We're Home
September 2007  |  November 2007

Friday, September 21, 2007 Well, first I must apologize for not updating sooner. We have been so busy with doctors appointments and visiting friends and family that I haven't had any time to write and send pictures. So, where do I start? We went to the pediatrician and I have to tell you that he was absolutely fantastic! He was very patient and spent almost 2 hours with us. However, he also found what he believed to be another hole in her heart. He said that he heard another murmur in the upper chambers of her heart as well as in the lower chambers. Two holes, not one. Dr. Victoria also believes that she has a bifid uvula. This is a small split in the little thing that hangs in the back of Aleina's throat. This means that it is possible that Aleina has a mild form of cleft palate. Surprise!! This is probably not a big deal and may only actually affect her speech a bit but shouldn't need surgery. When we work out the issues with her heart, we will start on the other issues. Aleina had an echocardiogram which affirmed the fact that she indeed has 2 holes, one large and one very small. We will be seeing a specialist in Syracuse within the next few weeks and we will see what we have to do to get this little girl's heart healthy. Socially, she is doing very well. She absolutely loves her brothers! We came home on Friday, September 7th and on Saturday, September 8th, she played outside most of the day with her biggest fans. She would come in the house every five minutes or so and yell, "mama!" When I would answer, she would run back outside to her brothers. She was just making sure that I was ok without her:) On Monday, September 10th, she sadly watched her brothers get on the school bus and we spent the day playing in her room and reading her books. When we went to her big brothers soccer game Monday afternoon, she would yell, "Kyle" every time he passed her on the field. She LOVES Kyle! She woke up Tuesday morning and wandered around the house looking for her big brothers. However, they had already gone to school as our princess slept late. Aleina was a bit heartbroken. She kept going into each of their bedrooms yelling something in Chinese. She is just absolutely adorable! Aleina had a doctors appointment on Tuesday and she also had her first temper tantrum. We were in the store before her appointment and she apparently wanted a snickers bar. (Her Aunt Linda had brought some over for the boys on the weekend and Aleina somehow ended up with one....hmmmmm, I wonder how that happened?) When I told her that she couldn't have one, she picked it up and tucked it under her arm when we were on our way out the door. What a little thief!!! I took it from her and put it back and then she laid down on the floor in the middle of the store and started screaming. I had forgotten about temper tantrums. Uggghhh! Then, she did the whole arch her back thing while I was trying to get her in her car seat while kicking and screaming and crying. By the time we got to the doctors office, she had calmed down a bit but was still really upset. I got out of the car and asked her if she was finished and she actually nodded her head yes and stopped her tantrum instantly. Mark one point for mom!! I think I won that battle. At first, I couldn't believe her actions as she hadn't done anything like that the entire time we were in China but then I began to think about it. I may be wrong, but I believe that she trusted me enough to throw a fit. She knew I wouldn't hurt her and she felt safe enough to just tantrum away. At least that is how I am going to justify my daughters unladylike behavior.

So these are my brothers! And this is my daddy? I'm too tired to say my prayers tonight! I was just kidding, I actually love my bath. I'm a really good helper!

We have done a bit of shopping and my daughter loves to shop! She enjoys buying shoes and puts them on and says, "pretty". I love it. Oh, and for those of you keeping track, Miss Aleina actually enjoys her baths now! I decided to stop all the games and just bathe her like I had my other children. I simply dump the water right over her head and go for it. Sound harsh? Well, it worked. She stopped throwing a fit, stopped kicking and actually started to play in the tub when we finished. Who woulda thunk it? I think I get another point for that one. Not that I am keeping score! My brother sadly had to go back home to Florida and we miss him terribly! Aleina looks at his pictures and puts her hands up as if to say, "Where did he go?" She loves her Uncle Jason. He was so great the entire trip and I think he is especially fond of his niece. Well, that's all for now. I will have more updates later after I find out more about her heart. Until then, keep us in your thoughts and prayers!

Website by myadoptionwebsite.com