"We witness a miracle every time a child enters into life. But those who make their journey home across time & miles, growing within the hearts of those who wait to love them, are carried on the wings of destiny and placed among us by God's very own hands."--- Kristi Larson

Our little princess!!!

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Tuesday, November 11, 2008

A Belated Boo to Everyone!




Halloween has come and gone! I am a little late in posting pics but I figured I better post them before turkey day photos! We have all been under the weather and I relapsed after Halloween. I am glad to say all is well now. Ava got the cold but she is one tuff little girl. She managed to smile and remain happy despite feeling bad. I on the other hand was not so fortunate!
Ava's first Halloween was interesting to say the least! She was not really sure what was going on .After her response to Nick's costume we decided that her trick or treating at two houses would be enough! I can only imagine that she thought we were just crazy dressing up and then going to strange peoples homes for candy.
Yesterday we had Early Childhood Intervention come out to the house for Ava's evaluation.It is kind of a catch 22 because you want a good evaluation but you also want to qualify for their assistance. They were here for about two hours . Their evaluation was based on observing her and questions that I could answer. They have five areas of development that they estimate a child's approximate age range. I have to say that Dr. Mourdov in Russia was right on the nose with his estimate of Ava being approximately 3 -4 months delayed. She qualified for in all five ares which ECI refers to as global delays. Most of her areas were borderline but either way she qualified to receive their assistance. We feel so lucky to have access to this program . They will come out in two weeks and we will put together a plan for Ava. I will say we are completely amazed at all of the progress that Ava has made since coming home. She is so smart. She is like a little sponge just taking it all in.She is not even the same child that we met in the hospital on trip #1. Based on the fact that Ava had spent the first 9 months of her life housed in a hospital waiting for an opening in the orphanage we knew that she would qualify for a least one of the areas.I am excited about learning some new tools to help assist Ava with her continuing progress.
I will leave you all with some photos of Halloween. As you can see Ava did not like Nick's wig and teeth! Go figure! The girl has got a set of lungs!!!!!
N