Alina is self-assured, adaptable and good-natured. She is curious and active, with definite ideas and seemingly boundless energy.
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Alina is an interesting mixture of active and content. As seen in the last post, she plays with gusto. She works hard at playing. She plays for long periods of time (by herself or with others), and has a very good attention span (if, of course, the object or activity is something she is interested in!).
Like most children, she likes to be praised and does not like to be scolded.
Alina is expressive. (Who knew, from her profile pictures??)
She enjoys: eating, books, phones, pretend play (baby dolls, cleaning, kitchen), things she can carry (purses, bags and buckets), and playing “dress up” (i.e., dressing and undressing).
Her speech is delayed (though we are not sure exactly how much since her native language is Russian!), but her total communication is quite good. She not only understands much of what we ask of her in English, but she is also beginning to communicate some of her wants and needs using a variety of strategies (facial expressions, sounds, gestures, signs). She is beginning to repeat sounds for us as well.
Since Alina has been home, she has learned to say: book, more (“muh”), cup (“puh”), mama, hi, and “Buh!” for Bridget.
She is signing: more, apple, gentle, sad, and cup. She waves “hi” and “bye-bye”.
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Alina keeps us running...and smiling...and giving thanks on an hourly basis.
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Up next: Alina & Bridget--how they are adjusting and NEW PICS :)
Oh that last photo is so sweet. What an awesome post, Lisa. The "1" with the index finger made me smile, because John Michael's relatives from Holland taught him that. Maybe it's a Euro/Russian thing? Who knows. I love the update on all she can and is doing and how eager she is to learn and do. Sounds like she's on a fast track to take it all in and be just like her new siblings.
ReplyDeleteAll I can say is, "who would have thought?". Your and Chris's ability to see the potential beyond the profile picture still inspires me!
ReplyDeleteShe is such a doll--that first picture is amazing! What a cutie-pie!
Kristin
OH, I just LOVED reading this update on beautiful Alina!! What a wonderful addition to your family... and what a very lucky little girl. I just can't imagine what might have happened if she hadn't been adopted... but I can't let myself think about that - it's too much to bear.
ReplyDeleteI'll be continuing my efforts to raise funds for Reece's Rainbow.
HUGS!
I have a lump in my throat! This was so fun to read....what an absolute little doll she is! That top picture tells it all about how she feels.... :)
ReplyDeleteI am totally amazed it's the same girl in the profile picture! Truly amazing.
ReplyDeleteJust goes to show NOT to put too much stock in a picture, because the 'bigger picture' is SO MUCH BIGGER.
She is beautiful...a gem.
This is a wonderful update on your daughter. She looks like a delightful handful!!! So glad you and your family stepped up and out...what a blessing you were given in return!
ReplyDeleteLisa
So glad to hear everything is going well! Alina sounds like a cute mess! She and Bridget should provide many smiles! Can't wait for more pics---
ReplyDeleteIt makes me smile so much that one of the first things she learned to say was Bridget (her version of it at least), those two are adorable together!
ReplyDelete