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.