Sofia was an orphan with Down syndrome in Eastern Europe and now has a forever family.
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Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Blossoming!



Sofia is blossoming here at home with us. It's been exactly 6 weeks today that she has been home with us and I would say that she is fully acclimated to her new life in California. Every day she becomes more and more the precious little girl she was meant to be. Sofia is 17 months old now and she is SO happy and she is eager to smile, laugh and wave hello or goodbye. In fact, I would say waving is her most favorite thing to do...as well as clapping and smacking her lips when she wants to kiss you.



A "mommy" friend of mine (and neighbor) Tracy recently took these beautiful photographs of Sofia and Joaquin in between our occupational therapy sessions that morning and after carting off the big brothers (Diego and Mateo) to summer basketball camp.  I'm in awe of what photographers can capture in such a short amount of time with their talent.  These photographs speak more than any words that I could write. Thank you Tracy for such a lovely gift!


And one medical update...Sofia does NOT have a thyroid issue after all. We tested her 4 different times and the first two showed a VERY slight issue and the last two which were done by a more "careful" and "precise" lab showed no problems at all. We will continue to watch it closely and will most likely test every two months just to make sure we don't miss anything. What is really interesting though is that between the 2nd and 3rd blood draws I began introducing sea kelp into Sofia's diet. I add it in her morning oatmeal and it's extremely high in iodine which helps thyroid function. Could it have helped her in that short of time? I don't know, but I'm sure happy all is well with her right now!

23 comments:

  1. Sofia looks like a different person. It's amazing what a difference just 6 weeks can make in a little one's life. The pics of the two of them together are just adorable! :)

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  2. oh my she is such a treasure and just so stunning she has really blossmed since coming into your family, they are delightful photos.

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  3. The pictures are precious, Jen! I love seeing Joaquin and Sofia together...especially after talking this winter about your hopes to go get Sofia...wondering what would they be like as siblings?? And here they are...together. Awesome. xoxo

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  4. Oh- they are just gorgeous Jen! I've wondered how old Sofia is- she's the same age as our sweet Abigail! Where do you get the sea kelp? Is it powdered?

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  5. BEAUTIFUL photos of a beautiful girl and boy! They look like they're smitten with each other!

    She truly has blossomed with you guys--just the way it should be!

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  6. Those are great pictures!
    Does your OT come to your house or do you travel to her office?

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  7. I didn't think it was possible for her to become even more beautiful than before, but she most certainly has! I love the pictures of the two adorable littles together, too!!
    HUGS!

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  8. Those photos are precious! Sophia is a beautiful little girl and I love these updates. Thank you for sharing her with all of us!

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  9. Oh my gosh....those pictures are adorable. I was trying to pick out my very favorite and had such a hard time, that I just have to say...I love them all!

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  10. Ok, I just went back through them again. I love the 2 that Tracy took. The first looks like Sophia is listening intently and then the second looks like she processed all he had to say and is in disbelief. She is looking at him saying, "are you serious?? tell me again what you said!"

    That Joaquin.....GREAT storyteller!!

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  11. Those pics are beautiful!! (Is it the same setting you used for the Kidaround pics? Looks familiar...)

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  12. Beautiful, just beautiful!! Would you care if I snagged a picture of Sofia and Joaquin for Ella's wall. I already have the ones you sent me but these show their personalities even more and besides, the one of Sofia IS a little old :) Everyone comes in to Ella's room and just adores the kiddos. I love telling about the ones I have on there that are being or have been adopted from EE.

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  13. Gorgeous pics and kiddos! So glad she is adjusting so well, it is truly a miracle to see her thrive.

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  14. The photos are precious, and so are those children! Thanks for sharing.

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  15. Your children are adorable! Sofia is so precious!

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  16. You are so blessed to have those beautiful children.

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  17. the pictures are just BEAUTIFUL!!! (priceless is a word that comes to mind) - so happy that everything is going so well with having sofia home with her forever family :)
    i feel like you have posted about the sea kelp before on the three's a charm blog, but would you mind sharing what kind/brand you buy + where you buy it and about how much you use. i woudl love to get this for our girls :) thanks for sharing the pics with all of us!

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  18. Sheesh is she ever gorgeous!!!!!

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  19. Amazing and beautiful! You are so blessed!

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  20. Sofia is absolutely adorable! Love the pictures of her alone and with Joaquin. (Joaquin is a real cutie too.) Glad to hear she is doing so well.

    Blessings,
    Barbara

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  21. Beautiful Pictures, Jennifer! And she most certainly looks happy :).
    Kim Baumann

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  22. Oh she is such a little love!!! I think one of my favorites of her is the one sitting in the chair with a pouty look kinda looking up at her little flower.

    Jen, she looks so happy!!! So glad she is home with you!!

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  23. Beautiful pictures- amazing story- they are both absolutely adorable :) you are very blessed!!

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