Saturday, September 13, 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008
My favorite house.....
Mark , Nick and I were playing one of our bordom buster games as we ran errands yesterday. "My favorite things" as we have dubbed it. We started out with the usuals, what is your favorite color, animal, food. Then we tossed in a new one, what is your favorite house, as we were commenting on all of the big, pretty and very expensive new houses in our city. We did not elaborate on the fact that we assumed this meant a favorite physical dwelling. Nick chimed in first that our house we live in right now is his favorite and began to describe why. To our delight, he began to describe what we call our "home" and the relationships and love that are contained within the physical dwelling of our "house". It reminded me again of how insignificant the size or location of a family's house is and filled me with true gratitude for all of the blessings God continues to give us.
It has been almost a year since Mark and I traveled to Ukraine to grow our family with three more wonderful sons. The past several months have stretched our emotional, physical and spiritual lives far beyond what we imagined. The many challenges have brought us true joy as we rely on our Lord to provide for the family He has given us. Immediatly upon returning from Ukraine, Mark lost his job and we faced several months of unemployment. But God is forever faithful and in His Divine timing, provided for all of our needs.
All of our sons are bonding well and forming a true brotherhood. Many days there are the usual sibling spats, but at the end of the day they all defend and encourage each other without fail. Christopher has likely changed the most and has gained 20 pounds in nine months. We are encouraged that he will walk one day as he is taking steps with assistance. Chris is also learing how to utilize a simple communications device to express himself. We are so proud of all of our boys for including their exceptional little brother in their activities and for always offering to lend a hand to mom.
Check out our new pictures. Click on the "view all images" button above.
It has been almost a year since Mark and I traveled to Ukraine to grow our family with three more wonderful sons. The past several months have stretched our emotional, physical and spiritual lives far beyond what we imagined. The many challenges have brought us true joy as we rely on our Lord to provide for the family He has given us. Immediatly upon returning from Ukraine, Mark lost his job and we faced several months of unemployment. But God is forever faithful and in His Divine timing, provided for all of our needs.
All of our sons are bonding well and forming a true brotherhood. Many days there are the usual sibling spats, but at the end of the day they all defend and encourage each other without fail. Christopher has likely changed the most and has gained 20 pounds in nine months. We are encouraged that he will walk one day as he is taking steps with assistance. Chris is also learing how to utilize a simple communications device to express himself. We are so proud of all of our boys for including their exceptional little brother in their activities and for always offering to lend a hand to mom.
Check out our new pictures. Click on the "view all images" button above.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Did someone say Doctor?
A few weeks ago I received a request from an interested person that keeps up with our Blog to "update". This request was made indirectly to a dear friend of mine, who lives in another state. I was unable to update at that time and although we are blessed by the concern of others I must admit sitting at the computer for any length of time these days is far from my thoughts.
I know I did promise to update every once in awhile though and so here I am.
All of our boys are all adjusting as well as can be expected and learning to adapt to their new environment and adjusting to everyone's habits. I include Charlie and Nick as I speak about adjustments. Instantly having three new brothers to share everything has been an experience for them as well.
Since we have arrived home we have been to the Emergency Room 4 times (nothing life-threatening), to the dentist 3 times(4extractions, cleanings, spacers, sealants, numerous cavities filled) to the eye doctor 2 times (3 needing glasses), 2 MRI's, 2 outpatient surgeries (same kiddo-2 for one day), 3 pediatric head to toe visits and immunizations for all, 3 TB tests (if your child has had the vaccine in Ukraine or country of birth... they will test positive...just get chest x-ray and skip the pain of stick and check), 3 chest x-rays, one broken wrist (most active kid in cast for 8 -10 weeks), audiology exam, follow-up visits from surgeries, orthopedic visit for 2 (another 2 for 1 appointment), 1 pelvic x-ray, orthotics lab visit for leg braces (1 down two to go), 2 visits to Audiologist, PT,OT and Speech for Christopher (these are the fun appointments) Now these appointments have been just for Artyom, Andy and Christopher. I have not mentioned Charlie and Nick's visits for their annuals and monthly Orthodontist. Not to mention, 3 visits to SSA.
I have seen and signed more HIPPA consent forms in the past 1 1/2 months than in my 15 years as a heart patient!!
Now the fun stuff... We are keeping our sense of humor and counting our blessings each and everyday. It has been good to have Mark home to help with the transition although we certainly would not have planned it ourselves this way. Thank God, He knows best!! Artyom and Andy will be playing futbol (soccer) and Charlie and Nick will be at the Baseball field this spring. Everyone has started practice as of this week and all four have opening Day on March 1st. Christopher is enjoying watching his brothers and is an enthusiastic cheerleader. We pray that next spring, he too will be on his own team. Please do not be upset if you ask me what day of the week it is and I say, "February", really, I am just fine.
Sometimes I am asked by a concerned friend if there is anything that I need. I have been pondering that thought and If there is anyone willing to design and build a bathroom for me that can double as a sanctuary, I would be grateful. Also any ideas on how to keep the athletic cups from ending up on the kitchen table, like they are centerpiece of sorts, Please, I appreciate any input.
I know I did promise to update every once in awhile though and so here I am.
All of our boys are all adjusting as well as can be expected and learning to adapt to their new environment and adjusting to everyone's habits. I include Charlie and Nick as I speak about adjustments. Instantly having three new brothers to share everything has been an experience for them as well.
Since we have arrived home we have been to the Emergency Room 4 times (nothing life-threatening), to the dentist 3 times(4extractions, cleanings, spacers, sealants, numerous cavities filled) to the eye doctor 2 times (3 needing glasses), 2 MRI's, 2 outpatient surgeries (same kiddo-2 for one day), 3 pediatric head to toe visits and immunizations for all, 3 TB tests (if your child has had the vaccine in Ukraine or country of birth... they will test positive...just get chest x-ray and skip the pain of stick and check), 3 chest x-rays, one broken wrist (most active kid in cast for 8 -10 weeks), audiology exam, follow-up visits from surgeries, orthopedic visit for 2 (another 2 for 1 appointment), 1 pelvic x-ray, orthotics lab visit for leg braces (1 down two to go), 2 visits to Audiologist, PT,OT and Speech for Christopher (these are the fun appointments) Now these appointments have been just for Artyom, Andy and Christopher. I have not mentioned Charlie and Nick's visits for their annuals and monthly Orthodontist. Not to mention, 3 visits to SSA.
I have seen and signed more HIPPA consent forms in the past 1 1/2 months than in my 15 years as a heart patient!!
Now the fun stuff... We are keeping our sense of humor and counting our blessings each and everyday. It has been good to have Mark home to help with the transition although we certainly would not have planned it ourselves this way. Thank God, He knows best!! Artyom and Andy will be playing futbol (soccer) and Charlie and Nick will be at the Baseball field this spring. Everyone has started practice as of this week and all four have opening Day on March 1st. Christopher is enjoying watching his brothers and is an enthusiastic cheerleader. We pray that next spring, he too will be on his own team. Please do not be upset if you ask me what day of the week it is and I say, "February", really, I am just fine.
Sometimes I am asked by a concerned friend if there is anything that I need. I have been pondering that thought and If there is anyone willing to design and build a bathroom for me that can double as a sanctuary, I would be grateful. Also any ideas on how to keep the athletic cups from ending up on the kitchen table, like they are centerpiece of sorts, Please, I appreciate any input.
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