She's one busy kid -- she hardly ever stops moving! In school, she was learning sign language, but her speech has developed to the point where she knows the signs, but prefers speech. She will eventually speak in Russian, Polish, and English! Sofia has quite the vocabulary now and uses lots of expressions such as 'Oh My God!', 'Oh Man!' and others. She even calls me Irv once in a while! Natasha deserves a lot of credit for the way she handles and teaches Sofia. No school could give her what she gets from Momma! Bravo, Natasha!
While I was in the hospital recently, I was phoned by Sofia every day! Our phone calls are rather primitive as Sofia can only say a few words, but coached by her Momma she says Hi, Bye, laughs, and when asked by me she makes the sounds that animals make such as Meow, Moo, and the like. Those phone calls were better than any medication the hospital offered! I always feel great after visiting with Sofia, and even after a phone call! We talk on the phone every day now. I love it and look forward to every call! I know Sofia enjoys them too.
A Few Notes
Sofia goes to school! She attends Providence Children's Center, which offers
therapeutic and educational services to children with multiple disabilities.
She goes five days a week, mornings, but that's pretty good for a five year old! She also attends a children's music program, dance classes, an afterschool Russian program, and has just begun
art classes. Sofia is picking a lot of things up much faster than before. When she's learned something, and gets
a chance to show it off, she gives a great big beaming smile of pride. This year Sofia has graduated
from the Junior Kindergarten and is now in Kindergarten. She is really enjoying it.
A few of her classmate friends from last year are in the class with her, plus a few new friends. I know the
teacher -- she is tops and will be very good for Sofia.
Sofia's social and academic skills are developing well. She has made good friends at school, some from last year, a few new. She is very outgoing and friendly. Her smile is very engaging. She knows all the letters and the sounds the make, the colors, shapes, and so forth. She still has a special fondness for books and if there are some around, that's where she heads.
I've had to cut back on my time at Providence Children's Center. I'm no spring chicken and after a couple bouts in the hospital and some surgery I just don't have the energy I had last year. As a result I have no fixed schedule at the school but they told me I could come when I want, and spend as much or little time as I want. This is great because I don't have to say 'Goodbye' -- just 'See you next time!' It's nice to sleep in!
Update to September 2007
Sofia is coming along just fine. She learns well, but needs to be interested or else! She has a mind of her own and knows what she want's, and doesn't. She is rapidly accumulating a broad spectrum of skills.
Sofia periodically visits Grampa's house and at one time had to be prodded into leaving. Lately though, when she has seen and done all she wants, she tells momma 'Home!' meaning that it's time to go. I usually have Smarties and Goldfish crackers on hand for her. She loves to see the videos and photos of her that I keep on my computer.
On Mother's Day we took her to the Senior's Villa where my Mom lives. Sofia stole the hearts of all the old folks who encountered her. She was not afraid to go up to them and give a big smile and hello, and always elicited smiles in return. It brightened up the day for many of them.
Sofia's Poppa is having a new house built in a very nice area of Calgary. The old house on the property was torn down, the old foundation removed, and now the new house is under construction. I've seen the blueprints -- designed by Poppa with input from Momma -- and it's going to be gorgeous. I've seen samples of Poppa's work! It may be ready later this year. Finally Sofia will have a room of her own, and a very special framed picture that I got a couple years ago will find space on one of the walls. It's a very special picture that will steal the heart of every little girl who sees it! When I first saw it I knew it was looking for Sofia.
DUE TO ILLNESS AND SURGERY GRAMPA HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO KEEP THE SITE UP TO DATE. I HAVE NOW RECOVERED TO THE POINT WHERE I HAVE NO MORE EXCUSES AND WILL EVENTUALLY BRING YOU UP TO DATE. Just to bring you further up to date, Sofia is now in Grade 3 Public School. She has reached this point with little or no special assistance. She learns what she can, but is a little slow in mathematics, but hopefully will eventually catch up. She is now taking piano and ballet lessons and is not only enjoying them, but progressing well. She continues to be Grampa's Little Dolly, even though she is now becoming a big girl.
That's it for now folks! Bookmark this site and follow Sofia's progress over time. Thank you very much for visiting!
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