Communication

I'm ready for English.

The kids already know a lot more than we expected. People comment on how surprised they are to hear them speaking so much. In fact, I'd say their English and Russian are about half and half now. The thing is, the English words and phrases they know are limited, so they end up saying the same things, over and over and over and over again... usually getting louder each time. Also, there are still many things we ask of them or want to explain to them, and although we try, we just don't have the language to do it well. Do they understand what we just said, but are being defiant and testing us? Or did they not understand what we just asked? Like when Natalie touched something when I've just said not to? (Um, then touched the same thing 3 more times... )

There's a blessing in all of this. They want to communicate. They want to communicate with US. That's a good thing.

Unfortunately, I'm finding it exhausting. I'm finding myself impatient and easily annoyed. I'm finding myself speaking tersly and being quick tempered. And it frustrates me. I'm frustrated with myself. Their little hearts have endured so much already. I want to be their safest place. Not one who wounds their little souls with my heavy sighs and abrupt words.

So, I'm ready for English. So we can talk about FEELINGS. So we can speak about WHY and HOW, rather than just this surface level of communication.

I'm ready for English, so when I say, "I'm sorry Natalie. Mommy shouldn't have snapped at you today," I know she understands.

Grammy's Visit

My mom, hereafter known as Baba Grammy, came for a visit last weekend. Between doctor appointments we had a great time going to the pool, visiting the aquarium, and going out to a yummy dinner.

It's so great having company (especially when the company does the dishes, thanks mom!) Not only does it take a little pressure off of us, the kids enjoy having the attention and someone new to, "Watch! Watch! Watch! Watch!"

Zucchini Bread

We were given a GIANT zucchini... seriously, this thing was ENORMOUS. Picture Popeye's forearm... without the anchor tattoo, of course.

Anyway, we've had steamed zucchini a couple of times,
zucchini in our spaghetti sauce,
zucchini in scrambled eggs,
and zucchini mixed in the mac and cheese.

Still, there was half a zucchini in the fridge! So here we are, cooking up some zucchini bread. It turned out to be pretty tasty!

My Poor Babies

What a day.

We started at the doctor's office, where they each got a needle stick for a TB test. They were not happy campers, but after a few tears they were back to their silly selves.

Then, it was upstairs to the lab. This would be our first of what will be 3 eventual visits. The kids each need to have about 15 viles of blood drawn in order to complete all of the tests that were ordered. It will take at least 3 visits to collect enough. Ouch. I vividly remembered screaming hysterically when I was getting my own shots before entering kindergarten. There were no hysterics, but there were tears and cries aplenty.

But they made it. I was really proud of how brave they all were.

We had promised a trip for ice cream when all was said and done. As soon as we sat down to eat, Justin said he needed to use the bathroom. The ice cream parlor didn't have one, so Scott loaded him in the van and headed home. Since our house was only a block away, I stayed with the girls and we decided to walk back. Bad move. Our little wobbly Lexi tripped and fell. She skinned up both knees AND her forehead.

Poor thing. What a day she had... 2 skinned knees, a scraped forehead, and needle sticks on both arms. Here's some "Feel Sorry for Us" pictures.

Gee-tars!

The kids love music. Even while we were in Russia, this was obvious. While we were visiting Justin in his orphanage he would often play the piano or guitar for us. Once he even played an accordian. During a visit with Natalie, she sat on my lap and let me guide her fingers on a piano. This was a BIG deal at the time, since she pretty much wanted nothing to do with us in the beginning. Since we've been home, they constantly ask to play our piano. They sit and listen to Scott play the guitar. Justin had even turned a toy mirror into his own pretend guitar so he could play along. When we are in the van they ALWAYS want music. They sing along with everything, especially Natalie. Seems like she is always singing.

So, you can only imagine how excited they were when Baba and Grandpa showed up with special gifts. Their very own guitars! It's become a bit noiser in our house (didn't think that was possible!), but they love their guitars... or as Natalie pronounces it, "Gee-tar!"

I love my new blue guitar!

Papa leads the jam session.

Justin works it out on an accordian (in Russia).

Justin playing the guitar in Russia.

One of the first times Natalie let me get close to her (In Russia, in case you couldn't tell from the big purple bow!).

Have a Laugh on Us!

My mom sent us this ecard.
It's just too funny not to share!
See, there are definitely benefits to having a family of 5... just enough faces to complete this silly card.

Enjoy!

Send a JibJab Sendables® eCard Today!

Meet the Potato Heads

Hey Auntie Beth!
Thanks for the Mister Potato Head!