Ken and I have noticed a few changes in Angelina lately. She is starting to laugh and giggle more which is something that she never did at first. Finally, she is starting to feel comfortable enough to let her guard down. Also, Angelina's attachment to us is getting stronger and stronger. While at the park a few days ago, when I would let her wander, she would take a few steps and then actually look back to see where I was. She would get a big smile on her face and reach out for my hand. It was wonderful to see this progress! Now, certainly for every two times she did this, the third time, she would keep walking past the sunset. So, though we have come many miles, we still have a lot to go. Every time that I get discouraged about our slow attachment progress, Angelina shows me something to make me feel so positive, and this was it this week. We are working on not walking up to strangers freely and willingly. Whenever she heads for a stranger, I have started to squat down to her and say "stay close to mama". This is going to be my new approach to the stranger issue, so I'll keep you posted on how this is working.
Angelina's language skills are starting to grow as well. She is so interested in trying to speak, its only a matter of time. I'll say a word and she will repeat a sound from within the word most of the time, for example I say "sock", she says "k". Even on the harder "s" and "l" sounds, she tries so hard to get them to come out of her mouth. I think that she probably understands most of what we say. She and I have been working on pointing to parts of our body and animal sounds. Though she does know the sound for a monkey, she would rather watch mama make a fool of herself and act like one.
In other news, Ken and I celebrated our third year anniversary yesterday. It is interesting to think that during our last anniversary, we were full of anticipation (and fear!) as we just finished our application to our agency. What a difference a year makes.
Here are some pictures from this week.
3 comments:
I enjoy reading so much about the progress that she is making! What a cutie!!
Tammi
She is doing so well and is just so beautiful (and looks so happy!). I understand exactly what you mean about letting your guard down with attachment and then being brought back to reality.
I really enjoy all the updates and pictures. She is such a cutie and sounds like things are continuing to go well!!! I can't wait to see how Halloween goes... will she dress up??
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