She actually wanted me to take pictures this time! What a change from the screaming toddler on the porch huh? She is such a ham!Thursday, May 24, 2007
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Peanuts!!
Holy cow! this is what you will say once I download and post the picture of what my living room looked like today! First, let me start by saying Happy Belated Mother's Day to everyone. I had a marvalous day! Olena and daddy bought me a pair of garnet earrings. Garnet is Olena's birthstone. I wanted a pair of earrings that I could wear daily. Everything I have is dressy and it just isn't feasible while crawling around on the floor with a toddler. But I love them, and I am very impressed by the gesture. Daddy cooked breakfast and took care of the chores for the day, and Olena promised to behave all day and much to my delight, she fulfilled her promise.
Now for the fun part. One word sums it all up....packing peanuts!! I got a toy organizer in the mail today that I ordered from a catalog. It was a big box, and Olena was so freakin' excited about this box for some reason. (Now I am beginning to think that she has x-ray vision??) I was explaining to her that there was something for her toys in the big box. She kept dancing around it, telling me "open, open, open" it was ridiculous. I had assumed that her excitement was related to the idea that she heard the word TOY and assumed that it was a new toy for her . I finally gave in and decided to open the darn box so that she could see that it was nothing exciting. Boy was I in for a surprise. I cut open this box, while she anxiously awaited next to it about to wiggle right out of her skin with excitement. In side this box was another box about half the size and the rest of it was STUFFED with packing peanuts!!!! If you could have only seen her face - her eyes were huge and her face gleamed with pure happiness, the next thing I knew packing peanuts were flying everywhere. She was liturgy in the box swimming in these darn things. I just sat there and watched her in complete awe because she was laughing so hard and having so much fun. She was pretending to swim, then she was throwing them in the air catching them, she realized that they crumbled so she started squishing them in her hands and stomping on them. While doing all of this she was laughing hysterically. But this laugh was different. It was so angelic...I think she felt completely happy, and carefree. That may sound weird to some of you, and I hadn't really noticed anything "sad" about her before this but these children really do carry a lot of "baggage" with them. Even at Olena's age. Over the course of these past 6 months I have watched her change and grow emotionally, and she has made great changes for the good. I don't see any signs of abuse, or neglect. We haven't even experienced any attachment issues, but yet I know the bottom line is that she grew up without a mommy or daddy and though the baby house did what they can, they can't replace us. She has never really been able to be a carefree child and I thought she had learned that after being home a few weeks, but she proved me wrong today. TODAY was the day that my daughter learned how to be a child! she used her imagination! she didn't have a worry in her little mind, and she was completely happy. It is a moment that I will never forget. O.K. now back to the packing peanuts! 1 1/2 hours later, my brown carpet was no where to be found, and neither was the 2 year old who created the mess. (Later to be discovered laying on the floor, camouflaged into the rest of the mess because she too was covered in crushed packing peanuts.) We had to leave for parent- tot class in 30 minutes and I had to find a way to pick this mess up. Heeelllloooo shop vac! I brought out the big guns - and it worked like a charm. Carpet, couch, dogs and Olena were all sucked clean in a matter of 10 minutes! Hooray! I had to stop half way through to empty the canister, and then I remembered to take a picture, so I will be sure to post that soon. You will crack up! It was such a great moment in time and it was the perfect Mother's Day gift (even though a few days late) I hope that she too remembers this day! How did she know that there was something fun to do in that box?!?!
Now for the fun part. One word sums it all up....packing peanuts!! I got a toy organizer in the mail today that I ordered from a catalog. It was a big box, and Olena was so freakin' excited about this box for some reason. (Now I am beginning to think that she has x-ray vision??) I was explaining to her that there was something for her toys in the big box. She kept dancing around it, telling me "open, open, open" it was ridiculous. I had assumed that her excitement was related to the idea that she heard the word TOY and assumed that it was a new toy for her . I finally gave in and decided to open the darn box so that she could see that it was nothing exciting. Boy was I in for a surprise. I cut open this box, while she anxiously awaited next to it about to wiggle right out of her skin with excitement. In side this box was another box about half the size and the rest of it was STUFFED with packing peanuts!!!! If you could have only seen her face - her eyes were huge and her face gleamed with pure happiness, the next thing I knew packing peanuts were flying everywhere. She was liturgy in the box swimming in these darn things. I just sat there and watched her in complete awe because she was laughing so hard and having so much fun. She was pretending to swim, then she was throwing them in the air catching them, she realized that they crumbled so she started squishing them in her hands and stomping on them. While doing all of this she was laughing hysterically. But this laugh was different. It was so angelic...I think she felt completely happy, and carefree. That may sound weird to some of you, and I hadn't really noticed anything "sad" about her before this but these children really do carry a lot of "baggage" with them. Even at Olena's age. Over the course of these past 6 months I have watched her change and grow emotionally, and she has made great changes for the good. I don't see any signs of abuse, or neglect. We haven't even experienced any attachment issues, but yet I know the bottom line is that she grew up without a mommy or daddy and though the baby house did what they can, they can't replace us. She has never really been able to be a carefree child and I thought she had learned that after being home a few weeks, but she proved me wrong today. TODAY was the day that my daughter learned how to be a child! she used her imagination! she didn't have a worry in her little mind, and she was completely happy. It is a moment that I will never forget. O.K. now back to the packing peanuts! 1 1/2 hours later, my brown carpet was no where to be found, and neither was the 2 year old who created the mess. (Later to be discovered laying on the floor, camouflaged into the rest of the mess because she too was covered in crushed packing peanuts.) We had to leave for parent- tot class in 30 minutes and I had to find a way to pick this mess up. Heeelllloooo shop vac! I brought out the big guns - and it worked like a charm. Carpet, couch, dogs and Olena were all sucked clean in a matter of 10 minutes! Hooray! I had to stop half way through to empty the canister, and then I remembered to take a picture, so I will be sure to post that soon. You will crack up! It was such a great moment in time and it was the perfect Mother's Day gift (even though a few days late) I hope that she too remembers this day! How did she know that there was something fun to do in that box?!?!
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Pool time! This is actually Mugsy's pool...or should I say WAS Mugsy's pool. It was our first real warm day and Jason filled up the pool in the morning for the dog. (This is his favorite thing to do) Well by late afternoon it was pretty hot out and pool water was nice and warm. There was no way Mugsy was going to have all the fun by himself, Miss Olena insisted that she too play in the pool. The bikini came after the full clothing submerson.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Monday, May 07, 2007
Sunny days of May
Hi everyone, sorry we haven't posted in awhile. Jason is guilty of downloading music onto our computer which was infected with a Trojan virus, so needless to say, our system is temporarily down. Which really sucks!! We lost a ton of pictures and of course the luxury of updating the blog! We are using a laptop but it is not hooked up to anything, and it is crammed here on our desk, squeezed in between the one that doesn't work! Nice huh?? I am waiting for Rickie to take the broken home so her boyfriend can hopefully retrieve some of the stuff on it. In the mean time we are suppose to get a new one so it seems so pointless to take the time to hook this one up to the printer, scanner and camera. However, not hooking it up, means no pictures for you. And as we all know, you come here for the pictures :0) I have a ton of cute ones too that I would like to post. Maybe I will take some time over the weekend and see if I can get it done.
But back to the important stuff, Olena! She is having a great time. Enjoying the summer weather that has finally graced us. Just like every other kid, going outside is the first thing she wants to do when she wakes up and we have to drag her in at night to get her in bed. I believe she would live out there if I'd let her. She has everything that she needs, she got a Little Tykes Play house, and car. Then a few weeks ago we bought her a play scape from Toys R Us. It has a club house, slide, rock climber, swings....the whole shabang! Spoiled ya think?? oh and she shares the pool with Mugsy. Poor dog! He is a pool freak and he has had this pool for about 3 years now and out of the 3 dogs he is the only one who uses it. Then here comes Olena....now it is her pool! today I looked away for 2 seconds and when I turned back around there she was laying down in the pool kicking and splashing, laughing as hard as she could with Mugsy standing over her licking her face like crazy. The funny part was that she was fully dressed; sneakers, jeans, onsie, and loaded diaper, eeeewwwww! which I was unaware of until I rescued her. At least I thought I was rescuing her, she on the other hand thought that I was ruining the most fun she has ever had in her life, and boy was she not happy with me! AHH the life of a two year old!! but we are having a blast. She is trying to talk in full sentences, however she speaks what I like to call the "Lana language" she is saying something, I just have no idea what? She listens remarkably well, but stills finds it necessary to argue everything I say. No one else, just mommy. While Jason and I are outside doing yard work she is given small tasks to do to help out, and she really enjoys being a "helper". She walks around all proud of herself. She also has house hold chores like setting the table, feeding the cats their treats, watering her strawberry plant and cleaning her room. She does everything that she is suppose to and she knows what is expected of her. These kids strive so much to please you, it is amazing. They just want to belong and be loved. It is very common for her to walk up to Jason or I and out of the blue, give us a hug and say "love you". It is so heartwarming to know that she actually understands love and understands how to give it. I know I have said this a million times, but I look at her everyday and still can't believe she is mine, and how perfect she truly is! We are so lucky to be her parents and I hope every last one of you out there waiting find this happiness as well.
It is getting really late and I am exhausted so I must go now. Happy Mother's Day in case I don't post before then and I promise to have pictures next time around.
But back to the important stuff, Olena! She is having a great time. Enjoying the summer weather that has finally graced us. Just like every other kid, going outside is the first thing she wants to do when she wakes up and we have to drag her in at night to get her in bed. I believe she would live out there if I'd let her. She has everything that she needs, she got a Little Tykes Play house, and car. Then a few weeks ago we bought her a play scape from Toys R Us. It has a club house, slide, rock climber, swings....the whole shabang! Spoiled ya think?? oh and she shares the pool with Mugsy. Poor dog! He is a pool freak and he has had this pool for about 3 years now and out of the 3 dogs he is the only one who uses it. Then here comes Olena....now it is her pool! today I looked away for 2 seconds and when I turned back around there she was laying down in the pool kicking and splashing, laughing as hard as she could with Mugsy standing over her licking her face like crazy. The funny part was that she was fully dressed; sneakers, jeans, onsie, and loaded diaper, eeeewwwww! which I was unaware of until I rescued her. At least I thought I was rescuing her, she on the other hand thought that I was ruining the most fun she has ever had in her life, and boy was she not happy with me! AHH the life of a two year old!! but we are having a blast. She is trying to talk in full sentences, however she speaks what I like to call the "Lana language" she is saying something, I just have no idea what? She listens remarkably well, but stills finds it necessary to argue everything I say. No one else, just mommy. While Jason and I are outside doing yard work she is given small tasks to do to help out, and she really enjoys being a "helper". She walks around all proud of herself. She also has house hold chores like setting the table, feeding the cats their treats, watering her strawberry plant and cleaning her room. She does everything that she is suppose to and she knows what is expected of her. These kids strive so much to please you, it is amazing. They just want to belong and be loved. It is very common for her to walk up to Jason or I and out of the blue, give us a hug and say "love you". It is so heartwarming to know that she actually understands love and understands how to give it. I know I have said this a million times, but I look at her everyday and still can't believe she is mine, and how perfect she truly is! We are so lucky to be her parents and I hope every last one of you out there waiting find this happiness as well.
It is getting really late and I am exhausted so I must go now. Happy Mother's Day in case I don't post before then and I promise to have pictures next time around.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Easter!
Happy Spring Everyone! Though if you are from here in Michigan you already know that spring is late coming this year. As Olena says….”bbbrrrr….cold”!
We experienced our first Easter with our little one and she enjoyed it very much. The idea of baskets filled with toys and candy was very intriguing to her! All I heard all day was “Yummm, cacki” (aka candy) We had an egg hunt in the house and she loved it, then we had Jason’s family over for breakfast. After nap, we made our way over to my grandparent’s house where we had dinner and shared some time with our aunts, uncles and cousins. The kids taught her how to slide down the carpeted stairs on her butt and once she figured out how fast she could go, there was no stopping her…she was obsessed. She is a climber and a jumper. It drives me crazy but she has fun. Her Nana and Dadu built her a puppet stage, which is GORGOUS! As you might remember she has a little obsession with the movie “The Sound of Music” and one of her favorite parts is when they put on the show for the Captain and Baroness with the marionette puppets. So my parents built a replica of the stage. She was so excited and even resorted to hugging it when they set it up! Lucky me…looks like I will be taking up puppeteering very soon LOL!!!
Things are honestly going GREAT! She is growing like crazy though she could stand to gain a few more pounds. She is just growing so tall so fast, her weight can’t keep up. She will get some meat on her bones, and then spurt up a half-inch. Since coming home in December she has grown over 2 ½ inches taller. Right now she only at 23lbs but she is completely healthy so I am not too worried about it. She has a very good appetite and pretty much eats anything I give her.
A few weeks ago we got the results of our bio family search. Our translator located her birthparents, and her biological brother (who was adopted as well and lives in Spain). This was great news for us and we were excited to read what he had learned. We were able to get a few pictures, and got a few questions answered. We are going to keep the details private because this is her life, not ours. When she is old enough to understand we will share what we have with her and let it be her decision on what she does with it. It is a touchy situation and I never thought that I would care. Before the adoption Jason and I discussed it and my feelings were much different. I didn’t care about her biological family. I felt that I was going to give her a new life and what happened in the past was exactly that…. the past. The only reason I wanted to complete the search was for medical information and for her peace of mind when she gets older. But once Gene contacted us with the story and pictures I started to feel differently. I could see how much Olena really did look like her bio-mother, I learned about her father and what type of man he really is, instead of what I thought he was. I passed a lot of judgment on 2 people whom I never knew and this was unfair. I think God brought this to me for a reason. Now I have a new respect for them, and I have a new and better understanding of my daughter. I am very happy with our decision and I hope that she too is able to look at this in a positive light when the time comes.
We experienced our first Easter with our little one and she enjoyed it very much. The idea of baskets filled with toys and candy was very intriguing to her! All I heard all day was “Yummm, cacki” (aka candy) We had an egg hunt in the house and she loved it, then we had Jason’s family over for breakfast. After nap, we made our way over to my grandparent’s house where we had dinner and shared some time with our aunts, uncles and cousins. The kids taught her how to slide down the carpeted stairs on her butt and once she figured out how fast she could go, there was no stopping her…she was obsessed. She is a climber and a jumper. It drives me crazy but she has fun. Her Nana and Dadu built her a puppet stage, which is GORGOUS! As you might remember she has a little obsession with the movie “The Sound of Music” and one of her favorite parts is when they put on the show for the Captain and Baroness with the marionette puppets. So my parents built a replica of the stage. She was so excited and even resorted to hugging it when they set it up! Lucky me…looks like I will be taking up puppeteering very soon LOL!!!
Things are honestly going GREAT! She is growing like crazy though she could stand to gain a few more pounds. She is just growing so tall so fast, her weight can’t keep up. She will get some meat on her bones, and then spurt up a half-inch. Since coming home in December she has grown over 2 ½ inches taller. Right now she only at 23lbs but she is completely healthy so I am not too worried about it. She has a very good appetite and pretty much eats anything I give her.
A few weeks ago we got the results of our bio family search. Our translator located her birthparents, and her biological brother (who was adopted as well and lives in Spain). This was great news for us and we were excited to read what he had learned. We were able to get a few pictures, and got a few questions answered. We are going to keep the details private because this is her life, not ours. When she is old enough to understand we will share what we have with her and let it be her decision on what she does with it. It is a touchy situation and I never thought that I would care. Before the adoption Jason and I discussed it and my feelings were much different. I didn’t care about her biological family. I felt that I was going to give her a new life and what happened in the past was exactly that…. the past. The only reason I wanted to complete the search was for medical information and for her peace of mind when she gets older. But once Gene contacted us with the story and pictures I started to feel differently. I could see how much Olena really did look like her bio-mother, I learned about her father and what type of man he really is, instead of what I thought he was. I passed a lot of judgment on 2 people whom I never knew and this was unfair. I think God brought this to me for a reason. Now I have a new respect for them, and I have a new and better understanding of my daughter. I am very happy with our decision and I hope that she too is able to look at this in a positive light when the time comes.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Monday, March 26, 2007
Saturday, March 24, 2007
So much going on!
Sorry for the delay. Things have been pretty busy around here and my computer has not been on the blitz the past few weeks.
Anyhow, we have been home now for 3.5 months. She fits our family like a glove and she is slowing molding into this "little lady" She is so vibrant and full of happiness, love....oh, and stubbornness :O)
We have spent more time with the extended family lately and she is finally becoming part of the gang instead of just being a bystander. With the few nice days we have had we have been able to take her to the park - and of course she loves it. And we have had her ears pierced! OMG is she so cute!!!! I love it and I am so glad I decided to do it. It did however, cause some controversy with the grandparents and daddy! But mommy rules the roost (LOL!!) so I won the battle, and we did it. She loves them just as much. She twirls them herself and says "ooh la la, prettty"!
I have been reading the adoption boards lately and it all brings back so many emotions and feelings of loss and frustration. I try not to read to much information but it just sucks me in like the black hole!!! . My aunt gave me an article out of the local newspaper and it stated that in 2006 there were 490 children adopted in Ukraine by US citizens. That number was so low and it was sad seeing that and knowing that there were so many less because of the shut down. Now you hear they want to limit the number of adoptions per year?...and that limit is not far off of the that 490 statistic! I get so anxious reading about it and think to myself, please don't get harder!! What if we need to go back?? I am not sure why yet, but part of me is still being pulled to Ukraine for some reason. I have a strong feeling that we have not brought "everyone" home yet. We'll see what the future holds for us? Well I am going to try and post some pictures hopefully it will work. Good luck to those of you were are in the middle of all this, but hold on and hold on tight. Yes, just like everyone says, it is worth it. I have the 26 month old daughter to prove it. You and your children will be in our prayers.
Anyhow, we have been home now for 3.5 months. She fits our family like a glove and she is slowing molding into this "little lady" She is so vibrant and full of happiness, love....oh, and stubbornness :O)
We have spent more time with the extended family lately and she is finally becoming part of the gang instead of just being a bystander. With the few nice days we have had we have been able to take her to the park - and of course she loves it. And we have had her ears pierced! OMG is she so cute!!!! I love it and I am so glad I decided to do it. It did however, cause some controversy with the grandparents and daddy! But mommy rules the roost (LOL!!) so I won the battle, and we did it. She loves them just as much. She twirls them herself and says "ooh la la, prettty"!
I have been reading the adoption boards lately and it all brings back so many emotions and feelings of loss and frustration. I try not to read to much information but it just sucks me in like the black hole!!! . My aunt gave me an article out of the local newspaper and it stated that in 2006 there were 490 children adopted in Ukraine by US citizens. That number was so low and it was sad seeing that and knowing that there were so many less because of the shut down. Now you hear they want to limit the number of adoptions per year?...and that limit is not far off of the that 490 statistic! I get so anxious reading about it and think to myself, please don't get harder!! What if we need to go back?? I am not sure why yet, but part of me is still being pulled to Ukraine for some reason. I have a strong feeling that we have not brought "everyone" home yet. We'll see what the future holds for us? Well I am going to try and post some pictures hopefully it will work. Good luck to those of you were are in the middle of all this, but hold on and hold on tight. Yes, just like everyone says, it is worth it. I have the 26 month old daughter to prove it. You and your children will be in our prayers.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
The Moms2Moms Sale...
Today I had the pleasure of experiencing my first moms2moms sale. I am sorry to say this but there are some crazy ass mothers in this world. I hate to offend anyone reading this but OMG!!!
These women can be brutal. Perhaps after a few more sales, I myself might metamorphosis into one of these raging mothers on a mission, but for the mean time I will sit back and watch them beat each up other for that "must have" item! Overall I did very well. Jason was nervous and did expect me to spend our savings on this huge "garage sale" but I manged to go in and come out with over half of my money left (which was $30) and I got A LOT! Family and friends have been extremely gracious in buying us clothes however everything that she has received has been winter or fall, so I have been buying summer clothes here and there so that I am prepared. I was able to get 6 complete outfits and they are Gymboree and Carters, 2 pair of shoes, a baby stroller for her dolly, 4 books for her and 2 books for myself - all in all, I did well and I had a good time. Tonight, I have already scoped the website and there are about 15 sales going on next weekend in the area :O) boy oh boy!!!!
Olena of course is still marvelous. Talking up a storm and making us laugh everyday. She loves to be funny and loves to have people gush over her. She knows how and when to turn on the charm and boy does she play it up!!! I am telling you that this kid is a born entertainer. She has started to sing along with the music from the "Annie" sound track and she is actually using the words. When she hears the melodies at the beginning of the song she can tell me what song it is...Tomorrow, Dumb dog, Hard Life etc! It is great and reassuring to hear her singing in English. She does use a lot of English when talking, however we are having trouble getting her to use full sentences, everything is one or two words. And the little stinker will NOT count. We work with her every single day and we count everything! but she has absolutely no interest or intention of doing it herself. She wont even repeat the numbers after us. I know she understands what we are trying to do, she is just being stubborn.
We have finally completed all of our Doctors appointments and followups and she has received the clean bill of health. We had to treat her for intestinal parasites which is normal among orphanage children, and he have started treatment for TB since her skin test was positive. We assume that it is from the BCG vaccination but her reaction was much larger than they usually see with BCG so we decided that it was best to move forward with treatment. She does have a very light heart murmur too, but an echo cardiogram proved that her heart is normal and there are no other causes for concern.
PS: nothing is stone yet but Jason and I had a few conversations over the past couple of weeks and it looks as if we might be returning to Ukraine. Olena might have a new sister in 2009!! I will keep you posted!
These women can be brutal. Perhaps after a few more sales, I myself might metamorphosis into one of these raging mothers on a mission, but for the mean time I will sit back and watch them beat each up other for that "must have" item! Overall I did very well. Jason was nervous and did expect me to spend our savings on this huge "garage sale" but I manged to go in and come out with over half of my money left (which was $30) and I got A LOT! Family and friends have been extremely gracious in buying us clothes however everything that she has received has been winter or fall, so I have been buying summer clothes here and there so that I am prepared. I was able to get 6 complete outfits and they are Gymboree and Carters, 2 pair of shoes, a baby stroller for her dolly, 4 books for her and 2 books for myself - all in all, I did well and I had a good time. Tonight, I have already scoped the website and there are about 15 sales going on next weekend in the area :O) boy oh boy!!!!
Olena of course is still marvelous. Talking up a storm and making us laugh everyday. She loves to be funny and loves to have people gush over her. She knows how and when to turn on the charm and boy does she play it up!!! I am telling you that this kid is a born entertainer. She has started to sing along with the music from the "Annie" sound track and she is actually using the words. When she hears the melodies at the beginning of the song she can tell me what song it is...Tomorrow, Dumb dog, Hard Life etc! It is great and reassuring to hear her singing in English. She does use a lot of English when talking, however we are having trouble getting her to use full sentences, everything is one or two words. And the little stinker will NOT count. We work with her every single day and we count everything! but she has absolutely no interest or intention of doing it herself. She wont even repeat the numbers after us. I know she understands what we are trying to do, she is just being stubborn.
We have finally completed all of our Doctors appointments and followups and she has received the clean bill of health. We had to treat her for intestinal parasites which is normal among orphanage children, and he have started treatment for TB since her skin test was positive. We assume that it is from the BCG vaccination but her reaction was much larger than they usually see with BCG so we decided that it was best to move forward with treatment. She does have a very light heart murmur too, but an echo cardiogram proved that her heart is normal and there are no other causes for concern.
PS: nothing is stone yet but Jason and I had a few conversations over the past couple of weeks and it looks as if we might be returning to Ukraine. Olena might have a new sister in 2009!! I will keep you posted!
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