Monday, February 15, 2010

My Bulgarian babies are doing so well... slow but steady progress














































Gracie has begun to say some words when you ask her to repeat she will say papa and mama and some of her sisters names. She is very affectionate and loves kisses and hugs and will snuggle. These were all things she had no interest in when we first visited her in July... to see her desiring physical touch is a huge thing for her. She is also beginning to play... look at the playdough picture....She loves putting puzzles together and her favorite activity is to look at the picture album of her from our trip in July. She will show you it and when you ask where is papa or mamma she can point to us correctly. She is happily fitting into our family and it is beginning to be hard to remember life without our little one with big brown eyes... who melts your heart with her very sensitive looks into your soul.

Andrew is finally showing signs of peace and contentment. It has been a hard month of transition for him. He has come off of the meds. that were sedating him and he seems to have gotten more comfortable with his body and how it feels to be free of so many constraints... the medicine that controlled his insanity of being left by himself with absolutely nothing...the inability to discover his world around him.. the neglect and abuse that he often will mimick but we are seeing less and less of. He is becoming a happy little guy who still has a long way to go... but we are seeing him change so much. It is hard to believe that already it has been a little over 7 weeks. He loves to be upright and will walk more holding our hands... he chooses to stand in Paul's lap, his favorite toy is this jumping swing ( the one he jumped so hard in and fell onto Mya and broke her leg ) . The kids will play the music loud and dance around him and he is just a happy little guy. He is eating better and sleeps more calmly. I have 2 walkers and he is now even climbing out of them... which again is a huge step for him... to be able to discover what he can do because he just can... things he was not allowed to do in his orphanage... He will copy you with his voice or hands when you clap or tap a beat. Joseph is still his favorite... and will smile the biggest smiles for Joseph.

3 comments:

Kelly said...

First... YAY! Mya looks wonderful!

And would you look at these two little beauties?! They look fantastic Jeanne! I am so excited that Gracie is using some words. And look at Andrew climbing around! LOL Such a cutie, love that last pic with his big beautiful smile! :) They are both so precious, and I can not believe it has been 7 weeks already! Time flies when it is others lives! The last 3 weeks have dragged by for me. ;)

mommajeane said...

I miss that little baby boy Andrew....Having fun with him....But I will be home and I will spend time with the baby Andrew...I love the pic off him out off the play toy.....I wonder 5 monts from now what he will be like ...Mabbe like me !!!!!!!!I love you Andrew your big brother Joseph Briggs or Jo-jo

mommajeane said...

Joseph... when you comment on a person's blog sign in as you before you start :)