Moving Mountains In 4 Months...

Ivankiv Orphanage

Today marks the 4 month mark as a family of four for us! I often think back on the little sweet faces we first met in Ukraine, the nervous tantrums that errupted as the kids placed their entire trust and well being in the hands of two complete strangers from across the ocean. Can you even imagine the confusion they must have had about the unknown, about what their lives would be like with these people who want to be their Moma and Papa? Our outlook on life and personality about the unknown have changed for the better. These little angels were sent to help us and not the other way around. We did not "save" them from the unknown, they, in turn, rescued us, pulled us closer to one another and set our priorities straight. Despite our extremely difficult time in finding our babies, the many road blocks and uproars we faced were all part of the Plan set forth to unite our family. Thank you, dear Lord, for bringing us together, for the love we receive from our kids and the the look we see each night as they prepare for bed knowing that they will wake up, once again, in their own beds with their Moma and Papa waiting with open arms. Your blessings are numerous!! Thank You!!
Four Months Home...



The kids still amaze us. Their personalities shine brighter than ever. School work is becoming (a little) easier for them and the kids are still trying hard to do well in all their subjects. Each of the kids have made several close friends at school and are getting a lot of one-on-one from their teachers and assistants. We sometimes get to have a break and just play and with the weather in the 70's and 80's, we have been having a great time outside. The kids decided to set up a school on the front porch. Aizley loves being "teacher" and showing Colton all the many things she has learned like the parts of a plant. Notice any unusual students in the class?

And she sat there all afternoon!

Papa is finally becoming more "popular", for lack of a better word. The kids do not think that Papa can do certain "moma jobs" very well such as reading a bedtime story or cookin' dinner (I have to agree with that one, though :) The other night I purposely waited 'til bedtime to take my bath to see how the kids would react. Thankfully, when I sneaked out of the room I saw Aizley allowing Papa to read her a story. This is a huge step for her as she still has difficulty attaching fully to him. Success!!


Finally, I had to add this video. I have mentioned before that Colton loves to shake his fanny! This goes back to the personality referrence I made earlier. At no particular time, he will walk through the room and break it down in a dance. I have been unable to capture this illusive dance.... until now.

Last night, Colton had been joking with Papa about snapping his fingers with both hands (Papa is missing his two big fingers on his left hand). I knew it was just a matter of time before the "tail waggin'" would start. So, after dinner, Colton went outside with Papa to let the dogs out. Papa was trying to snap his fingers when I noticed Colton doing his fanny dance. I ran for the camera and caught this. (He doesn't know I am filming him at first)! (Sorry it's crooked)