Ebba's Second Birthday

At the Fair (August 2009)

Mei Le showing her calf in the pre-4-H class; brother-in-law Robin stands guard.



Mei Le's entry in the children's art class: What agriculture means to me. The picture is of her on her pony, Peanut.

The mandatory pony ride - even tho we have one at home!

Watching the puppet show:

Playing in the corn - irresistible!

More calf showing - here, Mei Le helps her big sister, Vera, show in the Open Show.

Mei Le with her Pug, Gus, in the pet show. His trick was to "get the cookie." He succeeded. They placed third.

More Space Gym Fun ...

These are older pics - from a bday party of one of Mei Le's friends in June.

Fun at the Space Gym

Canada Day Water Fun

Some Short Video Clips - Dancing Queens

Above: Do I sense a break-dancer in our midst?

Yes - You CAN do the Highland Fling to ABBA (in case you were wondering!).

Photo Catch-up

The sprinkler (and hole-y hose) have been the source of much amusement so far this summer:

Yet another manifestation of the Footwear Obsession:

Mei Le and Gus-Gus:

A "Wedding Outfit", conceived by Mei Le, and presented by Ebba:

Six Months Home - Can you believe it?

I almost can't ... tho it does seem a lifetime ago that I crawled off that plane from ETH on Xmas Eve, more exhausted that I think I have *ever* been!

But, time marches along, and despite some really rough days early on (and still occasionally), I'd say we are making pretty good progress at stabilizing as a Family of Four. We have a basic routine, Ebba sleeps most nights through (makes a big diff to my sanity!), and the girls are getting along better and better. Mei Le is really coming into her own as a Big Sister, and now understands how to help keep Ebba distracted when fussy, helps her with dress-up (even if Ebba doesn't want to!), and seems less competitive for attention (understanding that Ebba sometimes needs more attention).

Coinciding (almost) with this auspicious semi-anniversary, was Ebba's 18-mo old milestone. We have to keep reminding ourselves that she's only that old (still a baby, really), because she is just so CAPABLE for her age. She is amazingly physically co-ordinated for her age (we think):

To date, she can:

• Run, skip, dance, twirl;
• Feed herself (sometimes needs a little help loading her spoon/fork);
• Drink from a regular cup;
• "Wash" herself in the tub;

She LOVES Abba Music (a spin-off from Mei Le's former obsession with Mamma Mia), and will point at the CD player and ask for music when she wants to dance. She's even got some cool disco moves!

On the health front, we had our second visit to the children's hosp for the results of all those blood tests they took in April. All normal, with the exception of slightly low iron levels, so we are adding some diff multi-vitamins with iron to top her up. I also think we have amanged to eradicate the dreaded Giardia parasite - last two follow-up tests have been clear - one more to go before we can officially declare victory. Hearing test next week (standard for intntl adopted kids). Then we go back in early Dec for an assessment of development, attachment, etc.

On the behavioural front, she is settling down ... biting is dramatically reduced (with the occasional slip - esp on Mei Le, who is too soft to protest sufficiently to scare Ebba off!), hitting is reducing - and she seems to be understanding that it's not Approved Behaviour, as she will sort-of hit, then look to me for feedback. We are training "No-Hit, Kiss" as I did "No Bite, Kiss" to help her learn appropriate behaviour. I admit to often being frustrated/freaked out by this "violent" beh and the fact that she seems not to learn from my (often very loud) corrections ... but have to remind myself that she *is* only 18 mo old, and may not be ready or able to control her beh well enough to stop completely. Patience, Mom!

Food-wise, she eats most things - tho not always predictably. She does seem to prefer tomato-based things, and spicy things. Yesterday she discovered hummus & pita, and mowed through a bunch of that, repeatedly asking "More?"

Vocabulary update:

• "Helly" for Helen, our babysitter
• "Dus-dus" for Gus, our Pug (who I usually call "Gus-Gus")
• "Water", "Bath"
• "joo" for juice
• "Wok" for walk

So, that's where we are. Will post some new pics in a separate post.

Random Pics

Touching The Beam in our kitchen is a popular activity - for both girls - and a Daddy job.

Badger is a very tolerant fellow - he put up with Mei Le's early maulings, and is now humouring Ebba's prodding.

Health Update

Ebba has been a robust and outwardly healthy baby ever since we got home, despite the usual snuffles and coughs of the winter season.

We have, however, had a few health issues arise ...

1. She had/has Giardia (a GI parasite) - this was detected by a faecal exam soon after getting home. We treated it, then re-tested clean. However, follow-up testing reveals that the little bug-a-boos still lurk - so we are onto treatment regimen #2 - longer this time. Giardia can be stubborn to get rid of. She has been pretty much asymptomatic (can see diarrhea, bloating, cramps), and I suspect she has had this parasite for most of her little life.
2. Her TB (Mantoux) test came back positive - likely a result of infant vaccination, but possible an indicator of latent TB. So, we are now about 1 mo into a 9-mo trt regimen for that.

She is getting resigned to the constant syringing of yucky-tasting liquids into her mouth - but it's no fun.

Ebba Sings!

Sorry it's sideways ...

Gratuitous Cute Kid Pics