Thursday, June 09, 2011

Under A Shady Tree

Under a shady tree we parked a blanket during our afternoon visit with Charlotte... and just enjoyed some quiet down time today. Usually we walk all over the orphanage, allow her to climb stairs (up and down) that lead to all sorts of rooms, play peek-a-boo by the front entrance (her favorite location at the orphanage), and dance under the pavilions that are scattered all over the orphanage grounds. While I went to pick up Charlotte from her room, Papa went back to find a cool shady spot, and set up a blanket setting with some of Charlotte's favorite things- a banana, her Cheerios, her Camelback water bottle, a hair comb, her book, her phone, and of course the iPAD was up and running some Laurie Berkner (children's music). As soon as she saw Papa on the blanket, Charlotte made the motion and hummed the word, "down" and off she ran for some down time. The rule of "blanket/down time" is that she has to take off her shoes and socks. At first, she was a little hesitant and upset, but the banana made all things better. I suppose it helped that Mama and Papa took off their sandals as well... after all, a rule is a rule.


Once we were settled, we noticed that her yellow'd toe nails (my guess is malnutrition and the fact that her feet are ALWAYS in her shoes) on her big toes were starting to "grow out" and that a healthy new layer of nail was moving on in. She seemed to enjoy the soft blanket on her feet, and didn't mind too much that we would sneak in some tickles here and there.


Charlotte had so much fun flipping through her book... in fact, I'm pretty sure she could flip through the pages for hours. We let her "have at it" for about 20 minutes, before we started to try and move her attention to her phone and other fun activities on the blanket. She's not really one for checking out what's on every page... yet... she really only enjoys the "motion" of flipping pages right now. She goes from front to back, and then from back to front. We try and point out some items on the page that she might know, like a "banana" or a "sock" or "brush"... but she typically just continues to flip through the pages. That is of course, until she spotted the "baby" in the book... for some reason it caught her attention, and every time she made it to the "baby" picture, she stopped, and padded the face with her little hands. It was precious.. and I'm certain there will be more recognition with the pictures in the weeks/months to come.

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6 comments:

  1. i can't wait to see her precious face!! :) she is so sweet and we don't even know all about her yet.

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  2. Karen, I am enjoying reading your blog SO much. It is pretty clear that God is absolutely gifting you with imagination, patience, grace, and LOVE for your precious little girl. I spoke with Grand Dad Davis...I think he's going to be "Papa D"...and he filled me in about more details regarding the video. We hope to see it at their house the next time we're there. Just wanted to say we're praying for you...and that each day will be a "forever moment" as you and Jason learn how to be a Mama and Papa together. God is in this...trust Him and rest in His sovereignty...You were chosen for her.....With love from the Zipfs

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  3. Thanks for sharing this time in your lives with your readers! I am sure it will encourage many other parents adopting and I know for sure it encourages me a mama that isn't even adopting! It is very clear the love you have for your little lady! And how you are really cherishing and going after every single moment you have with her. She is blessed! Happy for you new mama and papa! Praying for your final days in Kiev and that everything gets finished up quickly and smoothly.

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  4. Charlie seems like such a sweetheart! I'm glad to hear she is improving already. :) I'm sure you can't wait to take her home! I can't wait to see her precious face. :)

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  5. thanks for letting us in on your process and how Charlie is doing daily. it's a blessing to see your heart. I believe that Charlie is growing and learning daily from her interaction with you.

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  6. Her toes looks great and it's so fun hear about her changes :)

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