Update

As I watch Sidney dancing in front of the cartoon Super Y on public television, she continues to embrace the new world around her. Imagine our shocked surprise when she began easily climbing the stairs. Our stairs are suicidal. Shock registered on my face Saturday night as I witnessed Sidney scaling the stairs, looking at me like, “what’s your problem?”

We have ventured outside the house to grandparents and met aunts and uncles, as well as a great uncle and great grandmother. Sidney was especially fond of following Grandpa Bob around the house. This is great, considering her exposure to men is limited. We thought cake and ice cream might be a hit when celebrating my grandma's 91st birthday but did not know to what extent. She loved it.

We will find out more about her caretakers when I develop film this week. I sent a care package to Sidney prior to travel. Included in the care package was a disposable camera. Some parents receive the camera completely empty or do not receive it at all. Obviously, the point of the camera is for a child’s caretakers to photograph the child’s daily routine, friends, and to give adoptive parents some clue about the adopted child’s prior life. We received the camera from the orphanage completely filled.

We continue to battle giardia. We were to complete the first round of antibiotics, get another stool sample, turn it in at Covenant’s lab in Waterloo, and wait for the results. I reminded the nurse that it takes at least 5 days for all of this to transpire. We are certain the parasite has allowed her to gain about 2 pounds since she was 8 months, half of her life. I also reminded her giardia is difficult to get rid of. I was prompted when Sidney finished the last round and began itching again. Unchecked giardia causes hives and a rash. The pediatrician immediately prescribed another round of antibiotics. We will turn in another sample after this round and pray the parasite has cleared.

Next week marks the start of 2nd grade for Eli. We are finishing up last minute shopping. Eli is anxious to see friends after the summer but not thrilled about the prospect of being confined to a classroom again. His spirits perked up substantially when acquiring a new Marvel Comics folder, as well as one with Sasquatch.