Happiness Is Being Together!
A visit with Sofia really makes my day. She is such a smiley and loving kid and being with her leaves me with a great feeling which lasts until the next time. I can't speak for Sofia, but I like to think that she feels the same way.
Good News!
This may be the last picture of Sofia with her Naso-Gastric (NG) tube. Mom has removed it, and hopefully Sofia will get enough fluids in her foods, or with the little bit of water that Momma is able to give her from a cup -- (most of it seems to dribble down her chin, but she does get a bit). We are hoping that she will learn to drink soon. Of course all of this hinges on Sofia maintaining her weight, and not showing signs of dehydration. I'm optimistic! Come on, Sofia! Drink!
Waiting to perform! Watching for her cue!
Last night there was a Christmas concert for an 'Early Childhood Music' group that Sofia's mother takes her to. All of the children present were preschoolers and it was wonderful to watch. In little groups they performed on stage with simple musical instruments such as handbells, drums, triangles, rattles, and such. Sofia 'starred' in two presentations -- 'Pat-a-Cake' (Rattles), and 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' (Drums). Each child was accompanied by a parent on the stage, and it was wonderful to watch. The little ones don't always get it quite right, but it is still beautiful. Sofia wore a little black cape with stars for the 'Twinkle' act.
Here we have Sofia and Momma Natasha on stage performing on the drums to the tune of 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star'.
A New 'Trick'!
Sofia is learning to clap her hands, and during the concert, when we would applaud the other acts, she followed suit!
Sofia's Kisses
She puts her hands on both your cheeks, pulls you close, and lovingly gives you big wet ones! Wonderful! The kind of kisses you would die for! She knows how much we love them -- you can tell from the expression on her face. What more can I say?
At one point she stopped giving kisses to Poppa and me. Only Momma was worthy of her kisses, and it was breaking our hearts, but after a little while started giving them to us again -- thank goodness!
Something Schmaltzy!
The night before last I was over visiting Sofia. We were sitting side by side on the floor watching on of her 'Einstein for Babies' videos. Sofia put her hand on my knee, then moved a little closer, and then tried to climb into my lap. I picked her up and put her there and she cuddled lovingly throughout the video. I just loved every moment! Those videos are great, and I highly recommend them. Sofia really enjoys them and reacts with comments, laughter or smiles when she especially likes something. She looks over to make sure we are watching too!
A Small Problem
Sofia has a problem with fluid buildup in her ears. This is not uncommon in children who have Down Syndrome where the ear canal is often very small. Momma will be taking her to the doctor to see what is to be done. We both maintain internet contact with parents of other children who have DS and have already learned that this is not uncommon, and can be treated by various means. We know she hears, and I have always checked her hearing by making sounds off to her side and behind her-- and she reacts. We are just not sure how much she hears though. We'll keep a close eye on this. I keep saying 'we' because I am just as concerned about Sofia as well, but I'll have to move a lot faster to keep up with Momma who always seems to be a step ahead. What are mothers for?