First Full Week Wrap Up

I 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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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: Westbury House on the Square.

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...

After dinner, we needed to run by Target to pic up some more things. (Shopping lists NEVER cease with two kids, do they?)

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!

Bennett and Celia both loved the soup!

Perhaps Celia liked it a little too much...

THANK YOU CARLYE!!!

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!

THANK YOU JULIE!!!

 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.

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.

THANK YOU ROSE AND JUSTIN!!!

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!