Small steps and giant leaps

Every day Tananya becomes more comfortable with her new family. According to her schedule from her foster home, she was taking seven bottles a day and two night time feedings. Her foster mother said that Tananya is a very fussy eater. We can't help but think that some of that pickiness may have been due to the fact that she was always full of formula. She had never had milk before but once I realized that she wasn't lactose intolerant, I gave her fresh milk. She seems to be tolerating the milk fine. She has also been sleeping through the night, only waking briefly with a soft cry that ends once I touch her to reassure her that I am still there. Getting her off the bottle has been a little more challenging. Our first day with her she refused all but one bottle. The second day she took one bottle and let me spoon feed her out of a cup. But today was a giant leap because she drank out of a regular cup and sippy cup and it is my firm plan to only give her back that bottle during an airplane crying crisis. Today for the first time, she was able to be in our room without having to be held constantly and even let go of me for brief moments. She even voluntarily went to Jess when I was unavailable (in the bathroom) and was able to be comforted by him. She is not smiling or laughing but for brief moments when she seems to be thinking, "That's funny 0h wait, I'm not supposed to laugh". We checked out of the Amari and have moved back to the guest house. Mikayla was playing with some basketballs and Tananya picked up a ball and let it bounce a few times. She is starting to become more interested in Mikayla. Poor Mikayla though has had a hard time. She loves Tananya so much and wants to play with her but Tananya is not quite ready. Tananya had never been around other children and her foster mother did everything for Tananya. Mikayla said today, "Why isn't Tananya attaching to me yet?" - a very grown up thing for a six year old to ask. As the day continued on, Mikayla was encouraged by the small steps Tananya made in reaching out to her. We took the kids to the zoo today with Nana (whom by the way, Tananya has taken a great liking to). Tananya slept in the Ergo baby carrier (a wonderful purchase) for most of the zoo trip but was awake for the elephants which she seemed to enjoy. Mikayla had lots of fun, especially in the snake exhibit where she watched a snake kill a live mouse which then made her sad and led to an explanation about the circle of life. We returned to our room and had supper with some friends of Nana and Papa's who work here with World Vision. They too have a Thai adopted child who is now 18. Mikayla ran around so much this evening that she perspired right through her clothes. Tananya is in the room without me at the moment as Jess is putting her to sleep - another small step. Tomorrow we are going to the famous weekend market and then we will be headed back to the USA where we can see our beloved son and introduce him to his precious new sister! "See" you back home! Hey, Betty - don't forget to come and get us and bring the car seat too :)