Happy Happy Holidays!!

It has almost a whole year since we first layed eyes on Deonna. It seems like only yesterday. The memories of that time are still so vivid in my mind. This cold weather reminds me even more. Deonna is so excited for Christmas and all that comes with it. She is not only excited about getting things but giving too and I am so happy about that. She doesn't remember Christmas at all. She loves candy canes and parades. She loves everything that is new to her and it always puts a smile on my face. She is doing much better in school, but hates homework. A typical child! Also, my son, Chris, will be home in less than two weeks and I can't wait. I haven't seen him in over 4 months! I have never went that long without seeing any of my children! I miss him so much! I have so much to be thankful for this year. Everyone is healthy. My entire family will be home. The new house is going great. My photography work is growing. Who could ask for anything more. I thank God for everything and everyone in my life. I wish the same for everyone! Happy Holiday and God bless!!

Fibro-what!!!!!

It has been so long since I have written. Time goes by so fast.
Deonna is doing much better in school. She can actually read fairly well and is learning her numbers also. She is still a little behind most of the children in her class but not all. She has improved greatly on hugging strangers. That isn't a problem anymore. She has become a tad bit bossy and is trying to talk back also. Note that I said trying to talk back. I am stopping that before it even gets started. She still tends to be a little rough with other children. She isn't trying to hurt them she just gets so excited. We continue to work on this daily. She has also started pouring on the tears when she knows she is in trouble. Girls are drama queens! The boys are still gone and I miss them so much. Corey will be home next Thursday and Chris will be done with basic training on the 31st and straight to Arizona for him until Christmas. We are planning on flying out to see him during Thanksgiving. I can't wait. I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia last week. I have been feeling exhausted for about a month now but I can't sleep. The pain in my body is unlike any pain I've ever had. I have had fourteen surgeries in the past so I know pain but this is different. The doctor prescribed some muscle relaxers but they make me so sleepy. I slept for almost fifteen hours!!! I guess I needed to get some rest but I can't do that and take care of Dee. So my plan is to cut the pill into four and try that first. Please pray for me. I need alot of energy to keep up with a little one. I have also started doing some photography again. I have four photo shoots this weekend. I am very excited about that. God bless!!

Bittersweet

School is getting better. Deonna is doing so well. Her teacher says she is so sweet and very eager to please. She is supposed to be able to recognize the entire alphabet by now but we are working at our own pace and she can recognize most and I am very pleased with the school and the teachers. She is taking speech and working with an ESL teacher four days a week. She has learned so much in the short time she has been home. She is one of the most loving children. Her sense of humor cracks me up. As for the boys, it seems as if they have been gone forever. Corey will be home on October 24 and Chris graduates from basic training on October 30th but leaves immediatley for Arizona until Christmas. It is so hard when you have to let your children go. I want them to be little again. I am very proud of them. Please pray for them and every soldier and also for every child to find their forever family.

School, Scissors and Soldiers

Can you say panic attack?! I have been close to one all week. School is hard!! She is expected to recognize the letters ABCDE in upper and lowercase and know the words I,am,dog and cat. All of this in three days! Might not sound like much but to her it is. Good grief. What happened to learning your colors and shapes in Kindergarten. It has been a while. My boys are almost nineteen but things have really changed. I am trying to keep a positive attitude but it's hard. I feel bad for her. She gets so frustrated. And to top it all off, she is having her pictures taken by a great photographer here in town tomorrow and what does she go and do? She cut her hair!! Right in the front! I couldn't believe it. She has had scissors for seven months and knew the rules and decides to cut it the day before her pictures. I can't reschedule or I lose my deposit and it was quite a bit. I called my hairdresser and she tried to cut her some longer bangs to hide the short ones. Help!!!
As for the boys, they are both gone now and I hate it. I haven't talked to Chris but once in a week. Corey is able to call about every three days. It's still not the same. I know it's hard for them too. I am proud of them but I miss them so much.
Please pray for all of the soldiers and for all of the parents who have children in Kindergarten!!

Beach, school and goodbyes

We are finally home! Deonna loved the beach. No fear at all. She would have stayed all day everyday if we could have. She was such a good girl. She loved my mom's pool and she slept late every morning!! I was very happy about that. She was very excited about eating shark at Aunt Catfish. Yum Yum!! The plane ride went great. If only it would have been that easy from Ukraine!
She had her Kindergarten orientation and testing. Everything went great. She will only go one day next week then start on a regular schedule after that. She is very excited. I am not as worried as I thought I would be. I know all of the teachers very well and I know she is ready.
Last, but not least, my boys are gone!! One is in the National Guard and he left on Sunday for eleven weeks. The other joined the Army and he leaves on Sunday and he will not be home until Christmas. I am so sad!! They both had college paid for and decided to do this. Don't get me wrong, I am very proud of them. But my heart is breaking!! I will miss them both so much!! I know they are having a hard time. Being twins, they have a bond that is unreal. Please pray for them and all of the soldiers!! God bless!!

Changes

Tomorrow is an exciting day! Deonna is taking her first plane ride since leaving Ukraine and we are headed to the beach!!! She is so excited! She truly believes we will see a mermaid. She has been talking about the beach for over a month. I can't wait to see her face when she sees the ocean. We are going with two other couples who are dear friends to us and we are looking forward to it. On the flipside, my youngest "twin" has decided to join the Army. He is almost nineteen but he had a fully paid scholarship to a great college, dorm included and four hundred dollars a month living expenses but decided to join the Army instead. Go figure. Don't get me wrong. I am very proud of him. I really am. But I wish he would stay here with me. My heart is broken. He leaves on August 12th. My other twin son is in the National Guard and he leaves on August 3rd for 12 weeks. I am going to go crazy missing them so bad. They are still my babies too and I want them to be safe. Deonna isn't going to understand where they are going. She does start school on August 4th. Some big changes coming my way! Pray I make it!

First day we met

Ms. Bossy

It has been so long since I've posted!!! I can't believe it. My parents are home for the summer from Florida. I have been spending time with them. I also took one of my sons and three of his friends to Florida for graduation. I also took my best friend and we stayed for a week. It was great!! Deonna stayed at home with her Papa and Booshka. I did miss her but I needed some time with my son also. My other son wasn't able to go because of his job. Deonna has changed so much. She doesn't even look like the same child we adopted six months ago. Her english is great. She is an excellent swimmer. She has no fear of the water at all. We swim almost every day. We have a beach trip planned for the third week of July and she can't wait. She truly believes she will find a mermaid. She is still obsessed with anything princess. She turned six a few weeks ago and we had a birthday party for her with family at a local park. She was so happy. We had celebrated other birthday parties since she had been home and she was ready for hers. She is having some listening problems lately. She seems to think she knows everything and she also wants things done exactly when she wants them done. We have been working on this but it isn't improving too much. I guess I am going to have to be a little more strict with her for a while. Don't get me wrong, she is a very well behaved child. She doesn't throw temper tantrums or anything like that. She just doesn't seem to hear you when you tell her to not do something or to wait for a minute. We have to get this corrected before the school year or she will be in big trouble. I do enjoy every minute with her. She is a sweet and loving little girl. God bless!!!

Flashlights Rule!!

Deonna is now going to bed on her own. We read a couple of books and after that she has a princess flashlight that she uses to look at the books after we turn out the light. She is so cute. She is usually asleep in ten to fifteen minutes. I believe she feels safe now. Her english is amazing. She doesn't remember her first language. Only mishka, kookla and Booshka. She is taking speech once a week and is doing great. She also started swimming lessons a few weeks ago. She loves it. She did fall in yesterday but I didn't panic and neither did she. She just jumped in again when it was her turn. She loves to play Go Fish. We are trying to teach her that it is okay to lose. lol But, boy, when she wins she does a major happy dance. My mom and Dad finally met her a few weeks ago. She acted like she has known them forever. They think she's perfect, of course. I am excited for what the future holds. All I will say is that I find myself missing bits of Ukraine. A kind of yearning to return. My husband does too. Like I said, who knows?

First trip to the zoo

We made our first trip to the zoo today. It's about an hour and a half drive from our home. We went with Booshka and my sister and her kids. We had so much fun. Deonna loved the animals. She kept looking for Horton (elephant). She was happy when she saw them but she was a little disappointed that he didn't have his "speck." She love the butterfly garden. Butterflies would land on you and stay. It wasn't crowded and the weather was perfect. She was amazed at all of the animals. She is so curious about everything. I love watching her explore new things and loving every minute of it. We have been talking with her about laying down by herself at night but she cries and gets really upset. I feel that she is ready but she will not have any part of it. I told her we will start in a few days. I hope it works. God bless!!

Bittersweet

My!! Has it really been almost a month since I last posted?! Time gets away from me!! I wonder why? I am devastated to read the blogs from families in Ukraine who are not receiving good referrals. The children are there!! It seems so crazy and unfair. I will continue to pray for everyone and for the children who are being left without great families all in the name of money!!!!
Okay!! Enough of that. Everyone here at home is doing fine. Deonna continues to improve in her language and cognitive development daily. She is a master at the scissors and loves to draw now. Even things that are recognizable now. She loves school. We bought her a mini trampoline with the safety netting and she loves it. She needs some help in her gross motor skills and she is getting braver. Our next goal will be to pedal a bike and swing. She loves music and will sing her heart out with any song. Even if she doesnt know the words she pretends to. It is so sweet. Easter was great. Some friends of mine who have children her age went egg hunting with us. She actually went on three egg hunts that day. She had a blast.
Back to the adoptions again. I cant get it off my mind. I check the peoples blogs daily and hold my breath and pray. Please pray for these families and children. God bless!!!

Many blessings!!

I can't believe it has been so long since I blogged. The days go by so fast. I wonder why!!?? Deonna is continuing to do great. She loves school and her english is improving daily. She speaks mostly english now all the time. She has been trying to figure out the "Easter" thing. She loves to hide the eggs and find them. But she tells her cousins where she hid them.lol She is so excited about her easter dress. She calls it her Cinderella dress. She is more interested in coloring and doing some worksheets on letters now than before. She is so tenderhearted. She cries while watching Disney movies. She cries everytime on Beauty and the Beast and The Fox and the Hound. It's as if she's watching it for the first time everytime. She is trying many more foods now. I think we've had one boiled egg in a couple of weeks so that is a major accomplishment. I still wish she wouldn't hug everybody she meets. We are still working on that. I am excited to read that a few other bloggers have accepted rerferals and are very happy. But, I am so sad for the few who did not get good referals and it didn't work out for them. I pray for these families and for the healthy children I know are there. May God continue to bless every family and child.

No castle!!!

The days are flying by. If they could have only went as fast while we were in Ukraine. Deonna is doing great. She uses very little Ukraine language now. She does have a small speech problem. She cant pronounce the letter R,M or V. We are going to meet with a speech teacher soon. She is doing good in school. Of course, she's way behind the other children in her class, but the social skills are improving and she is more interested in books and coloring than before. She did get a sad face on her paper today for telling the gym teacher no. We talked to her about listening to her teachers and we took her "castle" away for the day and she couldn't watch her new Beauty and the Beast movie tonite. She wasnt happy about either one. Hopefully, tomorrow will be better. She is also eating more foods than before. We can actually go for two or three days with no eggs!!! That is huge!! God Bless!!!

Blessed Day

Today was the best day yet. First of all, Deonna loves school. She is so sassy when she walks in that school. Her backpack is bigger than she is. She talks about her friends and the teacher says she is doing great. She loves ballet also. She practices at home and loves any movie with dancing in it. Cinderella and Barbie Swan Lake is her favorites. She knows so much english now. She says, "Are you ready, Momma?" She knows big and little. Boy and Girl, School bus, red, purple, blue, I could go on and on. I am so happy for her. She saw some pictures of the orphanage tonite and she couldnt stop talking about it. She acted like she was excited to be able to talk to us and we could understand her. She told us about a few of the children who peed in the bed and got spankings and had to wash. She pointed out one of the caregivers and I called her Momma E. and she looked at me funny and said No, You Momma. My heart melted. I am now her Momma!!! She is so loving and sweet. The Lord has truly blessed us. Good luck to all you soon to be parents and God bless!!!

Gaining Strength

I havent't posted in a while due to the fact that I was terribly sick. I mean salmonella sick. I truly thought I might die. I couldn't believe it. I go to the Ukraine and try to be so careful about getting sick due to the bathroom facilities and water and then 5 weeks after I get home I get salmonella from Cracker Barrell! Go figure!!!! I was in the hospital for four nights and had to leave all the nightly responsibilities to poor Kev. He did a good job though. I missed Deonna so much and thougth that she was probably very confused. I was just another Momma who had left and wasn't coming back. It broke my heart. When I did get home she was happy to see me and I recieved my first kiss and hug for no reason and without asking yesterday. My heart is full!!! She has started ballet and loves it but she starts her first half day of school without me tomorrow. She seems very excited. We got her backpack and snack ready tonite and she was so proud. I know she misses being around other children and she will do great. I'm not sure about me though. She is only going three days a week for four hours a day. Not too bad. Everyday her english gets better and better. She seems to understand everything we say. Pray for a great day tomorrow. God bless!!!

Making headway

Today was a great day. We decided to stay at home and Deonna was fine with that for a change. She is such a little helper. We baked bread and pizza today. She is so proud to tell her Poppa when he comes home that she cooked. She also started writing something on paper, well it was actually scribble, but at least she tries. She proceeded to tell me what it said. I told her I didn't understand and she started to use hand motions to explain. She was showing me what she did to me yesterday at the restaraunt and she told me she was sorry. I wanted to cry. She also said that she doesn't tell mommy no or smack mommy. This was a major breakthrough. She showed her Poppa later and told him the same thing. I think she is figuring this authority thing out. I just hope it lasts. Also, tonite, Kev and I decided that he wouldn't lie down with us tonite and she was a little upset at first but was okay after a minute or two. I am thinking of letting her go to bed on her own soon. I'm not sure about it or not. If anyone has any suggestions on this, please let me know. God bless!

First day of school

Today was the first day of school. I stayed with her and she did really well. She joined right in with the other children at centers and sat somewhat still while on the carpet for story time. I only hope she will do as well when I'm not there. I truly believe she will. She has talked about her drooks-friends all day. Typical girl, cares about her friends instead of school. She has to wear a uniform on Mondays only. I'm not sure who was more scared this morning, me or her!? We did have a little meltdown after school. Kevin and I took her to eat, which we have done quite a few times and she has done great, but today wasn't too great. She decided to start misbehaving and I warned her two or three times that I was going to take her to the car. I guess she did't believe me. When I picked her up to leave, she started screaming, very very loud. I didn't let this stop me. I marched her right out of there. I was a little surprised when she started to somewhat choke me while in the lobby, but this did't stop me either. I am one tough cookie. My husband would call that stubborn. She did get in big trouble when we got to the car. She was so mad at me. When we made it home in one piece, Kev and I talked to her about what she did and what the consequences would be. Later that day, I took her to the mall to exchange some things and she started to get rowdy again, but one mention of the car and leaving was all it took. My plan for tomorrow is to stay at home. We will practice our ballet and schoolwork a little then lots and lots of loving!!! God bless!

Too many parties!!!

Yesterday was crazy!! Deonna had another welcome home party in the afternoon. If anyone buys her one more purse I think I might hurt someone. I think our total comes to 26 now. She even says, Too much, Mommy." Of course, this is said with a smile.lol I am very thankful to everyone and all the wonderful gifts and kind words. After her party, we decided to go to my niece's 13th birthday party at 7:00 which was being held at Skate Fun. Deonna did have so much fun skating and the music, but it was a little too much for momma and poppa. Too many people and worried that she may wonder off. She isn't scared of anyone. So we left a little early and came on home. We were excited to think that she may sleep a little late this morning since her bedtime is usually 8:00 and it was 9:30 before she went to sleep. Boy, were we wrong. She must have an internal clock because at 7:10 she was up and ready to go. So that has made the decision for us. She will always go to bed at 8:00, period!!! She is doing great and my heart is full. Ballet is tomorrow and I can't wait to see her dance!!! God Bless!!!!

Beautiful Ballerina

As I said in the last blog, Deonna is starting ballet Monday. The instructor said that she would order her an outfit next week, but I couldn't resist, and went ahead and bought her one for now. She wanted to wear it, of course, so we let her and I couldn't believe it. We played some soft music and she danced as if she has been dancing forever. She has such grace and determination. I couldn't help but cry. They were tears of joy but also of sadness. I see the potential in her for so many things and I know in my heart that none of that would have even been a possibility if she was left in that orphanage. I could have let her dance all night. My heart still breaks for those children left and their little faces are in my mind and heart forever. I will continue to pray for them and hope that they find their forever family soon. But, for now, all I can do is to give everything I can to Deonna and pray that she reaches her dreams and beyond. Keep dancing!!

Ouch, Mommy!!

Today was shot day. We decided to get them all at one time and get it over with. She had a total of six shots-two in each leg and one in each arm. Ouch!! She wasn't too happy at the time,who would be, but she forgave the nurse right away and wasn't mad at me or Kevin. That is a huge step for her. She was in a little pain at bedtime so I think she will probably be up throughout the night. I hope not but who knows. We have decided to do the school thing. I think she will enjoy being around the other children and it is such a great school. She also starts ballet Monday afternoon. I know she will love it because she loves music and dancing. I am excited for her. Good luck to anyone who is adopting. Have faith and it will happen!!! Keep the prayers coming.

This is huge!!!

A huge accomplishment was made today. Deonna actually ate peas and corn on the cob!!! This may sound like a small thing to some people but I am thrilled. Now tomorrow is another story. She has to get her shots. Six I believe. Ouch!!! Neither of us are too happy about that. She is such a loving child. I am debating on putting her in a four hour-two day a week program at a private school. I think this would prepare her for school this fall and I can tell that she misses being around children. She had been in an orphanage her entire life so I feel that she would be happy to go. I am meeting with the school director and teachers on Tuesday and will pray for guidance before I make my decision. I want to protect her and I know I can when she is with me but going to school without me is scary, for me!!! Maybe I can pay tuition and go with her. It's a thought.
A quick word of wisdom on what to take with you to Ukraine: Board games They would fit easily in the bottom of a suitcase and I would have loved to have had scrabble or monopoly to help pass the hours and days. Also, movies for your laptop. Also, if you like peanut butter, take some. You can't find it there and sometimes the meat doesn't look too appealing. It would have been great to make a quick sandwich sometimes. As for books, I would take plenty. You can't find english books so leave room for those. I read The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet. It is a long, long book but very good. You can't find ziploc baggies at all. I took plenty. They come in handy for everything. Also, not too bad of an idea to put them over your shoes when you go to the toilet on the trains. Yuck!!!!
God Bless!!!

Our Journey

This blog stuff is new to me but thought I would give it a shot.
We traveled to Ukraine on November 27 to adopt our daughter. I have to say that I thought I was prepared for the trip but, boy, was I wrong!!!
First, are airplanes shrinking? I mean, I am fairly short but their didn't seem to be enough room for my legs. Just a thought. Also, the arrival in Kiev was a little scary for me. The customs agents scared me a little. They told us to fill out this form and every time we would give it to them they would give it back with a little "huff" and tell us it wasn't right. Little did they know that for almost a year,we had been working on paperwork to get us to this country in the first place and one little sheet of paper wasn't going to stop me now. Determination, people!!!! After getting through customs, we went through two double doors and spotted our names on a card being held by an older man. Next thing I know, we are practically at a running pace following this man to his car. That's when we realized our first and biggest mistake. Too much luggage!!! My husband's mother made the journey with us and we barely had enough room in the car for our luggage. We had three large suitcases, two small suitcases a laptop and two carry-ons. lol I didnt realize how brave I was until about halfway through the ride when I realized that I was in a car with a complete stranger in a foreign country and no idea where I was going. Either brave or stupid, but if you are adopting, then you know what I mean when I say nothing will stand in your way. So my first bit of advice for you if you are planning on traveling to adopt soon, pack light. We ended up shipping two large suitcases back home. You can make it on one small suitcase each. Trust me, when you are lugging those things through narrow aisles on the train at two in the morning, you will wish you had left those extra sweaters at home. Here is what I would take if I go again.
Three sweaters with a short sleeved shirt to wear underneath, two pair of pants, a couple pair of underwear and socks and one pair of pajamas. You can but detergent at the market and wash your clothes in the tub or sink. Trust me, you will have plenty of time on your hands so you will look forward to a few chores.
Sorry, I tend to ramble at times.
The apartment wasn't too bad. It was clean and had a comfortable bed. No american television but I could think of worse things. I was a little surprised to be dropped off at around 5:00 pm and told that we would be meeting our contact, who I will refer to as K, in two days. So here we are again, alone, with no food, water, maps, nothing. I couldn't believe it. We were exhausted but we bundled up and off we went in search of food. we stumbled upon a market and proceeded to try and buy water and bread. It wasn't easy. I don't speak Ukrainian. So here is my next bit of advice: make sure you ask for water with no gas. trust me on this one. Also, butter is masla and juice is solk. You can actually point to most of the things at the markets and they will get it for you. The food is really good and fresh. I do actually miss that. Their is also a great pizza place on the street that takes you to the NAC. The name of it is The Fish House. I promise, the pizza and calzones are to die for. Also, another italian restaraunt across the street and to the right from the NAC is delicious. Okay, enough about food.
We met with K and had our appointment. We were a little surprised to see only five children and were told that most were not healthy. But let me say this first, go with your heart not what they tell you. Everything we were told about our daughter wasn't true at all. We were not met with open arms, let me assure you of that. The children in this orphange were all healthy and lovely. But after arriving there we were told it was a home for special needs children. A little unclear of why that was said? I would have taken two other little girls home if they would have let me. Also, two italian couples and one american couple were there at the same time and everyone went home with healthy children. So, like I said, don't believe everything you're told.
We were able to visit our daughter everyday and she is so much like me that it amazes me daily. We have been home for three weeks now and everyday gets easier. She is learning english so fast. She is on more of a schedule now and seems to do better with that. She goes to bed around 7:45 and wakes around 7:00 or 7:30. She has gotten up two to three times the past few nights to go potty. I believe the reason she is getting up is to come and make sure we are still here. She still needs reassurance of this but it is getting less everyday. She is starting to try a few more foods now but I still wish she would eat something green besides a cucumber. Any suggestions on this would be greatly appreciated.
For anyone planning on adopting from the Ukraine, I would be happy to help with any questions that I can. Please keep us in your prayers and know that God will bring you to your child. BELIEVE!!!!