Our feeble attempts at a family picture:
The girls had fun playing with Grandma!
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| ...even if you don't notice it here! |
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| Not too sure about that stuff! |
Thursday, April 14, 2011
First family picnic this spring!
After our long winter we finally went to Como Zoo, had a picnic and saw the animals last Saturday - a favorite family tradition of ours. John's mom was able to meet Victoria for the first time and join our family on the adventure. It was a little chilly and cloudy with a few sprinkles, but the day was still very enjoyable.
Our feeble attempts at a family picture:
The girls had fun playing with Grandma!
Daddy splurged and bought cotton candy. The second time our two American born girls have had it in their lives. I imagine it was the first time Victoria tasted it. Sticky hands and faces!
When we saw the gorillas first thing, Victoria was scared to death! She calmed down shortly thereafter and decided that she liked visiting the zoo.
We had a fun family day! Ciao-ciao! Bye-bye!
Our feeble attempts at a family picture:
The girls had fun playing with Grandma!
Happy birthday, Victoria!
April 12th was Victoria's 6th birthday! We had a very busy day. The girls and I celebrated in the morning with doughnuts and strawberries. Victoria seemed to like the doughnuts, but she wanted me to cut off the frosting!
After being out in the morning, Victoria and I met John at the U of M campus for an appointment with a neurologist. Unfortunately, the only time this could be scheduled was her birthday. It made it easier that there were no "owies", and she didn't seem to mind having some time with Daddy and Mommy by herself. On our way home Victoria and I stopped by Dairy Queen and I let her choose a cake.
Then by Victoria's request, we had macaroni and cheese and spinach salad (Mommy's request) for supper.
Victoria enjoyed blowing out the candles on her cake, and, of course, Joyclin and Cherith got a turn too! All three ate all of their cake! Yum! Yum!
She really enjoyed being sung to and learned the "Happy Birthday" song herself - she sang it over and over! She was pretty excited that it was her birthday.
We will celebrate a little more on Friday night and have gifts then. Victoria didn't even seem to miss opening gifts on her birthday. I'm guessing that is a part of birthdays that she is not used to.
Happy birthday, Victoria! We love you!
Then by Victoria's request, we had macaroni and cheese and spinach salad (Mommy's request) for supper.
Victoria enjoyed blowing out the candles on her cake, and, of course, Joyclin and Cherith got a turn too! All three ate all of their cake! Yum! Yum!
She really enjoyed being sung to and learned the "Happy Birthday" song herself - she sang it over and over! She was pretty excited that it was her birthday.
Happy birthday, Victoria! We love you!
Monday, April 4, 2011
One month
We've had Victoria home for a month now! What a month it has been! We all continue to adjust - adjust has been the operative word! It seems we are continually tweaking something in our routine, or otherwise, to better meet the needs. I have to admit that this month has been mostly focused on survival. We are easing into "real life" now, which will bring further adjustments. (I finally got to exercise again this morning!) We knew that this would be a long haul, and it's proving to be true. There are many times we have been overwhelmed and exhausted with what God has given us to do, but we're thankful for God's grace and strength.
Victoria is doing well, all things considered. She has definitely picked up the family routine (as much as there is of it right now), and is constantly learning new English phrases and the meanings of them. She dresses and toilets herself and makes her own bed. A couple of days ago, she told John and me, "Look at me!". One tricky thing that we've been trying to overcome is her demand for our constant attention - which she does not need and neither will she receive. We have asked our Heavenly Father for much wisdom, patience and love for her, and I believe He is supplying it - slowly but surely. I also believe that she is starting to make some headway with her attitude as well.
Victoria has enjoyed getting to know her Grandpa Hallada and Uncles Tom and Todd. We spend a lot of time with them and she has adapted to this routine very well. She cheers right along with the other girls when they are told that we get to see them soon. Victoria also was able to meet two sets of great grandparents who were here for a visit. She was able to talk to her Grandma Isenberg on the phone last week and will be meeting her soon too. She seems to enjoy meeting family members.
Victoria was able to have her dental check up last week, and to our surprise has very healthy teeth! This was very unexpected, related to her history of living in an orphanage; but we knew she did have good care there. It's a blessing not to have to undergo a lot of dental work for her right now. We have an appointment with the International Adoption Clinic at the U of M on Wednesday (the 6th of April) to begin working on her plan of care. We'll see how that goes.
Jocylin and Cherith are still adjusting well. They play and quarrel with Victoria - just like sisters. Surprise, surprise! We are definitely reciting "Be ye kind one to another" a lot! Victoria has been going into Sunday School and Cubbies with Jocylin for the last couple of weeks. Jocylin has been a good helper with many tasks throughout the day as she helps Mommy and her "new sister". Cherith is still working to say Victoria's name. It has been coming out "Bactoria" - it sounds as bad as it looks! When I tried to help her say "Vic". It came out "Vic-Bactoria". Funny!
Thank you for your prayers as we get back in to the new normal of our lives!
Victoria is doing well, all things considered. She has definitely picked up the family routine (as much as there is of it right now), and is constantly learning new English phrases and the meanings of them. She dresses and toilets herself and makes her own bed. A couple of days ago, she told John and me, "Look at me!". One tricky thing that we've been trying to overcome is her demand for our constant attention - which she does not need and neither will she receive. We have asked our Heavenly Father for much wisdom, patience and love for her, and I believe He is supplying it - slowly but surely. I also believe that she is starting to make some headway with her attitude as well.
Victoria has enjoyed getting to know her Grandpa Hallada and Uncles Tom and Todd. We spend a lot of time with them and she has adapted to this routine very well. She cheers right along with the other girls when they are told that we get to see them soon. Victoria also was able to meet two sets of great grandparents who were here for a visit. She was able to talk to her Grandma Isenberg on the phone last week and will be meeting her soon too. She seems to enjoy meeting family members.
Victoria was able to have her dental check up last week, and to our surprise has very healthy teeth! This was very unexpected, related to her history of living in an orphanage; but we knew she did have good care there. It's a blessing not to have to undergo a lot of dental work for her right now. We have an appointment with the International Adoption Clinic at the U of M on Wednesday (the 6th of April) to begin working on her plan of care. We'll see how that goes.
Jocylin and Cherith are still adjusting well. They play and quarrel with Victoria - just like sisters. Surprise, surprise! We are definitely reciting "Be ye kind one to another" a lot! Victoria has been going into Sunday School and Cubbies with Jocylin for the last couple of weeks. Jocylin has been a good helper with many tasks throughout the day as she helps Mommy and her "new sister". Cherith is still working to say Victoria's name. It has been coming out "Bactoria" - it sounds as bad as it looks! When I tried to help her say "Vic". It came out "Vic-Bactoria". Funny!
Thank you for your prayers as we get back in to the new normal of our lives!
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Reading library books!
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