My plate is getting VERY full. With all of the things written on the calendar for Kiya, appointments for me and a major landscaping project in the works, the next couple of months are going to be a tad hectic.
I was ready for this and then today I got THE email. The email that gives us the go ahead to start our dossier for Little Man. We have been waiting just over 6 months so the time has come. So in the next 2 months I have A LOT of paperwork to do and gather. The paperchase has begun again....:)
Add to this already full schedule and I am committing myself to being a better transracial parent. Recently I have added a few new blogs to my blog roll. A couple of blogs written by adult adoptees and a transracial parenting blog started by other adoptive parents who are taking a Crash Course in Transracial Parenting suggested by John Raible.
Being a parent is a tough job. Being a transracial parent is a tougher job. My daughter and my son will face things in life that I won't truly be able to understand but I need to try. I have to try. No I have to do. My daughter is young and as she gets older we will have to face some challenges as will my son. Judgements and assumptions will be made about them and it is my job to be the best advocate for my kids when they aren't able to speak for themselves.
My children will have questions, lots of questions. They will face stereotypes, they will face racism which are things I have no first hand knowledge of. How do I get this knowledge. Learn from others. Hence the crash course and my new blogs. I can learn a lot from adult adoptees who have walked the path my children will. Struggling with who they are, where they fit in, how to feel about birth family, culture, etc.
I am ready to learn, ready to be open minded and ready to focus on the tough stuff.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Therapy update
Therapy was GREAT!! AMAZING!!! WONDERFUL!!!
Okay so maybe I exaggerated a little, but Kiya actually interacted with her therapist and didn't cry the whole appointment or even most of it like she has in the past. This time was so different. She has come along way.
She was so proud to show off her superb crawling skills, her amazing climbing skills, her ability to stand up with little effort and she even (after a lot of bubbles) pushed a little shopping cart for her. The therapist was thrilled beyond words at how well Kiya has progressed in her gross motor development. She said that Kiya has amazing leg strength, balance and in essence has all the physical skills necessary to walk on her own. Now it is a mind game. We need to convince Kiya that yes in fact she can. The therapist gave us some things to try so we will go with that. She really felt that Kiya could walk any day now. Don't worry charging the batteries in the video camera.
On her curved spine issue....well....the word scoliosis was mentioned. The therapist would like Kiya to see a Pediatric Ortho doctor for maybe an x-ray or just a baseline screening. She really feels Kiya is at risk for being diagnosed with this. I did some research and most kids aren't diagnosed until school age. The degree of the curvature will determine treatment options. If minimal then just observation, if moderate a possible back brace and if severe surgery. Given Kiya's young age at this point observation would be all this would entail. She is much too young for a back brace and surgery isn't even considered until age 10 or 12. We are going to discuss with our regular pediatrician next week.
In the meantime, the therapist was thrilled to hear that Kiya starts swim lessons in two weeks and thinks this will be good for her back. We are to continue working with her on her exercise ball. She lies down on her back on it and we roll her forward and back to help stretch the muscles. She loves it. We are also going to try this special tape that athletes use for more acute conditions but some have used for more chronic conditions. We are testing the tape now to see if there is an allergy. Basically the therapist would put strips of tape on Kiya's back to pull the muscles. It will force her to use her back muscles in a different way. Kiya will straighten up if you apply pressure or run you finger along her back so there is some hope that this might help. Walking and being upright may also help.
The other thing we discussed was Kiya's foot. She tends to turn her right foot outwards at times when standing or walking. The running theories are she is doing it for balance or to compensate for her back. The therapist isn't too concerned as in all other positions Kiya's foot looks normal, reflexes properly and Kiya herself without knowing it was exercising her foot muscles which were all good signs.
I think Kiya's favorite part of therapy was the bubbles. She got really quiet while in the exercise room so much so the therapist asked how the rest of Kiya's development was and I said she is right on track. Then came the bubbles....then Kiya pointed, said no no no (her way of saying I want this) and then she kept saying Bubbles bubbles and more. Too cute.
We go back in two weeks for the taping of the back, until then watch out world you may have another toddler hurricane on the lose.
Okay so maybe I exaggerated a little, but Kiya actually interacted with her therapist and didn't cry the whole appointment or even most of it like she has in the past. This time was so different. She has come along way.
She was so proud to show off her superb crawling skills, her amazing climbing skills, her ability to stand up with little effort and she even (after a lot of bubbles) pushed a little shopping cart for her. The therapist was thrilled beyond words at how well Kiya has progressed in her gross motor development. She said that Kiya has amazing leg strength, balance and in essence has all the physical skills necessary to walk on her own. Now it is a mind game. We need to convince Kiya that yes in fact she can. The therapist gave us some things to try so we will go with that. She really felt that Kiya could walk any day now. Don't worry charging the batteries in the video camera.
On her curved spine issue....well....the word scoliosis was mentioned. The therapist would like Kiya to see a Pediatric Ortho doctor for maybe an x-ray or just a baseline screening. She really feels Kiya is at risk for being diagnosed with this. I did some research and most kids aren't diagnosed until school age. The degree of the curvature will determine treatment options. If minimal then just observation, if moderate a possible back brace and if severe surgery. Given Kiya's young age at this point observation would be all this would entail. She is much too young for a back brace and surgery isn't even considered until age 10 or 12. We are going to discuss with our regular pediatrician next week.
In the meantime, the therapist was thrilled to hear that Kiya starts swim lessons in two weeks and thinks this will be good for her back. We are to continue working with her on her exercise ball. She lies down on her back on it and we roll her forward and back to help stretch the muscles. She loves it. We are also going to try this special tape that athletes use for more acute conditions but some have used for more chronic conditions. We are testing the tape now to see if there is an allergy. Basically the therapist would put strips of tape on Kiya's back to pull the muscles. It will force her to use her back muscles in a different way. Kiya will straighten up if you apply pressure or run you finger along her back so there is some hope that this might help. Walking and being upright may also help.
The other thing we discussed was Kiya's foot. She tends to turn her right foot outwards at times when standing or walking. The running theories are she is doing it for balance or to compensate for her back. The therapist isn't too concerned as in all other positions Kiya's foot looks normal, reflexes properly and Kiya herself without knowing it was exercising her foot muscles which were all good signs.
I think Kiya's favorite part of therapy was the bubbles. She got really quiet while in the exercise room so much so the therapist asked how the rest of Kiya's development was and I said she is right on track. Then came the bubbles....then Kiya pointed, said no no no (her way of saying I want this) and then she kept saying Bubbles bubbles and more. Too cute.
We go back in two weeks for the taping of the back, until then watch out world you may have another toddler hurricane on the lose.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
June?
Where oh where has the time gone??? Wow, can't believe I haven't posted in awhile. Lots has happened since my last post. Here is a brief synopsis.
1) I had a birthday. Yup, I made it to 34. What a year it has been. Really it was nothing short of amazing. I have a daughter now. I discovered my love of motherhood. It was great. And I am looking forward to the craziness that this year will bring.
2) Kiya is still fabulous in all ways. She is a total performer. She sees a camera and her face lights up. She loves to make people laugh. She has learned how to fist bump and will do it often. She loves to sing unfortunately sometimes at all hours of the night/early morning. Her favorites are the ABC song and Ring Around the Rosie. She especially likes the all fall down part.
3) This weekend was jammed packed with Brat Fest with my brother in law, a Brewers game and then last night grilling some steaks with the best man from our wedding. Busy busy weekend but fun to catch up with old friends and spend time with family.
Coming up:
We have a busy couple weeks with important appointments for Kiya. Today she has physical therapy. I am excited to show off all of Kiya's new skills. We haven't seen the therapist in awhile. She wanted to wait a little longer so we could see more progress. Well since we last saw her, Kiya has learned to crawl, climb stairs both walking and crawling up and down (if we let her walk up or down the stairs we hold her hand otherwise she will crawl up and scoot down on her own). Kiya can also push a walker toy without the drama and she walks holding on to one hand. She also can get herself to a standing position using just about anything in a room from a table, a wall, a chair, your shirt, whatever she can reach.
We also have her 18 month check up next week. I can't wait to see how tall she is :) We also have to fill out these 2 questionnaires. One is called Ages and Stages to track development and one is an early Autism screening form. They are pretty straight forward and have some things to try with Kiya to see if she does them. I have started working on a few of them. For example, the form asked whether or not Kiya would leave a room to go get a toy if you asked her to. I didn't know, I hadn't asked her. I asked her when we were in the kitchen where her lion was. She couldn't see it where we were. She plopped down on the floor and crawled over to the front door which is where she had left it. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been. Kiya is very smart and follows directions well.
Walking....it will be a big topic these next two weeks. I am really not worried. Kiya is doing great. I got a suggestion from another mom with a late walker to have Kiya hold on to a spoon and then I hold on the the handle and walk that way. Try it for a few days or so and then see if you can let go of the handle and she will keep going. The goal is to try and build confidence and less dependence on our hands. I really feel like she can do it she is choosing not to at this point. I was holding her under her arms yesterday while she was standing up and she started to walk away. I let go and she took another step on her own. She is really close. I can feel it. Talk about trouble when she gets going....
More pictures to come and updates on Kiya's therapy and doctor visit.
1) I had a birthday. Yup, I made it to 34. What a year it has been. Really it was nothing short of amazing. I have a daughter now. I discovered my love of motherhood. It was great. And I am looking forward to the craziness that this year will bring.
2) Kiya is still fabulous in all ways. She is a total performer. She sees a camera and her face lights up. She loves to make people laugh. She has learned how to fist bump and will do it often. She loves to sing unfortunately sometimes at all hours of the night/early morning. Her favorites are the ABC song and Ring Around the Rosie. She especially likes the all fall down part.
3) This weekend was jammed packed with Brat Fest with my brother in law, a Brewers game and then last night grilling some steaks with the best man from our wedding. Busy busy weekend but fun to catch up with old friends and spend time with family.
Coming up:
We have a busy couple weeks with important appointments for Kiya. Today she has physical therapy. I am excited to show off all of Kiya's new skills. We haven't seen the therapist in awhile. She wanted to wait a little longer so we could see more progress. Well since we last saw her, Kiya has learned to crawl, climb stairs both walking and crawling up and down (if we let her walk up or down the stairs we hold her hand otherwise she will crawl up and scoot down on her own). Kiya can also push a walker toy without the drama and she walks holding on to one hand. She also can get herself to a standing position using just about anything in a room from a table, a wall, a chair, your shirt, whatever she can reach.
We also have her 18 month check up next week. I can't wait to see how tall she is :) We also have to fill out these 2 questionnaires. One is called Ages and Stages to track development and one is an early Autism screening form. They are pretty straight forward and have some things to try with Kiya to see if she does them. I have started working on a few of them. For example, the form asked whether or not Kiya would leave a room to go get a toy if you asked her to. I didn't know, I hadn't asked her. I asked her when we were in the kitchen where her lion was. She couldn't see it where we were. She plopped down on the floor and crawled over to the front door which is where she had left it. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been. Kiya is very smart and follows directions well.
Walking....it will be a big topic these next two weeks. I am really not worried. Kiya is doing great. I got a suggestion from another mom with a late walker to have Kiya hold on to a spoon and then I hold on the the handle and walk that way. Try it for a few days or so and then see if you can let go of the handle and she will keep going. The goal is to try and build confidence and less dependence on our hands. I really feel like she can do it she is choosing not to at this point. I was holding her under her arms yesterday while she was standing up and she started to walk away. I let go and she took another step on her own. She is really close. I can feel it. Talk about trouble when she gets going....
More pictures to come and updates on Kiya's therapy and doctor visit.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Mostly Wordless Wednesday
Kiya being silly. She loves to have a mouthful of water....
Water table fun
Yes her bathing suit is way too small, new ones have been purchased.
Photographic proof that Kiya can walk with a walker toy.
Water table fun
Yes her bathing suit is way too small, new ones have been purchased.
Photographic proof that Kiya can walk with a walker toy.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Miss Independent
It happened....Miss Kiya is now Miss Independent.
Nope not walking by herself yet but getting awfully close. We really think she could take a few steps by herself she is just choosing not to but that is to be expected of Kiya. Kiya does what she wants when she wants to not when someone else thinks she should.
She doesn't want our help anymore most of the time. She wants to try and do everything by herself and I mean everything.
She wants to feed herself so with a tiny bit of help from us still she does with utensils and really is very good. She can stab food with a fork and it goes in her mouth. She can scoop with a spoon and again in her mouth. Sometimes she takes way too big of a scoop so we try help scrape some off before we wind up with a huge mess. She also turns the spoon around to fully lick everything off. She can eat both right and left handed.
She started to climb the ladder for the slide all by herself at daycare on Friday. She got a few steps up and then looked over for help. She just crawled on over and started to do it. She was so proud of herself when she got to the top.
We were at my parents house and they have steep stairs leading to the loft. She walked up the stairs with a little help from Mom. We went to go scoot down the stairs and she stands up, grabs the hand rail and attempts to walk down the stairs. Needless to say Mommy stopped that one and helped her walk down.
She wants to brush her own teeth. She thinks she is talking in sentences but most times we only understand a word or two.
She has decided that she is in LOVE with ranch dressing. We allowed her to dip her fries in it one night at Chili's and we created an addict. She spotted it on a table the following week and wanted it for her fries. She dips quite well. Yesterday at lunch, my mom packed ranch dressing for her. She dipped fries, potato chips and pickle in it. Yes pickle. It appears that Miss Kiya likes pickles.
Miss Kiya will be 18 months in a few days and I can wait to see what this summer holds. I took a survey recently sent to me by another mom and one of the questions was what age has been your favorite so far. My answer: Every age. Sure each age has brought challenges but it is so amazing to watch her grow and learn and discover. There are pros and cons to all of it so sure we are in temper tantrum age but I love it. I loved the times before she could sit up , I look forward to the times she is running and I have loved every step in between. Can you blame me, Kiya is nothing if not fabulous and lovable.
Nope not walking by herself yet but getting awfully close. We really think she could take a few steps by herself she is just choosing not to but that is to be expected of Kiya. Kiya does what she wants when she wants to not when someone else thinks she should.
She doesn't want our help anymore most of the time. She wants to try and do everything by herself and I mean everything.
She wants to feed herself so with a tiny bit of help from us still she does with utensils and really is very good. She can stab food with a fork and it goes in her mouth. She can scoop with a spoon and again in her mouth. Sometimes she takes way too big of a scoop so we try help scrape some off before we wind up with a huge mess. She also turns the spoon around to fully lick everything off. She can eat both right and left handed.
She started to climb the ladder for the slide all by herself at daycare on Friday. She got a few steps up and then looked over for help. She just crawled on over and started to do it. She was so proud of herself when she got to the top.
We were at my parents house and they have steep stairs leading to the loft. She walked up the stairs with a little help from Mom. We went to go scoot down the stairs and she stands up, grabs the hand rail and attempts to walk down the stairs. Needless to say Mommy stopped that one and helped her walk down.
She wants to brush her own teeth. She thinks she is talking in sentences but most times we only understand a word or two.
She has decided that she is in LOVE with ranch dressing. We allowed her to dip her fries in it one night at Chili's and we created an addict. She spotted it on a table the following week and wanted it for her fries. She dips quite well. Yesterday at lunch, my mom packed ranch dressing for her. She dipped fries, potato chips and pickle in it. Yes pickle. It appears that Miss Kiya likes pickles.
Miss Kiya will be 18 months in a few days and I can wait to see what this summer holds. I took a survey recently sent to me by another mom and one of the questions was what age has been your favorite so far. My answer: Every age. Sure each age has brought challenges but it is so amazing to watch her grow and learn and discover. There are pros and cons to all of it so sure we are in temper tantrum age but I love it. I loved the times before she could sit up , I look forward to the times she is running and I have loved every step in between. Can you blame me, Kiya is nothing if not fabulous and lovable.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Toast at my hose
We are toasting Rebekah and family. They have a daughter Dagmawit. We couldn't be there to toast in person so we are toasting at our hose. (No that is not a spelling error, you just have to be in the know to know that hose is a VERY important word said by a very important person)
Dagmawit,
While I don't know your family personally, yet. I do know that they love you dearly. Enjoy all that is Wisconsin, especially the summers. And who knows, maybe you will like snow too. We are wishing you all the best and we are praying for you. We are also saying prayers for those that are caring for you in Ethiopia and for those that cared and loved you in your earlier years.
Best wishes!!! Fingers crossed for a speedy and successful court date and travel date soon to follow.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Warm weather fun
It was warm today so we debuted Kiya's new summer toy. To say it was a hit would be an understatement.
She wasn't sure at first and then discovered, oh yeah there is water in there.
After a few minutes, she discovered there was a bucket. Yeah she pretty much spent the next 20 minutes dumping buckets of not so warm water on her head and getting completely drenched. She loved every second of it.
I have a feeling we will be seeing a lot of this water table this summer. The next time though, Kiya will be wearing a swim suit and swim diaper. And I can't forget the towels. Yes I think we will need more than 1.
She wasn't sure at first and then discovered, oh yeah there is water in there.
After a few minutes, she discovered there was a bucket. Yeah she pretty much spent the next 20 minutes dumping buckets of not so warm water on her head and getting completely drenched. She loved every second of it.
I have a feeling we will be seeing a lot of this water table this summer. The next time though, Kiya will be wearing a swim suit and swim diaper. And I can't forget the towels. Yes I think we will need more than 1.
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