Happy Birthday Vika!
Our little girl is no longer 5. On Saturday, she turned 6, and really, she couldn't have been prouder. We had a little pool party for her at my brother's house, and she and Eamon had a blast swimming around and playing with "Joe-Monkey" on the slip-n-slide.
In addition to the cake and all her gifts, Vika also received her first official 6-minute time out (she gets one minute per year of age). We've noticed that when Vika gets a lot of individual attention, she generally winds up acting out in negative ways, and her birthday was no exception. She loves being the center of attention and getting so much love and affection, but once the focus goes to someone or something else, she becomes angry. This anger presents itself with harsh words, aggressive behavior, or outright rudeness. I'm not sure if this need to be the main recipient of attention is related to her being a PI kid (post-institutionalized), or is just a part of her personality. I suspect it is a little bit of both, but I don't think we'll ever know for sure.
Other than a few bouts of temper, Vika's birthday went really well. Eamon was a little champ too! He sat calmly, watching her open her gifts, without feeling resentful that none were for him. He was even excited about what she was getting and cheering her on! I was incredibly proud of him, and of Vika, for being grateful for her gifts, and not doing the frown-and-toss-aside thing I've seen other kids her age do.
One gift, for which Vika is especially thankful, is a hot pink, sparkly flapper costume that her older sister, Ali, got for her. In fact, she has been wearing it ever since, and has even asked if she could wear it to school when she starts 1st grade (that would be a "No"). Currently, she's prancing around the house, like some miniature Vaudeville act, with pink sparklies bouncing off the walls wherever she goes. :)
Happy birthday to you Vika, my temperamental little flapper! We love you like crazy, even when you're sitting in a time-out.
In addition to the cake and all her gifts, Vika also received her first official 6-minute time out (she gets one minute per year of age). We've noticed that when Vika gets a lot of individual attention, she generally winds up acting out in negative ways, and her birthday was no exception. She loves being the center of attention and getting so much love and affection, but once the focus goes to someone or something else, she becomes angry. This anger presents itself with harsh words, aggressive behavior, or outright rudeness. I'm not sure if this need to be the main recipient of attention is related to her being a PI kid (post-institutionalized), or is just a part of her personality. I suspect it is a little bit of both, but I don't think we'll ever know for sure.
Other than a few bouts of temper, Vika's birthday went really well. Eamon was a little champ too! He sat calmly, watching her open her gifts, without feeling resentful that none were for him. He was even excited about what she was getting and cheering her on! I was incredibly proud of him, and of Vika, for being grateful for her gifts, and not doing the frown-and-toss-aside thing I've seen other kids her age do.
One gift, for which Vika is especially thankful, is a hot pink, sparkly flapper costume that her older sister, Ali, got for her. In fact, she has been wearing it ever since, and has even asked if she could wear it to school when she starts 1st grade (that would be a "No"). Currently, she's prancing around the house, like some miniature Vaudeville act, with pink sparklies bouncing off the walls wherever she goes. :)Happy birthday to you Vika, my temperamental little flapper! We love you like crazy, even when you're sitting in a time-out.
I hate that they're growing up so fast. But it was a special birthday for a very special little girl - tempermental and all.
Happy Birthday to one fiesty little girl!
Happy birthday dear Vika.
Happy Birthday Vika!
Jenni, she is so beautiful. You are definitely in for it when she is a teenager. Beautiful and feisty. Oh boy.
Happy Birthday to her. She looks adorable in her little flapper outfit.
Happy Happy 6th, Vika!
lovin' the sparkles! well done to both of your kiddos for gracious gifting.
love the pics on the slip and slide. You have another child? (Ali)
MMrussianadoption - Ali is Jeff's daughter from his first marriage, and she's about to turn 18. We don't see her all that often, unfortunately, which is why she hasn't been more "present" on this blog.
So technically, she is my step-daughter and Vika and Eamon's half-sister.
Thanks for all the birthday wishes everyone!
Happy Birthday to Vika and welcome back!
Happy Birthday Vika!
Happy birthday Vika! Love the flapper outfit!
Happy belated birthday Vika!
LOVE the new PINK flapper dress... bright and wild like you Vika!
FYI... the temperament may be more just her than you would ever imagine. I was one of "those" kids too. I'll be praying for you, mommy and daddy!