Another restroom story to tell on poor Liana. We were at church today and Liana asked me to go potty with her. So, knowing how freaked out she gets about new bathrooms, I came into the stall with her. Midstream (sorry, too much info there), the lady in the stall next to us flushes. Freaked Liana out. Up she jumped thinking it was her pot flushing on her. She's gonna have nightmares, I tell you!
(Isn't she going to hate me some day for sharing these potty stories?!)
Sunday, January 30, 2005
Saturday, January 29, 2005
Different Dresses
Well, the day came already. *pouts* Liana and Papa and I were talking about church in the morning, and Liana asked if she could wear a dress that was different than her sister's. *pouts some more* She wasn't supposed to decide that was "uncool" so soon! I want another three years of dressing them alike! I want matching bloomers! Matching hats! Matching ginghams! Matching tights! Hair accessories! Shawls! *sniffs*
We'll just have to see about this. Mama ain't ready to throw in the towel of dressing them the same quite yet. They can dress the way they want for the rest of the week, but shouldn't Mama git ta pick their clothes for Sundays? Sheesh.
We'll just have to see about this. Mama ain't ready to throw in the towel of dressing them the same quite yet. They can dress the way they want for the rest of the week, but shouldn't Mama git ta pick their clothes for Sundays? Sheesh.
Aleksa growing up
Last night while Adam was in the tub and Liana was doing math with John, Aleksa and I decided to go watch Susie the Hamster for a while. I pulled her up and we watched her eat and groom herself, etc. Out of the blue Aleksa said, "Can I touch Susie, Mama?" Well, this was definitely a first for our scared-to-death-of-anything-with-fur little girl. So, I took Susie's cage down off the shelf and put it on the floor. Then I took the top off and let Aleksa put her hand in and play with Susie. I thought maybe she'd still be timid with her and just "poke" touch her, but instead, she pet her and cooed over her and tried to stick sunflower seeds in her mouth, and sorted through Susie's cedar chips looking for lost food, and tickled Susie's belly and back, took out her little house so she couldn't hide from her, and whatever else she could manage to do. Not one drop of fear or hesitation. I was soooooo proud of her! The Aleksa doing that was NOT the same Aleksa we came home with.
Occassionally, I call Susie "Susie Q," but Aleksa calls her "Susie Cute." I love how Aleksa "mis-hears" things. She makes what she says that much more adorable. (Ex: "Talk me in," "Candy-cakes," etc.)
Aleksa also has a fear of being upside-down. John has been trying to work with her on that one, but usually she winds up screaming. Well, last night Liana was in the livingroom trying to figure out how to do a cartwheel. John spotted her and helped her get those feet over her head. Aleksa sat and watched for a few minutes, and then was asking John to help her too. Couldn't believe it. She was all smiles, and with each cartwheel, ran over to me and shouted, "good job, Aleksa!" and gave me hugs. I finally had to open my big mouth and say to John, "Can you believe this is our Aleksa asking to go upside-down?" And then, the very next turn, Aleksa started getting scared again. *sigh* She's come a long way though, and I'm soooo proud of her!
She's grown so much emotionally (not to mention physically - this girl is on a major growth spurt right now!) She was 36 inches when we measured her a few weeks after coming home, and now she is 39 inches. One inch of that was just since the end of December. She came home wearing size 3, and now she's wearing 5's. She has outgrown two of her winter dresses before she's even had a chance to wear them, and she out-eats Papa many nights at suppertime. My baby is growing up!
P.S. Our prayers are with my good pal and Blog-buddy Laurel from TX who is right now on a plane to Kyiv to find her little boy! Can't wait to hear all about her trip!
Occassionally, I call Susie "Susie Q," but Aleksa calls her "Susie Cute." I love how Aleksa "mis-hears" things. She makes what she says that much more adorable. (Ex: "Talk me in," "Candy-cakes," etc.)
Aleksa also has a fear of being upside-down. John has been trying to work with her on that one, but usually she winds up screaming. Well, last night Liana was in the livingroom trying to figure out how to do a cartwheel. John spotted her and helped her get those feet over her head. Aleksa sat and watched for a few minutes, and then was asking John to help her too. Couldn't believe it. She was all smiles, and with each cartwheel, ran over to me and shouted, "good job, Aleksa!" and gave me hugs. I finally had to open my big mouth and say to John, "Can you believe this is our Aleksa asking to go upside-down?" And then, the very next turn, Aleksa started getting scared again. *sigh* She's come a long way though, and I'm soooo proud of her!
She's grown so much emotionally (not to mention physically - this girl is on a major growth spurt right now!) She was 36 inches when we measured her a few weeks after coming home, and now she is 39 inches. One inch of that was just since the end of December. She came home wearing size 3, and now she's wearing 5's. She has outgrown two of her winter dresses before she's even had a chance to wear them, and she out-eats Papa many nights at suppertime. My baby is growing up!
P.S. Our prayers are with my good pal and Blog-buddy Laurel from TX who is right now on a plane to Kyiv to find her little boy! Can't wait to hear all about her trip!
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
Mortified
This afternoon, the kids asked to go play outside hoping that the neighbor kids across the street would be able to play too. They were also hoping to be able to play "inside" at the neighbor's house ever since Adam got to do so the other day. Well, of course I told them they could, but I also told Liana to go change her clothes first. No problem. Meanwhile, I sat rocking Aleksa to sleep for her usual afternoon nap. Adam hurriedly got bundled up and was outside in a flash. Liana took her time and came out of her room all bundled up with snowpants, coat, hat, etc. I told her to have fun, play nice and all that motherly stuff. Out she went.
Soon the kids checked back in and asked to go sledding at the park down the street with their friends. Okie dokie.
The mortification kicked in when Liana came home, took off her snowpants and coat and I realized that she had been playing in the cold snow with a navy jumper that a friend from church gave us as hand-me-downs. Liana has been anxious to wear it, and apparently this was the day.
It wouldn't have been *too* mortifying that I had let her go outside with a skirt, but when I noticed that she had it on backwards, I about died thinking she might have gone over to the neighbors' house dressed like that.
Thankfully, they played outside, but Oy. I can imagine the raised eyebrows from the neighbors as they saw how the Fishers dressed their children.
Soon the kids checked back in and asked to go sledding at the park down the street with their friends. Okie dokie.
The mortification kicked in when Liana came home, took off her snowpants and coat and I realized that she had been playing in the cold snow with a navy jumper that a friend from church gave us as hand-me-downs. Liana has been anxious to wear it, and apparently this was the day.
It wouldn't have been *too* mortifying that I had let her go outside with a skirt, but when I noticed that she had it on backwards, I about died thinking she might have gone over to the neighbors' house dressed like that.
Thankfully, they played outside, but Oy. I can imagine the raised eyebrows from the neighbors as they saw how the Fishers dressed their children.
Saturday, January 22, 2005
Go Check John's Blog!!
Can't believe it, but John has actually put something on HIS side of the blog! Yay!!!
:O)
:O)
Friday, January 21, 2005
Balance and Blogging
This blog thing is apparently bigger than I had thought. In the last few days I've been deluged (ok, not quite) with "thank you for blogging" emails and comments. I do definitely know I need to do something, but when your own husband says, "Are you really going to stop blogging? I felt bad when I read that... I look forward to reading them every day," well, that really gets to a gal. I had to laugh at him though, because HE LIVES WITH ME!!! lol! ("Pssst, honey, you won't miss me and the kids, we're right across the room...")
The other clincher was when I dropped in at my dad's house yesterday and he said, "But that's the first thing I do in the morning is check your blog! Maybe just post a few days a week? But then, nobody will know if you've blogged or not and maybe they won't check in." I'm so weak when it comes to the men in my life! lol!
So, I dunno. I do know that this week I've been able to get a ton of things done. John's lunches have been made at night before bed, my house is tidy before bed, (ok, except for the kids' bathroom which is a constant battle), the breakfast food/dishes have been layed out. All of the above has made for a very pleasant morning, and the kids have had more free time to play during the day because we can get school done faster.
But, I guess you can say that the very hardest part of having these three kids has been to etch out a routine to get things done AND to have time to "play." (And I do consider my blog-time playing, but there are other things on that "play" list too.) Lemme settle into my new routine and then we'll see if I can still squeeze out a few minutes to post *something* Maybe I'll readjust the morning schedule... That's what I did today...
The other clincher was when I dropped in at my dad's house yesterday and he said, "But that's the first thing I do in the morning is check your blog! Maybe just post a few days a week? But then, nobody will know if you've blogged or not and maybe they won't check in." I'm so weak when it comes to the men in my life! lol!
So, I dunno. I do know that this week I've been able to get a ton of things done. John's lunches have been made at night before bed, my house is tidy before bed, (ok, except for the kids' bathroom which is a constant battle), the breakfast food/dishes have been layed out. All of the above has made for a very pleasant morning, and the kids have had more free time to play during the day because we can get school done faster.
But, I guess you can say that the very hardest part of having these three kids has been to etch out a routine to get things done AND to have time to "play." (And I do consider my blog-time playing, but there are other things on that "play" list too.) Lemme settle into my new routine and then we'll see if I can still squeeze out a few minutes to post *something* Maybe I'll readjust the morning schedule... That's what I did today...
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
Five Months Home
Yesterday marked our Five Months Home day.
Adam's school work has seen the biggest improvement this month. The curriculum we're using perfectly fits with his learning styles and preferences, and he's been really clipping along. The "glazed over" look that we got from him so often the first few months when doing math has been replaced with an eagerness to get at his work. He has chugged through his math workbook quickly and easily, and as a giant shock to me, he even pulled out a dot-to-dot to do just for fun on the side. I almost fell over. Not only did he enjoy doing it, but he did it well. He's still terribly behind with his math, but I think the initial terror has dissolved, and that was a major, major victory. I'm so thankful for our Math-u-see curriculum!
His speech is also improving, though he still sounds somewhat hearing impaired. Hard to explain, but that's just what he sounds like. He is still frustrated with not being able to fully express himself in English and struggles like crazy to find the words he needs, but he can usually make himself understood one way or another. He will often just say the most important words that he knows *need* saying, and then lets the hearer fill in the blanks for him. But, there is a definite improvement this month.
Liana's English is sooooo good. The other morning she said, "Mama, Aleksa doesn't have clean underwear on." I pointed at Aleksa and said, "Liana, I just put some on her!" She shrugged and said, "Mama, I think I need contacts." She's just talking up a storm, and scowls whenever anyone says any Russian/Ukrainian. (She still says "ni" quite often though). She gives the hardest, longest, and seemingly most heartfelt hugs of the three. Her bossiness is still an issue, but we've been trying to work on that, and truly, she is a helpful, sunny, sweet girl. I call her my Sweetie Pie. She likes that.
Aleksa's English is really good too. Never any Ukrainian from her, but the word order still gets confused at times, and that word "ni" still pops up quite often. She's probably undergone the most radical changes in her personality these last five months. Our battle-ready "warrior princess" little girl we adopted has become the sweetest, most easy-going, easy-to-please kid you've ever meet. She is still occasionally petrified of little things (like gummy bugs!), but for the most part, her fears have eased or disappeared entirely. She's also become more and more anxious of strangers (she hung on my leg for the first half hour of the reunion on Sunday).
Everyone is settling in to family life beautifully. We seriously could not have asked for a nicer bunch of kids.
Since we've hit that 5 month mark, I think it is time for me to start posting less often. I've been trying really hard to get my nightly "chores" accomplished early, but with homeschooling, plus all the housework that needs doing around here, it is getting harder and harder to do. I'll post when something monumental happens, but otherwise, I really need to keep my priorities straight and take care of my house and fam. Plus, it's been too long since I've curled up with a good book.
Hopefully there are people out there who have been encouraged to adopt - and not only that but to adopt older or "multiple" children after reading about our family. If so, I'd love to hear from you and I'd especially enjoy seeing pictures of your little ones when they come home. Keep in touch!!
Adam's school work has seen the biggest improvement this month. The curriculum we're using perfectly fits with his learning styles and preferences, and he's been really clipping along. The "glazed over" look that we got from him so often the first few months when doing math has been replaced with an eagerness to get at his work. He has chugged through his math workbook quickly and easily, and as a giant shock to me, he even pulled out a dot-to-dot to do just for fun on the side. I almost fell over. Not only did he enjoy doing it, but he did it well. He's still terribly behind with his math, but I think the initial terror has dissolved, and that was a major, major victory. I'm so thankful for our Math-u-see curriculum!
His speech is also improving, though he still sounds somewhat hearing impaired. Hard to explain, but that's just what he sounds like. He is still frustrated with not being able to fully express himself in English and struggles like crazy to find the words he needs, but he can usually make himself understood one way or another. He will often just say the most important words that he knows *need* saying, and then lets the hearer fill in the blanks for him. But, there is a definite improvement this month.
Liana's English is sooooo good. The other morning she said, "Mama, Aleksa doesn't have clean underwear on." I pointed at Aleksa and said, "Liana, I just put some on her!" She shrugged and said, "Mama, I think I need contacts." She's just talking up a storm, and scowls whenever anyone says any Russian/Ukrainian. (She still says "ni" quite often though). She gives the hardest, longest, and seemingly most heartfelt hugs of the three. Her bossiness is still an issue, but we've been trying to work on that, and truly, she is a helpful, sunny, sweet girl. I call her my Sweetie Pie. She likes that.
Aleksa's English is really good too. Never any Ukrainian from her, but the word order still gets confused at times, and that word "ni" still pops up quite often. She's probably undergone the most radical changes in her personality these last five months. Our battle-ready "warrior princess" little girl we adopted has become the sweetest, most easy-going, easy-to-please kid you've ever meet. She is still occasionally petrified of little things (like gummy bugs!), but for the most part, her fears have eased or disappeared entirely. She's also become more and more anxious of strangers (she hung on my leg for the first half hour of the reunion on Sunday).
Everyone is settling in to family life beautifully. We seriously could not have asked for a nicer bunch of kids.
Since we've hit that 5 month mark, I think it is time for me to start posting less often. I've been trying really hard to get my nightly "chores" accomplished early, but with homeschooling, plus all the housework that needs doing around here, it is getting harder and harder to do. I'll post when something monumental happens, but otherwise, I really need to keep my priorities straight and take care of my house and fam. Plus, it's been too long since I've curled up with a good book.
Hopefully there are people out there who have been encouraged to adopt - and not only that but to adopt older or "multiple" children after reading about our family. If so, I'd love to hear from you and I'd especially enjoy seeing pictures of your little ones when they come home. Keep in touch!!
Monday, January 17, 2005
Reunion!
What a busy, busy weekend! Saturday was a busy day for me because I made some babka bread for a Ukie Reunion on Sunday. Thinking this kind of bread *had* to take less time than the kolach, I decided to tackle it. It took over 10 hours. Thass enuff Ukie bread for a while. Oy. The bad thing was that the babka was absolutely delicious, so I know I *will* be having to make that one again. Good thing it is supposed to be Easter bread. Gets me off the hook for the rest of the year.
Sunday was so fun! There are lots of WI families that have adopted from UA; especially in the southwestern part of the state. We made a 2 1/2 hr. trek to Platteville yesterday for a reunion.
The cool part was that there was another family there who adopted from the same orphanage we did, and their twin daughters were good pals with Adam. They were in the same groupa!
Adam got attacked with hugs as he was trying to take his coat off. Lots of squeals and happy sounds yesterday. (And I might have caught a few "special moments" on film as blackmail pics when they're older...)
It was especially fun for me to get to talk with the girls' mom for a while. She was one of the families I had called for "advice" before we left for UA. I asked her, "Brenda, we're thinking of adopting three instead of two. Are we nuts?" She replied, "Yes, but the world needs more nuts." It was soooo cool that of all the orphanages in Ukraine, we wound up at "theirs." It's a small world!
Wisconsin Ukies
Reunited!
Forever Friends
Hmmm...
Sunday was so fun! There are lots of WI families that have adopted from UA; especially in the southwestern part of the state. We made a 2 1/2 hr. trek to Platteville yesterday for a reunion.
The cool part was that there was another family there who adopted from the same orphanage we did, and their twin daughters were good pals with Adam. They were in the same groupa!
Adam got attacked with hugs as he was trying to take his coat off. Lots of squeals and happy sounds yesterday. (And I might have caught a few "special moments" on film as blackmail pics when they're older...)
It was especially fun for me to get to talk with the girls' mom for a while. She was one of the families I had called for "advice" before we left for UA. I asked her, "Brenda, we're thinking of adopting three instead of two. Are we nuts?" She replied, "Yes, but the world needs more nuts." It was soooo cool that of all the orphanages in Ukraine, we wound up at "theirs." It's a small world!
Wisconsin Ukies
Reunited!
Forever Friends
Hmmm...
Friday, January 14, 2005
Adam's big 1-0!!!!
Happy Birthday Adam!!!!!!!!
My baby is ten years old today! It seems like only yesterday we were bringing him home from the hospital, er, airport. (Ok, poor attempt at a joke).
This morning we woke the kids up early to have breakfast in bed for Adam. At our house that means everyone has breakfast in the bed of whoever is having the birthday.
I made Adam an orange king's crown, and he proudly wore it for the rest of the day - until tonight when it ripped once too many times and an extra staple couldn't salvage it. Anyway, he LOVED the crown. I almost thought against it, but there is so much that our big 10-yr-old missed out on, that I didn't want him to grow up never having had a paper crown on his birthday. Weird, I know. He ate it up anyway, and I was so glad I didn't nix it. I knew he'd like it; don't know what I was thinking. I'm so glad he's stayed so "young" in some areas. Still loves kisses from little sisters; still wants Papa to carry him sometimes, etc. So much lost time to make up for. And to think that most 10-yr-old Ukrainian orphans are practically unadoptable just because of their double-digit age. I'm so glad our Adam happened to be 9 last August. We might not have said "yes" to a 10-yr-old. Shame on us.
Sorry for the rabbit trail.
Anyway, then as I was scurrying around trying to clean the house, the doorbell rang! The mailman brought PRESENTS! A sweetie-pie friend of the family (!) sent Adam a way cool gummy-bug-maker kit! Talk about Cloud 9! They all love to get any kind of mail to begin with, so this was Extra Cool! There was even some cute stuffed animals for the girls in there!
For lunch, a friend from church who has sorta adopted our kids right along with us, came over and brought a Dominoes pizza and a cookie-cake!!! Couldn't believe how all-out she went. She told me she just thinks Adam is the nicest boy and couldn't resist! *proud mama moment*
It is so cool that two people who barely know us have been so kind. Adam couldn't have been happier in those few hours! He was walking around singing happy birthday to himself. Just plain happy.
This afternoon the Fisher grandparents came over for a while... Wanna know what they gave him?! A MAGIC SET!! Adam and Papa played for a long time with that thing tonight. Adam is going to have many, many hours of entertainment with that, and already learned a few tricks. Of course, he gets so excited about them that he can hardly keep the secret of how his tricks work! His face undoubtedly hurts from all the smiling he did today.
But it gets even better!!! Auntie Sharon and Uncle Lyle came over for supper tonight, (and a partial magic show!), and brought Adam a HAMSTER! It is absolutely adorable, I have to say. Adam proudly put her cage next to his fish, and as he stood there looking at the two of them acquainting themselves (not really, but you know...), Adam sighed contentedly and said, "Family!" Ya hadda be there, but I wouldn't have missed that moment for anything in the world. I knew he'd be a wonderful papa to any new pets, but that was the clincher. Sharon and I cracked up.
I don't know about Adam, but I sure had a good day! Sleep well, my brand-new 10-yr-old boy. Mama loves you!
Breakfast in Bed
Opening Pesent
Adam's Gummy Bug Kit
Our Handsome Ten-yr-old
My baby is ten years old today! It seems like only yesterday we were bringing him home from the hospital, er, airport. (Ok, poor attempt at a joke).
This morning we woke the kids up early to have breakfast in bed for Adam. At our house that means everyone has breakfast in the bed of whoever is having the birthday.
I made Adam an orange king's crown, and he proudly wore it for the rest of the day - until tonight when it ripped once too many times and an extra staple couldn't salvage it. Anyway, he LOVED the crown. I almost thought against it, but there is so much that our big 10-yr-old missed out on, that I didn't want him to grow up never having had a paper crown on his birthday. Weird, I know. He ate it up anyway, and I was so glad I didn't nix it. I knew he'd like it; don't know what I was thinking. I'm so glad he's stayed so "young" in some areas. Still loves kisses from little sisters; still wants Papa to carry him sometimes, etc. So much lost time to make up for. And to think that most 10-yr-old Ukrainian orphans are practically unadoptable just because of their double-digit age. I'm so glad our Adam happened to be 9 last August. We might not have said "yes" to a 10-yr-old. Shame on us.
Sorry for the rabbit trail.
Anyway, then as I was scurrying around trying to clean the house, the doorbell rang! The mailman brought PRESENTS! A sweetie-pie friend of the family (!) sent Adam a way cool gummy-bug-maker kit! Talk about Cloud 9! They all love to get any kind of mail to begin with, so this was Extra Cool! There was even some cute stuffed animals for the girls in there!
For lunch, a friend from church who has sorta adopted our kids right along with us, came over and brought a Dominoes pizza and a cookie-cake!!! Couldn't believe how all-out she went. She told me she just thinks Adam is the nicest boy and couldn't resist! *proud mama moment*
It is so cool that two people who barely know us have been so kind. Adam couldn't have been happier in those few hours! He was walking around singing happy birthday to himself. Just plain happy.
This afternoon the Fisher grandparents came over for a while... Wanna know what they gave him?! A MAGIC SET!! Adam and Papa played for a long time with that thing tonight. Adam is going to have many, many hours of entertainment with that, and already learned a few tricks. Of course, he gets so excited about them that he can hardly keep the secret of how his tricks work! His face undoubtedly hurts from all the smiling he did today.
But it gets even better!!! Auntie Sharon and Uncle Lyle came over for supper tonight, (and a partial magic show!), and brought Adam a HAMSTER! It is absolutely adorable, I have to say. Adam proudly put her cage next to his fish, and as he stood there looking at the two of them acquainting themselves (not really, but you know...), Adam sighed contentedly and said, "Family!" Ya hadda be there, but I wouldn't have missed that moment for anything in the world. I knew he'd be a wonderful papa to any new pets, but that was the clincher. Sharon and I cracked up.
I don't know about Adam, but I sure had a good day! Sleep well, my brand-new 10-yr-old boy. Mama loves you!
Breakfast in Bed
Opening Pesent
Adam's Gummy Bug Kit
Our Handsome Ten-yr-old
Thursday, January 13, 2005
Purse-cleaning
Our house in a continuous state of disaster. By that I mean there are miscellaneous toys in odd corners of the house at all times. My kitchen floor is in a constant state of needing to be swept. (Our kids love to cut -ie SHRED- any kind of paper). I love it all, but it sure keeps me on my toes! The other day I noticed that my purse needed cleaning out, so today I finally broke down and did it. I had to smile at all the contents. Among the usual shopping receipts and kleenexes were: bubbles (yes, bubbles), a barrette, (how do you spell that?), doll shoes, beads from little girl necklaces, little-plastic-circle-beads-melted-with-an-iron-into-a-pretty-shaped-thingie, Aleksa's mittens, and Liana's rubber stamp. Waited a long time for such treasures to be found in my purse. *bliss*
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Princesses, Puppies and Kangaroos
Every night when it's time for bed, John makes it a point to carry them one at a time down to their rooms. Sometimes he gives them "airplane" rides, sometimes he carries them like a princess, and sometimes they give an impromptu request. Tonight Aleksa asked to be carried down like a puppy. So, John picked her up by the back of her jammies and hauled her down the hallway. She'll probably not ask for the "puppy" one again, but she didn't seem to mind it that much!
Seeing that Papa was willing to be creative this evening, Adam asked to be carried like a kangaroo. So, he stuffed Adam's foot in his pants pocket (the only thing that would fit!), and hopped down the hall. I thought it was pretty cute!
Seeing that Papa was willing to be creative this evening, Adam asked to be carried like a kangaroo. So, he stuffed Adam's foot in his pants pocket (the only thing that would fit!), and hopped down the hall. I thought it was pretty cute!
Monday, January 10, 2005
Borscht!
Well, since it was shopping day, I picked up more beets, and made some borscht for supper tonight. I didn't have much hope for it all afternoon. I kept putting bland veggies in the pot and thinking, "This is so not going to taste good." Liana and Adam oo'ed and ah'ed all afternoon, and helped me put the veggies into the pot. (These kids eat raw onions and raw cabbage like it was going out of style.) Ew. They had also begged me to buy a bunch of radishes at the store today too, so for a snack this afternoon, they pulled them out, asked if they could have some, and then proceeded to devour ALL of them. Poof. Gone. Nothing left but leafy-greens. Ew.
Anyway, we sat down to eat, and my first few bites were, "Well, I wouldn't write home about it, but it's ok." But THEN I remembered the sour cream in the fridge! You're supposed to serve it with a dollop of s.c. on top. And once we did that, Oh Boy was it ever delicious! There was only one cup of borscht left in the pot after we were all done eating. I couldn't believe how yummy it was, and how much I actually enjoyed it. I'm going to be craving it in the future, I know that much for sure. Liana and Adam were right - it is YUMMY! (They've been telling me for weeks how yummy it is, and that I need to make some).
Also at the grocery store, Adam got to pick his birthday cake and ice cream. He was so happy to be able to choose his own, and while I had to steer him away from some obvious yucky combos, he had an awesome time picking it out. He spent a good while examining and comparing, and oohing and ahhing. He's getting strawberry cake with butter-cream frosting, and then some Scooby-Doo sugar whatzits for the top. He even chose the candles. Then, he picked strawberry icecream. He can't wait for his birthday Friday. He's more excited about his cake than he is about any presents. Auntie Sharon and Uncle Lyle get to spend the evening with us. I hope the weather cooperates - Adam is so excited that Auntie Sharon is coming to see HIM! We don't get to see much of her, so he's extra-excited about that.
Anyway, that's the scoop du jour. Hope everyone is well. I've been hearing of a gazillion people getting their NAC appointment dates today; Yay! Lots of February appointments being handed down. I'm so excited for all of you! Get packing!
Anyway, we sat down to eat, and my first few bites were, "Well, I wouldn't write home about it, but it's ok." But THEN I remembered the sour cream in the fridge! You're supposed to serve it with a dollop of s.c. on top. And once we did that, Oh Boy was it ever delicious! There was only one cup of borscht left in the pot after we were all done eating. I couldn't believe how yummy it was, and how much I actually enjoyed it. I'm going to be craving it in the future, I know that much for sure. Liana and Adam were right - it is YUMMY! (They've been telling me for weeks how yummy it is, and that I need to make some).
Also at the grocery store, Adam got to pick his birthday cake and ice cream. He was so happy to be able to choose his own, and while I had to steer him away from some obvious yucky combos, he had an awesome time picking it out. He spent a good while examining and comparing, and oohing and ahhing. He's getting strawberry cake with butter-cream frosting, and then some Scooby-Doo sugar whatzits for the top. He even chose the candles. Then, he picked strawberry icecream. He can't wait for his birthday Friday. He's more excited about his cake than he is about any presents. Auntie Sharon and Uncle Lyle get to spend the evening with us. I hope the weather cooperates - Adam is so excited that Auntie Sharon is coming to see HIM! We don't get to see much of her, so he's extra-excited about that.
Anyway, that's the scoop du jour. Hope everyone is well. I've been hearing of a gazillion people getting their NAC appointment dates today; Yay! Lots of February appointments being handed down. I'm so excited for all of you! Get packing!
Sunday, January 09, 2005
Taking down the tree
Saturday we took our Christmas tree down. John took the kids to the library while I packed up ornaments and started the "un-christmasing." I had wanted to wait until after the Ukrainian Christmas day, so this Saturday worked in nicely. I was all but finished when the kids came home. Adam walked in first and turned pale and almost horrified. I asked him what was wrong and the first thing out of his mouth was, "The spider!" I had almost forgotten the little spider we put onto the tree before Christmas (the real one we found in the kitchen.) I should have known that after reading that "spider story" to the kids that someone might have a problem with taking down the tree. Especially our animal-lover Adam. Poor kid. John had to do some fancy-footwork to come up with something to get us out of trouble for that one. He asked Adam what spiders like to eat. Adam said, "Bugs that fly." Ok, good. So then John asked, "Do we have flies in our house?" He said "no." So then, John explained that the spider probably went to the neighbor's house because there wasn't a lot to eat here. (I held my breath waiting for Adam to ask how the spider was going to walk through all the snow without freezing to death...) (He didn't. Thankfully!)
Friday, January 07, 2005
Hrystos narodyvsya!
Hrystos narodyvsya! ("Christ is born!")
Merry Ukrainian Christmas everyone! Today, I was supposed to plan a glorious Ukrainian banquet table. Didn't happen. With everyone sick, I didn't get to the grocery store. I didn't get anywhere! I was going to make borscht, but my beets got too cold and partially froze in the back of my fridge. Thankfully, Ukrainian cuisine is very midwestern, so I had ingredients for a lot of other Ukie goodies. I made verenyky again (always a favorite at our house, though you're supposed to make a meatless variety on Christmas. We aren't fasting or anything, so I still had my hamburger kind.)
I also attempted to make a kolach. Kolach is a beautiful braided bread that you stack on the table and put a candle in it. The thing about kolach is that it takes 900 years to make. In fact, it is still in the works. Should be out of the oven by about 8:00 tonight. We ate supper at 6. So much for beautiful centerpieces! I also didn't have a clue what my kolach was supposed to look like. Should be interesting what it comes out of the oven looking like. The kids were excited about it though, and helped make it. Aleksa was head to toe flour, and Liana helped braid the dough. Adam got out his tape-measure to measure the ropes of dough for me. But the verdict is still out whether or not we'll ever attempt this project again! lol! (Maybe I'll post again at 8:15...)
Anyway, Hope all you Ukie-friends out there had a wonderful holiday! :O)
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8:27 Wull, the kolach sorta flopped, but it tasted good! Besides the fact that the top layer morphed into the bottom layer making it look like a giant muffin during the baking process, half-way through baking it, John announced that the kitchen smelled like there was a fire, so I took it as a cue to take it out... I'll have to remember that if I ever make it again. *sigh* The kids were all impressed though, and they gobbled it all up.
Our Kolach
Merry Ukrainian Christmas everyone! Today, I was supposed to plan a glorious Ukrainian banquet table. Didn't happen. With everyone sick, I didn't get to the grocery store. I didn't get anywhere! I was going to make borscht, but my beets got too cold and partially froze in the back of my fridge. Thankfully, Ukrainian cuisine is very midwestern, so I had ingredients for a lot of other Ukie goodies. I made verenyky again (always a favorite at our house, though you're supposed to make a meatless variety on Christmas. We aren't fasting or anything, so I still had my hamburger kind.)
I also attempted to make a kolach. Kolach is a beautiful braided bread that you stack on the table and put a candle in it. The thing about kolach is that it takes 900 years to make. In fact, it is still in the works. Should be out of the oven by about 8:00 tonight. We ate supper at 6. So much for beautiful centerpieces! I also didn't have a clue what my kolach was supposed to look like. Should be interesting what it comes out of the oven looking like. The kids were excited about it though, and helped make it. Aleksa was head to toe flour, and Liana helped braid the dough. Adam got out his tape-measure to measure the ropes of dough for me. But the verdict is still out whether or not we'll ever attempt this project again! lol! (Maybe I'll post again at 8:15...)
Anyway, Hope all you Ukie-friends out there had a wonderful holiday! :O)
---------
8:27 Wull, the kolach sorta flopped, but it tasted good! Besides the fact that the top layer morphed into the bottom layer making it look like a giant muffin during the baking process, half-way through baking it, John announced that the kitchen smelled like there was a fire, so I took it as a cue to take it out... I'll have to remember that if I ever make it again. *sigh* The kids were all impressed though, and they gobbled it all up.
Our Kolach
Thursday, January 06, 2005
Tired Mama
I'm zonked today. Seems like I've been running all day, but I've never left the house. The kids are perking up a lot from their meds - they got a lot of food down today, which helps them tolerate them better. I need a break though. I'm really tired from all the extra work, and the stress of it is starting to get to me. Poor Liana got hollered at for no reason today, and I had to ask her to forgive my grouchiness. *sigh* Mama needs a little trip outta here SOON. (Sorry this is so short. I really need to head to bed.)
Wednesday, January 05, 2005
Tummy Babies or Dyetsky Dom Babies?
Tonight as I was tucking Liana in, (or "Talking her in" as Aleksa would say!), Liana said, "Mama, when I get bigger, I won't live with Mama and Papa." I told her she was right, that she would maybe live with her husband and children.
She got quiet and then said, "Will it hurt when they cut open my tummy to take the babies out?" I told her it probably would, but that it would be ok. She got quiet again. "I think maybe I go to a dyetsky dom for my babies." I told her that was a good idea. She said, "Maybe I'll get three children." I told her that was a good idea, but then I whispered in her ear, "But, just so you know, Liana, it's a LOT of work to get three kids at one time." Her eyes got really big and she said, "I think I only get one baby, Mama." Then she started to list off all the things I did today. I helped her out just a bit... ;O) I thought it was cute, but I do hope she (and her brother and sister) are open to the idea of adopting when the time comes for them to be parents. Such a wonderful, amazing experience.
---
I just got an email tonight from a family considering adopting three kids at once. Yay! Another "big" sibling group coming home! I'm so excited to hear of others considering more than two kids at once. It is definitely a lot of work, but wow, has it been worth ever drop of sweat. There are soooo many sibling groups of healthy, wonderful kids in Ukraine ready for their papas and mamas to come get them.
She got quiet and then said, "Will it hurt when they cut open my tummy to take the babies out?" I told her it probably would, but that it would be ok. She got quiet again. "I think maybe I go to a dyetsky dom for my babies." I told her that was a good idea. She said, "Maybe I'll get three children." I told her that was a good idea, but then I whispered in her ear, "But, just so you know, Liana, it's a LOT of work to get three kids at one time." Her eyes got really big and she said, "I think I only get one baby, Mama." Then she started to list off all the things I did today. I helped her out just a bit... ;O) I thought it was cute, but I do hope she (and her brother and sister) are open to the idea of adopting when the time comes for them to be parents. Such a wonderful, amazing experience.
---
I just got an email tonight from a family considering adopting three kids at once. Yay! Another "big" sibling group coming home! I'm so excited to hear of others considering more than two kids at once. It is definitely a lot of work, but wow, has it been worth ever drop of sweat. There are soooo many sibling groups of healthy, wonderful kids in Ukraine ready for their papas and mamas to come get them.
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
"Talk me in!"
I'm sorry for the short posts lately. The kids have been sick. Today was a killer. Adam threw up all over the kitchen and once in a wastepaper basket. This med is terrible. The girls seem to feel queasy too, but Adam has had the worst of it, especially after today. I'm exhausted.
And since I was exhausted, John and I did a "quick" tuck-in for the kids tonight. (We usually have a chat with each before we kiss them good night). Aleksa goes first since she's the littlest and in the most need of all the zzz's she can get. She was disappointed that we were rushing things tonight, and said, "No, I want tuck in!" And we assured her that we were already doing so. "No! I want to talk! Talk me in!" I guess our "tucking in" has sounded like "Talking in." I thought that was cute.
Another cute thing was that since it was lay around and be sick day, tonight we watched the Wizard of Oz again since it has to go back to the library tomorrow anyway. Liana and I were singing some of the songs in the kitchen tonight before we started watching it, and we were singing the Munchkin song... Liana changed the words a bit and combined two completly different songs... "and in the name of the Lollipop Can, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!"
Last night I started watching some video we took when the kids first came home. I had been thinking that our kids didn't speak English yet, but after watching those clips, BOY, do our kids speak English! They wouldn't even understand themselves if we let them watch these clips, and I just might set one up for them to watch tomorrow if they (and I!) are up to it.
And since I was exhausted, John and I did a "quick" tuck-in for the kids tonight. (We usually have a chat with each before we kiss them good night). Aleksa goes first since she's the littlest and in the most need of all the zzz's she can get. She was disappointed that we were rushing things tonight, and said, "No, I want tuck in!" And we assured her that we were already doing so. "No! I want to talk! Talk me in!" I guess our "tucking in" has sounded like "Talking in." I thought that was cute.
Another cute thing was that since it was lay around and be sick day, tonight we watched the Wizard of Oz again since it has to go back to the library tomorrow anyway. Liana and I were singing some of the songs in the kitchen tonight before we started watching it, and we were singing the Munchkin song... Liana changed the words a bit and combined two completly different songs... "and in the name of the Lollipop Can, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!"
Last night I started watching some video we took when the kids first came home. I had been thinking that our kids didn't speak English yet, but after watching those clips, BOY, do our kids speak English! They wouldn't even understand themselves if we let them watch these clips, and I just might set one up for them to watch tomorrow if they (and I!) are up to it.
Monday, January 03, 2005
Pictures Galore
I've been lazy about pics lately, and I know I haven't posted any of the black and whites I've taken since we got home. It looks like I don't have many of Adam, but in reality I have a ton and can't decide what to post. I'll have to sift through them in the next few days and add a few more of him.
All Three
Another All Three
Liana
Liana
Liana
Liana
Liana
Adam
Adam
Adam
Aleksa
Aleksa
Aleksa
Aleksa
Aleksa
All Three
Another All Three
Liana
Liana
Liana
Liana
Liana
Adam
Adam
Adam
Aleksa
Aleksa
Aleksa
Aleksa
Aleksa
Saturday, January 01, 2005
Happy New Year!
Last night we rang in the new year watching the Wizard of Oz with the kids, and then we all had a slumber-party on the livingroom floor. John read "The Stinky Cheeseman" story to them too - they giggled all the way through it. It was great! When we were snuggling down to sleep, Adam started a "Good-night Jim-Bob" thing by saying, "I love you Family. I love you my sisters and my Papa and my Mama!" Everyone else had to chime in. Lots of snuggling, and then we all finally dozed off. (Everyone made it 'til midnight too!)
The kids are on some meds for a parasite. Adam came home from Ukraine with it; they never treated him for it, (it was a mild case, they said), and now the girls have it too. So, I have three kids on a med that makes them throw up. (Remember when Liana got so sick this fall on her med? This is the same pill. :O( The night before last, all three were sick. Adam threw up the most. He woke Aleksa up with his "noises," and when she toddled into his room to see what was happening, she also threw up. Then early in the morning Aleksa threw up on her bed.
Today they were all feeling much better, though they complained of feeling queazy now and then. Good thing, because today we all went to the Fishers' for dinner and opening presents. (Christmas just never seems to end around here!)
Hope you all had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I especially pray that this will be the last Holiday Season that many of you PAP's spend without your kids. I'm so happy to hear from so many of you. And I'm excited to hear that a few of you will be traveling soon! Best wishes to you all!
The kids are on some meds for a parasite. Adam came home from Ukraine with it; they never treated him for it, (it was a mild case, they said), and now the girls have it too. So, I have three kids on a med that makes them throw up. (Remember when Liana got so sick this fall on her med? This is the same pill. :O( The night before last, all three were sick. Adam threw up the most. He woke Aleksa up with his "noises," and when she toddled into his room to see what was happening, she also threw up. Then early in the morning Aleksa threw up on her bed.
Today they were all feeling much better, though they complained of feeling queazy now and then. Good thing, because today we all went to the Fishers' for dinner and opening presents. (Christmas just never seems to end around here!)
Hope you all had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I especially pray that this will be the last Holiday Season that many of you PAP's spend without your kids. I'm so happy to hear from so many of you. And I'm excited to hear that a few of you will be traveling soon! Best wishes to you all!
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