Making Progress - 3 weeks home

Today marks 3 weeks since our babies have been home.
We have seen a lot of progress in this short time.

Cooper knows (most of) his ABCD's - as he calls them. He already knew his colors but now knows the English name for them.

His vocabulary is very good. We recently got a new SUV and all he can talk about is the 'bolshoy machina'. Bolshoy means big and I hear 'bolshoy?' all day long! He loves the new car. Could the DVD player have anything to do with it??!
Food was never an issue with him - he eats until he's full and knows how to ask for more by saying "More yogurt please" or "More milk please" *Most of the time and when prompted.
He still does not like to go down to sleep. Naps are easier because I let him take 1 toy to bed with him and I tell him this is just a malenkie spat (small nap). He will play with his toy for a little while then fall asleep.

Night time is worse. He will ask for a mile if you give him an inch! He's a smart little guy and knows how to manipulate us, or try to!
His attachment is excellent. When he hurts himself, he will cry and run to me to console him. He gives hugs and kisses regularly and really gets excited when Papa comes home from work. He has a great little personality and NEVER stops talking at home but is very shy when someone new comes around. I took them to 'school' today (2nd time) to get acquainted with their teachers and to get their uniforms, backpacks, etc. Cooper was quiet the whole time but was interested in playing with the new toys and did actually venture away from me. We'll go a lot more before they actually begin in January.

Kara is progressing as well. She still only says Mama, Papa and kaka (for trash or dirty diaper) but she babbles a lot more. She tries to say Pamper for diaper but it comes out "pam" - we're getting there. She makes the 'd' sound when pointing to the dogs so I think she gets it, she just needs more practice. I've tried sign language a little bit with her but she turns her head and closes her eyes so I don't think she likes it! Maybe I need to try harder...

The ECI (Early Childhood Intervention) nurse came here to screen her and to see if she would qualify for their services. She did qualify but only because of her speech and the nurse felt it was because of the language change. If after 2-3 weeks, she hasn't improved, we'll sign her up for their services.

Kara's appetite has decreased some but not completely. She still loves to eat but she's actually pushed the plate away a couple of times when she was full and there was still food on it - that was a miracle!

I did find egg in her cheeks a few days ago about 10 minutes after breakfast so we still have work to do in that department.

She used to take around 30 minutes to wind down and fall asleep but now it's down to about 20 or so - depending on the excitement of the day.

Her attachment is getting better. At school today, she would go over to see some kids then run back to me for a hug then back to the kids, etc.

She stayed for the morning snack and kept looking for me and laughing when she saw me. Also, I've noticed that she offers us some of her food often now.

Both kids turned out to have Giardia and now Fritz has it so they're all on antibiotics.

I took them to the dentist yesterday and Cooper will need some work but that won't be until January. The kids loved their new dentist, he and the entire staff was excellent with the kids.

We have a lot going on around here but it's all working out.

The kids are great, they love the dogs - they even love Mia although Mia is terrified of them.

Of course, here are some pics...

Kara enjoying a container of ketchup at her first trip to McDonald's

Kara at home just being her happy little self

Cooper on the playground at his first trip to McDonald's


Kara and Cooper crammed into my old BMW

Kara and Cooper ready for school showing off their new backpacks