Monday, January 4, 2010

One week home & belated Thanks

We have now had the kids home for one full week. They are doing really well. English usage is increasing daily although still just a little bit. Nadia was helping with dishes and had a dish in one hand and a sponge in the other we have foaming soap at the sink and she said "Papa shampoo that" for me to put soap on her sponge. Alex shook the soda and then opened it three times in one day. He cried all the time he was helping wipe it up the third time. We also have implemented a food is only eaten in the kitchen rule. He regularly violates that one and when asked if he wanted us to throw out food he had taken out he said "No Thank You" Ivan's new words for today included Tennessee and France. Tennessee coming from his class studying the civil war. All of the kids can count to twelve now.

Today was the kids first day of school. Nadia who has usually been the most overwhelmed by things told the translator to tell me to go away she was a big girl. Ivan waived and said "It's okay Papa" Alex who is usually our most out going child cried when Mama left and Papa took about 30 minutes to ease him into his group. All in all no major blow ups or crisis and pretty good at getting to bed at a reasonable time.

We really do have a great host of friends who have supported us in this journey. Thanks Donna and Larry for looking after the house. Thank you Shawn & Yvette for getting the driveway and sidewalks shoveled. Thank you Darla and family for decorating the house for Christmas and the food and gifts. Thank you Kari for coordinating communication among the adoptive families with all our last minute changes. Thanks Heidi, Felix and family for the gifts, clothes, food, welcome stuff at the airport. Thanks to the Barretts, wow even a new vegetarian recipe. Yes Teresa and I are and we did okay in Ukraine. Some of the things at the airport I'm not sure we could tell who brought what but we do thank you also. Thanks Matt for the description of the whole gang following my family around the parking garage. It was only important to get to the airport who knew we would leave it. And whoever coordinated half my office showing up for the welcome home at the airport. And the gang from the church staff. I'm probably leaving someone out and for that I am sorry.

In the first week damage report: One garage door opener. The emergency release to operating it manually proved too tempting. Evidently trying to get it locked back in caused some type of binding. One chair with wheels rolled down the stairs. Plastic wheels do not survive the landing.

Most fascinating items around the house. The treadmill, Mama now holds the key so no kids operate it without supervision and fly off the back end. Mama's can opener. Papa using his electric shaver in the morning. And the nerf guns. Yes I've shot my kids already. Trust me I lost that battle.

It's great to be home. America has lots to offer each of us and our kids. Who knows I may even get some pictures up this weekend.

4 comments:

Kari said...

Sounds like a great first week! Glad the transition to school went okay. We had to carry Josh kicking and screaming into class the first day. Hope to see you Friday at the Roge's!

Julie said...

So glad to hear you are all home safe! What a blessing your family is and is receiving! Looking forward to more pictures! May God continue to bless your path...

Rolan and Eileen said...

Totally great to hear the update! We are still here for you. Phone number is 303 530-9598 if you should need support, encouragement, etc.

eileen

Anonymous said...

Hurray for a successful first week. I got weepy when I read the kids' response to going to school. It is sweet, but I'm also sleep deprived in the Frankfurt airport right now. It just sounds like the kids are feeling at home and ready to take on the challenge of America! Adam has been much that way - hopefully Anastasiya will be as well!