The Kite Runner (Trailer)

A movie not to be missed based on one of my all-time favorite novels. I am so excited to see this book appear in film. I only hope it is well done.

Sign Language = Success in Non-Verbal Toddler

Little Sister (LS) just turned 20 months old yesterday! It's hard to believe that in four months, she will be two years-old already! I know that some parents dread that stage, but I am looking forward to it because I hope it leads to her talking more. Today, after being home for seven months, she can still only say a handful of words and not consistently. I feel that many of her frustrations and meltdowns stem from the fact that she can't say what's on her mind. She spent the first few months just moaning and groaning all day. I called Early Intervention back in September and had her assessed. They agreed that she definitely has a speech delay in conjunction with the tantrums, however, they have yet to come here and start therapy. Week after week, I call them and they always have some excuse why they can't start. I guess they are backlogged!

In the meantime, I have started learning and teaching LS baby sign language. For the past three weeks, we have been renting every video the library has and watching them. LS absolutely loves watching the videos and is starting to sign on her own now! It's glorious to know that she can communicate her basic needs (eat, drink, milk, more, play, etc.) and to see the pride on her face when she knows that I understand her. For Christmas, I am buying her a baby sign book on colors, and one on things in our neighborhood, along with a video of her own.

Since learning some of the basic signs, Little Sister's behavior has changed greatly. She is much happier and calmer, having less tantrums each week. I am convinced that her lack of communication played a huge role in our struggles. You can't imagine how much I long for the day when I hear her beautiful little voice say, "Mamma, I love you!" I know it's coming, but for now, I'm happy seeing her give a sign.

Wednesday's Reflection

"One kind word can warm three winters."


Japanese Proverb


Here in the Midwest, we have been hit with a continuum of what they call the "Artic Blast," a mixture of snow, sleet and ice. Aside from Christmas, I really dislike winter with it's short, dark, dreary days. Maybe that's why spring has always been my favorite time of year!

Update on Little Sister

A few weeks ago, I started holding therapy with Little Sister (LS). At first, I was completely against holding until I read the book, Holding Time by Martha Welch, M.D. and understood the concept better. Some children who are traumatized early in life have difficulty forming secure attachments. Luckily, LS desperately wants my love and is bonded to me. The problem is that she does not trust the fact that I will always be there for her. Instead of accepting my unconditional love, she tries to control my every move and becomes jealous when I give attention or affection elsewhere, a common trait in children with attachment disorders and post traumatic stress disorder! She needs security. Holding therapy teaches children that their caregiver (mom or dad) will be there no matter what they do or how they feel. At first, LS would rage (scream violently) when I held her, but now she is starting to accept it more and relax. Throughout the day, she makes more eye contact with me and will give me lots of hugs and kisses without prompting. Suddenly, I am seeing a much happier, more secure baby. Holding therapy is working!

Wednesday's Reflection

"A Brother shares childhood memories and grown up dreams."


-Author Unknown

Today's reflection reminds me of the childhood I spent with my older brother. I clearly remember playing Wiffle ball or kickball with him on those beautiful, long, lazy summer days in our backyard. Other neighborhood kids would stop by and join us and soon, we had a full team. On Christmas mornings, my brother would joyfully come into my room very early and let me know that Santa had come to our house. Now, we are older and each have kids of our own, but we are still close.

Vintage TV for the holidays

It's that time of year again! Time to break open the popcorn, hot cocoa and fresh bag of mini marshmallows. Time to sit down with your children and watch some of the classic tot TV Christmas shows from yesteryear. I love to watch my children enjoy the same holiday stories that I grew up with. I also love having them watch vintage TV, knowing that despite the changing times, some things do remain the same.

Big Sister (BS) has been watching some of these shows every year for the past two years, but each year she seems to enjoy them even more. Little Sister (LS) is still in the phase of only half watching television, but I know in time, she will come to love these memorable characters as much as her sister and I do.

Three of our favorite holiday cartoons are:



Charlie Brown's Christmas



Frost the Snowman and Frosty Returns




Rudolph the red nosed reindeer

*Never forget Rudolph!

Merry Christmas by Third Day

Here is a great video I came across last year while awaiting the referral of Little Sister. Watching it makes me glad to have gotten her out of the orphanage. She will soon enjoy her first of many Christmas mornings. That in itself is a miracle! This year, I dedicate the video to all the families still waiting for their precious babes.