Adjusting .......

On Friday we headed to Children's Hospital for a visit to the International Adoption Clinic -- what an amazing experience, but somewhat intimidating I'm sure for Gabriela.

We met with a social worker, 2 pediatricians, 2 psychologists AND we were able to talk with a translator on the phone. It was so nice to be able to "talk" with Gabi - she didn't have any concerns, she is enjoying her new life, except she was very, very worried about school. When the psychologist asked what she loves about America she said "her room is beautiful; she loves how the stars on the ceiling sparkle when the lights go off." Okay, it's not us YET; but it's good to know she loves the bedroom. We'll work our way into her heart slowly!

During this meeting she expressed her concern about school several more times -- the social worker and psychologists asked what our plan for school was. We had planned on starting her Monday for the full day ..... they felt it would be best if we eased her into it.

First day of school ..... Gabi was freezing while Hailee took a few pictures ..... someday she'll appreciate having the traditional "first day on the porch" pictures. Right Lisa & Jonathan?
The last three days I've picked her up from school at 11 a.m. -- tomorrow we're going to have her stay an hour longer. This means that she'll participate in a 30 minute recess right before heading to lunch. We're trying to make a big deal out of staying for lunch -- went out and let her pick out a lunch box, we made her lunch tonight along with Hailee's and Papa's. The plan is to have her stay until noon for the next couple days and then try to add another hour on Monday -- give that a couple days and work from there.

We also found a fantastic website for tranlating English to Bulgarian and another site that has a Bulgarian keyboard that Gabi can use the mouse to click on the letters. Then I cut and paste what she wrote into the translation site so I can read it. It's working well. Working with these two programs I've learned a lot -- Gabi went to school for 3-1/2 hours a day. There was no music, gym or art classes - only academics. She has never had a recess or eaten at school (guess that's why this is frightening to her). She loves her classroom, likes her teacher and the students, likes church and is happy here in America. She misses her family in Razgrad and was very happy when we connected with them on Skype. She doesn't like ketchup, mustard, corn, football or soccer. She loves music, dancing, barbies, baby dolls and dress-up.

While searching the basement for baby dolls Gabriela discovered the loving family house -- she has enjoyed every minute of setting it up all over the living room -- think we've got a new favorite!

Modeling the outfit of the day .... thank you Linda and Japrice, she loves it!

After school we became Princess Gabi again .....

Hailee was getting her clothes out for school last night when Gabi went and got her and brought her to the kitchen. She put Hailee at the table and showed her the wait one minute finger (not to be confused with the no-no finger shake) -- Gabi then brought out some hair things that she felt would go well with Hailee's outfit for school ....... too cute!!!!

Speaking of Hailee -- she's doing so well with all the changes in her life. She's managed to keep her grades up despite being gone for two weeks and having an incredibly busy schedule since coming back from Bulgaria. She's doing a great job on the basketball team -- they had their second win on Tuesday. Tonight is one of her craziest nights -- she has basketball practice until 5:15 -- gets picked up, eats a quick sandwich in the car before being dropped off at 5:30 for an hour and a half confirmation class. By the time she gets home and finishes her homework it's time for bed. PLUS she has been a great big sister ..... we're so proud of her!!!

Lots of other new things to share but will post them later ....

Enjoy the video below .... it's the answer to the question about how Codee and Gabi are getting along ......