She very verbal for a 14 month old. She babbles, blows raspberries and tries to imitate me when I talk to her. In fact, she says "Papa" and looks at Hector when she says it. I kid you not!
We've had a lovely weekend with her and we have actually bonded a bit with the staff too. Even though there is a HUGE language barrier, we have communicated a bit back and forth with made up sign language to bridge the gap. They dress Sofia is the clothes we brought for her. They have a cubby where they keep her things. We bought diapers today and they put those in her cubby. We traded the blue ski pants for some pink fleece ones...that match her jacket perfectly! She's a fashionista for sure!
The staff let us do what we want with her (as long as we don't let her fall asleep!!!). We take her for walks, we play with her on the floor (I've even managed to do some physical therapy with her). I don't know if the staff have been easy going with us because it's the weekend and quiet around the orphanage but we were happy to start off this way with them.
Sofia's orphanage is run down but they are making some improvements. We are getting to know some of the other little ones in Sofia's groupa. There are flowers blooming everywhere outside the orphanage...tulips, cherry blossoms, lots of other blooming trees. We see older children outside walking hand in hand, very well behaved kids. They all look with curious eyes at us when we walk by. There are always a few that waving and say hello.
Tomorrow begins the process of making sure our case makes progress at the court. Marina, our facilitator, will be working hard for us all day. We look forward to touching base with her about how things are going.
We will continue to visit Sofia every day and continue to bond with her, get to know her and show her what love feels like. Today she really snuggled in to me and rested her head on my chest. I'm not sure she's ever been held like that before. It must feel like heaven to her because it sure feels like that to me.
I can't get over how cute she is!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweetie.
So glad it's going well for you :)
You know, it always amazes me how much 'better' babies start looking once they have their families. Even with the ones that are well taken care of to begin with, the difference is huge. Your love is definitely doing that for Sofia, I love to see her glowing in your arms (though her little grumpy faces are cute, too).
ReplyDeleteShe looks just perfect in your arms, cuter than ever!! I am so glad that things are feeling better for you guys and that the bonding has started. I really enjoyed Hector's post as well. I love hearing the Dad's side too. Praying everything goes smoothly this week.
ReplyDeleteI just get a bit of a lump in my throat when I see pictures of her! We would SO love to adopt through Reece's Rainbow, but with tight finances and 3 special needs kids already, we are just doing what we can to raise money for RR so that others can bring these beautiful, perfect cherubs home! I am just so happy for you, and perhaps even happier for Sofia.
ReplyDeleteShe is beautiful! I can just eat those cheeks. Love the picture of you both on the swing,looking at the camera. She is one blessed girl when she gets home with her 3 "protective" brothers! Look forward to hearing more of the trip. Kim & Tom Baumann, adopting Vanya #11.
ReplyDeletelove the little piggies!!! so cute!
ReplyDeleteHow lucky you are to have her! She is so beautiful. I work for special services so I know first hand how loving, patient, and just all around laid back down syndrome people can be. My cousin(who had down syndrome) was 38 when she passed away. She was THE BEST THING that ever happened to our family and we miss her terrible everyday. I can't wait until she is able to go home with you and start her new life!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteOh... this is so beautiful! She is a very blessed angel to be put in your loving arms!
ReplyDeleteShe is so beautiful! I can't wait to meet her!
ReplyDeleteHansina
God is sooo good! Does he create the most beautiful little babies? I say Amen! Yes He does!
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you!
Hugs
Anne
Wow. There are so few words to describe the way it all fits together for you. Your photos are beautiful. I stand amazed and stunned at your beautiful future. Love to you all, Cathy B.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness! She is absolutely yummy. I love it that they're letting you dress her in the clothes you brought--what a difference it makes and her color looks great!!! Hope the court processes quickly and that you're in for a fast-track adoption.
ReplyDeleteKristin
You have GOT to stop making me cry! ;) Love the pink on both of you, looking great.
ReplyDeleteShe is just precious!!! I just wanted to say also, that your adoption of Sofia has truly made me want to adopt my own little princess. I am earnestly going to start saving up my $ up now, so that when I turn 25 (in about a year and a half) I will hopefully have enough to adopt. So thank you to you, and your sweet Sofia.
ReplyDeleteOn another note your pictures are so crisp and bright, what camera do you use?
Thanks!
Kelly
Sounds like a wonderful weekend with your beautiful daughter! :) I hope the non-weekend staff are just as easy to work with and that your "case" makes good progress! Praying for you, your boys, and your little girl!
ReplyDeleteJTHTL
Kelly, we have a Canon 20D, we use an 85mm f/1.8 and a 50mm f/1.4
ReplyDeleteOk. The chubby toes take the cute factor over the top.
ReplyDeleteWow! I am just so happy for you. Thank you for posting lots of pictures! She is so precious!!
ReplyDeleteShe is GORGEOUS!!! Que bella! And her hats are very mod - and she looks so good in your arms. I'm in tears over the line that said something about how it feels like heaven to hold her...so perfect. I caught word of your blog through RR - we're hoping to adopt soon. Thank you for sharing from the heart!
ReplyDeleteI really have no words...none are needed, the photos say it all! I am just so moved by the change in ALL of these children when they have parents to care for them...can't wait to get there and see that in our precious son!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous update! She is just too sweet for words. I can't believe what a big girl she is!
ReplyDeleteAnd how COOL that you guys are getting along so well with the orphanage staff. That must feel nice :)
I will be patiently awaiting tomorrow's update!
She is so cute! Hope everything goes well for ya'll when you have court! We got so worked up over nothing, although they were a bit intimidating! Just be confident and everything will be fine. :)
ReplyDeleteJen, she is very beautiful. Can't wait to go back again and bring home our new little ones. Praying for you guys.
ReplyDeletebeautiful!...all of it; her, you (your whole family), the journey, the experience, the joy, and the way you've touched all of our hearts!
ReplyDeletep.s. pink is def. her color! she's looks so gorgeous, good stylin Mom! ;)
Awwww...she is so cute! I love her little coat...and PINK pants!!! She is a doll! It sounds like it will be a process, but I have no doubt you will fall in love with each other...and quickly!
ReplyDeleteTHE FEET, THE FEET...so funny and the shot after with her huge smile (with her WHOLE FACE like Benji, as my seven year old noted long ago) stunning
ReplyDeleteNo naps?! uhm, or is it a scheduled time? No, dont tell me
Oh my friend, what a treat it was to meet you and your hubby for just a few minutes last week. SUCH a beautiful surprise.
ReplyDeleteI am FINALLY catching up. Goodness, I read the last few posts and my oh my do I UNDERSTAND! It is NOT an easy journey by any stretch of the imagination. Not for the faint hearted, hey? I am thrilled to see that the last few days are going so much better. What a BEAUTIFUL little girl she is.
Hang in there and take baby steps, it is the ONLY way. By His grace you'll get through. I promise :)
Thrilled to see that you are bonding and having precious moments together. He is GOOD!!!!
Love and biggest hugs from snowy CO.
that JUST MIGHT be the cutest baby I hVE EVER SEEN!
ReplyDeleteShe sure is cute, cute, cute!
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry I have not been on top of things as you have started the journey.
I just read the posts that you and Hector wrote, from your first meeting with Sofia. Not that I have any wisdom, but understand.
I do have a post I wrote about this once we were home, once things were more clear in my head. So here it is, I hope it is an encouragement to you.
http://elliestumbo.blogspot.com/2010/02/adoption-when-you-meet-child-you-have.html
Oh my goodness!! She is just an absolute doll! She sure is your little fashionista... LOVE the pink hat. I can't get over how natural you two look togather... like you've been together forever. So beautiful. God Bless...
ReplyDeleteShe is precious! Thank you for the updates! Thinking of you so much. xo
ReplyDeleteI am in tears-tears of joy. I am so thankful that you are saving her. As I sit in the hospital with my Ethan, I know that I have to save Yana. If she was sick like this-she wouldn't make it there. I am so thankful that you are "Saving Sofia!" It makes me smile to know that there is one less angel left behind...now to get Tanner, Yana, Hailee, Harper and the rest home.
ReplyDeleteOh my!!!! She is so precious!
ReplyDeleteI have just now caught up on your blog. What an amazing journey it is!!!
If you read my blog, you know that my 3 weeks there was not an easy time. I know that taking it slow and spending time with God was what got me through it. It is an amazing feeling holding them in your arms isnt it!!
We cant wait for Joe to return in a couple weeks and bring little miss Olga home to us!!!
Enjoy your time with Sophia!!!
Seeing Sofia in your arms is the most beautiful image. I have been overwhelmed with emotions reading along your journey. God is so good and you are blessed!
ReplyDelete