New Photo Link

I created a new family photo album as I can download the photos much quicker there.  For those who would like to see the most recent photos, click on the link and it will take you there.  You can view them individually or by slideshow (which takes a few seconds to download).  I hope you enjoy them!

What a difference a month makes

It was one month ago today that we left Moscow and landed in LA.  At times, being a mom of 3 still feels new to me but there are also those times that I feel like I've been doing this (work) forever!   As every busy mom before me knows, my days are filled with trying to keep things under control and trying to keep children dry, clean, fed & happy.  I'm finding that this is no easy task but, at the end of the day when they're all asleep and I look back at the comical pictures of the day I can usually re-balance myself for the next day.

Stories of the past week:

Nighttime drama.  I've been trying to find the best method of getting the twins to go to sleep.  I'll read a few books sometimes while they're in their beds or sitting on mine trying to include Katy.  The books are a little juvenile for Katy so this is a little trying.  I then tuck the girls in bed and kiss them each goodnight.  It's not long before I hear the giggling and the bumps in the rooms.  I've removed all toys and really anything within reach for them in hopes that out of shear boredom they'd fall asleep.  I've tried sitting with them until they fall asleep but I am something for them to focus on which becomes a problem.  I've tried ignoring the chattering and giggling and let them fall where they may but that only worked for so long.  Poor Katy took the brunt of the error in that method when she stepped on a very poopy diaper that Camryn had removed and threw into the hallway.  What a surprise that was for all of us and it was the end of the ignoring them.  Another night I thought they were both asleep and I hear Camryn calling "mammmmaaa" in her special way and I go into check on them.  I walked in and she opened her mouth wide and said her "haaaaaaa" which only she can do and pointed at her sister who was in the process of removing her pj's.  I was very surprised that she "told on her sister" but I was pretty pleased that she got the message from the previous night that removing the pj's is a "no-no"!  So, every night we try something different including earlier naps during the day.  It's tough because the house doesn't shut down when it's time for them to shut down.  Katy tries to be quiet but it's very difficult as every little foot step tends to catch their attention.

Katy's melodrama:  Aunt Lynnie and Kellie were visiting one day and Katy got in a little bit of trouble with them.  She then stormed into her room and when Kellie went in to check on her, my just turned 4 year old told her that she was packing her bag and leaving!  Kellie came and reported this to me and I went and found Katy putting her Dora back pack on getting ready to depart.  I asked her where she was going to go and told her I was very sad that she was leaving and all she kept saying was she was LEAVING.  She walked into her sister's room and sat down between their beds and announced that that is where she was going.  I was pretty relieved but we felt that possibly she may be in need of a break from her mom and sisters so we sent her to Aunt Lynnies for a few hours where she had a wonderful time.  

Mealtime Drama:  The twins are typical 2 year olds with their eating habits although I think that they did not have much variety at the orphanage and what they did have was probably very bland.  Courtney eats a lot more then Camryn these days but even so, they basically just want bananas.  The girls are not adventurous in their eating so I've taken to taking advantage of their good natures and sticking new foods in their mouths - they're not always too pleased with this but I've found that if I can just get them (force them) to try one bite then often they like it and we'll find a new food to add to their list.  The forced tomato didn't go over too well (one of Katy's favorites) but they loved the brussel sprouts, mashed potatoes, meat sauce pasta and the creamed rice.  They loved the creamed rice so much that I gave them each a second bowl which was somewhat of a mistake with Courtney as she obviously wasn't hungry any longer.  She took that opportunity to play with the food and rub in all over her face and hair.  It was everywhere and since they didn't get the first birthday messy cake experience I let this one go and got the pictures.  But, I'm doing my best to prevent meals like this in the future as I feel my days really are spent picking up and cleaning up after the three girls.

Sisters bonding:  The twins seem to be okay as far as attachment issues go.  They're definitely attached to each other and seem appropriately attached to me considering the amount of time we've been together.  They have had a little trouble attaching with Katy however.  I think it's probably because they had to defend their space from the bigger kids in the orphanage and, Katy is not the most gentle little girl.  This week I've seen lots of progress with that.  Katy is trying to do things a little more softly and the girls are responding to that.  They watch katy and mimic what she does which pleases Katy to no end.  They've been playing well together and have spent hours playing outside, playing dress-up, dancing and playing in the playroom together.  I think those are my happiest moments - seeing all 3 girls happy together makes any work or fatigue worthwhile.  

I'll have to post pictures later as Camryn is waking up from her nap.   I have some very cute pictures of this past week including of the twins crawling into their playpens this afternoon when I told them it was nap time.  It was so nice for me as they both walked in and got in their own playpens and laid down!  I wish night time was so easy (Katy is at school during nap time which helps a lot!).   Much more to come!

25 days later . . . .

The best sleeping arrangements . . . 

My bumble bee, good witch and good doctor (missing a few pieces of her costume) . . . 

It's been 25 days since leaving the orphanage with two wondering but brave little girls.  They have done remarkably well with all of the changes in their lives.  It feels like the girls have been with us for so much longer than 25 days - I have to keep reminding myself that they've only been out of the orphanage for that long.  

Both girls seem to really enjoy all of the love and affection that they are getting.  Camryn follows me around the house most of the time and, if she's off playing with her sisters, she comes in and checks with me very often.  Courtney is a little more independent but she also really likes to cuddle and have her head rubbed.  They both are so sweet and are such little cuddlelers.  It's lucky that all 3 girls wake up at different times because they each like to lay with me for a few minutes.  Usually, it's Katy, then Camryn, then Courtney.  I think Camryn would lay there all day if she could - she's my very very sweet one.  Courtney will lay there for a few minutes and then something else will catch her attention and she's off and running again.  She has a lot of "catching up" to do for lost time and she's trying to get it all done quickly!

Both girls have great eye contact and will stare into my eyes with such loving looks.  Their eyes are very different then each others although both have very large brown eyes that have always just pulled me right in.  Camryn normally looks into my eyes with soft, sweet eyes while Courtney looks with glee in her eyes.  She is so happy and so playful it shows in her eyes most of the time.

When the girls first arrived home, Courtney was walking around saying "bor-bor" about every 5 minutes which means something like "I'm feeling pain" according to Olga.  Courtney said it a couple of times even in the car leaving the orphanage.  If she hit her hand on anything it would be "bor-bor" so it wasn't just random but it was ultra-sensitive.  She still does it occasionally, but now it seems that she really only says it when she's actually hurt.  So, I think that's great progress.  She seems to be losing her sensitivity although she still is a little more sensitive then Camryn is.  Courtney now has the same cream & rosy complexion that Camryn has had (after the scabies treatments) and she's filled out quite a bit too.    Courtney also sings all the time now which is very cute.  For some reason she really hooked on to "Ring around the Rosies" from when Katy played it with her in the orphanage.  It is such an awful song but she goes around singing "ashes ashes we all fall down".  It's cute but yuck!  What a strange song that is.

The girls went in for their first big blood draw last week and the results so far have been good.  Courtney screamed through the blood draw but Camryn didn't make a peep!   Camryn was more of the constant big eater originally but now Courtney is overtaking her and is much more adventurous in the things that she'll try.   We'll have more tests down the road but for now things look good with just a few things to take care of  - I'm very focused on getting the physical issues taken care of as I think the developmental issues will catch up quickly when they're completely healthy.  And, with that, the developmental issues seem to be disappearing on their own but I will still get some extra help where it seems necessary.  I'll probably begin that process this coming week.  

Friday was a big day for the girls as they had their first swim lesson and their first Halloween.  The swim lesson went very well and both girls absolutely love the water just like their big sister.  They had no fear and I had to hold one back while the other was getting her time with the instructor.  I was soaking wet as a result.  It was difficult as all 3 girls were getting lessons at the same time (what was I thinking?).  Luckily a friend came by and was very helpful with getting the girls out of the water and ready to go.  Next Friday I'm hoping to be a little better at juggling the 3.  

Halloween was a big hit.  Normally we go into town and do a little trick or treating at the shops but Teddy died in the afternoon so that sort of put a damper on the festivities.  He wasn't with us but was out at the Old Julian property and the people who were going with us needed to take care of Teddy.  Later on we went to one of my sister's neighborhood that is so perfect for kids.  They had haunted backyards and people sitting out on their driveways waiting to greet the kids.  We were going to take it easy but all 3 girls were really enjoying it so we visited about 10 houses and then they greeted the trick or treaters at my sisters house.  It was a lot of fun for all.  

Saturday I ventured out to the grocery store with all 3 girls - but not alone.  I'm changing grocery stores because mine doesn't have the big double carts and that's what I need.  I tried it on Saturday with my sister and niece with me for emergency back up which was needed after about 20 minutes.  If I can get in and out in about that time I think I'll be okay.  The trick will be trying to find one of the carts to put the girls in after parking.  While there, I ran into a friend who took the picture of us.  The whole trip took up most of our pre-nap time but was very good and necessary to get done.

Right now the girls are going down for nap but are not doing it quite as easily as they used to.  I try the soothing music and darkened room but it still takes them a while.  I've got them back in the same room for napping as I really need to sit with them in order to make sure they don't get up and run around.  But, everything is getting a little easier and a little more familiar for me and for them every day.

On another note, Melissa who is in between trips for Colby's adoption, received a call regarding new delays in the region.  I was hoping that things were going to speed up as I had heard the judge was being investigated for dragging things out for so long.  Melissa is now being told 9 to 12 months between trips.  My heart goes out to her and her husband.  It is such a difficult wait and knowing exactly what she is going through makes my happiness with the girls a little bittersweet because there are so many others waiting.  Children, just like mine, waiting and hoping to join families and to start enjoying a life filled with love instead of the grey lonely life in the orphanage.  Parents waiting for children to share their love and joy with and here I am with 3 beautiful little girls.  We are so lucky and, although I know Melissa will be as lucky soon, I know how sad it is for her now and I share that with her.  There's nothing any of us can do to change the process but, as torturous as it is, there is an end to the dark tunnel and the light is brighter than ever at the other end. 

 

A very sad farewell to our much loved Teddy Bear

Teddy Bear, our Akita Shepherd lost his year long battle with cancer on Friday.  He was so loved by his family and friends and I will always be grateful to him for how wonderful he was with all of the children in his life.  I have so many hilarious (and expensive) Teddy stories like the day he chased my horses with a turkey vulture in his mouth and I had to take the turkey vulture to the rescue center.  And, there was the time that he ate the front end of my car while trying to get the bunny out - as my brother had taught him to do (get the critter away from the car).  And, the time he chased the squirrel into the drain pipe on my barn and greeted me when I got home with a 8 or 10' section of pipe with a bulge in the middle with teeth marks in it.  The bulge, of course, was  the squirrel.  I could go on and on about Teddy but he was the sweetest, most lovable dog I've ever known and I will really miss him as I know Bushia and all the Old Julian crew will too.    

Katy had just watched "All Dogs Go to Heaven" and when I told her that Teddy died she said she was going to sneak into my car at night (SCARY - she's only 4) and drive to Heaven and tell Teddy that all dogs are not suppose to go to Heaven and she was going to bring him back.   I wish she could bring him back happy and healthy as he will be remembered.

Happy Birthday Weekend Katy

Oh Happy Days . . .

Camryn and Courtney are doing so well and are so much fun.  It definitely is a lot of work but so worth it.  I can't think of any other way I'd rather spend my time.

The twins are doing very well and Katy is coming around.  I've had to ban Katy from her pony bed and have her sleeping with me (again) so that we can both get a full nights sleep.  It worked wonders and now she sleeps through the night and is back to her 5:30 AM wake up.  Still too early but at least it's not 3 AM like it had been.  Today she actually slept in until around 7:30 as did the twins.

Tomorrow is Katy's 4th birthday and the celebrations actually started on Thursday and haven't stopped.  Stacy arrived on Thursday to join in all of the festivities (for those who don't know, Stacy accompanied me to Russia when I picked Katy up) and she's been a lot of fun for me and the girls.  Thursday night Aunt Lynnie threw a Scooby-Doo pizza party for Katy.  Katy had a great time as did the twins.  They had their second swimming experience (with the exception of the bathtub) and loved it.  They then joined in on the trampoline with Katy and cousins and loved that too of course.  They didn't enjoy the pizza much as I'm finding to be the case with a lot of American kids foods but we're making progress.

Last night, Katy had her last soccer game with her current team and the "Old Julian Petting Farm" folks had another pizza/awards/birthday party honoring her.  The twins sat in the twin stroller and watched the game and clapped right along with everyone else which was very cute.   As long as I had a steady stream of snacks heading their way they were content.  They watched the birthday/awards celebration very patiently.  

Tonight another family dinner and tomorrow a big birthday celebration with Katy's pre-school friends at the pump-it-up facility.  It sounds like a lot for the twins I know but they're handling things very well.  They know who mama is and come to me with their needs (and loves)  but they are also friendly with others.   I like that they are so social and don't want to lose that if I can help it but I also like the re-directing of them to me when they're hungry or hurt, etc.  It seems to be working.  I left them for a few hours on Wednesday in order to take Katy to her dance class.  They took her place in Katy's little pre-school and when I went back to pick them up they were playing with the other kids.  They looked up and saw me and both came running into my arms laughing.  It was very cute but, more importantly, it was a very big step.  I feel that we are well on our way to their understanding of who "mama" is and what that really means for them.

They had their first big doctor appointment with the international specialist.  They both did great.  Courtney revealed some physical movements in the orphanage that were a little concerning but mentally she's always been right there with Camryn.  Her body was stiff in the orphanage but after our visits she seemed to loosen up.  By the time we picked her up the only stiff body part was her hands.  She quickly improved the hand movements too but still has some self-soothing habits.  The doctor said that some of the movements are similar to autistic behavior but that she is not autistic.  She has great eye contact and is focused appropriately.  The stiffness and movements (hand flapping, sensory sensitivity) are common in institutionalized children and they normally grow out of them shortly after joining their families.  This has proven to be the case with Courtney although she still has some catching up to do as far as weight goes.  But, she's eating as much, if not more, as Camryn, so she'll catch up there quickly.  

Both girls were tested for TB and came out negative.  That was a surprise as they have apparently figured out a way around the false positive they normally get when children have received the vaccine as all 3 of my girls have.  They still have to have tons of blood drawn but all in all they passed their appointment with flying colors.  Camryn is in the 38 percentile for height and 8 percentile for weight while Courtney who is 1/2 inch smaller and 1 pound lighter is 26 and 6.  So, both are doing pretty well.  

The girls have graduated from throwing the food they don't want on the floor to just saying "naaaaah" and putting it down on their tray.  This was a huge improvement for me.  We've also gone from screaming for food every morning to them sitting quietly in their highchairs while I cook breakfast for them.  If I'm too slow and am losing their patience, I have a banana ready to go to buy me some more time.  It seems to be working.   Both girls are sleeping through the night, eating enough, playing a lot, enjoying the So. California sun tremendously and seem to be happy most of the time.  The only real exceptions are when it's time to get out of the bath (or they can't have one when they "demand" it) and, when I say it's "night-night" time.  They don't like that but normally go right down anyway.  They share a room at night but at nap time I've got them in separate rooms and they don't seem to mind that.  Eventually I will put them in their own rooms - I think it will be important for both (especially Courtney) to have a some opportunities to gain some individuality and independence.  

As far as English goes - I think they understand everything.  I can ask Camryn to give something to Courtney, or vice versa, and she does it.  They understand when I tell them to put their hands on their heads, sit on their bottoms, etc. They say a few words but not really very many.   They repeat things instantly when I say them but then they use few on their own so far.  Courtney does tell me when she needs a new diaper which is always helpful.   Camryn now shakes her head yes in response to my questions but neither shake no yet.

All in all it's been a pretty easy transition for me and for them so far.  Katy has had the hardest time of it and still sends them to "her mommy" when they need something.  I don't think she fully understands yet that I am also their mommy.  We've had a few cute moments in the car, when they're all strapped down, that the 3 are interacting together but it's pretty occasional.  Sometimes I catch Katy playing with Camryn but mostly Katy does something she's not supposed to do and then the twins follow and Katy ends up getting in trouble.  

I'll post more pictures later . . . but, right now, I smell a dirty diaper so I'd better get back to my  duties. 

A week and a day

So much has changed in that amount of time since we've been home.   Katy slept a full night last night not waking until 5:30 which was her usual time pre-Russia - that's the first since returning home.  Thankfully, the twins have been sleeping through the night since picking them up at the orphanage.  I feel like a new person after finally getting a full night's sleep.  It's been such a long time - I don't think I had one uninterrupted nights sleep the whole 5 weeks in Russia so it was wonderful!  

I felt so good this morning that I decided to take the 3 girls to a family reunion of sorts as it was an opportunity to see many people I haven't seen in years.  I had a lot of help and, even with that, it was a lot of work but so worth it.  Courtney discovered the swimming pool and I couldn't keep her out of it.  Katy, who is a fish anyway, jumped in and Camryn was not far behind.  Luckily, their cousins also were ready to dive in so all 3 girls got to enjoy the water today.  Courtney seemed to especially love it - she was dunking her head and coming up laughing and clapping.  She didn't seem to have any fear which is how Katy was before learning to swim.  Scary as every where we go there are pools (including at home) so the girls will have to learn to swim very quickly.  Camryn didn't seem to have any fear either and was also enthusiastic about the water but, Courtney just couldn't get enough.  One thing all 3 will enjoy doing together I hope.

It has been a busy week for me.  I can't provide the food quickly enough for the twins.  They're barely awake before they're in the kitchen begging for food.  I'm trying to break away from so much "snacking" as I want to introduce new foods but their insistent demands for food every minute makes that difficult.  But, we are making progress.  This morning I made them wait while I scrambled eggs for them and made pancakes.  The eggs were a big hit but the pancakes today didn't go over at all.  I follow everything up with a banana as they can not get enough of those.  In fact, "banana", "more" and "bye bye" is the extent of the english the girls are speaking so far.    And, with constant eating comes constant diaper changes.   My days basically consist of feeding changing washing but I'm loving it.

Having gone through the whole adoption process with Katy I was prepared for the strangeness of it all.  Having these children become my daughters when the judge (FINALLY) decided to declare it so, is beyond strange emotionally.  Spending time with them in the orphanage, like with Katy, really doesn't provide much of an opportunity to get to know these little people.  All of the books I've read about adoption and "attachment" only focus on the child attaching to the parent because of the possible attachment issues the child may have.  The attachment the parent feels toward the child seems to rarely be discussed I'm sure because it is pretty much a given that sooner or later it will be there without having to work at it.  For some parents it is the instant they first meet the child (which is what the judge wants to hear and, I'm sure, always does) and, for others, it has to grow which is the case with me.   But, it grow quickly - as soon as I'm away from that environment it starts blossoming and that is what this whole week has been about.  

With Katy, who was drugged in her orphanage to get her to go to sleep (go figure), I gave up any attempt of "bonding" with her in the orphanage and knew that it would grow when I could get her home.  And, it did very quickly.   I didn't worry about it happening instantly like I suppose it does for some people.  Katy didn't have any real attachment difficulties with the exception of not knowing me from any other "mama" nearby but, as soon as we had an opportunity to be together it grew for both of us.  

The twins were not drugged at their orphanage and we were pretty much left alone to spend hours at a time together.  It was extremely difficult though because of the set up with doors on both sides with stairwells right outside of those.  It was more of a formality to prove to the judge that I had spent the time with them and to convince her that I knew what I was getting into (thanks to the French couple).   I got to know their personalities a little bit but they weren't shining through like they are now.  They are so different to me now as I have been able to get to know them.   They showed little glimpses of what was in there before but now it's pouring out and they are so much fun.  When I look at them I am now seeing my daughters - not somebody else's abandoned kids.  They are now very familiar to me and I'm becoming more familiar to them too.    I expected this because it is how I reacted to Katy's arrival so I was not worried that they would never feel like my daughters but, it is so nice that they now do!   I think Katy is still working on the sister part of things because she has told me to take them back at least once and then has said that she is throwing one or both of them in the recycler or trash on many different occasions!  I know as time passes she will get use to them and hopefully enjoy having them with us.

I've read a lot about the "honeymoon" period often experienced by adoptive parents and will not be surprised if things get more difficult but, for now, both girls seem to be adjusting very well.  Food seems to be their primary concern right now - especially Courtney who has made major progress in the last week.  She's filled out a lot and looks and feels so much healthier.  Camryn always did seem healthy but their skin is all cleared up (2 "preventative" scabie treatments later - highly recommended to parents preparing for their 2nd trip) and it is so soft and baby like now - very hug-able and kissable which wasn't exactly the case in the orphanage - they were a little itchy, sticky and gooey while there!   

I couldn't be happier with how things are going right now and am hopeful that the girls are not going to go through major trauma later on down the road.   They look at the pictures of themselves in the orphanage for long periods of time but then they're back to playing, hugging, laughing and eating without seeming sad at all.  

I haven't been very good at taking pictures - surprisingly, it's much more difficult with 3 kids then it was with just the 1!  But, here are some of my attempts at documenting their first week home:

Pure joy and so much fun in the sun

Courtney then Camryn figuring out how to eat oatmeal.  Courtney quickly discovered that eating like the cat is much quicker and Camryn, naturally, followed suit.

Banana breaks 

Courtney helping herself to more snacks (note the 2 day supply of bananas!)

One week ago yesterday - 

The baby train (as coined by someone at LAX) leaving Moscow . . . 

My 3 Russian Beauties in Moscow

Settling in

As expected, we are all suffering a bit of jet lag with Katy having the worst of it.  She's been waking up between 2 and 3 AM and the first night she woke her sisters.  I set her room up so that she could read if she woke up again the next night.  She's been entertaining herself since then and not waking her sisters but we're going to have to come up with another solution.  This is what I found this morning . . . 

We're trying to get early naps in today and Katy is now cooperating and is sound asleep in her room but, my easy sleepers have decided today that it's not such a great idea.  I put them down in their room with twin beds and when I would hear chatter or noise I'd go in.  All I have to do is walk near them and when they hear me they scurry back to their beds.  They've already established whose is whose as they have done with the high chairs.   I sat with them for a long time and know that they are both exhausted but they keep trying to hold hands, smile at each other, trade stuffed animals, etc.  I then decided to try the playpens in my bedroom.  They're now both laying down but neither seem close to falling asleep.

The girls are both doing great and Katy is hanging in there.  They seem to be very happy and Courtney has come a long way in her motor skills.  She is very serious compared to Camryn but she does smile a lot too.  I have noticed that they rarely cry but when they do, they start with the heaving that kids do after crying for a long time.  They don't make any crying noise so it's hard to know when they're doing that.  I don't know if it's because they never got a response to loud crying so they keep it to themselves but, it's very sad to see.  The tears are flowing but they're just making the heaving sound very quietly.  Camryn started doing that when I moved her into the playpen - it's heartbreaking.  Courtney was doing it in the middle of the night one night and I picked her up to rock her.  She then let out a loud cry which I thought was probably a positive thing.  

I have appointments for the girls with a doctor specializing in internationally adopted children for next Tuesday.  I'm anxious to get that done so I know which direction to go with the girls. They went with me to drop Katy off at school and Camryn went right to the work table and got some work out.  She pulled out a little chair and sat at the table to begin working.  It was like she'd always been doing it and she was excited about it.  She was very sad when I took her out of there.  Courtney shows interest too but she's always a bit more hesitant to jump right in.  I'd like to get them in a couple of mornings a week just for the social interaction as well as the pre-school program which is very good but I'm waiting to see what the doctor says.  If they need something more specialized then I will do that but, right now, I don't see that that's going to be necessary.  Even physical therapy is questionable at this time because Courtney has changed drastically just in the last week.  Camryn never had any issues.  Both girls are strong  and capable and don't seem to be very far behind at all in physical issues.

The areas I think they are behind are language which is a given but they're understanding a lot already.  Also, Courtney still is a little slower with her fine motor skills then Camryn but when comparing there's always going to be one ahead of the other.  Neither one knew how to use a bottle or a sippy cup and they both have the sippy cups down now.  I think they were hand fed everything including drinks so they never learned how to do that.   In comparing them to other children their age they seem pretty close.  

So, after one week together I think we're doing great although we are all still exhausted from the trip and the newness of it all.   I was talking about getting rid of some of our excess toys and Katy thought I was talking about her sisters and was upset.  That was a good sign!  She does like her sisters and still wants them here!  They really are so much fun for me and, although I am tired, I am loving every minute with them.   Individually they are both very endearing and loving and, together I find their interaction so interesting and amusing.  They are so connected. I find that if I hold Camryn's hand or ask Camryn to do something then Courtney follows along.  Even walking into the house, if I only have one hand I'll take Camryn's then I don't have to worry about Courtney.   I hope to help that change one day but for now it's making two much easier.  Actually, the two of them are easier work wise then Katy ever has been on her own.  They play together and entertain each other which is very helpful when I have something I have to do.  Katy didn't have that and needed to be with me every second.  Sometimes, she's still like that!  

We're Not in Moscow anymore

We are so glad to be home.  All 3 girls are doing very well.  I wish I could say it was an uneventful trip home but, it wasn't.  A woman died on the plane about 2 hours out of Moscow and, as surprising as it was, we just kept going.  She was on the plane for 9 1/2 more hours!  There was an investigation after we landed which took a long time and was difficult with our little baby train.  But, we go through and emerged as a group of 6 US Citizens which was when I knew I could finally relax and we were truly done.  I still had a 2 1/2 hour drive and was exhausted but everything looked so pretty, clean and well-organized that I was excited about seeing things.  I've never thought that LA or So. Cal was very pretty around the main freeways but after having spent 5 weeks throughout the Urals in Russia, the US looks incredible.  Everything works and is clean and, the workmanship here is so good and solid while over there even the new buildings were done poorly.

But, more importantly, our friends and family were there to great us and it was so great to see everyone.  As soon as I had my 3 girls lined up in their car seats in the car, we took off.  Camryn immediately started  her excited chatter and Katy chimed in which lead Courtney in as well.  They were so cute together.  Then Katy asked for one of her favorite songs and when it came on they all 3 started rocking out to it.  Lots of fun!

Coming home was so great - so much home-cooked food, the house was all baby proofed and ready for the girls and me to settle in without having to do anything.  I'm always amazed at how lucky I am with my family which has been the driving factor in wanting more children.  I want my children to have what I have when they are adults and I hope they are so lucky to be able to get a long as well and be as helpful as we all do.   Katy was so happy to see everyone and introduce them to her sisters so it was really fun.  We had family and friends stopping by most of the day and, although initially I was concerned about over stimulation, etc., the girls handled everything so well and really enjoyed playing outdoors with the other kids.  They fit right in and were not shy at all with the kids.    I think they did really well and know that they are going to enjoy our friends and family as much as Katy and I do and visa versa.  

Courtney is like a different kid already.  Her coloring is better, she's eating food, drinking out of a sippy cup, smiling, playing, is friendly and happy.  I can't imagine what she will be like an a week or even a month.  Camryn was already doing all of those things and she is just so happy.  Tonight we were playing in the play room and Camryn decided she was tired.  There were 3 other adults in the room but she came to me and crawled up on me.  She laid on me for about 5 minutes and then fell asleep.  It was months before Katy would have done that even if I had been the only person in the room.  She'll do it now but she's so active that it's not often that she'll admit to being tired.  It was very sweet.

There's lots more to tell but I am still exhausted from the trip and need to sleep when I can.  I'll update more later on how the girls are doing . . . I love the response I get from the blog and the stories that it generates and the people I have met through it.  It's really added a whole new element to this adoption that I didn't have with Katy's and I can't wait for the girls to read it someday.   I have so many people to thank for things while I was gone and so much to catch up on that it's a little overwhelming.  Katy's back at school tomorrow so that will help free up a little time to start the process.   But for now, I have 3 sleeping girls so I must sleep too!

Signing off

Packing up the computer so I'm leaving you with some fun pics from the last 3 days . . .

Camryn in her new PJ's - very different then what she's used to!

Courtney, doing the twin thing

The end of a long day

Camryn Lynn

Figuring things out together (how to get those socks on right)

Our first moments together as a family in the lobby of the Park Inn in Ekaterinburg

The adventure begins

A very emotional day for Mimi

Ready to go

Courtney and Camryn arrive for their new clothes and the beginning of their new lives.

Katy (in flowered sweater) crashed her first Russian birthday party.  She fit right in and didn't care that none of the kids could understand her and they didn't seem to mind her either.  

Katy helping with luggage at the Park Inn by getting the cart

We're coming home

We had our appointment today at the embassy and it went fine.  Very efficient compared to 3 years ago.  There was a line outside in the cold but we didn't have to stand in it - it didn't seem any of the adoptive parents had to.  We were gone for 3 hours but it didn't feel like it.  Katy stayed at the hotel with Angela which was easy too as she was napping when we left.  The girls were also napping so I woke them, got them dressed and snuck out before Katy woke up, in fact, she slept for about an hour after we left.

Both girls did great while waiting for our turn.  Then during the 30 minutes it took between interview and receiving visas, Mimi took them to a play area for a while.  They played very well with the other kids and when I walked out they got up and walked toward me.   Mimi got to talk to lots of people adopting and she really enjoyed that.  Katy did fine while we were gone - seems to be used to it and I think she may secretly enjoy the quiet time on her own with Angela or Mimi.   

Right now Angela and Mimi are gone getting some take out food and I'm in the room with the 3 girls.  I decided to get some formula for Courtney and it's working wonders.  Jane got us one bottle and Camryn wants it to so we're having to share but Courtney is like a different kid now.  In fact, she just asked for more of it and drank another 5 ounces so things are looking up.  Camryn really likes it too but she's also eating baby food and doing well with that.  They don't have much interest in whole food but at least they're getting some nutrition right now.

We're being picked up tomorrow at 10:30 AM and then we're on the way home.  It should be a good and fast trip home - one 12.5 hour flight then a 2 1/2 hour drive.  Easy compared to what we've been doing. 

Both girls are playing right now and Katy occasionally plays with them.  At the moment she's watching TV and I just got done giving more formula to them.  They want to go to bed but I'm keeping them up a little while longer and then all 3 will go down.  Their last night in Russia. 

So, this is my last adoption blog and, like Carla, I will update on how the girls are doing once we get home.  I've heard that you can print your blog and save them for the children so I'm going to look into doing that.  Please add any comments soon so they can enjoy them when they're older.

 It's been almost 11 months getting to this point but by tomorrow afternoon Camryn & Courtney will be US Citizens!

  

Random trip pics . . .

croc at circus

Waiting for 2 cars to pick us up at our flat in Ekat and take us to Park Inn

Our luggage - this plus 3 kids!

Katy and Camryn

Katy's first train ride

Boarding the train for Chelyabinsk

September 26th - off to court 

We only saw packs of wild dogs in Ekat - none on leashes - but we did find this leashed rabbit

Katy showing off pictures of her sisters at her orphanage (Sasha on far right)

Learning to play together

Handing out presents

Sisters first meeting

 - Katy at LAX departing for Ekat - not your typical Russian traveller!

1st Day in Ekaterinburg - it was very cold!