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!!!!