Etta is an engaging 2-year-old who is making strides in her physical development. She is practicing sitting on the floor with her legs spread while pressing both hands on the floor. Etta can hold herself in this position for a few seconds, and with continued practice, she is building her strength. She is also working on grasping objects with both hands to improve her motor skills.
With thick cardboard placed behind the positioning chair, Etta’s head is less likely to tilt backward, allowing her to focus better on moving or touching objects in front of her.
Her caregiver helps Etta sit on a soft cushion by crossing her legs and supporting her hands to prop herself up. She can maintain a sitting posture for 5-8 seconds on her own (keeping her arms straight for about 1-2 seconds before they bend and lifting her head for 1-2 seconds). When supported by an adult holding her torso, Etta can stand with her lower limbs supporting her for about 30 seconds. Her caregivers encourage her to stand longer to build her confidence and strength.
Etta is attentive and responds to her name when called, especially by a caregiver within one meter. She occasionally responds when her name is called from farther away and seems to recognize only familiar voices. Etta enjoys interacting with her caregiver. When the caregiver uses a doll to touch her hand and talks to her gently, Etta laughs with delight! When asked, “Do you want…?” or “Is it good to…?” Etta often responds with a loud smile and sounds as if she is saying “yes.” Recently, her expressions of happiness and anger have become louder and more forceful.
Etta is responsive to visual and auditory stimuli. When shown an image accompanied by sound—such as a tiger—Etta props herself up with her hands and raises her head to watch. She especially enjoys the sounds of animals like kittens, puppies, and birds, which bring her happiness.
During language class, Etta listens to animal sounds. She shows stronger reactions to dogs and cats, often vocalizing as if mimicking their sounds. She also watches videos of cars and marine animals, staying focused and attentive to bird sounds. Once, a bird outside the window made a sound, and Etta appeared to recognize its similarity to the bird in the video.
Her therapists use images of balls and cars to help Etta practice tracking objects with her eyes. A single photo or video paired with dark surroundings helps her focus better. Materials like rhythmic YOYO videos, stories, and commercials capture her attention and encourage her response to light and motion.
Etta is developing her eating skills. Her caregivers have started seasoning her rice porridge with salt, olive oil, or soy sauce to enhance the flavor. Her porridge intake has increased, and she can eat half a bowl.
Etta is a resilient little girl with a bright spirit. With the care and support of those around her, she makes progress day by day. Would you be Etta’s permanent family?
To learn more about CCAI’s Taiwan Adoption Program, including eligibility requirements, please visit our Taiwan page. To see additional photos of Etta, visit our Waiting Child Page.
