It's hard to believe that we've been home 1 year! We remember being in Ukraine like it was yesterday!
I wanted to post about all 3 kids -- letting you know how they are doing and any interesting things that have happened throughout the year. In the beginning, it was rough. The language barrier and the chaos of adding 3 to our family was a little much. However, we made it through and are REALLY enjoying our life. We can't imagine life any differently!
Enjoy...
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Our first year with Elijah
Elijah has been the biggest surprise! At the orphanage, he seemed troubled and reserved.Elijah at the orphanage 2008
When he left the orphanage with us, he was very concerned about taking care of his sister and brother.
Since he's learned English, it's been wonderful to see him develop! He's able to be a young boy again. No responsibilities with taking care of the family. We made it very clear that mom and dad will take care of everyone -- you could see the relief in him! He also has been able to enjoy the sense of security by KNOWING we are his forever family!
Since being with us, Elijah has grown 3 inches and put on some weight! He loves to lift weight and exercise with dad, play sports with dad, play video games with dad -- really, anything with dad will do!
Elijah played baseball for the first time in his life this past fall. He is really interested in football and we may let him play next year. He is also involved with Cub Scouts. He's already been on his first camping trip and loved it! He was able to do all the things he likes -- camping, fishing, shooting.
Elijah is enjoying school, although he thinks he has way too much homework. It's difficult for him because he is so far behind everyone. We work with him regularly and he has had great teachers at South-Western. He loves to draw and write books. He also loves Spiderman and most super heroes.
He is a great help to mom around the house -- carrying groceries, cleaning, raking leaves, etc. And he helps dad quite a bit with the car and maintenance projects around the house.
He is a very loving boy and great fun to have in our family!
September 2009
Our first year with Annaleise
Remember Annaleise's hair bows? She's still as particular about her hair, but doesn't insist on wearing these crazy ribbons.Annaleise at the orphanage
For the first few months, she wore the fancy hair scrunchies on her wrists as bracelets. She is still very much a girly-girl. She loves necklaces, bracelets, and rings. She occasionally gets into my lip gloss, too!
Annaleise has grown 2 inches since being with us and has moved up 1 clothing size. She is just now starting to eat good portions of food. It's not that she isn't hungry, she just prefers items with sugar. At the top of the list is ice cream, candy, and cake.
She is a drama queen -- wanting to be in control and the boss of all things! Not only does she boss her brothers, but she and mom have small power struggles regularly! When she was told that she could eat 1 piece of candy after dinner, she got mad and said "If I have to wait until after dinner, I'm going to eat 2 pieces!" Although I'm sure this will not be so funny as she gets older, we get a good laugh at some of the things she comes up with.
Annaleise is doing great in school. She has a BFF and is really interested in doing well every day.
She loves our cat, Madison -- but blames Madison for all things that she does wrong. Annaleise has blamed Madison for chewing on her toes at night (Annaleise likes to pick at her toenails and would make them too short!). When Madison tries to escape Annaleise and scratches her to get away, Annaleise says that Madison jumped into bed with her and wrestled with her during the night! And it goes on and on... :)
Annaleise loves to cuddle with her mom and wrestle/tickle with her dad!
September 2009
Our first year with Jeremy
Jeremy is such a treat! He has a great personality -- very social and loving. I would say his favorite thing to do is TALK! He can speak with anyone nonstop! This sometimes gets him in trouble at school...Jeremy is very happy and you will rarely see him without a smile. He loves race cars, spiders, and super heroes! His English is great and most people cannot hear an accent.
Jeremy at the orphanage.
He has grown 2 inches since being with us and has increased 1 whole size in clothes. He loves to eat hamburgers, Ramon noodles, pop tarts, and ice cream. We do manage to put some healthy items in there too :)
It's fun to hear Jeremy talk. One of the first songs he learned was "The Itsy Bitsy Spider", although Jeremy sings it "The Itchy Itchy Spider". He loves apple slider (cider), his stuffed bear he named Steve, and going to the park!
Jeremy Oct. 2009
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
First day of school
Annaleise, Elijah and Jeremy loved their first day of school! Elijah is in 3rd and Annaleise and Jeremy are both in 1st (different teachers this year).
Elijah's first baseball game
This is Elijah's first time playing baseball. He's on the Pirate's team and has played all outfield positions, second base, short stop, and catcher. His first time up to bat he hit a single. He's still learning the game, and has a great time playing!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Franklin County, Ohio Adoption
We had our court date today in Franklin County. We now will get Ohio birth certificates for all 3. Pictured with us is our good friend Jayne :)
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