Her cast was removed and she is now in a splint and hopefully soon, a walking brace! We can move onto physical therapy and piecing together all the medical issues!! We should have the genetic tests back soon and so far all her labs and tests have been so encouraging.
I think one of the major hurdles to us bonding has been her medical problems. I think when she refractured her leg in India, it caused her to bond even more with Erin and I and that really was a blessing! And She hasn't looked back since we met her at the orphanage! She's just gonna be that brave fearless girl who is up for anything!
But for me and the kids, we had plans to "tiptoe throught the tulips" or at least run and play together and with her being unable to walk, it changed things quickly. I had to carry her everywhere and Logan got jealous immediately. She couldn't keep up to play with the big kids. No playing chase or riding bikes and every time they ask to go somewhere it's usually, "let's wait until Neena can walk to do that".
So she finally got her cast off and started walking a few weeks later, around thanksgiving!!! It has been so good for everybody. I think now the kids are starting to see her as a 5 year old girl, a sibling! She is no longer just mom's attachment she brought home from india! We are still being very cautious with her activity...but she is 5, in a new place with lots of toys and playthings and she has been immobile since the first of September....she would be riding bikes and jumping on the trampoline if I would let her. But for now, walking will have to do! Also I think she feels less vulnerable being able to get places on her own. I can't imagine being handicapped in a world full of unfamiliar faces and unable to fully communicate, all while mourning the only life I had ever known! So since she's been walking things have been so much smoother!
So this month..........
I held her hand and walked with her for the first time! Hand in hand...heaven!
She had her first bath! And shower! (Which she loooves and can NOT go a day without)
She helped put up her first christmas tree and learned to sing jingle bells! She is all about some karaoke! And she can tell you who's birthday is on Christmas!
She says a very shortened version of "the blessing"at dinner.
Her and Logan played...that one time!
She started preschool 2 days a week! And she has her first friend, Nevaeh! And I was told she tried to escape the whole first day. (I mean, where was she going?)
She started talking about us ALL going back to India to see Kiriti. (Dear lord!)
She is speaking ALOT of English! Short phrases now. I mean she is sooo smart!
She met her Pop and fell for the old 4 wheeler trick!
I know I missed a lot of "firsts" in her life, and that can make me sad to think about, but We are excited to experience a lot of new firsts with her!
