I have reported on this blog before how much Kiya loves water. I have also reported that she is quite the daredevil. So based on these two things, I assumed she would LOVE swim lessons. The jury is still out on that but the last couple of days haven't been stellar.
There are some unusual circumstances that haven't helped. Kiya was sick. I think I saw a two year old molar popping in. Monday the water was FREEZING. Tuesday classes were cancelled due to rain. Wednesday the sun was in her face. I know drama.
Kiya does well for maybe the first 15 minutes of the 30 minute class. Then it is time to practice jumping in. I thought my crazy climber would LOVE this part. Well, she HATES it. She tries to climb out and crawl away. From there on out the class is ruined.
At some points she is just fine. She likes the songs and bouncing in the water. Then she will get mad and grab on and suck her thumb. That is a whole other post about the thumb sucking....
The locker room situation is less than ideal. There is no changing table or really adequate place to change the little ones. The first day was pure chaos. I spent $1.00 tyring to figure out the locker. I forgot to shower before getting in the pool. Our clothes got all wet. Yes the clothes we were supposed to change into after class. It was awful.
Day 2 was better. I have settled for changing Kiya on a bench like the other moms do. It is a little awkward. The benches aren't very wide. I have figured out the lockers and the showers. The showers are WAY too hot for a little one though.
I am hoping the weather will hold up and we can go the rest of this week and then next week also. I have learned a few things for next time too. First, we are looking for indoor swim lessons. Second, Daddy may have to start going with as this Mama is not a fan of water and sticking her face in water. I don't want Kiya to pick up on my fears. Third, we aren't doing swim lessons every day. It is just too tough on everyone. Once or twice a week would be better.
We are definitely on for lessons today so fingers crossed that we make a little more progress today. I think part of the issue is Miss Independent doesn't like being restrained and she has to stay with mommy the whole time. Wish us luck.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
What lies ahead
I as a general rule try not to think too far in advance, I used to and that wasn't so healthy for me. This time though I kind of need to think ahead. There is a lot of stuff swirling around and I honestly am not sure how it will all play out.
Work: Any regular readers of this blog (do I have those?) know that I HATE my job. I didn't want to go back after my maternity leave, etc etc. However, I do get paid pretty well and we have health insurance through my work. I have flexible hours and can make my own schedule, yeah I know I shouldn't complain. Well, on Friday I was informed that at any time in the next 14-16 months, I will be out of a job and thus lose our health insurance. I can't really go in to details. All I know is I could be out of work in 3 months or 16 months...kind of hard to plan for that.
Here is what makes it even more interesting...
Adoption: We have been waiting almost 7 months for our son. We expect to be waiting at least another 12-14 months or so could be longer than that. The plan was after we travelled to bring him home, I would no longer work outside the home. I would be a SAHM as the cost of daycare would be more than I would bring home at my current job.
Health insurance: I am CLUELESS about how to obtain private health insurance. We have some obstacles facing us in that department. I don't really know how the new healthcare laws will affect us. They in theory would make it easier for us but I am not sure the pieces we are concerned about will be in effect in time to benefit us. We have some pre-exsisting condition issues for my hubby and for Kiya. That could pose a very expensive problem.
So what to do? That is a very good question. I feel like we have limited options.
Ride it out: This is my ideal choice. We find no sub leasers for the business and can just ride out the lease. This gets me VERY close to being united with my son at which time I was going to stop working anyway.
Find a new job: I could start the job search process. ICK! I am not excited about that prospect and I know in my head that I will likely be at that job for maybe 2 years. I am checking a few ideal places for some ideal jobs to see if they may pop up between now and then but for now I am not committed to job searching.
Find health insurance: The ideal here would be for my husband's company to offer health insurance. If you see pigs flying, then that might actually happen. Otherwise not likely. So on to private insurance...UGHHH. I was dreading dealing with that a year and half from now but so soon.
The worst part is I have no idea when I could lose my job. I know it will be gone by October of 2011 but it could be gone much sooner than that. How do you plan for this? I have no idea. Right now I am in denial that I will have to get another job. I am holding on to the riding it out option and our adoption not taking more than another 14 months or so for referral anyway. Am I crazy, maybe? Could it work this way? Yes. Could it all come crashing down on me in the next 3 months? Yup.
Wish me luck. The road ahead is looking a little bumpy.
Work: Any regular readers of this blog (do I have those?) know that I HATE my job. I didn't want to go back after my maternity leave, etc etc. However, I do get paid pretty well and we have health insurance through my work. I have flexible hours and can make my own schedule, yeah I know I shouldn't complain. Well, on Friday I was informed that at any time in the next 14-16 months, I will be out of a job and thus lose our health insurance. I can't really go in to details. All I know is I could be out of work in 3 months or 16 months...kind of hard to plan for that.
Here is what makes it even more interesting...
Adoption: We have been waiting almost 7 months for our son. We expect to be waiting at least another 12-14 months or so could be longer than that. The plan was after we travelled to bring him home, I would no longer work outside the home. I would be a SAHM as the cost of daycare would be more than I would bring home at my current job.
Health insurance: I am CLUELESS about how to obtain private health insurance. We have some obstacles facing us in that department. I don't really know how the new healthcare laws will affect us. They in theory would make it easier for us but I am not sure the pieces we are concerned about will be in effect in time to benefit us. We have some pre-exsisting condition issues for my hubby and for Kiya. That could pose a very expensive problem.
So what to do? That is a very good question. I feel like we have limited options.
Ride it out: This is my ideal choice. We find no sub leasers for the business and can just ride out the lease. This gets me VERY close to being united with my son at which time I was going to stop working anyway.
Find a new job: I could start the job search process. ICK! I am not excited about that prospect and I know in my head that I will likely be at that job for maybe 2 years. I am checking a few ideal places for some ideal jobs to see if they may pop up between now and then but for now I am not committed to job searching.
Find health insurance: The ideal here would be for my husband's company to offer health insurance. If you see pigs flying, then that might actually happen. Otherwise not likely. So on to private insurance...UGHHH. I was dreading dealing with that a year and half from now but so soon.
The worst part is I have no idea when I could lose my job. I know it will be gone by October of 2011 but it could be gone much sooner than that. How do you plan for this? I have no idea. Right now I am in denial that I will have to get another job. I am holding on to the riding it out option and our adoption not taking more than another 14 months or so for referral anyway. Am I crazy, maybe? Could it work this way? Yes. Could it all come crashing down on me in the next 3 months? Yup.
Wish me luck. The road ahead is looking a little bumpy.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
18 month check up
We had Kiya's 18 month check up today. Here are the numbers:
Weight: 25lbs (60th percentile)
Height: 32.5 (65th percentile)
Head circumference: 75th percentile
Kiya gained 2.5lbs in the last 3 months and grew another 1/2 inch. She is getting so big. Our doctor was quite pleased with how she is growing considering about 13 months ago she only registered for height on the CDC charts and that was only in the 10th percentile.
Here are the highlights:
Walking: Our doctor is not at all concerned that Kiya isn't walking yet. She saw her walk holding on barely to one of my hands and thinks she is doing just great and could walk any day. She is impressed with her crawling and climbing skills. She said that since Kiya is pulling up on everything and taking such good solid steps when holding on that she is ready and soon we will have a walker.
Back: She does think that Kiya's rib cage sticks out a little farther on the right side of her back which could be an indication of a curvature of her spine. She has referred us to a Pediatric Ortho doctor for an evaluation. She said that it likely happened in utero or due to a traumatic birth since there hasn't been any trauma here. My heart stopped for a second and I thought about Zinash and got a little teary eyed to think about her and the painful birth she described.
Talking: The doctor was quite impressed with Kiya's verbal skills. She can say upwards of 20 words. She can make 5 different animal noises and knows her body parts. She can also do some of her numbers and she is starting to say two and three words together. Her current favorite two word combos are: all right, all done, fall down, no way, hi Kiya, hi Daddy, hi Mama, Miss Staycee (her teacher), hot dog, bath time and she tried to say Princess Baby one of her favorite books :) She still loves to sing and will now sing the ABC song with you. She doesn't get all of the letters right but is getting more and more of them. She can also say the "now I know my ABC's" part pretty well. She also understands most of what people say to her which is great.
Fine Motor: The doctor was thrilled that she was drinking from a straw, could scribble with a crayon, use a fork and a spoon properly and Kiya even handed the doctor the most minuscule piece of fuzz off the carpet. Kiya can also stack some blocks and she LOVES to empty containers and then refill them with stuff.
On the forms we had to fill out Kiya scored highest in fine motor skills and problem solving skills. She is such a smart kid. Sometimes I think she is just too smart for her own good. Obviously, gross motor was the lowest but given where we were with that a year ago, Kiya is doing just great.
As for my guesses, I thought she would weigh maybe 24lbs and be about 33 inches long. So height I was close and she was little wiggly for that so who knows and weight just wow. I can't believe she is 25lbs.
Weight: 25lbs (60th percentile)
Height: 32.5 (65th percentile)
Head circumference: 75th percentile
Kiya gained 2.5lbs in the last 3 months and grew another 1/2 inch. She is getting so big. Our doctor was quite pleased with how she is growing considering about 13 months ago she only registered for height on the CDC charts and that was only in the 10th percentile.
Here are the highlights:
Walking: Our doctor is not at all concerned that Kiya isn't walking yet. She saw her walk holding on barely to one of my hands and thinks she is doing just great and could walk any day. She is impressed with her crawling and climbing skills. She said that since Kiya is pulling up on everything and taking such good solid steps when holding on that she is ready and soon we will have a walker.
Back: She does think that Kiya's rib cage sticks out a little farther on the right side of her back which could be an indication of a curvature of her spine. She has referred us to a Pediatric Ortho doctor for an evaluation. She said that it likely happened in utero or due to a traumatic birth since there hasn't been any trauma here. My heart stopped for a second and I thought about Zinash and got a little teary eyed to think about her and the painful birth she described.
Talking: The doctor was quite impressed with Kiya's verbal skills. She can say upwards of 20 words. She can make 5 different animal noises and knows her body parts. She can also do some of her numbers and she is starting to say two and three words together. Her current favorite two word combos are: all right, all done, fall down, no way, hi Kiya, hi Daddy, hi Mama, Miss Staycee (her teacher), hot dog, bath time and she tried to say Princess Baby one of her favorite books :) She still loves to sing and will now sing the ABC song with you. She doesn't get all of the letters right but is getting more and more of them. She can also say the "now I know my ABC's" part pretty well. She also understands most of what people say to her which is great.
Fine Motor: The doctor was thrilled that she was drinking from a straw, could scribble with a crayon, use a fork and a spoon properly and Kiya even handed the doctor the most minuscule piece of fuzz off the carpet. Kiya can also stack some blocks and she LOVES to empty containers and then refill them with stuff.
On the forms we had to fill out Kiya scored highest in fine motor skills and problem solving skills. She is such a smart kid. Sometimes I think she is just too smart for her own good. Obviously, gross motor was the lowest but given where we were with that a year ago, Kiya is doing just great.
As for my guesses, I thought she would weigh maybe 24lbs and be about 33 inches long. So height I was close and she was little wiggly for that so who knows and weight just wow. I can't believe she is 25lbs.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Sebastian is 10!
So Mr. Sebastian turned 10 today. I can hardly believe. He was my first baby. He truly is the greatest dog. He was house trained in two weeks. He never destroyed a shoe or piece of furniture. He did and still does love to eat dryer sheets and kleenex.
He has seen me through some tough times. He is truly the best companion. When he was a puppy he would sleep on my chest. When I have a bad day, he is always extra sweet and cuddly. He knows when I am crying even if he can't see it and he comes to sit with me.
Here are some pictures through the years. They are out of order but he is still just as cute even in his old age.
He has seen me through some tough times. He is truly the best companion. When he was a puppy he would sleep on my chest. When I have a bad day, he is always extra sweet and cuddly. He knows when I am crying even if he can't see it and he comes to sit with me.
Here are some pictures through the years. They are out of order but he is still just as cute even in his old age.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Full plate
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.
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.
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.
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