Kyrgyz/Russian Playdate

I have had great intentions to do a post on the playdate with our Kyrgyz/Russian friends but I've been too busy enjoying these beautiful summer days. Although the other families blogged about it soon after we got together (I'm such a slacker), I still wanted to do a post for my end-of-the-year compilation.
Three weeks ago this family was coming to our area so we decided to plan a playdate with several other families that also have little girls from Kyrgyzstan and little boys from Russia.
We met Rachel and kids and Maria and family at the zoo. It's funny because so many people raise eyebrows when we say we're meeting up with "online friends", but we have met these families several times before so it feels like we're old friends. We have so much in common and I think we'd get together all the time if we lived closer together. Heck, we've known Rachel for almost 3 years now! Her daughter Scarlett is from Tokmok Kyrgzstan (like HotDog). She is actually the one that referred us to the Kyrgyz program so she holds a very special place in our hearts. And her little boy, Alex, is from Astrakhan Russia (just like our boys). The boys hit it off as soon as we arrived - Alex and Chipmunk were inseparable for much of the day. I think they had more fun playing with each than even looking at the animals. HD, however, was fussy and clingy - definitely not acting like her normal happy self. I think she was irritated she had to be in the stroller and not walk independently like Scarlett; however it was just way too crowded for me to keep on eye on the boys and try to follow her too. Maria and family soon met up with us and we headed to the waterpark. Although it was a very cool day, the kids had a blast. Ellie wasn't quite sure of the water but HD couldn't get enough of it. She squealed with delight at the shooting water and fountains.
We followed that with lunch while the kids ran off some energy at the playground. Soon enough, Ellie and HD decided they had enough and both took a nap in their strollers. It was nice as I could let the boys look at the exhibits and catch up with Maria.

The three Astrakhan boys

HD loving the Splash Park

My two cold boys

Sleeping Beauties

The Kyrgz girls (this shot pretty much describes the day)

We went our separate ways for some downtime before meeting up with Maria and family for a late supper. Stu was able to join us for that and he was so excited to see Ellie and Josh again. HD and Ellie sat in side-by-side highchairs and it was so cute to see them together, although HD kept stealing all of Ellie's food. Maria cracked up as she witnessed HD's "happy dance" (HD does a little dance in her highchair whenever she eats). She even came up with a little song about it which we sing to her anytime she eats now.

The proud Daddies

If you're happy and you know, clap your hands!

HD was ready to go home


The next day we headed to Waterfront Park with Rachel and Maria again. We were also joined by this family, who have a little boy from Russia and a little girl from Kyrgzystan. I was so happy they could make the trip and my boys were so excited to see C again. I think the kids all had a great time although it was a little stressful for the adults, as the park was crowded with daycare groups and I'm a little paranoid since it's right on the river. The boys were running around acting like Monkeys and Scarlett, Ellie and AP were having lots of fun too. HD, again, was very fussy and not at all sociable; she ended up being diagnosed with bronchitis the next day so poor thing wasn't feeling good at all.

The Russian boys

The Kyrgyz girls

Don't they look like trouble?!?

My Monkey

We grabbed a quick lunch and then headed to the Louisville Slugger Museum. I had never been and it was a good tour but my kiddos were exhausted. They loved the free mini-baseball bats handed out at the end and immediately began to play "swords" with them. And I about fell over when the tour guide handed HD a bat too. Who in the world hands a 15-month-old a hard baseball bat?? I know I had an incredulous look on my face and he simply said, "Everyone that takes the tour gets one." Within two seconds she had whopped herself on the head and I had to take it away. Of coure, that made her furious so we said some quick goodbyes and headed home.
We had such a great time. I am still amazed at how many wonderful friendships we've made during our adoption journeys. I love it that our kids know others that share their heritage and can hopefully maintain that friendship as they grow older.

Fourth of July Fun

Family, food, fireworks...fun!
Despite a rainy day that cancelled the big fireworks display, the kids still enjoyed hanging out with their cousins and playing with sparklers. And of course, it gave me a great opportunity to show off several of HotDog's festive outfits. Have I mentioned how fun it is to dress a little girl?!?

Modeling outfit #1


Trying her first icecream cone


I think she likes it!


My little pyromaniac had to have two sparklers at all times.


Chipmunk is a little more cautious


And the obligatory swimsuit shot


Hope everyone had a great July 4th!

Long Overdue

I know, I know..it's been so long since I have posted. I have no good excuse for my absence; between end-of-school activities, soccer season, Derby, vacation bible school, doctors appointments and just general daily life, I don't have a lot of free time and my poor blog has suffered. I was going to try to do a catch-up post but I'm afraid that would be impossible after 2 1/2 months. I'll have to settle for some highlights and promise to be a better blogger in the future.
The kiddos are doing fabulous.
I find it so hard to believe that Chipmunk is 6 1/2 years old! It seems as though overnight he has turned into a full-fledged boy,
He just completed kindergarten and is so excited to begin first grade in August. He had a fantastic year. I was lucky enough to volunteer in his classroom once a week and was able to get to know his classmates. Chipmunk seemed to form some really strong friendships so I hope we can continue those even though they may be in different classes. It is amazing to observe him growing up right before our eyes. He is becoming quite independent and is starting to develop his opinions on a variety of issues. He is full of questions and I find myself limiting him to 5 questions at a time, otherwise I would spend the majority of my time trying to answer his many questions. Academically he is thriving. He is reading at a 3rd grade level, is able to do some addition and subtraction and just LOVES to learn. He was invited to a Red Carpet Night at the end of the school year, which honored students for good behavior and decision making. Such a proud moment for us.

My little star on the red carpet

The big kindergartener


The Monkey is having a fantastic summer. He plays outside morning, noon and night and is thrilled that Chipmunk is home all day so they can "play big boy stuff". He is the funniest kid I've ever met and cracks us up all day long. While he drives us crazy some of the time, it's impossible to stay upset with him once he flashes his mischevious little smile. I guess I still tend to baby him a bit since he was my little guy for so long, but he's recently started to tell me repeatedly that he is "not a little boy; he's a medium boy";) He recently finished up the 4-year-old program at school and should be going to kindergarten in the fall. However, we've made the decision to hold him back for another year; he is so smart but he's the smallest and youngest child in his class and still needs time to mature socially/emotionally before moving on. I think he will thrive with another year of preschool under his belt and I'm relieved I don't have to send him to all-day school yet.

My "medium boy" with his obsession - trains!

My little fish


What can I say about our HotDog? She is such a sweetheart! I can't believe how much she has grown in the 8 months she has been with us. She is so calm and content but we are starting to catch glimpses of the drama that is said to accompany little girls. She has learned the art of throwing a fit to get her way. She shrieks and both of the boys drop whatever they are doing in order to figure out what she wants. I think they may be creating a monster:) She also knows how to stick that bottom lip out and start the tears whenever she is denied something she wants. But for the most part, she is the easiest baby. She is walking/running everywhere and thinks she can do whatever her big brothers do. She is starting to talk. She has the sweetest little way of saying "hi" to everyone/everything around her. We must hear her say "hi tat (cat)" a hundred times a day. She loves to give big wet kisses and will pat your back when giving a sweet hug. She's still a big girl too; at her recent 15-month checkup, she weighed in at a whopping 29 pounds! She's only 3 pounds less than our Monkey. I am so relieved she started to walk because my back was starting to ache. She adores playing peek-a-boo and tries to sing The Itsy-Bitsy Spider. Her recent sound is to say "moooooo" anytime she sees a cow (or a horse, or a sheep....); it was cute the first few times but considering we live across from a farm, it has become a little irritating now.

Talk about a bad hair day! Looks like it's time for....


...a first hair cut.

We can see her pretty eyes again

I had to add this one for Maria. HD's Aunt Dana decided to try pigtails after seeing Ellie's cute pictures


I couldn't end this post without wishing my Monkey a happy birthday. He turned the big 5 on Friday! We had a fun day - lunch with cousins at the pizza place followed by a church picnic. A good time was had by all!

The birthday pirate. Argh!


Fun with cousins


Playing peek-a-boo


Mommy and her birthday boy


His favorite part of the day - his train cake!



Stay tuned for a new post detailing our little Kyrgyz reunion. Later this week we have plans to meet up with this family, this family and maybe this family. I can't wait to see everyone!

Happy Easter

My three bunnies hope everyone has a very happy Easter!

What a Difference a Year Makes

One year ago today we were thrilled to receive this picture:

Now we are lucky enough to call this beautiful little girl our daughter. She brightens our world each day and we are so blessed to have her in our family.

What an incredible year!

Our Birthday Girl!

I can't believe that our baby girl turned one-year-old this week! Where does the time go?!? It seems like just yesterday I was bringing our 6-month-old baby home and now she is turning into a toddler before our eyes.
Stu and I went back and forth on whether to have a big blow-out party for her. We had big parties for the boys first birthdays at home with us (both of the boys were over 1-year-old when we brought them home, so their first parties were for their second birthdays). However I think our whole family is feeling "partied-out," after her homecoming in October, followed by Christmas, and then her baptism a few weeks ago. We are blessed to have so many friends and family that celebrate our joyous occasions with us but I felt uncomfortable asking them to attend yet another party and bring another present. So we ended up having a small party for her with immediate family and a few close friends. It was perfect. It was nice and simple with cake and ice cream. My brother (the chef) made the food as his present to HotDog so I didn't even have to worry about that:)
Although she had no clue all of the hoopla was in her honor, I think HD had a fabulous time. Her favorite part was the cake, of course!


Ready to start her big day!


Anticipation

Not quite sure what to think



Starting to get the hang of it


Pigging out!

A little irritated when we decided she had enough


She received some fun new toys and, of course, lots of cute new clothes! Stu and I bought her some new equipment for outside. This little girl loves to be outside and will fit right in with her brothers this summer. I think she'll really enjoy her new outdoor toys!

Uh-oh! Got caught speeding!

Playing on her new outdoor climbing equipment


Enjoying a ride on her new fish, courtesy of Chipmunk


This was the first time she had tried cake and I think we let her eat too much because soon after everyone left she had a horrible tummy ache. She screamed like a banshee for about 20 minutes (very unlike her) and finally passed out in my arms at 6:20. I think she was completely worn out from her big day.
The day after her birthday I took her for her one-year checkup. The doctor pronounced her "fabulous" and said she looks "perfect" (which we already knew, of course:). He was pleased to see that she was developmentally on target in all areas. His only tiny concern was that she seems to be gaining weight a bit too quickly. Our big girl is now up to 25 1/2 pounds!! What can I say, the girl likes her food! We are hoping that the switch from formula to milk will help slow the weight gain. And I'm sure once she starts walking the weight gain will decrease. Speaking of which, she still has no desire to walk at all. There is not a doubt in my mind that she could if she wanted; she walks around our furniture barely holding on. However, I'm enjoying these last few days of pre-walking and are not encouraging it at all. It will come when it comes.
Next up on our agenda: Both boys will be having minor surgery next week. Chipmunk will be getting a tonsillectomy and Monkey will be getting (his 3rd) set of tubes. Ugghh. Most people think we're crazy for doing this at the same time but I figured that we'll already be at the hospital and Stu will already be off work...might as well go ahead and get them both over with. Looks like a fun spring break for us:)

Let’s do it RIGHT FOR THE WRIGHTS!

Dear Friends of the Wrights,

We all know and understand the effectiveness of the work John, Julie and family have done in Kyrgyzstan – the country they love so much and have been called to. Let’s get them there ON THE GROUND full time! We can do this.
This post is coming out with other blog posts all over the country – people who have blogs that know the Wrights. Let’s shock them with the provision of financial resources and letters/notes of encouragement to help them return to Kyrgyzstan. They want to go as full time missionaries – they just need our help to get them there.
We propose that we raise a minimum of the following:
$20,000 to cover a year’s needs on the home front
• Home expenses – the place to come back to
$30,000 to cover a year’s needs on the foreign front
• Travel in and out of the country with family 2 x a year
• Travel in the country to the different sites
• Family expenses – including the educational needs of one daughter
• Lodging and meals
This is just $50,000. We can do this and we can do it quickly. Here is how. Go to JOHN’S Blog and hit the button that is for the Wrights….support.
AND guess what – you can watch all that is done there on his blog..you will learn to live vicariously in a healthy way by reading and supporting the RIGHT cause. What an opportunity – Will you help?
Let’s do it RIGHT FOR THE WRIGHTS!
Blessings,
Lynn and Ruby from LAMb International