This blog chronicles the miracles and struggles of our daughters, Emily and Olivia. Emily was born 15 weeks early and had many complications, but she continues to amaze us! Olivia, born in China with heart complications, is also beating the odds. She joined her forever family (us!) when she was four years old and has been doing wonderfully! UPDATE: We started homeschooling August 2009 :)

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

Olivia Update, translated

We still have not gotten the official translation, but Andy's coworker, Hang, came to the rescue :) Thanks, Hang!
  • she is now in a foster home and is closest to her foster mom
  • she can count "1,2,3,4" and if an adult says, "1,2," she finishes with "3,4"
  • speaks in 3-5 word sentences and can make her needs known
  • she understands when adults talk to her (Chinese, of course)
  • will go through a book page by page
  • can build a tower of eight blocks
  • is fond of listening to music
  • is timid and fairly introverted, shy with strangers
  • will sometimes cry if spoken to too loudly
  • gets along well with others
  • is obstinate sometimes
  • has a ready smile
  • goes to the bathroom by herself
  • is a deep sleeper
  • likes fruits and breads (in addition to staples of rice and soup)
  • knows to take pail and cloth in preparation for bath
  • if hands are dirty, knows to clean with water
  • can go up and down stairs
  • can hold a pen and scribble and can imitate straight lines
  • uses thumbs and fingers deftly--can pick up a pill with thumb and index finger
  • can eat by herself with a spoon--no chopsticks yet
  • will comfort other babies if they cry
  • plays with other kids with no problems
  • likes to imitate adults, pretending to take pictures, use phone, sweep floor, etc.
  • can put on shirt, button clothes, and put on shoes
  • favorite activity: outdoors
  • favorite toy: new toys (in foster care, she may finally have something of her own!)

It's also interesting to note some of the items NOT checked. It's hard to know how accurate the information is, but according to the report she:

  • might not know opposites
  • might not know "big" and "small"
  • might not know the color red or two kinds of colors
  • might not ask "what is this?"
  • might not be able to name ten animals or objects in pictures
  • might not know what "cold," "tired" and "hungry" mean
  • might not be able to imitate drawing circles or crosses
  • might not be able to jump off floor with both feet

Overall, it sounds pretty good for a kid who has lived most of her life in an institution! We are happy to learn a little more about her and can't wait to bring her home :)

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