Two weeks of "firsts"

Monika left orphan life exactly 2 weeks ago today. Every day is new and exciting and sometimes a bit scary.  She changed tremendously from the time I saw her in December 2012 to our pick up date of June 28, 2013.  In the "baby house" her communication was limited due in part to being with all younger kids.  Her conversational language has exploded.  She has no problem saying what she wants/ needs/ likes/ dislikes......the bigger problem is mama understanding what she is saying.  She is a pretty happy kid and will try anything once.

On pick up day, she had a new experience of leaving behind the familiar orphanage surroundings and people and going into the unknown.  It was very scary for her and she clung to me for comfort.  She also saw pigeons on the sidewalks and was pretty freaked out that they would come after her.  She is so brave.  It really just took some calm talking a hugs to get her past these new experiences.  She really can be quite a little character, laughing at herself as well as anyone or anything else she finds amusing.
In restaurants in Bulgaria she talked confidently with waiters in Bulgarian and they all laughed at the things she would divulge to them.  We had no way of knowing if this was a good or bad thing. but we were happy that she was happy.  In the orphanage, she was still taking a nap every afternoon.  Since I was sharing a bed with her in the apartment, I would lay down with her and she would reach over and hold my hand and put her forehead against mine to fall asleep each time.  She slept really well.  Now that we are back in America we are trying to find out what works for us here.  She is having a harder time sleeping and staying asleep in this new environment.

It was obvious in Bulgaria that she had a pretty strong fear of all animals.  In my house there are 2 dogs, a cat and a parrot.  That was a pretty much what we had to concentrate on the first couple of days.  Since my service dog is by my side 24/7, she had to adjust.  She has come a long way and will pet him without prompting now.  However, she is very upset if her touches her with his nose or licks her.  They are both learning to adjust.  Rex is great and is going at her pace.

First trip to mall in Bulgaria there was the mechanical car that kids sit in and the car moves when you put in a coin.  She sat in the car and loved it, but them when we put the coin in, her first reaction was panic, then once she realized it was not going to take her anywhere, she laughed hysterically.  It was so much fun to her!

Many new foods to try.  She is a wonderful eater, preferring veggies, legumes & salad over most other foods.  She loves Shopska salad (cucumbers, onion and tomatoes), not crazy about bread but will eat it.  She refused olives, fruit smoothy and choc cake after first trying them.  She fits right in here at our little farm as she will eat everything we grow.

Favorite time of day is definitely eating followed by taking a shower.  She asks every day if she will be able to take a shower today......this cracks me up!

She is SOOOOO affectionate.  Hugging and kissing me all day long.  Smiling at me constantly.  She does show affection to others also, but does seem to have some boundaries in the levels of affection she shows to others.  She fell in love with Grandma at first sight and is very comfortable around her and grandpa.

She is a home body.  I have only taken her out a few times.....to Dr Office, to Grandma's house, to pick up my meds, and SS office.  She definitely is nervous and overstimulated going out.  So for now, we are trying to keep things simple, until she is used to her environment.

Well,she is kissing me and wanting attention now, so guess that is it for this writing.

Near our apartment in a restaurant with traditional Bulgarian food and dancers.

In the apartment trying on glow in the dark glasses.

In the apartment wearing another outfit from her big sister.

On the plane (before the big freak out moment when the engines came on)

Charlotte NC, a new American Citizen on July 4th, 2013 !!