Photo Fun

Here she comes!!!
Sorry, it has been a long crazy week and every time I got on the computer I was distracted with my new research...more on that later.

We did have some fun last week..









Ariana loves the sand box... does this mean she doesn't have sensory integration issues? That is one area I still have yet to research. I guess the fact that she eats anything, doesn't seem different in any way with lots of visual clutter or chaos makes me think this isn't the priority right now. Any how, she loves to touch stuff. She is going to LOVE sticking her hands inside the pumpkin and discovering pumpkin guts!







We have been to the zoo a few times. Aidan LOVES to feed the giraffe. Up until now, we haven't taken Ariana over to see them. The zoo was a bit much.. last week we not only went to see the giraffes, but Ariana actually fed him!!! She was a bit nervous, but she did it and didn't shut down or have a cortisol brain bath!! I call that progress!




Ariana loves to swing. One day I am going to write a post about all the work we do to work on Attachment. Lots of people ask me about it as I run into them around town or they call to check on us. Just as the word appostille probably only has meaning to an international adoptive parent, Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) and Attachment Therapy techniques aren't exactly mainstream topics. Any how, the repetitive movement of swinging is really good for these kids and it certainly shows on their faces doesn't it!







Check out my princess! I am really trying to put together adoption announcements.. don't run to your mail box quite yet. I have a vision.. it may be your Christmas gift in the end! I do think I found some photos.. and this isn't one!


I will spare you all the grumpy photos. The grass had dew on it and she got MAD at me. Maybe we have some sensory issues... maybe she just isn't ready to star on America's Next Top Model. Sacrifice for the perfect shot isn't on the table right now with Princess.




What does daddy's chair and a good book equal?

One happy little girl!

Books. The girl LOVES books.
Books with animal photos are favorites, but really just turning the page is so joyful for her.






Thanks to Amy Bottini and Poco Pattino in south Tampa, I am no longer a failure as a mother. Check out these shoes that fit!! Here is the nasty truth: I had size 4 shoes on my size 5 1/2 girl. Yes, hideous isn't it. Her foot was so narrow that the only way to keep the shoes on that we found at Stride Rite was to buy size 4. But, Lelli Kelly, Naturino and Pediped Flex Fit shoes work for narrow toddler feet. SCORE!




I have to stop referring to Carolyn as her Godmother. I think she is really her Fairy Godmother. She gave Ana this dog.. can you see the joy? I think she spoke Russian to it. Ondrea translated it to pretty little girl.. well maybe she was telling the dog it was pretty?? That was the first time I heard something I recognized. I had no clue what it meant and called Ondrea.. but it stopped me in my tracks.. maybe she DOES speak Russian.. who knew?

I love to use photos of the kids backs to close so here is the back shot. As I close I will give you another update. Today, I went to the intake meeting for Early Steps. I was shocked that she qualified for all the testing. I knew speech was an area she would need testing. But I really thought her fine motor skills were good and I know she has some gross motor needs, but I didn't think she would raise enough eyebrows for OT. But, apparently so. Looks like next Tuesday at 2:30 she is going to be evaluated and we will find out for sure where she qualifies. The cool thing was how much was FREE! Hello! I pay for private school. FREE? Are you kidding me?? After this adoption I am so used to $2000 bills for everything. FREE. My favorite word! Seriously, we get a picture book in the mail every month FREE. We can even get respite care and a whole host of other service providers- they are a phone call away. FREE. Slap an "at risk" label on a baby and apparently the Calvary surrounds you. With my 10 lb baby boys and my nasty episiotomy and sore bottom, I was kicked to the curb 24 hours after giving birth.. Who knew that behind door 2 the angels were uniting for all those with REAL problems, (not just a pain in the A**). It made me so proud of our country! I actually felt good about my taxes for a little while (until I listened to the debate tonight.)

Hopefully, I will post more often this week. I want to share about my new preoccupation, Ariana starting at the baby room and Attachment. I am sure my kids will also give me plenty of fodder for future posts.

Hugs to you all!
Michelle