One Year Update with Karine (Antonia), Adoption 30 to Canada

Dear Amanda,

It is so hard to believe that one year has already gone by with Karine(Antonia)!  What an amazing year it has been!   Since our last update, Karine continues to amaze us.  The girl loves to talk!  There is not a dull moment in this house with her.  :-)  She's now speaking in 3-5 words sentences.  She's having some difficulty with articulation but the speech pathologist is encouraged with the progress she's been making.  So are we!  She has grown 10 cm (4in) this past year and her hair has grown out enough that we can tie it back.  She knows all the letters of the alphabet and recognizes quite a few numbers.  She's now recognizing her colours.  Her favourite colour is red.  I think it might have something to do with Elmo.  ;-)  She continues to enjoy going to a play group once a week and gymnastics too.

We had a wonderful Christmas.  Karine enjoyed the Christmas decorations and of course opening presents on Christmas morning.  I know you don't get much snow in Xi'an but she looked like a pro this winter shovelling the snow with her little shovel and making snow forts with her brothers.  Karine was really looking forward to the Easter Bunny.  As you know, she has quite the sweet tooth! ;-)  She kept reminding us that the Easter Bunny would be bringing her chocolate.  She had a lot of fun with the Easter Egg Hunt.  This spring, we went to the sugar bush which was a lot of fun.  The kids really enjoyed tasting the maple taffy on snow.

Now that the beautiful weather is here, Karine has been enjoying being more outdoors.  Especially jumping on her trampoline and riding her bicycle.  She is still in love with Elmo and has a special seat behind her bicycle for him.  We always have to make sure that Elmo is strapped in his little seat.  It's so cute to see her looking back to make sure he's still sitting behind her.  We've enrolled her in swimming lessons and so far she loves it!  I'm not surprised as the first time she went in the pool she was like a little fish.   I hope everything is well with you and everyone at Starfish.  I know that you have been very busy with the recent baby surgeries.  They are very lucky to have you, Amanda, as we know what your love and care can bring to a child.  Karine would not have been so well adjusted and happy if she had not been with you.  We will be forever grateful!   God Bless,   Nicole