Thank Goodness that Mom and Dad are good sports!
We took Mom and Dad to Golden Corral to celebrate Grandparent's Day! Obviously Dad has a new fan!
Friday, September 12, 2008
Grandparent's Day!
A Huge Breakthrough!
Annabel actually kind of extended her arms for a hug today!
Then we went to a Chinese buffet for dinner, which is one of the favorites for the girls. At least there are usually some wait staff that can speak Chinese.
It doesn't help much if you have difficulty understanding the person who is translating for you, but the waitress told me that Annabel knows she was fortunate to be adopted. Somehow she also knew about how much it cost. Now how did Annabel know that?
Then we went to a Chinese buffet for dinner, which is one of the favorites for the girls. At least there are usually some wait staff that can speak Chinese.
It doesn't help much if you have difficulty understanding the person who is translating for you, but the waitress told me that Annabel knows she was fortunate to be adopted. Somehow she also knew about how much it cost. Now how did Annabel know that?
09/11 is Poppa's Birthday!
Yesterday was Dad's birthday.
We decided we needed a special celebration and invited a few of his nearest and dearest friends. You know you are well loved when 40 people come and that was from just a couple of groups you are involved with! Plus if you have those who are aged 98 to 8 months, then you have a broad base of fans too!!
I had tried to explain to Annabel about the birthday party for Dad. I don't think she had completely understood.
She came to me at one point and kept saying "seven", "seven", "Mom, seven"! My best guess is that seven people had arrived because then she went and began counting people coming through the door.
My co-worker brought her baby, who is such a cutie, and Grace claimed him immediately. She carried him around the entire time. It was so cute. He seemed perfectly content to be wagged around too.
Only Annabel began to feel left out. She tried showing her baby doll but he wasn't interested.
With all the guests arriving she appeared to feel lost. I never know if it is the language barrier or her ears and problems with hearing.
I saw it coming and knew she needed a job. My best guess is in the group home, each child had a job. But she needed a special one, so I put my camera in her hand and thus the collage above.
Don't worry Mom and Dad, I took out some of the less flattering CLOSE UPS!!
I don't think my sister Lisa needs to worry about being replaced yet.
The party was great fun but never could have happened if friends had not taken over the all the food duties!
When most of the guests had left, my girls decided it was time for some entertainment. They sang several Chinese songs together. I am so proud that Annabel has helped Grace remember these children's songs she knew before.
Later that evening I heard some strange sounds from the TV Dad was watching. I realized it was a replay of video from 9/11/2001. It was difficult to watch. This time showed video that I had never seen. It was the first time the girls had seen anything about what happened. They knew and understood that a lot of people were killed, but I am not sure if they understood why.
One video showed people demanding that all of "those" people be tracked down and killed. The camera panned showing some of "those" people. I pray that the people from China will never be "those" people. I don't want my daughters to experience that type of prejudice.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
If I were Annabel
There is a TV show called Me or the Dog or something like that.
The trainer showed one owner the viewpoint of the dog.
It got me thinking about some of the questions that Annabel has asked her teacher, Ms. Wu.
Yesterday she came home again with a sheet of paper where Ms. Wu had translated some questions about our life.
First and foremost this time, was could we go out to eat?
I had gotten out of the habit of cooking, but decided that I could prepare more wholesome meals that a lot of the choices like KFC or McDonalds. So I had bought everything to make stir fried pork. Didn't have a recipe, but just threw in what I thought would taste good.
They scarfed it down like it was delicious.
Her next question was about fruit. She wanted a mango. Somehow I act out that we will get it tomorrow. She was ok if she could just have an orange instead.
Grace finally remembered to tell me that we were to call Ms. Wu at 8:15.
We three sat in anticipation of this phone call. I am not sure what their thoughts were, but I was anxious to know if there was other info I needed. Annabel was just excited to talk to someone in Chinese.
The time finally came and Annabel and she talked for a while, then she asked to speak to me.
She explained that for Annabel, Grace and I appear very open about things. That in China you must be very careful about what you say, what you write, what you draw, what you own, as the government is always watching.
You have to be very careful not to betray or disagree with the government in any way.
At 11 years old she has a stronger understanding of politics than most Americans. She at least knows and understands what it is like to live in a communist country, to live under the constant threat of punishment, imprisonment, and who knows what else.
To be in the US then must feel so different. I am sure we appear wasteful, driving places instead of walking. Food stocked in every cabinet and a refrigerator full.
To speak openly and honestly about our opinions with no fear.
To come and go as we please.
I am still learning what else has been such a shock to her. I hope when she can speak more English, she will tell us.
But in the meantime she is becoming a "regular" US child, riding her bike, roller skating, going to school, visiting Grandmother Grandfather, as she calls them, taking care of Nina Ollie. (What part of speech is "and"? I don't think they have them in Chinese!!)
One last thing.
Each morning we walk to school.
As soon as we get to Mom and Dad's driveway, she begins to yell in her loudest voice, "Goodbye Grandmother! Goodbye Grandfather!" She continues until we cross the street at the school.
Mom and Dad are usually in the kitchen watching the news and can't hear her, so Mom suggested they ring the doorbell instead.
This morning it was a race between Grace and Annabel to ring that doorbell (probably about 100 times!), then the farewells could be addressed in person. Mom was slower getting out the door and Annabel yelled at Grace, "Grace!! Grandmother!!" In other words, say goodbye to Grandmother!
Starts the morning off pretty funny!
We are trying to get ready for Dad's birthday party on Thursday. I might have to have it in just one room and put Ollie and Nina to guard access to the others! If anyone comes in wearing "white gloves" they will be dismissed!!
The trainer showed one owner the viewpoint of the dog.
It got me thinking about some of the questions that Annabel has asked her teacher, Ms. Wu.
Yesterday she came home again with a sheet of paper where Ms. Wu had translated some questions about our life.
First and foremost this time, was could we go out to eat?
I had gotten out of the habit of cooking, but decided that I could prepare more wholesome meals that a lot of the choices like KFC or McDonalds. So I had bought everything to make stir fried pork. Didn't have a recipe, but just threw in what I thought would taste good.
They scarfed it down like it was delicious.
Her next question was about fruit. She wanted a mango. Somehow I act out that we will get it tomorrow. She was ok if she could just have an orange instead.
Grace finally remembered to tell me that we were to call Ms. Wu at 8:15.
We three sat in anticipation of this phone call. I am not sure what their thoughts were, but I was anxious to know if there was other info I needed. Annabel was just excited to talk to someone in Chinese.
The time finally came and Annabel and she talked for a while, then she asked to speak to me.
She explained that for Annabel, Grace and I appear very open about things. That in China you must be very careful about what you say, what you write, what you draw, what you own, as the government is always watching.
You have to be very careful not to betray or disagree with the government in any way.
At 11 years old she has a stronger understanding of politics than most Americans. She at least knows and understands what it is like to live in a communist country, to live under the constant threat of punishment, imprisonment, and who knows what else.
To be in the US then must feel so different. I am sure we appear wasteful, driving places instead of walking. Food stocked in every cabinet and a refrigerator full.
To speak openly and honestly about our opinions with no fear.
To come and go as we please.
I am still learning what else has been such a shock to her. I hope when she can speak more English, she will tell us.
But in the meantime she is becoming a "regular" US child, riding her bike, roller skating, going to school, visiting Grandmother Grandfather, as she calls them, taking care of Nina Ollie. (What part of speech is "and"? I don't think they have them in Chinese!!)
One last thing.
Each morning we walk to school.
As soon as we get to Mom and Dad's driveway, she begins to yell in her loudest voice, "Goodbye Grandmother! Goodbye Grandfather!" She continues until we cross the street at the school.
Mom and Dad are usually in the kitchen watching the news and can't hear her, so Mom suggested they ring the doorbell instead.
This morning it was a race between Grace and Annabel to ring that doorbell (probably about 100 times!), then the farewells could be addressed in person. Mom was slower getting out the door and Annabel yelled at Grace, "Grace!! Grandmother!!" In other words, say goodbye to Grandmother!
Starts the morning off pretty funny!
We are trying to get ready for Dad's birthday party on Thursday. I might have to have it in just one room and put Ollie and Nina to guard access to the others! If anyone comes in wearing "white gloves" they will be dismissed!!
Sunday, September 7, 2008
So much in such a short time!
So much has happened in so short a time.
It is hard to believe that almost seven years have past since that fateful day that changed the US.
I am grateful to all who have made our security and safety their priority and protected us from subsequent attacks. I understand that there are still risks but feel we do value our freedoms as never before.
For me, there doesn't seem to be any similarity to what my life was like then. I was in Phoenix with a friend attending a conference. Even though we could have stayed as long as we wanted, we immediately tried to get a way home. We had to know that everyone at home was safe.
I had not even thought about adoption then.
Darcey was still just a thought, a plan. It wasn't until I saw her the first time that I knew I wanted to adopt!
On a much shorter time frame, Tuesday will be one month since we returned home.
Some things for Annabel have happened quickly. Some are taking a long time.
On Friday, she tasted her first nacho and tortilla. Mom and Dad took us to Chili's for dinner. That was a nice treat.
Afterward Dad insisted on using a $20 credit at WalMart to help buy Grace a new bike. She has outgrown her 20", which is perfect for Annabel. Grace needed a 24" which is difficult to find. But Dad had done the legwork and found just the right one. They were so excited to get home and each have a bike to ride.
When we were growing up on this same street, we could only go as far as the two trees, which are long gone. But the girls are very careful to stay within our line of sight, until they have to go farther and we go to the school together.
Saturday the girls had a good time with the baby sitter. I met them at the pool, only they had taken a break and were feeding the fish. It was hard to pull them away from the fun.
When we were at the doctor's office, I realized they were having so much fun with the more toddler type of toys. It dawned on me that neither had ever had "toddler" toys. So we stopped at a garage sale on our way home looking. While we didn't find that, the girls were thrilled with the leftover baby clothes to use for their babies.
Later in the afternoon, I decided to give the dogs a bath. I don't think Annabel had ever seen a dog get a bath. She was so tickled by it!! Those dogs have never been so loved!!
Today was the first day of Chinese school. Annabel has waited 2 weeks for it to start. We had pre-registered but the classes we were signed up for were not the right level for the girls. The one that Grace was in was only in Chinese and Annabel's had kids about 4 or 5 years older than her.
We finally found the right classes, but discovered the only one for Grace is offered from 12 -2. We'll have to make some adjustments to get there in plenty of time though.
While we continue to introduce Annabel to new things, we are constantly making adjustments emotionally. I feel like at times we are on a roller coaster, then we are just sky diving without a parachute, and then we end up sailing on a lake as smooth as glass. I have to admit, at times it is exhausting.
It is hard to believe that almost seven years have past since that fateful day that changed the US.
I am grateful to all who have made our security and safety their priority and protected us from subsequent attacks. I understand that there are still risks but feel we do value our freedoms as never before.
For me, there doesn't seem to be any similarity to what my life was like then. I was in Phoenix with a friend attending a conference. Even though we could have stayed as long as we wanted, we immediately tried to get a way home. We had to know that everyone at home was safe.
I had not even thought about adoption then.
Darcey was still just a thought, a plan. It wasn't until I saw her the first time that I knew I wanted to adopt!
On a much shorter time frame, Tuesday will be one month since we returned home.
Some things for Annabel have happened quickly. Some are taking a long time.
On Friday, she tasted her first nacho and tortilla. Mom and Dad took us to Chili's for dinner. That was a nice treat.
Afterward Dad insisted on using a $20 credit at WalMart to help buy Grace a new bike. She has outgrown her 20", which is perfect for Annabel. Grace needed a 24" which is difficult to find. But Dad had done the legwork and found just the right one. They were so excited to get home and each have a bike to ride.
When we were growing up on this same street, we could only go as far as the two trees, which are long gone. But the girls are very careful to stay within our line of sight, until they have to go farther and we go to the school together.
Saturday the girls had a good time with the baby sitter. I met them at the pool, only they had taken a break and were feeding the fish. It was hard to pull them away from the fun.
When we were at the doctor's office, I realized they were having so much fun with the more toddler type of toys. It dawned on me that neither had ever had "toddler" toys. So we stopped at a garage sale on our way home looking. While we didn't find that, the girls were thrilled with the leftover baby clothes to use for their babies.
Later in the afternoon, I decided to give the dogs a bath. I don't think Annabel had ever seen a dog get a bath. She was so tickled by it!! Those dogs have never been so loved!!
Today was the first day of Chinese school. Annabel has waited 2 weeks for it to start. We had pre-registered but the classes we were signed up for were not the right level for the girls. The one that Grace was in was only in Chinese and Annabel's had kids about 4 or 5 years older than her.
We finally found the right classes, but discovered the only one for Grace is offered from 12 -2. We'll have to make some adjustments to get there in plenty of time though.
While we continue to introduce Annabel to new things, we are constantly making adjustments emotionally. I feel like at times we are on a roller coaster, then we are just sky diving without a parachute, and then we end up sailing on a lake as smooth as glass. I have to admit, at times it is exhausting.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Is this normal?
I made a quick escape to my private bath, my sanctuary, my retreat. But quickly our two dogs were DESPERATE for some love and care.
Then the door slams open and it is Annabel with a piece of paper, with both Chinese and English on it. She is trying to fold it so I can't see what all is written on it.
She shows me the English line that asks why they can't sleep later?
Grace comes in to see what is going on and then starts trying to explain in Chinese to Annabel about sleeping late. I felt certain her question was more about going to bed early, rather than sleeping late. So we three get into a heated discussion, while I still have my seat.
She had a sheet again of questions that she had the music teacher translate into English for her. The big questions seem to be about sleeping, going to bed so early (9:30?), making her eat raw vegetables, and can she take a bath, rather than shower.
We start trying to work together on the explanations and I begin trying to act out most of this info! Instead I just wrote out the answers for the teacher to translate!
But that's not all!!!
We also had a form to complete for after school programs. On each day you were to select your top 3 things you would like to do.
I look at the lists and then try to decide how to explain the choices to her.
I'm glad we did not have a video camera as I tried to act out basketball, choir, dance, soccer, karate, and computer classes. I did my best and at least I had some idea what she would like to do. I think she will be pulled from these funny items to do tutoring instead.
This mornings CT scan, to me, shows a lot about her background.
I cannot imagine too many children who, with no native tongue explanation, understands to lay down still and not move while she slips through this machine.
But she held perfectly still. There was only a need to do it once.
She had told me, by acting out, that she was going to sleep in there.
i am ready to know the results!
After a snack and visit with Poppa who was doing his volunteer work, it was back to school.
We were fortunate to have a delicious meal of barbecue chicken provided by a church friend. That makes everything so easy!!!Afterward the only question was whether they could go roller skating. They are doing a lot pretty than I would on those!!
I wish that fact that tomorrow is Friday would help, but I have to work on Saturday.
I do marketing/education/outreach to older adults and have a tendency to come up with these ideas on new ways to handle the need for education, activities, and sociability. Back in the summer I came up with Grandparentpalooza, in conjunction with Grandparents' Day on Sunday. So we have a BIG EVENT planned and seems to get bigger every hour!! Our goal is to help older adults connect with services in the area to help them with their grandparenting and ways to maintain their health to be available for their grandchildren. So far we are expecting about 250. Originally wanted just 75 people to attend.
Grace has an appointment tomorrow to check her eyes after her surgery. I hope for her sake that she does not have to wear glasses again!
Then the door slams open and it is Annabel with a piece of paper, with both Chinese and English on it. She is trying to fold it so I can't see what all is written on it.
She shows me the English line that asks why they can't sleep later?
Grace comes in to see what is going on and then starts trying to explain in Chinese to Annabel about sleeping late. I felt certain her question was more about going to bed early, rather than sleeping late. So we three get into a heated discussion, while I still have my seat.
She had a sheet again of questions that she had the music teacher translate into English for her. The big questions seem to be about sleeping, going to bed so early (9:30?), making her eat raw vegetables, and can she take a bath, rather than shower.
We start trying to work together on the explanations and I begin trying to act out most of this info! Instead I just wrote out the answers for the teacher to translate!
But that's not all!!!
We also had a form to complete for after school programs. On each day you were to select your top 3 things you would like to do.
I look at the lists and then try to decide how to explain the choices to her.
I'm glad we did not have a video camera as I tried to act out basketball, choir, dance, soccer, karate, and computer classes. I did my best and at least I had some idea what she would like to do. I think she will be pulled from these funny items to do tutoring instead.
This mornings CT scan, to me, shows a lot about her background.
I cannot imagine too many children who, with no native tongue explanation, understands to lay down still and not move while she slips through this machine.
But she held perfectly still. There was only a need to do it once.
She had told me, by acting out, that she was going to sleep in there.
i am ready to know the results!
After a snack and visit with Poppa who was doing his volunteer work, it was back to school.
We were fortunate to have a delicious meal of barbecue chicken provided by a church friend. That makes everything so easy!!!Afterward the only question was whether they could go roller skating. They are doing a lot pretty than I would on those!!
I wish that fact that tomorrow is Friday would help, but I have to work on Saturday.
I do marketing/education/outreach to older adults and have a tendency to come up with these ideas on new ways to handle the need for education, activities, and sociability. Back in the summer I came up with Grandparentpalooza, in conjunction with Grandparents' Day on Sunday. So we have a BIG EVENT planned and seems to get bigger every hour!! Our goal is to help older adults connect with services in the area to help them with their grandparenting and ways to maintain their health to be available for their grandchildren. So far we are expecting about 250. Originally wanted just 75 people to attend.
Grace has an appointment tomorrow to check her eyes after her surgery. I hope for her sake that she does not have to wear glasses again!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
CT Scan Thursday morning
Tomorrow morning we have an appointment for Annabel's CT scan to determine if there is additional damage to her ears from the long history of ear infections.
All prayers are appreciated.
When I got home from work, I found out that Annabel had cried at school and afterward at home.
In hopes of improving morale, we visited another Chinese buffet. Thank goodness I can find a few people who speak Chinese in the area!
I tried out my new Chinese phrases on the girls. Instead of improving communications, I just improved the comedy of the meal. They got so tickled at me trying to speak Chinese!
Afterward we took a walk with the girls on their skates and the dogs. I think they are sleeping really well tonight. Annabel took some bad tumbles, but never seems like it will keep her down.
All prayers are appreciated.
When I got home from work, I found out that Annabel had cried at school and afterward at home.
In hopes of improving morale, we visited another Chinese buffet. Thank goodness I can find a few people who speak Chinese in the area!
I tried out my new Chinese phrases on the girls. Instead of improving communications, I just improved the comedy of the meal. They got so tickled at me trying to speak Chinese!
Afterward we took a walk with the girls on their skates and the dogs. I think they are sleeping really well tonight. Annabel took some bad tumbles, but never seems like it will keep her down.
Got one of those Chenglish words wrong and remembered another!
Nigh is not what they are saying, it is Aye - meaning me, my, or I, so Annabel told me Aye how tong pee pee, meaning my bottom hurts!
But the one used most often is
Kwi Kwi - hurry, hurry, only we usually have to say, kwi, kwi, kwi - hurry, hurry, hurry!
With only 3 there is always one slow one. We take turns it seems like.
Thankfully my friend Holly just sent some more phrases. I plan to shock them on my expertise in Chinese this afternoon. Going to write them on my shirt sleeve! Oh wait, wearing a sleeveless shirt. That won't work!
But the one used most often is
Kwi Kwi - hurry, hurry, only we usually have to say, kwi, kwi, kwi - hurry, hurry, hurry!
With only 3 there is always one slow one. We take turns it seems like.
Thankfully my friend Holly just sent some more phrases. I plan to shock them on my expertise in Chinese this afternoon. Going to write them on my shirt sleeve! Oh wait, wearing a sleeveless shirt. That won't work!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
What does Annabel think about ....?
This has to be the funniest question I get asked. It is difficult for people to realize there is very little communication going on between us. We have developed a very crude form of Chenglish, but it only helps in choosing noodles or rice, bath or shower, McDonalds or Kendugie Fried Chicken.
I had forgotten how it was when I first adopted Grace and all she could do was holler "Mom"!! There was nothing I could do but follow the voice and try to understand the question and provide an answer. Even "come here" doesn't seem to be understood. Oh wait, that is just a child, regardless of their primary language! And everything is an emergency.
This is my understanding of a few words we use often.
digga, digga - yea, I don't know. I get the impression it is like this or this, as a choice. Grace insists it is actually zegga.
Schwa - now I am not sure if this is water or something else, so I just throw it in every now and then.
LaShur - this is either an uncle, a mouse, or a teacher. Regardless of how I pronounce it, I get it wrong!!
Baa - short and sweet means NO.
YoYo - swimming, but also the name of her stuffed dog.
Wo, pronounced YO - the name of her stuffed cat.
If I can remember more, I will add them, but I get by pretty well with just digga or digga. Who really needs more than 2 choices?
As far as long conversations, I am still the very last person she wants to bond with or have some long conversation. But I seem to be less repulsive each day. I can only hope!
We are so thankful that Gustav spared so many from so much!
While in China, Annabel would jump up and down trying to get water out of her ears after swimming. I tried putting Swimmers Ear drops in one night and it was obviously so painful! Even the medical exam showed problems with her ears.
Today we finally got to see the otolaryngologist or maybe he was an otorhinolaryngologist, I forgot to check.
Bless this child's heart! She has a hole in both eardrums and some other complications that I can't remember right now. One hole is quite large. He feels she has had a history of ear infections that went untreated, probably most of her life.
The doctor and his assistant wanted me to ask her if she had ever had ear surgery.
Sure, no problem, digga or digga! I looked at them like you have got to be kidding. I think he was hoping that the scarring he saw in her ear was from surgery, but evidently just from non treatment and too many q tips!
Next step is a CT scan. I hope our friend Sarah can translate that! I don't think schwa covers that!!
From there will be a hearing test and plans for surgery. He is quite concerned about what he will find and if there is permanent hearing loss. That explains the loud voice!
I cannot imagine how much her life will improve with the ability to see and hear being restored. She continues just to stare at things. When the doctor's office kept wanting to know more about her history and if she was in pain and if she had ever been treated for ear problems, all I could do was explain that she had never complained about her lack of vision, yet is so glad to be able to see now. It was obvious that her vision was limited to nothing more than an arm's length away!
Yesterday the big question was if we would go skating again. They LOVED skating.
It is hard to turn down a request for something to play and have fun with outside. They both need it so much. Skates were not in my budget, but decided they were really needed.
The girls had a great time trying to move on their new skates. Annabel took a bad tumble and fell pretty hard.
Oh that reminds me of some more words I know.
Peepee - this word came up a lot in Target the other day, as in Momma, peepee, and pointing to her shorts. I'm trying to rush her to the bathroom surprised that she had an accident. Finally Grace explained that pee pee means your bottom. She had fallen at the skating rink and she was telling me her bottom hurt.
Which leads to the next two words -
how tong - which means, it hurts, as in pointing to your back and saying "how tong" and the answer is either yes or boo or is it bah?
Then you can also say how too, which is something stinks! or as in Momma, point to mouth, how too.
And the last one is nigh, which means me, so here is a sentence we would share, nigh peepee how tong.
Hey if you speak Chinese don't take offense. I try my best to find a way to communicate!
Next adventure is trying to find a new bike for Grace so Annabel can keep Grace's old one!
I had forgotten how it was when I first adopted Grace and all she could do was holler "Mom"!! There was nothing I could do but follow the voice and try to understand the question and provide an answer. Even "come here" doesn't seem to be understood. Oh wait, that is just a child, regardless of their primary language! And everything is an emergency.
This is my understanding of a few words we use often.
digga, digga - yea, I don't know. I get the impression it is like this or this, as a choice. Grace insists it is actually zegga.
Schwa - now I am not sure if this is water or something else, so I just throw it in every now and then.
LaShur - this is either an uncle, a mouse, or a teacher. Regardless of how I pronounce it, I get it wrong!!
Baa - short and sweet means NO.
YoYo - swimming, but also the name of her stuffed dog.
Wo, pronounced YO - the name of her stuffed cat.
If I can remember more, I will add them, but I get by pretty well with just digga or digga. Who really needs more than 2 choices?
As far as long conversations, I am still the very last person she wants to bond with or have some long conversation. But I seem to be less repulsive each day. I can only hope!
We are so thankful that Gustav spared so many from so much!
While in China, Annabel would jump up and down trying to get water out of her ears after swimming. I tried putting Swimmers Ear drops in one night and it was obviously so painful! Even the medical exam showed problems with her ears.
Today we finally got to see the otolaryngologist or maybe he was an otorhinolaryngologist, I forgot to check.
Bless this child's heart! She has a hole in both eardrums and some other complications that I can't remember right now. One hole is quite large. He feels she has had a history of ear infections that went untreated, probably most of her life.
The doctor and his assistant wanted me to ask her if she had ever had ear surgery.
Sure, no problem, digga or digga! I looked at them like you have got to be kidding. I think he was hoping that the scarring he saw in her ear was from surgery, but evidently just from non treatment and too many q tips!
Next step is a CT scan. I hope our friend Sarah can translate that! I don't think schwa covers that!!
From there will be a hearing test and plans for surgery. He is quite concerned about what he will find and if there is permanent hearing loss. That explains the loud voice!
I cannot imagine how much her life will improve with the ability to see and hear being restored. She continues just to stare at things. When the doctor's office kept wanting to know more about her history and if she was in pain and if she had ever been treated for ear problems, all I could do was explain that she had never complained about her lack of vision, yet is so glad to be able to see now. It was obvious that her vision was limited to nothing more than an arm's length away!
Yesterday the big question was if we would go skating again. They LOVED skating.
It is hard to turn down a request for something to play and have fun with outside. They both need it so much. Skates were not in my budget, but decided they were really needed.
The girls had a great time trying to move on their new skates. Annabel took a bad tumble and fell pretty hard.
Oh that reminds me of some more words I know.
Peepee - this word came up a lot in Target the other day, as in Momma, peepee, and pointing to her shorts. I'm trying to rush her to the bathroom surprised that she had an accident. Finally Grace explained that pee pee means your bottom. She had fallen at the skating rink and she was telling me her bottom hurt.
Which leads to the next two words -
how tong - which means, it hurts, as in pointing to your back and saying "how tong" and the answer is either yes or boo or is it bah?
Then you can also say how too, which is something stinks! or as in Momma, point to mouth, how too.
And the last one is nigh, which means me, so here is a sentence we would share, nigh peepee how tong.
Hey if you speak Chinese don't take offense. I try my best to find a way to communicate!
Next adventure is trying to find a new bike for Grace so Annabel can keep Grace's old one!
Monday, September 1, 2008
Another day of firsts!
It is late and somehow I want to watch to see when and where Gustav will hit. It seems like more than 3 years and 3 days since Katrina hit. So many came to Dallas, some permanently. Jana reached out to a family and took them under her wing, providing a place to live, food, clothes, etc. For this family, life continued even though their world turned upside down. Such wonderful people. You cannot imagine going through the changes that storm could bring to every single part of their lives.
One of the FCC families left for China yesterday. When you are making all your plans to bring home your new family member, you don't think about the "details". A detail that ended up being such a stress for us was the tight security at the airports. I wish I could force the "terrorists" who have caused such HUGE changes to realize the damage they have caused and change their hearts. Trying to explain terrorists to children is difficult!
But onto better things!
I had to leave church for a little while this morning so I didn't laugh out loud.
Mom came to church whether she felt like it or not.
She had all of both girls' attention! When I sat down they were on either side, with their arms around her shoulders. At one point, Annabel wrapped Mom up in her scarf/shawl she had brought, only she put it all around her neck, then wrapped her arms around her too. Mom turned to her and said, "I believe I'm a little hot." Annabel turned to me and said, " I believe I'm a little hot."
She looked so serious. I wonder what she thought she had said?? She was quoting Mom and knew it was important to share that "special" info!!
We had another wonderful meal provided by our great friends. They have made my life so much easier!
We met the FCC group for a skating party. We've been watching the DVDs we bought in China that are supposed to teach your child English. Yesterday had skating on it. So we talked about going skating. Only the picture was of ice skating!
Both girls were so excited!
Grace has learned quickly that Annabel is up for anything, or so it seems. Last time we had the skating party, Grace was not that interested. This time, both were ready and anxious. They met some new friends who helped learn to skate. Each fell enough that I think there will be plenty of bruises! But they got up each time and kept going, begging to stay just 10 more minutes!
On our way home, we stopped at Target to return the uniforms that did not fit. While there, Annabel had her first Slurpee! She mixed all the flavors and made some strange faces, but ended up thinking it was quite good. How do you explain a Slurpee? She kept asking if it was ice cream!
For dinner we went to another Chinese buffet. Children are half the price of adults. But with my girls, I am afraid they are losing money on that! They find so many things they LOVE on these buffets!!!
We came home two bags of clothes for Annabel. People have been so generous sharing their daughter's clothes that have been outgrown! This time even included shoes. When I was growing up I loved to get someone's hand me downs! Now as the mom, I really appreciate them!
There was no time to post last night. The only problem with going to IKEA is putting it together. I finally finished the majority about 1:00 a.m.! Now I just have to put them in the right room.
I love a holiday. When I worked for the state, we received about 15 holidays, including Lyndon Johnson's birthday! When I went to work for the hospital it was difficult to adjust to limited number of holidays, but it does make each one more precious! How do I explain Labor Day to Annabel???!!!
One of the FCC families left for China yesterday. When you are making all your plans to bring home your new family member, you don't think about the "details". A detail that ended up being such a stress for us was the tight security at the airports. I wish I could force the "terrorists" who have caused such HUGE changes to realize the damage they have caused and change their hearts. Trying to explain terrorists to children is difficult!
But onto better things!
I had to leave church for a little while this morning so I didn't laugh out loud.
Mom came to church whether she felt like it or not.
She had all of both girls' attention! When I sat down they were on either side, with their arms around her shoulders. At one point, Annabel wrapped Mom up in her scarf/shawl she had brought, only she put it all around her neck, then wrapped her arms around her too. Mom turned to her and said, "I believe I'm a little hot." Annabel turned to me and said, " I believe I'm a little hot."
She looked so serious. I wonder what she thought she had said?? She was quoting Mom and knew it was important to share that "special" info!!
We had another wonderful meal provided by our great friends. They have made my life so much easier!
We met the FCC group for a skating party. We've been watching the DVDs we bought in China that are supposed to teach your child English. Yesterday had skating on it. So we talked about going skating. Only the picture was of ice skating!
Both girls were so excited!
Grace has learned quickly that Annabel is up for anything, or so it seems. Last time we had the skating party, Grace was not that interested. This time, both were ready and anxious. They met some new friends who helped learn to skate. Each fell enough that I think there will be plenty of bruises! But they got up each time and kept going, begging to stay just 10 more minutes!
On our way home, we stopped at Target to return the uniforms that did not fit. While there, Annabel had her first Slurpee! She mixed all the flavors and made some strange faces, but ended up thinking it was quite good. How do you explain a Slurpee? She kept asking if it was ice cream!
For dinner we went to another Chinese buffet. Children are half the price of adults. But with my girls, I am afraid they are losing money on that! They find so many things they LOVE on these buffets!!!
We came home two bags of clothes for Annabel. People have been so generous sharing their daughter's clothes that have been outgrown! This time even included shoes. When I was growing up I loved to get someone's hand me downs! Now as the mom, I really appreciate them!
There was no time to post last night. The only problem with going to IKEA is putting it together. I finally finished the majority about 1:00 a.m.! Now I just have to put them in the right room.
I love a holiday. When I worked for the state, we received about 15 holidays, including Lyndon Johnson's birthday! When I went to work for the hospital it was difficult to adjust to limited number of holidays, but it does make each one more precious! How do I explain Labor Day to Annabel???!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)