Waiting for our girl (no more!)

The CP Connection #3- Growth spurts

2012-02-01T10:07:00.002-06:00

Every parent is familiar with this situation...

Child walks out of bedroom, fully dressed. Mom looks up and her eyes go straight to the ankle.... seeing that the child apparently grew 3 inches in his sleep, and his pants are now all set for flood stage.

Its irritating, especially with kids who grow in literal spurts, seemingly overnight (I have three of those...!)

But when a kid with CP has a growth spurt, its not just jeans that are outgrown. Muscles are outgrown. Muscles that had been stretched and allowed to grow, catch up with the bones a little. Then BAM! Growth spurt makes the bones grow, but those little muscles just can't keep up. So a child that was doing well with walking or moving is suddenly struggling again.

Its so frustrating. Alina's Cerebral Palsy affects her lower legs. Her right side is weaker, her left ankle more spastic. And her feet turn in. When she's stretched and between growth spurts, her outer muscles are working enough now that her feet only turn in a little bit. But after she grows, those little feet are turned totally in, and she struggles to walk because she falls over her own feet. And its back to square one.

This is my topic today because Alina just had a growth spurt. She's working so hard at PT, in the pool and with PT at school, and I didn't notice much growth clothing wise, but she got up the other morning and she could hardly function or get herself to the bathroom. It took a day or two for me to figure out what was going on, and her PT straight out asked me if she had grown because she was so tight in her ankles and her walking was awful, all stompy, feet turned and and her arms swinging like she was trying to take flight.

So we are back to three times a day stretching. Normally we only stretch after bath, when she is nice and relaxed and getting ready for bed. I notice a difference in a day or two of three a day stretching after she grows, and we can lessen it some. She doesn't necessarily dislike stretching, but its 15 minutes out of her playtime that she apparently thinks will really set her back. :)

Project 365 -Week 4

2012-01-27T10:28:00.006-06:00

Oh, what a week! Last week everyone had a bit of a cold, nothing major. On Weds morning we were up and ready to head to get Alina casted for her new AFO's, and she started saying her ear hurt in the car. Five minutes later she was screaming her head off that her ears hurt, and she carried on like that for three.hours. No joke, she carried on from 8am, through her AFO casting and visit, through the walk in clinic waiting room and visit, and finally fell asleep at 11am when we got in the car to drive the to pharmacy to pick up her prescription. Ear infection. Poor girly... the doctor said it was pretty bad. This is the first ear infection we've had in our house. We got home and gave her a dose of Motrin along with her antibiotic and she took another 4hr nap on the couch, went to bed at 7pm and woke up Thursday morning just fine. She's not happy about the antibiotic though, and I don't blame her. That pink goo tastes terrible! I had to take it after I had my tonsils out a few years ago.

Can we get a sister in isle 3, please! (the boys were playing a game and she wouldn't leave the pieces alone, so they closed the door. I you look close you can see she has her fingers under the door... lol!)

Finally some SNOW!

Stealing heat from the vents. This is where you will find him all Winter long every time the heat kicks on.

Stretching! In Ukraine she couldn't even get her knees apart, now she's able to stretch this far! Pretty impressive!

Took advantage of no school the other day to get a new picture of the kids. Anthony is missing his top teeth now and its so cute.

Project 365- week 3

2012-01-23T07:59:00.003-06:00

Project 365 -Week 2

2012-01-13T08:41:00.004-06:00

Oh what a week! Started off with an appointment at the Gillette CP orthopedics. They took an x-ray of her hips first (which look great!) and then we had a second evaluation. The doctor is really pleased with her progress, and is impressed at how well she can walk without her AFO's! She was up and down the hallway showing off. We scheduled a gait analysis and a spasticity evaluation in the next few months. She is being evaluated for possible Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy, or SDR. The SDR would eleviate some of the spasticity via nerve clipping in the spine. The reason this may be important for her is because most of her spasticity is on the insides of her legs, making her feet turn in. PT has been working for a year to strengthen the outer muscles and while its helped tremendously, and she's walking much better/feet straighter, the concern now is as she grows those muscles and tendons that are tight may cause torosion on the bones in her legs, which would have to be surgically corrected as she gets older, and is much more involved (cutting bones, etc) which we would prefer to avoid. For obvious reasons.

So, all of that information should provide everyone with all the little mysteries that make up her body. :)

Anthony was also sicker earlier this week. He's so puny when he's sick, but he bounced back pretty quickly and thankfully whatever he had didn't spread through the house.

We are still waiting for snow. Al especially is hoping for about 2ft of snow to fall. He said all at once... but then we all figured that 2ft of snow suddenly falling from the sky might just crush everything it lands on. :)

Onto to Project 365-Week 2 (my slacker 365 :))

Bailey cat

Brushing up on her World Records

Cute little rag tutu... available in my Etsy shop! So cute!

Keifer 'staches. :) (and a very overexposed picture!)

More mama crafting

Also, my friends are adopting again! Their sweet girl is in China and she has amniotic banding. She is in danger of losing one of her feet because of this, and the quicker they get her home, the better for her. She's just a little squirt at only a year old! Please VISIT THEIR BLOG and her Etsy shop!

Project 365- Slacker style

2012-01-06T08:22:00.005-06:00

Since I have a hard time picking just one picture, and I take a lot, and I'm too busy, or too lazy, to blog a picture every day, I introduce you to Project 365- slacker style! Kind of like a Friday photo dump, I guess.

Anthony loves the cats. A little TOO much, sometimes. :)

The boys got new scooters for Christmas. Lucky for them, its been in the 40's with no snow! Completely unheard of for a MN Winter.

He was HYSTERICAL the first time he rode this. He was squealing and laughing and all over the place. Didn't take him long to get the hang of it, but it was pretty funny!

She thought the boys' scooters were so funny. In her defense, Anthony squealing and laughing was pretty funny.

Photographic proof of why I get coffee, drink it and dispose of the evidence BEFORE she gets home from school.

His gingerbread house he made school.

The look I got when I caught her with a mouth full of grapes and told her 'one at a time!'

The CP Connection #2- Progress

2011-12-31T16:14:00.004-06:00

Any time I need a reminder of how far Alina has come in the last year, I just have to watch video's of her in Ukraine, and after we came home. Video's like this, taken October 2010 in Ukraine.

Or these...

Taken 3 months after coming home, and after getting AFO's and de rotational bands.

Taking a few tentative steps in May.

And getting so good she can walk without AFO's in August.

And able to walk long distances in October.

The progress is astounding. She is a hard working little girl. The last couple video's she's not wearing the de rotational bands. She has torosion on her legs because the spasticity is on the inside muscles of her legs, which pulls her feet in. The de rotational bands work great, but they stress her out big time. Its a large piece of velcro foam around her waist and then stretchy bands wrapped around and down her legs, connecting to her AFO's and they keep her feet somewhat straight. I will say that she is doing great without them, the muscles on the outsides of her legs are really coming around, and she's able to keep them fairly straight if she's not tired.

I'm so proud of her. It has not been easy for her, she's had to work really hard, put up with therapy and stretching, trying to give up while everyone is telling her YOU CAN DO IT! She amazes me, and everyone around her.

*this post is part of The CP Connection blog ring. Click the icon at the top of this post to view others!*

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-30T11:16:00.005-06:00

We had a great Christmas. Very low key and we got to see everyone important. We have to choose what to do and what we have to miss every year, and we've kind of went on an every other year type of thing, and that works. Running around too much just makes for cranky kids and tired parents!

We haven't had any snow (but its snowing today!) so the kids were able to use their new scooters a few times, and the temps have reached 40 almost every day! Completely unheard of for MN in December. Just yesterday we all went to the store in nothing but hoodie sweatshirts!

We hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas, and that the new year brings you blessings!

Just before opening gifts Christmas morning

All ready go to up to Grandma's!

Traditional in front of the fireplace picture on Christmas. :)

Oh Christmas Tree!

2011-12-18T21:18:00.003-06:00

Once again we traipsed into the backyard to cut down our tree. If you didn't know, our home is located in a tree farm, so we have ample supply of trees. Although they haven't been properly maintained/trimmed for years so we always end up with Charlie Brown-ish trees. :) But thats ok... a quirky tree suits us.

The winner this year...

It takes a mighty talented dog....

Or maybe she's just telling me no more pictures. :)

A walking update

2011-12-09T13:50:00.003-06:00

Alina is doing AMAZING with walking! She walks all over now, and its fun to watch her carry her plate to the sink after meals or get her own cup, simple every day things. Of course we are still working on proper gait, and still considering options for her (surgery, orthotics, etc) but from not even being able to sit on her butt a year ago to walking today.... not too shabby!

(she walks a little better without these goofy boots on, but she insists and she doesn't fall, so I let them slide on non-school day. :)) Also she is supposed to be wearing derotational bands, but they stress her out so we don't wear them as much as we are supposed to. She does just fine without them, however with them on her feet are very straight.
WITH her AFO's on....

And these last two are without AFO's on. :)

The CP Connection

2011-12-01T07:32:00.006-06:00

My friend, Ellie

 had a great idea to get a circle of CP blogs linked up. So today is the first installment of...
(click to Ellie's blog to read more about the blog link)

The CP Connection


If someone had told us two years ago that we would be adopting a child with Cerebral Palsy, we would have probably laughed it off and went about our business. Then, in May 2010, I seen this...

.... and everything changed. That little face, those goofy pigtails and choppy hair, the big blue eyes and adorable little grin changed everything. Without really realizing it at the time, I was looking at my daughter. There was just something about her, and as I read the tiny little blurb about her, I kept reading past the Cerebral Palsy diagnosis. But a few days later (and after looking at her picture a few more times) I finally googled Cerebral Palsy. I found the Gillette website for their CP Center (where she is now seen) and read until I thought my brain would burst. So.much.information. when we had so little to go on for her. So, I did what any crazy person would do, I started blind emailing people for information. I asked on adoption boards for CP parents to contact me, I emailed doctors, called offices, asked anyone who would listen for information. I found a couple really great moms to bounce information off of and to ask questions (like you, L!) and every single person was uplifting and encouraging.

So, we stepped off the cliff, a leap of faith. We submitted paperwork, updated our homestudy and information. We went for new fingerprints, put together a new dossier (remember we had started our adoption in Kyrgyzstan almost 2 years earlier, then it shut down.)

We did all of this with many unknowns. How affected would she be? Is she speaking? Walking? Is she in any therapies? School? Was she well cared for? Could we really do this?

But it all seemed right, paperwork went easily, everything fell into place in a timeline that was perfect. Our time in country was wonderful, and we really enjoyed ourselves. And of course, we came home with a perfect little treasure that is the amazing 4yr old we all know and love today.

But still, its hard sometimes with all the unknowns. We had and still have lots of questions, and as we were able to meet more parents, get to know more who had adopted and who had children with CP, and as our circle grew, we became more confident and everything got easier. And I'm so thankful for those parents who encouraged us, the moms who answered all my emails and questions and didn't tell me I was crazy (though I'm sure at least one was wondering what I was on... lol!)

We cannot imagine our life today without Alina. She is perfect in every way. Yes, she has Cerebral Palsy, and yes, she struggles with some things, and so do we. But if we ever have a bad day, we just have to remember that little picture above, and where she came from, and how far she has come in the last year. She is amazing and she will always be amazing.

And we are blessed to know all these families, these new connections and ones we've known for a year or better. Families who have kids living with CP and being able to share with each other. That is amazing.

Catching up is hard to do!

2011-11-22T14:54:00.005-06:00

So in the last month we have taken great new family pictures, enjoyed the last of Fall, had excellent conferences for the boys at school, and the most exciting... it SNOWED!

So here is a photo and video dump of the last month. Because words aren't nearly as exciting as pictures. :)

Family pictures, October 2011.

Home 1 year!

Halloween 2011! Alina is wearing the Tigger costume both boys wore. She made a last minute choice to wear this over her pirate outfit. It was adorable, except everyone kept calling her a boy. :)

Al the silver miner and Anth the diamond miner

Really excited about the few little snowflakes that were falling

Alina's new baby, 'Spike' (or why 4yr olds don't name babies!) :)

No pictures, please!

The only reason they help me in the kitchen... to eat the goods!

Oh! Snow!

She is really excited about the snow. We were outside for hours!

Happy 1 year family day, Alina!

2011-10-29T13:52:00.001-05:00

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

Video's

2011-10-28T15:02:00.004-05:00

Alina got a new walker to take to school. She uses it in gym and when the class goes outside. She walks without it all the time, but she's very unsteady outside, and can't run so in the gym it works great for her too.

It came with this GIGANTIC sheet of stickers to put her name on it, and it had a ton of flowers, hearts, and swirly things. The girl went nuts making it as gaudy as possible. :)

Oh, and she can also run her little legs tired in it. Pure joy!

Here she explains how to use her walker.

And here she demonstrates how she basically pulls it behind her while running. :)

Gotcha day... 1 year later

2011-10-26T09:19:00.009-05:00

One year ago I was standing in the doorway of her group at the orphanage one last time. But instead of asking for Alina to be brought out, I handed over her clothes. Her brand new clothes and shoes, the first things she could call her very own. She was mad when the nanny brought her to the back instead of out to me, but when she seen the clothing she seemed to understand what was happening, and was smiling nervously. Then she appeared before us all ready to go!

She was really excited to see so many people standing around looking at her. :)

She hadn't seen me all day because we were running around doing paperwork. I know she was wondering if I was coming back, and she got up into my arms and gripped the back of my jacket, not wanting to get down.

Look at those spikey pigtails!

Its hard to believe its been an entire year since I carried her out of those doors for the last time. She was nervous because it was dark out and I don't think she every got outside after dark.

The car ride to the train station was awful! Poor girly had a ton of something for dinner just shortly before we got there, and she let us know a few minutes into the car ride by throwing up. It was awful, she felt terrible, it was all over her, all over me, and all over our sweet facilitators car. But of course we all lived and got to the train after stopping to clean up a little bit. It was bittersweet getting on that train... we wanted to get home with our girl, but it was hard to leave the people and places we had come to know and love. It was very emotional for me leaving Nikolaev. I felt like our girl had been jipped out of seeing the beautiful area where she was born. But also knowing that she wouldn't have fully remembered it even if we took a few days to show her. We will go back when the kids are all a bit older, so they can understand and appreciate.

This is Alina today. :) Look at the difference in her pigtails! The dress is shorter, a little tighter on top, and the tights are now too small. And the pink dotty shoes don't fit at all!

Happy Gotcha Day, Alina! We love you and are amazed by you every day!

One whole year ago...

2011-10-14T21:10:00.003-05:00

...we were standing in a cold Ukrainian courtroom asking to be Alina's parents. I remember walking into that room and feeling REFRESHED! Crazy, right? Let me explain. Ukrainians like it hot, and the baby house, our apartment, stores, the bus were all hot. And anyone that knows me knows I'm comfy at about 65 degrees. Anything above 80 and I'm ready to burst into flames.

Save for the cage on one wall (for bad guys, thankfully we didn't have to stand in it!) the courtroom was beautiful and the woodwork gorgeous. Eugene, Sasha (our facilitator) and I squeezed our butts onto one bench. She was in the middle because she was translating for us.

The entire experience was surreal. The Judge read through our paperwork and I gave our speech. We were asked a few questions and they looked at our photo album, and then we were asked to sit while they left the room. A few minutes later they came back and announced us Alina's mom and dad! It was such an emotional moment for us, and as the jurors walked out and warmly took our hands and wished us luck (or congratulations, I don't recall) we couldn't help but shed our tears and grin like fools telling them 'Spaseeba! Spaseeba!'

We had lunch and then headed to see Alina at the baby house. She had no idea what was going on or why we were still blubbering goofs during our visit.

Taken on our afternoon visit after court.

I can't believe its been a year.
Happy one year 'made ya ours day', Alina!

(and don't forget about Operation: Christmas in Nikolaev! See the button to the right. Any donation helps, be it a small toy for one of the boxes, an entire packed box, $2, $10, 20 packed boxes... every little bit helps bring Christmas to the little ones still waiting! Everything has to be packed and ready to ship by Oct 31st! Please visit the blog and donate!)

Did you know?

2011-10-06T13:28:00.002-05:00

That anything purchased in my Etsy shop in the month of October will help fund Operation: Christmas in Nikolaev?

Thats right! All proceeds from sales in October will go directly to sending Christmas to the kiddo's at Alina's baby house! There are 115 cute little reasons to donate, purchase something in my Etsy shop, or build and send a box of your own.

We have about 24 days left to build and send enough boxes for all the children! So go to the blog and donate (www.operationchristmasinnikolaev.blogspot.com ), build a box (or 5!) and send, or purchase something in my Etsy shop, you can find it just to the right of this post.

Operation Christmas in Nikolaev

2011-10-02T21:36:00.003-05:00

Have you ever been to Nikolaev, Ukraine? I have. I spent four weeks there. That is where Alina was born and where she spent her first 3.5yrs. Its a place we hold very dear to our hearts, and people we met and the children we fell in love with never be far from our hearts or minds.

A year ago we walked those halls for the first time. Nervous anticipation as we trotted behind our facilitator to meet our girl. This was it. We had waited so long for this moment and we had no idea what to expect. We burst through that door way and there she was! Wearing that pink dress. She was completely blindsided by these visitors who stood there smiling at her like big fools.

We remember the sights, the sounds, the smells..... and we remember those we had to leave behind. The little faces we fell in love with who are still waiting for their families to come. We are forever changed.

But we can do something. We can help give the kids at Alina's old baby house Christmas! Sometimes no matter how loud we shout and how many people we talk to it doesn't feel like we are making a difference, especially to the kids.

Please please visit this blog http://operationchristmasinnikolaev.blogspot.com/
and consider donating a box for a little one at the orphanage. Or donating $5 to build a box or to help with shipping. The information is all on that blog, and every single person who will be working very hard at this has adopted a child from the Nikolaev baby house. And we want nothing more than to bless our childrens 'first siblings' who are still waiting.

Imagine the excitement of a child who has never had a Christmas present or anything of their very own getting a little box of goodies for Christmas. It will make a difference!

Happy Birthday!

2011-09-24T21:28:00.004-05:00

Little A turned 6yrs old today. I can't believe it.... 6yrs ago I thought I was going to be pregnant forever as he was a week overdue. We couldn't wait to meet the little guy, who turned out to be not so little, but chubby cheeked perfection. :)

Today we enjoyed the day at Jackson Street Roundhouse, his favorite place in the world. It was a beautiful Fall day, just like the day he was born!

All ready to go!

Workin....

Perfect.... I love this picture!

The Roundhouse

Happy #6, buddy!

'I'm awesome!'

2011-09-23T20:59:00.002-05:00

One thing she's gained over the last year is an ego. :)

And a new walking video. Notice how she can stop short now... a new skill required for school I suppose. :) And also notice how she kind of clumps along down the driveway, but when she was motivated to get up to the trailer for a bike ride she walks great! :)

Its the first day! Of the 4th and Kindergarten and Pre-K!

2011-09-08T11:19:00.005-05:00

Big A started 4th grade, Little A started Kindergarten, and Baby A is in preschool. Time is flying by... they are growing up so fast!

Ready for 4th grade!

She was so excited to see the bus! And about 3 seconds later she was melting down because SHE Wanted to get on the bus. She didn't understand that she gets to get on the bus in the afternoon. :)

Love this guy!

And off he goes!

FINALLY, in the afternoon, it was her turn to go!

She took a walker to school for gym, outside free play, etc.

And last, but certainly not least, Little A started Kindergarten today. :)

He was a little nervous.

But it helps to have a big brother around.

And the big boys were off.

Look Ma! No legs!

2011-08-26T17:31:00.002-05:00

Alina is getting stronger and more coordinated every day. She can now walk short distances without her AFO's on!

The end of Summer...

2011-08-16T19:18:00.008-05:00

...when the easy livin' takes a back seat. When the end of a dock will soon be a memory...

When you long for the feeling of an old cabin chair...

When brothers can just peacefully be...

And little girls enjoy being beachy

Where kids can be kids... feeding corn to the fish and enjoying the evening...

School starts in just a couple weeks. The pool will come down, the lakes will be too cold to swim, weeks will be busy with school and activities, and weekends filled with soaking up Fall. But for now, we are livin' easy. :)

Bellywopping

2011-07-29T19:50:00.004-05:00

"Watch me bellywop mom!'

And being one of the big kids swimming under water. :)

Its been hot. Close to or above 90 every day. The pool is getting a workout, but its fun!

Getting ready to jump...

Going..

Going...

Jump in!

She loves it when Alexander throws her

See!

Helicopter jumps

Holiday

2011-07-24T21:21:00.006-05:00

We had a fantastic vacation in sunny, hot...

Yep! We packed up the crazy and headed South during the nations largest heat wave. :) While Minnesotan's were suffering through a heat index of 115, we were enjoying the beach and NO HUMIDITY! :) And to fully home our insanity, we drove. 1100 miles. One.Way. :)

The boys were thrilled to tour the Battleship Texas and the USS Lexington. Alina was thrilled to swim in hotel pools every night, and all three kids really enjoyed the beaches of Galveston and Corpus Christi. We got to visit with Auntie Jan and cousins Amber, Nathan, Jackson and Robbie. Alexander says hanging with Jack was his favorite part of the trip. :)

Could this BE any cuter?

The kids all loved the ocean!

The boys hanging out in the surf

A quiet moment between these two. :)

Playing with cousin Robbie

She loved the beach, had so much fun!

The fishing boats came so close to shore, much to the boys' delight.

Touring the Battleship Texas

Hanging with Texas cousins. :)

The Alamo

In front of the USS Lexington

And all Alina wanted to do... 'wimming'

Monkey girl

2011-07-08T21:38:00.004-05:00

Right after I took the second video, she made it all the way over. I never did get that on video because she would flip and right as she was about to get her feet back on the ground, she would let go and I had to catch her. :) I'm amazed at how strong she is!

Summer fun in the pool

2011-07-02T09:39:00.005-05:00

This is our 4th year setting our pool up, and it has been one of the best investments we've made! The kids look forward to it being up, and everyone enjoys it.
Alina has her own way of enjoying the pool....

In case you couldn't hear it, I asked her what she was doing, and she said 'welaxin' (Relaxing). :)
See! Relaxin!

Al is the cannonball expert!

Anthony is a little fishy! He can swim the length of the pool underwater and he's fast! He's also the most comical jumper too!

Alina, she fell right in line with her brothers. She can spent hours in the pool and still not want to get out. :) Its great for her legs, and she really kicks them and can swim fast in her little floatie!
She also likes to splash!

Bumper floaties!

Love these three goobers!

My girl

2011-06-28T20:41:00.003-05:00

Watching these video's makes me even more anxious for the 11th when we will visit an ortho and get an x-ray of her legs to see what the deal is with her legs and ankles turning in so badly. But hey, she controls them pretty well. :)

Also, its so cute to watch her walk because she has to get her 'stance'.... she crosses her pointer and middle finger on her right hand and she holds her left hand with her fingers all together. She ALWAYS does this right before she starts walking and she continues to do it until she stops. At the ends of the second video you can see her doing it up close. Love it!

Walking, 8 months home, and new pictures

2011-06-24T22:04:00.004-05:00

So guess who's walking? Yep, thats right... Alina decided the other day that she can, in fact, walk by herself (and not just taking one step at a time and pausing four minutes between each step, she's been doing that for months. LOL) I don't know if its because we decided to forgo the de-rotational bands for a while because they were majorly stressing her out, or if she finally felt stable enough to go for it. What I do know, is that what she said to me when i asked her about it melted my heart to a puddle! After she walked all over the driveway, including stopping, starting and turning, I asked her 'Alina, what happened? Why did you finally decide you were going to walk and not be scared?' and she thought for a minute and then said 'I not fall, mama catch me.' and went on her merry way. Little did she know that those few words meant the world to me. I promise a new video soon of her skills. :)

In a couple days, Alina will be home 8 months! I cannot believe its been that long since we finally stepped off that airplane and I seen my Anthony with his face pressed up against the glass waving at me. I couldn't get down those steps fast enough. But it seems like its been forever. Bonding hasn't been easy. Watching her grieve hasn't been easy. Knowing when to push her and when to back off certainly hasn't been easy. Nothing was instant, but day by day things get easier. And 8 months out we've found our groove, she's growing and thriving and learning at lightening speed. We are so excited to enjoy the summer with her.

And some new pictures.... The last picture in a frame of Alexander alone was from his 7th b-day. Anthony's alone is from before his 4th bday. Sad, considering my favorite hobby. LOL I DO have recent pictures of the three kids together, and will get a few better ones soon.

Extreme dandelion blowing

Look how much she has grown!

Would you do it again?

2011-06-16T21:26:00.002-05:00

I've been asked this question quite a few times in the last month. At first it was easy to answer 'OF COURSE!' but after the third or fourth time being asked, it was harder to answer because I had thought more about it.

I would have swam the Seven Seas for Alina to come home, and I would do it again in a heartbeat for her. Who wouldn't? Look at this face...

But would I do it again for another child? I'd like to jump right into the 'Of course!' but I hesitate. I feel a connection with Alina that I'd be afraid of not being able to duplicate with another child. It has taken she and I some time to fully bond, and I worry that another child wouldn't take to us so easily.

But when would we be ready? There are a couple kids that I would literally get on an airplane for tomorrow and go get them. Because I've seen them. Touched them. Held them. And because they are so very real to me both in my memory and in my heart, I cannot let go. But again I hesitate. Why?

Money. Isn't it terrible that what turns many away from adoption is money? But sadly, it is. We often will talk about another child, or say things like 'Alina sure needs a sister' but the comments following are always 'well if we had the money....'

Travel. Being away from my family, my home, everything, for another 3-5wks. I worry about how bringing home another child would affect Alina.... when would she be ready? I know the boys would be ok, they both understand and KNOW that if mama leaves, she always comes back. Alina doesn't quite have that down yet, she panics when I leave the room, or if I go out with a friend at night and she's home with Dad and brothers. She's felt a great deal of loss in her life and she hasn't moved past it fully yet, and probably won't for quite some time. We are ok with that, its our job to be here for her and help her.

But would we do it all again? The simple answer is yes. There is no question in my mind that if everything worked out that we would jump at the chance to bring another child home. Every worry, fret about money, every hurry up and wait, every document signed and notarized and apostilled and treated like a gold doubloun and spending a small fortune just to mail them off, every minute away from home, putting your entire future and that of the child you already love in the hands of others.....

Is simply worth it.

And the winners are...

2011-06-12T21:14:00.006-05:00

And the Winners Are:

Kindle:

Carolyn Schwenzer!

Outfit #1-

Crystal Britzius!

Doll -

Renee Tam!

Outfit #2 -

Michael Dahlen!

Hair Bow set -

Charissa Browning!

Toffee #1 -

Carolyn Schwenzer!

Toffee #2 -

Christina Lunn!

Target Gift Card -

Leigh Walters!

Olive Garden Gift Card -

Carolyn Schwenzer!

If you won something...please leave a comment with your name

and address and we will get your goodies to you!
Thank you to everyone who donated and participated! Almost $1700 was raised for the Houser family to bring sweet Sveta home!
And because its cute, this is the kids drawing names-
(and clearly I should have double checked my camera settings... these pics are all over the place, geez!)
Look how he's covering her eyes, like she can read and cheat! LOL

The boys were totally into it, they wanted to keep drawing names. A lot of you won random prizes like leftover breakfast, plastic basketball, bean bags, my sewing machine, a Hello Kitty lunchbox..... you get the idea. :)

Mini-vacation

2011-06-09T21:57:00.007-05:00

Thats what we did last weekend. On Friday afternoon we headed over to the St Croix River state park to camp for the weekend. Alina had never been in a tent before, but the rest of us love camping. And, as we expected, she enjoyed every second of it! She's a trooper. She hiked, walked, climbed, swam and played without skipping a beat. And at the end of the day she was so excited to 'seep in da tint'. :) We had to buy a new tent this year too, our old one, while still fantastic, was just too small for all of us. We squeezed four of us into it for 5yrs, but five of us would have been like a clown car. Our new tent is BIG, tall enough to stand in and we had so much room. You know, for one more. ;)

ANYWAY, on with some pictures, as I know thats why you all come here anyway! :)

Its eery how much these two look alike!

Waiting for the boys to bring the canoe down

Out on the river there were many large islands

The boys out in the canoe

Watching other canoe-ers come in after we finally docked ours.

Beautiful!

The boys weren't afraid of the frigid river water!

Neither was she. :)

Waiting for some campfire breakfast

Oh but who doesn't love Pringles after breakfast? And if you look closely at her hand, she has an Oreo cookie too.

Roughin' it

Eugene and Alexander climbed this

ALL the way to the top. 134 step and 100ft in the air. This fire watch tower was in use until recently.

And because its cute, this is Alina's 4th of July dress. There is a size larger available in my Etsy shop, or you can order a custom size! :)

And don't forget about the giveaway! Scroll down to the post titled When Love takes you in giveaway! Lots of fun stuff!

Happy Birthday, Alexander!

2011-06-06T21:43:00.002-05:00

My awesome first born is 9yrs old today. Wow. 9yrs ago I was in the hospital wondering if the stubborn little thing was EVER going to come out, and he finally made is appearance at 11:28pm.

Happy Birthday, Alexander. My amazing, smart, sweet and stubborn 9yr old.

When LOVE takes you in GIVEAWAY!

2011-06-05T21:28:00.004-05:00

So a certain sweet little girl that I advocated for here on my blog and on facebook has her family coming for her NEXT WEEK! I'm sure you all remember Sveta....

Sweet Sveta planted her sweet self right into my heart when I got to meet her and spend time with her while we were at the baby house. She is just a love, and her mom is awesome too. They are working very hard to get to her, and they leave in a week.

So, there is a giveaway to help them fund their airline tickets. There is a lot of fun stuff, including a Nook, Target Gift card, and some fun outfits and a custom doll directly from my Etsy shop!

So go, check it out! For only $10 you get a chance to win some cool prizes and help that little beauty come home! You can also order a t-shirt or a car decal and get entered, or post it to your blog or facebook to be entered! Just leave a comment on Michelle's blog when you've donated, posted or bought a shirt or decal. All the info plus pictures are on her BLOG SO CLICK HERE AND GO CHECK IT OUT!

Walking and talking

2011-06-01T19:45:00.003-05:00

Trying the video's again. Blogger is being frustrating lately.... and it seems everyone is having a problem.

She was having a blast with these walkie talkies. At first she was 'talking to grandma' and they were 'going shopping'. :) Then of course I get the camera on and she stops doing it. :)
(and ignore my horrible voice on these video's. I always hate my recorded voice!)

At the beginning of this one she is saying that she just got off the four wheeler.

Apparently if she covers her eyes, you can't see her. :)

Anthony rode her scooter out of the garage (apparently hers is more fun to sit on and ride out of the garage since it has three wheels) and she was all in a tissy about it.

Picture post

2011-05-28T21:27:00.008-05:00

Not much to say, but I have a new phone and Alexander downloaded a cool FX camera on it for me. So thats been fun. I have cute video's too from it but blogger is being a pain in the butt and won't let me upload them.

Eating her first s'more! Actually she took one bite, then took out the chocolate and ate that. LOL!

Hanging out in the yard, eating campfire hotdogs. :)

Watching the ducks with daddy

Her hair is to her shoulders now! I put a couple braids in, it was cute.... this girl has some majorly thick hair!

Eating ice cream after a long afternoon outside. :)

We attended a deployment ceremony.

Alina testing out some big wheels.

Taken by Alexander.

Riding with big brother.

Playing with friends

Enjoying the love of a big brother.

Beautiful day!

Oh Anthony

Watering flowers

The boys and their dog

My lovies

MRI news

2011-05-27T17:58:00.004-05:00

Alina had her MRI last week. We decided to go ahead with it to know where the damage is and to get answers to some questions that were in her medical history that nobody really knew the answers to. What we found out was that she has damage to the white matter of her brain, which is likely due to lack of oxygen at birth, and because of prematurity. Alina was born at 30wks and was quite small. This is the best explanation for what the damage to her brain is called.

Periventricular leukomalacia is a long, difficult-to-pronounce couple of words that describe an injury to the brain that most often affects babies who are born prematurely -- although infants born at term may acquire this as well. Breaking the words down into their basic parts gives a little insight into this diagnosis. The ventricles are normal spaces within the brain that are filled with fluid. "Peri" means around. So, the first word describes a location, namely the area around the lateral ventricles, which are the largest fluid filled spaces of the brain. "Leuko" means white, and "malacia" means soft. Therefore, periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) refers to softening of the white matter of the brain located next to the lateral ventricles.

This softening represents injury to the brain tissue, usually due to lack of oxygen or blood flow to this area of the brain. This poor blood flow may occur prior to delivery, during delivery, or after delivery. Determining when exactly the lack of blood flow occurred is usually impossible. However, the bleeding within the ventricles, which may occur in babies born very prematurely, clearly puts the area around the ventricles at risk for PVL. Unfortunately, there is no effective treatment for PVL. Therefore, most research is directed toward prevention. But even in this arena, there are still no absolutely effective measures to prevent PVL other than preventing premature births.

The periventricular area of the brain primarily contains fibers that control motor functions although there are certainly other functions that reside in this section as well. Therefore, children who develop PVL are at high risk for developmental delays and motor difficulties. PVL remains a major factor in causing cerebral palsy. However, it is impossible to predict what a child will and won't be able to do based upon the extent of PVL. This is why careful developmental follow-up of these children is so crucial. Children with PVL have different outcomes and manifest their delays at different times and with different severity.

So there you have it, Alina's brain is missing some white matter, otherwise its developing and growing normally. And we think she is perfect just the way she is. :)

Video

2011-05-24T19:51:00.003-05:00

Sorry its sideways.... I took this with my new phone and I know now that it doesn't orientate.... lol. Techie I am NOT!

Playground anxiety

2011-05-20T20:18:00.003-05:00

Anyone who has a handicapped child can relate to this.... you pull up to a playground and its full of children and their parents. You take a deep breath and get the kids out of the car, then walk up to the playground. Parents look over, most stare. Little kids point or ask 'Why is she walking so funny?' or if she's wearing shorts and they can see her braces, they ask 'What ARE those things on her legs?'

And I admit, sometimes I hesitate. Did I make the right decision to bring the kids when its so busy? Will a someone make fun of her? Will a parent get ticked off if she's blocking the stairs as she slowly makes her way up? What if she falls and gets hurt? Will I be scoffed at for taking a handicapped child to a park and letting her go?

But Alina? She NEVER hesitates. She NEVER questions herself. She NEVER notices anyone staring at her. She jumps out of the car, sights set on the tallest slide and makes it her mission to climb to the top and slide down that slide over and over again, even if it takes her ten times longer to get up there than it does other kids. She doesn't know she's different. She confidently walks up to other kids and says hi. She smiles and laughs when other kids do, and every.single.time. she is included in the games, even if her big old mom has to help her walk around to participate. Little kids don't care, they are the model of inclusion. They don't care if she doesn't speak clearly, or walks funny, or has braces on her legs. Neither does she.

New AFO's!

2011-05-15T22:11:00.003-05:00

Alina's first pair of AFO's were getting too small. We'd had them built up already and adjusted a few times but they just needed to be replaced. This time she chose an orange/yellow color. The most exciting part is they now have a 'hinge' in them so she has ankle movement! She's pretty wobbly on them when walking alone, but overall her gait has improved a ton with the ankle movement. She's able to bend down easier because she can use her ankle to squat down, and she can push off her toe when taking steps.

Princess chalky butt!

Still have the de-rotational bands, this time trying double wrap around the left side, which is the side that really turns in.

Does this girl love her daddy or what? :)

Walkin walkin walkin....

2011-05-11T21:43:00.000-05:00

This chick is on the move! :)

Thunderstorms and morning light

2011-05-09T19:04:00.003-05:00

Remember being scared as a kid? Waking up to thunder shaking the house and lightening flashing like a paparazzi mob outside? Or maybe a scary dream tore you from your slumber. Possibly waking up in the middle of the night ill, calling out to your mom. Calling out to your mom who you knew would race into your room and hold you, calm you, help you. That feeling of no matter what happened in the dark of the night, mom or dad would be there to comfort you. It was like morning light breaking through the darkness.

I often think about the kids still in orphanages around the world. Who comforts them when they wake from a bad dream? Who holds them if they are afraid of thunder and lightening? What happens if they are ill at night? Who is there to comfort them? They may have a nanny or a caretaker who is there overnight.... but does that compare to a mom and a dad? Does a caretaker take the time to comfort every child at every need? Its nearly impossible, and doesn't happen.

Children, regardless of age, race, disability or where they are in the world, NEED homes. They NEED a mom and a dad to care for them. They NEED to know that no matter what, someone will be there for them, night or day, scared, hurt, sad, angry or happy.

As I type this, a little 4yr old girl is sitting on my lap. Six months ago this girl wouldn't cry when hurt, she didn't show emotion, she kept herself guarded. But just today she spent 1/2 hour throwing a tissy because her brother smacked her in the arm when she was in his face. And she has a scab on her elbow that she's been nursing for a good four days, making sure to show it to everyone who looks at her, and some who don't. She seeks us out now when hurt, sad, angry or scared. She brings her blanket to me during the day saying 'mama wets nuggoo' (mama lets snuggle). She asked to be picked up and held, she knows what it feels like to be loved. Fully, unconditionally, and forever. She's starting to realize that comfort is something she wants.

Thats after only six months. 147,000,000 orphans wait in this world for a family. You don't have to be rich, have a big house, drive a fancy SUV, or be perfect. You don't have to be thin and have great hair. You don't have to be anything spectacular! Being someone's comfort, someone's stability, someone's MOM.... that makes you spectactular. Providing love, a home, a family. That is what kids want. Regardless of age, race, disability, or where they are in the world. A family.

God doesn't call the equipped, he equips the called. Are you listening?

Disability

2011-05-02T20:06:00.001-05:00

DON'T

DISS

MY

ABILITY!

Six months ago (part 2)

2011-04-29T16:38:00.011-05:00

Six months ago today, we stepped off the airplane in Minneapolis after a very exhausting night.
(snoozing away in the apartment on our last night in Ukraine)

The final flight was only an hour... from Chicago to Minneapolis, but it seemed to take forever! After traveling since 3am EE time, we were all exhausted. Alina was great on the flights, sleeping for a couple hours on the long flight from Germany to Chicago and cheerfully charming everyone the rest of the flights. :)

(so excited to be a US citizen... in Chicago waiting for our final flight!)

Daddy had said he couldn't make it to the airport because he couldn't get off work. But really he was surprising us. And our prince did come!

And we were all reunited after 5 long weeks!

I've never felt more blissful than I did that moment in the airport. I was home, I had my entire family around me. I had great friends who loved us and came out to support us.

I'm amazed at how far our girl has come in the last 6 months. We met a little girl who was very lost, had no language, and was physically very delayed. We brought home a baby. Now only 6 months later she's almost caught up to her peers. She's not quite walking on her own yet, but she talks up a storm and she gets things. She's active, alert, doesn't miss anything. And its only been *6 months!*

Here is the Alina we brought home. Little, shy, chopped off hair....
(taken the Sunday after we got home, before her first Church service) she had to put her hands down to help support herself while sitting like this. The only way she could sit up was to do a 'W' sit.

And this is our Alina today. Bright, talkative, active, funny and full of attitude! She is almost walking on her own (as you can see from the video's below), and she makes her presence known wherever we are. God has big things in store for this little girl!

Please, no more pictures. :)

Alexander thought up this cool game for Alina, he put the cones down and she had to walk to them and pick them up. He'll be a good physical therapist some day. She loved it because it was a big brother helping her. :)

Six months ago (part 1)

2011-04-25T22:12:00.009-05:00

Six months ago Alina was stripped of her old life, the orphanage clothes, everything she'd ever known. She was dressed from head to toe in her own brand new things, and led by the hands to a new life. She had no idea what was happening, she was just thrilled to be the center of attention, in a fancy dress and pretty shoes.

Scooped up by mommy, who had loved her for months and months before she ever knew we existed.

And dressed in her koortka she was so proud of and to this day is her favorite.

Her eyes were wide and she was beaming, but she had no idea what was happening. She left everything behind... clothing, friends, her familiar bed and caregivers. Our facilitator gently explained to her what was happening, and she just kept smiling. All she knew was that mommy was there and everyone was making a fuss over her. She smiled happily and waved while saying 'Paka! Paka!' to the people who had loved her for 3.5yrs.
Then we stepped out the door, into the dark night that she had probably never seen before.

She was leaving. Going home.

We left the baby house and went straight to the train station back to the big city. Alina didn't fare the car ride very well, as her dinner made its way onto the floor and myself about 10 minutes into the ride. When we made it onto the train we cleaned everything up as best we could with wet wipes and got everyone changed and tucked into bed after a snack and some snuggles.
(this picture cracks me up because she was exhausted and had no idea what the heck was going on. I had been in a foreign country for 5wks and look it! Yikes! And we were in a 4x8 train compartment that was 900 degrees. To this day I thank God my sister was there to keep me sane!)

The next day, in the big city that she'd never been to before, all fresh and clean after her first bath, we ventured out to our first Embassy appointment. She was not the same child we took from the orphanage. She was quiet, watchful, and wanted to be close to one of us at all times. She wasn't scared or mourning, just keeping her eye on everything, soaking it all in.

Two quick days in the big city and we were heading home...... (part 2 coming on FRIDAY) :)
Happy 6 months gotcha day Alina!

Bullies

2011-04-23T10:08:00.003-05:00

My son is being picked on at school. Petty things that only immature little kids can think up to pick on a kid about, but enough to where its affecting him. And the worst part is its coming from some kids I'd never expect it out of. Kids we've known since they were very small. A couple of these kids ride his bus and are in his class. And at least one of the kids' parents read this blog and apparently let their kids read it too, as I had to remove a video and some pictures because he was being made fun of for it. Ooookay.

Its sad when a kid like Al (or any kid really) gets picked on. Al is the most easy going kid you'd ever meet. Even when I tried to give him ammo to fire back at these little buttheads, he wouldn't do it. He doesn't want to hurt their feelings even though they hurt his multiple times a day. So he's an easy target. And it frustrates me, he doesn't deserve this. I would never say my kid is perfect because no person is, but I know that he's kind hearted and wouldn't hurt anyone.

He loves school. He loves the bus. I hate to see it all go down the drain because some kids are jerks. But I don't know how to help because what *I* would do is not what he would do... I don't want to make it worse. I sent him to school today with some words and ways to get it to stop, telling him if he doesn't stand up for himself it will never end, and probably get worse. I guess next is to get in contact with the kids' parents. These kids should know they live in a small town, everyone knows everyone's parents.

Walking!

2011-04-21T18:18:00.002-05:00

Just a few short video's of Alina's emerging walking skills! If she slows down and keeps her balance, she does very well and can walk quite a good distance! Its when she starts running and leaning forward to get to where she is going faster that she falls.

Third Day- Adopted

2011-04-20T17:07:00.003-05:00

I love the Christian band Third Day. My iPod is loaded with their songs, I have their station on Pandora, the kids know the words to many of their songs and can pick out the tune in the first few notes. So imagine how much more I love Third Day after I seen this video...

Third Day is asking families who have adopted to send pictures of their family, children or adopted child with a sign that simply reads 'Adopted'. They will edit these pictures into a video to play behind them on stage while they sing this song! How cool is that. So here is the picture I sent in of our trio, Alina of course holding the sign. (without the watermark, of course)

Adoptive families, CLICK HERE to visit Third Day's official website for more information, watch the music video and find out how to email them your own picture!

Just pictures

2011-04-09T18:43:00.005-05:00

Spring has finally sprung and the kids are enjoying their time outdoors getting as dirty as possible. Only in Minnesota can you play outside in a t-shirt next to a snowbank in April. :) But around here, 55 is practically shorts weather. The sun feels so warm after a cold Winter!

Below are some pictures for faraway friends. :)

Pink toes in the sand for the first time ever!

Missing teeth, so cute!

Its hard work getting dirty!

Big Al!

She's fascinated by the rocks

If only this tractor did some real work!

Boy and his dog <3

<3

Its a slow ride...

2011-04-07T12:14:00.003-05:00

but she's doing it! Excellent way to work on her balance, weight shifting from leg to leg, and just working those little legs!

*I deleted the video of Al and Alina because apparently a kid on his bus seen the video and was making fun of him for being silly with his sister.*

Its a party!

2011-04-03T12:55:00.009-05:00

Alina celebrated her first American Birthday on Saturday, April 2nd. She would say 'thats my party!' or 'My birthday!' when she seen her presents waiting in our closet or her birthday stuff, but she had no idea what that meant. When everyone sang to her, she danced and smiled. Opening gifts was fun too, she had so many fun and new things to discover!

Happy 4th Birthday Alina!

She loves Hello Kitty

A little pre-party snack

Alexander took all the gift opening pics!

Anthony was a big help. :)

Pillowpet from Anthony

Maybe she'll stop trying to ride the boys' scooters now. :)

I think she had a great day, and is a happy girl! <3

And then it happened

2011-03-31T20:34:00.001-05:00

I want to preface this post with this; I had no problems working on bonding with Alina, and I loved her from the very second I seen her sweet face. However....

Its hard getting to know a new little person. Heck, its hard getting to know a new big person. Especially when this person doesn't speak your language, has delays, and depends on you for 100% of their care. Initially it was hard, getting to know each other while trying to give loving care around the clock. It did feel a bit like babysitting some days and it was frustrating trying to love and care for someone who had no idea HOW to be loved and cared for. She knew she wanted it and liked it, but it was overwhelming to her too.

I craved those special warm thoughts and memories I had with the boys. I wanted to smile thinking of a baby Alina, a sweet memory from our past together. But they weren't there. Most days it seems she's always been here, forever in our lives from her first breath, but I couldn't make up memories, we had to live them first

But then it happened.

I conjured up a warm fuzzy memory today. And it brought tears to my eyes.

Alina will turn 4yrs old on Saturday. I can hardly believe it... seems like only yesterday we were saying 'She's in EE and she just turned 3yrs old!' :) But thinking today of our first weeks together, remembering the first time she fell asleep on me in the rocking chair.... I went all warm and fuzzy. And the bond was sealed.

Ways to misuse a pediatric walker

2011-03-29T18:45:00.002-05:00

By Alina W. (book will be released Fall 2011) :)

1. Walk with it just to the edge of the sidewalk, where the concrete driveway slopes down. Lift one leg and push with the other leg and then lift that one too. Ride walker down the hill.

2. Find ice and slush chunks in the driveway (road, sidewalk, etc). Make Rambo noises while driving your walker over them.

3. Play bumpers with your brother on his scooter coming down the same hill as #1. Watch brother fly through the air because scooter vs. walker.... walker wins.

4. Instead of turning it around when stuck, walk outside of it, give it a kick and crawl away.

5. Tip it on its side, use as a step to reach the banana muffins.

6. Use it to block same brother as #3 from getting said muffins himself.

7. Pretend you can't possibly walk another step while giggling at mom pushing the walker home while piggy backing the child.

8. And when you think nobody is looking and you are stuck, pick it up, turn around, then set it back down and keep walking.

Oh Tooth Fairy!

2011-03-23T20:58:00.004-05:00

My super cute 5yr old lost his first tooth yesterday! It was so cute he was building a boat with lego's and all of a sudden he jumped up and let out a very loud screech, came running over to me just hysterical! I'm trying to figure out what happened when he blurted out 'My tooth! I bit a lego and my tooth fell out!'

He was screeching so loudly with excitement I was sure we'd have a pack of wild dogs on our front step. I couldn't help but laugh that it fell out while he was biting a lego.... ok. Those two bottom teeth have been loose for a couple months and finally one came out.

Now the other one is just hanging there..... with the way Alexander's teeth all fell out at once, I have a feeling we will need the tooth fairy's services on speed dial for the next few months. :)

Just 3 days left!

2011-03-22T16:08:00.003-05:00

To donate to these three sweet boys-

VISIT THEIR BLOG HERE and donate to their grant funds to be entered into the drawing for some awesome prizes! And pray for them. These three sweet boy need a family!

God made you just for her.

2011-03-17T17:36:00.004-05:00

If someone had told me 5yrs ago... heck even a year ago, that I'd be parenting a child with Cerebral Palsy I would have smiled and said 'okay thanks' and walked away. But then we seen this picture....

and that sweet faced changed everything. I began researching cerebral palsy and the types, how it affects kids, what causes it, and the prognosis. Suddenly that big scary term wasn't so big or scary. It was simply her. We knew we were looking at our daughter, simple as that.

Its takes alot of learning (and teaching others) to raise a child with a disability. But isn't every child worth it? Anyone who has read my blog for even a day can see how far Alina has come in such a short time. I have to remind myself daily she's only been here for 5 months! She's always been right there in my heart, but I didn't know it until we seen her sweet face. But now its like she's always been here, because in a way, she has.

Today at Target, Alina and I were just wasting time until Anthony got out of school. We didn't need anything and were in no rush so I didn't get a cart, just held her hand and we wandered around the store for 1/2 hour. I let her touch the toys and push buttons and look at all the shoes, even though none fit over her AFO's, she didn't care. We were in the game isle when an older lady walked up to us smiling. She had a purpose on her face and I smiled back. She told me that she had watched us walk in from the parking lot and said that she wish she could take a picture of us, walking slowly, talking on our way in and smiling at each other. She said it was beautiful, me holding her hand taking tiny steps with her and waiting patiently while she stepped up the curb and we made our way in the door. She told me she seen Alina was a special child right away, and it was obvious the love that we had for each other. And then she said something that I will never forget..... she said 'Its obvious that God made you just for her.' I smiled and told this sweet lady our story of adoption, and she had tears in her eyes. She told us she knew it, that God truly did make us for each other. She said 'God Bless you both' and walked away with a little wave.

So Barb, wherever you are, please know the huge impact you had on me today. After the ignorance of others earlier in the week, your taking the time to stop and share. I will never forget it.

Be still, my heart!

2011-03-14T17:50:00.004-05:00

One of my most favorite-est girls from the baby house is now getting a chance at a family! This little girl was full of spunk! She was so talkative, quick to tell me her name, age, and then ask my name and why I was there! She was such a hoot! Whenever she would see us outside she was all out sprint over to us, with a big smile on her face, and then a few feet from us she would jump to a stop and put up her fists and growl, then laugh and come all the way over. She loved our gummy bears, our toys for Alina, and laughing at my Russian. If there was a way to tuck her into my jacket, she would have come home with us too.

This sweet girl waits because she has HIV. Did you know that HIV is easier to manage than diabetes? And you can learn more about HIV adoption at PROJECT HOPEFUL
Also if you view down a few posts, you will find a post with a fun video and some facts about HIV.

Please visit her page HERE ON REECE'S RAINBOW

Even if you can't adopt, please consider donating to her grant fund, or the grant fund of any child waiting for a family.

She stole our hearts, and we pray she finds a home fast.

A special boy

2011-03-09T19:42:00.002-06:00

Please meet Easton

Why is Easton a special boy? Easton used to reside at the same baby house as Alina. In fact, they were in the same group. We had the pleasure of seeing him every day for a month. He's a beautiful boy, very active and fun. He loved to laugh and was very interactive. He and Alina were friends... when we came to get her for our visits they were often playing together.

Easton has recently been transferred out of the baby house. Fortunately he can still be adopted from his new orphanage.

Easton has Cerebral palsy like Alina. He's very high functioning and active.

So, in honor of Cerebral palsy Awareness month, I would like to invite all of you to go to HIS PAGE ON REECE'S RAINBOW and donate to his grant fund. Many times the only thing standing between a child and his family is the money. Adoption is not cheap, and with travel, the cost can seem overwhelming to a family who might otherwise jump at the chance to bring a child home.

Even better, if you go HERE

 and you can win some awesome prizes!

Easton desperately needs a family. He's such a sweet boy and knowing he was transferred right after we left just breaks my heart.

Cerebral Palsy Therapies

2011-03-08T16:04:00.001-06:00

MANY therapies can be involved for a person with cerebral palsy. Many patients utilize different therapies to reach their goals and for ongoing development.

The most used and often most important is physical therapy. The purpose of physical therapy is to stretch and lengthen muscles, reduce spasticity, and teach proper movements in limbs. Occupational therapy is also used often with CP patients in conjunction with physical therapy.

Speech and language therapies are used to help patients with speech, and also sign language.

Exercise therapy, such as swimming, is also helpful to a CP patient. I know that Alina would live in the water if she could, so we enjoy swimming at the local community center. Swimming can make movements easier, more fluid without stress or tension.

Botox is also now used with CP. Botox is used to reduce spasticity in muscles.

Every person who has a cerebral palsy diagnosis will have a treatment and therapy plan specific to their needs, and it will grow and change over time. Some therapies may only be necessary for a short time, while others are long term or lifelong, and some may only be required at certain times. Currently Alina is enjoying physical therapy, and we swim on our own time. We hope soon that she can get some services with occupational therapy and speech therapy.

The forgotton souls of baby house 19

2011-03-06T17:54:00.003-06:00

There are three sweet little boys who used to live at baby house 19. That is Alina's baby house. One we got the privilege to meet... Mr Easton. He's such a doll, and I pray he finds a family fast. The other two are Sasha and Niko. They had a family, but they couldn't continue. Niko, Sasha, and Easton have all been transferred out of the baby house. All three need families fast.

In order to help them find families and raise some funds for their ransom, please visit this awesome giveaway! Every penny raised to towards their grant fund.

PLEASE CLICK HERE to read all about the giveaway and donate to these three boys' funds.

Types of Cerebral Palsy

2011-03-05T19:47:00.002-06:00

Cerebral palsy can happen in many forms. Below you will find the many types and a little information on each type of CP.

Mild Cerebral palsy- This can be so subtle that its undetectable until a child is old enough to walk well, and toe walks, turns one foot in and trips, has trouble lifting heavy objects with one hand, etc. Mild CP often causes just one or two minor issues that are often unseen to most.

Spastic Cerebral palsy- Spastic cerebral palsy is when the damage occurs in the cerebral cortex, or outer layer, of the brain. This is the most common type of CP, affecting up to 80% of those diagnosed with CP. Spasticity means the muscles are more tight/tense than they should be. Usually muscles work in pairs, when one half of the pair is in use, the other half of the pair relaxes. With spastic CP both pairs tighten together, causing spasticity.

Spastic Diplegia- spastic diplegia (the type of CP that Alina has) usually affects the legs of a patient more than the arms. Most people with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy eventually walk. A person with spastic diplegia may walk with a crouched gait, toe walk, or have bent knees. Most patients with spastic diplegia have a typical IQ. Strabismus affects almost 3/4 of spastic diplegia patients.

Ataxic- Ataxic CP is caused by damage to the cerebellum, or base of the brain. A person with Ataxic CP may walk with a wide gait, appear very unsteady and have problems with balance, and may have tremors when doing small tasks such as writing or picking up small objects. Ataxic CP usually affects all four limbs and trunk of the body. Low muscle tone, or hypotonia, are also symptoms of Ataxic CP.

Athetoid and Severe Athetoid- Athetoid CP causes slow involuntary muscle movements. Athetoid CP is caused by damage to the basal ganglia, or mid brain. It is also called Dyskenetic CP. Muscles will jump between too floppy and too tense, making movements random, jerky, small, big, or repetitive. Athetoid CP also affects speech.

Mixed- Roughly 10% of people diagnosed with CP have mixed cerebral palsy, meaning they have a diagnosis of 2 or more types of Cerebral palsy.

Hemiplegia- Injury to the left side of the brain will cause right side CP, while injury to the right side of the brain will cause left side CP. Childhood hemiplegia is common, with 1 in 1,000 cases. Hemiplegia affects only one side of the body, and can be congential (occuring before, during or shortly after birth) or aquired (occuring up to age 3). The most common cause is a stroke, and it affects each person differently.

Quadriplegia- Damage to the spinal cord is the cause of quadriplegia. Quadriplegia affects the ability to feel or move arms, legs, and other parts of the body. Spastic Quadriplegia is the most severe form of cerebral palsy.

Out with it, all ye lurkers!

2011-03-04T09:20:00.003-06:00

So I was looking at my stats on the blog last night..... who are all you people? Far reaches of the Earth have been reading my blog! Yesterday alone I had 142 visitors from all over the world! Now that is shocking to me, I didn't know that many people read my blog total, let alone in one day! And I just figured out where the stats area is..... :)

So, out with it all ye lurkers! Ask a question (Q&A would be fun!), say hello, something!

Holy Cats!

2011-03-03T16:57:00.003-06:00

Two video's from PT this morning. The kid bent down, picked up the lego and stood up all on her own, balancing herself. I know some people think big deal.... but this is HUGE for her!
(these were taken with my cell phone so the quality is terrible!)

Get the facts!

2011-03-03T13:18:00.003-06:00

Cerebral palsy affects ¾ of a million Americans. Understanding CP can help with prevention and help ward off stigma's that often accompany the diagnosis.

Cerebral Palsy is not a disease and its not communicable. Cerebral palsy is caused when brain damage occurs in utero, during birth, or in infancy/early childhood. Brain damage can be caused by a stroke, lack of oxygen, or injury during birth. While there is no cure for cerebral palsy, it is not progressive as brain damage itself doesn't get worse. However as a person affected by CP ages, muscle stiffness/spasticity can get worse.

Sometimes CP can be prevented. By getting proper medical care while pregnant you significantly lower the risks of CP. Other things that lower the risk are not smoking while pregnant, take care of your long term illnesses like diabetes and thyroid, be vaccinated for Rubella/German Measles (at least 4wks before becoming pregnant), and simple measures like staying healthy, eating right, seeing a doctor if you are spotting, bleeding, leaking fluids, or spiking a very high fever while pregnant. Be aware of infections like UTI's and vaginal infections, and avoid exposure to x-rays. Also all pregnant women considering pregnancy should take folic acid. If a woman has folic acid in her body at the time of pregnancy and during pregnancy, it will help prevent NTD (neural tube defects) like cerebral palsy.

But sometimes it can't be prevented. Babies can have a stroke in utero which can cause brain damage and cerebral palsy. Newborns, infants, and small children also can have a stroke which leads to a CP diagnosis. But if people are aware of what cerebral palsy truly is, getting diagnosed and treated early is the best. It is a lifelong diagnosis, but if its treated properly and continually, children can grow and thrive.

We do not yet know what happened to cause Alina's cerebral palsy. We do know she was born very early and that she was quite small at birth. She was said to have hydrocephalus at birth but doesn't have it now.... which is a big question to us because hydrocephalus doesn't just go away. Soon we will schedule an MRI so that we know where the brain damage is. Not only will an MRI give us a little more history as to why she has CP and where the damage is, but it will help us as she learns and grows, to help pinpoint where she may have difficulty learning or with memory.

There is so much to learn, and as we wander down this winding path the most important thing we learn is to see the joy in everyday things. Like watching Alina learn to sit, stand, and walk. Seeing the joy in her face when she does something so simple that we take for granted like getting a baby doll dressed by herself, or being able to put her own dishes in the sink after dinner. She has joy in almost everything she does. :)

March is Cerebral Palsy Awareness month

2011-03-01T19:44:00.003-06:00

I learned that today. :) March is Cerebral Palsy Awareness month. I learn more about CP every day. Alina has Cerebral Palsy. Lower spastic diplegia to be exact. She has increased muscle tone in her legs which causes the muscles to be very tight (spastic) and hard to move. Because of that, when she steps she looks like she is marching. Her little feet turn in because the muscles are so tight.

But in her torso she has weak muscles, and that affects her balance. Most of the physical therapy we are doing right now is to strengthen her core since she's made huge progress with her legs and they are very strong, she uses them well. Mommy should be doing some of this core strengthening too. But my core isn't weak, its just flabby. :)

So in an effort to bring awareness, you can all learn along with me! I will be posting information that I have found helpful over the last year that I've been researching CP. Well, almost a year. There are so many kids who wait who are affected by Cerebral Palsy. It ranges from minor CP like Alina's to major CP that affects all the limbs. Cognitive abilities also range... it all depends on where the brain damage is. I hope that everyone can learn along with me. :)

Wahoo!

2011-02-27T18:10:00.004-06:00

Remember cute little Vera and sweet Danil? They BOTH having families! God is good, and its so amazing to see these kiddo's that we came to love while there find their families.

But again I am burdened. There is a little sweetie that we seen every single day at the baby house. She had a family, but for one reason or another they couldn't continue, so she's again waiting for her family. I can't disclose her real name, but her pseudo name is 'Willow' on Reeces Rainbow.

Isn't she just the cutest? She was born with FAS and just turned 2yrs old. When we were there, she was lucky enough to have a 'big sister' through a program the baby house sponsors. When they would walk past us in the hallway, she would use her little arm to cover her face until she got past us, then turn around and she'd smile at us. Just adorable. She's a petite little girl, and her big sister would bring books to their visits. We could hear them reading, she was saying words in Russian, she was active, talking, smiling, and just a love.

You can find this sweet girl here on Reece's Rainbow. http://reecesrainbow.org/willow1901
Even if you can't adopt right now, consider making a donation to a child's grant fund. Or you can click the little facebook button below their pictures to share them on facebook. Or advocate on your blogs! You just never know when a child's mom may see their childs' picture. :)

Getting to the core

2011-02-20T15:54:00.004-06:00

Well after weeks of physical therapy and working Alina's legs and hips, its become pretty clear that the core of her balance issues is, well, her core! She has a weak trunk and while she can move her little legs forever, her core gets tired and she loses her balance.

When we got her home she couldn't sit on the floor on her butt. If you sat her down on her butt with her feet straight out or crossed her legs she would tip over just like a baby. However she had amazing balance if she sat on her knees with her legs in a 'W' sit.

For the last month at PT and here at home we've been working on her core muscles only. She is exhausted after PT and working on it here at home, but its paying off. she can sit criss cross on the floor and reach for things ,move around and she doesn't even lose her balance anymore! She can sit on her little exercise ball and reach, stretch, and bend! She can lean against the wall (her back on the wall) and stand up by herself and her balance is getting pretty good, she can stand on her own for around 5 minutes now before getting tired and losing her balance and having to sit down.

She's such a hard worker. She never gives up in PT, even if she's frustrated and tired. She knows that its helping her and she loves her physical therapists... who are finally onto her 'look at me I'm cute' ways. :) She's determined, motivated, and working so hard to get up to where she should be. We are so proud of her, and best of all... she's proud of herself!

On being snowballed- a warning for prospective adoptive parents

2011-02-19T19:50:00.006-06:00

Have you ever had a 'friend', and then later found out you were totally snowballed? Someone who you thought the best of and then had the rug pulled right out from under you?

Well that has happened to me. And in the process not only did my name get slandered over an accusation that is completely false, but I have also been excluded from something that was very important to me. All because someone, instead of fessing up or walking away, dragged me into something I had no part of or wanted any part of.

These are the type of people who can completely sabotage someone's adoption. A family who is completely unsuspecting and innocent can be caught up in something they have no part in and unknowingly get their adoption completely ruined.

So, if you are an adopting family and get involved in a third party who seems to know alot about your area, think twice before getting too close. And when you get to your childs country, never drop names of anyone unless its a past family or your team you are working with. Be cautious of the term 'missionairy'. Things work very differently in other countries, and having someone not like something you say or do can ruin your adoption. They also don't think as highly of some people as we may here in the USA.

Sometimes its innocent, sometimes its not. At the time I got a warning I felt that whatever had happened was innocent, probably a misunderstanding, and not done to be deceitful or mean. It didn't affect me and I left it alone. However now I know that it was done to be seen as a great person, and instead of owning up, tracks were covered, and I was brought into it with no knowledge of what happened to begin with.

Please be careful, adoptive parents. Toe the line while paperchasing and traveling. Be cautious of those who try to intercede or be too helpful. Because you don't want to be caught in the wake of something like this in country or in the middle of your adoption. Use your head but also trust your facilitation team.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T19:24:00.002-06:00

From our newest little sweetheart!

The boys told me they were too cool for a Valentine's picture, so I'm going to have to be creative on finding new ways to obtain blackmail for the future. :)

Two very special children-

2011-02-08T17:26:00.004-06:00

This is Vera. This sweet girl had a family and has been on hold for a year, but now is at risk to be transferred because she will be 6yrs old in April. She needs a family fast, her grant is currently $3000 and growing!

Vera has CP like Alina. She can walk, she's active, friendly, and a favorite at her baby house.
This is a direct link to her information on Reece's Rainbow
http://reecesrainbow.org/vera19
And a blog set up to raise awareness about her situation-
http://www.iknowyouroutthereimjustwaiting.blogspot.com/

And this is Danil-

Danil has HIV. He's a very sweet boy, helpful, talkative, and nice.
Here is a link to his information on Reece's Rainbow
http://reecesrainbow.org/danil-19
And a blog set up to raise awareness for him-
http://thereisjustonethingleftformeandthatsu.blogspot.com/

Why are these two so important to me? Because the reside at the same baby house Alina was at. Danil has been transferred to an older child internat because he's 6. Vera's time is running out at the baby house too now that she lost her family. She's been held for a year because they knew the family was coming, but now she can be transferred any time.

No child should wait for a family, no child should be all alone in this big world. Danil and Vera are so special, please help raise awareness for them. They both need families now.

Truth Pandemic - Get the facts about HIV/AIDS and Adoption

2011-02-06T17:37:00.001-06:00

LOVE this video by www.projecthopeful.org, get the facts!

There are many children waiting for their family that have HIV.
Here is Danil- http://thereisjustonethingleftformeandthatsu.blogspot.com/

There are hundreds more who are being represented by Reeces Rainbow!
http://reecesrainbow.org/category/waitingchildren/hiv

The casts came off!

2011-02-06T15:28:00.002-06:00

Very exciting indeed! The casts came off on Weds and we were so happy to see them go! The first thing Alina did when they came off was sit up, smile and say 'Want down! Go bath!' :) So we stopped and bought some fun new bath toys on the way home, she was thrilled, and perfectly pruned after an hour long bath Weds night. :)

And she has new skills, check her out!

Standing on her own, has enough trunk strength to support herself and balance! She can even take a step or two. The AFO's are amazing and perfect for what she needs now that her trunk has better muscle tone.

As for the rest of us? We are pretty tired of Winter, though this last week we've had a few days in the high 20's and low 30's, sure is more enjoyable to get outside in that kind of weather! The kids all love to be outside and are anticipating Spring.

In three months...

2011-01-31T15:51:00.004-06:00

...our daughter has learned-

to stand on her own
to color and draw
to sit steadily with her legs criss crossed
to walk steadily with only very little support
that M&M's truly are the best treat ever
to stop sucking her thumb
to speak English
to understand English
to use the potty full time
to wake up dry in the morning
to scold her brothers
that she's a girly girl with a dark side
to wrap daddy around her finger
to shop like a pro
to trust
and what it feels like to be loved unconditionally, beyond measure.

Happy 3 months home, Alina. You are beautiful!

Pinewood Derby!

2011-01-29T17:27:00.005-06:00

Alexander is a part of Cub Scouts and every Winter they have a Pinewood Derby. Last year he made a Nascar, this year he made a school bus! He did such a great job on the car itself with sanding, painting and details. He won two out of three of his races... that bus was FAST!

All the cars!

Al's car is the school bus!

The boys were totally engrossed!

Assistant Cub Master Dad was the announcer!

Anthony and Alina were taking a snack break

After the races

And just because its funny, this is what happens when you give a 3yr old stickers for the first time. I put them in her backpack to bring with as an activity in case she was really bored at the races, and she took it upon herself to use them before we left. :) I was happy she could get them off the sheet by herself, that takes some dexterity!

Cast on!

2011-01-19T16:16:00.003-06:00

Alina did really well with getting the casts on. A little complaint when they were stretching her right foot, which is the tightest and moves the least, but nothing like I was expecting. Once again she proved that she is a tough chick and can roll with it.

When she got the choice of colors, I expected her to pick red or orange, something like that. Oh no, she grabbed the pink and the purple and wouldn't let either go. The nurse told her she could have one leg purple and one leg pink and that was pretty exciting for her.

So for two weeks she's the proud owner of one hot pink leg and one purple leg. She has a little bootie sock that goes over her toes and some walking boots because the casts are slippery and they put them on like walking casts so she can still get around. Overall she's doing well, although since we've been home she's been asking me to take them off. I think she thinks they are like her AFO's that come off at bedtime.

Whats with the gloves? She was fascinated by the gloves the nurses that cast her had on, so they gave her a pair and she wore them the entire visit, and for the rest of the day. I had her leave them in the car when we went into the restaurant to eat and when we got back in the car she quickly asked for her gloves and put them back on. Weirdo. :)

In other news, the boys both have strep. Ugh. I got a call yesterday morning when I was coming home from Alina's PT that Al was in the nurses office with a fever and sore throat. :( So off to pick him up and on the way I made him a doctors appt and they were able to see him right away. he tested positive for strep throat so he's on his first ever antibiotic. I guess making is 8.5yrs without antibiotics is pretty good.

Of course then last night Anthony started in with whining and then he had a fever and his throat hurt. It was bedtime so I gave him mo trin and this morning called in an appt for him and Alina. Figured I'd get it all taken care of in one shot since she said her ears hurt. Well Anth tested positive for strep, Alina tested negative and didn't show signs of any illness like an ear infection either. Thank God! So both boys are on their first ever antibiotics. Thankfully they are liquids and only taken once a day for five days. Al took the first dose last night and was already feeling better. Hopefully it ends there. Although my friend's kids were here on Monday and now one of her little ones are sick.... so praying the other three stay healthy too!

Blogging from the bathroom

2011-01-18T18:25:00.006-06:00

No really, I am. You see tomorrow Alina gets casts put on her legs and feet and will be unable to enjoy her nightly swim in the bathtub, so tonight I'm sitting on the floor of the bathroom while she plays away. Its been over 1/2 hour and she shows no sign of being ready to get out yet. :)

See these two pictures below? Just a little comparison. The first one was taken the Sunday after we arrived home with Alina from Ukraine.

This second one was last Sunday, almost 3mos later. What a huge change in our girl! She looks so much older! and her hair has really grown!

She doesn't even look like the same little girl! And really, she's not. She's now opinionated, a little bossy (ok I'm being nice, she's alot bossy), and she's talking non.stop. Seriously she's like a parrot! She repeats and retains everything she hears. I don't have to say hardly anything in Russian to her anymore. Which has been bad, I've lost almost all I learned!

Here is another comparison. This was taken the afternoon of our first visit with Alina in Ukraine. Oct 1st, 2010. The second was taken the day of her baptism this last Sunday, Jan 16th 2011.

She just looks so grown up compared to those first few days we were with her. All good changes, more amazing every day!

(BTW its now been an hour and she's still in the bathtub. Oh how I'm going to hate tomorrow night when she realizes she can't take a bath. :( poor kiddo!)

A beautiful baptism

2011-01-17T13:05:00.003-06:00

Baptism's are always beautiful. Watching a family give their child to God and knowing what that means... they are always so special to witness!

Alina was baptized on Sunday. We explained to her what was going to happen and she kept saying 'Pastor put water hair?' and continued with that until Pastor finally DID put water on her head. :) She looked like the princess she is and did so well. When people came up to us after the service and told her and us 'congratulations' she would smile and say 'tank oo much!' (thank you very much)

After service we went and ate at a local bakery/restaurant. Our wonderful friends and my mom and step dad were able to attend the service and have lunch with us after. It was a beautiful baptism.

All dressed and ready to go!

Pastor, one of Alina's Godmothers, Susie, and us

A few good family pics!

Grandma and Grandpa

All pretty in her dress and fancy shoes. :)

And, proving that she is in fact my daughter, after we got home she got upstairs and promptly took the dress off exclaiming 'ugh!' when she tossed it aside. :)

Are you really here?

2011-01-11T21:38:00.003-06:00

Sometimes I just sit and stare at Alina. To make sure she's really here. Our time in Ukraine seems like such a blur! Like it was so long ago when it was really only 3mos ago. Time has gone by so fast. I sometimes look at her in disbelief! She was a picture for such a long time. A longing in our hearts and in our minds, and now she's here, like she's always been here. She catches me looking at her and will smile and say 'Hi Mama!'

The honeymoon is for sure over! She has totally realized she is a 3yr old girl and makes it known! I cannot believe how fast she is picking up English. In the car the other day I was going into the turn lane and hit the end of a rumble strip, and she hollered 'Anthony farted!' We all had a good laugh about that. She has meltdowns over goofy things just like any 3yr old, and understands most of what we say to her now and is starting to answer appropriately instead of just saying 'Da' to everything. She spilled her water cup yesterday and was whining, so I asked her what happened and she said 'oops water' and I said 'well, go get a towel and wipe it up!' and she went right over to the drawer, grabbed a washcloth and cleaned up the mess. She certainly understands everything!

We had an appointment at Gillette childrens Hospital last week and it went very well! They took an x-ray of her hips to make sure everything was developing properly there, and after getting a history and asking alot of questions they want to do an MRI of her head to see where the brain damage is, how much, etc to get a better gauge of her CP. She has what is called spastic diplegia, which is the most common form of CP and directly relates to her prematurity at birth.

Also in the next week or two she will have casts put on her legs from the knee down to stretch the muscles and tendons in her ankles so they bend properly. Right now they are so tight from not being worked since birth, they have to be forced to stretch and casting is how thats done. The first casts would be on for two weeks and then the doctor will judge when those come off is she needs another 2wks of casting. This is called serial casting and is used for CP, club foot, arthrogryposis, etc. The downside is the girl LOVES her baths and with casts on her feet thats not possible. It should make for an interesting two weeks for a child who asks for 'bath?' two seconds after she finishes dinner!

On Sunday the 16th Alina will be baptized! Its also appropriately 'Russian Sunday' at our Church as they sponsor a pastor and his wife/family in Russia, and they will be here on the 16th! Choosing Godparents doesn't get any easier as you have more children!

But for now I will leave you with a cute picture of our girl, who is growing and blossoming before our eyes!

"Not flesh of my flesh,
Nor bone of my bone,
but still miraculously my own.
Never forget for a single minute,
you didn't grow under my heart, child,
you grew in it."

AFO's and snow!

2011-01-01T15:55:00.008-06:00

I know, my titles get catchier by the day. Although I'm pretty sure nobody is reading anymore so it doesn't matter! HAHA!

Alina got her new AFO's last week! At first she was really excited about them, exlaiming 'oooh pretty boots!' when we first got them on. By the time we got home she was totally over it, and the next morning when we put them on to go to PT she was not having it. Insert big tissy on the floor.

She's doing better with them now though. She will willingly put them on. But these may have something to do with it.

Yep, thems some gaudy light up shoes. She loves them! We of course had to buy new shoes since she only wears a size 7 and the AFO's make her need a size 8/9.

A little modeling

Strike a pose Neens!

Her hair is getting so long! I can easily put it up into pigtails now, and even these cute little low piggies! i'm so happy she has fast growing hair!

We've had quite a few meltdowns lately, but she's pretty easily calmed once she realizes she's ok. Sometimes we just have to roll our eyes when she freaks out over silly things like wanting a fork instead of a spoon, or Dad taking her to the potty instead of mom, but its all things we need to work though.

We've had a few super nice days to play in the snow! by super nice I mean in the 30's! UNHEARD of in MN in December!

Handicap schmandicap! I will do whatever my brothers do. Even crawl through 4ft of snow to do it!

She made it to the fort!

Here he was showing me how he could stand on top of the snow and itwas only to his knees!

Then he fell through. It was up to his waist! (he was leaned over trying to get out. Me being the great mom that I am took pictures instead of helping him. But hey, I didn't have boots on! LOL!)

And because he's cute. :)

So what did she think of Christmas?

2010-12-27T18:58:00.006-06:00

That seems to be the question on everyone's mind! :) Well, to answer... if she didn't think we were crazy before, she sure does now! When the tree went up she loved it! She would heartily exclaim 'WOOO!' every night when we turned the lights on. Then we had a little issue with opening the presents under the tree while mom was in the shower. :)

We opened our gifts here at home on Christmas eve morning because Eugene was on call and had the day off, and had to work on Christmas day. Then the kids and I went up to my moms house (my sister was home!) and had dinner there Christmas Eve and got to play with cute cousin Brooklin!

She came out in the living room on Christmas eve morning and Daddy had put together her dollhouse. She roamed around the living room for at least 10mins before she noticed it (she's super observant!) and then she seen her new shopping cart (to which tonight she exclaimed she was taking her baby to Target). I tried to get a decent pic of the three kids in front of the tree.... yeah that wasn't happening with all those gifts waiting to be opened!

It was fun to watch them open their gifts! We sucked it up and got them a Wii, and they've had a good time playing it so far. E and I have even played the boxing and bowling! Alina got a big dollhouse and a new metal (no tip!) shopping cart, and a few other smaller things. Anthony got a big Lego set, bb gun (from dad), Nerf gun, and some smaller things. Al got a big Lego set, compound bow and arrow set, and a few smaller things.

Overall she enjoyed Christmas. We had a couple really big meals which she enjoyed, and she got to meet many family members for the first time. Got to enjoy lots of cookies, appetizers, and pie! What a blessing to witness the wonder of her first Christmas! To be able to enjoy seeing everything brand new through her eyes. To laugh as she shouts with joy at each new experience.

She had just gotten up and was so excited to see this shopping cart! And the little doll I made her for her first Christmas.

Didn't take her long to figure out how to open gifts!

Al was super excited to get this model PT boat! Complete with glue, paints, etc!

Anth has been coveting a Nerf gun!

Cute cousin Brooklin!

More presents!

Oh a pillow pet!

our three love's at Grandma's Christmas Day

Alina gets her new AFO's on the 29th! She already crawls circles around us... soon she will be running circles around us!

Snow!

2010-12-07T11:59:00.005-06:00

Oh did we get snow! 9" fell and made for a fantastic playland for the kids! The boys were so excited to get out and shovel (wonder how many more years I can get out of that?) and Alina was so excited to just be out crawling around in it. She loves the snow! And throws a big fit when its time to come in. :)

A couple more kids and I won't have to do any shoveling! :)

Having a blast in the snow!

Whats that? You've never seen her without a smile on her face? She must always be happy?
Uh huh.

This is the 'My mom just made me come in after 2hrs playing in the snow isn't she a big meanie' tissy.

Two months ago.... one month ago...

2010-12-01T22:08:00.002-06:00

Two months ago....

... we were led through an orphanage, hearts pounding, heads spinning, up stairs and down long hallways, past many many rooms, feeling lost and found all at the same time. When we finally walked into the room and seen our girl... I can't even describe the overwhelming rush of feelings that took over. I wanted to laugh, cry, scream, rush over and scoop her up, stand back and let my fears take over. But we just stood and stared, hesitant to go to her but resisting the urge while everyone spoke very fast in Russian around us, while they explained to Alina who we were. I will never forget that moment, when they told her that we were going to be her Mama and Papa. She opened her mouth and gasped a little, turned to look at us and gave us this huge smile.

And so it began. We played, we smiled, we talked quietly to her. Our interactions with her were being watched and observed. This next picture was taken as we had to go. It was a chance to finally hold her, if only for a few seconds. A chance to let her feel us, and to capture us on this very important day.

One month ago....

....we were finally united as a family! After a very long day of travel, we arrived back in our home state to our waiting friends and family. Again, emotions came rushing that I can't describe. 5wks in a foreign country is taxing, especially when your other half had to go home earlier, and you've been away from your kids that long. My boys looked like they had grown inches! I'd been seeing them on the computer screen via skype for 5 long weeks, and to finally wrap my arms around them.... it was wonderful! And to reunite with my husband, for Alina to be seeing Papa again!
(next two pictures taken by the amazing Melissa Fryckman of Melissa Fryckman photography. My BFF who made the trek to the airport to capture these moments for us! <3)

Today...

.... our girl is growing and thriving! When we got home she was 26lbs and 36" tall. Today she is 28lbs! Her faced has filled out some, she is using the potty full time, and is picking up English faster than we could have ever imagined. She's been given a clean bill of health from our pediatrician, has had her eyes examined and now sports a cute tiny pair of glasses, and has her intake appointment at Gillette childrens hospital cerebral palsy center in January!

Two months ago Alina couldn't bear much weight on her legs, much less take deliberate steps. Today she walks very well holding only one hand, or pushing her doll stroller. She prefers to walk instead of riding or being held, and will walk up and down the hallway holding the wall. Her legs are strong, her steps intentional. I can't wait to see how quickly she gets going once she gets the PT and bracing/shoes/inserts she needs! She has motivation on her side, she WANTS to walk, she WANTS to do things herself.

In only two short months many lives have changed. All for the better. We are so blessed to have Alina as our daughter. Watching her grow and thrive, learn new things, see everything with such a fresh outlook! Everything is fascinating to her! Watching her outside all bundled up rolling around in the snow (and I was certain that somewhere in UA a nanny fainted because she was rolling around in the snow) and seeing her delight at being pulled in the sled and sliding down the hill on her belly. :) Its amazing what two short months can do.

Spectacular spectacles!

2010-11-30T18:26:00.003-06:00

Its official, I now have two kids in glasses. Something I was not looking forward to because I know how hard Al is on his glasses.... and he got his at age 5. Alina is only 3.... and she's certainly not a dainty gentle girl. :)

She has kept them on really well all evening and she keeps pointing to them and saying 'Alina's glasses' which sounds like 'Nina's gashish'. Then points to Al and says 'Nanner's gashish' and then mine saying 'mamas gashish'. :)

Hopefully they help keep her one eye straight. The eye doctor didn't even classify her eye as lazy or as strabismus! She thinks the correction for the farsightedness and astigmatism from glasses will help. We have another appointment in 6wks for a recheck to make sure the prescrip is correct and she's not crossing.

Thankful

2010-11-25T13:41:00.005-06:00

We have so much to be thankful for. A nice house, comfy beds, plenty of food, friends, and our family. As I type this, baby girl is asleep. Little boy and dad are snuggling on the couch with a video, and big boy is hanging out watching too. I'm looking outside and the very cold blustery day, but the sun is shining and the snow is beautiful. We have nowhere to go today. We spent the day together, I made a big meal and we invited our neighbor lady over so she didn't spend the day alone. Food was good, it was fun to watch Alina eat and eat. And eat. And then enjoy her little pumpkin bite. :) And now everyone is resting, and I'm thankful.

Thankful for quiet moments between brothers. Even if electronics are involved sometimes. :)

Thankful for my husband. <3

Thankful for big boys

Thankful for silly little girls

Thankful for friends that help silly little girls learn how to play

Thankful for JoAnn fabrics flyers. Even if read upside down. :)

We also spent last Saturday night with friends and a little friendly rivalry. the pics above are from that night, when the Nebraska Cornhuskers battled the Texas Aggies in college football. Good friends, good food, and a good game. The Aggies won. Much to the delight of all my boys, and the grumblings of all the other boys. Hehe.

So much to be thankful for. I hope everyone of you is just as thankful!

Family pictures

2010-11-21T20:55:00.004-06:00

I finally wrangled my family past a washcloth, into decent clothes and into the basement studio for some pictures! I wasn't sure what Alina would think of the timer or my remote but she was very amused by the flashing light and beep. :)

Yes, thank you. I KNOW they are super cute! :)

My big kid!

My little big kid!

My baby!

She must think we are crazy

2010-11-18T19:56:00.004-06:00

I mean, she went from never going anywhere but around and around the baby house in a stroller, to jet setting halfway across the world, and then going somewhere almost daily! We got home just two days before Halloween, and then we went to Church, and to the grocery store, Target, the OUTLET MALL! We attended a Veteran's Day parade, visited friends, rode bike. She must be thinking we are totally crazy!

But she is taking it all in stride. I'm amazed daily that she is adjusting so well to her new life. She's even getting used to her car seat, even though I bribe her with a snack trap of Cheerio's almost every car ride. :) Whatever works, eh?

I've started shopping for Christmas. If anyone has any idea's of what a 3yr old girl would like, I will take 'em! I thought maybe a water/sensory table would be great for her. I know the boys always liked playing with dried beans, rice, etc, and I think with her not walking that a sturdy water/sensory table would be great. I also ordered a cool good quality metal kid sized shopping cart. The kids all love them.

In other news, Alina stood by herself today! In the middle of the floor, with nothing to hold onto! We start our first round of appointments on Monday, can't wait to get this girl going. She's so motivated to get going. I'm sure soon she will be running circles around me. Instead of crawling circles around me! :)

Have you ever been this tired?

Maybe this tired?

It turns out Alina likes to wander at bedtime. If we lay with her she wants to play, so we snuggle and then let her be. She gets out of bed sometimes, and then she can't climb back in, so she gets in the rocker. Doesn't she looks so comfy? i'm convinced this girl would be happy sleeping in a shoebox the way she rolls her little body into a ball while sleeping!

Her first ride in the bike trailer. She thought it was so funny, and kept pointing out my butt on the seat in front of her. Always a confidence booster to hear 'mamas butt! Mamas butt!' the entire bike ride.

First snow! It was beautiful on the trees!

Picture video!

2010-11-12T15:58:00.001-06:00

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Busy busy!

2010-11-11T18:02:00.004-06:00

Okay okay! I will post! I know I always hated it when people returned home from their trips and the dropped off the face of the blogging planet! I ALWAYS wanted to see new pictures, hear updates, etc. I told myself I wouldnt' do that, but here I am, a week between posts and getting pestered to post an update and MORE PICTURES! :)

Thing are busy here, but we are all good. Alina is, in the last two days, picking up English super fast. Unless she is in trouble I only speak English to her, and unless she has an attitude or is tired, she will say things in English. Yes and no is still 'da and nyet', but thats fine. :)

She somehow picked up the nickname 'Nina'. When you ask her name, she says 'Alina' but it sounds like 'Nina', and it just stuck.

Tonight dad brought home a box of clothes from a friend he works with, and she promptly picked out a jean jacket with fluffy puffy wrists and collar, and a little swimsuit skirt. She was FANCY. :) And quite proud of her getup.

When we go shopping, she grabs random things and says 'oh cute!' and throws it in the cart. I think we shop too much. :)

The boys are doing great. Alexander had no problem adjusting. He's done the big brother thing for 5yrs and he's good at it. I'm so proud of how mature he is. Anthony, however, had a rough week. He felt his dethroning from baby status and made sure we all knew he was feeling dethroned. The last few days have been better, we are just really reassuring him, lots of snuggles and lots of play time. Thankfully Alina takes a 2hr nap in the afternoons so Anth and I can spend that time together.

Next week we start on appointments for Alina. Pediatrician and eye doctor all in one day, then we will branch out into PT, ortho, dentist, and early intervention for speech therapy, and some oral issues she has (she's a thumb sucker and her mouth is shaped because of it.)

Onto some pictures! :)

So pretty!

She can climb this one on her own! The big wooden one is too big still.

This outfit was a gift from a sweet friend. <3 Dad was very pleased!

Pre-meal tantrum. She doesn't understand that here food doesn't just appear before her like at the baby house.

What a life!

Alina's new BFF, Anara! The two cutest EE girls ever!

All three of our babies! <3 <3

What seems like forever..

2010-11-05T09:05:00.002-05:00

Has really only been a week since we got off the last airplane?! Alina seems to be settling in very well. She's sleeping and eating well. She's still unsure about what to do with the toys, but has finally stopped asking permission to go into other rooms or play with something.

She's enjoying her closet full of clothes and shoes. :) She likes jewelry too, and hair clips. She's starting to get used to her car seat (or she realized that she didn't have a choice!), and overall she's doing pretty good considering all thats happened to her in the last month, especially the last two weeks.

A few tantrums here and there, but they usually involve her pouting, then laying her head down and then crying. I'm GLAD she is showing emotion though, and she is starting to seek me out for comfort if she's upset or hurt. She's letting Dad hang out with her more too, and of course those crazy brothers are always a good source of entertainment (or ideas...) for her!

We are all getting used to our new lives together. :)

Saving Vika

2010-11-01T22:08:00.002-05:00

Meet Vika

Vika is 4yrs old and was in the same baby house as Alina. She has CP, just like Alina. She can walk, talk, and is a sweet little girl. A family who was at the baby house this summer had this to say about her...

Vika has Cerebral Palsy which appeared to affect her lower limbs. I have thought of Vika daily since we returned home. I thought about all the times we visited the orphanage and she would run up to us so we could dance with her. Noah gave her the nickname "twinkle toes" because she loved to dance on her tip toes. I can still see the the tears streaming down her cheeks when the nannies would pull her away from us telling her that we were not her mama and papa. I can still see the look in her eyes every time the door opened in hopes that it would be a mama and papa coming for her. I can still see the disappointment on her face when we left the orphanage for the last time and she knew she would have to stay. I have thought a lot about Vika and wondered how she was doing, but my heart was shattered into a million pieces when I heard that she was transferred to an institution.

An institution you ask? Yes, you read that right. Vika was recently transferred from her life at the baby house to an institution. Why? Because she was 'too big' for the baby house, and her special need was 'too big' for an older child orphanage. So she went to an institution.

Reading the above about this sweet girl, do you think she should be in an institution? What about Alina.... do you think she should have been sent to an institution if we hadn't come for her in time? Because Vika and Alina have the same kind of Cerebral palsy. Our sweet girl is already growing by leaps and bounds in the short month that we've known her. Now look at this sweet face...

and imagine how she would blossom in a loving family.

Would you like to help? Please go to http://afamilyforvika.blogspot.com/ and donate to her grant fund today. Her family is out there, help them bring her home to a loving family and away from the institution as soon as possible. Her 'ransom' is $20,000. Can you spare $5? $10? Can you give up a cup of coffee today to help her find her family? How about Friday night pizza? You can win an incredible gift card and also know that Vika will find her family.

No child deserves to be in an institution, and Vika has so much life! Lets get her home!

H.O.M.E!

2010-11-01T11:42:00.005-05:00

So happy to be home! Alina is doing well, sleeping well and she likes to eat. She was horrified when I put her on the big potty, but happily plopped her butt down and used the little potty, so we are using that. :) She's a hoarder (as you will see below) but she's so excited to have stuff she can play with anytime! She kept asking if she could go into rooms but finally today is exploring more on her own, but still keeps a keen eye on where I am at all times. She and Anthony are already fast friends and making a path of destruction through the house. :)

Overall she is doing very well considering all she's been through in the last week. Tomorrow (Tuesday) will be one week since we've sprung her from the baby house.... and in that week she has been in many cars, on a train, three airplanes, a tram, and in a car seat. Plus now she has her own room, a big bed, her own toys, two big brothers, and a mom and dad forever. Alina Rebecca, and orphan no more.

Our last night in Ukraine

So excited to be an American citizen! (waiting for our final flight in Chicago!)

My pretty girl after almost 18hrs of travel.

We are HOME! First family photo!

Waiting for our bags. It looks like she's pointing at Anthony's shirt like 'look! Ukraine!"

First morning home! <3

Bailey cat has always loved Alina's bed, so it was cute to see him snuggling with her now that she's home too. Much to daddy's dismay. :)

Of course my speedlight doesn't fire for the GOOD smile! LOL!

But does for the cheeseball smile!

Alina, bag lady. Or future star of Hoarders. She LOVES purses and bags! And her 'beep beep' to carry them all. Poor Bitty Baby, sitting on a weight (so the stroller doesn't tip over when Alina pushes it for support) and now covered in bags. :)

Captain Anthony with Alexander (who went along on the hayride with his flashlight to 'help guide the other kids in the dark' (his words), and Alina, Halloween 2010!

The camera face

GOTCHA!

2010-10-27T10:38:00.005-05:00

Alina is now safe and sound with me! We are back in the big city and have had our first Embassy appointment and will go tomorrow morning for the medical visit and then to pick up her Visa.

Here are some pictures from GOTCHA day!

This is a pic from our last visit the day before gotcha. :)

The nanny snatched up her clothes and took her to get dressed. :)

All ready to go, in her OWN clothes!

She was pretty excited to see everyone standing around looking at her.

Pigtails AND a headband! :)

The best facilitator EVER!

She was, and still is, in love with her 'koortka' (jacket)

The best Auntie EVER! :)

Just some photo goodness

2010-10-20T12:28:00.003-05:00

of DivAlina!

Peek a boo!

I think she was very excited to only have on one layer of clothing tonight!

I can move! I can feel my legs! I'm not sweating to death! THE FREEDOM!

Cheezy camera face

Beautiful!

Funny too!

I brought these jeans for Alina to wear tonight, because it was like 80 degrees out here and they always put her in snowpants and a winter jacket, and she's always hot, sweaty, and miserable the entire visit. So tonight since it was warm I brought jeans and just put them on her, dressed her myself for outside and put the fleece on her. She was actually comfortable!

Auntie Lisa is here! <3

1 week from today

2010-10-19T07:00:00.004-05:00

One week from today we will be running around like crazy trying to get all of the paperwork done to bust Alina out of the baby house. Two days in the big city and we can come HOME! How beautiful that sounds! I will be sad to leave EE, especially her birth city. Its a beautiful place, our daughters first home. Where I've have spent 4wks. Very important weeks, and I'm glad that as a family we chose to have me stay behind for the 10 day wait. Although its been a long haul, and I miss my boys like crazy, it will all be worth it.

But thats not saying I'm not really seeing my spoiled American side. I miss my boys, the comforts of my home, my bed, my pink cell phone, my own car, spaghetti. Yep, you read that right. An entire isle of ketchup... an entire isle of pasta... not one can, or jar, or mix, for spaghetti sauce. I could probably make it from scratch, but there are limited veggies in the store so I'd hav eto buy them out for a couple days in a row to make it. :)

Alina is doing well though. Yesterday morning when I went to get her, they told me she was not there, but up in the music room. So one nanny asked if I wanted to go up there, I agreed, so she walked me across the baby house, up the stairs and opened this door and there was a huge stage set up with a puppet and music show! All the kids were in there watching, and my girl was sitting up watching with her groupa. I sat down in the last row, right behind her, being quiet so she wouldn't be disturbed. After a few minutes, she started looking around, and her head turned just far enough to see me, and then she was up and trying to get over the chair to me. The little puppet show was cute, and funny, the kids all liked it. But Alina was excited to get out of there and into the bag of goodies. :)

My sister arrived this afternoon and will be taking the train tonight, and will be here bright and early (or dark and early...) at 5:40am. I cannot WAIT for her to get here!

Some pictures.....

Alina is a girly girl! she stole my necklace, then insisted on wearing the bag on her arm like a purse. Today I brought her pink kitty backpack and she was more than pleased!

Papa didn't like saying goodbye

Yes, those are 'I am starting to adore my papa' eyes. :)

Introducing!

2010-10-15T03:10:00.002-05:00

We would like to introduce you to our daughter!

Alina Rebecca Wangerin

Born- April 2nd, 2007
Adopted- October 15th, 2010

The court decree will be active after a 10 day appeals period. On Oct 26th we can obtain all her new paperwork and bust her out of the baby house!

Court tomorrow

2010-10-13T13:29:00.003-05:00

Tonight we still don't know what time. We appreciate your prayers for a court date in the morning so that Eugene can keep his very important plans to take the train back to Kiev Thursday night, his appointment at the Embassy at 8:30am, and get on the plane Friday afternoon to head home!

Feeling anxious tonight. We spent about an hour writing out what we need to say to the judge. I get to be the speaker.... so pray for me! Our facilitator told us to relax, don't be scared. Haha, easy for her to say!

A nanny brought this little train push toy out for Alina yesterday. 2wks ago, this little girl didn't quite know what to do with her legs. She took very hesitant steps and her legs were weak from not being used much. Today she can practically run behind her walker or this toy. She pushes her stroller outside and walks behind it instead of riding in it, and her steps are steady, strong, and deliberate! Her little feet are still very turned in, but she can now control them. I can't wait to see what therapy will do for her!

Digging for treats

Girl loves her some Cheezits!

One of my very favorite pictures ever.

The one where they go to an orphanage

2010-10-12T11:49:00.005-05:00

Putting into words the feelings of actually being at an orphanage are nearly impossible. Every morning and afternoon we walk through these gates....

Past 'Allum' the dog, around the building...

Up these stairs...

Through these doors...

Through her groupa door....

To knock on the door to her room asking a nanny to bring her out...

Where she gets dressed for outside by a nanny on this little couch...

with clothing found in this little locker (the middle one, to be exact)...

So we can spend two hours every morning, and two hours every afternoon walking these grounds....

And playing in the small play area's with our girl to bond with her, try to communicate with her, show her how much we love her, deal with her tantrums and fight with our own unknowns...

Because NO child should ever have to grow up here. With nannies instead of a mommy and daddy. With a groupa instead of brothers and sisters. With no real free time to run about and be a child. Facing a future unknown if nobody steps forward to be his or her family.

There are no words for actually being in an orphanage. You see them in movies and on TV, you hear others speak about them, but until you actually step foot in an orphanage, you just can't understand. And we are at a very good baby house, the nannies are loving and caring, the children are well cared for, well fed, and have some therapies and montessori during the day. But imagine your child in daycare. Now imagine your child in daycare all the time. Your child sleeping in a room with 10 other children. Nobody to rock them to sleep, nobody to calm them if they have a bad dream, nobody to sleep with them on the sofa if they get sick in the middle of the night. Its not a family. Children need a family.

If you've ever considered adoption, please search your heart and soul to see if you are being called to bring a sweet little one home. If you are not called to adopt, please consider donating to an orphan waiting for his or her family. So many wait....

No pictures, but

2010-10-11T11:10:00.002-05:00

We have a COURT DATE! Thursday (we don't know the time yet) we will be in a courtroom asking the government and the judge to be Alina's parents. I will reveal her full name after court. :) I think everyone will be surprised at what we chose. Her first name is staying the same.

Keep praying for everything to go smoothly!

Just a few pictures

2010-10-10T11:52:00.003-05:00

Not much to write about tonight, we are doing fine. We are still asking for your prayers for our court date, that we get it THIS WEEK, early this week so Eugene can get home to the boys and we can somewhat of a timeline to getting Alina and I home.

This pretty much sums up Alina. Full of life and a total diva! She will point to my glasses and say 'Mama's' and then to hers and say 'Alina's' :)

The joy of a box of crayons

Dump them out, put them back. Ooh and aah over the colors. :)

She does this really cute thing, I HAVE to get it on video. She will give you a high five and then do a thumbs up and holler 'ALRIGHT!' its so cute! Eugene did it once and now she says it perfectly and laughs. :)

I won't lie....

2010-10-09T12:05:00.002-05:00

The first few days here in Alina's region were tough on me. I was so tired from being on the train, not sleeping well, and being totally disoriented. We got off the train at 5:45am and came to our apartment, we were tired, needing a shower, and feeling out of sorts. Our facilitator told us she would be back at 9am. So it was pretty much throw our stuff down, shower and get ready.

We headed out that morning to the justice dept office to meet the social worker and then we headed to the baby house, met with the director and got her med info, and then met Alina. It was a whirlwind day and by the time we got back to the apartment I was exhausted. My loving husband kept me going. He made dinner, made sure I ate, made sure I was warm enough at night and comfortable, and was encouraging. When we had a couple rough visits with Alina, again he was encouraging and loving, made sure I was eating and getting enough sleep. Without him I would have lost it.

Last night at bedtime I was feeling particularily sappy, and told him 'thanks for encouraging me the first few days, I love you' and he replied 'thanks for dragging me to a foreign country. I love you too'. LOL cheeky man. :)

I am doing much better now, but my anxiety over not having a court date hasn't lessened. That court date means we have somewhat of a timeline to coming home, and that Eugene can get home to the boys since he can come home right after court. I hate being away from the boys, and our childcare options are quickly dwindling. Our family and friends though are amazing, we wouldn't be here without them. The boys are in very loving capable hands until we can get home to them. But its hard to rely on and expect people to drop everything to help us out.

Anyway, thank you to everyone for your kind words, encouragement and prayers. They mean so much to us, and keep us going. We ask for continued prayers that our Interpol paper comes on Monday and we can have court on Tues or Weds so Eugene can get home to the boys and we can get our sweet girly home where she belongs.

And now pictures. I hope you didn't just scroll to the bottom to soak up the sweetness instead of reading my sappy post. :)

I will NOT miss this long hot boring hallway. This is where we play with Alina on days its raining or too cold. I feel like a menopausal woman in this hallway, its at least 90 degrees in there.

She sees the camera, she turns into a cheeseball.

Girl can climb! she went up and down these stairs for a good 1/2 hour today before we pulled her away because it was time to go back to her group. (dig the dress? Eugene loves it. Me? Not so much. Its not her style!)

Yes DivAlina, I will stop taking pictures now. :)

Walking!

2010-10-09T05:15:00.002-05:00

We brought Alina her shoes today, she loved them! The one pair was too big, but the tennies were perfect. She walked very well in them, must feel strange to her to have shoes on that are new! She kept looking at the bottoms (the heels light up) and laughing. I guess I will have to head back to the market for a smaller pair (oh darn! :))
We had a great visit this morning, she was happy to see us and we of course happy to see her again. It was a long few days. Its raining and cold here today, making our walk to the baby house miserable, but its not too far, and we had an umbrella.