Back To School
Sofia is now in Kindergarten. On the first day when she arrived on the Handi-Bus she was glad to see me there. I love to meet the busses when they arrive at school. The kids are often a little tired and bored as some of them spend a lot of time on the busses travelling from home. I meet each bus as it arrives, peeking and knocking on the windows which gets smiles from the kids, and often popping onto each bus to go in and say Hi. It starts the kids off smiling, and makes my day brighter too. The very first day of school is special as well, it's good to see old friends from last year, and to make new ones as some of the students are coming to school for the first time.
The parents come to school on the first day as well, and meet the kids as they are taken off the busses. Sofia's Momma arrived but I had already taken Sofia into the waiting room where the teachers come and take the kids to their classrooms. When Sofia's new teacher came to take her to the class, Sofia was a little shy, but I introduced her to her new teacher, said "Bye, See you later!", and off they went. When Sofia arrived at her classroom door, Natasha was there to meet her. "Home!", said Sofia, "Home!", but as soon as she saw her old classmates from last year she was OK and had a good day at school.
Sofia arrived home a few days before school started. Before the start of school and including the labor day weekend, she went on a trip to the zoo, and another to Butterfield Acres, a petting zoo.
Off To The Zoo
Sofia always enjoys a trip to the Zoo, especially with Momma and Poppa. She pretty well knows that she will have a treat such as ice cream, or the big cookies they sell there. She enjoys the animals, the lovely flower gardens, and the great playground they have there.
Sofia has become quite brave with age and is not afraid to climb through tunnels or up rope nets.
Butterfield Acres - A Fun Trip To A Petting Zoo
While Sofia was in Poland, I attended a fundraising picnic for Ups & Downs, our local Down Syndrome organization. I won some raffle prizes among which was a family pass to Butterfield Acres, a petting zoo which Sofia has been to and enjoyed before. She has the opportunities there to engage with various animals, take a ride in a haywagon, ride a 'real' pony and other fun things. She loves it there. The pass expired the day after Sofia went! I knew she'd be back in time for a visit there.
Sofia has no fear of animals, at least the tame ones, and like all little girls loves the baby ones.
Coming Soon! A New House!
Sofia's parents are in the process of having a new house built. They have found a beautiful location in a very nice neighbourhood, and had an old house removed, including the foundation, and are building a new one from the ground up. I've been there numerous times following the construction and I know that they are all going to really enjoy it. It's a real dream home. Sofia will have her own bedroom, and a lovely yard to play in. There is a beautiful playground right across the street, next door to a nice lady who I know will love Sofia. I have also met Sofia's next-door-neighbours-to-be, and they are fine people too. Hopefully the house will be finished by Momma's birthday in early February.
July 14th 2007 - Grampa's Birthday! - My Best Birthday Ever!
My Best Present Ever
I answered the phone early this morning -- it was 4PM in Poland. It was Sofia. She opened by saying "Happy Birthday, Grampa!" and then in an angelic voice which I had never heard her use before she sang "Happy Birthday" perfectly, without a pause or hesitation. I have never heard her sing so well. She must have practiced for a long time to get it so beautifully right.
Then she said "Happy Birthday", "I love you" and "Bye Bye", and then handed the phone to Natasha. What a lovely way to start the day.
Sofia has a few speech problems and gets speech therapy. She can make herself understood, but is not always clear. This was an especially meaningful event for me because it showed just what she can do when she wants to.
I've had some wonderful surprises and things happen on my birthdays. When you've had as many as I have it turns out that way, but this was the best birthday happening ever and I'll remember and cherish it all my life.
When they returned, I mentioned to Natasha that she must have really practiced with Sofia to get it so right but Natasha said Sofia did it without any practice whatsoever!!
A Big Snack
Natasha sent me some photos of Sofia enjoying a snack she prepared herself. Natasha was in another room when Sofia decided she wanted a snack. Among her favorite treats are Cheerios and Goldfish crackers.
Sofia had gone to the cupboard where the Goldfish crackers were kept, then took the package to her little table where she has her snacks, and then poured herself a very generous quantity of crackers on her placemat, just as Momma would if she were serving the snack. Sofia then put the package back in the cupboard, returned to her table, seated herself, and was eating the snack when Natasha discovered what was happening and took the photos.
We are both proud of the fact that Sofia knew how to do it all herself -- including returning the package to the cupboard before sitting down to eat. The fact that she did this on her own initiative impresses me to no end.
I'm not sure if Sofia just took a lot because she wanted a lot, or just had problems controlling the pour from the package. I like to think the quantity is because she lacked the ability to pour carefully. Still, she did it without making a mess! Natasha tells me it was because she wanted 'lots'!
Natasha took a lot of the crackers back -- but left a few out for Sofia.
Sofia has just started taking art lessons. Who knows? We may have a famous artist someday! Aside from art lessons, Sofia takes part in a conversational Russian group, a music group, and dance lessons too.