Thursday, May 26, 2011

Kaylee's first photo shoot

I did a short impromptu photo shoot with Kaylee yesterday and wanted to share the pictures. It was so hard to pick my favorites, so many turned out really cute. 







 It really is hard to pick a favorite, but I really like this one, probably just because she looks like a baby here and really, she does act like a baby. 







Kaylee is doing really well. She really is a very fast learner. I figured out today how to get her to crawl. Actually it kind of was my friend Lindsay's idea, she said the only way she will be able to get Ana to do anything is with food, so it got me thinking. I put a gerber puff a few feet in front of Kaylee and had her crawl to it. I know, it sounds like something you do for a dog, but you know what, it worked. We did this for about 15 minutes. And she was even crawling with her head up, though I think she doesn't have very good muscle control of her legs with her head up, strange how that works. She did more of a hop like a rabbit than a crawl, but she was trying so hard.

We also worked on walking today. I would stand her up against the couch and hold out my hands for her to walk to me. Normally when I do this she just falls forward, but today she actually took a few steps.

For the first couple of days back home, things were very difficult and I wondered why we adopted her, not that I think we shouldn't have, but that I wondered what I really had to offer her that the orphanage couldn't have or didn't. I pretty much felt like I was only meeting her physical needs. But now that I see how smart she is and how much she truly wants to learn, my view has completely changed. She is already thriving and doing so much better than she was before.

Kaylee has started to scream and cry unless I am holding her or sitting on the floor next to her or doing something directly with her. It completely baffles me as to why she does this. She has sat in a crib for the last 2 years, why would she be so needy now. It does frustrate me, but I am trying really hard to be patient. I have cooked dinner while wearing her on my back in a sling. She seems to be happy with that. I really hope this phase doesn't last too long. If only I knew what she was thinking and feeling.



She's a true American now, eating a popsicle. This was her second popsicle since coming home and she loves it. Today, she actually held the popsicle while eating it, and this is a huge thing. I think she must have some sort of sensory thing with holding stuff while eating or maybe it is so ground in her to not touch her food. Usually she cries when I hand her something, but this time she took the stick and started sucking away.

9 comments:

  1. Really ADORABLE pictures!

    I am really glad that she is adjusting so well. I will pray that you have patience as she is bonding with you and not wanting you to do anything except stuff with her.

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  2. You did a great job w/ the pics, Momma!

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  3. Kaylee is precious! Love the beautiful photos - they really capture her little personality.

    It seems to me that it's very much because Kaylee sat in a crib for two years that she is so desperate to be with you all the time now. Given her background, that seems only natural.

    Reassure her, hold and love on her as much as possible, get a baby sling and "wear" her if you can - eventually she'll realize that you're not going to leave her all alone and by herself. She'll be able to relax and understand that though she may be on her own briefly, that Mommy will always be there for her in the ways that truly count.

    Best wishes,
    Susan in Ky
    Cousin to 2 from U.

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  5. Yay! I can see your blog again! I meant to email you and ask to be added back! I wanted to know when you were coming home with her and if there was anything I could do! I'd love to come meet her with my girls! I'm jealous that you adopted her, I feel like I have such a heart for someday! ~Becky Hazlewood

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  6. beautiful beautiful pictures!!!! i really really enjoyed holding her the other day and Love seems to really like her too. she is growing leaps and bounds. your doing a great job!! we've been doing popsicles too!

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  7. You're doing all of the right things mama! I know it's frustrating when they hit the "velcro child" period but it's actually a good sign. It means that she wants to be with you and has realized that you're someone who can meet her needs. Keep doing what you're doing and it WILL get better. It just takes a while sometimes.

    Have you joined us on the After the Rainbow group yet? It's an awesome place to get support! There is a page on Yuku that we're all moving to. Please come say hi! If you need help finding it or would just like to talk one-on-one with someone who has "been there" please feel free to email me at rachel@reecesrainbow.org

    Blessings,
    Rachel Whitmire
    Post-Adoption Care Coordinator
    Reeces Rainbow Down Syndrome Adoption Ministry
    www.reecesrainbow.org

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  8. My favorite is the black and white wide eyed one. She's just beautiful!!

    xo!

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  9. Yes I am going backwards here. LOL!! But I am caught up now!

    I love the pictures. I think the one I like is the one that she looks like a baby. It just looks like a sweet loveable little baby. I like the popsicle pictures too. LOL!!

    She really is adorable. I know it has not been as easy as people think it will be. These kids do grieve their old life only because that is all they have ever known. Everything is knew now and I am sure it is somewhat overwhelming to her and unfortunately you too. It should get better but unfortunately no one knows when that will happen.
    Just know you are doing a good job with her. I mean look at her, she looks so much happier than she did before she came home.
    Hang in there, it will get better and is so worth it!

    Love,
    Sheila

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