Speech and physical therapy evaluation

Oh! And fitting for leg braces. Well. Not quite sure I understand the whole speech eval thing. She you tested fantastic on the comprehension part and they said they were amazed considering she has only been in this country for 2 months and is just laying English. They feel she would have tested much higher then average if it weren't for that. She is definitely bright. The other part, actually speaking words and number of works she knows etc was lower. She was fitted for ankle fit braces as well. These braces have come a long way then the awkward ones of years past. Shi yo will be sorting pink ones. We passed on the designs you can get as she doesn't like to not be able to match her clothes lol.  They are like thin plastic shells that will fit right in her shoes. These should be fine in about a week. On to physical therapy. She wasn't too thrilled with that and was definitely not putting her best foot forward (no pun intended lol). They really won't give you any prognosis but I know what I believe so I don't care. They said she is weak in the trunk and legs. The muscle time is weak but tone comes from the brain and they may end up using medication. Therapy will help the muscle strength but not the time. Her leg muscles are what they call spastic meaning they shake a little sometimes. So she will begin therapy next week. They are checking our insurance for the speech therapy. One other thing, she is having a swallowing test done because she sometimes chokes when eating and drinking.  This also would be because if muscle development and if not treated could cause serious infection. All in all, Shi Yu is not one to accept any weaknesses. She pushed herself to do the things that she knows she can't do even without out help. Her survival skills are honed probably from trying to survive the orphanage. Her determination inspires me. I know I say it all the time but Shi Yu is just so amazing! We are truly the ones blessed to have het as our daughter. One other thing. Shi Yu is adjusting well to other people. Little by little she is learning to love and trust family members. I love seeing family with her. She had met only a few friends for short periods of time and had done well. I am including some recent pics.

It just hit me!

The day I met Shi Yu was one of those days I waited for for so long! It we all so surreal. I think maybe even in shock. I don't think it really really set in until the last week. SHE IS HERE AND SHE IS MINE!  The last few days I just look at het and I can't believe she is here AND SHE IS MY CHILD! I think I was overwhelmed and maybe a little frightened of how well I could deal with the changes coming. By I hold her and I am overcome with emotion and joy. I tell her all the time how happy she had made my life. She is just the sweetest little girl and so happy. I can't even connect with the horrible things she endured in her past . Last week I was holding her and an ad came on tv about donating money to save children. They show such sadness and I said awe  look at those poor little kid Shi Yu. Then it hit me! She had been one of them!  I think she has something special to have been able to survive and still be happy. I am so blessed. Ps: the pic it's off the congee I made her today. Using rice noodles from China ( thanks to my sister in law) and egg, and some shredded vegetables. Mary not look good lol but it's very healthy and she loves it. Plus I want to keep her culture.

Todays doctor results

Today we saw our first pediatric specialist. Shi Yu was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Thus us why she hadn't been able to walk. It wasn't a surprise. I felt good told me this before we even got her and they did suspect it. I also felt a peace about it. They feel it is a mild case. She had an appointment to get fitted for foot and ankle braces in 2 weeks. Her muscles are very "spastic". Very much so in the groin. This is a big concern because without therapy (which she will be getting) her hip joints could eventually become dislocated.  Dan asked the doctor (who was wonderful) if she would ever walk. The doctor felt very confident that she will. She said she couldn't guarantee that she wouldn't need some kind of help later in life but said she had a very good feeling she wouldn't. She will also need a walker for a bit. When Dan asked the doctor of Shi Yu would walk and when the doctor answered...Dan had tears in his eyes...which made me emotional. He its such a good Dad. He does everything in his power to be at every appt. In December we have at least 3 appointments. Neurologist, ophthalmologist, and pediatrician. Oh and probably final fitting for her leg braces. But she is worth every second of it! I can't wait to see her stand in her own  it will be amazing! She is such a blessing.

Shi Yu's first holiday. Halloween

I have to be honest. My older kids were never really allowed to participate in Halloween due to religious beliefs. But Daddy insisted so Shi Yu had her first Halloween. Daddy wanted her to be a pumpkin. I attached pics. Naturally it was Rainey out. But at least it wasn't cold. Being new in ths neighborhood it was hard to go to many houses because we were meeting our neighbors. Shi Yu's cousin Jimmy came over later and we hit a few more houses lol. I thought the dark, very windy, Rainey night made it more fun. You can see the pic of the stroller umbrella set up lol. It was a great time and it will be very memorable. Shi Yu isn't really allowed much candy but she was very happy just getting paper with something she was unaware of inside. I loved seeing little Jimmy and Shi Yu together. Little Jimmy was so adorable. It is actually his first Halloween too.  He would stand at a closed door and so sweetly say "trick or treat."  When the door didn't open right away he would say "trick or treat please". It was so adorable! Here are some pics. Please note lol. I am a mess in the pic from bring in a windstorm twice lmbo