An overdue update
January 31, 2010
I know, I know... I am way overdue in updating everyone. Sorry, we have been a bit busy!
Overall things have been going very well. Inna had been adjusting great and we are settling into a routine. There have been some bumps along the way of course. She is leaning the hierarchy of a family; it is a structure that is completely new to her. In her world, everyone was pretty much on the same level...not so here! She is learning that what mom and dad say is law.
She is pushing her boundaries, like any six year old, and trying to learn who will let her get away with what. She is very smart though, she knows that mama is a bit more stern and will not put up with as much. She gives papa a bit more grief because she knows he is a soft touch. She is doing this with her teachers at school now, but luckily they don't give much so it is not taking her long to learn to do as they say.
She has been in school for about two weeks and so far is doing great. She is in a regular kindergarten class and has an "assistant" that stays with her throughout the day to help with her physical needs and to keep her on task in the classroom. She is learning a few words here and there and repeats everything she hears!
The dogs are still a big issue. Unfortunately we had to put Molly down a couple of weeks back. That was very hard, though we know she is no longer in pain. Inna is still terrified of Scarlet, though seems to be coming around. We have learned that most of Inna's behavior is attention based... good and bad. Given her previous environment, that makes total sense. So when she starts freaking out when the dog crosses the room 15 feet away from where she is sitting we have started to ignore it. Lo and behold, she gives up pretty fast! We are going about our daily lives and we are expecting her to do the same...even if that means walking in the same room where the dog is. I had to tell her that she is a big girl and that we cannot carry her everywhere all the time. When she wants to get out of the chair to get something or whatever, she will have to do it. Of course, we will assist her in walking, but she will have to start doing something things for herself. She is doing very well so far!
Nathan has been a champ! He has segued into his big/little brother role with few issues. Sometimes you can see it in his face when she is playing with his toys, he is trying so hard to be okay with it. We allowed him to take some toys to his room, we won't ask him to share everything. He has been sharing well and has been very sweet to her. He likes to give her hugs and kisses, though she is not so keen on the idea!
We meet with the wheelchair clinic at Vandy tomorrow to get her fitted for a new chair and possibly a walker. Then next Monday, February 8th, we have our appointment at the Vandy Spina Bifida clinic. Hopefully we will be able to get some things moving along in terms of a bladder surgery for her. We learned last week that Nathan has to have surgery as well so we are trying to figure out what is the best order to do them all in. It will be like a MASH unit around here soon.
One issue we are seeing recently that we need to address is indiscriminate affection. That is giving affection too freely to people you just meet. So I think we will have to start limiting her hugs and such for a while. So if you see us and we don't allow her to be as touchy or huggy as she has been, please don't take it personally. We need to set boundaries as far as when physical affection is okay.
