Good Tuesday morning to you all! Here in SE Michigan it is a stormy, cloudy morning. The sky is the kind that fools me into thinking we might actually get some real thunderstorms, aka the Oklahoma kind, but that never happens :(

On the adoption front, we are scurrying around collecting documents for our dossier. I had forgotten what a headache (not to mention time-consuming) it can be trying to convince various officials to give you exactly what you need or else you cannot bring your child home.  We are making steady progress, thankfully, and I'm relieved to discover that this Eastern European country is not as nit-picky as a certain other Eastern European country.

Perhaps the most exciting development of the last week, though, has been Vika starting school!!

Really?! Yes, really!

Here's her on her first day with her wonderful, capable teacher.

The last year I've truly learned to appreciate those special-education professionals who understand and accept my little girls.  I've always thought of Millie's school as "the happiest place on earth" because the teachers and staff seem so positive and excited to be there.

In other news, a kind fellow-RR-supporter has offered to run a Pampered Chef fundraiser for us to help us with the costs to adopt Spencer.  Here is the link to the site where you can go to purchase some items with a percentage of every item going to our adoption. You know Pampered Chef is good stuff, so go check it out: www.pamperedchef.biz/marysnooks  Just enter my name - Melanie Jim for host at checkout.

Many thanks!!



I know, it's been a long time since I've written an update.  Life around here is full, to say the least.  But we are making good progress in bringing Spencer home. Our home study update should be finalized this week.  We will then begin collecting our dossier documents. I admit to being a little unclear on the process, since this is a new country for us. Things work quite differently, I'm told.  So, luckily, we have very competent people to help us along and so I'm confident we'll be fine.

Now for the good part (pictures!)

Someone had a birthday! The chocolate frosting was definitely a hit.

Looking like a regular American kid.

My attempt at a picture of all the kids.  As you can see,Vika does not the enjoy the posed picture.

My boy. We bought him a new helmet, and oh-yeah, a new bike. I think he's much more excited about the helmet.

One preschooler - 2 hairstyles.  Too cute for her own good.

Getting in some practice before she starts school (this Monday!).

Oh my goodness, how much do we love this little sweetie!

Thanks for reading! I'll try to do a much better job of keeping up with things here. If you're able to, we really could use your prayer and financial support to bring Spencer home.



So sorry to those who have been waiting for an official announcement of an important upcoming event. And I've been searching for the inspiration to write just the right words. Something touching, inspiring, witty, anything fitting for the occasion, but such words allude me just now, so I'll just say it: "We're adopting again!"

 

I can hear some of you saying, "Didn't you just bring a child home late last year?" Well, yes, we did, and yes, we're just crazy, brave, big-hearted, whatever enough, to do it again.  It's really hard to forget sooooo many children that are essentially locked away in an institution. We can be a family to just one more.

So,we are excited to introduce you to the little guy who, if all goes according to plan, and it pleases the Lord, will become the newest member of our family:

Spencer!  Well, at least this is the nickname he's been given on RR.  We don't know his real name at this point.  But, isn't he so cute? The long-hoped for brother for our only son.

He is also in Eastern Europe, but a different country than last time. We can't state what country publicly, but if you're curious, you can certainly ask us personally.

He's almost exactly a year younger than our son. He's now 5-and-a-half. He was recently transferred from the baby house where he spent his first years. We don't know exactly where he is now. It could be the institution or it could be an older children orphanage. Hopefully we'll learn more details as we go along.

We now begin the paperchasing all over. But, I'm assured this dossier is much less detailed and time-consuming than the last country's. 

We're excited. A little disbelieving that we're actually doing this again.  We have a much better idea of what we're actually taking on this time which takes much of the fear away.  Now I just have to figure out how I'm going to take 5 kids to the grocery store and how I'm going to fit them all in our car. It's going to be an adventure!

The Last Time I Was Here......

I promised you all a big announcement. This is not it. 
But it occurs to me that I haven't posted any updates in a while, so here goes.

Several people have told me they were praying for us, especially in regards to my post about Millie.  Let me say, I have been noticing some changes in her in recent weeks.  She doesn't have any new words yet, (only just Momma), but she does seem to be producing some new sounds more frequently. More verbalizations overall. Mind you, she still can't imitate someone else when you ask her to, but still, new sounds are good.

Still trying to get some private therapy for her. I was quite naive in dealing with insurance companies, never really having much experience in that area. After how many conversations, I was finally told they will not pay for apraxia treatment. Sad, frustrated Momma. Not done fighting and praying on this front. Just taking a break while I muster up some more strength to re-enter the fight.

Still, Millie just seems happier overall now. She has not been constantly into mischief the past few weeks. Maybe she's just maturing. Whatever the reason, I'm so thankful. I feel like I can relax more.  She's also really accepted her new sister now, I think. We're not seeing the jealousy we saw at first.  So often now, I'll catch them just happily playing together.  Of course, Millie sees herself as the much older sister and is often trying to mother Vika. It's not extreme like it used to be, though. For instance, check out Millie and Vika's little dance number. Can you just see the enthusiasm on Vika's face?

A quiet moment with my littles.

I love my little Millie! She has the cutest habit now of blowing kisses when she leaves a room. Especially when she's about to do something naughty!

Both little ones are still in diapers and whenever I suspect Millie has a dirty one, she always points to Vika as the culprit. Every time. It's kind of a joke now. 

BTW, anyone have any surefire ways of interesting a 3-and-a-half year old in using the potty?  Our checking account would appreciate it. I felt sure she would be the one to train a little bit earlier. I'm kind of a fail in that department. 

Our little Vika continues to do amazingly well. Today is her 4th birthday!  We're celebrating tomorrow though. 

  The last week she's had the most horrible cold. In all my years of mothering, I've never seen so much mucus come out of a child's nose for so many days. Poor little thing's nose is so red and raw from so much wiping and suctioning. Finally, today it seems she's getting better.

 

She doesn't usually nap, but I guess with her sickness this week, she was just so tired. Anyways, caught her taking a little snooze on the floor.

We have her surgery scheduled for getting tubes in her ears in late February. So hoping that will help with the almost constant drainage and improve her hearing, as well.

And may I add, she's just about the cutest thing around?  Sometimes when I pick her up and feel her squishy little body, I can hardly stand. I just want to eat her up!

 

At this very moment, I notice that she's managed to get her pants and diaper off and is trying on her sister's shoes.  Now, she's going for a stroll, sans diaper, but wearing one boot.  Excuse me for minute, I'll be back!

 

Now where was I?  Oh yes, V. will also be starting preschool soon. At least I think she will. We have already been there 4 times to get her evaluated. Four! Really? And we're not done yet.  Honestly.  In the school's defense, I guess they're not used to dealing with Russian-speaking, post-orphanage-dwelling, preschoolers with Down's syndrome.  

 

Okay, that's it for now. Check back soon for some good news. I promise.

 

 

 

 

Big News!!

Stay tuned for an exciting, crazy, wonderful announcement. 

Coming very soon!!

Why?

I see the question in people's eyes, even though it's rarely spoken -only by one acquaintance (bless her heart) who rather rudely blurted out, "Why?" when she found out we had adopted Vika.  The unspoken question is "Why would you want to take on such a responsibility? Don't you have your hands already full enough with 3 children? Isn't she a lot of trouble?" Most of the people we know well are actually very nice, Christians, in fact, and probably understand already the value that God places on all human life. Regardless of IQ, appearance, national origin.  

Still I know the question is there. So, just for the record, here goes.  You may think we're a bit crazy for spending tens of thousands of dollars and much more in energy and time to adopt a child with Down's Syndrome.  Truth is, I think you're a bit crazy if you don't.

Not necessarily a child like Vika, but any child. I mean, really, what could be better?  You've gotta to spend your life on something. You know what makes me happy? Seeing Vika "get" something, like a new sign or sort of saying a new word or learning how to give a kiss.  

Especially when I consider where she would be if she were not here. She would be clamoring for the attention of one or two caregivers and left to herself the vast majority of her waking hours. Rocking on the floor perhaps or staring vacantly at the ceiling. And when she leaves the baby house, the conditions would probably be far worse. 

We get to be a part of changing her life. That's so exciting to me.  And yes, fun. 

Goodness knows, adoption is not for everyone.  If you have zero desire to adopt, you probably shouldn't. But if the idea of adopting a little one who really needs someone  tugs at your heart, maybe you should give it serious consideration and prayer. Maybe you should consider turning your life upside down and allowing chaos to reign for a little while until everyone adjusts. Maybe you should say goodbye to your fear and hello to faith that God will supply all your needs when you go where He sends you.

If you are intrigued in the slightest, go now to http://www.reecesrainbow.org/       Maybe, just maybe, there's a kid there who really needs you.

Welcome To My World

In my world....

I get LOTS of attention!



I can go around naked all day if I want to.

In my world, I get to eat ice cream for dinner! (well, once or twice a year)

In my world, I get to express my emotions.

I get to lay around as much as I want.

I get to travel to exotic places, like Oklahoma!?

I get to be reunited with old friends (that's "Ivan", now Samuel from my groupa). If our friends could see us now! Pretty cool!!



I get to "push people around." Sorry, for the lousy quality, a videographer, my mom is not.

But mostly, I get to make Mom and Dad's day with smiles like this.  My life is good!



I also get to see lots of doctors. Lately, I've been to the cardiologist. My heart looks perfect! Yay for me!

And the ear/nose/throat doctor.  Looks like I'm gonna need tubes in my ears. Boo for me :(   But if it will help me to hear better, it will be worth it. 

I'm also getting evaluated to get ready for preschool. Lots of people are interested in helping me grow and be all I can be. I love this place! 

I still have trouble chewing my food, my mom is working on getting me some help with that. Maybe one of these days, Dad and I will get to have a burger together. He would love that.

I can't say any words yet, but I'm so smart I've already learned how to sign "more," "eat," "drink," "all done," and "good." I am a master imitator. I can play the "tickle game" with the best of 'em. I even know how to "shoot off my little-big toe." Don't ask, it's something my Daddy taught me, he's funny like that. 

I've been blessed with a family of my own, but so many children are still waiting.  Please visit http://www.reecesrainbow.org/  and consider being a family to a child listed there or helping another family bring their child home. Then you can help make another child's world a whole lot better.