John is an awesome Papa. I knew it before, but last night clinched it.
He had an impromptu made-up game for all of us. The kids were each told to write *very* short messages to both of us parents. Then, when they were done, John took the messages to me, and he helped the kids write them out with their bodies laying on the floor. So, the letter L, for example, was Adam laying straight, and Liana laying perpendicular at his feet. Get the idea? Ok, well, I had to guess the messages, and then guess who wrote each one. Both the older kids wrote "I love Mama" on theirs. Can't remember what Leks wrote. But, when it was my turn to look at the messages for John, I had them write them out with their bodies standing up. (So, the letter T would be someone standing with their arms outstretched on each side). Anyway, the older two wrote "I love Papa" on theirs, but Leksa had more of an interesting secret code. She wrote, "Big dot pit." ?. *shrugs* Not sure what she meant by "Big dot pit," but John and I sure got a chuckle out of it.
THEN, it was OUR turn to have the kids figure out what we were writing. John and I took turns writing out "ICE CREAM." (You should see John Fisher trying to act out the letter E!) ;O) They carefully had those pencils going trying to figure out the word, and when they realized it said "ICE CREAM," they all asked, "Are we getting ice cream?" And when we nodded, they all shrieked with excitement! It was better than Christmas!
One of those sweet memories I'll have forever...
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Monday, May 29, 2006
Adam's scar, plus weekend odds and ends
We took a trip into The Cities today to pick up some clothes for the girls. They're growing like weeds and were in dire need of a few things. Good thing John drove. They had detours and construction and all kinds of nasty City Things. We wound up ditching our pre-printed directions altogether and just kinda winged it. Very thankful John drove. AND, we saw a Chipotle restaurant right next to the shopping area we went to. So, there's my hope that John will take me again sometime... we LOVE Chipotle! :O)
After our shopping expedition, the kids all had a water fight outside. It's super hot here, so it felt wonderful, I'm sure. John and I pretty much just vegged for the rest of the afternoon. Not a huge Memorial Day extravaganza, but it was alright.
Adam showed us a scar on his upper arm yesterday. We try not to ask about his scars - he has many - but if he offers up their stories here and there, we listen with pricked ears. This one, I had to laugh about. Evidently, he had been looking around the orphanage for his sisters, and when he found Aleksa (er, Zina), he picked her up. Well, the Little Missy didn't want to be picked up, so, she bit him. And hence the scar. And let me tell you, this is a HumDinger of a scar on his arm. Just goes to show how far Aleksa has come in these past few years. She was the Warrior Princess when we met. She even bit me *hard* on the shoulder when I put her on the potty at the apartment in Kiev on our way home. (She wanted to go potty "na ulitsa" - outside.) Yeah, RIGHT. So, I forced her on the pot, and she leaned forward and took a chunk out of my shoulder. Anyway, I had to laugh a bit looking at Adam's arm. Brought back memories for me too, as well as painted a picture in my brain of what Zina was like before she got herself a mama. ;O) (Too bad I can't bottle up into words what a sunshine girl she has become... she'd never dream of doing such a thing now!)
Oh! We met a family at church on Sunday who adopted a buncha kids. I can't WAIT to get to know these folks better. They have two absolutely beautiful older girls (like 14 and 10?) from Cambodia, a 4yo girl from Nepal, and a 2yo boy from China! They also homeschool their kiddos, so I'm anxious to compare notes, stories and share some support. I think both of our families were shocked and excited to have found each other!
Oh! And we met a Ukrainian lady yesterday too! She doesn't speak Ukrainian or Russian, but boy does she look and dress like one! Poofy hair (hope she never reads this), dressed up to the 9's, and with Adam and Liana's coloring. Also very typical Ukrainian facial features; almond-shaped brown eyes, etc.) Our kids offered to teach her Ukrainian. I thought that was cute since our kids know about 14 words! (Ok, maybe they *understand* more than that, and can pull out some vocabulary once in a while, but mostly it is gone). The kids said "Do pobachina!" to her when we left. (That's "Good bye," btw, but I have no idea how to spell it).
Anyway, that's the scoop so far. It was a pretty quiet weekend, but after all the moving fuss, we've been needing that around here lately!
After our shopping expedition, the kids all had a water fight outside. It's super hot here, so it felt wonderful, I'm sure. John and I pretty much just vegged for the rest of the afternoon. Not a huge Memorial Day extravaganza, but it was alright.
Adam showed us a scar on his upper arm yesterday. We try not to ask about his scars - he has many - but if he offers up their stories here and there, we listen with pricked ears. This one, I had to laugh about. Evidently, he had been looking around the orphanage for his sisters, and when he found Aleksa (er, Zina), he picked her up. Well, the Little Missy didn't want to be picked up, so, she bit him. And hence the scar. And let me tell you, this is a HumDinger of a scar on his arm. Just goes to show how far Aleksa has come in these past few years. She was the Warrior Princess when we met. She even bit me *hard* on the shoulder when I put her on the potty at the apartment in Kiev on our way home. (She wanted to go potty "na ulitsa" - outside.) Yeah, RIGHT. So, I forced her on the pot, and she leaned forward and took a chunk out of my shoulder. Anyway, I had to laugh a bit looking at Adam's arm. Brought back memories for me too, as well as painted a picture in my brain of what Zina was like before she got herself a mama. ;O) (Too bad I can't bottle up into words what a sunshine girl she has become... she'd never dream of doing such a thing now!)
Oh! We met a family at church on Sunday who adopted a buncha kids. I can't WAIT to get to know these folks better. They have two absolutely beautiful older girls (like 14 and 10?) from Cambodia, a 4yo girl from Nepal, and a 2yo boy from China! They also homeschool their kiddos, so I'm anxious to compare notes, stories and share some support. I think both of our families were shocked and excited to have found each other!
Oh! And we met a Ukrainian lady yesterday too! She doesn't speak Ukrainian or Russian, but boy does she look and dress like one! Poofy hair (hope she never reads this), dressed up to the 9's, and with Adam and Liana's coloring. Also very typical Ukrainian facial features; almond-shaped brown eyes, etc.) Our kids offered to teach her Ukrainian. I thought that was cute since our kids know about 14 words! (Ok, maybe they *understand* more than that, and can pull out some vocabulary once in a while, but mostly it is gone). The kids said "Do pobachina!" to her when we left. (That's "Good bye," btw, but I have no idea how to spell it).
Anyway, that's the scoop so far. It was a pretty quiet weekend, but after all the moving fuss, we've been needing that around here lately!
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Weekend update
This last weekend, we went back "home" for a farewell party that our church threw for us. Talk about emotional basketcases! One of those who wanted to wish us well wanted to share a memory he had of our Adam. I have to pass it on to you all, since I think it speaks volumes of how far the kids have come in their lives.
Last year, the kids were playing at this family's farm, and Adam reached up into a corn stalk, took down an ear of corn, detassled it, and then ate the whole thing, corn cob and all. Raw. And apparently with great gusto as well. What born and bred American boy do you know that would do that? But a boy who has known great hunger in his life considered such a find an actual feast. He does leave apple cores on his lunch plate now... most of the time. So, he isn't quite "that bad" anymore, but it sure tells a lot about how far our kids have come in their short lives.
Since this weekend, Liana has been a Monster. She is a control-seeker. She absolutely must be in charge, and has had to be reminded *CONSTANTLY* that she's only 7 and isn't the mama or papa. She loves the new house, etc., but she did not like leaving people that she loves behind, and this weekend was a reminder that she lost some thread of control over her life by having to leave everyone.
When we pulled away to come home on Sunday night, Aleksa told me that she changed her mind and wanted to stay, and that she was going to miss her friends too much. I told her that Mamas don't go anywhere without their babies, so she needed to come with. She shrugged, said, "Ok," and off we went.
Big changes are tough on little kids - and us adults too. But, well, I guess I see more positives out of this move than anything else, so I'm happy we're here.
Life in general just seems less stressful in this situation than in our last.
When John went out to call the kids in last night, he got to introduce himself to the neighbors across the street. The Mr. is in IT too, so they had lots to talk about, and he was even invited in! I was bummed though, to hear that the Mrs. and the children are going back to India for the summer starting on Sunday. John is hoping to be able to hang out with the Mr. a lot more after his family leaves. He's never seen so many programmers in his life as he has since we've moved! (John was the ONLY programmer in the office where he worked before!) Now he works with 'em, AND lives next to 'em! He's a happy boy! :O)
Oh! I keep forgetting! We got our first package of shoes on Monday! Thanks Katie, I think that was from you! We also got a brass bell this week that says "Fishers" on it... but it didn't say who it was from. So, thank you, whoever you are! It is BEAUTIFUL!
Last year, the kids were playing at this family's farm, and Adam reached up into a corn stalk, took down an ear of corn, detassled it, and then ate the whole thing, corn cob and all. Raw. And apparently with great gusto as well. What born and bred American boy do you know that would do that? But a boy who has known great hunger in his life considered such a find an actual feast. He does leave apple cores on his lunch plate now... most of the time. So, he isn't quite "that bad" anymore, but it sure tells a lot about how far our kids have come in their short lives.
Since this weekend, Liana has been a Monster. She is a control-seeker. She absolutely must be in charge, and has had to be reminded *CONSTANTLY* that she's only 7 and isn't the mama or papa. She loves the new house, etc., but she did not like leaving people that she loves behind, and this weekend was a reminder that she lost some thread of control over her life by having to leave everyone.
When we pulled away to come home on Sunday night, Aleksa told me that she changed her mind and wanted to stay, and that she was going to miss her friends too much. I told her that Mamas don't go anywhere without their babies, so she needed to come with. She shrugged, said, "Ok," and off we went.
Big changes are tough on little kids - and us adults too. But, well, I guess I see more positives out of this move than anything else, so I'm happy we're here.
Life in general just seems less stressful in this situation than in our last.
When John went out to call the kids in last night, he got to introduce himself to the neighbors across the street. The Mr. is in IT too, so they had lots to talk about, and he was even invited in! I was bummed though, to hear that the Mrs. and the children are going back to India for the summer starting on Sunday. John is hoping to be able to hang out with the Mr. a lot more after his family leaves. He's never seen so many programmers in his life as he has since we've moved! (John was the ONLY programmer in the office where he worked before!) Now he works with 'em, AND lives next to 'em! He's a happy boy! :O)
Oh! I keep forgetting! We got our first package of shoes on Monday! Thanks Katie, I think that was from you! We also got a brass bell this week that says "Fishers" on it... but it didn't say who it was from. So, thank you, whoever you are! It is BEAUTIFUL!
Friday, May 19, 2006
21 Months Home
21 Months home! (A few days late!) This month has been busy and eventful with the move, but it has also been one of the best months with the kids yet. The big move has drawn us all together really beautifully somehow. All the long carrides up here to look for housing, all the excitement of making our new house a "home" and having John home with us so much of the time (though he's not anymore as of Wednesday).
It has been interesting to me to hear surprise from the neighbors/new friends that the kids are from Ukraine. One neighbor just yesterday told me she never would have known! (The kids have been playing with their kids ever since we moved in, so she's had lots of chances to hear them talk). I think they have a bit of an accent yet, but probably she wasn't paying too much attention... ? She also had asked why we homeschool, and that was why I mentioned the "Ukraine thing" in the first place. She was really surprised and said they sooo good and well adjusted. *big grin from Mama*
Food is still big around here. I wish it wouldn't be horrible to pin signs on my kids asking people not to feed them! There is a self-proclaimed "Candy Man" at our new church, and we've had to ask him not to feed our kiddos. (We didn't really have the nerve to do so at our old church, but we figure we're starting over, and can do so here). Adam's attachment to us has probably been the most affected by people *everywhere* giving him treats that we don't normally give him. I don't just give candy and sugary snacks any and every time the kids are around me, and yet there are/were neighbors, folks at church, etc., that would give our kids these things just because the kids said "hello" to them. Sunday School teachers give snacks, candy, and gifts CONSTANTLY, and it makes John and I into caregivers that don't do as well of a job as these Most Wonderful People. Some would even write them notes in the mail, give gift cards, presents, etc. (Ask me how many times I've given my kids gift cards!) Anyway, that stuff has not helped our relationship along At All. It is SO hard to explain, but those of you out there with older adopted kiddos might know what I mean, and if so, I'd love for you to comment, so it can be better explained for the rest of the world reading. (Penney, Brenda, Cath, are you out there???) If anything has been "the hardest" about our older kids, this has been it.
The day before yesterday, I made apple juice for our morning juice instead of our "usual" oj/other fruit juice, and Adam told me that Grandma Fisher gave him/the rest of the kids some apple juice boxes on the way home from the airport in the car. That was 21 months ago the day they came home from Ukraine. And he still remembered the flavor of the juice. Food is definitely a very big deal. Our relationships aren't as shaky as in those first months home, but because food is still so huge to them, we do need to be careful... (And know what? Liana just asked me for about the 5th time if I've forgotten that she was hungry for her lunch, and wondered if we were going to have it today.) (And, btw, I've NEVER forgotten to fix the kids lunch in all the months we've been home. I myself have an affinity for a full tummy, and had to explain that to her just now.) I should add, though, that food is NOT an issue for Leks. Never really has been, except for the texture-thing she had when she first came home that quickly wore off.
One day this spring, Adam was playing a video game and the girls were outside. Well, they came in and asked if our neighbor could give them a cookie (or whatever it was.) I said it would be ok, and instantly, Adam dropped the video game to go with his sisters to the neighbor's house for "his cookie." (HELLO! We have cookies here!) I should have stopped everyone dead in their tracks and fed them one of our kinds of cookies, but I think I actually let them all go. *sigh* Occassionally, when Adam is feeling sorry for himself, he'll ask me to make him cookies "right now." And if I say no, he'll go sulk. (If I let him, he would anyway... I don't allow complaining unless I don't notice it right away.) The funny thing is, that he usually waits until I'm up to my elbows in something else. Like during our move, come to think of it. Half of our kitchen was packed in boxes and we were using papter plates, etc. He asked me to make him cookies. What. Ever.
Ok, off the food talk. The rest of life around here is wonderful, and the food issue is actually sooooo hard to "see" that most of the wide world looking in on our family would see absolutely nothing out of the ordinary. No squirt-guns with red ink, no soap being used up in one day, the tp is lasting as long as it should, nobody scaring Mama to death with their crazy behavior. If it never gets better than it is right now, I'd have to say that I'd still be the luckiest mama in the world!
It has been interesting to me to hear surprise from the neighbors/new friends that the kids are from Ukraine. One neighbor just yesterday told me she never would have known! (The kids have been playing with their kids ever since we moved in, so she's had lots of chances to hear them talk). I think they have a bit of an accent yet, but probably she wasn't paying too much attention... ? She also had asked why we homeschool, and that was why I mentioned the "Ukraine thing" in the first place. She was really surprised and said they sooo good and well adjusted. *big grin from Mama*
Food is still big around here. I wish it wouldn't be horrible to pin signs on my kids asking people not to feed them! There is a self-proclaimed "Candy Man" at our new church, and we've had to ask him not to feed our kiddos. (We didn't really have the nerve to do so at our old church, but we figure we're starting over, and can do so here). Adam's attachment to us has probably been the most affected by people *everywhere* giving him treats that we don't normally give him. I don't just give candy and sugary snacks any and every time the kids are around me, and yet there are/were neighbors, folks at church, etc., that would give our kids these things just because the kids said "hello" to them. Sunday School teachers give snacks, candy, and gifts CONSTANTLY, and it makes John and I into caregivers that don't do as well of a job as these Most Wonderful People. Some would even write them notes in the mail, give gift cards, presents, etc. (Ask me how many times I've given my kids gift cards!) Anyway, that stuff has not helped our relationship along At All. It is SO hard to explain, but those of you out there with older adopted kiddos might know what I mean, and if so, I'd love for you to comment, so it can be better explained for the rest of the world reading. (Penney, Brenda, Cath, are you out there???) If anything has been "the hardest" about our older kids, this has been it.
The day before yesterday, I made apple juice for our morning juice instead of our "usual" oj/other fruit juice, and Adam told me that Grandma Fisher gave him/the rest of the kids some apple juice boxes on the way home from the airport in the car. That was 21 months ago the day they came home from Ukraine. And he still remembered the flavor of the juice. Food is definitely a very big deal. Our relationships aren't as shaky as in those first months home, but because food is still so huge to them, we do need to be careful... (And know what? Liana just asked me for about the 5th time if I've forgotten that she was hungry for her lunch, and wondered if we were going to have it today.) (And, btw, I've NEVER forgotten to fix the kids lunch in all the months we've been home. I myself have an affinity for a full tummy, and had to explain that to her just now.) I should add, though, that food is NOT an issue for Leks. Never really has been, except for the texture-thing she had when she first came home that quickly wore off.
One day this spring, Adam was playing a video game and the girls were outside. Well, they came in and asked if our neighbor could give them a cookie (or whatever it was.) I said it would be ok, and instantly, Adam dropped the video game to go with his sisters to the neighbor's house for "his cookie." (HELLO! We have cookies here!) I should have stopped everyone dead in their tracks and fed them one of our kinds of cookies, but I think I actually let them all go. *sigh* Occassionally, when Adam is feeling sorry for himself, he'll ask me to make him cookies "right now." And if I say no, he'll go sulk. (If I let him, he would anyway... I don't allow complaining unless I don't notice it right away.) The funny thing is, that he usually waits until I'm up to my elbows in something else. Like during our move, come to think of it. Half of our kitchen was packed in boxes and we were using papter plates, etc. He asked me to make him cookies. What. Ever.
Ok, off the food talk. The rest of life around here is wonderful, and the food issue is actually sooooo hard to "see" that most of the wide world looking in on our family would see absolutely nothing out of the ordinary. No squirt-guns with red ink, no soap being used up in one day, the tp is lasting as long as it should, nobody scaring Mama to death with their crazy behavior. If it never gets better than it is right now, I'd have to say that I'd still be the luckiest mama in the world!
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Shoe Drive Heads-Up
Many of you have asked about the Shoe Drive this year. We are definitely going to be sending another shipment to the kids' orphanage this year, and if you would like to add to it, you are more than welcome! We were all overwhelmed last year by the generosity of so many of you. I loved the lesson for my kiddos as well as the opportunity to help out. Several families had their kids go through their own closets and sent us their own shoes... and I think that is AWESOME. (You deserve "Great Mommy" awards for encouraging your kiddos to do that!) I'm definitely not opposed to sending used shoes, so if any of you are frequent yard-salers, we'll take whatever you find, but please don't make me scrub them up! lol! (But unless the undies are Pristine, I don't really want to pass along used panties... I did find some reallllllly nice heavy-weight high-quality undies for toddlers in a 2T last summer that I found at a yard sale, and didn't think twice about sending them.) Keep in mind that these undies are going to be Really Worn.
So! I thought I'd give a heads up about it again, and give a little more specifics on what the deal is... We'll be sending the package on August 17th, which is our "Home from Ukraine" anniversary. We're sending socks, undies and shoes. Please keep in mind that the orphanage we're sending this stuff to is for little kids from about 3-8. There are a few children on either end of that age spectrum, but most of the kids are this age. BUT. These kiddos are not the size of American kiddos this age. Our Liana was 6 when we brought her home, and she was just a little size 4 in her undies. Leksa was a size 3. Adam was about a size 7 or 8. So, I'm thinking for undies, I'd love to see a bunch of sizes between 2T-7. There will be more of a need for the smaller sizes because of accidents that littler kiddos inevitably have, especially when they have giardia. If you do happen to send larger sizes, that's fine, but, there aren't many children who are actually bigger than that.
Shoes are tricky too. I'd say sizes 6-13 would be good "target" sizes, but again, I'll send whatever you pass along! They will all undoubtedly be put to good use.
Some people also sent socks. During the winter time, the kids all wear tights. That's boys too. Adam wore tights even as a 9yo. They just all wear 'em. So, if you find warm tights anywhere at a garage sale this summer (can't really buy 'em in the stores right now), they'd also be well-appreciated.
Our new address is:
885 Fraser Lane Apt. B
Hudson, WI 54016
Thank you!!!
So! I thought I'd give a heads up about it again, and give a little more specifics on what the deal is... We'll be sending the package on August 17th, which is our "Home from Ukraine" anniversary. We're sending socks, undies and shoes. Please keep in mind that the orphanage we're sending this stuff to is for little kids from about 3-8. There are a few children on either end of that age spectrum, but most of the kids are this age. BUT. These kiddos are not the size of American kiddos this age. Our Liana was 6 when we brought her home, and she was just a little size 4 in her undies. Leksa was a size 3. Adam was about a size 7 or 8. So, I'm thinking for undies, I'd love to see a bunch of sizes between 2T-7. There will be more of a need for the smaller sizes because of accidents that littler kiddos inevitably have, especially when they have giardia. If you do happen to send larger sizes, that's fine, but, there aren't many children who are actually bigger than that.
Shoes are tricky too. I'd say sizes 6-13 would be good "target" sizes, but again, I'll send whatever you pass along! They will all undoubtedly be put to good use.
Some people also sent socks. During the winter time, the kids all wear tights. That's boys too. Adam wore tights even as a 9yo. They just all wear 'em. So, if you find warm tights anywhere at a garage sale this summer (can't really buy 'em in the stores right now), they'd also be well-appreciated.
Our new address is:
885 Fraser Lane Apt. B
Hudson, WI 54016
Thank you!!!
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Happy Mother's Day to Me!
Happy Mother's Day! It was a freezing day, so nobody would cooperate with smiles, so we opted for Plan B photo ops... I kinda like 'em, though, our yard/view make for great back drops for anything!This morning the kids presented me with their gifts... Liana got me a yellow rose, Adam got me a keychain, and Aleksa got me a duck statue.
Papa came through with some red roses... (What a lucky Mama I am!) It was fun getting ready for church this morning... The kids were all scrambling to get their last minute pictures drawn for me and kept shouting in, "Don't come out yet, Mama!" Such sweetie pies I have! After church we tried to go out for dinner, but everywhere was packed, so I suggested Dairy Queen. It was fun, and the kids couldn't have been happier with thier icecream treats! (And Papa and I didn't mind them either!) lol!
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Adoption Agency in the Library!
We all scoped out our new library today. It was *ok* but, well, it sure made the old one look like the Library of Congress compared to this one. *sigh*
But! I did notice that in the same building as the library, there is an adoption agency... My eyes didn't get big as saucers or anything... (YEAH RIGHT), but my fingers did need to do a Google search once we got home. John says, "No-no, Shelly," and that there's no sense thinking about adoption stuff for another year at least. *snort* ;O) He's right, of course, but I did think it was interesting! Wouldn't you have thought it was interesting if you had been me? ;O)
I wouldn't use "this" agency anyway. I loved the one we used for our homestudy, and I'm sure they wouldn't mind if I put a little plug in for them here. If you're in Wisconsin, and need a FABULOUS agency to do your h.s., use Pauquette Childrens' Services in Portage. Ask for Kari. They do updates for free if you happen to go over a year, and they are very, very obliging. I think they do adoptions to U.S., China, Ecuador, Peru, India... but, if you want to adopt using another agency or independently, they're very flexible and reasonable! (They even updated our h.s. to three kids for us on the spur of the moment before our trip... for FREE! Aren't they AWESOME?)
Our homestudy agency wrote me recently to find out if we had taken care of our post-adoption obligations with Ukraine. Many of you know that Ukraine has halted US adoptions except under special circumstances. US families are not fulfilling their promises to send yearly reports to the Ukrainian Consulate in their area. There are evidently hundreds of US families who don't think they need to send them in! These forms/reports take about 30 minutes to fill out, TOTAL, and yet, they don't send them in, and the entire host of Ukrainian orphans are left without any of us being able to come get them. It seriously Makes Me Sick. Our next reports are due in August, (you have to send them yearly for the first three years home), and I plan to send copies of last year's reports along as well to MAKE SURE they have them.
Anyway, I'm thrilled that our h.s. agency wanted to make sure we followed through. That might also mean that other agencies are inquiring of THEIR families if they've also followed through. It isn't even like they/we have to have a full-fledged post-placement report from a social worker. It's just a simple form! GET THOSE REPORTS IN! All you need to do is download the form from the Ukrainian Consulate's website. At least they are on the Chicago branch's website. FILL THEM OUT AND SEND THEM IN. (Did I yell that loud enough?) Also, it would be wise to insure the delivery so you have proof in your hands that the reports were received. Ukraine's post-adoption reports are probably the EASIEST of any country's requirements. Let's give the rest of those children left in UA a chance at having a good future...
Boy, did that turn into a soapbox talk. Sorry. Well, Kinda sorry. ;O)
But! I did notice that in the same building as the library, there is an adoption agency... My eyes didn't get big as saucers or anything... (YEAH RIGHT), but my fingers did need to do a Google search once we got home. John says, "No-no, Shelly," and that there's no sense thinking about adoption stuff for another year at least. *snort* ;O) He's right, of course, but I did think it was interesting! Wouldn't you have thought it was interesting if you had been me? ;O)
I wouldn't use "this" agency anyway. I loved the one we used for our homestudy, and I'm sure they wouldn't mind if I put a little plug in for them here. If you're in Wisconsin, and need a FABULOUS agency to do your h.s., use Pauquette Childrens' Services in Portage. Ask for Kari. They do updates for free if you happen to go over a year, and they are very, very obliging. I think they do adoptions to U.S., China, Ecuador, Peru, India... but, if you want to adopt using another agency or independently, they're very flexible and reasonable! (They even updated our h.s. to three kids for us on the spur of the moment before our trip... for FREE! Aren't they AWESOME?)
Our homestudy agency wrote me recently to find out if we had taken care of our post-adoption obligations with Ukraine. Many of you know that Ukraine has halted US adoptions except under special circumstances. US families are not fulfilling their promises to send yearly reports to the Ukrainian Consulate in their area. There are evidently hundreds of US families who don't think they need to send them in! These forms/reports take about 30 minutes to fill out, TOTAL, and yet, they don't send them in, and the entire host of Ukrainian orphans are left without any of us being able to come get them. It seriously Makes Me Sick. Our next reports are due in August, (you have to send them yearly for the first three years home), and I plan to send copies of last year's reports along as well to MAKE SURE they have them.
Anyway, I'm thrilled that our h.s. agency wanted to make sure we followed through. That might also mean that other agencies are inquiring of THEIR families if they've also followed through. It isn't even like they/we have to have a full-fledged post-placement report from a social worker. It's just a simple form! GET THOSE REPORTS IN! All you need to do is download the form from the Ukrainian Consulate's website. At least they are on the Chicago branch's website. FILL THEM OUT AND SEND THEM IN. (Did I yell that loud enough?) Also, it would be wise to insure the delivery so you have proof in your hands that the reports were received. Ukraine's post-adoption reports are probably the EASIEST of any country's requirements. Let's give the rest of those children left in UA a chance at having a good future...
Boy, did that turn into a soapbox talk. Sorry. Well, Kinda sorry. ;O)
Friday, May 12, 2006
Settling in emotionally
I've written about our "physical" move, but not a whole lot on the emotional. The drive up here was pretty stressful for Liana. She was on High Alert most of the way here. If I sounded like I was remotely unsafe, or lost (we were following John), she would try to fix it herself by telling me where to go, etc. We needed to have a talk about how it's the Mama's and Papa's job to take care of their kiddos, and that 7yos' jobs are to just be 7yos.
The first night home, though, Liana woke up crying her eyes out missing everyone and everything. She missed her grandparents, she said, and her friends. She wrote her best friend Rachel a letter yesterday.
But, really, though, she and Aleksa are doing fabulously. Adam is doing as well as we expected him to, but we *knew* that as soon as we started school again, he was going to be pulling those control strings again.
And, we were right. We started school as soon as we found the books - (which was Tuesday), and boy was I glad to have John home this week. As the days have gone by, though, he's gotten much better. Today's only "incident" was him telling us he didn't know how to say "Where am I going?" He would say, "Where is I going?," "Where are I going?," "Where I am going?" and alllllll kinds of variants. John and I have gotten good at standing firm emotionlessly. I often need to keep busy to quit "thinking about it" as it does get annoying after a while, but that has just helped me get my boxes unpacked faster! ;O) It didn't last as long as "usual" for this week, however, so I'm kinda wishing that tomorrow were Friday instead of Saturday, so we could have another day of "normal routine" instead of throwing another oddball day in the mix. I'm just hoping that we don't start all over next week.
I'm climbing out of the box jungle, but it's taking a while. A lot of it, I'm keeping in boxes since we're only here a year (although all of this unpacking and readjustment stuff is making me think TWO years here wouldn't be the end of the world!)
Nothing at all to report about Aleksa. She's just Leksa. Coloring, reading, writing, pretending Aleksa. She was just pretending that "Miss Peterson" was late for something or other, and she needed to go find her. Not sure if I've mentioned her skirt affinity, but Aleksa more often than not prefers to run around in a skirt. (Don't know where that came from, because I'm NOT that way at all!) So, she'll throw on a skirt, high heels, long necklaces, then pretend she's a lady and goes around talking like one. "At 5:30, Miss Peterson needed to be here, but I just can't seem to find her!" She says it nobody in particular, but as she passes through the room, we hear stuff like this allll the time. (I just plain can't type what her little authoritative voice sounds like, but it cracks me up.)
Well, anyhow, that's the deal around here. A few minor bumps in the road, but nothing terribly alarming.
Ya know, I was *JUST* about to hit "save" when Adam just came up to me with a colorbook page that he wrote, "Adam loves Mama." Then he gave me a hug and said, "Mama, I so happy you adopt me from that yucky orphanage. I would be stuck there forever." And then he fluttered away...
I guess in other words, we're all doing GREAT!
The first night home, though, Liana woke up crying her eyes out missing everyone and everything. She missed her grandparents, she said, and her friends. She wrote her best friend Rachel a letter yesterday.
But, really, though, she and Aleksa are doing fabulously. Adam is doing as well as we expected him to, but we *knew* that as soon as we started school again, he was going to be pulling those control strings again.
And, we were right. We started school as soon as we found the books - (which was Tuesday), and boy was I glad to have John home this week. As the days have gone by, though, he's gotten much better. Today's only "incident" was him telling us he didn't know how to say "Where am I going?" He would say, "Where is I going?," "Where are I going?," "Where I am going?" and alllllll kinds of variants. John and I have gotten good at standing firm emotionlessly. I often need to keep busy to quit "thinking about it" as it does get annoying after a while, but that has just helped me get my boxes unpacked faster! ;O) It didn't last as long as "usual" for this week, however, so I'm kinda wishing that tomorrow were Friday instead of Saturday, so we could have another day of "normal routine" instead of throwing another oddball day in the mix. I'm just hoping that we don't start all over next week.
I'm climbing out of the box jungle, but it's taking a while. A lot of it, I'm keeping in boxes since we're only here a year (although all of this unpacking and readjustment stuff is making me think TWO years here wouldn't be the end of the world!)
Nothing at all to report about Aleksa. She's just Leksa. Coloring, reading, writing, pretending Aleksa. She was just pretending that "Miss Peterson" was late for something or other, and she needed to go find her. Not sure if I've mentioned her skirt affinity, but Aleksa more often than not prefers to run around in a skirt. (Don't know where that came from, because I'm NOT that way at all!) So, she'll throw on a skirt, high heels, long necklaces, then pretend she's a lady and goes around talking like one. "At 5:30, Miss Peterson needed to be here, but I just can't seem to find her!" She says it nobody in particular, but as she passes through the room, we hear stuff like this allll the time. (I just plain can't type what her little authoritative voice sounds like, but it cracks me up.)
Well, anyhow, that's the deal around here. A few minor bumps in the road, but nothing terribly alarming.
Ya know, I was *JUST* about to hit "save" when Adam just came up to me with a colorbook page that he wrote, "Adam loves Mama." Then he gave me a hug and said, "Mama, I so happy you adopt me from that yucky orphanage. I would be stuck there forever." And then he fluttered away...
I guess in other words, we're all doing GREAT!
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
We Moved!
I think every muscle in my body is sore. These last few weeks have been grueling. We got all moved out on Saturday, and a bunch of folks from our church showed up to help us pack the truck and clean the house. They also brought us lunch, which was sooooo nice! The neighbors came over to say goodbye too. The kids had evidently really wormed their way into their hearts, because some of them came over with a camera to take pics of us all, plus they gave us a giant fruit/goodie basket as well as about a bajillion odds and ends including framed pictures, blankets, rugs, rubbermaid items, etc. Nice, but, um, odd. I had no idea about all the "odds and ends" until we were UNpacking the truck in Hudson and I kept wondering where all this extra stuff came from. One lady who actually moved out of our neighborhood last winter heard through the grapevine that we were moving out, and she showed up on Saturday to wish us well and give us a small gift to remember her by. One set of neighbors even gave us a framed picture of themselves. *shrugs*
Anyway, I might have mentioned last week that we had a farmhouse lined up to rent. (It's been a fog around here, so if this is old news, just please oblige me the redundancy this once). Well, anyway, we had a cute little farmhouse on 40 acres of woods all lined up to rent, and someone beat us with the security deposit by 20 minutes. That was last Friday. So, Saturday we drove up to the area again looking for somewhere to rent. Struck out again. Came home, and started scrambling to find *anything* we could.
I called a sister church in Hudson to ask the pastor if maybe he's heard of anything for rent, and while he was on the way out of town, he handed that request over to one of the deacons, who called us and offered to help us out a bit. Nice! So, we did find someplace to look at on Monday night, filled the application out on Tuesday, and signed the lease on Saturday *just* before we moved in.
We're in a "twin home" (can you say "duplex?") ;O) It's absolutely heaven compared to where we were. We are out in the country, just on the edge of town. We drive past horses on our way out of our housing development. We have a beautiful view of the countryside from the livingroom, and best of all, all the storage space a gal could ask for! Two car garage, plus enormous closets which instantly made the childrens' rooms immaculate, and I'm *loving* that! We also have no highspeed internet connection. Isn't that a hoot that we move up to the Cities, and lost our internet!? Such irony in that! We called a Satellite Guy today, however, and now we're both much happier after going all weekend without hopping online at all.
I didn't mention us moving in! John's parents and brother drove up with us, and helped us unload, and also the guy from the church in town here rounded up a crew of folks to help us too! What an enormous BLESSING! They also brought supper enough for a few nights, one of them invited us over for dinner on Sunday, etc., etc. It was really, really nice. I was definitely impressed with their hospitality and love. (And one of these ladies brought over supper for us last night too, which was enough for Tuesday night as well. Haven't had to cook here yet!)
John's first day of work went well! He got to the office this morning, they told him they'd like him to start on some certifications which he has been wanting to do for some time anyway. And since there isn't a jobsite lined up for him quite yet, he can devote his time to doing those, get paid his salary, STAY HOME to do it online, and get a few bonuses when he finishes them. Sweet!
This morning we introduced ourselves to the neighbor who shares our duplex. They are from Liberia, West Africa! They have a 10yo girl and a 4yo girl. The 4yo is an absolute DOLLY. The neighbor across the street is from India! *sings "It's a Small World After All"* I'm loving, loving, LOVING the international flavor of the neighborhood. John and I have been trying hard to make the world "small" for the kids - to learn lots about other countries, to know their geography, etc., and so these neighbors just Thrill My Heart! (Speaking of which, I need to take a picture of the world map shower curtain that I got for the kids' bathroom. I hung up their Ukrainian alphabet poster in there too, and I think it is awesome!)
I found the kitchen and livingroom yesterday, and today I unpacked the kids' rooms and their books and school stuff. Still haven't dug my way out of the den or masterbedroom yet... tomorrow! John still has lots to do setting up his computer stuff. (I don't know a thing about that. I just know how to check email, google, and blog!) ;O)
Btw, John's parents are ok. Very bruised up, but fine. They were going down the highway and someone pulled out in front of them. They've totalled their car, and are going to be sore for a while, but I understand there are no broken bones. Life can change so drastically so quickly. Great reminder not to take anything(one) for granted, and to thank God for each day He gives us!
Well, anyhow, I'm exhausted. I've been wishing for bedtime since about 4:30, and now that it's about 9:00pm, I'm thinking I can get away with it now! Thanks for checking in!
Anyway, I might have mentioned last week that we had a farmhouse lined up to rent. (It's been a fog around here, so if this is old news, just please oblige me the redundancy this once). Well, anyway, we had a cute little farmhouse on 40 acres of woods all lined up to rent, and someone beat us with the security deposit by 20 minutes. That was last Friday. So, Saturday we drove up to the area again looking for somewhere to rent. Struck out again. Came home, and started scrambling to find *anything* we could.
I called a sister church in Hudson to ask the pastor if maybe he's heard of anything for rent, and while he was on the way out of town, he handed that request over to one of the deacons, who called us and offered to help us out a bit. Nice! So, we did find someplace to look at on Monday night, filled the application out on Tuesday, and signed the lease on Saturday *just* before we moved in.
We're in a "twin home" (can you say "duplex?") ;O) It's absolutely heaven compared to where we were. We are out in the country, just on the edge of town. We drive past horses on our way out of our housing development. We have a beautiful view of the countryside from the livingroom, and best of all, all the storage space a gal could ask for! Two car garage, plus enormous closets which instantly made the childrens' rooms immaculate, and I'm *loving* that! We also have no highspeed internet connection. Isn't that a hoot that we move up to the Cities, and lost our internet!? Such irony in that! We called a Satellite Guy today, however, and now we're both much happier after going all weekend without hopping online at all.
I didn't mention us moving in! John's parents and brother drove up with us, and helped us unload, and also the guy from the church in town here rounded up a crew of folks to help us too! What an enormous BLESSING! They also brought supper enough for a few nights, one of them invited us over for dinner on Sunday, etc., etc. It was really, really nice. I was definitely impressed with their hospitality and love. (And one of these ladies brought over supper for us last night too, which was enough for Tuesday night as well. Haven't had to cook here yet!)
John's first day of work went well! He got to the office this morning, they told him they'd like him to start on some certifications which he has been wanting to do for some time anyway. And since there isn't a jobsite lined up for him quite yet, he can devote his time to doing those, get paid his salary, STAY HOME to do it online, and get a few bonuses when he finishes them. Sweet!
This morning we introduced ourselves to the neighbor who shares our duplex. They are from Liberia, West Africa! They have a 10yo girl and a 4yo girl. The 4yo is an absolute DOLLY. The neighbor across the street is from India! *sings "It's a Small World After All"* I'm loving, loving, LOVING the international flavor of the neighborhood. John and I have been trying hard to make the world "small" for the kids - to learn lots about other countries, to know their geography, etc., and so these neighbors just Thrill My Heart! (Speaking of which, I need to take a picture of the world map shower curtain that I got for the kids' bathroom. I hung up their Ukrainian alphabet poster in there too, and I think it is awesome!)
I found the kitchen and livingroom yesterday, and today I unpacked the kids' rooms and their books and school stuff. Still haven't dug my way out of the den or masterbedroom yet... tomorrow! John still has lots to do setting up his computer stuff. (I don't know a thing about that. I just know how to check email, google, and blog!) ;O)
Btw, John's parents are ok. Very bruised up, but fine. They were going down the highway and someone pulled out in front of them. They've totalled their car, and are going to be sore for a while, but I understand there are no broken bones. Life can change so drastically so quickly. Great reminder not to take anything(one) for granted, and to thank God for each day He gives us!
Well, anyhow, I'm exhausted. I've been wishing for bedtime since about 4:30, and now that it's about 9:00pm, I'm thinking I can get away with it now! Thanks for checking in!
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Pics
This is one of my new all-time favorite pics of my kiddos. I love, love, love that Liana is wearing a shirt that is way too small for her, but she can't part with it because it has a Curtsy L on it. :O) Can't they all stay just exactly like this forever?
These are two of my colorers. I took this one from the door, and I didn't yet realize that Adam was on the step below them coloring too.
Talk about a mother's DREAM. I just LOVE that the kids are picking up books on their own and finding quiet corners of the house to enjoy them in... and it is especially cool to find them reading to each other! Such a relief to have the kids being so good lately after the rough stuff I mentioned before. Very much an answer to prayer!
Moving update
Well, since we're moving, maybe it's time for a change here too! (Actually, my blog was flaky last night and this morning and John had to put a new template up to make it work). The timing seems appropriate though, so I might keep it this way.
We're moving Saturday morning to Hudson, WI, which is only 2 1/2 hours north of here, but plenty far enough away to have to start over with new friends, church, shopping routines, etc. *sigh*
The kids are doing WONDERFULLY. In fact, they're soooo relaxed about everything, that I've been even taking pictures of them "being good." This morning I walked past Adam's room to see him and Liana sprawled out on their backs on Adam's bare mattress on the floor with Liana reading him a book contentedly. I did a double-take, and then I backtracked to grab the camera. ;O) This afternoon I found all three kiddos on the steps of the deck coloring quietly. (Where did these kids come from???) Had to grab the camera for that one too!
I, however, am drowning in boxes! We only *just* found our house on Monday (we're renting 'til we settle down, sell our house, get to know the Cities better, etc.), and we're planning to move Saturday! We'll be signing the lease the morning we move in. Talk about Under The Wire. Uff! Hope we never have to do that again! lol! It was a hairy few weeks, let me just say!
Anyway, that's the news here. I probably won't post again until after the weekend when we get the computer hooked up, etc.
We're moving Saturday morning to Hudson, WI, which is only 2 1/2 hours north of here, but plenty far enough away to have to start over with new friends, church, shopping routines, etc. *sigh*
The kids are doing WONDERFULLY. In fact, they're soooo relaxed about everything, that I've been even taking pictures of them "being good." This morning I walked past Adam's room to see him and Liana sprawled out on their backs on Adam's bare mattress on the floor with Liana reading him a book contentedly. I did a double-take, and then I backtracked to grab the camera. ;O) This afternoon I found all three kiddos on the steps of the deck coloring quietly. (Where did these kids come from???) Had to grab the camera for that one too!
I, however, am drowning in boxes! We only *just* found our house on Monday (we're renting 'til we settle down, sell our house, get to know the Cities better, etc.), and we're planning to move Saturday! We'll be signing the lease the morning we move in. Talk about Under The Wire. Uff! Hope we never have to do that again! lol! It was a hairy few weeks, let me just say!
Anyway, that's the news here. I probably won't post again until after the weekend when we get the computer hooked up, etc.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
