Sashie

Sasha @ Utah Arts Fest 2011

Sasha with Papa's shades

Disco Sash

Mama and Sasha @ Silver Lake

Sasha @ Silver Lake

Sasha next to her Sun she drew.

Sasha is opening herself up to us, and it has been very lively these past weeks.  She continues to be progressing in the English language, expressing needs, and understands mostly what she communicates. Last week,  Scott and I had a "Parent Chat" with her Pre-school teacher. We were excited to be told that our child is right on track with any other four year old, and excels in drawing.  It is still pretty hectic as a new parent to understand what is normal behavior for her age, and how we can help redirect a random meltdown in a positive way-still working on that one.
Sasha is enjoying the summer with new activities that has been offered to her.   Sasha likes bubbles, sidewalk chalk, hours playing in the park, the Lehi Swimming pool(Still testing the waters, but with the establishment's complimentary life vest and  safely in someone's hands she feels willing to try it out), walks with her baby-in-stroller and Dogs, riding other people's tricycles, and spending a lot of  one on one time playing board games, learning games, reading, and art.
Yesterday,  I took the day off from the Salon and took Sasha up to Silver Lake @ Brighton Ski Resort. This was my first attempt to introduce trail hiking to her. It is pretty safe for a kid, but like other lakes and Rivers in Utah, the water is overflowing. There has been a few deaths because of the rapid, raising-rivers(Currently trying to avoid all situations that has to do with rapid rivers. She is curious, but Scott and I have been teaching her that the rivers are dangerous right now). Anyhoo, lets get back to Silver Lake. Sasha enjoyed every lit bit about this. There is a board walk that encircles a lake, and some preserved land for wild-life.  We stopped and looked into the water to look for fishies, climbed over some un-melted snow, and walked through muddles. The best part of this is that I think Sasha is learning how to problem solve, and know that we can work together to move mountains.
As a parent I am learning that first thing is first with Sasha is how she works.  Sasha is very curious, stubborn, needs challenges(Does not like to be left alone for long periods of time), and enjoys very much one on one time together. Even if we are not doing something together, she likes to stay next to Scott and I and engage in her current activity. Thinking we might have conquered a situation or two, the rug gets pulled underneath us quite a bit.  As you can tell we have learned a little :) It has almost been 4 mths, and a wonderful transition into our new life as a family.

Thought Reflection

Papa and Sasha @ Hogle Zoo

Sasha's hair static :) "I am Electric " :)

Watch out World for this new Diva

Sasha having fun on Aunt Johnnie's Horse

Sasha loves to draw! This is a portrait of herself

     I go through these cycles where there is a lot to talk about, and certainly there is always.  Sometimes I cannot write because of the novelty of being a new mom.   I feel it is important to keep going forward with blogging events as they arrive.  Today I would like to share what mommy hood has contributed to my "New"life.

     Before the adoption I didn't realize how much my life would change i.e. having a 4 year old entering your life with no preparedness( Now I didn't really expect our Love and Logic class, and books set us for life).  I am almost 35 years old, and we never expected to have any children-so hey why worry? I went from working 58+ hours with 2 jobs and independent financial freedom, to working only weekends as a Hairstylist with instantly being dependent on my husband.  I am now a full time mommy. That was a HUGE change.  I gave up crossfit(Temporarily, and yes I will be back), morning  single shot latte's, freedom to travel, nights out with our friends..well I guess less nights out now..my appearance..you name it, it has changed.  This hasn't impacted me negatively though. In the last 3 months, I have gained so much.  First, Scott and I have grown closer as a couple experiencing many unique adventures. The trip to Ukraine was big for us, and I think both of us would consider doing it again in a heart beat. Realize that there are lots of children there that need loving families, and let me tell you-they have BIG hearts-just sayin' :) Secondly,  Here we have this beautiful little girl before us. I have to ask myself on a daily basis, "What are we going to learn today".  Someone told me recently that a Zen master told her that children are our best teachers.  Mine is enlightening me one new virture every moment of the day.  I cannot be to hard on myself knowing that parenthood hasn't even granted me three months yet. Alexandra "Sasha" brings light into any life she is introduced to.  

     Ultimately, we favor each day that is spent with Sasha.  Maybe even the tantrums, the testing, the occasional despotic-"What do you expect from the only child?" my husband claims. Does that make him an enabler? :) The good outweighs the bad, and something that I have to tell myself while taking a time-out is time and patience.

I am horrible at updating our blog. So much has happened! Sasha started Summer preschool May 17th, and looks forward to going.  In just the few weeks she has gone Scott and I have noticed a huge improvement in her English skills.   Some of her recent phrases have been, "OH my GOSH!"(Imagine that being said like she has seen some miracle happen, and every time), and, "Sasha got it".   She is so independent, and stubborn that sometimes I have to step back, and watch her do her thing without prompting anything.  She has been accepting more American food in her diet. One of the cutest phrases ever is said when she really likes a food that has been introduced to her, "OOO(ew) DAT GOOD!!!" The teachers at preschool have been good communicating what foods she has ate at school, and has liked a lot that has been offered to her, other than the regular stand-bys of Mac & Cheese.

Scott and I recently went to a U2 concert last week. "Glammy"(Scott's Mom)tended Sasha while we went.  Glammy introduced Sasha to sidewalk chalk. Sasha and Glammy drew pics of our family, some cats, and traced bodies and feet. Glammy told me the next day that when Sasha and her were drawing the family that Sasha felt it was important that each family member hold hands.  Awe! on a daily basis Sasha melts our hearts with so much love she has to give. She is really our angel. It is hard to believe that it has only been a little over 2 months that Sasha has been with us. It makes me tear up all the time how far she has came, and what to expect in the future. Every day she brings more into our life, and into our family.

 Easter day was an eventful one for the Wood family.  Sasha was ectsatic to wake up to a basket of goodies in the morning.   We all had a great time spending the day with both of our families.  The highlight for Sasha was the easter egg hunt that grammy, and Scott put together.  Above, is some combined pics that Jeff(Scott's Brother)took for the occasion.

On another note, Sasha is planning to start Summer preschool May 17th.  She has shown us on numerous occasions that she is ready for this.  This week we had her involved with a tour of the preschool. Sasha had no qualms about making herself comfortable.  I also caught a glimpse of her helping another child getting the tools necessary to play together.  Sasha is very nurturing, and insightful of what is going on around her.  Her English speaking improves everyday, and she gets a little braver to learn more. Scott and I feel this is going to be a positive move for her, and help her English flourish in natural settings.

The adjustment process is still a bit of a roller-coaster, but progresses on a daily basis as we are all getting to know each other.  Sasha seems to be having a bout of night terrors, but it is sporadic.  She also is testing the boundaries like a normal four year old :) I have to keep on telling myself, "Time and Patience" also, "Be proactive, and not reactive."

I must go now..I have to wake Sash from her afternoon nap.

April Showers

Thanks to everyone who attended Sashas belated birthday and Shower. I have been so amazed as I have watched our little girl blossom in all of the changes she has been faced with. She is a very keen observer and has often suprised me by copying some of my daily routine. One of our activities is pachestie zoobie (brush teeth) we both stand at the sink and we tease eachother. She will tap me on my shoulder and show me how to brush her front teeth something I started the first time we brushed together. She loves to play in the in the water, bath, sink, or teeth anything with a faucet is better than any toy.
Glammy bought her a weeble wobble tree house she loves to play with and a tea kettle that sounds like a hockey game. She also has a number of spring and summer outfits including a swimsuit which I am sure she will make good use of. She also found a bag of gummy bears and made good use out of well over half the bag. Watching her light up on Sunday was very special even in the small time she has been has rekindled how much happiness the simpler things in life can bring you if you just let them.

It has been a humbling experience as a  new parent on all levels.  There is a new found respect for all mothers that I was blinded to before.  Being able to watch my child develop and flourish on a day to day basis is purely magical.  She brings so much life in to our family, and our hearts.  Sasha is adapting better than we thought. Everyday Sasha is eager to learn a little more, and we get to see her little soul gleam when she knows a new task has completed correctly.   In just 2 weeks, she is now smiling at people instead of looking at the ground, saying please independently, love's ABC games, pointing at objects for English definition, establishing a great bond with Papa, and keeping up a new routine.

We had our first, "Play date" with a good friend's daughter Dani, last Friday.  We didn't know what to expect, but Dani took Sasha as she was, and befriended her.  After 3 hours of play, Dani asked if Sasha could spend the night, but we settled on another play date instead.

I have to say one of the best things witnessed is watching Scott as a parent.   When he comes home from a long day at the office and walks through our front door, Sasha is absolutely thrilled to see him. She screams with excitement to welcome Papa home.   It tickles his heart as it does mine, and his child like nature shines and he is ready to take on the world for her.  He loves being a parent. I make sure to ask him daily to see if his response changes. Time to go wake her from her nap. Maybe there will be a trip to "Glammy's" house...

Home

After a long weekend of traveling we are all home and recovering from the jetlag. We met in the France airport and began our trip as a family from there. Sasha is a good traveler after the stress of security and boarding she settled into her seat with a smile. My mom sent me with some toys and drawing paper which kept us occupied. Every so often Sasha would look over and give me a bright smile. After a long flight we arrived in salt lake city at 3pm we had to wait in customs for about an hour while we worked through her citizenship status.

Sasha is adjusting well in her new home she loves her new room and is fascinated with the koshka (cat). She is still a little concerned around the dogs, but has started walking around the house calling for sussie. Bath times are her favorite she loves splashing in the tub and has already started using the big potty. Bed times are a little rough she will still cry, Sam will read her bedtime stories and comfort her.

We still struggle with the language barrier Sasha still has a limited english vocabulary. I have started to learn a little more of her language so we can communicate and teach eachother. Even with the challenges speaking its amazing how much we can say without words.