Stepping Stones

February was very full and March is off to a similar start. We will have our 1st post-placement report done this next week, it seems hard to believe that court in Nizhny was a little over 4 months ago already. The report must be in Russia by the 6 month court anniversary date, so things have to get started a bit sooner here to get the report completed, apostilled, and then sent off for translations, etc. As I have been for much of these almost 4 months since returning home with Ivan, this upcoming report has made me very reflective. There has been so so much in these last few months. There are days when everything seems just like our "normal" life, and then days when I am amazed by all of the newness. Everyday still holds plenty of "firsts" for Ivan. Every week we see tremendous strides in his growth and development. There are many little stepping stones with each and every day.

On that note, I began the process to have Ivan assessed through our state (actually regional center) for qualification into the "Early Start" program. about a month ago There are amazing resources available to children in need of speech, language, physical therapy, etc. My main concern for Ivan has been speech. He understands EVERYTHING--recognizes words, obeys simple directions, knows and uses many signs, etc. He is also trying to use some verbal words, but his expressive language is definitely delayed for a child who will turn 2 in a few weeks (I can't believe his birthday is almost here!). The assessment was wonderful. The therapists and specialists were so kind and helpful and very encouraging actually. We won't find out until the end of this month when the regional center has the IFSP meeting to assign services, but the therapists' recommendation was for 2 days a week of speech therapy and possibly 1 day a week of physical therapy (with an infant teacher), primarily for fine motor skills.

They put Ivan at a 13 month old overall developmentally--he has some scattered skills all the way up to 24 months, but is missing a couple here and there down to 13 months. His expressive language was put at 9 months old, as he is not consistent even with what he calls Phil and I. He definitely knows who we are and is actually very attached to us. But we are not sure when we wake up if either of us is "NaNa", "DaDa", DaDee", "MaMa", or some combo of these. He does have words for a few things and is honestly learning so much with every passing day, but we are excited for the help he should be getting soon and are eager to begin!

On to more entertaining news...Ivan has his own little way to do things...he sees new possibilities and uses for typical household items, places, and events. He always keeps us busy and guessing, rescuing and cleaning up after him...here are a few examples:

Clearly the dishwasher is for FAR more than cleaning dishes.












Dirty clothes belong in the trashcan (as do MANY other items we are unfortunately finding out) because little boys belong in laundry hampers.




Trains are fun, but their storage bin is WAY more fun. And obviously, lunch is better if you are standing ON the table!


















Now, I have seen a lot of things in my motherhood. My kids have all done silly and crazy things. I am happy to confess that all of my kids have played in the toilet at one time or another. But never have I seen this. Never. It needs no caption. We are just hoping it too is a stepping stone for...well, something.