It's Friday afternoon in Moscow. Using the internet here is almost $1 a minute, so I won't be posting much.
In an earlier post I mentioned that we affectionately refered to ourselves as The Freakshow. Uh... let's just say that we've TOTALLY lived up to our name... and then some!
Justin is really, really frustrated with the language barrier. We (Scott espcecially), know more Russian than any other couples we've met here, but it's not nearly enough. Justin is also really struggling with getting alone with the girls. He's super possessive of everything. He wants to be first at everything. He wants the most of everything. Now, throw in the fact that we can't explain that there will always be enough to go around, that everyone will get a turn, etc, etc... He's had a very tough time. We never know when he might lose it. He's had some pretty bad (and loud) tantrums... like on our 5 hour flight from Kras to Moscow. What a nightmare!!! Passengers kept coming over to try to help translate his screams. Scott knew exactly what he was upset about (not getting the headphones he wanted for the DVD player), but once he got going... it was OVER!
The day of that flight was the longest day of my life! We were up at 3:30 am. Waited for 2 hours in the airport. Had a disaster of a flight. Got picked up in MOscow and rode in a HOT car for 2 hours. Had visa pix taken. Arrived at the hotel, only to be told our room wouldn't be ready for another hour. Had to do paperwork with our "facilitator" in the hotel lobby, with 3 overly tired, hungry, extremely grouchy kids... It was terrible. My sweet husband made a grocery store run later that night and brought me "home" some flowers though. :) What a guy.
All in all, we're hanging in there. We're getting enough rest and learning to ignore the wide eyed stares. Scott had the "best bacon cheeseburger of his entire life" at TGIFridays yesterday.
Pretty much all of the clothes I brought for LExi are too big. I have one outfit that actually fits and somehow she is either wet or dirty 5 minutes after I dress her. So, if you hear about this Freakshow family that had their youngest dressed in pj's for most of the day yesterday... yep, that's us.
The girls are definitely warming up to Scott. He's being so patient with them and doing a great job reading them and looking for moments to connect. All of them love to be held, which poses a problem when there's 2 of us and 3 of them. It's a good sign though.
Natalie continues to be a completley different girl than the one we spent time with in the orphanage. Sweet', silly, super needy.
Words we hear at least 100 time a day:
Moy! Mine
Dai! Give it
Ne Nada! Stop it
MaaaaaaaaaaaaMaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!! (ALL DAY LONG!)
So we're okay. There have been some really hard moments, but we're getting by. We just want to get home. NOt sure how the dog is going to fit into the mix. Lexi cried when she saw a cat in the play yard at the orphanage! :)
Take care all. We miss you!
12 comments:
MaaaaaaaaaMaaaaaaaa must be what mommymommymommymommymommymommy is here.... I get it!!! It's still the best word ever though isn't it? You'll be in YOUR home soon and then I'm sure things will settle down. They are going to be so excited about their new bedrooms and all of the things you have prepared for them. Scott, you are Chrystal's hero! You both sound like you're doing a FABULOUS job connecting and bonding with your children. I can't imagine the language barrier, but you've prepared for this and at least there's only one more flight to go! We'll be praying for your last few days in Moscow. We love and miss you! Stacy and Jeramie
Ok so now that you've been totally baptized into parenthood, you can relax now. No more wondering if you can handle it or survive it because you have discovered the secret of all parents which is you DO!! Not sure how except by the grace of our loving Savior. Don't worry about Molly she is doing great and you take all the time you need with exposing her to the kids. We will work through it :) Maybe this is the correct time to ask God to give you the gift of "tongues-Russian", ha!! Your in our prayers.
Just think about when you are finally home with your 3 beautiful children and Molly...you can finally take a deep breath and look back at how every minute of this journey was worth it. May God continue to bless you and bring you home safely.
Wow! That is all I can think to say! You are fully, totally, 100% parents! It will get easier and someday you will look back on this experience and laugh and think "it wasn't that bad!". It will feel better when you are able to be in your own house and a setting that you are familiar with. Only a few more days. I will continue to pray for God's strength for you all. Continue to be faithful and remember He never gives you more than you can handle. Think of a rubber band...He will stretch you but you won't be like that rubber band that has been in the sun...He won't let you snap! Looking forward to getting to meet your new family! :D
Don't worry about the hugs.. you guys will manage to love them all equally.. meaning you'll find more arms.. us mothers always seem to find an extra inch to share. And don't worry about Molly the dog.. she'll be fine.. she'll love them !! I'm sending well wishes and wipies.. yes, wipies... you'll need TONS once you guys get back !
Hugs !
How wonderful that at the end of such a trying day Scott thought to bring flowers! To me, what's great about a strong marriage is the total partnership involved. You can always lean on one another, and even when you are both leaning, you're still stronger together. A family extends the partnership into a team. And like any new team that's being put togehter, it takes a bit of time to build chemistry and then to learn all of the tactical stuff so you can best work (and play) together in a way that helps everyone to be successful. You guys are especially lucky because you have so many support groups through extended families - your own family members, church fellowships, work friends, APU friends, adoption contacts, etc. - all of whom are cheering you on and willing to pitch in and help whenever you need something. Kind of like your fan base, huh?
BTW, Rich and I won a gift certificate to Splashes restaurant in Laguna at your fundraiser. We used it during a mini vacation there last week to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary. Fabulous!
Looking forward to hearing each of your updates! Rich & Gail
Hey guys =)
I stopped by your house today and hung out with Wrigley for a few hours...he spent quite a while under your bed, it seemed like he was stuck haha. He finally made a dash for the backyard and actually came back inside after about an hour! I think he's starting to warm up to me =).
I hope tomorrow (Saturday...everyday) goes much smoother for you guys!
I snuck a peak at the rooms and they look great! You guys have done a lot of work in the last few weeks haven't you? sheesh! Well, enjoy your weekend...too bad Russia is not in the finals of the Euro Cup, that would have been fun to see! Okay, I'm done rambling =)
Love you guys!
Love the pics and video. Also, the specific prayer requests and mental pictures into the moments you are living these days are wonderful--thanks for sharing with all of us.
Continuing to pray for y'all!!
Just got home from VBS parents night at the church and based on your post, the choas is about the same. It is awesome that you are making your way back home with your family. What a blessing this is. I pray that the Lord continues to be with you every step of the way and that He gives you the energy, strength, perserverance, patience and guidance. What an awesome story of a family coming together.
God Bless,
J&T
Love all the updates! We are praying for you guys. Can't wait to meet the kids! Hang in there. You will be home soon! We know how hard it is to be away! Just think of how sweet it will be when you all walk through your front door and you are finally HOME!
God bless you all!
Love,
The Van Winkles
Just back from our vacation and got caught up on what is happening with the Scott Mocabee family. Our hearts, love, support and prayers are with you every day. We're praying for a smoother trip home (PLEASE, LORD). Can't wait to see you ALL!
Love,
Uncle Dave and Susan XOXOXOXOXO
Wow!!! I'm telling you guys, you'll be able to write a book when all this is over (or maybe in about 15 years from now!) I can't believe your whole family will be home in just a few days. It will be so much easier dealing with all the adjustments from the comfort of your own home. Hang in there! You guys are awesome parents and we are praying for you daily.
Love,
Amy and Jon
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