15 Pics for 15 Days

Dear Friends,

I have now been home from the hospital for 15 days!  Even though my mom says I am a very easygoing, sweet kid to care for, she still hasn't had much time to blog between the Christmas season events and activities, my doctor's appointments, and adjusting to her new routine with three children.  I thought I'd help her out tonight and show you what I've been up to these last couple of weeks.  I hope you enjoy!

1.  Taking a walk to see the Christmas lights in Kaneohe with my family - loved having my dad push me around in the stroller, and the lights were so pretty!

2.  Hangin out on my couch, with my favorite quilt and my favorite magazine (Parents - I'm mesmerized by it!).

3.  Playing with my "Dolly" - my mom ordered it for me from another adoptive mom who makes them by hand.  She is very special to me and I love to give her kisses and fall asleep holding her.

4.  My first movie night with my brother and sister - we watched "The Incredibles".  Every Friday night we get to fold out the sleeper sofa and eat popcorn while we watch.

5.  My first Christmas morning!  My mom's friend speaks Russian, and she asked me if I knew what Christmas was.  I told her I had never heard of it (only New Year's).  She told me what it was all about, but I think that next year I will understand it a little better.  Many of my friends and family gave me gifts for Christmas, and I was thrilled to have them all surrounding me (in fact, when it was time for my mom to finally put some of them away, I protested just a tiny bit!).

6.  The Christmas photo shoot - can I just say that my mama LOVES to take pictures :)  That's okay though - I am pretty cooperative.  Now when the camera comes out I exclaim "Smile!"

 

7.  Sitting up in the activity chair that my mom's friend Kelly loaned us.  Mrs. Kelly, if you are reading this, I want you to know that I am SO happy to be able to sit at the table and eat with my family.

8.  Floor time.  In Ukraine, I was never ever allowed to get down on the floor and play, so this is a treat for me.

9.  The beach!  Of course, I had to spend almost the whole time lying on a quilt under an umbrella, but I still had a great time.  When I was in the orphanage I only remember going outside three times my WHOLE life - once when I was transferred from my "baby house" to "dom invalid" and twice when I was taken to the hospital.  Other than that, I spent 24 hours a day on the second floor of an orphanage - never feeling the sun shine on my face or the wind blowing through my hair.  My mom was really nervous that I would be scared to go out into this big, wide, open, new world but you know what - I love it!!

 

10.  Matching my sister - don't we look cute?

11.  My own bed.  Each night my mom gets me ready for bed in the room I share with my sister, and after she tucks me in I tell her night-night and I drift off to sleep peacefully.  I sleep all night long, and wake up smiling the next morning.  My mom says this is too good to be true :)

12.  The dogs - I love em.  This is Chica and there is also a little one named Kocher.  I can frequently be heard saying "Chica Chica, ye tebya loobloo (I love you)" and "No no, Chica Chica".

 13.  Eating in a restaurant (please excuse the bread in my mouth - again, my mom was snapping pics while I was trying to chew!).  I love all kinds of food.  In fact when my mom's friend asked me what my favorite food so far is, I said "Everything!".

14.  My first shopping spree.  We went to TCP for a few new clothes, and I was so happy with it all :)

15. FREEDOM.  I am discovering that I can move, dance, sing, laugh, cry, and help myself.  I don't have to just lay here anymore and be helpless - I can DO stuff.  A month ago I kept my right arm completely flexed and tucked tight by my side all the time (chicken-wing style).  Now I raise both arms high above my head and I can completely straighten out my left arm.  My right arm is almost completely straight too.  My parents are excited to see what else I am able to accomplish in the coming weeks and months.  So am I!