A Scar Explained and a "Diagnosis" Made

Wednesday was B and C's first trip to the pediatrician—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—thank the Lord—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.

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—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—back in his Papa's arms—he let out the cries.

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 BCG vaccine 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.

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.

THANK YOU PAM AND CARTER!!!

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!

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.

*sigh*

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—after everything he's already had to go through—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!

That night we were treated to another fantastic meal—one which I had before and requested from this amazing cook. Chicken and dressing and homemade mac and cheese! Mmmmmm!!

THANK YOU JEANNIE!!!

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!

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!

A Day of Firsts

As 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...?

I want to back track to last Sunday, as it was a day of firsts that we won't soon forget.

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.

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—and still are—deep in the process of transitioning to a family of four. Of course the kids have feelings of insecurity and get anxious at times—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.

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
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.

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.

"We have to go to the hospital! Call your mom!" Derek yelled, clutching Bennett to himself.

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.

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.

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.

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?!

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.

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.

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:

Celia: "Waaaaaaahhhhh!"
Bennett: "Sister, seriously. I've just had two staples put in my head. Stop it."
Celia: "Wah-Waaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhh!"

Thank God Bennett is okay. We spent the rest of the afternoon cuddled up on our bed—all four of us.

(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.)

First Day Home as a Family

The day we thought would never arrive finally did! Saturday was the first full day that we heard the stomp-stomp pitter-patter of little feet. We have our babies HOME!

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!

 

Celia wasn't that big of a fan of the eggs, but still was all smiles.

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.

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!)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.