June - December 2009

June-December

Hana continues to thrive. She's learning the rules, and now demonstrates "a difference of opinion" if something happens (or doesn't happen) that displeases her. She threw her very first temper tantrum (on the floor, kicking feet, etc.) We corrected that behavior, and she hasn't repeated such an episode since. She still eats very well. We continue to supplement her full/regular diet with Boost.

She has had mutiple repeat laboratory tests in May (including HIV, Hep B/C, RPR, CBC, chemistry) all were good. It was discovered that her prealbumin remained low despite dietary consult, supplementation, etc. So inflammatory conditions were ruled out...and recommendations to continue Boost/Pediasure remain. Her stools are solid. CXR clear now.

She finishes up her anti-TB medications in a few days. She is about 21 pounds, about 20th percentile for weight/age. She does do a few tricks (touches nose, claps, etc.) She also follows directions quite well. She is a bit more demanding (in terms of wanting to be held, fed, changed, protesting bedtime, etc). But, still very easy-going.

We have submitted all the paperwork for readoption here in America (since she came on on and IR4 visa). Our (hopefully) finalization court date is in 4 weeks! Then...we get to reapply for an American birth certificate, (certificate of citizenship), and finally a US passport.


Early July.

Hana Banana is doing great. 20 pounds, 10 oz, she's right at 50th percentile for height and HC, 20th for weight. She's saying a few simple words such as "Dada" and "Hi." She seems to understand just about everything we say to her, and responds well to simple commands. However, she's not yet talking...though she tries...babbles quite a bit. She's a good eater, but less enthusiastic about mealtimes. She dances to music, and can climb up the backyard slide (which is amazing).

Healthwise, she's doing well. Lots of labs, repeat labs, etc. reveal normal chest xray after 5 months of anti-TB meds (one month left). Everyone in the family remains TB skin-test negative, and everyone is doing well. She has no GI issues, her skin is normal, and her repeat HIV, RPR, Hepatitis, liver/kidney, CBC, CRP, lead level, iron levels, albumin, chemistry, are all unremarkable. Her prealbumin was a bit low, so she continues to get Ensure/pediasure/boost or Carnation instant breakfast in lieu of formula or regular milk as recommended by dietitian.

We enjoyed Easter, Disneyland, and multiple park visits now that the weather is warm. Finally a backyard swing, her own room, and relaxed parents...things are going very well for little Ms. Hana!!



7.30.09 - First trip to the Circus!! Final adoption paperwork and new birth certificate delivered!!
September 2009 - Christening was done at Unity Church. She was so pretty in her white dress...and internalized the entire ceremony, rose petals and all.


ECI - early childhood specialist came to the house to evaluate Hana. Just to check her progress, and see if she needed any extra help. They determined that she is: 19 months adaptive; 20 months cognitive; 26 months fine/gross motor; 30 months social; and 17 months language. This is excellent!! They believe she is actually overall more advanced than her 18 months and that she's been focused more on the social, motor, and likely made up for some initial lack of adaptive skills. They expect her language to be right on target now that these other areas (that she's obviously been focusing on) are above average. They recommended some activities, and reeval as needed in 3 months.