I’ve decided I need to record everything Reed says because it’s so funny.
In the bathroom, after a nap and talking to Lena about what she wanted to eat for a snack: Me: “Reed, do you want a snack? Like cheese or tomatoes?” R: “NO THANKS!” Me: “Do you need to go potty?” R: “NO THANKS!”
Discussing movie time: Me: “I think it’s Lena’s turn to pick out the movie.” R: “YAYYYYY!” Me: “You really like it when she picks out the movies?” R: “YES!”
At bedtime: Me: “I love you.” R: “Yes” (me laughing) R: (points at me) “YOU GOT IT!”
On a walk: R:”MAMAAAAA! A SNAKE!!!!!!!! Me: “Um, Reed, that’s a worm.”
Whew, we had a fun weekend! Our favorite Arizonans were in town. The McCoys, of course! We first met them in Ukraine and we had a nice lunch with them. I’ve always felt like we connected well with them. Both Kelly and Tori have been always very encouraging for us,when we’ve had some struggles. And, of course, Alina, Ilya and Lena are all buddies from the same baby house. We were so excited when we found out that they were coming into town, and we all just had a blast. Of course, the McCoy family also includes their 3 older boys. These three are just fantastic. They are such sweet boys, and wonderful with our kids. Carson especially had Lena’s heart and I think he might understand her Lena language better than I do!
I just love these three together. I’d say that Lena might have been more into Alina’s brothers than Alina herself, but they did all play together. Reed and Alina really seem to enjoy playing together. He was shy at first and then quickly warmed up and was yelling her name across the playground.
I also love being able to build a relationship with other adoptive families, especially in the case of kids who were together in the orphanage. We have so much to talk about. It’s also so cool to see a girl who I prayed for and so desperately wanted to find a family doing so well in her family. It’s hard to believe how far the three of them have come in the last several months.
McCoys, thanks for visiting and come back soon! We miss you already!
Playing “crocodile” with Papa:”No, don’t get her! She’s my sister! SHE’S MY SISTER!” (I think that’s the first time he’s ever called her that without being prompted.)
Out for a walk, talking about the sun: “I’m gonna climb, work really fast, open it up and put a geocache inside. I think the dogs cry if they go to the sun. Do you cry if you go to the sun, mama?”
We’ve been home for six months today… woo hoo! Life has changed so much. It’s hard to see the progress all the time, but they’ve grown so much.
First night in their new home.
First whole day home… Christmas!
Seriously, I can’t believe we survived the last 6 months. At certain times, at least.
Taken a month ago, enjoying their first ice cream cones.
So far today, we’ve had a really good day. Actually, it’s been laughably ridiculous with crazy drivers and the stroller nearly rolling down the side of the levee. But, for the three of us, it’s been a good day.
Aaron had a talk with Reed (which Reed himself has decided he wants to be called with no pressure from us) and Lena, yesterday about the different kinds of people– family (describing the four of us), relatives, friends and strangers. He talked about how they need to check with us before interacting with strangers, etc. I always roll my eyes a bit. These conversations are usually about something I’ve told Aaron we struggled with during the day. And he’ll talk to them or just one of them, depending on what it was, and I see no improvement the next day. So I’m a bit jaded. Well, my mom paid a cleaning lady to come to our house today (thanks, mom!). We hadn’t met her before. Reed turns to me after seeing her and says “Mommy, can I say hi?” I am so impressed! He remembered and came up with the words to ask me! He also is usually painfully shy and just stares at new people, so this was great progress from both angles.
I watched some Christine Moers videos last night… such a good refresher course on parenting. My favorite and the one I tried out with my kids today, was this:
I tried it today… it works. I was shocked, but whispering to my kids made them focus on me even more. Eye contact and all. We were in the parking lot at the grocery store and I was trying to get Lena in her car seat. Reed was being a space cadet and starting to walk behind the car. In my usual stern, moderate voice, “Reed, I need you to listen to me. Reed, I need you to listen to me.” And then I tried the whisper, “Reed I need you to listen to me (turns towards me and looks at me) and stay close to the car. ” “Okay.” I’m sold.
a moose in moscow 