some things to know about dani. never forget something to do for her when out and about and don't forget to pack a snack, OR TWO, with water. she is calming down a bit on having to be like everyone else and carry a backpack or bag. her's of course, is the biggest and heaviest of all. packed with color crayons, paper, extra clothes, and NUMEROUS books, anything she can get her hands on. i had to finally say no to some of the books that she was carrying around that were from the bookcase, various books about different therapies, braingym, massage and such, just because of wear and tear.
her favorite book of mine has become "happiness is a choice" by barry neil kaufman, from john's son-rise program days. she likes to "READ". today i decided to buy her an old "dick and jane and spot" book. it's hardbound, looks official, and is a beginner reader. for those of you that might have been raised in the 70's, you would probably remember learning to read with the dick and jane books. i will admit, i do.
thank god for crayons, and more crayons. they were our saving grace in china, and continue to be a tremendous asset. i think between all of us and our joint art sessions with dani, we have filled five pads of paper since china. each creation tends to be a shared project, as if whatever is being drawn catches our dani's eye, she is sure to add something special to it. coloring with crayola's has been a welcome respite from sliding down the slide for the 50th time, and climbing the monkey bars at age 42, though i am proud to say i'm hanging in there. crayons also have created a quiet space, and a time to bond with dani, and a great way to model new language.
an extra thought. dani sure likes to point out mcdonalds, i don't know if this was somewhere she was able to go when she lived in china with her foster family, i know we haven't been there with her, except twice in china. or maybe this is another red thread that only i would understand and get a chuckle out of...........
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