Papa Goes Back to Work

Things 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.

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.

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!

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 "Duck Tales" 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

but so was my prince!

Once they awoke, we read a bit from "B is for Bear," 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.

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.

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...

We were blessed with friends who brought us dinner. Baked spaghetti, garlic bread and brownies. Yum!

THANK YOU JERILYNN AND EMILY!!! It was so good to also see Ashley and Amber!

Emily was also sweet enough to bring each of our kiddos a Build-a-Bear. Bennett and Celia love their stuffed animals!