This first week with Masha has been, what’s the word… impressive? eye-opening? heart-warming? Fascinating, actually.
Masha is a copycat. If you do it, she can do it. The first night we had her, she refused to let me brush her teeth… she clamped her jaws shut tight and made horrifically loud, throaty protests. The next morning I brushed my teeth in front of her and she indicated that she wanted my toothbrush, so I gave her hers. She proceeded to start brushing her tongue. I crouched down next to her and made a big show of brushing my teeth and she began to brush hers, side to side, up and down. Now she is a pro.
Masha can talk. She can say “kitty”, “water”, “give it to me”, “it fell”, “no no no”, “yes”, “poo/ garbage”, “mama”, and “its raining”. She probably says more than that but my Russian is pretty much non-existent, so I don’t know… you should hear her chat on the phone though, lol! On the first day she learned to sign “more” and “eat”.
Masha feeds herself with a spoon and can drink from an open cup. She sits at the table and has wonderful manners. When she is done, she hands me her plate and cup, and then wipes herself clean. If she drops something, she picks it up and calls out to me, “ka ka”. If she doesn’t like the taste of something, she gently pushes her bowl out of her reach.
Masha can dress and undress herself. If she sees me putting on my shoes or a coat, she runs and gets on her shoes and coat, and climbs into her stroller, or stands at the door. But when we were getting ready to go to the airport I told her we were going “paka paka, home” and two minutes later she was completely undressed. I redressed her and continued packing up. She undressed herself again. Then it hit me, she thought we were taking her back or leaving without her. I explained that mama, papa, and Masha were going home, going bye bye and then she stayed dressed.
Masha is gentle with Autumn and lets me know when Autumn is upset (as if I can’t hear her bawling her head off, lol) She pets Autumn, and “grooms” her, and brings her toys.
Masha likes to sing and dance. She likes to play with her tea set and will make me a cup and bring it to me. Masha loves books, especially when she is sitting on the potty. She loves to sweep, and will pick up any papers or crumbs off the floor and bring them to me for the garbage. She helps to load the dishwasher and puts her clothes in the hamper.
Masha’s gross motor skills are off the charts. She can climb into her stroller and out of the playpen. She can climb up into her car seat and down from her booster seat at the kitchen table. She can jump up off the ground with both feet together. She has strong arms and can hang from the door handles and pull her legs up off the floor. She has learned very quickly how to go up and down staircases with little support. She is tough enough to push her bigger 4 year old brother around when they both want the same thing.
Masha is affectionate. She runs to me with a huge smile, hugs me, and gives me kisses. She shares her toys and food with me. She comforts herself by putting her head in my lap or climbing up on me to put her head on my shoulder. She follows me around. She holds my hand.
Masha, Masha, Masha… I am so glad she’s mine.
She`s so beautiful, mash-a-Allah! I had my second daughter last December & found out on very next day that she has t21. Test confirmed. Now my hubby & I are trying to find out how to deal with someone special. Found your blog while looking for some answers. May your house be blessed! Kisses to Maria (Masha) & rest of your lovely kids.
Kamilla
P.S. Let me know if you need any help with Russian 🙂
And the smile that melts everyones hearts! I can’t wait to get Arina home and learning new things. She doesn’t really smile or laugh. She just doesn’t understand playful things. Wait until she’s around the boys for a few minutes. Then she’ll learn!
I think I am even more in love with Masha than I was before. She is amazing, and I’m so glad she is yours too!
There you go again dang it. I am crying. I have told you before that she is one of my favorites. To see her safe and loved…well, there are no words. I love you guys and you are an amazing mother!
Oh this is such a beautiful post. I can’t believe all the things she is doing. That is amazing!! You are wonderful parents and have been blessed with two wonderful girls. God Bless!!
What a beautiful and wonderful little spirit she has! I adore her, and I am so glad that she is yours too, and I am glad that you are glad;) Congradulations on having your lovely girls home!!!
Oh I am soooooo happy for ou!!! Your little ones are way too sweet! 🙂
Love the tea video! Tea for two please! She is absolutely precious- I’m so excited for your sweet family!
She is fantastic!!!! I’m so glad you got to meet her Grandparents. They were so happy for their granddaughter when they heard she had a family and it was wonderful of you to make an album for them. I’m sure they will treasure it forever. I wonder what the supplements were that they got for her because Masha surely benefitted!! She looks FANTASTIC!!!What a blessed addition she will be to your family along with Autumn!!
@ Lisa, I did not but I will. We were lucky enough to meet them and it really is a post of its own.
Awesome! So glad to hear it’s going well. 🙂
So lovely!
I agree…it is fascinating! She is a little miracle :)! These pics and descriptions remind me so much of Alina and our experience with her.
Masha is cute as can be, and so able. And it sounds like her orphanage felt the same.
Completely off topic–Did you ever post about her grandparents/saying goodbye?
Simply AMAZING!! I am so happy for you and your family=) Thank you for sharing this part of your journey with us!!
So thankful she’s yours and you are hers. Blessings!
You are the luckiest mommy in the whole world…that little girl is just a joy!
She is amazing!!!!!!!!!!! Imagine how how she will thrive & grow in your loving care!!! 🙂
Masha certainly is amazing..and such a little lady! Send her to my house to teach Hope some manners!
How incredibly Beautiful.
She is wonderful! We are glad she is yours and that you are sharing her with all of us.
Oh I LOVE it!
oh my goodness she’s adorable!! i heard you were here yesterday and i didn’t get to see you or meet them! please please let me know when you’re coming in again. i miss you!!
Crying! I am so happy for you! Fabulous news, just fabulous!
Yes, I am so glad she is yours too!!! I love this post – thank you so much for sharing!!! Masha is so precious!!!!