More frustrations

We were hoping for a reasonably clean bill of health from our doctors who assessed Yana.

We didn't get that.

The doctor said that, after looking at her medical info, she has slightly above average risk to suffer from some symptoms associated with fetal alcohol syndrome, given the history of her mom's alcohol problems, and her low brith weight.

On the plus side, he cited her significant improvement in her growth (height, weight, head circumference are all good now), and her motor skills have vastly improved since she arrived at the baby home in Nov. 2005. he speech is still delayed, but we can't really tell whether we should be real concerned about that yet. And of course, she does not have any of the facial features of severe FAS.

We wanted a report that she was below average risk, similar to that which we received about Zukhran and Ruslan. But in Ruslan's case -- the best type of case -- he was given up at birth due to finances. We had no history n Zukhran because she was a foundling.

So this is the first referral with confirmed alcohol issues int he household. And thus, the less than great assessment.

We just drove from Auburn NY to Detroit. We're tired so we'll sleep on this news, and think more about it tomorrow.