Pumpkinpalooza
15 years ago
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Nanny 2 is On Deck
After last Wednesday's surprise announcement by Nanny 1, we ("we" = Jeff) immediately sprung into action. On Thursday morning, he re-posted our nanny advertisement in the online nanny job bank, and by Friday he had phone-screened the most promising candidates. We jointly interviewed 3 nannies on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, we checked references for our top choice, and we have offered her the position contingent on a satisfactory background check. She grew up in Germany, and originally came to the U.S. as an au pair. After several years of live-in positions, she is ready for a live-out situation. Not much else to say right now except she has a very gentle, nurturing style that will suit Mia just fine.
Friday, October 26, 2007
The Week in Review
Lots of mundane stuff to report. Might be good to read this post next time you have insomnia!
We started our week with a call from Mia's pediatrician, who opened with, "We're going to get to know each other really well." He said the state health department, who had been notified about Mia's elevated lead level, wants her to be evaluated by a toxicologist from Emory University. That will happen next week. The adoption agency says this is not uncommon in children adopted from China. They said they've seen cases where the child's initial level was high, but was within normal range by the time the 6-month post-placement report was submitted. While this toxicologist visit is kind of a nuisance, I guess it is more helpful than what we'd initially been told to expect, namely that the state would be sending someone to our home to inspect it for lead.
Mia's diarrhea continues (today is day 18), but usually only once a day now. We're pretty sure the culprit is the antibiotic she takes for TB prevention. The patient information says it is a known side effect that might go awa during the course of treatment. That would be nice, since she has to take that med for 9 months. In the meantime, we're adapting. We've found some vinyl underpants in her size, so the number of daily clothing changes is down some.
I am returning to work on 11/1. Two days ago, our nanny informed us that she cannot work on Thursday afternoons. We'd specified the hours for the position as full days Monday through Thursday and a half day on Friday. We've informed her we'll be looking for someone else. My working mother friends say, "Welcome to our world!"
Mia still requires support when walking, but she is getting a bit steadier on her feet. She continues to challenge us in the sleep department. She goes to sleep anywhere between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., and wakes up ready to start her day anytime between 4 a.m. and 9 a.m. She sleeps through the night about 60% of the time, and the other 40%, there is no predicting what time she'll wake up during the night. She usually takes one nap during the day, but it could be anywhere between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., and last from 45 minutes to 2.5 hours. I just wish we could understand what is happening in her head. For now, I just know not to count on having a nap of my own.
I started using some baby sign language this week. Experts advise this can be particularly helpful for a child who is adopted internationally. (You know, until you can say, "Use your words".) I'm starting with the signs for "eat" and "more." Mia quickly learned how to make the sign for "more," but I'm pretty sure she is just copying me and doesn't really know what it means. Still, it is a step in the right direction, and I think it is really precious. (Yes, I think 85% of the things she does are really precious.)
Mia decided she doesn't like eggs anymore. However, she does like canned sweet corn. I used to think those things that look like baby hot dogs in a jar looked pretty awful, but Mia likes them so they've become a staple for breakfast. They are made with turkey, so how bad can they be?
Perhaps the biggest breakthrough of the week is that Jeff taught Mia to brush her teeth! I'd been having a nightly battle with her. I don't know what he did, but I am glad that is over with.
We started our week with a call from Mia's pediatrician, who opened with, "We're going to get to know each other really well." He said the state health department, who had been notified about Mia's elevated lead level, wants her to be evaluated by a toxicologist from Emory University. That will happen next week. The adoption agency says this is not uncommon in children adopted from China. They said they've seen cases where the child's initial level was high, but was within normal range by the time the 6-month post-placement report was submitted. While this toxicologist visit is kind of a nuisance, I guess it is more helpful than what we'd initially been told to expect, namely that the state would be sending someone to our home to inspect it for lead.
Mia's diarrhea continues (today is day 18), but usually only once a day now. We're pretty sure the culprit is the antibiotic she takes for TB prevention. The patient information says it is a known side effect that might go awa during the course of treatment. That would be nice, since she has to take that med for 9 months. In the meantime, we're adapting. We've found some vinyl underpants in her size, so the number of daily clothing changes is down some.
I am returning to work on 11/1. Two days ago, our nanny informed us that she cannot work on Thursday afternoons. We'd specified the hours for the position as full days Monday through Thursday and a half day on Friday. We've informed her we'll be looking for someone else. My working mother friends say, "Welcome to our world!"
Mia still requires support when walking, but she is getting a bit steadier on her feet. She continues to challenge us in the sleep department. She goes to sleep anywhere between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., and wakes up ready to start her day anytime between 4 a.m. and 9 a.m. She sleeps through the night about 60% of the time, and the other 40%, there is no predicting what time she'll wake up during the night. She usually takes one nap during the day, but it could be anywhere between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., and last from 45 minutes to 2.5 hours. I just wish we could understand what is happening in her head. For now, I just know not to count on having a nap of my own.
I started using some baby sign language this week. Experts advise this can be particularly helpful for a child who is adopted internationally. (You know, until you can say, "Use your words".) I'm starting with the signs for "eat" and "more." Mia quickly learned how to make the sign for "more," but I'm pretty sure she is just copying me and doesn't really know what it means. Still, it is a step in the right direction, and I think it is really precious. (Yes, I think 85% of the things she does are really precious.)
Mia decided she doesn't like eggs anymore. However, she does like canned sweet corn. I used to think those things that look like baby hot dogs in a jar looked pretty awful, but Mia likes them so they've become a staple for breakfast. They are made with turkey, so how bad can they be?
Perhaps the biggest breakthrough of the week is that Jeff taught Mia to brush her teeth! I'd been having a nightly battle with her. I don't know what he did, but I am glad that is over with.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
A Lovely Gated Community
Growing up in Minnesota, the only "gated community" I ever saw was North Oaks, a tiny suburb north of St. Paul. I remember passing by it and wondering what kind of people lived there. I thought there must be something odd about people who thought a guardhouse was necessary in that sleepy suburban area. (I now know one couple who live in North Oaks, and they are quite normal.)
When we relocated to Atlanta, I noticed quite a few gated communities. They didn't hold any particular appeal for me. I never dreamed we'd be building our own little gated community when Mia arrived. In fact, I secretly pooh-poohed my neighbor's suggestion, back in July, that we hire a baby-proofing consultant who would select and even install the appropriate gates for us.
Everything changed when we met our little darling. As I saw her crawl enthusiastically around our little hotel suites, I realized what we'd be up against when we brought her home. (Or, as my sister Paula would say, "Ka-ching"! I could hear the sound of the Babies 'r Us cash registers all the way in Guangzhou.) At this writing, we have installed a total of 6 gates, and there is still one out there in the garage waiting until the cordless drill recharges. We have 3 sturdy metal gates at the tops of stairs (different versions for indoors and outdoors), a lovely dark oak spindled gate at the bottom of the family room stairs, and an ugly tan mesh gate preventing Mia from climbing into her own unused bathtub. (I'm not sure where they get off calling that last one a "gate", since it has no opening. I personally would call it a "repositionable pressure-mounted child barrier system.") The latest 2 gates keep unaccompanied toddlers out of the family room, which has a fireplace, a glass-topped coffee table, and several table lamps. Where does it all end?
Actually, that was not a rhetorical question. I've been wondering how old Mia will have to be before we can de-install these gates, sell them on eBay, and return to walking freely about our own home. Comments from experienced parents will be most welcome.
Changing the subject...
In preparation for my return to work late next week, I tried out one of those "meal assembly" places today. There was no one else in the store, so the nice ladies there helped me measure out the ingredients and assemble my meals. They cooed admiringly at my photos of Mia as well. I had 12 entrees in less than an hour. If this stuff is any good, we may be replacing what I suspect was the previous homeowners' "beer fridge" in our garage with a real freezer.
When we relocated to Atlanta, I noticed quite a few gated communities. They didn't hold any particular appeal for me. I never dreamed we'd be building our own little gated community when Mia arrived. In fact, I secretly pooh-poohed my neighbor's suggestion, back in July, that we hire a baby-proofing consultant who would select and even install the appropriate gates for us.
Everything changed when we met our little darling. As I saw her crawl enthusiastically around our little hotel suites, I realized what we'd be up against when we brought her home. (Or, as my sister Paula would say, "Ka-ching"! I could hear the sound of the Babies 'r Us cash registers all the way in Guangzhou.) At this writing, we have installed a total of 6 gates, and there is still one out there in the garage waiting until the cordless drill recharges. We have 3 sturdy metal gates at the tops of stairs (different versions for indoors and outdoors), a lovely dark oak spindled gate at the bottom of the family room stairs, and an ugly tan mesh gate preventing Mia from climbing into her own unused bathtub. (I'm not sure where they get off calling that last one a "gate", since it has no opening. I personally would call it a "repositionable pressure-mounted child barrier system.") The latest 2 gates keep unaccompanied toddlers out of the family room, which has a fireplace, a glass-topped coffee table, and several table lamps. Where does it all end?
Actually, that was not a rhetorical question. I've been wondering how old Mia will have to be before we can de-install these gates, sell them on eBay, and return to walking freely about our own home. Comments from experienced parents will be most welcome.
Changing the subject...
In preparation for my return to work late next week, I tried out one of those "meal assembly" places today. There was no one else in the store, so the nice ladies there helped me measure out the ingredients and assemble my meals. They cooed admiringly at my photos of Mia as well. I had 12 entrees in less than an hour. If this stuff is any good, we may be replacing what I suspect was the previous homeowners' "beer fridge" in our garage with a real freezer.
Monday, October 22, 2007
I'll Take the Stairs!
Mia isn't walking on her own yet, but that hasn't stopped her from trying to scale the one staircase in the house that isn't protected by a gate. (I foolishly thought we would just keep the door closed between the kitchen and the center hallway.) It is cute to see her experiment with different leg positions. Fortunately, she usually doesn't get too far. And when she does, there will be a parent right behind her. (Acting as a spotter rather than a photographer, of course.)
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Mia's Check-Up
Mia had her 9-month checkup at the pediatrician this week. (Yes, she is 11.5 months old, but apparently they don't round up.) She was seen by a pediatrician who has treated many girls who were adoptive from China. They told us she is at the 97th percentile for length and 50th percentile for weight. 97th percentile? No wonder that while we were in China, so many people expressed surprise that she was only 10 months old! 
They did lots of tests and everything was normal. The only finding of note was that the lead levels in her blood were a little high. The Dr. said that is unusual, even for girls from China. The good news is that it isn't so high that treatment will be required. They expect it will return to normal levels over time. The bad news is that we have yet another encounter with regulatory authorities. The Dr. had to report the result to the State, who says they will have to inspect our home to determine the source of the exposure. The fact that Mia had spent only 10 days in our home at the time the test was taken didn't persuade officials to waive this requirement. As the Dr.'s office said, "It's the government."
But who's complaining? We have a beautiful, healthy baby girl who is developmentally on target for her age. We continue to see signs that she is attaching with us. This past week, she wanted to be held a lot more than before. In her case, being clingy is good. The first photo below is Mia watching for Jeff to come home from work at night. Sometimes, Sam watches with her. In the last photo, she is getting read to stand on her own, without support. 
She can do that for 2-3 seconds at most.
She can do that for 2-3 seconds at most. 
Saturday Visitors
On Saturday morning, we were visited by our friend Anu. Mia was delighted to meet her, and even let Anu take her for a walk around the house. They had a lot of fun together. Later, our friend Anne stopped by to drop off a few things she thought we might find helpful, including an ExerSaucer. Just perfect for those times when you forgot something upstairs and you want to save your 47-year-old back one more round trip carrying the bambino. Anne warned us that kids either "love 'em or hate 'em." It didn't take us long to see which camp Mia fell in. Thank goodness!
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