tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-438236078378550752024-03-12T22:10:14.699-05:00A Quiver of BlessingsGod is blessing us with our beautiful arrows—as always intended—through adoption, for our very own quiver of blessings. Join me along the way as I venture through marriage, parenthood and church planting in this crazy life He is calling me to live.Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10030911295443246022noreply@blogger.comBlogger105125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43823607837855075.post-26913788464446324742014-04-10T21:28:00.002-05:002014-04-10T21:28:33.632-05:00Fail Faster<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My amazing husband likes to remind me of that saying quite often...<br />
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"Fail Faster."<br />
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If you're not doing something new, something daring, you're not growing. You become a stagnant, scummy pond. Ick. I don't want to be that. As hard as it is to face my fear of failure, I <i>don't</i> want to be <i>that</i>.<br />
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So, what's a #fearfast when one doesn't ever actually have to face one's fear head on? Sure, for my #fearfast, the possibility of failure was always there. I just hoped I never actually came upon it. But what would that have done? How would I have grown?<br />
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So...I failed. Like, I totally, completely bombed something. I put myself out there and failed. Ugh.<br />
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A little back story... my family and I were introduced to <a href="http://www.mydoterra.com/kathunter/essentialDefinition.html" target="_blank">essential oils</a> several months ago. They seriously have made such an amazing, positive impact on our lives. And I love seeing my friends benefit from them as well. So much so, that I just can't stop sharing them. So, since I'm sharing them anyways, I figure...why not? I took a step of faith and officially became a Wellness Advocate with <a href="http://www.mydoterra.com/kathunter/companyVideo.html" target="_blank">doTERRA Essential Oils</a>. </div>
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I have been praying for quite some time for some type of job for me. Yes, our family can use a bit more income, but really, I just felt like I needed an outlet in which I could use my talents and feel a sense of accomplishment. I totally feel like what I do for our church, <a href="http://www.restorationcommunity.tv/" target="_blank">Restoration Community</a>, matters. And there is no doubt that pastoring that church is a family calling and a team effort. But...I guess...I wanted something apart from that. A little piece of something exciting—something challenging— for which I was fully responsible.</div>
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But that meant that I would have to face my fear of it taking a nosedive before it even takes off. </div>
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I made the decision to take this <strike>step</strike> <strike>leap</strike> plunge just a few weeks ago. I scheduled my first class, for which I pumped myself up to teach. I strongly believe in doTERRA's essential oils and have no doubt that everyone can improve their family's overall wellness with them, but taking this on was big.</div>
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And so my first class...? The one that had me facing my fear of failure...? Yeah. I faced it alright. Failure smacked me right on the forehead.</div>
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No one came. Not one person. </div>
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None. </div>
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Zilch. </div>
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Zip. </div>
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LOL! I can laugh at it. Now, anyways. Why did I think I could get by this whole Lenten #fearfast thing without actually facing my fear and failing? Silly, Kat...</div>
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So, I'm not letting it stop me! I've scheduled an <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/689632471095727/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming" target="_blank">Open House Launch Party</a> for my new venture. It's tomorrow, April 11. Maybe no one will show up... But I know God is calling me to keep going. He wants me stronger than I am now. He wants me more daring than I am now—for His glory. He wants better for me than I would have for myself. So, I'm going to keep pressing on. </div>
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Here goes <strike>nothing</strike> something...</div>
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Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10030911295443246022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43823607837855075.post-45727185955240960802014-03-30T08:16:00.000-05:002014-03-30T09:25:54.394-05:00Whoopsi Daisy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Remember when I <a href="http://aquiverofblessings.blogspot.com/2014/03/fearfast.html" target="_blank">first posted</a> about my Lent #fearfast and I said that I'm sure there would be be some time that I fall on my face in attempting to face my fear of failure? Yeah... Is happened. A few times.<br />
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One of the big steps I've committed to taking to face my debilitating fear of failure is to run a half marathon. <i>(Just a half, because, really, is anyone's body suppose to ever run 26 miles? I think not.) </i>So I signed up to run the <a href="http://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR/Heroes/Heroes?px=2549877&pg=personal&fr_id=8700" target="_blank">Music City Half Marathon</a> in Nashville. I've been struggling with IT Band issues, which gives me quite a lot of pain in my knee. But after some great physical therapy guidance and prayer, I've been able to start building my miles. But not without some pitfalls along the way...<br />
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Confession: I'm not very lady-like when I run. No. Not at all. Before I started taking a <a href="http://www.mydoterra.com/kathunter/essentialDefinition.html" target="_blank">more natural and organic way to help with allergies</a>, I would have to slow down—you know, from my speed of sound pace *eye-roll*—to blow my nose. The tissue would flap up in my face, down into my mouth. Whoopsi-Daisy. It was just a mess.<br />
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While I've seemed to have found a great solution to my terrible allergies, I still have a spitting issue. And by issue, I mean, while I have the need to spit during a run, I'm horrid at it. Literally, half the time, it ends up somewhere on my clothes, or even one time, back on my cheek. Beautiful. Whoopsi-Daisy.<br />
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But I keep running.<br />
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This week, I'm up in Chicago, showing my kiddos where I grew up. It's been great being up here, and we still have quite a bit planned. <i>How have I not had a Chicago dog or Italian Beef yet?!</i><b style="font-style: italic;"> </b>But each weekend, I have my "long run" days. Yesterday, it was 10 miles. I've never in my life ran that far in one day. I did it. Barely. But I did it.<br />
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I hadn't kept up with the physical therapy strengthening I need to do for my IT band. I stretch...most days. I had to skip some short runs during the week. <i>That is quite impossible to not have to do, being a church plant pastor.</i> So i was in quite a bit of pain after the run. well, for the last three miles, really. I think when I first decided to do this #fearfast, I simply thought doing daring things and trusting on God would be the extent of it.<br />
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But it's more. It's a lot more.<br />
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Any calling from God requires preparation. While I wish it were the case, I can't just sign up for a 13.1 mile race one day and expect to run it well the next. There is training—physical, mental, spiritual—that has to be done. I need to stretch my muscles, strengthen them, and teach them how to run long distance. I need to keep challenging my mind to go that one more mile, to stop walking and get back into my pace. I need to strengthen my faith and stand firm in knowing God wants me to do this, He will be glorified through this. He wants me to grow in this way.<br />
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I'd love to just be able to run the half marathon now. To feel the exhilaration of accomplishing such a big feat. But...I suppose...it wouldn't be as exhilarating if it were easy.<br />
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So I'll do my best to keep with it. Keep challenging myself, keep increasing my distance. With more "Whoopsi-Daisys" sure to follow, I'll just click for a Power Song and keep going.<br />
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Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10030911295443246022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43823607837855075.post-61152482476672151712014-03-07T20:50:00.000-06:002014-03-07T20:50:18.289-06:00Ashes to Ashes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Wednesday was filled with firsts for us. It was our <a href="http://www.restorationcommunity.tv/new" target="_blank">church plant</a>'s first Ash Wednesday service. I'm pretty sure it was Derek's first Ash Wednesday service...ever. Being raised Catholic, I have attended many Ash Wednesday services. <i>(Memories of my high school friends and I going into the restroom after school Mass and "perfecting" the crosses on our forehead by dusting them off a bit came flooding back to me...)</i> But for my husband, I don't think he had ever even attended such a service.<br />
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And that got me thinking...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5lSs6cSJFvgBD3OU9IQcdgK24Bjrvnp0CQIiwG096VvwC6tdTyzhQ2hOBUpvYJReHmg2vYulIJgbV6MIsxVN8ftgpS4ruIu0cW0IN0uKnmG8udrSLf_aiTj5AO9mSxphQ9iJ97wha2I/s1600/photo-16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5lSs6cSJFvgBD3OU9IQcdgK24Bjrvnp0CQIiwG096VvwC6tdTyzhQ2hOBUpvYJReHmg2vYulIJgbV6MIsxVN8ftgpS4ruIu0cW0IN0uKnmG8udrSLf_aiTj5AO9mSxphQ9iJ97wha2I/s1600/photo-16.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a>Let me back track a bit. Derek is a pretty awesome guy. I know I'm biased, but I think the majority of people would agree. There's something...charismatic about him. He's a supportive husband, loyal friend, ridiculously fun "Papa," motivating leader, unique but upstanding <a href="http://www.restorationcommunity.tv/about" target="_blank">pastor</a>, and just all-around amazing guy. Wednesday evening made me realize once again how much he inspires me. How much he unintentionally prompts me to be a better...me.<br />
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He had never planned an Ash Wednesday service. He didn't have anyone with more knowledge telling him how best to explain Ash Wednesday to our church. He didn't have someone with more experience advising him how to coordinate such an event. The guy hadn't even BEEN to an Ash Wednesday service!<br />
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But he knew God was calling him to have one. And he listened. And he responded. There was never any fear of failure causing him to pause.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT2HXgTtBi3LGKdtyjnlrDBG9x2tho2k5ACvLxGBkEOjvvgojNGah5zKgu54OS0SkI-7Uq-4oFURYDTh2e4WRFSaWkm25kiYHyqoBQDSVdBLzF5RdSyHGcGNWcf-YSrFFiu49clqXQpwM/s1600/photo-17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT2HXgTtBi3LGKdtyjnlrDBG9x2tho2k5ACvLxGBkEOjvvgojNGah5zKgu54OS0SkI-7Uq-4oFURYDTh2e4WRFSaWkm25kiYHyqoBQDSVdBLzF5RdSyHGcGNWcf-YSrFFiu49clqXQpwM/s1600/photo-17.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a>I thought about it as I was driving home that night. I thought about the impact the service had on the children of our church. It was interactive, tactile, spiritual, reflective—all things engaging for people 3 to 83.<br />
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I thought about the impact it made on people who attend other churches, but were looking for a place to recognize Ash Wednesday in our community. I thought about how it called people to reflect on their sins, their mortality, their needs, their love for God. I thought about it all and was inspired.<br />
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If Derek had let fear stop him from organizing such an event, God might not have been glorified in the way He was that night.<br />
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And what does that mean for me? How many times have I cheated God of receiving praise because I was too preoccupied with the fact that I might fail...?<br />
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This #fearfast is going to be good. It's already so good. And I'm so thankful for a man by my side who spurs me on in facing my fears. If he didn't face his, we would have missed out on a lot this Wednesday.<br />
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That picture right there ^^^ Those are Bennett's drawings—responses from the different stations at our Ash Wednesday service. And that guy fourth from the left? Yeah. That's Jesus. On the cross. Just another first for us Hunters that day. :)<br />
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Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10030911295443246022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43823607837855075.post-54928878743959633052014-03-05T22:28:00.000-06:002014-03-05T22:28:20.855-06:00#fearfast<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Break out the feather dusters! The blog is back...and in desperate need of a face-lift. I'll get to that later.<br />
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So what's the deal? Why write a post? Why now?<br />
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I'm fasting. You know, for Lent.<br />
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In the past, I've given up—sacrificed—many things during Lent, from pop to red meat. In their place is a refocus on Jesus and what His life, death and resurrection mean. This year I'm doing something a little different. This year, I'm giving up fear. My own fear of failure.<br />
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Part of my problem has always been that I'm a perfectionist. I want to do everything 100 percent right on the first attempt. <i>(Wow, that seems crazy after reading that back...)</i> This has been debilitating, actually. Many times, I will stop myself from even starting something new, something challenging, if I don't think I can do it without error. <i>(It's getting crazier...)</i> I keep my eyes on my own strength. My own talents. My own inabilities. And I get stuck. At those times, gone is the voice that reminds me that <a href="http://bible.com/111/php.4.13.niv" target="_blank">I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength</a>. <i>(Yeah, I'm a mess!)</i><br />
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So, this season, that fear is out the door. I'm turning to God and giving it up. I'm listening to my Lord and moving forward. Facing my fear of failure might have me trying things, tripping and falling on my face. But I'm going to go. If He's calling me, I'm going to go.<br />
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Follow me on this journey. I'm sure there are going to be pitfalls. Laugh along with me as they happen. However, I'm sure there are going to be some pretty exciting mountaintops as well. #fearfast</div>
Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10030911295443246022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43823607837855075.post-75252805529331038462012-10-13T21:31:00.000-05:002012-10-13T21:47:04.193-05:00Preview Service Eve And All That Is Racing Through My Mind<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDcrPYg3s-dCoeHaoR8BqXhoLv8_OMkSynHjJu4WNAQ5A4dkmuyw_i0BWXJ1N4mYvyRV3LnKDaMvfsYOJzNvCqPAigcunxNYuSdaXQoequF1VnxqYWkCxRY-mPU5owcLPcHIV7CBmdybc/s1600/529975_397969703595482_2146187230_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDcrPYg3s-dCoeHaoR8BqXhoLv8_OMkSynHjJu4WNAQ5A4dkmuyw_i0BWXJ1N4mYvyRV3LnKDaMvfsYOJzNvCqPAigcunxNYuSdaXQoequF1VnxqYWkCxRY-mPU5owcLPcHIV7CBmdybc/s200/529975_397969703595482_2146187230_n.jpg" width="142" /></a>So, what is on a church planter's mind 12 hours before their first preview service...? Honestly, not a whole lot!<br />
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Wait, wait. Let me explain.<br />
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Crazy, direct, perfectionist, Type-A personality me ALWAYS has what feels like a bagillion things on my mind. Tonight, thanks to the peace of the Holy Spirit, an efficient and passionate God-made Launch Team, an anointed husband and the prayers of hundreds of friends around the world, I'm practically worry-free!<br />
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Why "practically," you ask? Well, the things I'm "worrying" about (and I use that term loosely), are ridiculous things, really. What if we run out of shirts? What if our preschool area isn't big enough? What if our snacks and coffee are devoured 20 minutes before service starts?<br />
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Seriously, Kat?<br />
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Yes. "What if?"<br />
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When planning for our first <a href="http://www.restorationcommunity.tv/index.php?Itemid=176#plant" target="_blank">preview service</a> (goodness, this isn't even our official LAUNCH!), we were optimistic. We thought, if we have 100 people at our very first service, that would just be absolutely amazing. And it would be! 50 people would be phenomenal! But God is reminding us yet again that what He has planned for those who love Him is greater than anything we can imagine! So tomorrow, "what if" we run out of food? Or free t-shirts? Or space? What if...more than we dreamed show up?<br />
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Well...that would be a very blessed problem to have! And it DEFNITELY would not be because of anything we have done. No, it is all, ALL His doing.<br />
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...and I'm humbled that He would include me in this party, even if it's just a party of 4.<br />
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And with that, I'm heading to bed before 10:00 PM on the eve of <a href="http://www.restorationcommunity.tv/" target="_blank">Restoration Community Church's</a> first preview service. Crazy!</div>
Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10030911295443246022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43823607837855075.post-26225290678522144672012-06-01T23:11:00.001-05:002012-06-01T23:24:53.869-05:00When Your "Nice Date Night Car" Is a Minivan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Derek and I got to experience something we don't normally have the opportunity to...date night!<br />
<br />
Thanks to one of our second families, the Clarks, we had an entire evening to ourselves as the kiddos had their first non-family sleepover. And boy was it nice!<br />
<br />
It started with me coming home, after dropping off the kiddos, to a beautiful $4.99 bouquet of flowers. Yeah. You read that right. Derek knows the discounted Kroger bouquets are appreciated much more than something more superfluous by this frugal gal. <br />
<br />
We went to a new-to-us restaurant, <a href="http://www.redponyrestaurant.com/" target="_blank">The Red Pony</a>, and enjoyed every savory bite of our two hour meal as we chatted away. <i>(No toddler talk, people! I didn't have to ask anyone if they had to go potty. I didn't have to bribe my dinner partner to finish his delicious roasted beets or melt-in-your-mouth blue cheese and sweet corn risotto. And I didn't have to wipe anyone's fingers or face with a baby wipe when we were all through!)</i><br />
<br />
But before all that, as we were getting ready to leave our <i>(very quiet)</i> house, I looked at Derek and asked him, hopeful of his answer, "What car are we taking?" <br />
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He looked at me. Smiled. Chuckled.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://files.conceptcarz.com/img/Toyota/Toyota-Sienna_Swagger_Wagon-Image-02-800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://files.conceptcarz.com/img/Toyota/Toyota-Sienna_Swagger_Wagon-Image-02-800.jpg" width="200" /></a>"The van, of course."<br />
<br />
Relief.<br />
<br />
We hopped in and were off, like two giggly teenagers on a first date. And it hit me... my how life has changed... <br />
<br />
Instead of hoping my date picks me up in something shiny and fast, I'm thrilled we're riding in the Swagger Wagon. Instead of choosing between a Dooney & Burke or Louis Vuitton, I'm lessening the load of my purse by taking out unneeded matchbox cars and crayons. <br />
<br />
<b>As our lives change, so do our concepts of contentment. </b><br />
<br />
There is very little I <b><i>need</i></b> to be happy. My God. My family. My friends. The rest is just...stuff. And what's the value of all our stuff, really? <br />
<br />
Not much, says this frugal gal.<br />
<br />
<i>(Well...except baby wipes. Those things are worth their weight in gold when you have two toddlers 13-months apart!)</i><br />
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</div>Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10030911295443246022noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43823607837855075.post-20006905636514103592012-05-29T10:18:00.001-05:002012-05-29T10:18:45.629-05:00A Type A's 4-Letter Word<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Get on the computer and do marketing contract work. Water the garden. Organize the playroom. Take the kids to the pool. Work on my "tough calling" project. Organize the playroom. Read more on church planting. Help D work on vision-casting. Organize the playroom. Do some writing. Organize the playroom. Organize the playroom. <br />
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Sometimes life can be a long list of to-do items. Even the playful things become actions to check off a list. Fellow high-strung Type As will know what I'm taking about. More qualitative evidence in support of the research that shows we are more likely to have a coronary episode. <br />
<br />
Yet we continue on this pace until life gives us an ugly slap in the face, leaving us with no choice but to slow down. <br />
<br />
Unless...<br />
<br />
<strong>Unless we make a conscious effort to make R-E-S-T a requirement. </strong><br />
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For some of us, we may have to physically write it down in our day planners. "Do Nothing Today." "Take a Break." "Just Hang Out with the Kiddos." <br />
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Other times, we'll notice that the crazy pace we have become used to is slowly catching up to our over-stimulated children. We take a rest for their good.<br />
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Other times our awesome spouses will make the suggestion. For <em>our</em> own good. <br />
<br />
Either way, we have to face our 4-letter word. Put off work for another day. Web sites can be updated later. Research can be done tomorrow. Playdates can be rescheduled. <br />
<br />
Clear your schedule. Go with the flow. Stop to enjoy the sunshine, your kids laughter, the Word of God, a hot cup of coffee. <br />
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It'll be better if we make rest a requiement, before life gives us no other option. </div>Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10030911295443246022noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43823607837855075.post-47689365834925895972012-05-13T16:04:00.001-05:002012-05-13T20:54:03.120-05:00I'm NOT Praying For Moms Today<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Nope. They aren't on my prayer radar. Not today.<br />
<br />
Sure, they're (we're!) pretty awesome and all... We give baths, wipe snotty noses (and other areas I won't mention), kiss boo-boos, pick up toys, pick up toys and pick up toys. But today my heart is focused on a different group of women. The waiting-moms-to-be.<br />
<br />
I was there once. I felt the emptiness, the void, that seemed to be roped around my heart on Mother's Days--any day for that matter... I felt the helplessness that comes when you yearn for something so greatly, but know no amount of will or action of your own could make it so. I felt the isolation from friends who just "didn't know what to say," so said nothing at all. I felt hopeless. I felt frustrated. I felt broken.<br />
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I waited what seemed like ages until we finally had our children in our arms. I thank God so often that what seemed like an eternity, was only just over 3 years. Looking back, and knowing what I know now, we had it easy. <br />
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Once we accepted God's call for us to adopt, the weight was lifted. Actually, it evaporated. My husband and I now hope that it is God's will for us never to have biological children, but to adopt again. But there are so many of my dear friends who are still in this cycle of frustration, helplessness and pain. There are so many waiting to hold their children in their arms, however they come to be--be it through adoption or birth. <br />
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To them, and to the rest, <b>you are not alone</b>. <br />
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There are many who are praying for you on this particular day. There are many of us who think about how shout-outs on the radio, cheesey Sunday afternoon movies and Mother's Day sermons affect you today... So many of us love you and support you, even if we've never met.<br />
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<b>We pray for you. We pray for your children to be. We pray for the preparation He is doing in you to be AMAZING mothers. Mothers whose compassion is unparalleled because of the hard journey you are now on. </b><br />
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<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=jeremiah%2029:11&version=NIV">God has great plans for you.</a> There is no doubt. And as you wait to see these plans come to life, we will be there holding your hand, waiting for test results, waiting for a referral, waiting to hear His will for your family, and on our knees in prayer for you.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ developing and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%201:6&version=AMP">Philippians 1:6</a></i></div>
</div>Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10030911295443246022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43823607837855075.post-81618510605776367732012-05-12T23:39:00.002-05:002012-05-12T23:41:21.441-05:00Happy Birth Mother's Day!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
I recently tip-toed into the world of <a href="http://www.twitter.com/katmhunter">Twitter</a>. I can't say it's been life-changing, but being able to connect with people with whom I share common interests and goals has been very motivating for me. God has planted some faith-testing seeds in the last few months--I hope to share more soon!--and communicating with these people whom I would otherwise not be able to has ignited in me a more ravenous fervor to keep moving forward!<br />
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Adoption is definitely one of the trending topics I've been following. A fellow adoptive mom reminded me that today is Birth Mother's Day. A reverent and important day for us, to be sure.
I think about and pray for B and C's birth mother often. Sometimes questions pop in my head... "Does she think of them?" "Is she still in Russia?" But mostly I pray. I pray that God soothes her heart. I pray she is safe. I pray prayers of thanksgiving for the courageous decisions that she made.<br />
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I have no idea if she still pains over giving up these two amazing children. We may never know. But we will never forget her. She gave not only my husband and me the most amazing gift anyone could ever give, she did the same for her children--an unconditional, loving forever family.<br />
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<b>Our family story was birthed from loss. The loss felt by a birth mother after leaving her two children in a Russian hospital. The loss felt by helpless newborns over not being nurtured by a mother. But from that loss came a miraculous, redemptive blessing. The blessing of adoption.</b><br />
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Funny how, in hindsight, so many blessings come from past loss and pain. God never makes mistakes. We do. But God is there, offering His sustaining grace until we are ready to accept the blessings He has in store for us.<br />
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To B and C's birth mother - we can never thank you enough. Though we may never know the specific why's and how's of your decision to leave your children, I can only assume that it was a very courageous and honorable decision. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2031&version=NIV">Proverbs 31</a>:29 says, "There are many noble women in the world, but you surpass them all."</div>Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10030911295443246022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43823607837855075.post-83660405202051483322011-10-04T14:45:00.001-05:002011-10-04T14:58:51.998-05:00We've Come a Long Way, Baby!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">It was a year and a week ago that we landed at the cold, concrete-walled St. Petersburg airport. Walking through clouds of cigarette smoke while our tummies were in knots over simply knowing we were finally in the same city as our children, we knew we were in for the experience of our lives. And boy, were we!<br />
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After going through immigration one by one and picking up our bags, we made our way out the gate and into the crowded airport foyer to look for our driver. Andrei! Andrei? Andrei....? It turned out he was given the wrong flight information from our agency and wasn't expecting to pick us up for another hour. Needless to say, our first 45 minutes on Russia soil were a little nerve-wracking!<br />
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But! We had our babies to look forward to. We settled in to our hotel (THE best hotel in the world, I will now proclaim, thanks to their phenomenal service) took a look out the windows and took it all in.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/AVtk9hNYW_w" width="420"></iframe></div><div align="center"><em>(Notice D's lack of facial hair!</em>)</div><br />
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We were so anxious to get to sleep, knowing the next day we would finally be able to hold our babies. Finally be able to tell them that they are so loved. Finally be able to have our family together for the very first time. We opened up our laptop and took a look at the pictures of our kiddos which we had found via Russia's online orphan database. <br />
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We've never shared these photos outside of our family, so this is a first. These are the earliest photos we will ever have of our babies:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG5OPB4BitZer6Om2p9EunUNDhrcwKFz9c92KmGULEALJ8_8fFuoR-I2kiVQBqnUsK5-70Ie5i5JhpotsTI9IT_o2JFWF_JGwea2oZBTpSQtbhgy9XEH7E4xHNIt9Pufx51Nha41kXhbQ/s1600/Alim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG5OPB4BitZer6Om2p9EunUNDhrcwKFz9c92KmGULEALJ8_8fFuoR-I2kiVQBqnUsK5-70Ie5i5JhpotsTI9IT_o2JFWF_JGwea2oZBTpSQtbhgy9XEH7E4xHNIt9Pufx51Nha41kXhbQ/s1600/Alim.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center"><em>Alim (Bennett) pictured in his orphanage, no more than 15 months old</em></div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6DO8QZhhTWkp-gOxsSXpsWh2Sqpxl_vz5k5DJjV5I3pKnsdAi-FMyHvBquh3kimU67P2ohNiadJRxE0dbOzfH_PiGYcUepA-5_OfIGwP0Ozo2pcc0oiEZEwJv-C-wntta6e6NiEm3ufw/s1600/Nargiza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6DO8QZhhTWkp-gOxsSXpsWh2Sqpxl_vz5k5DJjV5I3pKnsdAi-FMyHvBquh3kimU67P2ohNiadJRxE0dbOzfH_PiGYcUepA-5_OfIGwP0Ozo2pcc0oiEZEwJv-C-wntta6e6NiEm3ufw/s1600/Nargiza.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Nargiza (Celia) pictures in her orphanage, no more than 3 months old</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div align="left">Beautiful even back then, weren't they? Gosh, we're so blessed to be their Mama and Papa!</div></div>Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10030911295443246022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43823607837855075.post-51761625844469759612011-04-17T21:33:00.000-05:002011-04-17T21:33:37.432-05:00My New Favorite Thing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Since we've been home, it seems like I have a new favorite thing every few days<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">—<span style="font-size: small;">most of which have to do with my two adorable kiddos. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Smiles,</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">kisses, </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">funny faces, </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">giggles, </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">snorts, </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">giggling snorts... </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">But my favorite as of late...? Bennett making Celia laugh. I've seen people make Celia giggle, and even I can get a good hearty laugh every once in a while, but NO ONE makes Celia belly-laugh like Bennett. No one. Sometimes all it takes is B looking at his sister with joy in his eyes from his car seat. Sometimes it's a cat and mouse game. Sometimes it's him peering over his crib playing peek-a-boo with his sister across the room. (Thank you Sloane for our video monitors!) Whatever it is, I can't even begin to explain what this sweet connection means to me. My late brother was my closest friend and I shared with him a relationship unlike any I've ever had. It literally brings tears to my eyes seeing that same connection between Bennett and Celia—brother and sister brought together just several months ago. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJwWf6R1kkiYZWrSsrfZQFaYk2nGW71MiBCfsNBdYnST3-4rz5fpoW2QbfE1lgbpsIMGO0qDkjtZydCqyQGF3mDQPwvvfXOfwS4L9IaE0TWM2_gFuTLJVDMBQVGo6z7cigMNrqrvzBsU/s1600/215874_10150152397221924_723396923_7277669_6638026_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJwWf6R1kkiYZWrSsrfZQFaYk2nGW71MiBCfsNBdYnST3-4rz5fpoW2QbfE1lgbpsIMGO0qDkjtZydCqyQGF3mDQPwvvfXOfwS4L9IaE0TWM2_gFuTLJVDMBQVGo6z7cigMNrqrvzBsU/s320/215874_10150152397221924_723396923_7277669_6638026_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div></div>Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10030911295443246022noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43823607837855075.post-4308138216680547362011-04-06T21:24:00.000-05:002011-04-06T21:24:35.116-05:00Beep... Beep.... Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">That's the sound of my pitiful blog flatlining. It's been two months and I've failed to check in. I'm sorry friends. I have excuses up the whazoo, but the truth is I've just been putting it off. <br />
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At first, it was because I felt God calling me to resign from my office job and I wasn't ready to share that information with the world wide web until it became official in March. I can actually say it's been THE best decision I've made as a mother. Not only do I get to spend all my time loving on these two babies who are so new to the concept of family love, but I get to give the best of me to my family. No longer am I drained from a day of stressors and other things, coming home with little left of me. I now allow myself to be uplifted by people and situations around me and I'm revelling in it!<br />
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Once my resignation date came into effect, I kept telling myself, "Tomorrow. I'll get to the blog tomorrow..." A week or so of that, and I just didn't even know where to begin anymore.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">The other day, as I was in the shower--one of the few times of day I get to take a minute and think in silence--I realized that I was not only letting myself (and possibly my readers) down by not writing, I'm letting my kids down. After we returned from Russia, I used my blog as a journal, chronicling family firsts and other memorable moments. I haven't done that in several weeks now. I owe it to my children to keep track of these special first few months. They have no written record of the first year, two years of their life. I want to make up for that.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So... I truly want to get back into the habit of blogging. I hope you'll see more of me...</div></div>Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10030911295443246022noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43823607837855075.post-10446789703825601242011-01-31T23:00:00.001-06:002011-01-31T23:08:17.218-06:00Happy One Month Home!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Today marks one month since we arrived home as a family a four!<br />
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Thinking back to who I was and how I felt coming off the plane that night... it seems like a world away. I was so tired. <em>(Traveling for 26+ hours will do that to you.)</em> I was so hungry. <em>(Loosing eight pounds while in a foreign country for a week and a half will do that to you.)</em> I was so scared and insecure in my abilities. <em>(Jumping in to parenthood head first by adopting a one- and two-year-old will do that to you.) </em>I was so totally excited! <em>(The occurrence of something you've been waiting for for years will do that to you!)</em><br />
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Not that I have it all together now. Oh my goodness! Not at all. But parenthood is becoming more natural. I don't question every little thing I do or say and how it might impact our children's cognitive, emotional, physical and confidence development. Sure, I think about those things day in and day out. But the secure feeling of KNOWING that I am their mother—and mothers truly do know best—helps give me the fortitude to trust my instincts and keeping going as I have tried to do. <br />
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We received a pleasant surprise in the mail today. The US Department of Homeland Security sent us Bennett's and Celia's official Certificates of Citizenship! (And a little "Uncle Liberty" coloring book for Bennett!)<br />
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What better day to receive this than our one-month anniversary home?! My, how their faces have changed in the short time they've been home.</div>Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10030911295443246022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43823607837855075.post-16082776813800270882011-01-30T23:07:00.001-06:002011-01-30T23:15:50.420-06:00Catching Up<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">My! Motherhood is work! hee hee... It may not be as stressful as my office job, but it definitely is tiring! I've come to really value "down-time" more than ever after spending each day running around playing with two adorable kiddos. Because of that, I haven't spent much time on the computer. But I miss blogging. I miss writing. So here I am!<br />
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We've started Bennett on <a href="http://aquiverofblessings.blogspot.com/2011/01/scar-explained.html">his medication</a> and it <em>seem<u>ed</u></em> to be going okay... We knew, after reading every word on the information sheet that accompanied the huge bottle of orange-flavored liquid, that it might upset our poor boy's stomach. Well, unfortunately it has. He has been tooting/boo-bah-ing/blowing buttons/insert-your-cute-flatulence-term throughout the last few days. His dirty diaper changes are... well... they're not pretty and often are cause for a wardrobe change. Since he really doesn't enjoy being dirty (unless he's intentionally choosing to play in the dirt or eat with his hands), he makes the most pitiful face once he's... well... done. From someone who used to suffer from stomach aches every day of my life, I just hate this for him. Especially since he has 8.5 more months of it. This morning was the first morning he really faught taking the 12.5 ml. I wonder what the next few days will bring.<br />
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After hearing me rave about the Impressionist exhibit at <a href="http://www.fristcenter.org/site/default.aspx">The Frist</a> in Nashville, Derek decided he had to go see it. I had the fortunate opportunity to see many of the pieces at <a href="http://www.louvre.fr/llv/commun/home.jsp?bmLocale=en">The Louvre</a>, but enjoyed them when I visited our local museum back in October as well. So we decided to take the kids and all go, hoping for the best but expecting some difficulties. Believe it or not, we all had a wonderful and completely tear-free time! Baba (my mother is "babushka" to our kiddos, "baba" for short; and my father is "dyeh-dushka" or "dedu" for short) and I walked the kids in their double stroller through the exhibit while Derek took his time with the audio tour. Of course, we were not allowed to take photos in the exhibit, but did snap one as we entered the Visual Arts Center:<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After Baba, the kids and I made our way through, we ventured upstairs to the children area where we played at some hands-on stations. Later, Derek joined us and helped Bennett bring out his creative side by making his own lithograph and sketching on an art easel. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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I really think the attachment that has been forming among the four of us is strengthening more and more each day. On Friday, Bennett walked up to me with one arm in his favorite jacket (my late brother's army-green jacket that he wore when he was Bennett's age), smiled, said "buh-bye" and leaned over and gave me the sweetest kiss on the lips. I don't know how I held it together. Sure, Bennett had given me kisses before. But they were more playful than truly sentimental and I probably asked for most of them. I can't explain the feelings that went through me. Most likely, that was the first time he ever smooched anyone out of love and by his own accord. Bennett is such a sweetheart. He truly is such a good boy. We are so lucky.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3B06cpgbyI7vtAFWHuty8nIEyL5fTDCYH_CcVI2t-pwteG4j-mnOQbI1ug7jiy552doD3DCo0e8jNfTuX2H4gxQv3_CQr2kABPgL6EVktXJuIX0VlTKVFxY2hyx_wgFyf_N2KRSo9vxc/s1600/Jan+28+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3B06cpgbyI7vtAFWHuty8nIEyL5fTDCYH_CcVI2t-pwteG4j-mnOQbI1ug7jiy552doD3DCo0e8jNfTuX2H4gxQv3_CQr2kABPgL6EVktXJuIX0VlTKVFxY2hyx_wgFyf_N2KRSo9vxc/s320/Jan+28+2011.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
The bond between Celia and Derek is growing as well—especially now, after D decided to grow a goatee. You see, for whatever reason, C has a "thing" for facial hair. She seemed to love the mustached pediatrician who saw her in Moscow and was entranced with the random, bearded Ukrainian gentleman seated next to us on the plane. Never having had facial hair in his life but desperately wanting to make a closer connection with his daughter, Derek took the plunge. Personally, I think it looks good on him! Sorry, no photos at this time. But I'm sure you'll catch it in pictures in the future.</div>Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10030911295443246022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43823607837855075.post-87806688179123463962011-01-26T14:49:00.001-06:002011-01-26T14:52:16.343-06:00We're Still Here!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Yes, we're still alive! With my husband going back to work full-time, I'm still trying to get my legs about me when it comes to being a full-time mom (at least for the next several weeks). Stay tuned friends! I plan to post a true update in the next day or two, which will include heartwarming firsts, trying tantrums, cultural excursions and more!</div>Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10030911295443246022noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43823607837855075.post-14803025297064656442011-01-17T23:06:00.002-06:002011-01-17T23:12:16.275-06:00A Scar Explained and a "Diagnosis" MadeWednesday was B and C's first trip to the pediatrician<span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">—</span>and Mama and Papa's (as parents) too! Many international adoptive parents choose to take their children to an "International Adoption Pediatrician" and a specialized international adoption clinic. There is one in Nashville. I'm sure it's absolutely wonderful. However, we didn't feel the need to go that route. We knew once we met our kiddos that they are<span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">—</span>thank the Lord<span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">—</span>healthy and not too far behind physically or developmentally. So, after receiving a recommendation from another adoptive family and doing our own research, we decided to go with Dr. S and are so glad we did! Dr. S has adopted internationally, so it's wonderful to have someone that canshed some insight.<br />
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He was absolutely wonderful with our babies! We weren't expecting things to go so smoothly, especially after our experience with Dr. Boris in Moscow. (Maybe it was the moustache, maybe it was the lazy eye, but there was something about the Russian doctor that Bennett didn't like. Celia, on the other hand, loved the guy!) Taking into consideration the fear and insecurities B and C were most likely feeling anyways and the fact that they each received four shots, one TB skin test and three blood draws, the kids were great! Less than 60 seconds after her shots, Celia was smiling and making silly faces at the nurse. The sweet nurse later said she has "never" seen such a happy baby<span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">—</span>and she's obviously seen a lot. Bennett, true to form, was all strength. He held it together so well and when he felt he was in a safe place again<span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">—</span>back in his Papa's arms<span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">—</span>he let out the cries. <br />
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We noticed once we brought Bennett home that he has a scar on his upper left arm. I greived a bit for my little guy over thinking we'd never know how he got it. Derek was ready to help him come up with fun and exciting stories to ease the loss. Much to our surprise, our pediatrician educated us on what most likely it was from. Bennett received a <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/tb/publications/factsheets/prevention/BCG.htm">BCG vaccine</a> when in Russia. It's common for a child his age raised in a Russian orphanage to have this shot so as to prevent childhood tuberculosis. Dr. S indicated that his scar is most likely from where he was injected with the vaccine. He warned us that there was a good chance that B's TB skin test would come back positive due to his receiving the vaccine. We were told to come back on Friday to have it checked out.<br />
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Dinner on Wednesday was amazing! I was looking forward to giving our kiddos soup, as we were told they had soup each day for lunch in their baby homes. Bennett devoured the vegetable and beef concoction. Celia didn't do as well, but the transition we have been trying to make from baby food has not been successful. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlYhJuwBi4floe-IjLk4CExlr3L2PxSOlEkQt_bJHofCNIVCiEmxu9638LgP43QXPDLA7S65hBUfQ_Q9FsNmX0Z56qN_KOQareXEm9r8663inx_pkOlgu_KxAvg99BjP6R7ijuEbFMh4E/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlYhJuwBi4floe-IjLk4CExlr3L2PxSOlEkQt_bJHofCNIVCiEmxu9638LgP43QXPDLA7S65hBUfQ_Q9FsNmX0Z56qN_KOQareXEm9r8663inx_pkOlgu_KxAvg99BjP6R7ijuEbFMh4E/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>THANK YOU PAM AND CARTER!!!</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thursday's dinner was so wonderful that we scarffed it down before taking any pictures. Sorry Nate and Kelly! Your food was just too good!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On Friday we went back to the pediatrician's office to get B's TB skin test looked at. We knew after monitoring it for the last several hours that it didn't look good... After two physicians took a look at it, it was decided. B did indeed have a postive reation. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">*sigh* </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Even though he most likely has never come into contact with someone with TB and the result was simply caused by his earlier vaccine, he will have to be treated. We took hom to Vanderbilt's Children's Hospital for a chest X-ray to completely eliminate the chance of him having an active case of tuberculosis. Thank God everything came back great and he doesn't have it. Nevertheless, the CDC requires that people in our situation go through the proper treatment anyways. So... poor Bennett<span style="font-family: Calibri;">—</span>after everything he's already had to go through<span style="font-family: Calibri;">—</span>will be taking the TB treatment every day for nine months. However, we are so thankful that our babies are perfectly healthy other than this. Bennett is in the 50th percentile or above on all physical charts. Celia is also above average except for weight, but I'm sure that will improve the longer we are home. We are so blessed!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That night we were treated to another fantastic meal<span style="font-family: Calibri;">—</span>one which I had before and requested from this amazing cook. Chicken and dressing and homemade mac and cheese! Mmmmmm!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeffpCdgODqwtGNx6YJnXbRpBszLRdaWC1zpA9um-rjAlby_xSnINIQR9dn3gLwvSqhj8CAehXAfgvzorecZ35T-7pOizO6zkee5svxfl1x3lso1kcWV7X9WCU_Kb9abz09T-vk5OXWDg/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeffpCdgODqwtGNx6YJnXbRpBszLRdaWC1zpA9um-rjAlby_xSnINIQR9dn3gLwvSqhj8CAehXAfgvzorecZ35T-7pOizO6zkee5svxfl1x3lso1kcWV7X9WCU_Kb9abz09T-vk5OXWDg/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOzRum4MGF4U8X7jmEJ8mEFKR9UzwspHOrqswG5sj3j9Rim2oPGBLswa2XhpUDrVsjnZzvAjkRg6anaqXaseWwG-yv9Jnert7HybpBN0mA112LbJKN07SWcutxlE2LYGM1M59BSVSHDV4/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOzRum4MGF4U8X7jmEJ8mEFKR9UzwspHOrqswG5sj3j9Rim2oPGBLswa2XhpUDrVsjnZzvAjkRg6anaqXaseWwG-yv9Jnert7HybpBN0mA112LbJKN07SWcutxlE2LYGM1M59BSVSHDV4/s320/012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>THANK YOU JEANNIE!!!</strong></div>Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10030911295443246022noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43823607837855075.post-69245118333950909702011-01-16T22:25:00.002-06:002011-01-16T22:33:00.194-06:00Fun in the Snow ...and on TV?!I feel I may never catch up on blogging. I love writing so much, but find it difficult to make the time to put my thoughts and experiences down. Bear with me over the next few weeks as we continue to adjust and grow as a family of four.<br />
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Everyone asks me, "How is it going?" to which I normally reply, "Pretty good... We definitely have our hands full!" Why do I do that? In reality, things are WONDERFUL. Truly amazing. I'd say we have the family we've always dreamed of, but all this is so much more than anything we could have imagined. I think there is just something in some of us that feels we should down-play the really good things that are happening in our life. <br />
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Is it easy? No. Is it perfect and frustration-free 100 percent of the time? Of course not. But it's been the best few weeks of my life. I know that. We definitely have tantrums (some that probably have to do with their grieving process, some that are just regular toddler tantrums). We struggle off and on with our confidence in the attachment we are trying to cultivate with the kiddos. But really, things are going great.<br />
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Monday brought snow. Quite a lot for Tennessee, but a measly amount compared to Russia. Bennett didn't seem too impressed. <em>"Six inches of snow? I'm used to six feet!"</em> The five of us (Lexie included, sweet Bella is still at my parents' house) ventured out into the snow.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg4pzYGPvQBboMtzCwI_J2Tv1JgslE27Scu0_c0duWz0UEyhQLL0EQpk1c6XNsEnZ1oqJemRqLASSYCi4An6312tGUPjZW3QUYQmUAGeQ_vK-zizab4yEH1KeWbv0yeFFWYYfrrbTYdI0/s1600/210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg4pzYGPvQBboMtzCwI_J2Tv1JgslE27Scu0_c0duWz0UEyhQLL0EQpk1c6XNsEnZ1oqJemRqLASSYCi4An6312tGUPjZW3QUYQmUAGeQ_vK-zizab4yEH1KeWbv0yeFFWYYfrrbTYdI0/s320/210.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4dTTJlx0XZEDhCaoJZwrm6dwynhPQvisHlrPuKhHAgyN-AOk0_JTAOM3A5FwQGj7I5u5WtEuqug7_wmy95U-cJWJLsz_zOt9VsvYhb-h86oyWa8I0mV90_hhvWyb8hy2QnjnX_hbMmpw/s1600/258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4dTTJlx0XZEDhCaoJZwrm6dwynhPQvisHlrPuKhHAgyN-AOk0_JTAOM3A5FwQGj7I5u5WtEuqug7_wmy95U-cJWJLsz_zOt9VsvYhb-h86oyWa8I0mV90_hhvWyb8hy2QnjnX_hbMmpw/s320/258.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeH56wZN9bhvWfcDhPajp_IhP6YJ6UDGiX4-oYdBw0TukzOceUTvLY6znT1H9bykxanpSbqfYt7eIDWFmClCC7bra8HmIUi20ze9x-gmCOJsFypFEFHy9PuG9mctRSCWdyfW6GpOERv5M/s1600/277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeH56wZN9bhvWfcDhPajp_IhP6YJ6UDGiX4-oYdBw0TukzOceUTvLY6znT1H9bykxanpSbqfYt7eIDWFmClCC7bra8HmIUi20ze9x-gmCOJsFypFEFHy9PuG9mctRSCWdyfW6GpOERv5M/s320/277.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><br />
Being completely unprepared for a snow day with small children, we improvised with a plastic bin we had in the garage. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih6nFc3eFUsFS81EqsxkfvVs169zKCrtd0h7zPV5qnHjoZekleYskeyoJeMWZnuhzWj3lnuRb-LzCToMmg4zUT6pIwBJY9jw7whAc6Y0ewBNuV47KeXz4-oFMYO-fA9Q8LTSmxdbsk2bM/s1600/218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih6nFc3eFUsFS81EqsxkfvVs169zKCrtd0h7zPV5qnHjoZekleYskeyoJeMWZnuhzWj3lnuRb-LzCToMmg4zUT6pIwBJY9jw7whAc6Y0ewBNuV47KeXz4-oFMYO-fA9Q8LTSmxdbsk2bM/s320/218.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>If you look closely, you'll notice I put Celia's boots on the wrong foot. Way to go, Mama!</em></div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;">This about sums up B and C's relationship as it stands right now:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnchF0Db-vqyDNBZCEvtna0p8t1CuJVdtvNyDpUt-xOtWodYbNokS7GOzbqiLm_DYB5kyfI_VaUnV_quYCLVc2Z7HLAgikyZCDbDtBEN60x38ArE3Qk6pp7GFvxpnSWh4vWQ8ZF7Ubww/s1600/237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnchF0Db-vqyDNBZCEvtna0p8t1CuJVdtvNyDpUt-xOtWodYbNokS7GOzbqiLm_DYB5kyfI_VaUnV_quYCLVc2Z7HLAgikyZCDbDtBEN60x38ArE3Qk6pp7GFvxpnSWh4vWQ8ZF7Ubww/s320/237.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><em><strong>Bennett:</strong> Why is sister sitting on me?</em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><em><strong>Celia:</strong> Weeeeee!</em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><em><strong>Bennett:</strong> Seriously, can she get off now?</em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">A dear friend braved the weather and the roads and brought us yummy chicken and dumplings.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBfh2j6Katehv42HzBekz0v0GMzUyAShDzhYBviOvTaBL_7RO-tJxzB0ZYeXnEyoVPuSzARbcAh2t8o4orWQ5NQpl7OP6iWHCRbR4aOVYEGHNtSZo69k0hqcYYQxnYquXELwaKj2yXWoI/s1600/302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBfh2j6Katehv42HzBekz0v0GMzUyAShDzhYBviOvTaBL_7RO-tJxzB0ZYeXnEyoVPuSzARbcAh2t8o4orWQ5NQpl7OP6iWHCRbR4aOVYEGHNtSZo69k0hqcYYQxnYquXELwaKj2yXWoI/s320/302.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>THANK YOU LAURIE AND SCOTT!!!</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On Tuesday we had some more excitement--the kind Celia loves. News Channel 5 stopped by. I guess they read the article in our local paper about our homecoming and wanted to interview us. Showered but not "made-up," I reluctantly went along with Derek's invitation to have them come in. I just hope people give some slack to new parents when it comes to how they themselves and their house looks... Later that night, we watched ourselves on TV! Bennett loved seeing him and Papa on our big screen!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbp0QlOEtnrsmUEcivPTAYVHB8HLNOOcBM-LL5Cewjg7Wd9CHlRm0VsAn3YnaQkEllIuqvbtBN8EJgFFn_7tD_FqGRCotytoW2z8Q6H_iEGatcerGrkNvI9vP_cgh_LWvK7-y_iwy77K0/s1600/310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbp0QlOEtnrsmUEcivPTAYVHB8HLNOOcBM-LL5Cewjg7Wd9CHlRm0VsAn3YnaQkEllIuqvbtBN8EJgFFn_7tD_FqGRCotytoW2z8Q6H_iEGatcerGrkNvI9vP_cgh_LWvK7-y_iwy77K0/s320/310.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We enjoyed a delicious dinner that night, thanks to the Nichols. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQc3hm1-vMzO46OcCp8NHbNOafbvsXC8yJnK8Wj2eJN8FLEtp2L3eLs3fxClJe8XxJzjC0Uqdi_PUSB74zBtoZ6zObpu4qINp6FLsJDsNyCWLuv_w0pF4aEBTujj3AKbseDSnfOHLLmN8/s1600/315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQc3hm1-vMzO46OcCp8NHbNOafbvsXC8yJnK8Wj2eJN8FLEtp2L3eLs3fxClJe8XxJzjC0Uqdi_PUSB74zBtoZ6zObpu4qINp6FLsJDsNyCWLuv_w0pF4aEBTujj3AKbseDSnfOHLLmN8/s320/315.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"><em>Unfortunately, the green bean didn't make it any closer to C's mouth...</em></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrG-217V04pi-xGxD7bZUhCEF2yAa0ONhHpk87AX2TKaMyQ4qPqBe9kjpBNl-wjSXm0bXCRnP9voyWw3IWDogkgoaXP6LLNXi7kdPYHhSEX2mZ_P6m5CDA5ZV5L_HdbJsEjLhbSIVKJxM/s1600/332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrG-217V04pi-xGxD7bZUhCEF2yAa0ONhHpk87AX2TKaMyQ4qPqBe9kjpBNl-wjSXm0bXCRnP9voyWw3IWDogkgoaXP6LLNXi7kdPYHhSEX2mZ_P6m5CDA5ZV5L_HdbJsEjLhbSIVKJxM/s320/332.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>B was definitely a fan, though!</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Coming up in the blog: the kiddos' first pediatrician visit and B's unfortunate "diagnosis."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10030911295443246022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43823607837855075.post-75682074191098068272011-01-11T23:43:00.002-06:002011-01-11T23:51:56.469-06:00Papa Goes Back to WorkThings are coming along! Each day, I feel that the four of us are learning more and more what it means to be a family. Though I've loved them immeasurably for for so long, my love for our two babies continues to mature and expand. <br />
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Derek went to work on Sunday, attending two morning services, while I stayed home with the kiddos. Since coming home from Russia, Bennett has been very attached to Derek. His baby home director and the judge both talked about how he yearned for a father-figure. Chances are Bennett never had a male in his life in any capacity before Derek. So once B got a taste of what it's like to have a Papa, he's been hooked and Mama just doesn't cut it. I understand that. It's difficult, but I understand. So when Derek left that morning, I was praying that God would comfort my little son and help him to feel safe with me. <br />
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Other than when Derek said "bye-bye," there were no melt downs. Parting from us in any way can be rather frightening to them. Understandably so, considering their past and how abandonment had played too much a part in their lives. But once I comforted him (of which Celia wasn't a fan), the three of us got along real well and had a great time playing!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMSL8fNfpNGVuWYxTNsD_cMWxTiIXLCv4dDRBWkyrtNLOAr4XNiSpHYX_LOPQv1G4FZo6BFfNUGajq9WbtqoH43JnHf0JNKRjM3a5NzN_nqquceljzVqhQIkrDFBsjygOAE_chXvfxTw/s1600/105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMSL8fNfpNGVuWYxTNsD_cMWxTiIXLCv4dDRBWkyrtNLOAr4XNiSpHYX_LOPQv1G4FZo6BFfNUGajq9WbtqoH43JnHf0JNKRjM3a5NzN_nqquceljzVqhQIkrDFBsjygOAE_chXvfxTw/s320/105.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We were able to make our way from the playroom to the kitchen for "snack-time," an English phrase Bennett is completely familiar with now. (I say the magic words once and he gets up from whatever he is doing and makes his way to the playroom gate and waits for me to walk him to the kitchen for a yummy bite to eat.) After a healthy snack of raisins (just for B) and Greek yogurt, we headed back to the playroom and turned on the tiny TV. While I'm not a huge fan of having the kids watch television, I find it helps during Celia's morning nap when I'm alone with the both of them. On our tiny gray couch, Bennett lays on my right side watching "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092345/">Duck Tales</a>" with his right thumb in his mouth and this left thumb tucked into the waistband of his pants while Celia makes herself comfy on my left side and snoozes for a half hour or so. I have to admit, I was quite proud of myself when I noticed not only was my princess asleep</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBowC4XZoP-gxvxFucYDUrUG4thcjUgKrF6y0BRQpZh5i1lvixLp8AWezfTESQR5Fmj8u3uE5JcWMhLyNX5iBkZVVM9PMq66mIN0VqKAesHoMptf_RLf8eusWr5YIbNzUkgh2qLulbAHU/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBowC4XZoP-gxvxFucYDUrUG4thcjUgKrF6y0BRQpZh5i1lvixLp8AWezfTESQR5Fmj8u3uE5JcWMhLyNX5iBkZVVM9PMq66mIN0VqKAesHoMptf_RLf8eusWr5YIbNzUkgh2qLulbAHU/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">but so was my prince!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-3VJI1F80CFcr_O3XowCFj87Zz_tM1dGINc69EjGTxbLDeW9fjqDAZWU24bSSdGKoyoNluxanweSHb5Gd8YaVTzqjCI8JGRHTLC4mFdGqTqAp9pKfTsADP8AQbe7smVpf0ShHtzHYvA/s1600/Jan+10+2011+++2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-3VJI1F80CFcr_O3XowCFj87Zz_tM1dGINc69EjGTxbLDeW9fjqDAZWU24bSSdGKoyoNluxanweSHb5Gd8YaVTzqjCI8JGRHTLC4mFdGqTqAp9pKfTsADP8AQbe7smVpf0ShHtzHYvA/s320/Jan+10+2011+++2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once they awoke, we read a bit from "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/B-Bear-Roger-Priddy/dp/B001DX9CRK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1294811109&sr=8-1">B is for Bear</a>," Bennett's new favorite daytime book. (They have other favorites for bedtime) By the third time through, I started once again with "A is for apple." Bennett surprised me this time by saying "apple!" Add that to his list of English words: Mama, Papa, and bye-bye. I love witnessing these milestones--small as they may be. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When Mama needed a potty break, I was reminded again of their fear of being left. The bathroom door is just inches from the playroom and still both children went into hysterics. I have learned the differences in some of their cries. I can tell their "scared" cries from their "fake" cries. Unfortunately, anytime I leave, their deep-rooted scared cries begin. I wish they didn't experience all that they had to make them so uncertain and fearful. However, we are here now to mend those scars as best we can.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After Papa got home, we had lunch and played. Both of the kids love legos. Well, Celia loves anything Bennett loves. Recently, it just so happens to be legos. They'd probably enjoy them even more if Papa learned to share...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw1Q4Ze89C3Fx-PKVfTdtIGskzKnVQczsWFplRImc3jrRJleSmN-ssLF3D0mjBlE-o7bbiPkcwE_TGJIocMd_2khlYVRsv3ayd-CynRcWcoO_4YoifRR_sntRy6hSFNM47yK8zYWOjPrk/s1600/114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw1Q4Ze89C3Fx-PKVfTdtIGskzKnVQczsWFplRImc3jrRJleSmN-ssLF3D0mjBlE-o7bbiPkcwE_TGJIocMd_2khlYVRsv3ayd-CynRcWcoO_4YoifRR_sntRy6hSFNM47yK8zYWOjPrk/s320/114.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We were blessed with friends who brought us dinner. Baked spaghetti, garlic bread and brownies. Yum!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF_c6JipE8KQucLOnWSKmuj4mscSlzP_GK5WOrLFDoDnGyNFQcvepiAlEq7H36XNVgwPcpMYE09tThZdaSCx4zdREeKZJdePgi-EcN3Z3USR8viO53jAlhKScrOgLC6Et3wwENFmLpNro/s1600/156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF_c6JipE8KQucLOnWSKmuj4mscSlzP_GK5WOrLFDoDnGyNFQcvepiAlEq7H36XNVgwPcpMYE09tThZdaSCx4zdREeKZJdePgi-EcN3Z3USR8viO53jAlhKScrOgLC6Et3wwENFmLpNro/s320/156.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>THANK YOU JERILYNN AND EMILY!!! It was so good to also see Ashley and Amber!</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Emily was also sweet enough to bring each of our kiddos a Build-a-Bear. Bennett and Celia love their stuffed animals!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10030911295443246022noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43823607837855075.post-53955648659897092572011-01-08T21:21:00.003-06:002011-01-08T22:45:56.939-06:00First Full Week Wrap UpI have every intention of getting "down-and dirty" with the real life, day-to-day events that come along with raising two adopted toddlers. However, this has been one heck of a week! Though the adjustments are many (for all four of us!) and the sound sleep may be lacking, it has been one of the most fulfilling weeks of my life. <br />
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Monday I had to run into work. I was planning on stopping by HR within the first several days at home to add the kiddos to our insurance. The events of the previous day expedited that, however. Instead of me leaving the kids and Derek for some time, we thought we'd take them along to continue to try to get them used to car seats. Derek dropped me off my workplace and I filled out the necessary forms while he drove circles around the parking lot. The kids were snoozing. After that stop, we swung by Derek's office to pick up his work laptop and then—feeling very adventurous and confident—we ran by WalMart to pick up some needed items. The kids did great! We ran into some people who commented, "those are the babies from the news!" and "My goodness! Your children are adorable!" I'm sure most parents experience this, but I have to say it's such a wonderful feeling to have people say such things about our kiddos. We literally have not taken then anywhere in public without at least one person positively commenting on them. What proud parents we are! Later that evening, my parents swung by to bring us dinner. They ended up staying and eating with us and later watched the kids open the Christmas presents from their Babushka and Dyadushka. <br />
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On Tuesday, Derek went into work for a staff meeting, leaving me with the kiddos for about two hours. We did pretty well. Only one boo-boo. Bennett threw my coffee thermos at Celia, resulting in a good scratch near her eye. Papa cam back in time for lunch and we spent the rest of the afternoon playing in their playroom and eating in the kitchen. Is it me, or do toddlers just eat and play all day? I feel like we spend and hour or so in the playroom and then it's time to bring them back to the kitchen for a meal or snack. Derek and I are both enjoying eating breakfast every day though—something we've never made a habit of. Tuesday afternoon we went for a walk up our street.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQeFfyQCrT9YRN_UTVNfHfJVLBh5kIadTc-SnqgD-t-0zC8w1NxtD54sKZa14LJAYlTjg5kw3wiyqlnRKHxC6-cLYNkodQ-AMbJBJ49iQcZ6kFKYx4WKTfYny_xFBFIKRaAhsCHXlSt8/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQeFfyQCrT9YRN_UTVNfHfJVLBh5kIadTc-SnqgD-t-0zC8w1NxtD54sKZa14LJAYlTjg5kw3wiyqlnRKHxC6-cLYNkodQ-AMbJBJ49iQcZ6kFKYx4WKTfYny_xFBFIKRaAhsCHXlSt8/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo9KG2ODcCvUvmYPc3vqcpCqBxqR8I8L6IaAy9JwI9beQDwvj8fdjwgivpW7SsyDGJ-P01757K4B-nqNjXkyjqej_fndgLomAsqLZMDWIH8rjQx5sdS-pd7Nv1MNIgWB2kZgaItdIao4w/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo9KG2ODcCvUvmYPc3vqcpCqBxqR8I8L6IaAy9JwI9beQDwvj8fdjwgivpW7SsyDGJ-P01757K4B-nqNjXkyjqej_fndgLomAsqLZMDWIH8rjQx5sdS-pd7Nv1MNIgWB2kZgaItdIao4w/s320/016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHTm8MjHAER6rIHRw-RXywLnDA4aiTDM4ULf_x_Gfl4Y2Gstx52XDfPyAWJdLjdhmmYvxex5f60ZXsYEetkM1xKJ7kFxKFjG93N3yhA8tKXrfue55sCztOXfqk0Sj510dwXpRVz7dY0II/s1600/040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHTm8MjHAER6rIHRw-RXywLnDA4aiTDM4ULf_x_Gfl4Y2Gstx52XDfPyAWJdLjdhmmYvxex5f60ZXsYEetkM1xKJ7kFxKFjG93N3yhA8tKXrfue55sCztOXfqk0Sj510dwXpRVz7dY0II/s320/040.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We also began dog transition #1 with our standard poodle, Lexie. It started off horridly, but got better once we showed the kiddos that all three of them share a love of Cheerios. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPn5x0gHdNSkbS9EzATmxSPO6WVFbVIGXpqB1FSBHEapypjIifdcVcuaXfi0wsgZG16HnH5AD40qzXKzVHWQEOQnWAOJ9I6e6x6o_JAbpiiticUFYw5wlSYCUeKlIuN7AcF5iT3s02Eo/s1600/046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPn5x0gHdNSkbS9EzATmxSPO6WVFbVIGXpqB1FSBHEapypjIifdcVcuaXfi0wsgZG16HnH5AD40qzXKzVHWQEOQnWAOJ9I6e6x6o_JAbpiiticUFYw5wlSYCUeKlIuN7AcF5iT3s02Eo/s320/046.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Wednesday, we received a package from a sweet friend and her family. They sent the most adorable outfits and two amazing books. Since receiving them, we have read each to B and C every night before going to bed. They are most definitely favorites!</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyXaxwGO7Wi81AZRZRKrePEHG-NERtGY8U-z2D_BHE6motupD7bcM-qWpTqmbePAgqozwpbZih7iFXCN2T5vSHxvgJuR9yJXbgUK1E9vUyX0S_B6WbrU5JalAI_A5Ipns0cbSO0usRP7E/s1600/060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyXaxwGO7Wi81AZRZRKrePEHG-NERtGY8U-z2D_BHE6motupD7bcM-qWpTqmbePAgqozwpbZih7iFXCN2T5vSHxvgJuR9yJXbgUK1E9vUyX0S_B6WbrU5JalAI_A5Ipns0cbSO0usRP7E/s320/060.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Celia and I ventured out that morning to get another sneak peak at what will be our town’s most beautiful and impressive event venues: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Westbury-House-on-the-Square/137020166353366?ref=ts&v=wall">Westbury House on the Square</a>. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Derek went into work again on Thursday and I stayed home with the kids. I wasn't sure how snack time and morning nap time would go, but we made it! Each of us had a small but healthy snack in the kitchen and then we cuddled on the skinny couch in the playroom as "Beauty and the Beast" played in the background. C caught some Z's and B and I just chilled. It was a nice morning. That evening we actually ate out for the first time in the U.S. We enjoyed Logan's with some friends and their to little girls. I hate to admit it, but I fear B is a ladies' man...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6xmzjcNrEIlhAD-rYTWIkQnNMogbHn0gztqlCOs4vFQp-576wkOYHGfOqJR_OGlnD1F2fwCI9d6y6C0fDt6nMSo36RHVx1IWhickW7et5r44FJkuKufA2xNDnOWDLDWIujvjD0dgR6s/s1600/IMAG0098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6xmzjcNrEIlhAD-rYTWIkQnNMogbHn0gztqlCOs4vFQp-576wkOYHGfOqJR_OGlnD1F2fwCI9d6y6C0fDt6nMSo36RHVx1IWhickW7et5r44FJkuKufA2xNDnOWDLDWIujvjD0dgR6s/s320/IMAG0098.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLbuTEt1QrL6gfYS0SDnT0SpJM2FvaWN4gglFmcKFos0WnTdkv_f_RsnHj4OQXxdt4EVBrJ6HOeGuqoQozTzVCAKwhftIRsznxeD1yrbh2oFjAG66KU6KbRudfbwtEYLdzvMJ22rlTSwA/s1600/IMAG0090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLbuTEt1QrL6gfYS0SDnT0SpJM2FvaWN4gglFmcKFos0WnTdkv_f_RsnHj4OQXxdt4EVBrJ6HOeGuqoQozTzVCAKwhftIRsznxeD1yrbh2oFjAG66KU6KbRudfbwtEYLdzvMJ22rlTSwA/s320/IMAG0090.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix-3UhTYMRwZMCvVVE-28HiCozvAglkq49M4-5BntPemO3HHjwbrCD9HTxbifXX1WIHwoTbCiYAPhCYqiNEc6F5NsyrOxeiHq7WA-O4AxFOZWaKLPtUfSFI-Pp-GS9rW80GFYMgWZjSJM/s1600/IMAG0095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix-3UhTYMRwZMCvVVE-28HiCozvAglkq49M4-5BntPemO3HHjwbrCD9HTxbifXX1WIHwoTbCiYAPhCYqiNEc6F5NsyrOxeiHq7WA-O4AxFOZWaKLPtUfSFI-Pp-GS9rW80GFYMgWZjSJM/s320/IMAG0095.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">After dinner, we needed to run by Target to pic up some more things. (Shopping lists NEVER cease with two kids, do they?)</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHUKHH0RAlce_UsTJGPC2oaSOfVpaB5luiRLlDf2dIL0MLLixk_4q4m5LxjfZwmS_kUCkIRoiZ-AJD-JRwUrIpIuCjVXmH53TupaNabZ6lAxuDy_F3BUQSrDDhDJ0zXk7rLKYWD2oUYXw/s1600/IMAG0100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHUKHH0RAlce_UsTJGPC2oaSOfVpaB5luiRLlDf2dIL0MLLixk_4q4m5LxjfZwmS_kUCkIRoiZ-AJD-JRwUrIpIuCjVXmH53TupaNabZ6lAxuDy_F3BUQSrDDhDJ0zXk7rLKYWD2oUYXw/s320/IMAG0100.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Friday continued Bennett and Celia’s rise to fame. A reporter and friend came by to interview us for the local paper. I am not much for all this publicity when it comes to private matters. However, I feel lead to share our story and the blessing that is international adoption. I am fully aware that some people who don’t know any better look down upon our choice of adopting from another country. I truly hope our story inspires others to stand up for orphans—both domestically and across the world. After that excitement, one of my closest friends stopped by to drop off some homemade Italian Wedding soup. It was DELICIOUS! Celia also had the chance to meet her future boyfriend (when she’s allowed to date at age 30) and Bennett his new friend! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7P28ONsDHbeICaufxLIHNlU6YtZP6sV69gQ3tEQ9b782GtdZMcBMGSgnHco0bVTfn_ySkqNiQHf6N4UndYAxiuptiTdi8pld8vSjcacLkziOg25PobNJ6dqwfOBbXPqY1lwieKZ5y6I/s1600/087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7P28ONsDHbeICaufxLIHNlU6YtZP6sV69gQ3tEQ9b782GtdZMcBMGSgnHco0bVTfn_ySkqNiQHf6N4UndYAxiuptiTdi8pld8vSjcacLkziOg25PobNJ6dqwfOBbXPqY1lwieKZ5y6I/s320/087.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Bennett and Celia both loved the soup!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qB6i5ZD3L7fnz__QenWMMuPepufNBLVz_jUiFFWzcubyVhn9adCQj6e8EH_N-xZnCq_Yydz1qPK6QRO147v1fcHDA4e4c6bKBCmYfjDV65HhbvKy2xSR59mXSQyhhMP_98Y-FPVxCY0/s1600/098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qB6i5ZD3L7fnz__QenWMMuPepufNBLVz_jUiFFWzcubyVhn9adCQj6e8EH_N-xZnCq_Yydz1qPK6QRO147v1fcHDA4e4c6bKBCmYfjDV65HhbvKy2xSR59mXSQyhhMP_98Y-FPVxCY0/s320/098.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Perhaps Celia liked it a little too much...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifqhtG0ZZjHygyuWcVmVEqHNj6rXiO33JihkCpNRF9bdWiFi8eahXQWoi1PhO7861FuINkAOMG-H70GSM2gMSzWeMVK8zMUmW5WIwU24VPgZHu3YFsvGo95QbOSp-fK7f0Ndlm-axMAFo/s1600/103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifqhtG0ZZjHygyuWcVmVEqHNj6rXiO33JihkCpNRF9bdWiFi8eahXQWoi1PhO7861FuINkAOMG-H70GSM2gMSzWeMVK8zMUmW5WIwU24VPgZHu3YFsvGo95QbOSp-fK7f0Ndlm-axMAFo/s320/103.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>THANK YOU CARLYE!!!</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For dinner, another very close friend dropped off dinner. Mexican. Mmmm… I missed it so much! And Bennett it proving to be a wonderful eater!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsukd4mOMjGrB126iAxG7KVE__nMJaMZHryNImk8UWqHs1c34JA2hb6zz4RSmRrDejEH1vc7-EtntkjA_Zh9UvyHspKqnLH7MxptP5c3M03v03B5iWMsM12fXvMaVpTMj0Nh7khIBbyk/s1600/107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsukd4mOMjGrB126iAxG7KVE__nMJaMZHryNImk8UWqHs1c34JA2hb6zz4RSmRrDejEH1vc7-EtntkjA_Zh9UvyHspKqnLH7MxptP5c3M03v03B5iWMsM12fXvMaVpTMj0Nh7khIBbyk/s320/107.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>THANK YOU JULIE!!!</strong></div><br />
<div align="left" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"> Today was a relaxing day. We all stayed in our PJs until early this afternoon. Papa put together a shelf that we bought at Target during our previous trip. Hopefully it will help a bit in keeping the playroom more organized. The kids horsed around while their Papa was working on the assembly. </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhprrtqFv5r_LZ8MKrRoKeXFdZLirq4ZZQn_JwWnAKdKT56IwViRiz874FerlK0rbVOacMf3-qTqKZ-9qhjf2tzxl4glWGeoEL14w1ZIQGOZx0EIHUzn4-_qsfFUtI9qwX90Su1-0aXSmE/s1600/118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhprrtqFv5r_LZ8MKrRoKeXFdZLirq4ZZQn_JwWnAKdKT56IwViRiz874FerlK0rbVOacMf3-qTqKZ-9qhjf2tzxl4glWGeoEL14w1ZIQGOZx0EIHUzn4-_qsfFUtI9qwX90Su1-0aXSmE/s320/118.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Dear friends dropped off a delicious Chicken Pot Pie for dinner. We were so thankful! Even better than the main course was their specialty, fruit salsa and homemade cinnamon and sugar chips. Call us bad parents, but we didn’t share with the kiddos. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHQVgAEdvpNYbcKGvERciebV67BDKtUwcexTinyM5plOxCzy1jTCnhp3rcO8W5_l6BTnxzo0KcSPC7n7H6ZkNv7WHgZTUBqnsDlq-lxGN0zMWVmHUUGvLpGM7DS2pcSlOIUu4SggI19wQ/s1600/133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHQVgAEdvpNYbcKGvERciebV67BDKtUwcexTinyM5plOxCzy1jTCnhp3rcO8W5_l6BTnxzo0KcSPC7n7H6ZkNv7WHgZTUBqnsDlq-lxGN0zMWVmHUUGvLpGM7DS2pcSlOIUu4SggI19wQ/s320/133.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>THANK YOU ROSE AND JUSTIN!!!</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I’m off to bed now. I hope to keep everyone better abreast of the ins and outs of what now is the life of the Hunters. Thank you all for your support and encouragement! You all means so much to us! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div></div>Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10030911295443246022noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43823607837855075.post-63582100052186364912011-01-07T21:17:00.005-06:002011-01-12T21:10:25.402-06:00A Day of FirstsAs I've been reminded, I'm rather behind in blogging. Sorry friends! Who would have thought that parenting two children under 26 months would be so time consuming...?<br />
<br />
I want to back track to last Sunday, as it was a day of firsts that we won't soon forget.<br />
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The kiddos sampled their very first popsicle (we're assuming) on Sunday afternoon! Unfortunately, it was served to them by a nurse during their first visit to the Emergency Department. <br />
<br />
We were finishing up lunch in our little windowed nook in the kitchen. Celia was sitting in her high chair, which has been loaned to us by some dear friends, and Bennett was in his booster on one of our metal-backed chairs. (Mistake #1) At this point, I don't even remember what we were eating. We were<span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">—</span>and still are<span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">—</span>deep in the process of transitioning to a family of four. Of course the kids have feelings of insecurity and get anxious at times<span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">—</span>they've been through so much. Bennett was probably having one of those moments and since he cannot verbally express his frustrations he bit Derek. Reacting out of frustration himself, as he admitted, Derek swung Bennett's chair around to tell him "No" and "Stop." Unfortunately, it was a bit too fast with a chair that wasn't properly stable to begin with. Our poor, sweet and already scared baby fell backward in his booster with the chair to the floor. <br />
<br />
I will never forget the "thud" of the chair hitting the floor... The sick feeling that immediately sprung in my stomach... The piercing silence for what seemed like an eternity followed by the loud wails <br />
of our son... And the blood. My goodness, the blood. I knew that heads bleed very badly, sometimes making things look much worse than they are. But when it is coming from your own child, it is the largest source of fear. <br />
<br />
We sprung to action. I gave Derek some paper towels, which were soaked in red within seconds. I then gave him two clean towels and Derek applied the pressure. <br />
<br />
"We have to go to the hospital! Call your mom!" Derek yelled, clutching Bennett to himself. <br />
<br />
Why did we call my mom? I'm not quite sure. But it was only our second day "on the job" with two kids at home and I'm glad we did.<br />
<br />
Somehow we safely got Celia into her carseat, made sure we had our new insurance cards and we were off. Driving with hazard lights on, I prayed the cars in front of me would move faster. Every minute I glanced over at Bennett to make sure he was awake. I could tell as he was looking out the window that he followed several trees with his eyes. Good signs. <br />
<br />
We arrived at the hospital where our parents met us with reassuring words. In a few short minutes, we were brought back to a room. Despite not yet being on our insurance (we changed that the first weekday we could!), the registration and care we received could not have been better. <br />
<br />
Poor Bennett ended up with two staples in his head. Mama held it together as we waited for B to receive proper treatment, while Papa had some breakdowns both in the car and in our Emergency Department room. However, once the nurse put the final staple in and announced, "all done," I lost it. Tears welled up in my eyes and I let my emotions take over for about 60 seconds. My poor baby! What had we done?!<br />
<br />
But, true to form, Bennett was so strong. Though he whimpered through the process, he did not cry and throw fits. He clung to his Papa like I've never seen. To reward his courage, he and his sister were presented with their first popsicles. Grape-flavored, of course. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Babushka snuck in to the room just as they were finishing up with Bennett to give her grandson a box of animal crackers. Gotta love grandparents. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As we were on our way home, our new family's dynamics truly came out. Derek drove home, and I swung around to take a picture, which I'm sure will make our kids chuckle sometime down the road. Let me translate what's going on:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgr_xgTzdNXJVCyyFRVVi_EFYZcarg59mLQssbmHyUVt1DEFHsfek6eK_0AcMXEaDi0UvNrjWV2yR3JheLS_n05va8h7pjpEDFUI2Rer4Cs-RSbIOJIE9hZS1e7dekBFudLwpONkWuQBA/s1600/ED+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgr_xgTzdNXJVCyyFRVVi_EFYZcarg59mLQssbmHyUVt1DEFHsfek6eK_0AcMXEaDi0UvNrjWV2yR3JheLS_n05va8h7pjpEDFUI2Rer4Cs-RSbIOJIE9hZS1e7dekBFudLwpONkWuQBA/s320/ED+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><em><strong>Celia:</strong> "Waaaaaaahhhhh!"</em><br />
<em><strong>Bennett:</strong> "Sister, seriously. I've just had two staples put in my head. Stop it."</em><br />
<em><strong>Celia:</strong> "Wah-Waaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhh!"</em><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank God Bennett is okay. We spent the rest of the afternoon cuddled up on our bed<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">—all four of us. </span></span><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(End note: I should also add that B's other grandparent went out and bought a new—and stable—high chair that very evening. We all feel much better and safer now.)</span></div>Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10030911295443246022noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43823607837855075.post-67317605797062124122011-01-03T22:22:00.000-06:002011-01-03T22:22:37.338-06:00Our Story Went Global!Bennett and Celia are famous! The world is blessed to catch a glimpse of our beautful babies, but that could just be their Mama talking. <br />
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Check us out on <a href="http://www.cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/us/2011/01/03/nr.russian.adoptees.arrive.cnn.html">CNN</a> and <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40869454/ns/local_news-nashville_tn/?fb_ref=story_header&fb_source=profile_oneline">MSNBC</a> in addition to our local NBC station, <a href="http://www.wsmv.com/news/26336901/detail.html">WSMV</a>!Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10030911295443246022noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43823607837855075.post-72569174413378649192011-01-03T22:17:00.001-06:002011-01-05T21:42:51.385-06:00First Day Home as a FamilyThe day we thought would never arrive finally did! Saturday was the first full day that we heard the <strike>stomp-stomp</strike> pitter-patter of little feet. We have our babies HOME!<br />
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After about a 26-hour journey home and with a nine hour time adjustment to get used to, our kiddos were up at 5 a.m. our first morning home. Not too bad, I thought. We started the day off with breakfast before the sun came up. Bennett loved the eggs at the free breakfast buffet in our hotel in St. Petersburg, so I whipped up some--thanks to my parents who did some grocery shopping for us just before we got home. He chowed down! <br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Celia wasn't that big of a fan of the eggs, but still was all smiles.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmpT7XFVVxQl-yYKPS5LQ9qXDNNMqc7rDDEc5PiIyNsn6GB0KjLyOLGdYjSotsp3ubMrzzgFJW5rkskC95EAMMu2GDJPilkTRntnBrNnlP2sVCwjwh7i_sZley6biN8vQPRXc1tmazoc/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmpT7XFVVxQl-yYKPS5LQ9qXDNNMqc7rDDEc5PiIyNsn6GB0KjLyOLGdYjSotsp3ubMrzzgFJW5rkskC95EAMMu2GDJPilkTRntnBrNnlP2sVCwjwh7i_sZley6biN8vQPRXc1tmazoc/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Bennett is a pro with the sippy cup now. Perhaps he's "mastered" the plastic things a bit too much, as he's caused some to leak already.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvpnrwSAzYKD_exm_086KrveZqZxUfvafws0HDioSsIWUDbRxLESO5YNof50Y3IUIq803yhBDSOV9y-H1sA9wOy6ethl4t8NYT1VlfAHiTRjKV2P48TK2JxBRPp7K7rrMWDWLlutN_KM4/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvpnrwSAzYKD_exm_086KrveZqZxUfvafws0HDioSsIWUDbRxLESO5YNof50Y3IUIq803yhBDSOV9y-H1sA9wOy6ethl4t8NYT1VlfAHiTRjKV2P48TK2JxBRPp7K7rrMWDWLlutN_KM4/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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Our first breakfast in our home as a family of four. It felt so good! (And American coffee made fresh by my husband made it that much better!)<br />
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For most of the day, we simply played in the playroom, the room immediately next to their nursery. We plan to keep their world small, hoping that doing so will make them feel more secure and at ease. At least as best as possible. The two biggest hits with the kids were the talking "house" and a bucket filled with different plastic shapes, which Bennett claimed as his own right away. <br />
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Knowing that neither of them have ever had a toy that was completely THEIRS, it was interesting to see the two of them interact. Bennett can be very gracious and thoughtful when it comes to sharing toys with his sister. The toys he associates with Celia (links, music box, the "house" key, etc.) he will take over to her. But if she even begins to reach for something that Bennett feels he has a claim over (the bucket, for example) Mama usually has to intercede. Several times, however, if Celia reaches for something of Bennett's, he will pull his toy back but give her one of "hers." My boy is so sweet.<br />
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Nap time didn't go too well, despite learning a cute nap time song from "Yo Gabba Gabba." (Is it odd that we're actually enjoying watching Nick Jr.?) Truth be told, it hasn't gone that great since we've come home. This is the fourth new place for them to sleep in just a week and a half. Poor things. We rock them and hold them until they fall asleep, being extra cautious not to wake them when we transfer them into their crib. And when they wake up crying, we are there to soothe them. Though it may seem odd of overboard to some parents and it may not be the easiest thing to do, we are committed to comforting our babies whenever they need it, and that sometimes entails things like that. Our kiddos lived their whole lives without the comfort of parents. They deserve us making it up to them. <br />
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Derek's brother and dad came over to drop off dinner for us. We were SO grateful! There just hasn't been much time to prepare meals for us, so it was a blessing. I'm sure when B and C feel more secure in our home and with us, we'll be able to make the time to do some needed things like that. But for now, our focus is on our children. <br />
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Celia let Derek's brother, Shane, hold her, much to Derek's chagrin. Celia doesn't warm up to men very quickly or easily, and D has struggled with that a bit. I think the fact that if I get just two feet away from her, she bursts into tears magnifies the difficulty. But, each day the bonds amongst all four of us are strengthening. Day by day, we're making progress.Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10030911295443246022noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43823607837855075.post-85956191814029914102011-01-02T22:44:00.000-06:002011-01-02T22:44:04.452-06:00Planes, Trains and AutomobilesIn a week and a half's time, our children experienced all three modes of transportation mentioned in the post title for the very first time. I doubt many can say that!<br />
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We woke up at 1:15 in the morning in Moscow to get ready to begin our loooooooong journey home. The morning of our flight home from the second trip was much different. Though we set our alarm, we slept past the buzzing and nearly missed being picked up by our driver at 3:30 in the morning. We rushed to get ready in 20 minutes and were out the door. With this last trip and with three checked luggage items (clothes for four for more than a week!), two children and all the food, snacks, toys and diapers that go along with them, we were sure we were up and not rushed. So, after about two and a half hours of sleep, our driver picked the four of us up and we are on our way home!<br />
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He drove us past Red Square. It was absolutely GORGEOUS in the winter night, all lit up. The Kremlin was very impressive and St. Basil's has a beauty the likes of which are not easy to come by. Unfortunately we don't have any photos from Moscow, but we'll make it back. Hopefully our kiddos will be better sleepers at that time and we can go stomach virus-free.<br />
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The Moscow airport is HUGE! Being originally from Chicago and having flown out of 'Hare countless times, I was expecting it to be large, but it surpassed even my imagination. <br />
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Our first leg was to Munich. Both kids were asleep for their first take-off, which eased my nerves a bit as I was worried about the change in air pressure giving them problems. Or second flight was the longest. Munich to D.C. The seats which we were originally assigned had us split up. Derek asked the wonderful Lufthansa (oh how I wish they flew domestic in the US!) employees and they worked their magic. Not only were we able to all sit together (D and B in the two seats by the window and me with C on my lap across the aisle), but they bumped us up to economy plus seating, which offers more leg room. Nice! Celia was particularly taken with the Ukrainian man sitting next to us. I think it was his mustache... Both kiddos slept about four of the eight hour flight. Mama and Papa were able to snooze a bit too. Using the changing "table" in the lavatories wasn't as much of a nightmare as I expected. I'd say the only negative part of the flight was when C spilled an entire can of ginger ale on me. Things could have been much worse, wouldn't you say? Sure, they both cried a little, but it didn't last long. They were great. <br />
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In D.C. we went through immigration, where our babies officially became US citizens! We handed over our sealed (but perhaps a tad bit chewed on by our teething little angel) envelope to the officer and she stamped away. We all cheered when the final stamps were made on their US Visas in their Russian passports, making it official. Yay!<br />
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Several security check points and elevator rides later, we were getting ready to finally board our plane home! Unfortunately, the service on this flight (United) was by far the worst. I actually wanted to file a complaint on our stewardess, but overheard her refuse to give her name to someone else who asked for it. The physically handicapped passenger who conversed with her later told me he was asking so that he could file a complaint as well. Oh well. I let the comments and her attitude get to me for a few minutes, calmly expressed my disappointment, and then focused on the excitement that was to come.<br />
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Our homecoming was truly amazing! Our most supportive friends and family were waiting at the airport with signs, smiles, cheers and hugs. My heart welled up even more than I thought it could. To sample just part of the love and excitement, check out <a href="http://www.wsmv.com/news/26336901/detail.html">our story that was featured on our local news station</a>. My brother- and father-in-law I believe were behind getting the station there. Though I wasn't looking forward to being on TV after a 26 hour journey, I'm so glad we'll have this to share with our kiddos when they get older. I need to burn a CD!<br />
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I was also just informed that our beautiful story was featured on HLN and CNN. If anyone catches it, will you please let us know? The Hunters made national news!<br />
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Okay, so I'm a few days behind in blogging. I hope to catch up tomorrow or the next day. Our first day home was tiring but oh-so-wonderful. Today was tough. I suppose any day that includes a trip the emergency room isn't a day in the park... <br />
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More to come!Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10030911295443246022noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43823607837855075.post-55492190131794957022010-12-30T11:13:00.002-06:002010-12-30T11:16:31.522-06:00Almost HomeDerek is definitely on the mend. I suppose it was a stomach virus after all, though I think he'll probably get checked out once we're home and settled a bit. He's weak, but at least isn't vomitting. We are making it through! Thank you to everyone who has kept us in your prayers. They were most definitely felt and we are so grateful.<br />
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Just before I got online, Derek checked the statuses of our flights. It looks like, as of now we are good to go. For our long, eight hour flight, we are not sitting together. We're hoping someone may volunteer to change seats so we can sit as a faily and help each other out when needed. <br />
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When we get to the Moscow airport, we will most likely be pulled aside and asked to show every original document regarding the adoption we have... times two, since we have siblings. We are prepared for that. Also, once we land in D.C. (our first home-country stop) we will be asked to go though a special immigration screening. Yesterday, we received two sealed packets which we will be required to hand over to immigration at that time. We were reminded at least eleven times that they must remain sealed! Who knows what happens if the seal is somehow broken, but I sure don't want to find out. After the immigration officer goes through our packet and gives us the okay, he will stamp our kiddos' Russian passports with the American Visas. It is at that precise moment that they become American citizens! How exciting!!<br />
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We leave our hotel at 2:30 a.m. tomorrow (Friday) morning to catch our 5:55 a.m. flight. I'm hoping our driver can at least drive us by Red Square. We'll see.<br />
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So, today is Thursday. Of which of course, I lost track. It is also December 30. Of which, again, I lost track of. December 30. Derek and my anniversary. Five years ago today we were married in the evening at Union Station Hotel in Nashville. Whoever would have thought that exactly five years later we would be in a car with our two precious children on our way to bring them home from Russia...<br />
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Life is good. Thank you God.Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10030911295443246022noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43823607837855075.post-87173047468974410092010-12-30T01:06:00.000-06:002010-12-30T01:06:31.261-06:00Update on DerekGod is so good and faithful! Yes, Derek is still sick and slept about half the night on the bathroom floor, but God has given him strength when he needed to take care of something with the children. He gave me strength to balance taking care of my husband and my two new kiddos. He's also calmed B and C when we need it most. We could have changed our plane tickets to fly in a day earlier(today), but thank God we didn't! We are so thankful that His hand has been in our adoption the entire way through! <br />
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Derek says he's feeling a bit better. He still has pains just below his rib cage, but he brushed them off today as simply hunger pains, as he hasn't eaten in quite some time. He hasn't vomitted since the middle of the night (it's 10 a.m. here). We're hopefully optimistic that his health continues to improve and that Bennett, Celia and my health stays stable.<br />
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Unfortunately, I think we may be the only family to have adopted from Russia who never sees Red Square. Supposedly, it's only thre blocks away. But that's just a little too much for Derek at the moment, considering the bitter cold, the continuous snow and all the effort and time it takes to bundle the four of us up before going out. Oh well. We'll have to come back.<br />
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The airports in Moscow haven't had the best track recod in the last several days. One (of the five) lost all power and all flights were canceled for at least a day, due to a terrible ice storm that hit the night before we came in. Since then, the airports have faced more cancelations and many delays. We know of two couples who thought they would beable to leave yesterday that are still here. He pray that we are able to make all of our flights!<br />
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I can't wait to be home!Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10030911295443246022noreply@blogger.com2