One Month Home!

Wow, it is hard to believe that it has already been a month since our two Ukrainian sweethearts stepped foot for the first time on American soil!  It seems like just yesterday.  Then, in so many ways, it seems like a lifetime ago.  Like they have just always been a part of our family.

I can't even begin to describe how well they have both done with such a HUGE transition in their lives.  I mean, truly amazingly well.  They have both made it clear that they are just two go-with-the-flow children who adapt well to new people and situations, which works just fine with this family!

Their days are spent just hanging at home with me and the kids now that all our major priorities for the year like homeschooling, soccer, girl scouts and such are completed.  And that is how I like it!  Nice, relaxing days with not too much to do or too many places to be.  Time to relax and just enjoy being a family, and settling in.

So, with the exception of an occasional doctor appointment, therapist appointment, dentist appointment-- you get the drift-- we will be blissfully hanging at home this summer, and loving every minute with our newest little blessings.

And so far, we can see that we truly HAVE been very blessed.  The doctor said that their health is really pretty good all things considered.  Charlotte has already gained a pound and Atticus has gained two!  Charlotte is picking up new English words every day and with great speed.  Her memory is astounding and her personality is fierce--- in a good way!  She is a little spitfire, and a sweetie pie, all wrapped into one.  :)  She is also already taking many steps on her own, walking back and forth from me to the chair or one of the kids.  Getting better at it every day too!

Atticus is just a cutie pie cuddle bug.  He plays so well independently too, playing with toys very appropriately.  He loves to go for walks in the stroller, play peek-a-boo, and go on the swings and he is just an amazing, easygoing kid..... until he is hungry.  :)  He sleeps well, eats well, giggles a lot.... you can't ask for better than that can you??

Tim and I were just talking yesterday after he came home from work about how good things have really been since the kids came home.  How we were prepared for who-knows-what in terms of emotional and physical struggles, medical difficulties, you name it.  And the Lord has really blessed us, abundantly, with these children.  Now that is not to say that there might not be difficulties ahead, of course.  Charlotte will need surgery, Atticus will need physical therapy and there will be bumps in the road.  But goodness gracious, these children are SO much more than we could have ever hoped for in terms of their intelligence, their loving spirit, their determination!  To think that they came from an orphanage and an institution!!!

So today, we thank the Lord for leading us on this unlikely path in building our family.  We thank Him for showing us the way to these children, and we thank the many people who enabled us to get to them.  Thank you!!  Without you, we wouldn't be parenting these amazing creatures of God right now and reaping the blessings from it.  We are truly grateful.

And to all those who are thinking of dipping their toes into the world of adoption for the first time.....DO IT!  The blessings are abundant.  The way you will witness God moving in your life is astounding.  And these children need YOU.