Will We Adopt Again?

Six months... doesn't feel much different than 5! A little update though. We saw Dr Baxter and it looks like things are going well with everyone. She sent them all for a bunch of bloodwork and stool samples, but haven't heard anything back which is suppose to mean that everything came back clean. Carter actually started to tone it down with strangers, which I really noticed on our Edmonton trip, and has been that way since - so really good news there. And it turns out that Eli's eyes have improved more since May, so he no longer needs surgery either! We've also celebrated Eli's second birthday. Here are a few pics

Had to definitely include that last one since I think it is one of the few pictures we have of Alexander with a real smile! Usually he makes smiling for a camera look painful :)

So on our way back from our Edmonton trip Aaron and I had some chat time while the kids were sleeping... The topic: Would we adopt again? We feel we have enough kids. Life is busy (always is though), plenty of whining and wiping to last us a decade atleast. I mean, who doesn't want more spare time, money, and less responsibility! I certainly do, and having more kids would be going in the opposite direction. BUT, then I think of the faces I've seen of kids with no mom and dad, growing up in an orphanage and how could I deny giving them a home? My desire to read in peace and scrapbook looks completely selfish when placed beside those children. "Sorry I can't be your mom because I want more time for myself". So, WILL WE ADOPT AGAIN? It is not looking probable. I do not desire to wait 6 years and then start again - I really want to have this season of life and then get on with the next. So that means that we would start the adoption process again NOW expecting for it to take about 2 years. Eli is already 2 years old, and most likely we would bring home two year olds when adopting (by then he'd be 4 years). So why not start again? We simply can NOT afford it. We are still paying off our adoption (cost over $82,000 not including our van and all the medical stuff since) and we are also building an addition to our house right now. We currently have a four bedroom 1100sqft house, so were we to have more children we really would need the addition (another four bedrooms and a rec-room, extending our dining area, and making a larger porch so we can stop tripping over each other). So I do not feel guilty about the addition - it will certainly make life easier around here as the children grow up - and would be a neccessity IF we were to adopt more. To adopt domestically (within Alberta is what I mean) would not cost much at all, but the children waiting for homes here seem to either be 'special needs' or older children - neither of which we feel we could manage. Aaron brought up the thought of having so many kids that we just turn into an orphanage - but that wouldn't be the case. Even if an orphanage has a higher worker to child ratio and has workers that truly love the kids (both not very likely), the kids still get moved around constantly as they age into the next group (so no security in a caregiver because they just continue to change) and then they turn 16 and are sent on their way one day. No family that they BELONG to, no one to help them in hard times, no where to go home for Christmas, no one who really cares about them. Alone in the world at age 16 - no wonder the statistics are so bad. Argh!

And all that leads to another issue - Jesus! Who is teaching them about Jesus loving them? And as a Christian the Bible tells us to care for orphaned children and that "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans..." James 1v27a.  I once heard that it would take only 7% of Christians to adopt an orphaned child to give each one a family - so I looked it up on the internet tonight. What I found is that there is 1.5 - 3 billion Christians, and that there is 18.5 million children without any parental care. So even if you take the 1.5 billion number of Christians, and then divide by two in order to provide a two parent family, you still get a ratio of 40 Christian couples to every 1 orphaned child. Unbelievable! Makes me feel the same way I feel when I read how daft the Israelites in the Old Testament were - I just want to scream 'wake-up already'! Yes, looking after orphans does not neccessarily mean adoption and there are certainly other things people can do to help - so, what ARE you doing? You don't actually have to tell me, but if you are a Christian you may be asked by Him one day how you obeyed in helping the least of these.

Five Months

Five months ago today I got custody of the boys. Seems kind of strange now - it really feels like they have always been here - so now five months feels like a small number considering I can't remember what it was like before that. I bet it was quieter though :)

I'm happy to report that Alexander had his dental surgery June 16th...no more brown decayed teeth! He had three extractions, eight capped, and one regular filling. Overall it went very well and he hasn't complained about tooth pain since. Alexander also has slowly been gaining....?attention?... its not that he couldn't concentrate on something, but that he didn't want to - that he was quickly bored with whatever he was doing and always wanted to be moving on the the next thing. My one friend described him as 'busy'. I called it 'annoying' :) . But I have definitely seen an improvement. Yesterday I let him pull out a 100 piece puzzle even though I was quite certain that he would never finish it - and he amazed me with how long he tried at it. When he finally did get frustrated with his lack of advancement (about 30mins of trying), I told him to ask Alexis to help and the two of them probably sat there for another 30mins working on it. They got about 2/3rds done before they got tired of it, but I was very happy to see Alexander stick with it so long! We also had kindergarden orientation and it went better than I expected - confirming my thoughts that Alexander will quite enjoy it. When it really comes down to it, I have security in him going to kindergarten early because Cameron will be there with him. I'd be worried that Alexander would feel scared and 'alone' (maybe even abandoned at first) except that I think he will gain much security with having someone from our family there too. And then during orientation I saw Cameron numerous times helping/watching out for Alexander - seriously, not a behaviour I see at home! I was quite proud of Cameron and encouraged to see the bond there. As for day to day, definitely still Alexander and Alexis play the most together.

Carter is still our guy that hangs all over and in the face of any stranger. It is hard for us to know how much is attachment related, orphanage related behaviour, or just personality. Emily had some of those same behaviours when she was young (would want strangers to pick her up or let her sit on them), so it makes me think it is 'possible' that it is just his personality.... but maybe not 'probable'. All three boys will be seeing Dr Baxter, a pediatrician at the Edmonton Adoption Clinic, on July 14th so am sure she will have some input. As for day to day - Carter usually spends most his time following Alexander and Alexis around, sometimes being included in their play, other times just playing nearby.

Eli....hmmm, Eli has seemed to move out of the 'innocence of babyhood' and right into the 'troublesome toddler'. His favorite thing seem to be trying to 'rowse' others, usually by hitting them or trying to steal their chair or toy. His favorite person to pick on is of course Carter since he is closest in age. Before when Eli would cry it was easy to assume that someone took something from him or hurt him, now it seems more likely that Eli was the one to start the fight. Don't get me wrong though, he is still a darling boy who is full of giggles and plays very well on his own - I just see more of the 'boy' in him coming out each day. Actually Eli is now acting pretty much the same way Cameron does! His next eye appointment is July 13th where I hope to find out whether or not surgery will be in his future. Oh, another change we have seen with Eli is that he is no longer as scared of strangers. He used to cry if someone looked at him, where now he will even smile for others when they talk/play a bit with him as long as he is in a comfortable environment (like at our home or while being held by Aaron or myself). I think this has come as his sense of security in our family has grown.

Overall, things continue to go quite well. They all sleep well, know most of the rules and don't try to pull fast ones on mom (cause it won't work). They've also simply learnt how things work around here - stuff like that EVERYONE is fed and that I'll make sure they all get to the table at the right time, and don't bother asking for a treat or more to drink if you didn't finish your food (veggies included), etc. Alexander no longer 'parents' Carter like he initially did. And would you believe that they have all gained over 2 lbs and about 2 inches each! I knew they had outgrown clothes already, but hadn't expected to see 2 inches in less than 5 months.

Lastly, we had some portraits taken of our whole family, so I will leave you with a bunch of pics of my cute kids (oldest to youngest: Emily, Cameron, Alexander, Alexis, Carter, Eli).

A little update

Whew! Where to start? Well, I'm happy to report that English is no longer an issue! Alexander is using sentences, Carter improper sentences, and Eli even now speaks a few words (up, mom, dad, bye, etc). With learning English has also come more freedoms for them around here, so the older boys now enjoy playing in our play room downstairs and more outside time. Also, Alexander and Alexis have begun to play together ALOT, but fight pretty good too :). Unfortunately with learning English comes forgetting their Russian - Alexander and Carter even speak solely English to each other now-a-days. Really, to meet them you wouldn't know that they didn't know English 3 months ago - not that they would talk to you much - maybe just Carter a bit (Alexander doesn't talk to people outside of our family for a good 10mins, and Eli mostly cries when someone outside of our family talks to him).

Kids have been pretty healthy too. We are still waiting for Alexander to get his dental work done. Am told to expect the appointment in June but haven't heard from them yet with a date. The sooner the better though because he does complain of pain when we are brushing his teeth. Just got back from Edmonton a week ago too from Eli's eye appointment. His eye alignment has improved with his glasses on since they are helping him focus, so he is now sort of borderline for the surgery. They now want us to come back in July to do a bunch more measurements and tests before deciding whether or not to do surgery.

Above is a shot Beth took because she thought it was hilarious. Eli was sick and therefore wanting to be glued to me, so into the ergo he went while I got started with supper. I think it is a good portrayal of being a mom.

So puppies have all just went home and the hundreds of emails (no exaggeration) have ceased! Now we are into chicks - 200 for now with 200 more coming in a month. Here are a few shots of life on the farm and the boys' first encounter with chicks.

Day to day life is still pretty busy in that there is always someone calling 'mom, mom', fighting, crying, needing something wiped, hungry, etc., but does feel much like 'normal'. I'm back to showering in the mornings (makes me feel human) and napping if needed (on the couch with many interuptions, but still getting the extra rest). The older 4 are now in soccer twice a week, bible study Tuesday nights, and kindergarten in the fall for Cameron and Alexander. He is a bit young but will likely go for two years to get him all caught up on English numbers, letters, and grammar, etc. I am not at all worried about him going in that it is only two days a week and I'm quite sure he will love the different atmosphere and activity since he gets bored often quickly.

Well that really brings you pretty much up to date - and I can't think of anything else at this late hour :)

When It Rains...

Well there is a reason I haven't posted in so long - not that I'm a frequent poster anyways. It has been a tough couple weeks though!

First, like MANY others, the kids all decided to get sick with a nasty cold except for Emily. Never ending coughing, fevers, snotty-noses, cranky kids, and being woken up at night left this momma very cranky too. Yup, I think I have spent the last two weeks being annoyed at someone every waking minute.

We have also hired a guy to finish all our reno's, and as much as I will love having everything complete it has made each day that much busier. I've had to clear out my pantry, the bathroom, bookshelf in the hallway, and our bedroom - and find places to put everything in the meantime (king mattress behind the couch, dresser in the living room, etc). Most meals I am having to search through boxes to find what I need. Having to go downstairs to use the bathroom (and wipe dirty bottoms) has also taken more time, especially with having to pass the baby gate. He is also drywalling the hallway so I have to section that whole half of the house off everyday from the kids - which means all of us limited to the living room and kitchen everyday. Then when the work day (for him) is over, I start the daily cleaning and vacuuming in the 'construction zone' in order to allow the kids a few hours in the rest of the house. And then painting some evenings...

And puppies! We had a litter born March 9th and another born March 13th. The first litter came with some compilcations, so we lost one pup and then after bottle feeding another every 4-5 hours day and NIGHT for about 10 days it died too. Thankfully everyone else is doing well and bottle-feedings have ceased. I finally managed to update my webpage last night and start advertising to get them all sold. So now the emails should start.

Anyways, reno's should be done by the end of this week and the kids are now getting their health back. Our bathroom upstairs is also now in functioning order. English too is continuing to slowly get better. Alexander now is up to using about 3 word phrases which I understand most of the time with ease. One today that had me puzzled for a few seconds was 'Alexis markers Eli'.... which meant that Eli was getting into the markers that Alexis was using. Also understanding the words they mis-pronounce is an added challenge. So, all in all this week should be better than the last! Better go get your cheese though cause this was a lot of 'whine' :)

Eli's Bath

As I am sure I've mentioned before, at first the boys were all scared of having a bath. That changed quickly with Alexander and Carter, but Eli has been slower to come around. The change this past week has just been heartwarming, and also sad in a way...

Although Eli had stopped crying at baths, he still has been very uneasy - basically doesn't move, will just hold a toy, wimpers and whines when I pour a little water anywhere on him, etc. Two baths ago we had some break throughs. He started the bath gasping for air everytime I poured some water down his shoulders, tummy, or back. I then got him actually playing with a toy and after that he started to 'experiment' a bit. He would kick his leg a little just to see what it felt like. He would look at his wet hand and then very gingerly put it to his mouth to feel and taste it, and then stare at it some more. I also managed to get him to play a game where I would put a wet cloth somewhere on him and he had to pull it off (although he was quite unsure of this at first, it did catch on). And then tonight at bathtime something amazing happened... he was SPLASHING! A bath or two ago I started to grab his hands and smack the water with it to make little splashes because he usually acted like he was scared to touch the water. Tonight he started doing it (repeatedly) all on his own. No gasps tonight, lots of playing, and more exploring! He would put a wet toy in his mouth and then look at me to make sure he wasn't in trouble. He initiated the cloth game. He held out his hand over and over again for me to pour water on it. It was almost like he was enjoying a bath like a typical 20mth old, except discovering everything for the first time.

It was heartwarming to watch him discover these new sensations, have fun, and lose his fear. It was sad to thing of what it must have been like 'before'. Aaron saw him the other day with a toy in his mouth and asked me if it was okay - normally I wouldn't really like it, but I know that he was not ever allowed to do that in the orphanage, and how much babies use their mouths for discovery (and simply enjoy it) - so it is okay for Eli. It is actually great for Eli.

While we are on Eli, we picked up his glasses a couple days ago. They are a little big for him so slide down his nose constantly, but were the smallest they had. He looks very cute in them, so here is a picture I took after his bath tonight. No troubles getting him to smile when I pulled out the camera!

Honeymoon?

According to one adoption book I have, there are usually four stages a child goes through when they are adopted. She doesn't say how long each lasts, just lists the stages as follows: honeymoon period, time of struggle, jockeying for positions in new family, and then moving on to working relationships.

Well, I would guess that Alexander and Carter's honeymoon period lasted the car ride to the airport from the orphanage. Seriously, you can ask Beth! Their behaviour in Moscow was definitely not a 'honeymoon', it was a huge time of testing to see what they could get away with - but Alexander especially didn't leave it at that, he had to test the same thing about a dozen times a day (no exaggerating). Since coming home though their behaviours have becoming more 'normal'? Are we at a time of jockeying for position - maybe. Alexander and Cameron have rough-housed a few times, always ending with Alexander upset. Alexander and Alexis have also gotten to the point of fists flying a time or two. But, for the most part there really is peace between the children.

Now on to Eli. I think with him we have had a honeymoon period. He was very easy in Moscow, through most the flights, and here at home. But I am wondering now if that time has ended. I am now seeing him mad at times, usually when he wants me to pick him up and I don't, and he responds by sulking and hitting things. Today when I set him down after getting him up from his nap he got mad, started sulking, and then walked over to the bookshelf and hit a bunch of books to the floor. After that he took to hitting the wall he was standing beside - which is when I stepped in and sat him on the couch for a 'time-out'. After crying a bit and smacking his own legs a few times he mellowed out and started to play.

Medical stuff - STILL waiting for results for parasites. Glasses picked out for Eli and should be here in about a week. Eli and Carter's teeth are okay for now. Alexander though needs two pulled (already missing two as well), a couple fillings, and a whole bunch capped. Estimate of $3500, hoping most will be covered by insurance but haven't had a chance to look into it.

English still seems to be coming at a snail's pace. Russian almost always comes out of Alexander's mouth first and then the odd time he will correct himself and say the English (kind of like the others remembering to say please!). Most often we still remind him to use the few English words we've taught him. Comprehension is still improving though. At least all the kids seem to have finally learnt each other's names rather than Alexander calling out 'sister' or 'little boy' in Russian, or our bio's referring to 'the two-year kid' or 'the four-year kid'. I guess ages are easier to remember than names? Oh, and Carter had his appointment about his feet and things are fine enough for now. Hopefully will develop more of an arch (and balance) as he gets a little older.

Alexander (who loves music and instruments) now sings 'Jesus Loves Me' many times a day, with quite a few mis-pronounciations :) He sings on tune though very well for a four year old. So bedtime now gets two songs.

Carter is also now officially three years old, he just doesn't know it yet. His birthday was Monday the 21st, but we decided last minute NOT to have a birthday party for him yet since neither he (or Alexander) would understand what was going on. This way no jealousy issues, etc. I think a pool party is in order (after how much they love to play in the water at bathtime) in roughly a month or so.... and then we can combine it with Alexis's birthday as well since they are still young enough not to care about that. Now I will just need to find some people to help even out the kid-to-adult ratio!

Some after bath pics

So starting Monday February 28th Aaron is planning on going back to work 5 hours a day. This will allow for him to still take the kids outside in the afternoon for a bit of a playtime - a time of day I greatly cherish! (they like it too)

Outside pics from oldest to youngest

Eli stays inside - usually napping. Hanging out under the table or high chairs though is one of his favorite things, so I am including this pic.

That's all I can think of for an update. Now to write our ' 2010 Christmas letter'! Its usually late anyways, and this year I had a good excuse :)  Have a decent family photo to send with it too that Hope (our Pastor's wife) took, so I can introduce the boys to everyone who doesn't come here to see pics.

I'm Sorry, Okay!?

As much as I would love to fill everyone in on my travels, the boys, and share a bunch of pictures... it takes quite a bit of time to blog! I have pretty much been going to bed right after the boys too, so very little computer time. And as you will hear about in a moment, I have been busy with other essentials as well.

Okay - where to start? I think I will have to again skip out on our London and Moscow time for sake of keeping this post manageable. Maybe a few pictures though!

Eli and I checking out St. Basil's, Moscow

At the GUM - love the Ergo!

The boys having their first McDonalds!

Even Eli ate a whole burger!

So the flight home went as well as could be expected I guess. We needed to leave our Moscow apartment at 2:30am, and Eli was sick that night so I only got 1 1/2hrs of sleep before starting the trek home. I would say that the boys slept half of the plane ride time home and we would find something entertaining to pass our airport time (food, walks, toys, etc). So we arrived in Calgary just before 5pm February 10th (got home at 2:30am Feb 11th). Made it relatively quick through customs and then were welcomed by Beth's family and a Calgary adoptive family that brought their little girl home last summer from the same orphanage as the boys. It was very awesome and I am so thankful they were there, cheering and welcoming with some small gifts for the boys.... and to take some pictures since I was so 'out of it' to even remember to pull out my camera (that's what about 5hrs of sleep in over 2 days does to a person you know). It was a great way to commemorate the boys' arrival to Canada.

Sleeping on the plane

Welcome to CANADA! (Calgary)

The first couple days home I was pretty much a wreck. My body was rebelling in every way, much resembling how I felt our first trip to Russia - except then the only thing I had to manage in a day was to go to the orphanage twice for about 1 1/2hrs each. All I wanted to do was sleep, cried when I was awake, and couldn't eat. My goal for day 2 home was to simply make lunch and supper. Day 3 I went to church with Emily, Cameron, Alexis, and Eli because I just felt I needed too. And it was wonderful - just feeling the support of our church family was strengthening. Aaron stayed home with Carter and Alexander because they simply weren't ready for a big group setting.

Day 4, Monday, I was finally feeling back to myself and things seemed manageable again. We had a doctor's appointment for the boys. Most things looked well, just will have to see an occupational therapist regarding Carter's one foot. And had to take stool samples to check for parasites - quite yucky, but you gotta do what you gotta do. Haven't gotten the results back yet but the boys for sure have pinworms so decided to treat for that tonight rather than make them wait another week. Good thing I have the meds on hand since it is what I use for deworming puppies! The boys are quite itchy and I don't need it to spread to everyone else...

Tuesday I finally managed to do laundry! Wednesday I went through the nine boxes of boy clothes I had and picked out about 14 outfits for each, then put back away three boxes of summer clothes. Thursday it was off to the optometrists. Eli will need to have eye surgery in Edmonton in order to correct his left eye which crosses inward. Until then he will need to have glasses, so we will pick those out next Wednesday when we are in Grande Prairie seeing the dentist. I am certain we will have many follow-up dental trips too since Alexanders teeth are all rotten, even the big ones in the back - and I am sure that Carter and Eli will need filling as well. Good thing God gives us two sets!

And that bring us to today and me finally managing to stay up and blog since my husband let me sleep in this morning with Emily having no school.

Overall the boys are doing very well. They appear to do just fine when we have to go out to appointments and detour from our home routine. Everyone is now also sleeping well in their own beds. I slept on the floor the first two night with Eli in Alexander and Carter's room, but neither Eli or I would sleep all that well. The third day I decided to introduce Eli to his crib and he is doing wonderfully. The only problem we initially had was with Alexander in that he would wake up and get out of bed in the middle of the night - so after getting in trouble for that two nights in a row he is now sleeping through the night.

English is coming along slower than I expected it would. Alexander and Carter speak Russian all day to each other, so don't try so hard to communicate in English with everyone else. We make them say some words in English like 'come, more, water, please, look, up, and help' and Alexander is just now trying to use them without being prompted, but Carter only parrots what we tell him to say. Alexander is doing well with understanding us with a little charades to help, but Carter usually has no clue. Carter also starts to cry whenever someone sits down at the supper table or gets ready to go outside before him - like he thinks if he is not first he will be left out all together. Alexander is starting to eat a little slower too (from absolutely wolfing his food down disgustingly) and we make him wait at the table when he is done eating while the rest of us atleast near finishing. I thought I would have more of a problem with the boys having to wait while I prepare food (since they never saw food being prepared at the orphanage) but that too is going fine. They will come check out what I am doing, but know it is coming soon enough. Oh, and while I am talking about eating - what messy eaters! I mostly feed Eli, or give him simply things to feed himself - but the other two, yuck! We have now switched to putting Carter in a highchair, and it is tempting to do the same with Alexander. Also have switched to using sippy cups all the time with them (after repeated spills by Alexander) until they can understand English and learn how to be more careful. Good thing Cameron and Alexis love to vacuum!

As for interacting with Emily, Cameron, and Alexis - things there too are going really well. They all like to play with each other for a while, and then separate out at times too. We haven't really had any jealously issues and Emily actually told me that it was more fun with the boys than she expected it would be. We are limitting 'the boys' to upstairs in our house so they haven't been in Emily & Alexis's room, and have also made Cameron's room off limits so he still has a place to play lego, etc. At times Emily and Alexis also camp out in Cameron's room to play something without the boys. Until they learn English I have decided to exclude them from some things (like going downstairs or playing lego) so that I can instruct them on what they can and can't do and know they understand. It really is a full time job pretty much just watching what they are doing or getting into - and none of the boys are interested in TV at all, so no easy baby-sitting there either :)

We have now taken to bathing two kids a night each night except for Sundays. The first time I bathed Alexander and Carter (in Moscow), they were both really scared. I had the same response from Eli. I don't know how they were doing it in the orphanage, but however it was it had them all really scared. By the second bath Alexander and Carter no longer cried, and they now ask for a bath and play for an hour with ease. Eli too finally had his first bath tonight without crying and even played a little.

As for testing limits, Alexander has definitely eased up on that. He still doesn't obey at times, or tries to wait until we get up to make him obey (which he is finding out still counts as not obeying and gets a punishment). Both Alexander and Carter can be pretty whiny/throw tantrums at times too - like when they don't get a toy they want, etc., but are too learning that they are often rewarded with a 'punishment' for that too. The tantrums though have also lessened in intensity too - from throwing, banging heads, kicking, screaming, and biting things - to half heartedly throwing toys (which gets a negative response from us) or hitting a couch or the air.

So overall everything is going really well and it has only been 8 days home. In other ways it has been a really long 8 days. I have gone from going to bed usually at around midnight to averaging going to bed at 9:30-10ish. Having about one main task for the day is about all that I can manage to get done - and Aaron is still home! The luxury of personal time is pretty much gone, and Aaron and I were pondering tonight what things will be like in a few years when they are older and in school :)

As for prayer requests - learning English is pretty high on my list! Growing in attachment to us and making it past all of the doctors & dentist stuff with ease would be great too. And of course, the boys growing swiftly in their knowledge of God (we read a toddler bible every night but I don't think they understand a word of it yet - and sing 'Jesus loves Me' every night too since in Moscow but they mostly just giggle through it).

Gotcha Day & More

Seeing me off



Sorry for the silence! I have wanted to update more but before I left I was extremely busy – pulled another all-nighter getting ready. Then slept the first day in Russia. Even now it has taken two days to type everything below due to 3 little ones….Anyways, we picked up the boys on Feb 4th and I know that’s what you all want to hear about!

Picking up the boys

I didn’t sleep all that well the night before which made the day a bit harder. We were at the orphanage at 9:30am, handed over way too many clothes for them to dress the boys (seriously, like they needed three layers including a snowsuit and toque for the drive), and then waited as the fan-fare slowly gathered. Many of the workers came to see the boys off and take a few pictures. Then we were off – heading to the airport to fly to Moscow. Alexander puked near the end of the drive, other than that it was quite uneventful. We arrived at the airport with our driver, translator, two reps, Beth, myself, three boys, and about 200lbs of luggage. As you can imagine it took quite a while getting through the entrance security – especially when they had to keep looking in our luggage at stuff like camera’s and electric toothbrushes. Beth was fortunate enough to get a really good pat-down thanks to a USB stick she forgot she had in her pocket. Then fed the boys and received a bunch of ‘advice’ that I had no intention of following, like ‘don’t feed them any meat or cheese, don’t bother taking them to go pee since they are in a diaper, don’t brush there teeth until you are at home and they can see your other children do it’ – like seriously, I am going to make my four year old pee himself and not brush their teeth for a week!? No wonder Alexander’s teeth are so bad – they don’t brush them at all in the orphanage I believe. So through security came freedom! Plane ride was pretty sucky – boys didn’t understand why they had to stay in their seats and Eli peed on me. Everyone slept though for the ride to our apartment.

Carter checking out our 'wheels'

Ride to apartment

So life in our apartment is going pretty well. Alexander and Carter have for the most part figured out that I mean business when I say no. They play well together too most of the time – really seem pretty typical 2 & 4 year olds, but the language is still a barrier. And Eli is doing AMAZING! Happy, smiling, babbling, playing, sleeps through lots of noise, likes to be a real goof at mealtimes. Really, if there was only one it wouldn’t even be a challenge – but the three manage to keep Beth and I on our toes most the time. Nighttime isn’t going as well, but is going pretty much as I expected. Eli falls asleep easily laying beside one of us and then we move him to his playpen but then in the early hours of the morning he wakes up and insists on being held or to lay beside one of us. He is attaching well to me and I would be his first choice – however during the night I am more needed by the other two, especially Alexander. I need to first lay with them at bedtime until they fall asleep, although I think I have so far beaten them to it. I can then leave for a while, but it is guaranteed that Alexander will wake up in a couple hours scared if I am not there. So after two nights of me trying to sleep in my own bed near Eli’s playpen I have come to the conclusion that for now I need to just sleep with Alexander and Carter. They too are already showing attachment to me as well – they like Aunty, but in the middle of the night insist on mama.

Boys Playing

Going for groceries - helping Carter & Eli in ergo on my back

Oh so cute Eli

I think I will wrap up with that for now and tell more of our London and Moscow travels in a day or two.

Pictures!

So a quick moment to share some pictures! (Can't imagine why I'm so busy... LEAVE AGAIN IN 6 DAYS!)

First is the darling picture from Alexander's dance. Those two danced as awesome as they looked!

Next here is a shot of Carter this trip.

One of Eli and me.

Aaron playing with Alexander and Carter.



Now back to work for me! Hope to post more later.