180 Days and Counting 'till Forever

Special Delivery...Our shy Nina a few days after we arrived in Ohio

Today marks the six month anniversary of Nina’s homecoming. How strange that it feels like she just got here and at the same time like she’s always been here. Dart, the Boys and I are still pretty ga-ga over her, none of our initial excitement diminished. While you might expect that of parents I think it is pretty awesome that Nina’s brothers still treat her like a new toy. She is without a doubt the shining star in our family.

Our confident daughter, 4th of July weekend on the boat

So in 180 days here are just a few of the highlights and accomplishments of our dear daughter...

Nina is tiny, not yet even on the growth charts, but she is growing. Since coming home she has grown from just under 30 inches to 33.5 inches and her weight is up from 20.5 to a whopping 23.5 pounds. She came home wearing size 9-12 month clothes and now almost fits into size 18 months (except sometimes her pants suddenly fall down to her ankles). Ok so she won’t likely play hockey or football, that’s OK by me.

Let’s talk hair. 6 months ago Nina’s hair was sparse and brittle, as much scalp as curl, a result of poor nutrition I am sure. Today, when I ask Nina how many curls she has she says “ tooooooo many”. It is true; her little head is surrounded by a halo of springy corkers. When it’s wet her hair stretches past her shoulders and now we can actually make pig tails and clip in barrettes and bows. Perhaps by the one year mark we will actually consider a haircut. Perhaps.

Nina’s favorite foods are; eggs, peanut butter, pickles, cereal (mostly frosted mini wheat’s and lucky charms), french fries, ketchup, pizza, carrots and freeze pops. If she weren’t two, I would swear she is pregnant.




She talks-a lot. As much as any two and a half year old is supposed to talk. My favorite Nina sayings are;
o “Hi Nina”-her greeting to everyone…hey that’s how people greet her.
o “mommy’s bed”-that means mommy I am tired, let’s go cuddle on your bed.
o “no”, “don’t do that”, “go away”-a slew of normal, surly 2 year old stuff J
o “Teemu”-that’s the dogs name and she yells for him anytime a crumb of food is dropped
o “I’ll be right back…stay right there”-with a raised finger of authority.
o “Where’s Nina’s make up? I need makeup”-well of course she does.
o “Daddy more tickles”-remember when she was afraid of him?
o “Please”, “thank you”, “bless you”, “sorry”-she is very polite.


Nina’s favorite color is orange and sometimes yellow. She can name; purple, blue, black, yellow, orange, green, red. She will dig for 10 minutes in the bag of lollipops to find an orange one.

She is potty trained.



She taught herself to swim. She now swims both under water and does a heck of a dog paddle. She slides head first into the pool and jumps off the back of the boat.



Nina had her first trip to the ER


Nina took gymnastics lessons and won her first medal.

Aside from her trip from central Asia to Ohio, Nina has been to; Orlando FL, San Antonio TX, and Nashville TN.

She went to Disney and met her first princess.

She had her first birthday cake and party. She also attended a birthday party. Also she was the guest of honor at her own welcome home party. She’s basically a party girl.

Nina celebrated Easter. She colored eggs and participated in her first easter egg hunt. She wore her first frilly Easter dress.



She has had first car, plane, bike, boat, bicycle and stroller rides.



Nina loves Barney and Kids Bop. She loves to sing; Itsy Bitsy Spider, Hokey Pokey, Row Your Boat, Happy Birthday and sadly anything by Pink or the Spice Girls.