Wow, it has been a year since I wrote on here. I had every intention to try to keep everyone updated and I apologize. Since I am currently unemployed, over the next couple of weeks I will try to get everyone up to speed on what is happening.
As most know we have just made the move to Iowa. Peggy had a great career opportunity that we didn't want to pass on. We are currently in an apartment while we try to find a house to buy. This is Wayne's and Akvila's 2nd trip to Iowa and a third for Peggy. During Peg's first trip she looked at 6 houses. She found one she was interested in, but when the second trip was made it had gotten bought. While here for the 2nd trip, we looked at 15 houses. One we really liked and made an offer on; but unfortunately there was another offer and we got outbid. There was another we "kind of liked", but to find out there was at least 5 years of water damage... pass. So now we have lined up 16 houses to look at; we looked at 9 yesterday and got 6 to look today.
How does Akvila feel about this? Since this blog is supposed to be about her. She was excited to move, well at least until the last day we cleared out of the house. She kept begging that she didn't want to move. But now being here, she hasn't really said much about moving. As far as her going with us looking at houses, she has been very stressed. With it being so close to Christmas and so many unknowns it has been very stressful for all of us.
Peg's sister and family have drove from Ohio to visit us here in Iowa. So we will have family support this Holiday Season.
More to come.... I promise.
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Akvila's Birthday
In the middle of December was Akvila's Birthday. Weeks before we asked her what she wanted to do. All she would say was, uh nothing. She didn't want a party or to go anywhere. I think she didn't realize that if you invite people, they will bring you a gift. We eventually talked her into a party at home, with a few freinds from school. After pulling some teeth we found out she wanted a Spongebob themed birthday (what a surprise).
The day of the party arrived. Peggy had planned a couple of games, she thought would be fun for all of the kids (6 kids including Akvila). Since her birthday is so close to Christmas, one of the games was wrapping kids up in toilet paper and putting a red ribbon around the neck, with 3 black buttons.
Another game was called land shark; where you would cut up paper (that thin stuff used for packing presents; I forget the name) into shapes of sharks. You would take a straw and suck to make the shark stick to the end and run a little obstacle course.
The last game we played was a dress up game. There was 2 sets of clothes; 2 shirts that were Wayne's and a pair of sweats that were Peggy's. You had to try and dress into these clothes and then sit in the chair and have your picture taken; done as a relay. The kids seem excited at first, but as they tried to put on the oversized clothes, some got scared and didn't want to do it.
Then was was a chance for some free play while setting the table for cake and ice cream.
The day of the party arrived. Peggy had planned a couple of games, she thought would be fun for all of the kids (6 kids including Akvila). Since her birthday is so close to Christmas, one of the games was wrapping kids up in toilet paper and putting a red ribbon around the neck, with 3 black buttons.
Another game was called land shark; where you would cut up paper (that thin stuff used for packing presents; I forget the name) into shapes of sharks. You would take a straw and suck to make the shark stick to the end and run a little obstacle course.
The last game we played was a dress up game. There was 2 sets of clothes; 2 shirts that were Wayne's and a pair of sweats that were Peggy's. You had to try and dress into these clothes and then sit in the chair and have your picture taken; done as a relay. The kids seem excited at first, but as they tried to put on the oversized clothes, some got scared and didn't want to do it.
Then was was a chance for some free play while setting the table for cake and ice cream.
The day turned out pretty good. Akvila was a good girl and behaved really well. Now that the birthday is over; it is time to get ready for Christmas.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
First trip to School "Phase in day" and after...
These top pictures in the stripped dress are Akvila first day of school (Phase in Day). She only had to stay for part of the day and there was only 4 other kids in here class. She was so nervous and shy. She did not want us to leave. The teacher told us afterwards that it took about 20 minutes to calm her down and she eventually got settled.
The first day of full school she was very excited! She got up and dressed for school before daddy could even get out of bed. When we got to school, she went into panic mode again. She had the death grip on Peggy and did not want to let go. Once again the teacher told us, after about 20 minutes she was better. The first week of school we could walk her to the classroom. We tried practicing in the house to get a routine of what was going to happen. Practicing helped, until we got to the classroom and then the meltdowns would begin. The following week Wayne would stay with her in the cafeteria until the Kindergarteners lined up. She didn't want to leave without him, but she knew he couldn't go with her. Wayne did the walking and staying in the cafeteria for 2 more weeks, then it was walking to the cafeteria and her going inside by herself. This only lasted a week; because since that last time we have been able to just drive up to the cafeteria and let her get out.
As far school is going, she has been doing pretty good. They have a system of "sticks". Green - good; yellow - not so good; red - bad; she gets something everyday, it is the easiest way for the teacher to let all the parents know how their child is doing. We have had only a couple of red sticks; Yellow sticks have been coming a little more often (not following directions, pushing) and green sticks everyday. Her English is coming along very good. When we had the 1st Parent-Teacher conference they were in disbelief how quickly she is picking up English. She is now starting to read simple words, and count to 100 (with an occasional miss). The next report card will be out next month (January).
The Last Visitors for the Summer!
The last weekend in July brought us our last visitors to see Akvila. Peggy's sister from Texas (with her family) came to our place for the week. They have 2 kids; 12 yo boy and a 4 yo girl. This was the first young boy that has come to us. We were interested on how Akvila would react to him. Once again it took a couple of days to warm up to them. Before you knew it she was coloring and playing with her cousins.
On Sunday we went out to the State Park and the pool. Wayne took a back way to the park and the youngest got car sick. He will have to remember to be more careful on curvy roads. When we got to the park it was a hot. After getting adjusted we all got in the water; it was nice and relaxing. We were out there for about 5 hours; and we also had a nice picnic while there, but we all forgot the camera's. :-(
The start of the week was a little stressful for us. Akvila had a "phase in" day for Kindergarten on Aug. 1st. Peggy and I both took off from work to take her to school and to pick her up. Since this was new to us, we wanted to know where to go and what to do. I know you all are curious, but I will talk about the phase in day and the 1st full day of school on my next post.
Since Peggy and I had to work the rest of the week, we probably weren't the best company to our guests. With everyone who has come and our international trip at the start of the year, we are running out of vacation days... FAST! On Tuesday our guests went to the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga. They spent the whole day in the city doing lots of fun things. Peggy's sister offered to take our daughter with them, but this is some place neither of us have been, and wanted it to be a memorable first time (good or bad).
On Sunday we went out to the State Park and the pool. Wayne took a back way to the park and the youngest got car sick. He will have to remember to be more careful on curvy roads. When we got to the park it was a hot. After getting adjusted we all got in the water; it was nice and relaxing. We were out there for about 5 hours; and we also had a nice picnic while there, but we all forgot the camera's. :-(
The start of the week was a little stressful for us. Akvila had a "phase in" day for Kindergarten on Aug. 1st. Peggy and I both took off from work to take her to school and to pick her up. Since this was new to us, we wanted to know where to go and what to do. I know you all are curious, but I will talk about the phase in day and the 1st full day of school on my next post.
Since Peggy and I had to work the rest of the week, we probably weren't the best company to our guests. With everyone who has come and our international trip at the start of the year, we are running out of vacation days... FAST! On Tuesday our guests went to the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga. They spent the whole day in the city doing lots of fun things. Peggy's sister offered to take our daughter with them, but this is some place neither of us have been, and wanted it to be a memorable first time (good or bad).
Monday, August 1, 2011
2 Months have past, let the visitors arrive!
All, I know some have been very curious what has been happening in our household. Things have been CRAZY!
We finished with the remodel of the spare bathroom and the two bedrooms (closets were added). I like the way it came out, but the contractor was not much of a "finisher". Some of his finishing work was a little shoddy, he was starting to cut corners and use cheaper materials because he underbid the job in the first place. Too bad for him. Akvila was always curious what was going on with the remodel. When we would get home from work, we would go and see what they did. She was curious how everything was going to look. Here are a few pictures from that remodel and the finished product. There is still some painting to do.
Since that remodel was done we have started having house guests... a lot of house guests. My sister-in-law and family came down for the long Memorial Day weekend. Akvila was very shy at first, but then she started to get used to them. It took about 2 days for her to start to warm up to them, but she was still very leery about there dog Zoe. One day we all went to downtown Nashville and took some pictures. Akvila always wanted to hold her Aunts hand. Eventually Wayne got to carry her on his shoulders, which she found a little scary but fun. There was a lot of playing hide and seek, slip n' slide and some goofyness, but everyone seem to have a good time.
That following weekend Grandma and Poppa Eltman came to visit, they brought 2 of there grandkids (Amanda and Cathy). Once again, Akvila was very shy about the new people. She knew names and faces because they all video chatted a lot (when in LT and one we got home). The warm up period only took one day for this round of visitors. While Amanda and Cathy were here there was a lot of drawing and coloring. Akvila liked to color in LT, but didn't do much since home. Since the girls were soing this, Akvila joined in. Akvila is a pretty good at drawing and they all did quite a bit while here.
Later on that week Wayne's sister from Oregon flew into TN. Wayne, Peggy and Akvila went to the airport to pick her up (they were late because Wayne trusted a website). So Jessica was already outside waiting when we arrived. The whole time to the airport Akvila did not want Jessica to come; "No Jessica" she would say. When we got there Akvila hid behind Peggy and did not want anything to do with Jessica. The warm up for her took a little longer, about 2 days. While all of these people were here we went to Purity Dairy in Nashville for a tour (not a tour at all, you watch a video and get free ice cream and some swag). There was also one day everyone (except Wayne) went to the pool. The house was crowded for a few days until Grandma and poppa (and grandkids) left to go back home. Jessica stayed for another week and got to hang out and play. Jessica was excited when Akvila would give her hugs (wasn't very often, but she enjoyed them). Akvila also had a graduation from daycare during the time of Jessica's visit; and there are a few pictures of that as well.
Now as most people know Jessica is Wayne's half-sister. Jessica was put up for adoption when she was born and has recently connected with him and his family. So the whole time while she was here, her husband would ask if she has talked to Akvila about how she was once an adopted child too. Jessica wanted to try and explain this, but she knew the time wasn't right yet. I know over time this conversation will happen. 14 days after Jessica arrived it was time for her to go home. We took her to the airport; Akvila gave Aunt Jessica big hugs and off she went back to her family.
Now after she left we had the house to ourselves for 1 whole week with no visitors. We started to get things accomplished, i.e. painting, yard work, general work before the next arrive of Wayne's parents and sister and niece.
Wayne's stser Rebecca flew into Dallas with her daughter to meet up with the parents. She only had 2 weeks of vacation and could not drive with her and Wayne's family, because they were going for 3 weeks. This group arrived on the 4th of July. Once again, Akvila is shy. It took about 2 days for her to warm up... and all was good again. Then 3 days after Wayne's other half-sister arrived. Vera Jo flew in from Dallas and spent a couple days here. On that Sunday we rented a pontoon boat with a slide and went to a local lake (Percy Priest lake). We all had a good time, Akvila enjoyed the boat ride (she got to sit with Poppa Griffith and help drive) and she really enjoyed swimming in the lake. Her are some pictures we got while there.
Soon it was time for them to leave and that meant 2 more weeks until the next group arrived. This also means that big school will be starting soon (that is what we use to define daycare from Elementary).
We finished with the remodel of the spare bathroom and the two bedrooms (closets were added). I like the way it came out, but the contractor was not much of a "finisher". Some of his finishing work was a little shoddy, he was starting to cut corners and use cheaper materials because he underbid the job in the first place. Too bad for him. Akvila was always curious what was going on with the remodel. When we would get home from work, we would go and see what they did. She was curious how everything was going to look. Here are a few pictures from that remodel and the finished product. There is still some painting to do.
Since that remodel was done we have started having house guests... a lot of house guests. My sister-in-law and family came down for the long Memorial Day weekend. Akvila was very shy at first, but then she started to get used to them. It took about 2 days for her to start to warm up to them, but she was still very leery about there dog Zoe. One day we all went to downtown Nashville and took some pictures. Akvila always wanted to hold her Aunts hand. Eventually Wayne got to carry her on his shoulders, which she found a little scary but fun. There was a lot of playing hide and seek, slip n' slide and some goofyness, but everyone seem to have a good time.
That following weekend Grandma and Poppa Eltman came to visit, they brought 2 of there grandkids (Amanda and Cathy). Once again, Akvila was very shy about the new people. She knew names and faces because they all video chatted a lot (when in LT and one we got home). The warm up period only took one day for this round of visitors. While Amanda and Cathy were here there was a lot of drawing and coloring. Akvila liked to color in LT, but didn't do much since home. Since the girls were soing this, Akvila joined in. Akvila is a pretty good at drawing and they all did quite a bit while here.
Later on that week Wayne's sister from Oregon flew into TN. Wayne, Peggy and Akvila went to the airport to pick her up (they were late because Wayne trusted a website). So Jessica was already outside waiting when we arrived. The whole time to the airport Akvila did not want Jessica to come; "No Jessica" she would say. When we got there Akvila hid behind Peggy and did not want anything to do with Jessica. The warm up for her took a little longer, about 2 days. While all of these people were here we went to Purity Dairy in Nashville for a tour (not a tour at all, you watch a video and get free ice cream and some swag). There was also one day everyone (except Wayne) went to the pool. The house was crowded for a few days until Grandma and poppa (and grandkids) left to go back home. Jessica stayed for another week and got to hang out and play. Jessica was excited when Akvila would give her hugs (wasn't very often, but she enjoyed them). Akvila also had a graduation from daycare during the time of Jessica's visit; and there are a few pictures of that as well.
Now as most people know Jessica is Wayne's half-sister. Jessica was put up for adoption when she was born and has recently connected with him and his family. So the whole time while she was here, her husband would ask if she has talked to Akvila about how she was once an adopted child too. Jessica wanted to try and explain this, but she knew the time wasn't right yet. I know over time this conversation will happen. 14 days after Jessica arrived it was time for her to go home. We took her to the airport; Akvila gave Aunt Jessica big hugs and off she went back to her family.
Now after she left we had the house to ourselves for 1 whole week with no visitors. We started to get things accomplished, i.e. painting, yard work, general work before the next arrive of Wayne's parents and sister and niece.
Wayne's stser Rebecca flew into Dallas with her daughter to meet up with the parents. She only had 2 weeks of vacation and could not drive with her and Wayne's family, because they were going for 3 weeks. This group arrived on the 4th of July. Once again, Akvila is shy. It took about 2 days for her to warm up... and all was good again. Then 3 days after Wayne's other half-sister arrived. Vera Jo flew in from Dallas and spent a couple days here. On that Sunday we rented a pontoon boat with a slide and went to a local lake (Percy Priest lake). We all had a good time, Akvila enjoyed the boat ride (she got to sit with Poppa Griffith and help drive) and she really enjoyed swimming in the lake. Her are some pictures we got while there.
Soon it was time for them to leave and that meant 2 more weeks until the next group arrived. This also means that big school will be starting soon (that is what we use to define daycare from Elementary).
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Almost a Month has passed
I am sorry to all who might have been waiting for a post, and to that one friend who said "
Lets start with daycare. Akvila has been going to daycare and has been doing pretty good. She is hanging out with the little kids and not the kids her age. The very first day Peg took her to school. It only took her 15 minutes to be able to leave. Akvila was very leery about staying there, because she thought we were leaving her there forever. Later that day when Peggy went to go pick her up she didn't want to leave. She was out playing on the playground, trying to swing. Throughout the week Peggy has taken her to school and picked her up, except on Friday. On this day I wanted to pick her up because this was going to be my responsibility for now on (it is on my way to work). She didn't want to leave with me, so I had to make a game of it. I acted like I was leaving, so she came running after me... problem solved. Since that first week, I have been taking her to school and picking her up. Dropping off is now a breeze... 3 to 5 minutes max and then I am out of there.... picking her up is a different story. :-)
How is her language? She is learning a lot from the TV. Like I have said previously she wants to watch TV all the time. Lately she has been watching Spongebob Squarepants. She has been trying to sing that song, which she has the pitch right, but her lyrics are not clear. She is slowly starting to lose her Lithuanian words... for instance "she-shoo, (which I have not spelled right, but that is how it sounds)" has now been replaced with the English word "potty." For the most part she understands what we are asking her. There a few things she claims she doesn't understand, but I think she thinks it is a game. An example would be what happened yesterday. We were going out to eat and she refused to get out of the car. So Peg got our food to go and went home. After we ate we tried to talk to her but she would look at us with a blank stare. It was a little aggravating, so we did not turn on the TV for the whole night. She ended up going to bed at 7:20pm out of boredom. While in bed she was talking to momma and was doing her numbers 1-10. She can't remember how to say them in Lithuanian now and I think she cannot say the alphabet in Lithuanian either.
Last weekend we went to the park for a Adoption Walk - "Strides for Adoption." Akvila was really shy, but we enventually got her in the bounce house. After that she would not leave.
Starting tomorrow we are having the spare bathroom remodeled and had to move things around in her room. Before we started we had to explain to her that we are only moving it temporarily. So we started to move things and Akvila would go "mano (mine)" and we would say yes. So she started to help us and we got everything moved in a couple of hours. By the end of this week we should have a functional spare bathroom again.
Starting in a couple weeks we will start to have a lot of visitors, so we have to get the house ready. Memorial Day weekend my sister-in-law and her family will be here, along with her granddaughter. She is 3 and they should have a great time.
Lets start with daycare. Akvila has been going to daycare and has been doing pretty good. She is hanging out with the little kids and not the kids her age. The very first day Peg took her to school. It only took her 15 minutes to be able to leave. Akvila was very leery about staying there, because she thought we were leaving her there forever. Later that day when Peggy went to go pick her up she didn't want to leave. She was out playing on the playground, trying to swing. Throughout the week Peggy has taken her to school and picked her up, except on Friday. On this day I wanted to pick her up because this was going to be my responsibility for now on (it is on my way to work). She didn't want to leave with me, so I had to make a game of it. I acted like I was leaving, so she came running after me... problem solved. Since that first week, I have been taking her to school and picking her up. Dropping off is now a breeze... 3 to 5 minutes max and then I am out of there.... picking her up is a different story. :-)
How is her language? She is learning a lot from the TV. Like I have said previously she wants to watch TV all the time. Lately she has been watching Spongebob Squarepants. She has been trying to sing that song, which she has the pitch right, but her lyrics are not clear. She is slowly starting to lose her Lithuanian words... for instance "she-shoo, (which I have not spelled right, but that is how it sounds)" has now been replaced with the English word "potty." For the most part she understands what we are asking her. There a few things she claims she doesn't understand, but I think she thinks it is a game. An example would be what happened yesterday. We were going out to eat and she refused to get out of the car. So Peg got our food to go and went home. After we ate we tried to talk to her but she would look at us with a blank stare. It was a little aggravating, so we did not turn on the TV for the whole night. She ended up going to bed at 7:20pm out of boredom. While in bed she was talking to momma and was doing her numbers 1-10. She can't remember how to say them in Lithuanian now and I think she cannot say the alphabet in Lithuanian either.
Last weekend we went to the park for a Adoption Walk - "Strides for Adoption." Akvila was really shy, but we enventually got her in the bounce house. After that she would not leave.
Starting tomorrow we are having the spare bathroom remodeled and had to move things around in her room. Before we started we had to explain to her that we are only moving it temporarily. So we started to move things and Akvila would go "mano (mine)" and we would say yes. So she started to help us and we got everything moved in a couple of hours. By the end of this week we should have a functional spare bathroom again.
Starting in a couple weeks we will start to have a lot of visitors, so we have to get the house ready. Memorial Day weekend my sister-in-law and her family will be here, along with her granddaughter. She is 3 and they should have a great time.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
April 18th 2011
I know it has been over a week since I have wrote. There are so many things going on, that it is tough to get on here and tell what has been happening.
Here are a few things that have happened since my last post and/or response to questions we had.
-My plumbing is fixed on the house. We can now setup the sprinkler and refill squirt guns (when it decides to get warmer and not raining).
-Our social worker came out and we chatted about certain things for about an hour. Akvila was really shy around her at first, but then she started to open up. Not really talking, but showing pictures and arts stuff that she has done with momma.
- Our couch for the basement has not arrived yet. We should be receiving it on Tuesday... I hate paying for something and having to wait. Ughhhhhh... If I pay I should GET NOW! :-)
- The Shower/Welcome home party was very fun; thanks to all at Peggy's work who gave gifts and arranged the party. Akvila was VERY shy and didn't want to go into the conference room. Peggy basically had to carry her. She was not interested in opening gifts, but after the shower was over and most people went back to work she started to open up a little more. I think with all of the people at first was a little overwelming.
As for things happening around the house, it has been improving. Akvila is sleeping in her own bed (not alone though). We are trying to get her used to her room and her new bed. I have been sleeping in the guest room. She wanted me to be close too. When she gets up in the morning she comes into my room (with momma) and lies in bed with me or sometimes she will tickle my feet to wake me up. After that we have breakfast, and she knows me and momma gotta have our coffee. Lately she asks if we are going to "zoom zoom", which means go for a drive. We have our little Lithuanian that we know; hand signals (example: from Monsters Inc. "you go 2 sleep") and some different mouth noises she understands to try and help with the communicating. She is starting to say some english words. "Yucky, stinky, bye, excuse me (even though she uses it in the wrong context)" and a few more little words. We have been trying to get her to try some different foods besides hot dogs. For instance today we went to a Oriental Buffett. We know they have some american type food she would like, but we wanted to see if she would like anything different. She didn't mind the crab ragoon, but she didn't like the lo mein noodles or the spring roll. But she did eat a piece of grilled chicken and corn. When it came to dessert, she LOVED the banana pudding with banana slices and wafers (I know this has a name, but can't think of it).
Today we went to the eye doctor. Peggy went first to get her used to the idea of what was going to happen. She did pretty well. Since she doesn't know her alphabet too well, the Doctor used the "E's" that pointed in the different directions. The good news is the Doctor believes she does not need glasses as they had thought in Lithuania. Of course this might change once she learns more english. We all had our eyes dialated too. I really hate that. She refused to wear her sunglasses afterwards, so she kept shielding her eyes.
While at the Eye Doctor, one of the staff thought that one of the daycare workers near by was from Lithuania. We are going to get Akvila in daycare before she starts school in the fall. So we headed over to this place; find out it is cheaper and the Director (who is from Albania, not Lithuania) is going to reduce the price a little more too. We liked the place and will probably take Akvila there. Now while there the kids were in there nap time/rest time, and Akvila looked a little worried. We looked around the crafting area and then walked outside to the playground. While Peggy and Akvila played I spoke with the director. I told her that when we walked in Akvila looked scared and that maybe she thought this was an orphanage. Which I would have thought too; kids sleeping on the mats, the smell of food in the air and the play area all in one room. The Director invited us to there Easter Egg hunt on Thursday. To get to meet some of the kids and for us to maybe meet some parents.
Once finished there we headed over to the "Big" school. We went to enroll Akvila into Kindergarten and to meet her teacher and the ESL Instructor. All Akvila could do was just look around in awe. She didn't speak much and once again she was shy. We walked down to the Kindergarten classroom (in this school they have 5 Kindergarten Classes) and met with the teacher. We looked around the classroom and then we were done.
Once we came home Peggy and Akvila made some Easter stuff to put up on the window. Afterwards we got in the hot tub for a little bit (she doesn't like the bubbles and always wants them turned off). Then we did some dishes and had some dinner and then watched Lilo and Stitch (yeah no Shrek!). Akvila wanted me to shave again, so she watched. Now it was time for bed.
After Akvila fell asleep Peggy came and told me they talked about the daycare school and regular school. She asked Peggy, do I spend the night there? Do I eat there? How long do I stay there? She was ok with the answers Peg gave. She also told Peggy that she loved her and also loved daddy. Today she actually let me hold her and she would also sit in my lap. She also gave me some hugs and kisses with not a lot of fret.
On Wednesday of this week Peggy will be taking Akvila to the dentist. Just for a check up. I don't think there will be too many problems there. She brushes her teeth at least twice a day and makes sure momma and daddy are too.
I never know how to close these blogs; so goodbye for now.
Here are a few things that have happened since my last post and/or response to questions we had.
-My plumbing is fixed on the house. We can now setup the sprinkler and refill squirt guns (when it decides to get warmer and not raining).
-Our social worker came out and we chatted about certain things for about an hour. Akvila was really shy around her at first, but then she started to open up. Not really talking, but showing pictures and arts stuff that she has done with momma.
- Our couch for the basement has not arrived yet. We should be receiving it on Tuesday... I hate paying for something and having to wait. Ughhhhhh... If I pay I should GET NOW! :-)
- The Shower/Welcome home party was very fun; thanks to all at Peggy's work who gave gifts and arranged the party. Akvila was VERY shy and didn't want to go into the conference room. Peggy basically had to carry her. She was not interested in opening gifts, but after the shower was over and most people went back to work she started to open up a little more. I think with all of the people at first was a little overwelming.
As for things happening around the house, it has been improving. Akvila is sleeping in her own bed (not alone though). We are trying to get her used to her room and her new bed. I have been sleeping in the guest room. She wanted me to be close too. When she gets up in the morning she comes into my room (with momma) and lies in bed with me or sometimes she will tickle my feet to wake me up. After that we have breakfast, and she knows me and momma gotta have our coffee. Lately she asks if we are going to "zoom zoom", which means go for a drive. We have our little Lithuanian that we know; hand signals (example: from Monsters Inc. "you go 2 sleep") and some different mouth noises she understands to try and help with the communicating. She is starting to say some english words. "Yucky, stinky, bye, excuse me (even though she uses it in the wrong context)" and a few more little words. We have been trying to get her to try some different foods besides hot dogs. For instance today we went to a Oriental Buffett. We know they have some american type food she would like, but we wanted to see if she would like anything different. She didn't mind the crab ragoon, but she didn't like the lo mein noodles or the spring roll. But she did eat a piece of grilled chicken and corn. When it came to dessert, she LOVED the banana pudding with banana slices and wafers (I know this has a name, but can't think of it).
Today we went to the eye doctor. Peggy went first to get her used to the idea of what was going to happen. She did pretty well. Since she doesn't know her alphabet too well, the Doctor used the "E's" that pointed in the different directions. The good news is the Doctor believes she does not need glasses as they had thought in Lithuania. Of course this might change once she learns more english. We all had our eyes dialated too. I really hate that. She refused to wear her sunglasses afterwards, so she kept shielding her eyes.
While at the Eye Doctor, one of the staff thought that one of the daycare workers near by was from Lithuania. We are going to get Akvila in daycare before she starts school in the fall. So we headed over to this place; find out it is cheaper and the Director (who is from Albania, not Lithuania) is going to reduce the price a little more too. We liked the place and will probably take Akvila there. Now while there the kids were in there nap time/rest time, and Akvila looked a little worried. We looked around the crafting area and then walked outside to the playground. While Peggy and Akvila played I spoke with the director. I told her that when we walked in Akvila looked scared and that maybe she thought this was an orphanage. Which I would have thought too; kids sleeping on the mats, the smell of food in the air and the play area all in one room. The Director invited us to there Easter Egg hunt on Thursday. To get to meet some of the kids and for us to maybe meet some parents.
Once finished there we headed over to the "Big" school. We went to enroll Akvila into Kindergarten and to meet her teacher and the ESL Instructor. All Akvila could do was just look around in awe. She didn't speak much and once again she was shy. We walked down to the Kindergarten classroom (in this school they have 5 Kindergarten Classes) and met with the teacher. We looked around the classroom and then we were done.
Once we came home Peggy and Akvila made some Easter stuff to put up on the window. Afterwards we got in the hot tub for a little bit (she doesn't like the bubbles and always wants them turned off). Then we did some dishes and had some dinner and then watched Lilo and Stitch (yeah no Shrek!). Akvila wanted me to shave again, so she watched. Now it was time for bed.
After Akvila fell asleep Peggy came and told me they talked about the daycare school and regular school. She asked Peggy, do I spend the night there? Do I eat there? How long do I stay there? She was ok with the answers Peg gave. She also told Peggy that she loved her and also loved daddy. Today she actually let me hold her and she would also sit in my lap. She also gave me some hugs and kisses with not a lot of fret.
On Wednesday of this week Peggy will be taking Akvila to the dentist. Just for a check up. I don't think there will be too many problems there. She brushes her teeth at least twice a day and makes sure momma and daddy are too.
I never know how to close these blogs; so goodbye for now.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
So what has been happening?
It gets more difficult to write things. We sometimes do a lot during the day and it is just normal everyday things. Akvila seems to be adjusting well, sometimes she gives me kisses and hugs and sometimes I cannot even touch her. This warm weather she really has been enjoying. She is always wanting to go outside and play.
Since she has been home she has lost 2 teeth. Tonight she lost her second one and has placed it under momma's pillow. She doesn't want it under hers because she doesn't want the tooth mouse to crawl under her pillow. Currently she is still sleeping in our bed, and we need to transition her soon to her own.
A few little things that have happen. She will not go to the bathroom without Peggy, unless it is number 2, then Peg has to wait outside. She likes to turn off the TV and lights if someone is not in the room. She has been eating pretty well. She doesn't like to drink milk, but we have been trying to get her to do it some more.
Today we took her to Opryland Hotel. She didn't seem to interested in it. We walked around, took a couple of pictures and then we left and had a late lunch at Sante Fe (Tex-Mex).
We video chatted with some family tonight and had some leftovers for dinner. A funny thing happened after dinner. She was throwing away her plate (paper) and she saw something in the garbage; she stuck her finger in it and then licked it. She made the funniest face, like it didn't taste good. Me and Peg laughed and then I said "that is why you do not eat anything out of the garbage." Peggy started laughing even more and of course Akvila wasn't sure why she was laughing, but she had a smile on her face.
This is going to be a pretty busy week. I broke the outside water spigot and the plumber is coming tomorrow. On Tuesday the case worker from the Adoption Service will be coming out. Sometime also this week we should have a couch delivered for the basement (I hope). On Friday we will be going to Peggy's work for the "Shower/Welcome Home Party". There is something else this week, but I cannot think of it at the moment. I have been out to my work a couple times and everybody wanted to know what was going on and thank us for trying to continue the blog.
Hope to post more soon!
Since she has been home she has lost 2 teeth. Tonight she lost her second one and has placed it under momma's pillow. She doesn't want it under hers because she doesn't want the tooth mouse to crawl under her pillow. Currently she is still sleeping in our bed, and we need to transition her soon to her own.
A few little things that have happen. She will not go to the bathroom without Peggy, unless it is number 2, then Peg has to wait outside. She likes to turn off the TV and lights if someone is not in the room. She has been eating pretty well. She doesn't like to drink milk, but we have been trying to get her to do it some more.
Today we took her to Opryland Hotel. She didn't seem to interested in it. We walked around, took a couple of pictures and then we left and had a late lunch at Sante Fe (Tex-Mex).
We video chatted with some family tonight and had some leftovers for dinner. A funny thing happened after dinner. She was throwing away her plate (paper) and she saw something in the garbage; she stuck her finger in it and then licked it. She made the funniest face, like it didn't taste good. Me and Peg laughed and then I said "that is why you do not eat anything out of the garbage." Peggy started laughing even more and of course Akvila wasn't sure why she was laughing, but she had a smile on her face.
This is going to be a pretty busy week. I broke the outside water spigot and the plumber is coming tomorrow. On Tuesday the case worker from the Adoption Service will be coming out. Sometime also this week we should have a couch delivered for the basement (I hope). On Friday we will be going to Peggy's work for the "Shower/Welcome Home Party". There is something else this week, but I cannot think of it at the moment. I have been out to my work a couple times and everybody wanted to know what was going on and thank us for trying to continue the blog.
Hope to post more soon!
Friday, April 8, 2011
A few Pictures
Everything has been going well with Miss Bossy. :-)
We had chicken alfredo pasta last night and Peggy grabbed some pictures and a video.
We had chicken alfredo pasta last night and Peggy grabbed some pictures and a video.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
What has happened since Sunday?
On Sunday it was a stay at home day. Akvila had been helping momma around the house the evening before and so I thought I would try this opportunity to see if she would help outside in the yard. I wanted to mow down the "onions" growing in the yard and pick up all of the branches and leaves that was in the front yard. Akvila wasn't too interested in this; she picked up 2 sticks and just watched the rest of the time. So since Peg had to go to the grocery store, I told them to go while I finished the front yard. They went to Publix (not a very crowded store) and picked up some food. Peggy never told me if she "oh and awed" about the size, but she tell me she was well behaved. When they came home I was finished in the front (out of gas) and we hung out in the basement. Peggy's friend Michele came over and we played until about dinner time. Akvila has been trying to learn her ABC's and Michele caught this video with her phone.
On Monday we had to go to the Doctor. It is required to visit a Doctor who specializes in Adoptions after a child is brought home. Thank goodness there is a Doctor at Vanderbilt Medical Center. She was well behaved (at first), but started to get antsy. A little fact... Akvila weighs 60 pounds and I missed how tall she is. The Doctor wanted to have some blood drawn to check for center things. Since she was from another country, they wanted to check for lead and a couple other diseases not associated with America. She is also going to want a stool sample. I just looked at Peg and smiled. Because Akvila won't let me get close to her while she is in the bathroom, that means momma will have to do it. Once the Doctor was done, another nurse came in to do the TB (tuberculosis) test. Since we will be taking Akvila to a Primary Doctor later this week, they will be able to read the test. We then proceeded down to the lab so she could get blood drawn. Peggy said she did a very good job. The only time she winced in pain was when they put on the rubber band; and watched the whole time as they drew like 8 vials of blood. Once done with that, we were done at the Hospital.
As most local people know, Monday it stormed pretty bad here. When we left the Doctor we went to look for a couch for the basement. When we got out of our vehicle, Akvila wanted to play in the rain. She thought it was so much fun having the rain hit her face and the running through puddles to get to the building and back to the vehicle once we were done inside. While driving home she would watch the drops as they rolled down the side of the window; the laughter as I hit a puddle and the water came splashing up. She was having a great time watching this. I however was not. The sky was green and me and Peggy knew exactly what that meant; Tornado weather. While traveling back, the rain would come down very hard (which again Akvila loved) but I had a difficult time trying to see. At one point I hit a down lines from a pole (just the line that had snapped, not a pole) and the closer I got to home, the more signal lights that were out. As we got closer to home, there was more down power lines and poles. One pole in particular was a metal one and it was bent in half, this freaked me and Peggy because at this location we were only about 3 miles from home. Driving down the road to our house, we could see some roof damage (shingles only) and blown down trees. No one in our community had any major structure damage; just some sheds and carports severly damaged. As I start to pull into the driveway we see that one of our trees has uprooted and fell across our driveway. I tell them all to sit tight and I did a quick look around to see if there was any damage done to the house; none, whew. So I parked in my neighbors driveway and we went into our basement and stayed there until the Tornado warning had passed. Here are some pictures I took that day.
As you can see I was going to have some fun! Akvila's excitement kind of went away, she was in "ohhhhh" mode now. She still wanted to play in the rain, but the storm was still around and didn't want her out in it.
Tuesday, cleanup begins! I will just say right now, it is hard for me to type. My forearms are so sore from handling the chainsaw and "man handling" all of the wood. No it is not completely done, but you can now drive into the driveway safely. Akvila helped a lot more on this day. Of course she was fascinated by the chainsaw, but it was windy and didn't want sawdust to get into her eyes, so I had her stay with momma at a distance. She helped momma clean off the lower driveway so we wouldn't run over alot of sticks and branches. After a little while I brought out the camera to take pictures of my progress. Instead Akvila took all of the pictures, I didn't get to take any. But I think she has some talent; here is what she took.
I was outside until about 5pm and very sore. I suggested to Peg about getting in the hot tub and having pizza for dinner. This was Akvila's first time having pizza. At first she said "ne" she didn't like, but it was so funny watching her 2 fist the pizza and the cheesy bread. At one point she tried holding the 2 together and eating, but that didn't work to well. After a little bit Peggy took Akvila out to the hot tub to see if she wanted to get in, and of course "YES!" 20 minutes in the hot tub she was all giddy again. To me it felt great. As I said my arms are very sore, along with my back. Once inside it was time to wind down. Peggy and Akvila video chatted with family in Ohio and we got ready for bed.
Akvila is still sleeping in our bed, but after last night I think she will be making the transition to hers. She kept kicking me in the back all night. My back already hurts, now I got a 6 year old kicking me there. That is one of the reasons I am up so early this morning.
I hope you all enjoy this update!
On Monday we had to go to the Doctor. It is required to visit a Doctor who specializes in Adoptions after a child is brought home. Thank goodness there is a Doctor at Vanderbilt Medical Center. She was well behaved (at first), but started to get antsy. A little fact... Akvila weighs 60 pounds and I missed how tall she is. The Doctor wanted to have some blood drawn to check for center things. Since she was from another country, they wanted to check for lead and a couple other diseases not associated with America. She is also going to want a stool sample. I just looked at Peg and smiled. Because Akvila won't let me get close to her while she is in the bathroom, that means momma will have to do it. Once the Doctor was done, another nurse came in to do the TB (tuberculosis) test. Since we will be taking Akvila to a Primary Doctor later this week, they will be able to read the test. We then proceeded down to the lab so she could get blood drawn. Peggy said she did a very good job. The only time she winced in pain was when they put on the rubber band; and watched the whole time as they drew like 8 vials of blood. Once done with that, we were done at the Hospital.
As most local people know, Monday it stormed pretty bad here. When we left the Doctor we went to look for a couch for the basement. When we got out of our vehicle, Akvila wanted to play in the rain. She thought it was so much fun having the rain hit her face and the running through puddles to get to the building and back to the vehicle once we were done inside. While driving home she would watch the drops as they rolled down the side of the window; the laughter as I hit a puddle and the water came splashing up. She was having a great time watching this. I however was not. The sky was green and me and Peggy knew exactly what that meant; Tornado weather. While traveling back, the rain would come down very hard (which again Akvila loved) but I had a difficult time trying to see. At one point I hit a down lines from a pole (just the line that had snapped, not a pole) and the closer I got to home, the more signal lights that were out. As we got closer to home, there was more down power lines and poles. One pole in particular was a metal one and it was bent in half, this freaked me and Peggy because at this location we were only about 3 miles from home. Driving down the road to our house, we could see some roof damage (shingles only) and blown down trees. No one in our community had any major structure damage; just some sheds and carports severly damaged. As I start to pull into the driveway we see that one of our trees has uprooted and fell across our driveway. I tell them all to sit tight and I did a quick look around to see if there was any damage done to the house; none, whew. So I parked in my neighbors driveway and we went into our basement and stayed there until the Tornado warning had passed. Here are some pictures I took that day.
As you can see I was going to have some fun! Akvila's excitement kind of went away, she was in "ohhhhh" mode now. She still wanted to play in the rain, but the storm was still around and didn't want her out in it.
Tuesday, cleanup begins! I will just say right now, it is hard for me to type. My forearms are so sore from handling the chainsaw and "man handling" all of the wood. No it is not completely done, but you can now drive into the driveway safely. Akvila helped a lot more on this day. Of course she was fascinated by the chainsaw, but it was windy and didn't want sawdust to get into her eyes, so I had her stay with momma at a distance. She helped momma clean off the lower driveway so we wouldn't run over alot of sticks and branches. After a little while I brought out the camera to take pictures of my progress. Instead Akvila took all of the pictures, I didn't get to take any. But I think she has some talent; here is what she took.
I was outside until about 5pm and very sore. I suggested to Peg about getting in the hot tub and having pizza for dinner. This was Akvila's first time having pizza. At first she said "ne" she didn't like, but it was so funny watching her 2 fist the pizza and the cheesy bread. At one point she tried holding the 2 together and eating, but that didn't work to well. After a little bit Peggy took Akvila out to the hot tub to see if she wanted to get in, and of course "YES!" 20 minutes in the hot tub she was all giddy again. To me it felt great. As I said my arms are very sore, along with my back. Once inside it was time to wind down. Peggy and Akvila video chatted with family in Ohio and we got ready for bed.
Akvila is still sleeping in our bed, but after last night I think she will be making the transition to hers. She kept kicking me in the back all night. My back already hurts, now I got a 6 year old kicking me there. That is one of the reasons I am up so early this morning.
I hope you all enjoy this update!
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