Gabi's First Week at Home!

Thought I'd share a few photos (possibly more like a book, bear with me) of our first week with Gabriela. She has definitely carved her place in each one of our hearts . She is an amazing little girl -- her eyes sparkle and her smile is contagiuos -- she finds such joy in life and has charmed her way into many hearts this past week.

One can only imagine what is going through Gabriela's mind -- there have been so many new experiences and changes in her life. She has a smile and a "Hallow" for everyone she meets. Ask her how she is and her answer is "Fine, tank (no typo here) you." We've also heard the word "oiy" (spelling????) A LOT - thinking it's the equivalent of WOW!

On Friday we visited her fourth grade classroom. We toured the school, Gabriela loved the library -- it got an "oiy." The teacher was very prepared for Gabriela - things around the room were labeled in English and Bulgarian. He had Gabi say the word in Bulgarian, the class repeated what she said and then the class told her the English word. It was a good visit -- hope she'll be ready because she's scheduled to start on the 28th. During our school visit Lisa went to pick up Jonathan, Amanda and Hayden from the airport -- they were waiting when we got home.
Hayden was shy at first but quickly warmed up to Gabriela and soon they were working on "pe-sees" (as Hayden calls them) -- better known as puzzles; which, by the way, Hayden does amazingly well with. See all those pieces on the floor? He can put them in their proper spot so fast -- he's only 21 months old! It's incredible!!

And what was the first thing Jonathan did ..... he found the nerf guns and started an all-out war with Gabriela .... they had so much fun. It didn't take Gabi long to figure out how to load and aim ......

Nick, Ruchell and Brooklyn stopped over for a visit -- they brought Gabriela a princess set -- she was so excited. After she opened it she showed it to me and was sure to tell me that "Gabi princessa" -- here she is with Jack who's modeling the hat we brought back for him.

Saturday morning everyone was working on puzzles when Codee snuck up to join in the fun. Gabriela moved back but there was no screaming .... a little bit of success.

Minnie Mouse is almost as big as Gabi and has now taken up residence on her bed. The first of many stuffed animals I'm sure -- thanks Al & Elaine!!!

The weather was fairly nice so we headed to the lake .... we found out that Gabriela loves the water and seems to know how to swim. It was a bit chilly so she didn't stay in too long. Thanks Gin & Bob for the great dinner and bonfire!

On Sunday Gabriela met a lot of new people and she handled it beautifully -- here's a few pictures of the party ..... Gabi was truly the princessa of the day ......
She enjoyed reading in Bulgarian and having someone read the same verse back to her in English.

Teaching Linda some of her dance moves ......

All of us together ......

Singing to Hayden .... in Bulgarian of course!

Thank you to all who came to the Open House -- we had a wonderful time!

We headed to a Brewer Game -- they lost, but we had a great time. The only time Gabi seemed unsure was when we were waiting in a food line, she stayed close and wouldn't let go of our hands. She wasn't very fond of the fireworks that went off when there was a homerun but other than that she did fine!

Hayden must have needed a little lip gloss .....

The stadium got a very big "oiy!!!!"

What girl goes to a Brewer game without her purse and compact for those quick touch-ups????

Please notice that the shirt she has on is not pink, sparkly or frilly .... it's a Brewer t-shirt that she was not exactly happy to put on. Wish I had gotten a picture of the face that she made when she looked at herself in the mirror .......... Gabriela has also experienced Kopps ..... loved the waterfall as much as Hayden did. We introduced her to throwing a penny in and making a wish ......

Cheeseburgers ..... yum .......

Spent a couple hours visiting the grandparents .....

Check it out -- yes, she is actually touching Codee and smiling. Gabriela has a new best friend and so does Codee -- who wouldn't love someone who gives you a treat just because you came when she called you?????

Out to eat is a lot of fun -- she's always willing to try something new and has started to give us a thumbs up or thumbs down depending on whether she likes it or not -- so cute!!!

There's also a trampoline next door that Hailee's been working with Gabriela on. She's still nervous about jumping on it but she loves to sit and have others jump around her .....

Her new favorite toy ..... Barbies!!! Even Hayden was willing to join in.

As for riding bikes -- well, she tried it once and hasn't been willing to get back on again. Hopefully by next summer she'll feel better about it -- she should be a little taller then too, which might help because the bike is a little too big for her.

On Tuesday Hailee played her first basketball game at school. She did great! We wondered what Gabriela would do .... she cheered for her sister every time she was on the floor ... when Hailee made a basket Gabi was the loudest among us. When Hailee wasn't in the game Gabi's eyes were on the cheerleaders! Guessing that we might have a future pom girl or cheerleader -- when we asked about Gabi cheering the answer was "yes, yes."

Took a few videos ......

And last, but not least here's the fashion show ....... she was a very willing participant. Some things we have fit; others not so much --- some got a thumbs up; others a thumbs down. She definitely knows what she likes. Dresses, skirts and anything with sparkles and lace are definitely a "yes" -- brown, blacks, plain pants and a lot of patterns got a "no." Here's just a few .....

Much too big ----- but she loved it .... it's velvet and almost to the floor. Unfortunately it's been packed away.
Again, she loved it -- I'm not so sure .....
Yes ......
Definitely a yes -- it had a scarf which she loved.
Again the scarf .... she loves it.
That's about it for now ......... will try to post every couple days to let you know how she's adjusting .....

Have to tell you -- tonight she talked with Hayden and told him "I love you," she also told Lisa the same thing -- Jack and I haven't been lucky enough to hear it yet, can't wait until we do.

Cute story -- When we were at the store today she kept picking things up and calling; eventually I just said "Gabi's done" -- I still had a few things on my list so I kept shopping -- a few minutes later she said "Gabi done, Mama done" .... she was laughing when she said it. A girl with a sense of humor ..... gotta love it!!!

Jack was running through everyone's first, middle and last name tonight .... he got to her and said Gabriela Lynn Ollmann .... her response? "No, Gabi Lynn Ollmann - no Gabriela." Guess we like Gabi better than Gabriela. She's really catching on quickly .....