Our Story

When our son Jack was born with Down syndrome, we found out we had a lot to learn. Not just about the best way to nuture our child so he would grow up as healthy as possible, but about the whole world of special needs. One thing we learned, children born in some countries who have special needs generally don't go home with their mom & dad. They go to baby orphanages. We have decided to adopt one of these little angels, a beautiful girl with Down syndrome. We found our new daughter through an organization called Reece's Rainbow. They advocate for these little ones, trying to get them into the arms of their forever families. Please go visit. There is a button on the left. These children will touch your heart.







Thursday, December 16, 2010

Quick Update

It's so easy to make a post a day when you're bored in a foreign country and there's lots of time to kill!

I have lots to "report" but not enough time to write a decent post! So, here's a quick update:

Ther first few days Dashlyn slept. A lot. Not interested in eating. Finally we remembered we had some Pediasure out of a sippy cup and she loved it (very warmed up though). She got less sleepy as the week went on and by Fri I decided she was gonna eat (they said she ate great in the orphanage) and we tried oatmeal for breakfast. A hit! I think it helped that I had a booster seat for her and she, Jack, and I were all sitting at the table like it was serious eating time! Lunch and dinner went the same way and now (almost a week later) she eats like there is no tomorrow. She cries when we say "enough" which we have to do because she doesn't stop. I hope this a one of those stages, and when she realizes, yes, there will be another meal, she will stop the endless desire for food.

Her first bath was a disaster. After that, they got better. She smells so much better than she did at any time we visited her. She must have only had sponge baths; I'm sure she'd never sat in water before. She wants to be held all the time. I think it's like the food & when she realizes we aren't going anywhere she'll be okay not sitting on my lap or being carried everywhere. I'm humoring her as much as possible - she's been here 2 weeks tonight!

She has no clue what to do with toys. She doesn't stack anything, or look at books, or "play". She throws. We're saying "nyet" and trying to show her what to do with toys, but this will take some time. Also, she has no concept of "no" or "nyet" or "shtoy" or "stop". She laughs and smiles when we interact, she rides in a cart at Wal-Mart or the grocery store like a pro, she waves bye and blows kisses when grandma and grandpa leave after a visit! She cuddles. She accepts kisses and hair bows and getting her picture taken a hundred times per day.

She is AWESOME!! We are very thankful to have her, and still getting used to the fact that she is HERE!!

3 comments:

  1. Much of what you are experiencing....holding all the time, not playing with toys, etc. are things we saw too. Oksana still isn't great with toys but getting better and she is a sweet cuddler but does not need to be held constantly. Seriously, I never thought I'd be saying that based on how she was after she left the orphanage. I'm glad to hear she is doing great!

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  2. I totally understand the smell thing. I can't wait to give this guy a bath! I'm sure she'll continue to settle in. What a big change for her moving half way around the world. :-)

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  3. Oh Julie - I am so happy for all of you!!! I am so glad she is home right where she belongs!!!

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Thank you for helping bring Dashlyn home!

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