Merry Christmas!!!

Wow, Christmas is over. This year was sort of depressing leading up to Christmas because I wanted to be off from work and be with my family so badly. I had to work until the 24th. But Kevin did such a good job on keeping the kids occupied. I am so thankful for him. Anyways, after I finally got home, things turned out wonderful and we have had such a special time since.

Biruk snuggled up with dad Christmas morning waiting for Ana and Danica to get up

Okay, my biggest wish is to get matching stocking stuffers next year. They so don't match. Funny!! In fact I had to borrow 2 of Danica's. Danica was so cute, she actually put them up there all neatly and cleaned up the living room so nicely while we were sleeping. She also put up the love sign in the picture above.

Biruk got a spider man scooter. He is obsessed with spider man

Yeahhh and spider man gloves and a little robe since our house is so cold all the time

Amira got princess Belle to comb her hair and a box of princess dresses. It has like 3 dresses and she is wearing one of them.

The little pink thing above Amira's bed is from my sister in Germany. It used to be her daughter's. So that was a nice bonus present I didn't have to buy.

Odyssey Land

Since I had to work the whole week of Christmas, Kevin was wonderful taking the kids to fun places while they were all on school break. He realized when he was there that they had never been there before. He also didn't realize that the prizes had tripled since Ana and Danica used to go there. Anyways, the kids were there for over 3 hours and had a blast.

Welcome bags/Where are we?

I really can't believe how fast things going this time from the homestudy visit to the dossier and so on. If you are ever interested in reading I have a timeline on the right side of the blog. Since this is our second adoption, we know what to anticipate but we also have the first set of kids home already which puts us much at ease. Things are so different this time around.

So basically everything has been turned in. The dossier went to ET on 12/7 but I just found out today. Next thing is getting the thing translated and submitted to court. Last Friday I mailed the welcome bags to the office. That was pretty exciting although I have to say that this time I didn't' go crazy because I know what the sisters do at Kidane. They have the kids put the shirt on for the picture that we receive, they look at the photo album and then the kids have to return it until the parents get there. Each bag was under $10.00 and I was proud of myself. Well the shirt are not included in that price.

As for AHOPE I cannot speak. I don't know what they do with the welcome bags. What really bummed me out this time is that my new kids are not able to be together except for the picture when they get the welcome bags.

When Amira and Biruk got theirs, it was so much nicer. Sister said from this day forward you will be brother and sister and they have been inseparable ever since their welcome bags.

Once the kids know it will be really exciting. Sometimes it can take a week to get there and sometimes a month or two. It just depends what's going on with the agency and who is traveling.

M's bag includes a shirt, photo album, jump robe, stickers, head bands, necklace, cards

G's bag includes a shirt, photo album, car and airplane, stickers, game, cards

REACH Christmas Party

We had a wonderful time at the kids' Christmas party. We were able to meet up with Courtney and her two boys and I think everyone was so happy to see each other.

Hm, funny, the kids told Santa that he is not real. They were cracking me up. Glad the kids know already what they believe in but it was cute to see their faces anyway. They proudly tell everyone that we celebrate Jesus' birthday.

Amira doing art work
Amira telling Santa funny stories

Anastasia saying hi to Santa

This was awesome. Kevin bonding with Sammy

Merry dressed up as an elf. She always organizes the Christmas parties

Oh Christmas Tree

I really have turned into a bad blogger. So much to do and so little time. I don't anticipate it getting any better anytime soon. Plus Kevin has finals so he has been hogging them computer non stop.

Last weekend was simply precious and unforgettable. Each year we go and get our fresh tree. It wasn't the same this year because Danica wasn't there. Its always fun to have Danica around because the 2 of us always fight which tree we are getting and it takes about an hour until we both come to a decision. She is still at college. But it was such a pleasure with the little ones. Biruk kept saying are we buying a tree for outside? He could not fathom that we wanted to bring the tree in the house. After Kevin and I finally hauled it inside, they both had their mouth open and were just in awe the whole time. So I brought up the decorations and we started to decorate "some". The tree is still not finished. Can you believe it? But i guess it really doesn't matter because having the little ones home this year is truly the most important thing and iam breathing in every moment I have with them. Its amazing that they have been here almost a year and there are still so many firsts. BTW, they just discovered marshmallows and are absolutely hooked. Last year around this time I was not ready for Christmas and was just ready to pick up my babies. So blessed!!!

Hopefully I will have an update soon on our newest additions.

All bundled up to buy a tree

Amira watching a Christmas movie after we had enough of decorating the tree

Oopsi, there is more....

We are adding two children, not one.

This decision was not the easiest by all means and it took a few weeks of discussions and research. When I first started looking at 3y/o boys, our little guy we chose was my favorite. I thought he blends in well with Kevin and I. Kinda could be our bio baby. There were 2 other boys with him but I told Erin I didn’t care so one was given away in the mean time because I simple said I didn’t care which one out of the three. Than there were 2 boys left. The other one was just adorable and by the looks and certainly the most favorite for the rest of my WHOLE FAMILY.

Well after reading the description of the other boy, but even more so hear about him from friend that met him, we thought that that he was way too competitive for Biruk. I simply cannot handle 2 Biruks. Don’t get me wrong, I am crazy in love with my son but he is high maintenance. He never likes anyone to be better than him, he wants all the praise, he has to be first all the time, he just needs lots and lots of encouragement and affirmations. Top off with his temper tantrums..... He still has a temper tantrum a day just because he didn’t get his way. But again, its no big deal for Kevin and I, we are working hard with him and we are "most of the time" working together and that has been huge for us. He has years to learn and we are very happy with him. So with our little man he doesn't have to worry about competing with him because he is so much younger.

Back to Him. The minute I heard about him and read his description I fell hell over heels in love with him just like how I did with M. He is very loved there, he is not all in people’s face when they come to visit and he is very smart. He is just a little lover that likes to be loved.:) He loves to repeat English words or sentences. He is totally healthy except for being positive, so is M that brings my ET's to four positive kids. Huh, I hope I never get Alzheimer so I mess up all of their doses. Lots of medications to give.

Here is the thing. He is short, really short. He looks like he is 18 mo old but he is 4. The people that have seen him can attest to it, I mean that he looks so small. At first they thought he was 3 but he is 4 but maybe he is 3 after all. Who knows anymore. Ages can be all over the place. I will probably make him 3. He has grown 1cm in 6-7mo which isn't good. But per the agency sometimes they don't grow or the charts can be all over the place. I can actually carry him in an ERGO when I pick him up (if I can find a used one:), that is how small he is. I know what your going to say, ahh don’t worry, he’ll catch up, I have heard it everywhere but you know a mother’s gut instinct, well that’s what I have and so does my Dr. Fairchok. Her and I have spend so much time talking about him (she has also included the endo dr. that specializes in growth) and what would be best but of course she doesn’t hold the magic wand but is positive about him. She thinks he might have Growth Hormone Deficiency but at the same time is not too familar with 3rd world country growth but has heard. Once here it will be easy to find out by doing x-rays and blood tests. But unfortunately we will not find out until than.

These 2 additions will be like magic and will blend well with Biruk and Amira's characters. I just know it. Plus, yeahhh I can finally do a boy room and a girl room.

I wanted to make my blog private again until kiddos are home. I never like my blogs open when I start my adoption journey. Just so I can freely express myself and don't have to be concerned about their welfare. Hope its not too much of an annoyance to check in with me because obviously my blog wont update anymore on the blogroll list.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Today was so much to be thankful for. But especially for having our 2 little ones home with us this year. I still remember how painful last year was when I couldn't pull myself together to make Thanksgiving dinner (but still had to) because Biruk had failed court. Today, my heart was warmed all day having the kids around helping me cook, tasting all the foods I was preparing. They were just in awe because more and more was being prepared. I made them an Oreo dirt pudding as a special surprise but shockingly they didn't like it. But they loved all their dinner. Thanksgiving is not celebrated in Germany but it is my most favorite Holiday and I make a love affair of foods out of it.

After all the food, it was Danica idea to watch The Grinch with Jim Carey. Its Danica's new Thanksgiving tradition since the Grinch came out. Look at Danica, she made that face on purpose and look at Anastasia how she is in love with her Danica. The kids loved the movie!

Amira's play in school the day before Thanksgiving

Amira and her teacher. A God sent to ever say the least. She has worked wonders for my daughter.

Its not what's in your pocket!!

After announcing our new adoption to people, it seems like everyone in the adoption world shouted excitement. They seem to get it!! Outside the adoption world, the questions have come up as: why again, you already have 4? Because we follow God's calling and live by faith not worrying what tomorrow will bring. Shouldn't people be thrilled for you instead of always trying to figure out how are you making it through the next payday or how are you coming up with the adoption money or "aren't you too old", really seems to come out of their mouth. Lets not even mention my work place. Ohh and since my kiddos are wearing nothing but beautiful hand me downs people really think I am poor and I can't buy my kids' clothes. Ha too funny. I don't buy their clothes because its a waste and if people wanna throw their clothes at me for free why not. I am not ashamed.

My sweet, wonderful friend Amy had This post tonight. She has got to be one of the most encouraging people I have ever met. And she is a person that shines inside and out. There is always hope for Amy, and if your ever feeling down on yourself, just go to Amy's blog and you will find something to cheer you up. And after I was down in the dump tonight, barely being able to concentrate on my Thanksgiving cooking, I feel lifted up again because "its not what's in your pocket!! Thank you Amy.

Kreativ Blogger Award

Okay I don't deserve this award being I am not creative at all but oh well, I am glad I got it so I can share some light on some of my favorite friends. Its not that important to talk about myself but I love talking about my favorite friends.

I had to write a book report on Attachment for my adoption agency so I am a little behind on this award. Sorry Leslie and Jennifer for being a slacker!

I got kindly awarded by Leslie some weeks ago. I have admired and adored Leslie for a long time because she has an amazing heart and if I would ever be a single mom, I want to be just like her. I got to meet up with her and G 2 years ago at camp and we had a wonderful time. The second person that awarded me was Jennifer. I have gotten to know Jennifer through our Positive group and Leslie. We both have older kids, although my kids are much older and now we sort of started all over again with 4 and 5 year olds. Again I am too amazed by Jennifer because she is a single mom and has it all together and made her dreams come true of adding 2 more kiddos. I also love Jenifer because she is one of my few persons that always comments even if I write about dumb stuff which I mostly do. She is faithful to my blog. I am so hoping to meet her and her kiddos at camp next year.

These are the blog award "rules."
1. Thank the person who awarded me the award, and link that person's blog on my blog.
2. Identify seven things about myself.
3. Award seven bloggers with the "Kreativ Blogger Award," post links to their blogs, and leave a comment on each of their blogs, to let them know of the honor. I don't really know what a "Kreativ blogger" is, so you can just give it to whoever you like!

Seven things about myself....

1. I didn't become a believer until I was 40!!! Yes, I was a full blown atheist.

2. I don't like working anymore, although extremely thankful to have a job, and I am truly obsessing about being a stay at home mom and trying to figure out all sorts of ways to make this happen.

3. I am a huge nurturer. I don't have a life outside my family but I love it. I spend all my time with my family and love providing for them every single minute I have. I love to cook and clean and play with them I just love being with my whole family.

4. I love to read. I cannot stand the TV. I only watch one show a week and that would be the "Biggest Loser". Yeah its really inspirational and it always makes me cry.

5. I am very anal and structured with my children. We have a certain bedtime every night, homework, bath time, everything is on schedule. And if it is not, I freak out. I know that is really hard to admit. You wonder where my daughter got her Autism from; just kidding.

6. I used to be a smoker before I met my dear husband, ehhheh.
He gave me an ulimatum, him or cigarettes.

7. I have few friends probably because I am an introvert. Although I can get to talking but really am so so shy. I would say that the few friends that I have I share a very, very deep relationship with and I am loyal to them and they can go through thick and thin with me. I cannot stand backstabbers. Had many of those. I am also really good a reading people minds, I mean when they bothered or hurt. I always get to the bottom of it.

8. Ha, I just made a number 8. I don't know why but I very much dislike when people lurk my blog. It really bothers me to a point that I often want to go private again. Really the people that are dear to me are already on my private list anyway. I guess that seems to be an insecurity of mine because obviously you know 40 people have visited your blog and only 5 comment that means you write like crap.


Now here are 7 blogs to which I am giving this award.

1. Joy. Honestly, this lady knows me inside out. I love her so dearly and she is like a sister to me. We first started out trying to adopt from Zambia and than both switched over to different agencies but kept in touch. She is such a godly woman and I can count on her in a second! She is always there for me and I am always there for her. We can also share things that we probably wouldn't share with anyone else, well maybe a few... Since I am a very private person I have never let anyone know about me so much than Joy. Again she knows me like a sister. And of course her family is absolutely beautiful. She has also gotten me excited about homeschooling and Above Rubies.

2. Amy Amy, Amy. She is another one. I got to know Amy when both of our families were going through tough times that had to do with adoption/disruption stuff. Not that neither of us ever discrupted but it was very similar. We opened our door to children that were hurt. Well on my part it become a huge soap opera. She was one of the few people that kept encouraging me and encouraging me that things will be okay. Also having walked the same path was tremendous. After that I think we just became good buddies. She too is such a Godly woman and I love, love, love how she writes so conficting on her blog all the time. God has gifted her with his words.

3. Deanne and I actually went to Zambia together. Deanne and I experienced such a horror story in the adoption world that we made it all the way to the Zambian TV. Today we laugh about it but back than it was such a nightmare that I don't wish on anyone. The children that were give to us were ripped out of our arms by UNICEF. Deanne is so special too. I think out of all my friends I can totally let myself go. I could go on another trip with Deanne and never get bored. We just make each crack up non stop for no reason. We laugh about nothing and what makes me happy is that when she is sad I can still put a smile on her face.

4. Andrea I have known Andrea since I started my ET adoption journey. I was "this" close to go on a mission trip with Andrea next April but had to cancel because our new adoption had started. Andrea has been through an incredible health journey when she brought home her son and I have always been so inspired by that. I love reading her blog because her writing is always something that is real, godly, or convicting. Often times I have thought, wow, I wanted to write something like that.

5. Signe I started to know Signe when I started my ET journey. When I went to ET it became evident that our future would hold a lot together as families. That we would be bonded like no other. Our sons were dropped off at the orphanage the same day and their moms are best friends. We made a pact back than that our sons would always keep in touch. But to put the icing on the cake we really like each other so that makes it so much easier. I have been blessed to have met up with Signe, Nes and her family often. I like her so much and its so awesome to get to know her better and better as a friend.

Hair

Amira has been sitting in awe watching Danica straightening her hair. Last weekend Danica came home and after much begging by Amira, Danica FINALLY straightened her hair. Amira was in heaven but it only lasted a few hours. The next morning her hair was back to normal but she enjoyed so much and keep looking her her pictures. I can't believe how thick and long Amira's hair has gotten since home.

Friends

When I posted about Biruk and Nes the other day, I still wanted to post the other pics. The kids just have so much fun together. I also love to see Amira and Omega play together because Amira is kind of an introvert and really has a hard time making friends. When Biruk gets excited to have Nes come over, Amira gets excited for her Omega. Since Signe and I made a pact to keep up the friendship of our boys, it makes it that much easier when the mothers really like each other too. I am so looking forward to all the years to come having our kids blossom into adults as we keep up our friendship.

ANNOUNCING!!!!

Okay, I cannot wait any longer. I have waited long enough. We are pregnant again. I mean paper pregnant. Really not paper pregnant anymore because that part has already been done. Yap, it was pretty fast.

Since we chose a specific child I wanted to make sure she was ours before announcing.
To say the least, this adoption was kind of like an unplanned pregnancy. I always knew we would adopt again; but not this soon. We wanted to make sure that I was a homemaker and Kevin was done with college but mostly had our finances straight.

Well, my sweet God had other plans for us. As I heard about this little girl through a friend I fell in love with her but also her beautiful personality that was described to me and another mom that had met her and meanwhile as she was spending time with her she started to pray to God that a family would come forward quickly because she cared about her so much. Her prayers too were answered.

Financially this was absolutely not possibly but after seeing and hearing about this girl, I prayed and prayed to God and ask him that if he wants this to happen a miracle has to happen because we weren’t ready.

Oopsi, quickly some facts about her:
■ she has a beautiful name (I would never change it and Kevin already has a nickname for her)
■ she is about 6 (yes, we will have triplets with Amira and Biruk, she is Biruk's height)
■ her eyes are mesmerizing (description come from the beautiful lady that met her)
■ and she has spice (spice means sass and it came from my friend’s husband)
■ she looks so much like Amira (at least that’s what I think)


Stay tuned for more ...

Best Friends - Now and Then

When I see these guys together, my heart warms but I also want to cry. Cry just out of happiness that we are able to keep up with their friendship. Even though we live 6 hours apart, we make it work. Those who haven't read my blog for long, Biruk and Nes were best friends before they came to the orphanage, they were dropped off the same day, and their moms are best friends. I have met both of the moms and each mom equally care about those boys. When Biruk said goodbye to Nes, that little guys stopped eating for days the nuns told me. I had to keep reminding Nes and keep going back to the orphanage to tell him his mommy would be there soon and I promised him. I love this little guy like he is my own son and I know Signe feels just the same about Biruk. They just have this special bond that can never ever be broken or shaken. I got some really good pics of Omega and Amira but I will share them another day. I just wanted this to be about Biruk and Nes today.

November 2009

They just had milk but this is my favorite picture

January 2009

Danica turns 21

November 5, 2009

On Thursday Danica turned 21. Because she was at school we couldn't celebrate so we had her present and cake yesterday. Danica didn't have much time to do anything because she has so much homework and upcoming tests that she was studying downstairs from morning to night and I am sure today will be the same. Poor thing but that what happens when your in college.

We are just so proud and blessed to have Danica. She has turned into an amazing young lady and we wouldn't want to have her any other way. She is very focused, humble and thankful. Even this last year she has matured so much. I hope she always stays close to us so we can have her all the time. I can't wait to see what the years ahead of her have in store for her.

We started this thing on birthdays where the little ones can buy one gift each from the $1.00 store to give as a present. I have noticed that they always buy a gift that they like for themselves and not what the birthday person might want:) But its okay I am teaching them and they learn eventually.

Amira 1 Year Ago

I found this tonight while I was looking for certain pics on the computer. My little girl has grown up so much already!

November 5, 2008

today