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465195605390691682" border="0" /></a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17347490959410472081noreply@blogger.com12