Kaia's Quest
Wednesday, November 19, 2003
A*
POST PLACEMENT ADOPTION REPORT NUMBER: 4
DATE WRITTEN: 11/02/2003, for OCTOBER, 2003
SOCIAL WORKER: RL
FAMILY NAME: STAPLES
CHILD’S NAME: KAIA JADE STAPLES
CHILD’S ORIGINAL NAME: FU LI QIAN
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: CHINA
CHILD’S BIRTHDATE: 26 July 2002
PLACEMENT DATE: 28 May 2003
Health:
Kaia had her 15-month checkup on October 29th (well-visit). In the past three months, she has gained 2 pounds and 2 ounces, and has grown 1 inch. Her TB test was negative. She received 2 vaccinations, Pneumococcal #2 and HIB #2. Pediatrician is very pleased with her progress. Although both of her brothers were extremely ill with strep throat and mononucleosis during the past month, she remained unaffected by their illnesses. Otherwise, remains very healthy with no issues to note. Her 18-month checkup has been scheduled.
Development:
Continues to show good physical balance; now is more actively trying to climb onto the furniture (including using toys as stepstools). Walks on tiptoes occasionally, walks backwards sometimes for amusement. Speaks an additional few word portions appropriately (though generally not the full word), most notably “unry” for “hungry”. While not speaking full words, is showing more vocal communication skills and is trying to form words. Continues to have excellent appetite, maintaining interest in same foods and willing to try almost all foods. Claps spontaneously when she does some activities.
Adjustment:
Daily schedule remains consistent and well-defined, with one nap per day and a consistent bedtime. Still has tendency to waken during the night – generally averages 1 time, for a bottle/diaper change. On occasion awakens VERY early and hungry to the point where she needs to eat for 30 minutes before returning to bed. We have been adding rice cereal to her nighttime bottle to help satisfy her nighttime hunger, but this does not always help.
Personality/Temperament:
Continues to show a strong personality, testing limits of allowed behavior. Is frustrated with being told “no”, sometimes requires multiple redirects. Sometimes whines when denied behaviors (usually when tired). Very sweet, seeks attention from family members quite often, enjoys being held and tickled. Tends to be upset if she wakes up and does not get immediate attention or thinks she is alone. Lately has been showing increased interest in her dolls and stuffed animals in her crib for comfort – this is new behavior, previously she had little interest. Greatly enjoys her bathtime, will go to the tub when she hears the word “bath”. Sometimes she will go to the tub as if asking for a bath and will be upset when she does not get a bath!
PHOTOS ENCLOSED: 6
A*
POST PLACEMENT ADOPTION REPORT NUMBER: 3
DATE WRITTEN: 10/05/2003, for SEPTEMBER, 2003
SOCIAL WORKER: RL
FAMILY NAME: STAPLES
CHILD’S NAME: KAIA JADE STAPLES
CHILD’S ORIGINAL NAME: FU LI QIAN
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: CHINA
CHILD’S BIRTHDATE: 26 July 2002
PLACEMENT DATE: 28 May 2003
Health:
Kaia’s health has been and continues to be excellent. She has had no medical problems. Some teething discomfort with the last tooth, number 8. She is showing signs of the imminent arrival of more teeth. Has had a slight but noticeable height and weight increase. She is scheduled for 15-month pediatric visit on 10/29, will include with next report.
Development:
Walks nearly exclusively, crawling is rare. Can walk very quickly, almost at a running pace, with very good balance and few falls. Climbs onto small tables and sofa but not able to climb down. Showing good progress with communication skills – waves appropriately to various people, says “Hi” often and “Bye” sometimes. Beginning to vocalize some names of family, differentiates pets by their names. Communicates some needs (diaper, drink, food) by gestures, behavior, and vocalization – goes to refrigerator or feeding chair, uses hands to push at diaper when needs changing. Can go to some locations in house on request, other indications of verbal comprehension. Responsive and attentive to others’ conversation, laughs at brothers’ laughter.
Adjustment:
Adjusted well to some family changes (brothers in school daily, new kitten). Daily schedule remains consistent and well-defined, with one nap per day and a consistent bedtime. Has shown more tendency to waken multiple times during the night – some due to teething, but consistently wakes for at least 1 bottle of milk and 1 diaper change during night, sometimes more; returns to sleep quickly once these are met.
Personality/Temperament:
Kaia is developing an assertive demeanor, actively seeking out objects and people. Showed possessiveness of her toys by pointedly taking them away when another baby was nearby playing with them. Understands when told “no” but shows frustration when prevented from activities; sometimes needs to be physically redirected. Occasionally will respond to commands with smiling and toddling away…All of these behaviors are within age-appropriate norms. Still very personable and bright, likes to smile, likes attention. Comfortable with extended family and friends. Beginning to show interest in music; she noticeably will stop activities and pay attention to a musical interruption such as a TV commercial or toy. Very intrigued and interested by the family’s new pet kitten.
PHOTOS ENCLOSED: 3
A*
POST PLACEMENT ADOPTION REPORT NUMBER: 2
DATE WRITTEN: 09/02/2003, for AUGUST, 2003
SOCIAL WORKER: RL
FAMILY NAME: STAPLES
CHILD’S NAME: KAIA JADE STAPLES
CHILD’S ORIGINAL NAME: FU LI QIAN
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: CHINA
CHILD’S BIRTHDATE: 26 July 2002
PLACEMENT DATE: 28 May 2003
Health:
Kaia’s health has been and continues to be excellent. She has been to the pediatrician for 3 routine examinations, including a “1-year” exam with blood tests, and all results have been normal. She has had several vaccinations appropriate to her age group. She now has 7 teeth with an 8th coming soon. Does not appear to have any allergies to food, pets, or plants. She has grown somewhat less than an inch but has gained 3-4 pounds. She has switched from infant formula to whole milk without problems. She continues to have a good appetite for table food, and eats nearly all foods given, but shows preference for vegetable soup and noodles.
Development:
Kaia has been walking consistently for just over a month – she began taking steps around her birthday and has made rapid development in her balance and walking speed. She can climb up stairs by crawling, but not down. She has made noticeable progress in her understanding of speech, demonstrating that she understands words like bottle, banana, bath, toys, cookie, and diaper; she also responds appropriately to hearing the names of family and pets, looking in the direction of the name or item mentioned. She is very verbal, chattering multi-syllable words and sentences in regular patterns. She also regularly repeats certain words/sounds, like “Hi, da” when Dad returns home and “num” when presented with food. Plays with toys independently and with family.
Adjustment:
Kaia’s adjustment to living here continues to be smooth and uneventful. Her routines for eating and sleeping are well-established. She has been exploring the house with great enthusiasm now that she walks, and plays with a variety of age-appropriate toys, including shape sorters, baby Legos, and a play telephone. She remains extremely fascinated with television and demonstrates interest when music is played. She continues to play and interact with her parents, brothers and pets ecstatically. She has begun to demonstrate some reluctance to be held by people other than Mom and Dad, but is otherwise comfortable around family and friends, though somewhat less verbal. Continues to be intrigued and well-behaved when away from home on trips to store or family outings.
Personality/Temperament:
“Smiley girl” remains an apt description – her mood is generally animated and happy, with a wide smile on her face. She is curious and seeks to touch/interact with everything around her. She has become more insistent in many ways, whether expressing hunger or fatigue or trying to play with certain objects. Strong-willed; gets frustrated when she is told no, prevented from reaching objects or moved away from unsafe activities. She occasionally will become upset when she feels left alone, such as in her room at night – at this point she still sleeps with a light on. Very affectionate, likes to be held and touched; also goes to family members to snuggle with and touch them. Laughs when tickled. Thoroughly enjoys baths with no fear or water.
PHOTOS ENCLOSED: 6
OK, a month or two... but following are the reports from Aug-Sep-Oct.
