Oct 8, 2012

One Month Home

So it's been about a month since we brought Kena home.  Seems quick right?  I'll be honest, it's been a fairly hard month with lots of adjustments for all of us.  Jay as the youngest is having the hardest time.  I'm having to play referee between the two who are fighting for my constant attention.  To be expected given their age.  It could also be hard because I decided since we will be home a lot, I should potty train Jay while he's going through a major life change.  About two weeks later, lots of m&ms for mommy Jay and thanks to the stomach bug for expedited learning, I think he's got it down.  Kena is not too far behind, but I wasn't quite ready to tackle potty training in two different languages.  

The older two are doing great with Kena.  She let's Bryce tote her around where ever she wants to go and loves when Stacy sings to her or sits down to color with her.   Stacy is thrilled to have someone who wants to be sung to and will dance with her.

She's getting more and more adjusted as each day goes by.  Biggest change is that she goes to David now, especially if I'm not in view.  Yay!  She does great in the car, on runs, walks, errands, and warmed up to the park.  She is now going to nap and bedtime without crying where she would scream earlier on and sleeps great.  She loves baby dolls, coloring, phones, dancing, having us sing wheels on the bus, and baths.  Oh the girl loves her bath time.  She is extremely nurturing and loves to give hugs, kisses, and comfort anyone else who seems to be upset.  She's a carb girl like her mama and loves mac n'cheese, oodles of noodles, rice, grits, oatmeal, yogurt and pizza.  Not so big on fruits or sweets, even my homemade treats.  Give her time, although I would love to keep it that way.  She's learned to say mommy, daddy, Bryce, Stacy, Jay, Gigi, Papa, high five, no, look, I did it, Go Kena, here you go, thank you, and do a few motions in sign language.  Communication has been our biggest struggle.  We can pretty much understand what she needs, but her trying to tell us is a whole different game.  Lots of screaming and whining which we try not to do in this house, hence why we are teaching her sign language for a few basic needs.

We haven't stayed completely isolated because the other 3 just need to be outside.  So what do you do?  Introduce her to every outdoor contraption we own, which is several.  She's done great in all of them. 

 The Caravan..Stacy usually rides her own bike, but not with her broken arm

 A hike to Hanging Rock for David's Birthday in the backpack - He only carried Jay a little on the way down, it was past nap time for both.

 The Stroller

The most used yet, the car seat

 The Ergo


I'm SO incredibly grateful we've been able to bring her home long before the crazy holiday season begins as she is able to take in more and more each time.