Wednesday, October 08, 2008

Baby Girl

Yesterday we got a last minute phone call that there was a cancellation for a speech therapist and asking us if we would be able to come in and take their spot. We had been waiting over a month for Lovenie's appointment and still had a couple of weeks to go so I jumped on it. Then begins the crazy scramble to get the 5 of us (at least it was 5 and not 7) ready to head out the door. Since I had to take the kids with me I made sure they all had packed electronic babysitters with headphones (I know, so bad... but it worked!). Kyle, Johnny, and Luke were so good during this hour long appointment that I could almost see little halos floating over their heads. I was so proud of them!

After some testing, observing, and answering lots of questions Lovenie was determined to be at about a 1 year old level. I had been saying I thought she was like having a 1-2 year old so this did not really surprise me. I don't know that I agree too much with the therapist's game plan to help Lovenie. I think that for your average 4 year old American girl at a one year old level that it may be a wonderful plan. However, for a little girl that has just gone through so much change, I think it would not be in her best interest. It's so hard to go against what the "experts" are saying when at the same time your maternal instincts are screaming "Not good". So prayers for wisdom would be totally appreciated. I think for now I'll just give her a couple more months to see how she is coming along and then re-evaluate.

It's funny when you have a child how your little pet names surface as you get to know them. Since Lovenie has been home I noticed I had been calling her Baby Girl more then any other name. It really is like having a baby at home. Her tiny little size makes it seem totally normal that I would think of her as a baby or toddler. The thing that seems strange is at the times that I realize she is actually 4 years old!

Last night was another tough night for Baby Girl. She is still having night terrors. She moans, cries, and even screams in her sleep. I spent a long time in the wee hours of the morning rocking her in a rocking chair trying to comfort her. It makes me so sad to hear her so tortured in her sleep. You would never know it by day as she wakes up with a smile and keeps it on her face almost all day long.

4 comments:

The Haiti Lady said...

Voice your concerns with the therapist, but also hear their point of view. Above all remember YOU ARE THE MOMMY AND NO ONE TRUMPS MOMMY!!!

Love ya,
LeAnne

Amanda said...

Sweet, sweet Lovenie! I'll pray that she continues to grow leaps and bounds in the following year that she's finally home and being properly cared for.

She'll always be your baby girl!

Heard anything on Jacques?

kayder1996 said...

As an elementary teacher, I'll relate that most speech therapists/teachers don't have any training on adoption. Their thoughts are on academics and speech and language skills. If the speech therapist is somewhat taken aback or looks at you like you're crazy, don't be alarmed. You might even try approaching her with some research on attachment/adoption issues and in a loving way say "this is where we're coming from/how can we mesh our adoption stuff with your ideas?" Early intervention is really key but if basic needs for security and attachment are not met little academic progress will be seen.
Kayla

Angela said...

Kayla,

Thanks so much for this insight!