Dasha started kindergarten with Grant in January of 2006. Wow! Thank goodness for teachers with patience! On Dasha's first day, she was still "toe-walking" and needed constant supervision when moving around. She also didn't' know any English but refused to speak to anyone in Russian now that she was "American." Talk about one determined little girl! Anyway, she worked on learning the language and functioning in a classroom environment. We were completely surprised at how different her "institutional" life had been than her life here where she had choices and her own stuff! She'd never been in a classroom environment before and things that we take for granted like staying in the classroom, had to be taught and re-taught! Her teacher and full-time para pro helped her navigate this new culture and life style!In March of 2006, Dasha had surgery to lengthen her tendons. Although the surgery was out patient, it was life-changing for Dasha. She'd never been able to walk on flat feet before and balanced on her tippy toes. After the surgery, she could walk flat footed. (She could also run, jump, and do 
the same things other eight year olds did). After the casts came off, physical therapy would be a weekly part of our new routine. If having a child who didn't speak English and had two leg casts wasn't enough, Grant took a tumble off of his four wheeler and broke his arm. Can you imagine the ugly looks I got when I was seen with one kid with two leg casts and one with a cast on his arm. Argh! As the casts came off and we began PT, it was obvious that Dasha's "problems" were much bigger than simply lengthening her tendons. After many tests which were quite inconclusive and much evidence, she was finally diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. Keeping her muscles stretched out will be a life-time commitment but this is sure not impacting Dasha's intellectual functioning!!!
the same things other eight year olds did). After the casts came off, physical therapy would be a weekly part of our new routine. If having a child who didn't speak English and had two leg casts wasn't enough, Grant took a tumble off of his four wheeler and broke his arm. Can you imagine the ugly looks I got when I was seen with one kid with two leg casts and one with a cast on his arm. Argh! As the casts came off and we began PT, it was obvious that Dasha's "problems" were much bigger than simply lengthening her tendons. After many tests which were quite inconclusive and much evidence, she was finally diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. Keeping her muscles stretched out will be a life-time commitment but this is sure not impacting Dasha's intellectual functioning!!!Time has passed and we are still battling Dasha's muscles. When she has growth spurts, she hunches over like an old lady but we have an awesome physical therapist who helps keep Dasha is "alignment" and is constantly reminding us that CP muscle issues are like roller coasters!
While Dasha's physical metamorphosis is quite obvious, we're still working to fill in all of the 
voids left by institutional life. Things such as maintaining personal space, acting "appropriately" in public, and understanding the need to work hard at school are all goals that are going to take some extra time to instill. Everyday is NOT a walk in the park. However, Eric and I can both look back to an exact moment in time when we knew that Dasha was to be part of our family. We will continue to follow God's direction and share His love with Dasha. As I said, it's not always easy but when you are on the right path, it makes those frustrating moments easier to endure.
voids left by institutional life. Things such as maintaining personal space, acting "appropriately" in public, and understanding the need to work hard at school are all goals that are going to take some extra time to instill. Everyday is NOT a walk in the park. However, Eric and I can both look back to an exact moment in time when we knew that Dasha was to be part of our family. We will continue to follow God's direction and share His love with Dasha. As I said, it's not always easy but when you are on the right path, it makes those frustrating moments easier to endure.
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