Living With Our Adoption Option

WACAP Toddlers and Kids--Asia

2012-02-15T13:34:00.004-07:00

When Jesus Calls Us

2012-02-13T00:50:00.004-07:00

Saturday night as I was reviewing my Sunday School lesson about Jesus walking on the water, I was reminded that if it is JESUS who calls us out of our boat (of relative comfort and security,) we don't have to fear the outcome of our adventure.

So for my friends in the adoption process: If JESUS has called you to adopt then you don't have to panic no matter how high the waves of paperwork hassles or strong the winds of bureaucratic rigamarole or how wild the emotional roller coaster. Jesus says, "Take courage. It is I. Don't be afraid." See Matthew 14.

I'm Caught Up!!

2012-02-11T18:20:00.002-07:00

Billy did not want to be outdone by Teresa, so he made a display board of his own showing on one panel his beloved Boise Broncos and on the other panel some of his favorite singers.
Abby at the dentist just yesterday, February 10getting a fluoride treatment. She gave me a glare when I showed her this shot.
Scheri in front of the Dept of Motor Vehicles. She is starting Driver's Ed on Monday!

Yesterday was one of those crazy days. For some insane reason, I had scheduled dental appointments for 8 a.m. which meant we had to rise and shine at 6:30 a.m.--even earlier than on regular school days. That did not boost my mommy popularity. It was foggy and a bit slick and we didn't get out the door when we should have so we were 10- 15 minutes late--but I'd called to let them know we were indeed almost there. Scheri went first. Then James, Teresa and Abby also needed to be seen. (Billy was the only one who wasn't accompanying me--he headed to STRIVE as usual.) As soon as Scheri's dental exam was complete, I grabbed her along with Caleb and Steven and headed to the pediatrician's office for Scheri's medication follow-up. I waited for the doctor to nicely sign several prescriptions as well as a note for Billy's school. Then we all scooted back over to the dentist's office where Abby's exam was in progress. I got follow-up appointments scheduled for all those needing to return to have cavities repaired. BAH HUM BUG!

We all climbed back into the van and I noticed the gas gauge was on empty. So we stopped at Costco for a fill-up. I decided that was as cheap a place to eat as any so we all went in and everyone had cheese pizza except for Caleb who still wanted a hot dog. Back to the car we went. By this time it was something like 12:35 and I knew there was no sense in driving all the way home so we headed across town to the DMV. Scheri is supposed to start Driver's Ed on Monday so we had to get her learner's permit. So Scheri and I jumped out of the car and went in. The line in that place was crazy. Then we discovered we could not pay with debit card or check--only cash. So we hopped back into the car and down the street to the ATM machine at the bank. Got the $40 cuz I needed $21.50 and the ATM only gave money in $20 increments. OK, back to DMV, back to the long and extremely slowly-moving line. Then when it was finally our turn we of course had to show them all the legal documents showing that both Scheri and I were indeed who we said we were. She had to do a little vision test and get her picture taken. We both had to sign several papers and hear the explanation of the driving log, etc. By the time we got out of that place I was already almost late for Abby's 1:45 therapy appointments clear back across town near our dentist's office. I didn't have time to drop the 3 older kids at the library so just let them walk. Sure enough , by the time I got to the OT and PT appointment we were nearly 30 minutes late. Anyway, she got about 15 or 20 minutes of OT followed by her regular 45 minute session of PT. I'd kept Caleb and Steven with me because they can be a real handful for the other kids to handle. So Abby was done about 3:30 and we jumped back in the van to head back across town for the library. I started looking in the children's section--no kids; 2nd floor--no kids; 3rd floor--no kids. Back down to the children's section to start over. Thankfully this time I noticed there was a newly-added Teen Room--and there my kids were all reading away. WHEW! We drove through at Burger King for ice cream, dropped off prescriptions at our pharmacy, got a labeled medication bottle for Billy's school and finally headed home. It was 4:40 and I was totally exhausted. Sheesh, I could have flown clear across the Atlantic in that amount of time!!

{Retro Post} James at School ` January 25, 2012

2012-02-11T18:09:00.003-07:00

James is in 8th Grade this year with the Idaho Virtual Academy. Here he is during his Science unit on Force and Motion. His goal was to put the egg in the styrofoam cups protected in such a way that the egg would not break when dropped to the kitchen floor from ceiling height.
Here is a painted clay plate that he made in his art class.

Here is more artwork. It is always fun to see James on an art project because he really puts himself into it with all kinds of tiny details.

{Retro Post} Back from St. Lucia

2012-02-11T17:48:00.003-07:00

Abby showing off her pretty new bracelets.
James showing the cross necklace.
Lovely conch shell that Teresa talked Kevin into purchasing for her.
Teresa's shell collection

Teresa had several requirements in relation to her J-term project. She had to log her hours daily and explain what she was doing during that time. She had to write a written report on the project. Finally she had to prepare a visual display of the project and then present it by video to her on-line instructor.
Here she is working on displaying her pictures.
I thought she did a very nice job on her display. The blue and yellow were main colors in the St. Lucia flag.
Here is her rendition of the St. Lucia flag.
Here is a map of the Caribbean with the main islands labeled.

{Retro Post} Mission Accomplished ` Jan 21, 2012

2012-02-11T17:45:00.002-07:00

James got this major Lego Star Wars building set for Christmas. Putting it together has been a challenge to say the least--the project has been started several times only for the pieces to be eventually thrown back into the box in frustration. But finally!! perseverance has paid off. Here are Scheri and James justly proud of their accomplishment.

{Retro Post} Water Water Everywhere ` January 19, 2012

2012-02-11T17:39:00.003-07:00

So far we have had a remarkably mild winter. Well, we had lots of snow on Jan 18 and then the next day it rained and rained. This was the view at the Elementary School when I went to pick up Abby, Caleb and Steven. This shallow river is where the waiting parents usually park!!

This small lake was down at the end of the school's front lawn.
Here's the water running along the edge of the football field.

{Retro Post} Clear the Roads! ` Jan 13. 2012

2012-02-11T17:35:00.002-07:00

I thought this was too cute not to photograph because I love to see good imaginations at play. Here are Caleb and Steven driving through the living room. Steven is holding a captain's hat as a steering wheel. I can't remember what passenger Caleb had in his shopping basket.

{Retro Post} Off to St. Lucia ` January 10, 2012

2012-02-11T17:27:00.002-07:00

Both Teresa and Kevin had the wonderful opportunity to go to St. Lucia (tiny island in the Caribbean) for a MAPS project this year. This is Kevin's 4th time on one of these approx 2-week building trips. For Teresa the timing worked out perfectly with Idaho Virtual Academy for her to go and earn credit for her J-term service project. The goal of this MAPS project is to erect the block walls of a new church. I drove them over to Twin Falls where they met up with our good friend Terry Archibald. He was driving them and Pastor Tellez from Hagerman Assembly to the Salt Lake City airport.

Terry's truck loaded and ready to take off.

{Retro Post} The chefs at work Jan. 3, 2011

2012-02-11T17:25:00.002-07:00

Here are Steven and Caleb ready to put in a batch of fresh Play-doh cookie bits.
Here are Abby's creations. I was so proud of Scheri for working with her younger sister to show her how to use the cookie cutters.

{Retro Post} January 2, 2011

2012-02-11T17:07:00.004-07:00

God is so good to us. We still have a house!! While we were gone, our neighbor/friend who was watching our home for us thankfully noticed a gas odor. Sure enough when the guy from the gas company came to check it out, our old stove was TOAST. Just imagine what could have happened if Tina had not been here?
So here's our purty new stove with our old microwave that Kevin was able to repair beside it.

All four of our boys bought light sabers at Disney Land. Here they are in way-too-much action.

Eating at Arctic Circle with Joy's parents. It seemed like forever since we'd been together. I am sooo glad this was not a back-to-work, back-to-school day.
Dad, Mom, James and Billy's arm.
Steven
Kevin
Billy, Scheri and Teresa

The Cabe-ster. Yes Abby was there, too . . .

{Retro} New Years Day~January 1, 2012

2012-01-29T19:00:00.002-07:00

A big mountain of dirty laundry after nine people were away for 10 days.

Kevin and Billy watching TV sitting on the back seat of our van which we'd taken out of the van before the trip to allow for luggage. It is now an extra seat in our living room.

A sweet lady from our church (Pat) had little sacks waiting for each of our kids with treats and little crafts to make. James' kit had a small wooden ship to put together and paint; Abby's kit had rocks to paint and decorate with feathers, eyes, etc.

{Retro} Grand Canyon~December 31, 2011

2012-01-29T18:35:00.013-07:00

Outside our motel at Williams, Arizona. Even the pool--actually a hot tub--was outdoors! Brrr!

We checked out of our motel room mid-morning on Friday, December 30 and drove and drove and drove and drove and finally got out of California :) We stopped for the night at Williams, Arizona. On the 31st we visited the beautiful Grand Canyon. This was on Kevin's "bucket list." Then Kevin drove and drove and drove and drove--something like 14 hours. We saw all kinds of fireworks going off across the valley in Utah as midnight approached. We pulled into our driveway about 4 a.m. on January 1. Happy New Year!

{Retro} Our last day at Disney Land~December 29, 2011

2012-01-29T17:48:00.005-07:00

This beautiful rose is growing right outside our motel. Believe me, this is an unusual winter view for this Idaho girl.
For our last day at Disney Land we opted to rent a chair for Abby. She has been such a trooper but has about walked her legs off these last several days.

We had pretty much run out of our stash of trail mix and granola bars so we actually sat down at tables there in the Park to eat.

One more trip through "It's A Small World" The line took FFOORREEVVEERR. Seriously at LEAST 45 minutes.

"World of Color"
This was a little Mexican cafe right next to our motel. We got cheap refill drinks from the gas station/convenience store and then sat down for taco pastores.Our rooms were on the 3rd floor back toward the corner.

{Retro} Lego Land~December 28, 2011

2012-01-29T17:35:00.004-07:00

These intricate buildings and even cities are created totally from thousands and thousands of Legos.

Abby and Bob the Builder

Caleb

Steven, Abby and Caleb

{Retro} Caleb's Jedi Training~December 27, 2011

2012-01-29T16:39:00.004-07:00

{Retro} December 27, 2011

2012-01-29T16:09:00.007-07:00

Back at Disney Land and Disney's California Adventure Park

Here we are back at Autotopia. I rode with Abby; Billy and James each rode with one of the little boys.

We stopped to watch the Jedi in Training program. Caleb was chosen to participate. He was so cute and it was cool to hear the whole crowd clapping and cheering for him when he was done.
These pictures were taken inside the roundish, slowly turning building that houses--Innoventions, I believe it is called-- all kinds of cool inventions. This was another place our crew would gladly have just wasted hours and hours.

We were trying to leave the Disney Land Park and get over to Disney California Adventure Park next door. Instead we got caught in the Christmas Parade again. This time, however, we were front row and could actually SEE. One of the stepsisters came over and shook Abby's hand.

My little guys especially enjoyed the Buzz and Woody floats.

Of course, the Grand Finale was Santa. Since it was past Christmas, Santa was thanking everyone for continuing to be good.
Over in the Adventure Park, we went to the "it's a bugs life" area where the scenery was constructed in such a way to make us all feel the size of insects, I guess.

Billy, of course, really liked the waterfalls on the back side of Grizzly River Run (my personal favorite.)

{Retro} SeaLife Aquarium and LegoLand~Dec. 26, 2011

2012-01-29T01:10:00.008-07:00

We headed down toward San Diego and saw this beautiful marina on the way.

I was amazed once again at the huge-ness of the ocean :)

Here's our crew in front of Sea Life Aquarium

Caleb, Steven and maybe even Abby would have been quite content to just stay in this room and build onto the Lego castle.

On our way out of the aquarium I snapped a couple shots of Steven next to Big-Tooth. Steven had been a bit of a turkey in here--pushing on one of the alarmed doors so that ALL the guests got to enjoy the very loud and annoying sound for what seemed like forever--until someone finally got it turned off. Back at the motel he had set off the fire alarm inside the elevator.

Now we are next door at Lego Land. Again these guys would have been happy to just stand here and squirt water. However, we knew dark was fast-approaching so tried to keep moving on.

The little kids and the big Lego Santa. Kevin and the big kids were going on a whole different set of rides.

There was a car ride here, too. Somehow I didn't get a picture of Abby--but she actually liked this one better than Disney Land because she got to drive all by herself.

{Retro} December 25, 2011

2012-01-29T00:58:00.005-07:00

We tried hard to go to church today. After all it's Sunday--and besides that it's CHRISTMAS SUNDAY. Because our church at home was having service at 11 am, I assumed that churches here would have a similar schedule--and we'd spotted a Calvary Chapel on our way to the motel. But no, they'd chosen to have extra early services--so were already well into the service when we arrived. Another fellowship that we eventually found was much the same. I still fell bad that we missed out. We had also thought of visiting the Crystal Cathedral but hadn't looked up directions for how to get there. Imagine our disappointment when we later learned it was actually quite near to our motel, but in the opposite direction from which we'd been hunting. So we did our own remembrance of Jesus in the car and then headed back to Disney Land.

We got lots of experience standing in long, long--did I mention LLOONNGG--lines. I had been told that I could probably get special passes for Caleb, Steven and Billy that would make our waits shorter--but honestly they did surprisingly well.

{Retro} Christmas Eve~December 24, 2011

2012-01-29T00:25:00.011-07:00

Setting off for our first day at Disney Land. It was a beautiful, unbelievably sunny day. I could hardly make myself believe that it was Christmas Eve: for one thing there was no snow or freezing temperatures; for another thing, we had already celebrated Christmas at home.
Our great idea was to take Billy's new wagon with us into the Park to provide transportation for Abby, Caleb, Steven and/or our backpacks whenever needed.

Silly Scheri showing the way to carry two backpacks.

Truly this was a place where the orange trees and palm trees swayed.

This way to Disney Land--"the happiest place on earth."
We soon found out that our wagon-idea wouldn't fly. They wouldn't allow anything in the Park that was pulled behind a person. Since we didn't know they kindly lent us a wheelchair for Abby free of charge for the day and stored our wagon near the front entrance.

It was pretty tear-inducing to realize that Kevin and I had visited Disney Land on our honeymoon. Now here we were nearly 18 years later with our 7 children accompanying us. God has blessed us abundantly.

Waiting while Kevin traded in the vouchers he'd printed on our computer for the actual tickets.

A tiny portion of the huge Christmas tree there on Main Street

Steven, Mr. Clone, and James

Billy trying, and finally succeeding, to get his picture with the Clone dude.

"It's A Small World" castle. I still remember this attraction with fondness from my visit as a 6 year old.

This is one of MANY pictures Kevin and I took of the Christmas parade. There was such a huge crowd of people that we could barely see it--and Caleb and Steven wore out many necks as we tried to lift them high enough to see anything at all.

Here's another shot of our crew--hey! I'm even in this one!

This was Abby's favorite ride at Disney Land: Autotopia. She couldn't quite push hard enough on the pedal to make the car accelerate but she could steer--and LOVED it!

I was surprised how instantly chilly it became when the sun went down. James had to wear my sweatshirt because he hadn't thought to pack one today. (MOSTof us packed our backpacks much better on ensuing days)

"It's A Small World" beautifully lit up for the Christmas holidays.

Riding King Arthur's Carousel

It was a long day and here was Steven's reaction when we finally got to the restaurant.

{Retro} 2nd Day December 23, 2011

2012-01-29T00:15:00.005-07:00

We got to Anaheim, California, checked into our adjoining rooms at the Carriage Inn and then decided to walk down Harbor Boulevard to see how far it was to the Disneyland entrance. On our way back we stopped at Denny's to feed our hungry tummies.

{Retro} First day of our trip~December 22, 2011

2012-01-29T00:05:00.002-07:00

We loaded up the van with 10 people (all of us and our neighbor) and ALL of our stuff and headed down the trail. We stayed at Prospector's in Ely, Nevada. There Kevin got to watch the Boise Broncos play the Las Vegas Bowl on the big TV while most of the rest of us went for a swim. It was a nice pool--but the kind that you had to keep moving or you'd be shivering. I ended up greatly enjoying the hot tub; some of the older kids also got good use out of the exercise room. Then we headed down for a yummy meal with some HUGE portions.

We were pretty much wall-to-wall in our room.

{Retro} IDVA Finals; Elementary Concert~Dec. 20, 2011

2012-01-28T23:42:00.004-07:00

During the day, Teresa had semester finals over at the Red Lion on Dec. 20 and 21.

In the evening we had the annual Elementary Christmas program. Here is Caleb seated with his classmates.Below is Steven and some of his classmates awaiting the beginning of the concert. The children were all seated with their classes up on the bleachers while the parents and friends were seated in chairs on the gym floor.
Here is Abby and one of her classmates who also attends our church. This year our school was selected to get the use of a lovely set of traveling chimes so the children themselves actually provided the music. The white gloves were part of their get-up.

Below is Mrs. Bingham's (Steven) class singing "Alfie the Elf"

Steven and Caleb (and his wiggles)

Caleb and Steven are both in first grade. "Joy to the World" was rung by Mrs. Pfeifer's class (Caleb) The first grade also sang "All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth." Abby has been attending Mrs. Day's 4th grade class for 2 hours a day. They did "Oh Christmas Tree" and "What Child Is This?" At the end everyone sang "We Wish You A Merry Christmas."

{Retro} Early Christmas Eve; Family Pictures~December 19, 2011

2012-01-28T23:16:00.012-07:00

After the high school Christmas concert we hurried over to my parents' house for an early Christmas Eve celebration.

After yummy food we all went out to the living room to open presents to and from Papa and Grandma. Our custom is to divvy up all the gifts and then go around the room, from youngest to oldest, letting each person open one present at a time. This way we all get to see and enjoy what everyone has just opened.

Family photo time: Kevin and I in back; Billy, Scheri, James, Teresa middle row; Steven, Caleb and Abby in front.
The kids with my parents: Billy, Scheri, James, Mom, Teresa in back; Steven, Caleb, Dad, Abby in front.

At the end my husband surprised me with a GORGEOUS mother's cross necklace featuring the birthstones of Kevin, myself and our 7 children. WWWOOOWWW!!!

{Retro} High School Christmas Concert~December 19, 2011

2012-01-28T23:02:00.002-07:00

I am so glad that our school is once again offering band this year. Scheri is again playing the clarinet. She is on the front row, far left.

Scheri was part of a clarinet quintet that played "Prelude"

As a group, the H.S. band performed "Merry Christmas Machine," "Annabel Lee," and "Polar Express"

Here the Junior High and High School bands played a selection called "Christmas Bits and Pieces" together.

{Retro} Kids' Christmas Program~December 18, 2011

2012-01-28T22:34:00.008-07:00

Here are our kids Sunday morning before church: Abby, Teresa, Caleb, Scheri, James on couch; Billy on the back of the couch; Steven on the floor in front.

Getting ready for the annual Christmas pageant: Caleb was dressed as a cow

Steven was a tiger

Abby was chosen to be Mary

I thought I was going to be a Mama Sheep again with lots of little lambs. Instead I was a Mouse with a menagerie of wild and domesticated animals

Here are Mary and Joseph in the darkened auditorium

The whole cast on the stage

The teenagers did human video. In it Teresa and James were throwing snowballs at each other; Scheri was Mary and Billy was an angel.

After church, I grabbed pictures of the little kids in front of the poinsettias in the foyer. These three, of course are of Caleb. I was trying so hard to get him to look at me AND to smile AND to hold still.

These next two are Steven.

Two of Miss Abigail

And finally, one of all three together.

In the evening our church held its third annual Adult Christmas Dinner. Only 100 tickets are sold. Below is the table that Kevin and I hosted. We take our own china and centerpieces--the idea is to make it like having guests in our own home. The hosts serve the drinks; go to the kitchen and get the various courses and serve them to our guests, etc. Then afterwards we all go into the sanctuary for a Christmas "sing." It's a lot of work but a LOT of fun--and so beautiful to see the fellowship hall set up with so many different patterns of china and Christmas decor.

This is my Native American nativity set. I just love it. I purchased it MANY years ago when I lived in Texas.

{Retro} Early Christmas~December 17, 2011

2012-01-27T18:25:00.006-07:00

Kevin sharing the Christmas story from Luke Chapter 2.

CALEB

STEVEN

Abby's first Christmas with us. Well, actually it's her second but last year she was just a picture on an ornament on our Christmas tree. Smile.

JAMES

TERESA

SCHERI

BILLY

KEVIN

{Retro} Some of my Nativity Sets~December 10, 2011

2012-01-27T18:13:00.003-07:00

Billy was enthralled once again with getting to put the lights on the tree.

I LOVE Nativity Sets. I don't even know how many we have. Thank you so much, Jesus, for coming as a Babe in the manger to live and die and rise again so that I can be forgiven.

{Retro} Hanging out~December 9, 2011

2012-01-27T18:06:00.001-07:00

Sitting around our table with Grandma and Papa

{Retro} The Mad Scientist at Work~ November 28, 2011

2012-01-27T17:00:00.002-07:00

James testing chemical reactions in IDVA science class.

New Blog Design

2012-01-27T01:02:00.002-07:00

Well, it's 1:02 a.m. and I've been having lots of fun changing the design on our blog. I hope you all like it.

Heading to DisneyLand

2011-11-27T21:59:00.002-07:00

Friday evening we finally told our children our surprise: we are going to be heading to hopefully-sunny California for a Christmas vacation!! Our planned destinations include: Disney Land, Disney Land Adventure Park, Lego Land and an aquarium whose name I can't remember right this second. You can imagine the roar of approval we received in return. Even Abby was joining the happy uproar--and she, of course, had very little idea what everyone was so excited about. However, on Saturday, we spent quite awhile online looking at the Disney site to see rides, video of the light show and other attractions. She kept saying, "please, please, Abby go?"

This will be our kids' first visit to these destinations. We've wanted to wait until they were old enough to really appreciate Disney Land--but not wait so long they are no longer living at home :)

And yes, I want to work hard to keep Jesus in our celebration. I did a TINY bit of decorating yesterday--I actually set up my "nice" Nativity set on the piano. I talked to Caleb and Steven and later, Abby about the beautiful characters. Every other year I've ended up chickening out and putting this particular set back up in the closet. (Never fear: I have LOTS of other Nativity sets that I put up throughout the living areas of our house) It's not an expensive set; it's just very pretty and fragile--and I don't want it broken. We'll see how long I can brave it out.

Thanksgiving November 24, 2011

2011-11-25T21:13:00.005-07:00

For the first time in our family history we had Thanksgiving Breakfast at my parents' house along with my brother and his wife. It was scheduled for 8:00 am -- so no sleeping in today. We had scrambled eggs with bacon, home-made pancakes and very rich home-made syrup, fruit cocktail & yogurt. Beverage choices were tomato juice, orange juice, milk and later, hot chocolate. I'd taken some miniature fruit strudels that had looked very yummy the night before. However, after that delicious syrup no one felt the need for additional sweets. This gave us a chance to spend time with Mark and Kim since they were going to be elsewhere for dinner. After breakfast Aunt Kim, Billy, James and Abby played Uno.

Kevin, Caleb, Billy, Steven, James and Teresa's arm.
My daddy and my brother

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Of course, Thanksgiving Dinner was scheduled at 2:00 pm at our house. Scheri thought Abby should dress up like an Indian in honor of the First Thanksgiving. I thought she looked like Pocahontas.
Kevin and James had gotten into the kitchen about 7 am to get the turkey-bird and dressing ready. James was so psyched about helping and was very proud of his success.
I took this picture because it cracked me up--James had placed the spoons and forks on the table, Abby was doing the plates and then I asked Caleb to add knives. I thought it was hilarious that this place got TWO knives.

Here are Caleb and Steven munching down. I see that most of the pictures have a bit too much light but I really can't complain because we had that much sunshine coming in the big living room window.

Teresa had the most interesting seat--the big blue therapy ball.
Scheri
Here are Aunt Beverly, Billy and the back of Mom's head.
Here's Abby enjoying her first Thanksgiving dinner.

This picture shows the tables lined up across our living room and dining room. Nobody ended up sitting at the little round table in the middle.
Zoe and Jael; Yancy and Peter are pictured below.

James and Mom. I don't know how I missed getting a picture of my Dad and Aunt Berta. We were also so pleased to have our neighbor and her son with us.

We had turkey and dressing; baked taters with choice of gravy or butter/sour cream; Caribbean mixed veggies; mom's marvelous candied squash; hamburger and bean soup; lasagna; rolls; deviled eggs; pickles, olives, cottage cheese. We had tons of deserts: pecan pie, raspberry pie, angel food cake, cinnamon rolls, apple crisp, cherry jello/pudding parfait, ice cream. I'm sure I'm forgetting something but I'm also sure that no one went away hungry.

Nov 22, 2011 See What We Made

2011-11-25T21:11:00.001-07:00

It tickles me that Caleb, Steven and Abby have been spending more time with the Lego blocks lately. I just love creativity and enjoy seeing them working together.

November 20, 2011 Impromptu Family Dinner

2011-11-25T21:06:00.003-07:00

We were just getting ready to dish up plates of roast beef and the fixin's when Mom and Dad stopped by on their way home. We talked them into joining us. I want to take full advantage of any and all time I can spend with my parents. I am so blessed to have them both healthy and living near by.

{retro Post} November 10, 2011

2011-11-25T20:16:00.004-07:00

This picture cracks me up: on Nov 10 Kevin, myself, Caleb, Steven and Abby attended our annual Light for the Lost banquet in Burley. It is mainly an adult event but I was very proud of how well our little kids behaved. Steven turned around in his chair and basically fell asleep behind/inside his jacket that was hanging on the back of the seat. Our big kids had all gone with our neighbor to Boise for Winter Jam, a BIG Christian concert.
This is Billy with his new humongous bulldozer that he bought at a yard sale.

{Retro Post} Nov 5 and 6--Orphan Sunday

2011-11-25T18:44:00.001-07:00

Here are our 3 Reece's Rainbow treasures: Caleb, Abby and Steven. Their shirts say: "I am the Pot of Gold at the end of Reece's Rainbow." They wore their shirts to our 3rd annual Orphan Awareness Seminar on Nov. 5.

At the Seminar, we talked about the need to care for the needs of all vulnerable children, not just kids who have lost one or even both parents. My brother Mark Johnson gave a presentation on sex-trafficking of girls, especially in Las Vegas. We had 3 ladies who spoke about the need for foster parents right here in Southern Idaho. Paul West showed a video about their adoption of an adorable little guy from Ethiopia. I talked about the international adoption of children with special needs through the ministry of Reece's Rainbow. We ended with sharing the Orphan's Table: we had a fortified rice meal which is the same as A Child’s Hope International provides to feed orphans all around the world.

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On Sunday, Nov 6, our pastor gave time out of the service for the Youth Group to perform a skit I had written about a homeless street child--based on the story of the Good Samaritan and encouraging us as believers to be "doers of the Word and not hearers only." We also gave watched the main Orphan Sunday video from www.orphansunday.org and gave prizes to all the kids who'd participated in the Jug-A-Thon.
We ended the service with dedicating our new daughter to the Lord. This seemed very appropriate for this special Orphan Sunday because Abby is an orphan no more. Our whole family was called to the front of the sanctuary. In this view you can see Billy, Teresa, Scheri and James to the right. (Also a red sliver of my Mom's jacket behind Billy.)

Me, Kevin, Pastor Bruce in back; Abby, Caleb and Steven in front. (Sorry we did not do an actual posed shot.)
My Daddy got to pray the prayer of Dedication.

{Retro Post} Nov 4--Steven has lost his first tooth!!

2011-11-25T18:42:00.001-07:00

{Retro Post) October 31-- Halloween

2011-11-25T18:29:00.002-07:00

Steven as Spider-man; Abby as a Princess Fairy; Caleb as Buzz (surprise! surprise!)
James as the Nerf Warrior

Teresa a Princess Leia

Billy as the Number One Boise Bronco fan; Scheri as a cheerleader

{Retro Post} School; Jug-A-Thon--October 23

2011-11-25T18:10:00.002-07:00

October 18 -- Abby with her back pack loaded full of school supplies (I ended up bringing the supplies back home with me at the teacher's request, since Abby isn't enrolled full-time)
On Sunday morning October 23 during Sunday School we had a Jug-A-Thon as a way to raise money to help drill a well in Africa. This is a Southern Idaho BGMC project this year. It was also part of our Orphan Sunday emphasis. Many, many thousands of children and adults die worldwide very day from preventable illnesses caused by dirty water. I wanted the students to get a little concept of how difficult and time-consuming it is to carry water-- so we had the participants to get people to sponsor them for how many jugs of water they were able to carry around our city park in the allotted time. We ended up with 26 walkers. Most were elementary age (with a few teenagers thrown in) but the youngest was 3 and the oldest--my Mom-- was 73. Several adults and teen-agers also helped tremendously with keeping track of laps, etc. We raised about $300 plus (hopefully) an increased awareness of the needs of others.

Here's mom and dad's trunkful of jugs-full of water.

Here are some of the kids getting lined up to receive their jugs. Abby is on the far left in the green/white striped sweater.Here are Caleb and Steven lugging their water.

{Retro Post) October 15--Trip to Ketchum

2011-11-25T17:58:00.006-07:00

We took a Saturday drive up to Ketchum, a resort area here in Idaho. I wanted to see the gorgeous fall scenery. It turned out to be a beautiful day.
James and friend
James and Abby

Abby

Kevin had thought maybe we could ride the gondola up the ski mountain but it wasn't going today. Instead we ended up going up a beautiful mountain trail.

James, friend and Abby

Potty stop. Smile.
We had YUMMY pizza at Smoky Mountain Pizza
Friend, James, Billy and Steven
Teresa, Scheri, Abby and Caleb

{Retro Post} Oct 14--Saying Good-bye to Roxie; Abby's puzzle

2011-11-25T17:50:00.002-07:00

We took our doggie Roxie to the vet thinking she had a minor injury to her nose--like an infection--and found out she had CANCER. We were totally shocked and broken-hearted. I took the kids (except Billy) over to there so we could say our tearful good-bye's.

Abby showing off her completed puzzle.

{Retro Post}--Abby's 1st Day at school; New Glasses; Tid-Bits

2011-11-25T17:25:00.005-07:00

Lego Creations Oct 6 and 10 by James and Billy

I laughingly took this picture just to prove that Caleb and Steven do indeed own several pairs of shoes--it's just that one or both of each pair are so often missing in action!!

James told me he found a live fish in the ditch out front. I still can't figure out how that is even possible but sure enough it (a carp, I was told) now resides in our fish tank with our turtle.

October 11--Abby sitting in the chair at The Eyecenter awaiting her new glasses.

Doesn't she look cute!!

Abby getting ready for her first day at school--October 11. She actually went just for the last 2 hours of the day--for recess, a fun class and English tutoring.

Here she is outside the 4th Grade class. Mrs. Day is her teacher--and I REALLY like Mrs. Day.
October 11 Steven and Caleb showing off their creativity.

Just checking in to say we are fine.

2011-11-19T10:22:00.002-07:00

We are fine. Just very busy. I have started another post of pictures of our kids but when I'm so far behind it takes so long to catch up. ;)

Checking in with LOTS of pictures

2011-10-01T21:55:00.008-06:00

One of several summer episodes playing in our backyard pool: Caleb, Abby and Steven. This particular picture was taken on August 11.

Here is the very sweet heart that Abby (and Scheri) made for ME! (I alluded to it in a previous post. It has a special place on the freezer door.

Above are two pictures of Abby at her initial dental exam on August 9. She was so cooperative that they were able to take xrays, clean, polish and apply fluoride.

Below is our new dining room table--we didn't have enough space at our old table (which now has graduated to being a resting place for our school computers and lots of school "stuff")
8/12--Here are our 3 Reece's Rainbow treasures in concert!! This was just too cute. Steven is at the piano, Caleb on the xylophone, and Abby on the guitar.

Now Caleb has taken over the ivories.
A duet.
Here's Steven astride a pony at the Jerome County Fair on August 12.

Caleb's turn
Abby and the pony being led around the petting zoo area at the fair.

Abby, Caleb and Steven outside the Merchant's Building in their Smokey the Bear hats. We had such a terrible time keeping hold of these balloons.
8/15-Scheri and Abby "artisting" in the girls' bedroom. This also shows the new beds we got for the girls' room. Billy also got a new twin-size bed, though of course it is in a separate room :)

8/16-The Mighty Warriors: Caleb, James and Steven

Scheri and Abby looking pretty on Aug 16.
Kevin and I went on a hot date to the Canyon Crest restaurant on Aug 19
August 21--This picture was taken at lunchtime at Arctic Circle right after church and right before we started our school-clothes-shopping marathon. I think it was after 11 pm when we finally staggered home. Good grief! It really should be illegal to have that much fun in one day.

August 29--Abby getting fitted for her brace. The technician applied this cast material to her right leg, let it harden and then cut it off. He used this mold to form the actual brace which we received a couple weeks later.
8/16--James tried out for the junior high football team and made it!! He was so psyched.

Here's James in uniform with Scheri in her cheerleader attire on 8/26
Scheri showing some of her moves.

My Dad's belated birthday party at our house on 8/26 AFTER the football game. (It was Scheri's first game to cheer.) He is 75!!

8/26--This was so precious. Abby actually fell asleep in Kevin's arms--a very special 'first.'

Our pooch Roxy truly believes she is a lap dog.

9/3--Caleb and Abby on the teeter-totters at Eden Park at our family reunion. Steven was paired up with Caleb while I was on the other end of Abby's board.
9/4--Labor Day camping trip in the South Hills. Caleb and Abby in the foreground; Kevin and Steven closer to the motor home.

Scheri and Teresa. This water is COLD (though actually warmer than it is in spring when it feels like liquid ice)

James and stick holding a dead fish. EWWW!
9/5--Billy the mighty explorer.
Queen Scheri up a tree.
Sitting around the family table at our campsite.
9/5--Scheri has figured out what she's wearing for the first day of school tomorrow. She's a sophomore.

9/6--Caleb and Steven on their first day of 1st grade.
9/12--Here are Teresa, James and Abby working away on schoolwork at home.
9/15--Back to the ortho place to try on Abby's new brace. She had chosen purple butterflies for the design on the molded plastic.These shoes which we took with us to Bulgaria were significantly too big for Abby; however, with the brace, they seem to be just right. PTL!! They have butterflies, too.

Isn't she beautiful!!
9/17--Abby, Caleb, Steven, Billy and Scheri all worked on surprise posters for Pastor Appreciation Sunday.

Here's Abby with an alphabet game
9/30--The McClain boys--James, Caleb, Billy and Steven

Here is the whole crew. Teresa, James, Billy, Abby, Scheri on the couch; Steven and Caleb in front. Unfortunately the sad occasion for our black attire was the death of one of our elementary teachers after a 2-year battle with cancer.

Abby and Scheri in front of the school.

Just in case anyone is worried--yes, we are all still alive and well. Yes, I have LOTS of pictures. Yes, I do seriously wonder whether I will ever really get this blog caught up. The organized part of me (stop that hysterical laughing! there IS an organized portion, however minuscule it may be!) is really bothered by the idea of not posting things in order. The more realistic part is arguing that if I wait to post things in order, well . . . our children will be great-grandparents before I get it done. I will settle for just putting the pictures in order.

More Blithering

2011-09-08T23:15:00.005-06:00

Yesterday, Sept 8, I received a call from Shriners stating that after consulting Abby's MRI, Dr.Hennessey is going with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy for Abby rather than an orthopedic diagnosis and wanted to refer her to a neurologist. I was able to assure Shriners that we had already seen a neurologist. Our son James also has very mild CP.

Tonight we ordered a program for Abby called Total Immersion to help her in English acquisition. According to the ads it's just as good as Rosetta Stone but a fraction of the price. Well, I can't vouch for the "just as good" yet--but it only cost $49 for levels 1, 2 and 3 while Rosetta Stone was $179 for Level 1 alone. I have been having Abby work on A,B,C's, writing her name, names of colors, counting, adding and subtraction. Today she sat on my lap while I read 4 stories. I think she got the most enjoyment out of "Green Eggs and Ham" and "Hop On Pop" by Dr. Seuss. I can put a lot of action and fun vocal intonation into those.

For anyone adopting who might be following our timeline: I forgot to mention that we received Abby's Certificate of Citizenship 3 1/2 to 4 weeks after arriving on U.S. soil. We applied for her Social Security number on Aug 17 and received the card just a few days later. (I can't believe I didn't write either the date for the COC or the SS card on my calendar.)

This has been a pretty hectic week. Last Sunday after church we loaded up our motor home and drove up into the South Hills where to my surprise we found a nice, private spot where the kids could wade and play. Abby was all excited when she saw me loading her swimming suit. I tried to explain that we were not going to actually swim but just get our feet wet. Once she stuck her piggies in that COLD shallow creek, however, she quickly figured out what mommy was talking about. I was quite a sight there in my slippery-bottomed sandals with Caleb, Steven and Abby all clinging to ME for balance as we slid and tripped our way along over the slippery-topped rocks. My sweetie served up some yummy hamburgers and hot dogs which we ate by lamplight. Sunday night was actually rather chilly and we all appreciated the campfire over which Knight James so gallantly roasted marshmallows for his lovely mother. Monday morning several of the kids were out playing that Scheri was the Queen and Billy and James were bodyguards. I'm not sure what Caleb and Steven's actual titles were--but they performed their duties quite rambunctiously. Of course, when I got out there with my camera, everyone started fighting. A little later all of us headed up the stream "to the Promised Land." I had Abby's hand; Kevin had Steven; and Teresa/Scheri traded off holding on to Caleb part of the time. I think everyone had a great time. Several were collecting pretty rocks from the bottom of the creek bed; I think all the boys were holding on to sticks. Even I had a stick for awhile but it was too wimpy to be of much help in keeping me upright. Hey, I never did actually fall but came pretty close a couple times. Everyone was being a pretty good sport. And Abby--who can trip walking on flat ground--just trekked right along over all those river-bottom rocks and even some sticks and a tree trunk or two. Back at camp we dried off, had popsicles and before long it was time to make lunch. Scheri and Abby were big helps--Scheri spread mayo; Abby unwrapped sliced cheese; my official task was to place the meat slices on the bread and fairly apportion the mac and cheese.

We got home and let everyone put their school clothes away in their dressers. I think pretty much everyone had to hit the tub or shower. I had the fun job of writing names on all of Caleb and Steven's individual crayons, pencils, boxes, etc prior to returning them to the appropriate back pack. Kevin's equally fun task was trying to get the 3rd computer hooked up for school tomorrow. (IDVA supplies computers, books, science equipment, etc for their students--so that goes for both James and Teresa)

Tuesday morning I took Caleb and Steven to the elementary for their 1st day of 1st grade. Wouldn't you know it--we were late. Elementary school starts at 8:15 this year rather than 8:30 and high school starts at 8:04. Then I took Billy on over to Twin for STRIVE, a special ed program designed to give older students more hands-on living skills. YEP, late there, too. Bah humbug! Then I headed for Walmart and was so glad I had purchased 99% of our school supplies way earlier. Good grief! Those aisles looked like fields after a grasshopper infestation--right nigh stripped bare. And no, there were not any fine-tipped dry-erase markers either in the school section or the home/business section--that was my only missing item on Abby's school supply list. I'd left James, Teresa and Abby at home each working on a computer doing school work. Scheri who had cheerleader practice before school got herself up and out of the house. When I got home poor Teresa said she'd had to re-start her computer about 20 times, James was watching Abby's screen rather than his own and Abby wasn't too happy when I told her she needed to do the ABC's again.

James had football practice Tuesday and his first football game on Wednesday and was so majorly stressed about both of them that he could hardly keep his mind on his studies. I am not exaggerating. However, when he found himself still alive and in one piece both after the game and after practice on Thursday, he seemed much more relaxed.

Today, Sept 9 was difficult as I'd imagined it would be. James and Teresa and Billy had school. Scheri and Abby and Caleb and Steven did not. Billy was no problem because he seems to really like Strive and has been motivated to get up and around. James and Teresa, however, were confined to their assigned computer chairs. Teresa found some assignments she had over-looked and worked on them. James, was working and working, trying to get caught up and was getting so frustrated with the whole thing. I truly considered just packing the equipment and books back into their respective boxes and returning them to IDVA. It doesn't help that I really didn't want to homeschool this year in the first place. It doesn't help that it takes so much effort to keep the little kids occupied at least somewhat positively while also having to push so hard to keep James on task.

Random Stuff

2011-09-02T18:19:00.006-06:00

So many things have happened since I posted last. Some are fairly major. Some aren't--I just want to remember them.

I hope you see the humor in this and don't think it is terrible. Several days ago Abby had picked up a book and was pretending to read it in English. As I recall this one was just a regular book with no pictures. She was going through a list of words she knows--ending with these 2 lines: "Abby, shut the door" and "Shut up, Abby." Sorry, that just cracks me up.

She is truly a lovely little girl and wants to be helpful to Mom. She really likes to help with cooking, asks to rinse the dishes, likes to boss the little boys (smile) The funniest thing she's done is to sweep the gravel off our gravel drive-way!! Bless her heart! she was out there working so hard and with such obvious goodwill that for several days I just didn't have the heart to tell her that all those little rocks were in our driveway on purpose.

Last night when she went to bed, she was able to tell me "Abby little sad--Villi." I said, "I'm sorry" and was stroking her face and hair. She said, "It's OK" It really touched me that she was able to share her feelings--and that she WANTED to tell me how she felt. And this morning she put 6 English words together!

Important appointments:
*August 3 EEG
*August 5 Abby had an appointment with Shriner's hospital in SLC. The orthopedicdoc there doesn't feel that Club Foot is the correct diagnosis. She wonders if there is a neurological reason for her right leg being smaller and weaker.
*August 9, Dentist
*August 25, Met with pediatric neurologist in Boise to discuss diagnosis of epilepsy. His feeling is that since Abby has been seizure-free for such a long time (and is also on a relatively-low dose of her medicine) that we can probably discontinue the Trileptal. Her EEG does show some abnormal brain activity like is seen in a person who has seizures but apparently not everyone who has these abnormalities actually has seizures. However, he wants to see the results of the MRI tomorrow first. We will plan to see him again when he has clinic down in our area in a couple months. Mom went with Abby and I to Boise and we had a fun time at the Discovery Center in the afternoon. Abby and I went swimming at the motel salt-water pool. Grandma and Abby both enjoyed some ice cream. And then somewhat early to bed in anticipation of the sedated MRI scheduled for 7 am. Abby did great. The nurses were so sweet and tried to show her what was going on. I was so touched that they went the extra mile and actually got a Bulgarian interpreter on the speaker phone!! Abby went through the procedure fine, woke up fine but a little grouchy, got more ice cream for lunch (which of course she had no complaint about) and we were home by 1:30 pm.
*August 29 Abby went to Rehab systems and was fitted for a brace. They actually put a cast on her right lower leg, let it dry and then cut it off. The brace will be made from this form. She chose purple butterflies for the material her brace will be made of. We are supposed to get it in about 2 weeks.
*August 30 James and Teresa started their schooling with IDVA. Also that night James decided to try out for our football team--and he made it
*Sept 2--tonight--is Scheri's first night to cheer for the football game.

Mostly STRIVE

2011-08-23T21:35:00.004-06:00

Today I was teasing Abby about being "Missy No-Kissy." She was laughing--and this afternoon she let me kiss her!! She also helped me straighten out Caleb's and Steven's drawers--and wanted me with her.

This afternoon I had a meeting at the school--for an addendum to Billy's IEP. He is starting a program called STRIVE this year and is very excited about "going to college" :) :) So we had to work on goals specific to that program rather than the classroom. I am hopeful that STRIVE will be a great fit for Billy because it deals so much with real life--food planning and preparation, shopping, money skills, cleaning, transportation, acquaintance with our local junior college, etc.
___________________________

Oops! I never finished this post! One of our issues is that our local school has changed to a 4-day week while STRIVE is a 5-day program. One option was that he just attend 4 days a week; the STRIVE people weren't too thrilled with that choice because it would cheat Billy out of 20% of his program. But apparently our school isn't required to provide transportation on the Fridays. Also apparently the public bus transportation available previously has lost funding and a taxi would cost about $5 each way. $10 per Friday would add up over the course of a school year. Thankfully, my parents have volunteered to transport Billy on Friday mornings on their way to the gym and possibly Billy's DT will pick him up. Sounds good anyway.

_________________________
Addendum: The school ended up providing transportation on Friday mornings since they already are transporting another student to the same place. PTL!!

Bonding

2011-08-20T23:41:00.003-06:00

Sorry, sometimes it is just so difficult to blog . . . for lots of reasons--like multiple children who believe they deserve a 'turn' at using the computer; like multiple other things I need to do to keep our house from being totally submerged in scattered toys, scattered papers, dirty clothes, dirty dishes, etc.; like right now when I am seated right here in front of the computer and just am not sure I have the emotional energy to type.

I need to write about bonding. Well, I honestly think attachment with Abby is going as well as can be expected right now. It certainly could not be described as a seamless transition; neither, however could it be described as horribly chaotic.

Abby's age and our language barrier have to be recognized as significant factors. Obviously with a mommy and her newborn, there's lots of healthy skin-to-skin contact, there's physical and emotional nourishment, there's cradling, there's looking into each other's eyes, copying each other's expressions. Mommy is right there to feed, burp, hold, change, bathe, tend to any ailments, etc. But Abby is not a newborn. She's heavy--I can't just pick her up and tote her around all day like an infant or toddler. She's not comfortable with a lot of physical closeness and she definitely does not like being like a "baby"--so I haven't tried having her sit in a rocking chair beside me, little alone sitting on my lap. So far, I'd say the best bonding thing we've done is having fun together--looking at books, working on puzzles, spinning around in the kitchen, just generally being silly. Also kissing (and applying medicine and band-aids to) her owies, applying lotion to her dry arms and legs, and tucking her in at night--seem to be positive "mommy" tasks.

Silliness also really helps deal with her whining--it makes her laugh and it helps my attitude (because I truly HATE whining.) So a couple days ago she was whining about something and I started copying what she was saying in a big, dramatic opera-type voice with huge arm movements. She thought it was funny so it helped us both. I even grabbed her in my arms and spun around in circles in the kitchen. She liked it. (Then I had to spin the other way to try to unwind myself. I was majorly dizzy.) Other times I just have to tell her to STOP. Like today I told her "no" about something and she started going down the whine-list of all the things she couldn't do--like she was the most picked-on and deprived child on the planet. I was grumpy to day and just had to tell her to knock it off.

I try to make comfortable contact with her throughout the day--put my hand on her shoulder, pat her head, kiss the top of her head-- when I'm around her. Today she decided to comb MY hair, apply deodorant to my armpits, lotion to my arms and powder to my legs. I think that counts--it's still safe skin-to-skin physical contact.

Abby truly seems to enjoy teasing and she is generally a good sport. She can also play rather rough--which is a good thing since she has 4 brothers now. However, a couple things she's done to me have actually caused mild pain. One things is when she grabs my cheeks and pulls my lips into a smile--that's fine except she squeezes too hard and it hurts my cheeks. Another thing she did several times was spin around in her chair and kick me in the shins. I was going to ignore these but since she knows these things hurt, I need to have enough respect for myself to not let them continue.

Since the night I posted about where Abby crawled clear across her bed to give me a night-night hug, she has not wanted a bedtime kiss at all :) :) :) Sometimes I comply by not kissing her at all; other times I just give her a light kiss on the forehead or cheek anyway. Sometimes she wipes my kisses off. It's funny because sometimes she grabs Caleb and kisses him until he is just squirming and wiping his face and saying "No kiss" very loudly. I'm thinking as I'm typing that if I'm going to insist that she listen to Caleb and stop kissing him when he says, 'no kiss' then maybe I need to give her the same dignity. Or perhaps at bedtime I could just let her choose which cheek I kiss. I'll have to think about this.

School Chat

2011-08-15T12:55:00.003-06:00

Oh, I spent some time this morning talking to Mrs. Price, lead teacher at our elementary school. She said Abby can't join in on the English-learning program during summer school because it is funded by the Migrant Council (we have quite a population of children from Mexico whose parents travel working with agriculture) The ESL program during the school year is a whole different matter and she would, of course, be eligible for that. I told her that my issue is bonding/attaching with our family. That is even more vital than formal schooling right now. So we're looking into purchasing the Rosetta Stone program so she can work on English here. And Mrs. Price will check into some legal issues--thinking about possibly doing an hour or two in the classroom

Friday, July 15, 2011--Zoo

2011-08-14T23:44:00.005-06:00

This day was a bit rough.

I called her Abby and she said "ne Abby: Stefka." So I teasingly called her Abby-Steffie and Steffie-Abby. She ate breakfast OK as I recall--not much but a little of about 4 things. She didn't really want to drink but she did it anyway. However, when we got back up in the room she started the rocking and singing about Vili, etc.

We decided to go to the zoo. I think it was about 11:00 when we finally left. The driver of our taxi was very nice and spoke very kindly to Abby. He showed her a picture of his son taken with the President of Bulgaria when he'd received a bronze medal for some European volleyball championship as well as a picture of a young lady on his cell phone--whom I assumed was his daughter. The driver's name was Stefan and he pointed out the similarity of that name to Stefka.

The ZooPark cost 2 leva apiece. Apparently the lady at the gate hadn't realized Abby was with us. So she chased us down holding the 10 leva we'd paid and saying something we couldn't understand. Kevin showed her our tickets. I guess she pointed at Abby. Anyway, we finally figured out she needed 2 more leva.

At first I wasn't too impressed with the zoo. It was blooming hot. We saw deer in very barren-looking enclosures as well as pigs, goats, etc. I originally thought it was just a tiny place that would take 30-40 minutes. But it got better. Yes, several of the enclosures were pretty barren though probably several of those creatures live in equally barren places in the wild. But we did get to see the tigers, jaguars, hippos, elephant and rhino up close. The monkeys were really cute as usual--I was eating crackers and they were begging for handouts in spite of the sign that specifically asked people not to feed them. One really nice indoor building had fish, hamsters, gerbils, snakes, insects along with the inside of some of the big cat cages.

I was also impressed with the bathrooms--clearly marked with WC. They were clean, cool and free. They were practically underground with stone/tile steps down. They even had a wheelchair lift and a handicapped bathroom. The ladies' room offered a choice of potties with seats or the infamous squatty potties. The steps proved a wonderfully cool place to eat our chips and crackers and jerky.

Today we were Kevin and Anna, not Dadko and Momko/Mommy and Abby was totally wanting NOTHING to do with me. She didn't want me to touch her or walk too close to her or really even smile at her. Yes, it hurt my feelings. Part of me just wanted to give that snotty attitude right back to her. She kept grabbing Kevin's hand and dragging him off somewhere else. But I think he was enjoying her warming up to him for once.

Abby was engaging conversation with many, many of the people we met. She's very personable and chatty. [I was thinking Gabby Abby might be an appropriate nickname. Smile.] It's just a shame we can't communicate well. She definitely has a lot to say and people seem to be able to understand her so I assume her language skills are good. She's very curious. She also seems to really like babies--and likes to touch them. Of course, she is not really connected with us--she just wanted to wander to other groups of people, jump right into conversation with them. Maybe she doesn't know that family members stay together nor the rules about not interrupting nor a great deal of stranger awareness.

Kevin's interpretation was that she well knows this is her last day in Bulgaria so she was taking full advantage of talking to everyone!

Through her we met a couple from Beirut, Lebanon there at the zoo. They wondered why she was with us when we are English speakers and she definitely is not. So we explained a little about adoption, our lawyer, the process, passport, visa, etc. The lady especially seemed a bit wary of whether she was legally with us. That's OK, kids need to be protected. The young lady with this couple said she was from Ethiopia.

Like I told Kevin, it's nice to meet normal people from Beirut. We get the idea that everyone from there is a terrorist or something--because that's what we see on TV. But most are just regular people who want to go to work, fix dinner, tend their children--just live their normal lives. Here in Europe (and so near Asia) the world is so close together--there are so many nations and cultures and languages within a few miles of each other. (Yes, I do know this is an obvious fact just from looking at a map but there's a whole new reality when you experience it.) It just occurred to me that perhaps the couple from Lebanon was just as suspicious of "Americans" as we tend to be of people from their country.

We did stop at a little snack stand for ice cream and to let Abby ride on the mechanical horse or donkey or whatever that moves back and forth when you put the correct coins in the slot. She thought that was pretty fun.

Thursday, July 14, Embassy

2011-08-12T20:36:00.006-06:00

Abby did not want to get up in spite of being in bed so much yesterday and last night. She got dressed and then wanted to lay back down. Is she depressed? Her hair was a MESS--very tangled from all the rocking and rocking and rocking yesterday.

The 3 of us went down to breakfast. Abby chose only one slice of cucumber and one apricot from all the breakfast buffet. Then she started whining and whimpering. Kevin got her 2 thin slices of ham (or whatever it is) and a biscuit. She acted like it was killing her to eat them. I was embarrassed cuz it felt like we were making a scene down there in the restaurant in the midst of other guests. The waiter helped convince her that if she ate her bread and meat she could have watermelon--I guess she was telling him that's what she really wanted. [So why didn't she take it in the first place?? Smile.]

Once we got back up to our room she wanted to lay down again (and probably re-start the endless rocking) so her smart Daddy had already folded up her couch. She was just whining and whining.

Didi came around 10:00 or 10:30 and we headed to the clinic for the medical exam necessary in order to get her visa. This clinic is not just for adoptions. There are lots of kinds of doctors there--ENT, pediatrics, internal medicine, ophthalmologist, neurologist all in one building. Their names are on this electronic screen that flows by first in Bulgarian and then English over their office door. It also had very narrow halls. First we went to ophthalmology. That doc was very nice and kid-friendly and seconded my assumption that Abby will need glasses. Whoa, she is very near-sighted. The ENT guy just checked her ears, nose and throat (go figure!) so that visit took less than 5 minutes. As Abby kept whining and whimpering [on and on and on and on and on and . . . you get the picture] The Dr. was telling her HE wants to go to America but couldn't find someone to take him. Smile. The next doc (pediatrician?) weighed, measured, listened to heart and lungs and pressed on her tummy. Then we were sent on over to the internal medicine lady. She copied off Abby's immunizations and put the final medical report in a sealed envelope for the embassy. DiDi also went into the neurologist and got an Rx for the Trileptal. We paid something like 75 or 78 leva for the exam.

Then we were off to find a pharmacy to fill the prescription. I stayed in the car with Abby while DiDi and Kevin checked out various pharmacies. Kevin said the 1st one was closed, while the 2nd one didn't have the needed medication. Finally the 3rd place had the correct drug but I guess the doctor there was asking why we were having it filled in Sofia if Abby lived in Pavlikeni. Didi was able to explain the situation satisfactorily and we got enough pills for 25 days.

Meanwhile back at the ranch . . . well, car . . . . Abby kept whining and chanting/singing something about Vili and Pavlikeni and then a long list of names--other kids who were at the Center perhaps? Then her tone changed, the wording changed and I heard "Anna" and "Kevin" and "Toni" I had a good idea that she was not speaking of us very positively. It felt pretty mean. I tried to get her to stop by teasing her--putting her Pocahontas Barbie doll in her face whenever she'd rock in my direction. That irritated her but it did temporarily stop the sing-song. Another time I interrupted her song by singing my own: "I love Abby" sung in a similar sing-song chant and swaying back and forth there in the car. When Didi got back in the car I asked her what Abby was singing and sure enough, she was listing the people she likes and the people she doesn't like--and just guess which side we were on??!! To be honest, it hurt my feelings. I felt rejected.

We got back to our motel room about 12:15 for a snack. Abby drank a bottle of orange Fanta--under some duress and amidst more and continued chanting and swaying. She only ate a few bits of trail mix (same stuff she'd guzzled with so much gusto a couple days earlier that we'd had to hide it from her! Smile.) Good grief, the whining and chanting make we want to scream. And she kept wanting to rock. I'd expected difficult--but not whining and chanting and rocking like a lost soul. I had not expected so much outright rejection nor so much unhappiness. I guess that's what makes it "difficult" -- it's not what you'd expected.

Didi picked us back up for our embassy interview. We drove clear across the city--definitely a part I hadn't seen before. We came to a street with woods (park?) on both sides and what I thought was the left lane totally filled with parked cars. Didi found an empty spot, parked the car and said, "We are here." I'm looking around for "here" and she pointed on down the street. The U.S. embassy was at the end of the street. I took a picture from a distance because I knew I couldn't take one close up. [Hmmph! Can't take a picture of the embassy. Can't get a picture of immigration when we land--and these are two very big mile stones in our adoption journey.] I'd forgotten about having to unload pockets in the first building. We had to leave cellphone/cameras and Kevin's belt there. They checked our passports and returned them to us. Then all 4 of us walked across the very pretty grounds to the 2nd building. I was pleasantly surprised that Didi got to go with us (in Ukraine our helpers could not accompany us into the embassy building. We came into a large room with several comfy cushioned seats and a row of windows. It was nice to see our flag though to be honest seeing Mr. Obama's picture there wasn't that comforting. I didn't even recognize the picture of Mr. Biden.

Abby wasn't whining at least. She was asking Didi about wearing glasses--what her pair will look like. She doesn't think she will like wearing them. We tried to tell her she will like being able to see.

We were called up to the window. We, of course, were separated from the officer (or whatever his title is) by some kind of a protective window. Passports and other paperwork had to be slid through a slot underneath. Didi had all our documents ready: court decree, medical report, new birth certificate and whatever else. It was nice to be taken care of so well ( and not have to dig through the whole stack of paperwork myself trying to find the correct one.) The man at the desk said he'd look over the documents and if everything was in order we'd have our interview in about 15 minutes. He did ask if we were aware of Abby's medical condition and asked the definition of a medical term related to Abby's foot.

So we sat back down. I saw another family at the other end of the room with THREE children! I was thinking, "Wow! That must be a challenge!" Then I heard the boy talking to the man in very good English and wondered how he had learned our language so quickly. As it turned out this couple had 2 bio kids with them along with their newly-adopted 6-year-old daughter. They also are flying out on Saturday--to Memphis. After their turn at the window our 2 little girls started chatting and so did we. It was just nice to visit with fellow-travelers/adopters in English.

Our "interview" was certainly nothing formal. I remember having to raise my right hand and swear about the truth of something at the embassy in Ukraine. We didn't do that here in Bulgaria. This guy just said our stuff was in order, strongly encouraged us to get a U.S. passport for ID, and basically said, "Good luck." Both Kevin and I thought he said the visa would be issued later today but then he said to pick it up tomorrow afternoon.

Abby asked Didi questions about America. She told Didi she thinks she will get used to it. Abby also told her it's normal to cry when you are sad. She was much calmer and more matter of fact.

But when we got back to our room Abby was back to wanting to lay down and rock. She didn't want to play with any toys. I finally got our her Barbie coloring book, traced a picture with her looking on and started coloring it--trying to match the colors of the Barbie on the front. She started getting drawn in. She began helping me choose colors and even joined in the coloring of a couple spots.

I think it was then we went downstairs to the lobby and hailed a taxi. We had the driver drop us off in the Sheraton area and from there we walked to McDonald's. Kevin said people were doing a double-take seeing us with a darker-skinned girl. I just feel like we're on constant exhibit anyway as English speakers so I don't look around at other people much. That being said, I didn't like the vibes I was getting from the little girls at the table next to us. I felt like they were kind of snooty toward Abby--and they definitely were not chatting. [And maybe I just made it up, I don't know.]

On our way home I glanced over and saw a big white building with a Star of David on top. I went over to investigate and sure enough! it was a Jewish synagogue--the largest Sephardic synagogue in Europe. Unlike the cathedrals, the gate was locked. I had read there was a synagogue in town but thought it was in another part of town.

Interestingly enough, there are Christian churches, an Islamic Mosque, and a Jewish synagogue within a block of each other. Interesting but sad: the sign on the front of the synagogue seemed mostly to deal with the size, shape, condition of building, dates, etc. rather than God or people.

We walked back to the Budapest (which is never where I think it will be--I am still SOOOOO turned around in this city.) It was dusk so we went ahead and bot teeth brushed, jammies on, bed folded out and Abby into bed. She doesn't like it when Kevin sits on the edge of her bed to kiss her. She covers up her head. I don't know if it's just uncomfortable or unfamiliar or scary or a combination thereof. And I'm sure that her desire to keep us at a distance falls in there somewhere as well.

It didn't take her long to fall asleep.

With us for a month

2011-08-12T09:24:00.004-06:00

As of yesterday, Abby has been with us for a month. It was July 11 that we picked her up from the Center in Pavlikeni. In some ways I can hardly believe that is has been a month already. In other ways, it seems like much longer than that. I am encouraged by the progress that has been made in that time period.

Yesterday I was so touched by a couple things. Abby and Scheri were working together on an art project using the new art set that Abby received for her birthday. It was a heart with her nickname "Abby-Girl" printed on it and outlined with glitter glue. Abby was trying to tell me which part she did and which part Scheri did. The really cool part was that Abby gave it to me. So sweet. (She's drawn other pictures while here but most of them have been for Vili which is perfectly fine. It just was so cool that this one was for me.) And then she went and added a few more touches to it to make it even more special--she gave the heart eyes, eyebrows, nose, mouth and a decorative edging. Finally, she made sure we added it to the collection of her artwork that is displayed on the freezer door in our dining room.

The other special thing was that at bedtime, rather than hiding under her blanket when I came in, she crawled clear across her bed to give me a big hug. YES!!

Also yesterday I spoke at length to our principal about the ESL (English as a Second Language) program at our school. He was telling me about the benefits of total immersion in language acquisition vs other seemingly-gentler but slower methods. His recommendation was just to enroll Abby full-time in school. I don't know. As far as enjoying the other students and multiplying her learning--I think Abby would do fine with that. On the other hand, we have to take bonding and attachment into consideration. She has a whole lifetime to go to school. So I'm also considering just having her go a couple hours a day at first. There's a chance that Abby could participate in summer school next week. This might be really cool--would introduce her to the building, some of the students, some of the teachers, the lunchroom, etc. but would be with much smaller groups and shorter hours. I'm still thinking about all this.

Visiting the Dentist/Language

2011-08-09T23:07:00.003-06:00

Today Abby and Billy were scheduled to see the Dentist. Billy had to get a cavity filled; Abby was going for an initial check-up. I had promised her "no ouch" so I told the dental assistant that I wanted to make the visit as low-stress as possible. You know, for some kids, all they can do on an initial visit is have them open their mouth and ride up and down on the chair. Abby, however, was so cooperative they were able to do x-rays, clean, floss, polish and apply fluoride! The dentist says her teeth look very good--just has a stain on one of her molars and a couple loose teeth. Sure enough, tonight she lost a tooth!! Anyway, we found a tooth on the living room carpet after she'd already gone to bed. So hmmm?? Whose pillow does the Tooth Fairy need to visit????

It's kind of fun that Abby and I are increasing our ability to communicate using the few words we know. For instance, at the dentist's office, kids can choose a prize after they are done. So I spoke Abby's name, gently took her arm, motioned her to come with me, showed her the prize drawers and said, "Abby. One." (and lifted one finger) while indicating all of the toys. She caught right on and boy, was she a shopper! She finally chose a bracelet (and said, "Mommy-no. Abby-yes." to show that it belongs to her.) While she was still making her selection I was able to get her attention and point to myself saying "Mommy. Toilet." and then point at her and say, "Abby. OK" to let her know she could continue looking over her choices while I used the restroom. A few times we have also been able to share humor.

Abby has started saying, "I love you" to me (which I love) but honestly I'm not sure she actually understands what it means. For instance, when I say it at bedtime, I wonder if she just thinks I am saying "good night." Another cute thing is I'm pretty sure Abby thinks our house is "America!" The first night she was here, Kevin asked her if she likes America and she gave a definite "yes!"--she had spent hours that day (obviously at our house) singing and dancing with the Wii, playing with our other kids, getting her hair fixed, generally being the center of attention. One night when we were approaching the turn to our house she said, "America, no. Grandma and Poppy, yes." So I stopped over at my parents' house briefly so she could see them. Again today when we were driving down Main Street toward our home, she said, "America?" I replied that we were going to Abby's house. When people say, "Hi" to her, she says, "Hi" in return but when they ask "How are you?" she tries very hard to say, "how are you?" in reply. So today I was play-acting a conversation with the little toy lizard that happened to be in the car with us, showing the correct response. I was doing it in a silly voice so I have no idea if she caught on to what I was doing.

Today Abby was asking if we could go swimming (by moving her arms in a swimming motion) She was jumping up and down and kissing me when I said "yes." I know she was a bit disappointed when the venue turned out to be just the pool in our back yard (because she was making steering wheel/driving motions with her hands) but she still had fun. The water is not even waist high but still deeper than the 15 inch water she was in at the motel. She, Caleb and Steven were all wearing their life jackets. She still is glued pretty much to holding on to the side but was doing that both on her back and putting her face into the water-even got down on her knee. She wants so much to just let herself go like Caleb does. Not yet. But I was very proud of how far she has progressed since her first time in the water. She made sure I kept watching her and cheering for her. At one point I must have fallen down on my job because she put her thumbs up and said "good?" I finally had to go inside to get ready for Ladies' Night Out (an annual Women's Ministries event of our church) leaving her in the care of James.

By the time I left, she was back in the house and I went up to her and said, "Mommy, bye-bye." She put her thumb and finger about two inches apart and said "malko?" which means something like "little." She was asking if I were going to be gone for just a little while.

Abby's Birthday

2011-08-08T18:43:00.008-06:00

Abby's birthday party was scheduled for 4:00. I wasn't sure how that was going to work out because Steven had a follow-up appointment to check out his ear tubes at 2:30. Thankfully the tubes were great and we were on our way by 3:00. I had told Abby "Number one: Steven. Doctor." and "Number two: Abby. Cake. Ice cream."

Thankfully we had cleaned up the house and started decorating before we left. I was so pleased with the way my older kids completed the decorations . . . with pink crepe paper, Happy Birthday banner, and white balloons, and the way they set up the cake table with cups and tableware in a circular design and plates piled on each side and James had blown up a bunch of balloons. . . . because when Abby, Caleb, Steven and I drove into our driveway our first guests had already arrived!! Megan had brought her daughters over and before too long Brian and Stephanie arrived with their two girls. My parents came as well (they are such good sports.)

We had a Princess theme and lots of pink. All the girls--child and adult--got to wear a "Happy Birthday" tiara. After opening a couple presents--a very pretty Barbie with 3 extra sets of clothes and a lovely cross/Star of David necklace/earrings from Grandma Kathie-- we played "pin the crown." We then had Barbie Fiesta Pink birthday cake. It was really bright and pretty and very yummy--white cake with berry filling and whipped cream icing. Abby had chosen rainbow sherbet. We had a choice of milk or kiwi strawberry cocktail for beverages. We enjoyed a couple active rounds of a balloon game where one side was trying to get all 9 of their balloons over the table while the opposing team was trying just as hard to throw THEIR 9 balloons. Of course, each side was also striving to return the opposing team's balloons as quickly as possible. The last game was a rousing round of Musical Chairs with Scheri serving as the DJ. Boy, that Abby isn't afraid to climb right over the top of a chair if necessary to get to an empty seat!! She's a spunky one! Billy ended up winning that game. Before my mom and dad left, we had Abby open their gift. She was so excited about the computer game from them. The goodie bags for the guests had Princess notebook, Princess nail file, Princess stamper, Princess bracelet.

We decided to wait to open the gifts from Kevin and I until Daddy gets home from work.

Apologies to Vili

2011-08-08T11:04:00.002-06:00

While still in Bulgaria, Abby's caregiver, Vili, let me know that Abby wanted a Piglet cake for her birthday. Well, yesterday I drove around to bakery after bakery and none do the kind of cake Abby had requested. Several did a cake with several of the Winnie the Poo characters, including Piglet--but on those the piggy was only about 1 1/2 inches long--certainly not the main thing. I tried to imagine in my head how I with my limited baking skills could somehow compose a cake that anyone could recognize as looking anything like a pig--and decided not to do it.

The theme I chose instead was Princess. The cake I ordered is beautiful with Barbie and many shades of pink. The napkins and cups are pink and have a tiara on them. The tablecloth, silverware and cups are pink. The party favors all have to do with the Princess idea. This is a popular birthday theme for little girls here.

I'm sorry, Vili. I truly hope Abby will not be disappointed.

Appointments and Stuff

2011-08-08T09:03:00.003-06:00

Good grief! My husband is a local pickup and delivery driver for UPS Freight and there have been several days recently that I felt I was in the same profession: pick up one child and deliver him to his appointment, get home just in time to say "hi" to everyone and pickup the next kiddos for delivery to their appointment. Take for instance, July 26. James had a well-check at 10:15; James and Scheri had Junior Lifeguard lessons from 1:00- 3:00; Abby had an initial exam with the pediatrician at 3:15; Caleb and Steven had swim lessons from 5:00-6:00. You can tell right off that something will have to give with a schedule like that, especially when it takes 20-30 minutes to get to and from each one of these. As it turned out, Grandma and Grandpa saved the day by picking up James and Scheri for me . . . and I hate to admit it, but we just bagged Caleb and Steven's swim lesson that day--I wasn't home in time from Abby's appointment to take them. August 2 we had Teresa's well-check at 10:15; occupational therapy for Caleb and Steven at 11:00; Junior Lifeguard from 1:00-3:00 and swim lessons 5:00-6:00. I remember when I was a younger mother, I probably would have tied myself in contortions trying to make that happen but now I have a little (key word LITTLE) better grasp of reality and gave myself permission to re-schedule the occupational therapy for the next day . . . which made for appointments at 11:00-12:00 (occupational therapy); 1:15 - about 3:45 for Abby's EEG; and the nightly swim lessons for the little guys--tight but doable. And this does not count Billy's developmental therapy--but HIS worker comes directly to our home so no transport duties for me.

Thursday morning the 4th we started packing everybody up for our trip to Salt Lake City and loading our stuff into the van. It was easier to have each person get their own small bag and put in the necessary number of shirts, shorts, underwear and toiletries than to try to pack everyone into a big suitcase. Backpacks work great for the little boys. The only 2 that had stuff together were Scheri and Abby. As usual we also packed comforters and pillows because several of the kids just end up sleeping on the floor in the motel rooms. The plan was that Kevin would get home about 6:30 and I'd get home from swim lessons about the same time and we'd be ready to head down the trail.

Not exactly. Scheri and James' Junior Life guard lessons were cut short when everyone had to clear the pool due to lightning. At that point the storm was behind me and I hadn't even noticed it. But as the afternoon progressed, the storm only got worse so I didn't even bother wasting my time to drive Caleb and Steven to their lesson. That turned out for the best because I stayed very busy trying to get ready to go. I was determined to get the floor vacuumed before we left (my days as a pickup/delivery driver had definitely not helped the appearance of our house) because I LOVE coming home to a vacuumed, tidied-up house. Of course, it had to be around 7:30 or 8:00 by the time Kevin actually got home. We ended up driving through one of the most amazing lightning storms that I've been in for a long time. We are talking the kind of lightning that doesn't just zig-zag but lights up whole portions of the sky and landscape (and THEN you see the zig-zags)

It was a good day with Abby. I really felt like we had made some strides in bonding. That night as I saw our family spread out from wall to wall in our motel room I felt so rich and so blessed.

On Friday we drove on in to Salt Lake City, found out exactly where Shriner's was and then just drove around looking at the fancy-schmancy houses up there on the hill-sides, driving by various churches, etc. Kevin was trying to find the planetarium and discovery center so he could keep the rest of the crew busy during Abby's appointment.

We then turned around and headed back up the hill to Shriner's Orthopedic Hospital. This place does state-of-the-art work with no out-of-pocket expense to the families. They have only just recently started taking insurance. Abby's appointment was at 1:00 so we got there about 12:30 to register. Of course, I was again carrying with me the sack with all of her records from Bulgaria. It is so wonderful to have this information about her birth, her medical history, her developmental level, her previous x-rays and CT scans. With Caleb and Steven I have virtually nothing.

I feel sorry for Abby with having all these medical appointments and not really being able to explain to her what we are doing, other than "doctor." Anyway, the Dr. Hennessey put Abby through her paces, had her walk in the hall, moved her hips and knees and ankles this way and that, and ordered I think about 10 x-rays--basically from the neck down. There were views with Abby standing, views with her laying down, views with her actually standing ON the x-ray, views of hips with knees apart, views with the right foot turned this way and views with the right foot turned the other way. Views with a block of wood place under Abby's right foot.

The doctor's conclusion was that Abby did not have a club foot as I had thought. However, she does have right-sided weakness, the bones in her right lower extremity are smaller than those in the left, her right leg is about 1 inch shorter than the left. She ordered an MRI (sedated) of the brain and spinal cord which will be done in Boise in conjunction with our visit with the neurologist there. I was told this could take from 2 to 4 hours and will require that she have nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night before. {I also found out we will be doing a sedated EEG in Boise so will need to stay overnight since both procedures cannot be done the same day} Dr. Hennessey also ordered a brace for Abby's right lower leg--we will have the molding and fitting done in Twin Falls. She will let our pediatrician order the physical therapy. We are to follow-up with Shriners in 6-8 months.

Shriner's has a nice play area so Kevin had ended up just keeping all the kids there, since we had no idea how long Abby's appointment would take. They had also all gone down to the cafeteria for lunch. Abby and I, however, were starved so we went to the cafeteria and had pizza and soda before loading the now obnoxiously loud and stir-crazy troops into the HOT van. Kevin and I were laughing about the computer-generated directions I'd printed off detailing how to get from the hospital to our motel room . . . something like "go south on west North Temple" and "take Exit B-A." Unbeknown to us, Exit C-A was a reality. So was Exit B-A. And because all I'd done was print and laugh, I really hadn't paid attention to the directions themselves. So we suddenly came to where Exit B and Exit A split and we had no idea which one to take and no time to check at interstate speeds. 50-50 chance did not work in our favor. Thankfully Kevin has a great sense of direction and we ended up finding our spot for the night taking the back roads.

We all very much enjoyed this place. It was a Holiday Inn Express, had 2 queen beds plus a fold-out couch and had it's own water park called "Grins and Fins" There was quite a large section that was only 15 inches deep. Caleb and Steven and Abby could play there very safely (yes, still in their life jackets) without us having to physically hold on to them every minute.That area had slides, spraying water, a steering wheel you could turn to make water turn off and on, a rope you could pull to make water dump on your head. There was another area where you could play water basketball, a third area just for swimming and the 4th area was where the great big tube slide emptied out--about 3 1/2 feet deep. All of us-even Abby-ended up going down that slide more than once. It was a blast. Abby would always make sure I was going to be right at the end of the slide to catch her when she came down. She would be screaming all the way down "Mommy!" and I would be saying "I'm right here. You're OK." I liked that. She also eventually let Daddy and Scheri and Teresa catch her. I also caught Caleb and Steven. The only problem with catching is that I ended up getting cold because I was just standing in the water, not actively swimming. I warmed up with swimming a few short laps and went at it again for awhile. At the end though I was sitting in the hot tub and still not warm enough (smile) and Abby, at the end, was walking around in the kiddy-pool area, saying "1,2,3" and falling purposefully face first into the water. Then all 3 of them would take hands and count and all of them would fall in. I was very proud of Abby for her courage. The pool closed at 10:00 and several of our kiddos were not too tickled when they had to get out about 9:45 to start drying off.

We got back to the room, Abby got the bath she wanted, we ate Mexican food and eventually went to bed.

Saturday morning we had to get up at a reasonable hour because the complimentary breakfast closed at 10:00 and there was no sense in missing it and having to pay for food somewhere else. Whoa, Abby was in a BAD mood. Whining and whining about being sleepy, not wanting to get up or get dressed or in any way cooperate with the program. The drive home seemed longer than the drive down there. It did give me plenty of time to drink lots of Diet Pepsi, visit a variety of rest areas and finish the book I was reading.

Back in Idaho, we took a side trip and stopped in Albion to eat. Kevin had chosen a cute restaurant with outdoor seating, but wouldn't you know it, just as we arrived it was doing some pretty serious raining. The indoor food was tasty, too. Smile.

Home in time to unpack, get everyone through the tub or shower, TURN ON THE TV (for those who were feeling TV-deprived), get Billy back in the tub and off to bed.

Updates To Our Blogs

2011-07-31T23:01:00.002-06:00

I've been working away on this blog as you can probably tell. On the sidebar (along with family pictures) I posted a picture from our first visit with Caleb, Steven and Abby. If you click on the picture it will take you to the blog entry concerning that monumental day. I also opened up our other blog, The Adoption Option, to the public. That blog is the one that describes our adoption journeys to Ukraine in 2008 and 2009 and our initial paperwork for Abby in 2010. The address for the first blog is www.considertheadoptionoption.blogspot.com

FAMILY PICTURES!!

2011-07-31T16:14:00.004-06:00

This morning our whole family was in church. Abby rode the church van with Caleb and Steven, went to Sunday School with the kids her age and the teacher told me she did very well. (I checked in so Abby would know I was at Sunday School, too) And one of the other little girls in there told me, "She's nice." I know Abby will have a blast with these girls when she is able to communicate with them. She's such a cheery, sociable little soul. The kids in grades 1-5 put on a musical for the whole congregation called "Down By the River Bank"--that's why there's such a cute background on the platform.

Here and There

2011-07-31T15:25:00.004-06:00

Caleb and Steven have had swimming lessons at the YMCA last week and will again this next week. They are guppies. I chose the 5:15 time slot for a couple reasons--1) I knew none of us wanted to get up early and 2) I thought it would be a little cooler by that time of day. My goodness, the first day was insanely hot. We were all lined up in the tiny strip of shade beside the shed trying to keep from boiling. The day pictured here was better, thankfully.

Friday, July 29, Walmart parking lot. Scheri decided to push Abby in one cart and Teresa was pushing Caleb and Steven in the other cart. The kids have been saving up chore money since before school ended so were pretty excited to finally get to spend it.
Munching down at Cost-Co (CHEAP hot dogs and pizza.) We bought a big bottle of gummy bear vitamins there (ya know, the ones that cost about $16-$17) and they melted into a gooey glob of gel when left out in the car. Thankfully the multiple boxes of crayons that I bought for 25 cents and 40 cents at WalMart did NOT melt.

Abby, Scheri and James chose cheese pizza. The rest of us had hot dogs.

This and that

2011-07-31T13:19:00.006-06:00

Yet another hair-style for Abby-girl. Teresa arranged it with silly-bands which unfortunately did not survive Abby's jerking them all out the next morning.

Me taking a picture of Abby being examined by the nurse at her initial visit with our pediatrician on July 26. Abby seemed to understand "doctor" and was very cooperative though I felt bad because I couldn't explain to her what was going to happen. She was pointing at her eyes so I wonder if she thought this was when she was going to get glasses as had been discussed before we left Bulgaria. She really seemed to feel comfortable with our doctor and stood right beside him. Then she started to say "No, America." "Yes, Pavlikeni." She hasn't been talking like this at all recently so I wondered if she was remembering her medical visit there in Sofia immediately prior to getting her visa. There the medical visit meant she was leaving Bulgaria, so maybe she thought this medical visit meant she was leaving America????

Every two years Kevin's family holds a reunion and the weekend of July 22-24 was the appointed time. We did NOT go for the huge potluck dinner. That would have been way too much for Abby (besides Kevin was working) By the time we got out to Nat-Soo-Pah there were only about 4 family-members' campers still out there. This made for a very low-key family time.

Here's Kevin in the motor home getting ready to pull away from our house, June 23.
Here are the kids relaxing inside. Abby was quite intrigued with the idea of a house on wheels complete with fridge, beds and potty.
Getting the little kids buckled in for the ride.
Chow time at the park.
Our motor home in line with the others.
Eating again??!! Actually we were done with the food and Kevin was leading our family devotions on Sunday morning, July 24.

Behind the row of bushes in the background is a big mineral pool, naturally heated. We had so much fun in there but I didn't take my phone/camera in that area since I didn't want to lose it or get it wet. Caleb and Steven are little fishies in their life jackets. Abby was very, very nervous at first. She had a life jacket on which was good and bad--the good is obvious, the bad was that it kept trying to make her float and she just couldn't get her feet steady on the bottom of the pool. So she stayed in the arms of either Kevin, myself or Scheri the whole time. She was pretty proud of herself when she got up the courage to hold her face in the water. She also enjoyed Ring Around the Rosie. I was totally shocked when Scheri somehow convinced her to go down the water slide!! The first time down she wasn't on a mat and went really slowly so I was able to catch her right at the slide's edge. The rest of the times she was sailing down on a mat so I had to stand back from the slide a bit to keep from getting bowled over. She wasn't real happy with me letting her splash into the water but she kept going again. The last time, however, the mat kind of went over her face and that scared her. She wouldn't go down anymore--not even for Scheri. We were out there for hours. In the spa she even sat on my lap. That was wonderful. She got a taste of hot dogs cooked over a campfire--she ate it!! And peach cobbler cooked in a dutch oven. Believe me everyone slept very well. (The girls actually slept outside in their sleeping bags by our camper.)
This picture is taken in our own back yard fire pit on July 25. Caleb was pretending to roast hot dogs. He cracked me up because,not only was his imagination great, but he had his feet in a pillowcase!! (No, I do not grasp the connection between the pretend cooking and the pillowcase. Smile.)
Steven joins in on the fun.

Scheri teaching Abby the English alphabet. For my friends who have no experience with the Cyrillic alphabet used by Bulgaria, there are SEVERAL letters that look the same as our letters but make totally different sounds. There are also several letters that look totally different in cursive. For instance, Abby's name in Bulgaria is Stefka. The letter that makes our "S" sound looks like a "C" In cursive, the letter that makes the "t" sound, looks like our lower-case "m." The letter that makes the "f" sound is not in our alphabet at all. I truly LOVED trying to sound out the signs in Bulgaria. Of course, I didn't usually know what the word meant once I got it figured out but sometimes I did--like in McDonalds where many of the words on the menu are transliterated straight from English.
We re-arranged the shelves in the dining room so Abby has shelves for her own toys and special things. We moved all the books (and the bookcase) from the girls' room plus Caleb and Steven's books to the living room. Slowly but surely we're figuring out where to put everything.Abby's clothes drawers all child-decorated with numerous stickers.

Mementos from Bulgaria

2011-07-31T12:39:00.002-06:00

James with his new binoculars and the watch I promised to give him once I got home.
Billy in his new Bulgaria shirt
Teresa showing her bracelet and earrings set.
Scheri with her container for the rose perfume and her bracelet.
Kevin's new Bulgaria shirt.
How did I not get Caleb and Steven in their new shirts?

Wednesday, July 13--Horrible Day

2011-07-28T02:50:00.003-06:00

Today has been TERRIBLE. This morning Abby was crying from the bottom of her guts. Then wailing and wailing and wailing. Then kicking. And stomping. Then screaming. She hid her face under her blankets. She shut herself in the bathroom. My attempts to calm her and hug her helped very little at best and made her mad at worst. When the cleaning lady knocked to see if she could clean our room, I asked if she could please come back later--this was while I was talking to Toni. I had let Abby talk to her favorite worker from the Center on the phone, hoping that would comfort her. She had calmed but only for about 10 minutes.

Abby was crying so loudly and hollering for Pavlikeni that the cleaning lady and someone else on the Hotel staff came to the door to see what was going on. Kevin figures they were probably getting calls of concern at the front desk. These two ladies talked very kindly, softly to Abby and told her if she didn't cry she could help the cleaning lady after lunch--and made other promises that we didn't think were wise to keep (but didn't have to because Abby didn't keep her end of the bargain anyway.)

Abby settled for, I don't know, 5 minutes. Then came the screaming, kicking and stomping again. She would not stop or settle down. We are talking a big tizzy fit. Loud, long and lots of it. She kept begging for Pavlikeni over and over and over again. She ran out the door and frantically down the hall screaming and crying. She ran all the way to the other end of the hall and was trying to enter those rooms. She would not stop crying and she would not come with me so I had to pick her up off the floor and carry her like a baby back to our room. We got inside the room and shut the door. Abby sat on the floor and I sat on the floor across from her--I was panting from the emotional and physical effort. She just looked at me very quietly and solemnly. She turned off the wailing and screaming. She did reach for the door again. I said "no." After awhile she actually came very quietly and said she was sorry. I forgave her and hugged her. Daddy hugged her. Abby signed that she was hungry. We walked to the elevator and headed through the lobby where she told the gals behind the desk she very much wanted ice cream :) But at least she was calm.

We walked a short way down the street to an eating place and ordered 3 "burgers." I, of course, was expecting hamburgers but when the chef started by grabbing 3 eggs, we knew it would be something else. :) She grilled the eggs (broke the yolks) and chicken meat; got out 3 big buns, split them and hollowed one half out, filled the hole with thick, home-made-type potato chips, put cucumbers, tomato and thinly-sliced cabbage on the other half with our choice of ketchup, mayo or mustard (we all chose ketchup), added the chicken and eggs and handed them to us. These were S.A.N.D.W.I.C.H.E.S. and only cost 3 leva apiece. I handed Abby hers--she took about 3-5 tiny nibbles and tried to hand it back to me, saying "no." I wouldn't take it from her. She kept it up. I just turned my back to her and started getting drinks out of the fridge/cooler. I held her drink, Kevin held her sandwich and we headed back to the hotel lobby where we sat and ate. She did manage about 1/2 of her sandwich under duress, but thankfully no further huge fit.

Back up in our room, Abby was wanting to go with the cleaning lady but obviously Abby hadn't kept her end of the deal. She started winding up for another fit. We said, "no." She was sitting on the floor banging her head against the wall. I was trying to pat her head, trying to get her to play the game with the paddles/ball, the Magnadoodle, the dolly, the cards. Everything was "no." I tried drawing a picture of myself. OK, it obviously wasn't too good since Abby went crying into the bathroom after that :) I tried to even interest her in TV to no avail.

I went and sat on my bed. Kevin was already sitting there. We tried to get her to sit with us. No. She finally laid down in her bed and was crying for 'Antonia' and 'telefono' Kevin said, "No, not now." She finally just laid quietly on her bed with occasional fairly quiet and fairly short-lived wailing and finally fell asleep. Me, too. Kevin, too. (and still is at the time of this journal entry)

Abby woke up and was calling "Momma" so I went to her. She asked for Antonia and phone. She was asking quietly and calmly so I looked over toward Kevin to see if the phone was laying near him. Then the wailing kicked in again. I firmly said, "No cry." and motioned what I meant. She wiped her eyes and quit.

She laid back down. Watching her rock herself is kind of sad. Not in a sitting position like Steven but laying down and rolling her upper body side to side over and over and over and over and over and over and over--not very gently either. I tried to go back to my spot sitting against the headboard of my bed but Abby said "No." She seemed to want me here closer (She had flipped her head to the bottom of her bed) so I'm sitting on the foot of my bed just a couple feet from her. I was trying to hum "night-night" songs and keep my eyes smiling on her. Part time she was looking at me and part of the time she was not. Does this mean part of the time she wanted to see me and part of the time it was too much? I don't know. She has dozed back off.

I don't know how any of us will sleep tonight after sleeping so much this afternoon. However, I am SOOO tired.

Later note:
This was kind of a break-through I think: In the evening Abby woke up and was rocking herself back and forth and singing something--after awhile I thought I was hearing "Villi" and "Veni" among other names I didn't know. Kevin was wondering if we should have her come over and lay down between us. I thought she would think that was too over-powering.

I went into the bathroom and when I came out I was surprised to see Kevin laying on the edge of her bed. He said she had called him and indicated she wanted him there--AND KISSED HIS CHEEK!!!!! She patted the other side of her and said "Mommy" so I laid there. Kevin showed her a bunch of pictures of our kids on my phone. She was repeating names. She said something similar to 'torta' when he showed a pictures of Kandous' wedding cake.

After awhile we got up and left her with the phone. She was a bit frustrated because she couldn't find what she was looking for--so I sat back on the edge of her bed and showed her more pictures but I could tell that wasn't exactly what she wanted. I figured she might want videos. I went to the one of her swinging and squealing--she'd enjoyed this video before--but she said, 'no.' We watched some videos she must have taken here in the motel room. She went to the vidoe of everyone saying good-bye to her at the Center. I'd been trying to avoid that one. Sure enough, after she saw it, she pointed at my bed and indicated she wanted me over there. Then she stated rocking again and singing/chanting. I was trying to enter her world/mirror her (these are bonding techniques) by swaying back and forth where I was sitting and humming along. I don't know whether she noticed or felt comforted by it.

That's where we were when Kevin got back from the store with chips and soda.

I had offered her the rest of her sandwich more than once but she had said 'no' each time. Kevin asked if she wanted some of her sausage--left over from the "Victoria." "No." Banana? Apple? She didn't say no or yes to those choices. She said something that sounded like "bosca" I wondered if that meant later. I offered her Fanta--she drank only a little more than 1/2 glass. I don't want her to get dehydrated: it is SO hot.

Funny enough, when Kevin got out the chips she said, "yes"!! But Kevin let her know it would be chips AND hot dog or chips AND sandwich. The response immediately changed to "no" Just like a kid!!! We decided not to go downstairs and buy meals at the restaurant when we had so much leftover food in our fridge.

Kevin was flipping through channels and got to one called "BTV" and Abby really wanted it there. Because it's in Bulgarian, I assume? Even when it was just the news, she still wanted it on that channel.

I have noticed that not all the non-English shows are Bulgarian.

Abby spent the evening in bed. I was pleasantly surprised that she was still able to sleep the night.

Tuesday, July 12, Sofia

2011-07-28T01:38:00.003-06:00

We wanted to head back downtown today but didn't want to go in the heat of the day so we got up at 7:15. I could tell Abby wasn't too thrilled about the way I did her hair.

This motel has a very nice breakfast buffet included in the price of the room. I think Abby enjoyed being able to select her own food. She likes the 'hot dog' things--calls them 'salam' but she also had apricots, honey dew, watermelon, cucumbers and tomatoes. She liked the fruit juice. She wanted to put sugar in her milk and was disappointed we said 'no.'

This time we took a taxi downtown. We walked into one beautiful Orthodox church where they were actually holding a service. People continued walking in throughout the meeting. A man in robes was standing in front kind of singing something; then a group of singers standing at the front right seats would do their chant--kind of back and forth. This robed man was walking in and out of the big background setup through a door that isn't usually open. At one point he came out holding a box; at another time he was carrying a cross. Once another man in dark robes came out briefly through a doorway to the left.

Abby and Kevin went up and sat on the very front row between two ladies with scarves on their heads that seemed to be earnestly participating. I sat on the back row with two other people who seemed more like me--quiet observers. I was wearing pants and had no head-covering though I saw other ladies dressed similarly. All during the service, people would wander in, go light candles, walk up to various "stands." I don't really know how to describe them. I wonder if they were set up in honor of various saints? I really have no clue. One man up front was very, very vigorously going across the platform kissing something--a case--on each side. He had jeans on so I don't think he was a priest or monk or whatever and when he left, he was just carrying a shopping bag.

When the service was over we left and were a little turned around. Then we spied the Sofia monument and the mosque--those landmarks helped us get our bearings. We found the very old rotunda church and just happened to walk in on their service, too. Again a man in robes was chanting something and a group of singers--this time about 3 people--chanting back. This place did not have the big, fancy iconostasis. Finally, I was able to purchase the English description of this building and its fascinating history.

When we left, we passed the ruins out back and there were about 10 or more of the guards in uniform similar to the ones that stand by the front of the President's Building--just sitting around, smoking, chatting. I wanted to take a picture of them but wasn't sure it was OK--and was a bit respectful of all their rifles.

We bought some souvenirs inside the Sheraton--jewelry, rose soap, rose perfume, a little Bulgarian lady with rose perfume inside. Bulgaria has a Valley of Roses. The petals are harvested and then they make this wonderful, wonderful fragrance.

We finally found a playground area. Abby climbed right up the ladder to the slide and landed on her bum on the ground. At that moment the swings were busy but she got a turn a little later. She was squealing and laughing when Kevin was pushing her. I wonder if she's gone that high before.

There were several vendors set up and we made the rounds--got some T-shirts, binoculars, jewelry made from yarn, etc.
We stopped at an outdoor restaurant called "Victoria." There are LOTS of these outside shaded seating but some seem to serve only drinks and snacks rather than actual meals. I thought Abby needed to use the toiletna so took her over toward the stalls. I thought the man tending them said they cost 1 leva apiece so I ran back to Kevin for 2 leva. It turned out I had actually paid for 4 (1 leva for the both of us) and Abby didn't even use the toilet--just washed her hands!! (She did need the potty later when we were again patronizing the vendors. Smile.) It was so hot, Hot, HOT out. Thankfully, there was a slight breeze at times. Also there was a mist of water that sprayed every now and then from the edges of the tent-like covering we were sitting under. I ordered pizza--the "small waist" size and got 8 pieces!!!!

We got another taxi back to the Budapest. Today Abby has asked and asked and asked and asked and asked for ice cream. When we order actual food (well, in fact, we let HER order) she just eats the tiniest bit. It's frustrating. At dinner we specified only 1/2 portion. She ordered a salad and the half was BIG but still. All she wanted was ice cream. True, sweets are good for bonding, I've heard. It's hard to find a happy medium because neither Kevin nor I put up with our kids wasting food. After dinner, we did walk down to the little store and got cups of ice cream. This time she ate ALL of hers (through an interpreter she had told us much earlier in the day that she would very much like to finish the ice cream she had last night--we'd had to tell her we had thrown it away because we have no way to keep it cold.)

Tonight at bedtime there was lots of crying. We were able to make out that Abby wants Pavlikeni; she does not want America. Finally I called Toni and she was able to talk to Abby and calm her down. Toni let Abby know that the judge has determined adoption is better for her--it is truly in her best interest. And in time she will grow to love us. In time she will know that Toni's words are true.

Gotcha Day, Monday, July 11, 2011

2011-07-23T01:00:00.011-06:00

Veranda at Bora Park Hotel where we ate our breakfast

The outside part of the pool area at Bora Park.
The entry way at the Center. I loved all the children's springy artwork.
The grounds at the Center

Here's our Abby-girl at long last. We last saw her on February 18. Director in the background.Discussing details

Abby with some of the workers. I'm pretty sure the white-haired lady is the one who threw the water across the road. Villi is the one taking the picture.
More of Abby's well-wishers. Veni is the one in the striped shirt.
Mariann, Director Aleksiev, Toni and Abby.

Villi, me, Kevin, Mariann, Director Aleksiev in back; Toni and Abby in front.
Abby laying on Kevin's lap on the way from Pavlikeni back to Sofia.In our motel room in Sofia. The first time we are really alone with her.

Abby and Daddy
I was trying to get a family shot in the motel mirrored-elevator!!

Many pictures of me are courtesy of a certain camera-loving little girl through Kevin likes to get up-close goofy shots, too. I will not entertain you with all of them.

Our lunch: Abby had chicken soup (she didn't like it); Kevin had spicy Hungarian goulash, I had tomato. Abby also had bites of a salad with white creamy stuff and cooked peppers. I think the waiter called it something like Snow White.
I have a feeling Kevin is responsible for this photo
And Abby for this one. Smile.
Abby chose this outfit to wear. Behind is her fold-out bed.
Here's me unpacking . . .

. . . and Kevin napping
Lovely shot of our feet. I had to include this one because it cracks me up.

Harried but happy.

This was quite a day. We started with the usual breakfast at Bora Park Hotel except this time there were 2 slices of boiled egg in place of one slice of cheese. Chuckle. And it was out on the veranda--very pleasant and beautiful.

We were supposed to be at the Center by 8:30 (and I think we were awfully close) but when we arrived Toni was told they were having "discussion"--maybe about Abby's departure, I don't know. Anyway, I think it was at least 9 am when the director came out to shake our hands. I truly like and admire this man. We all headed into the same room where we had played before. Before long Abby came in. She looked so little. She was dressed in a blue summer top, blue shorts and pink Velcro sandals. I just couldn't stop kissing the top of her head.

The director checked our passports, went over official documents with Toni, read through a long list of documents they are sending with us. We got x-rays, EEG reports, CT scans and her medication for epilepsy!! This will be a huge help to her doctors in the U.S. We also discussed the use of our donation and specified that we would really like it to be used for something that will last a long time, in honor of Abby. Before we stepped outside the director spoke personally to Kevin and I, saying that "Steffy" is a special little girl and asking us to take good care of her. We earnestly promised we would. We are the first to adopt from this place, by the way. I do sincerely hope we will not be the last.

The psychologist suggested that we let Abby wear her own clothes for several days to avoid further shock of new textures, new feel, etc. Good grief! They sent her away with several bags and a box of stuff (unlike some establishments which would send their little ones off in nothing but their birthday suit) which I later discovered to be not only clothes, but nearly all of the toys we'd left with Abby plus many, many gifts still in gift bags which had been given to our daughter at a going-away party--several mementos of Bulgaria in general and others of her city in particular, religious pictures, books and plaques, games and toys, special pictures of Villi and Veni who helped care for her, a cup, pictures she had drawn, etc. So nice to know she is so loved. To be honest, I did wonder how in the world we were going to get all of that stuff home in our suitcases.

I want to share this next part of the story very delicately because I am well aware of the adoption triad--child, birth family, adoptive family--and know that adoption, which brings me such joy can at the same time bring pain and sorrow to another family, even though parental rights have been voluntarily and legally severed. When we got outside there were several adults waiting out near the car to see Abby off. There were lots of hugs and good wishes. Abby was given a long-stemmed artificial red rose, a small Bulgarian flag, a postcard of Bulgaria and a religious emblem. I was videoing it as a keepsake for Abby when all of a sudden Toni said, "Joy, we need to leave immediately." I could tell from her tone of voice she was dead serious. I suspected it had something to do with a member of her biological family who was expected to come sometime that day. I had no idea that person was actually there and had asked Abby where she was going ("to America") and why. At Toni's direction, Kevin and I got into the car with Abby between us, rolled up the window, locked the door and left. In spite of our sudden departure, one of the ladies met us out at the street to throw a glass of water in front of the car and shout a special phrase. This is a Bulgarian custom for good luck that I'd read about.

Abby was crying. She is especially attached to Villi. Toni was reminding me how normal this is. I was telling Toni about foster kids who walked in/walked out of our house with no emotion at all. Abby's way is much healthier. It shows she can attach. Bless her heart. I handed her some tissues and was patting her, saying, "It's OK. It's OK." I know she can't understand my words. I wonder if my touch is even comforting but maybe at least my voice tone is soothing. Abby was telling Toni she is afraid we won't understand her tears. After awhile she laid her head against Kevin's shoulder.

At our usual rest stop on the way back to Sofia, Marty bought her a pastry--light, delicate flaky bread that has cream cheese and butter. To me it tastes kind of salty. I don't remember what they called it. Abby did share some with me a little later.

In Sofia we stopped at DiDi's. She is a relative of Toni's and a nurse so she is particularly able to translate the medical reports and will go with us to the medical appointment on Thursday at 10:30. For those not familiar with international adoption, this appointment is necessary before the adopted child can get a visa to enter the U.S. She will also try to get a doctor to write a prescription for the Trileptal so we will have plenty to hold us until we can see the neurologist in the States. They reminded me that Trileptal needs to be given as ordered and not stopped suddenly. Smile.

Marty then drove us to the passport office. He went to exchange dollars into leva (we'd been using left-over leva until then) while Toni's mother walked us into the office. (Way too many stairs for Toni's wheelchair.) It was a long rather narrow room with about 20 little rooms (many seemed booth-size) along the sides and lots of people waiting in between. Toni's Mom was only keeping an eye on two of the rooms and in my kindergarten Bulgarian phonics I could make out that the door on those 2 rooms specified biometrics as well as passport. Finally it was Abby's turn. When she sat down for the picture apparently she wasn't even visible in the camera so she had to stand and try to keep her head in the circle. The photo didn't really do her justice.

We got dropped off at the Hotel Budapest , unpacked at least part of my stuff and Abby's clothes from my suitcase. We went down to lunch in the hotel restaurant for soups, salads. Back to the room for more unpacking.

I thought it was kind of funny that Abby picked one of our outfits to wear: sparkly black leggings and a pink long-sleeve shirt with butterflies. She tried on the pink/white tennies we'd brought but they are decidedly too big. The pink clogs are the same size but more adjustable since they have Velcro straps across the heel. I was kind of surprised she chose to wear them anyway, rather than her sandals which fit so much better. One good thing about our clogs is they have closed toes. I think this feature helped protect Abby from scarring herself up on the long walk down town. She has a very pronounced limp and besides that, the sidewalks are . . . . well, "uneven" is putting it very diplomatically. So it's slow-going and a LOT of work for her.

We ate at McDonalds. I felt so bad because she needed to use the "toiletna" The men's room was on the same level as our table but I went to spy out the ladies' room. I found it and motioned for Abby to follow and she fell flat on the floor down the little steps between levels (like 3 shallow stairs) She kept rubbing her stomach but I didn't see a visible injury. I don't actually know which part she smacked. (Later note: over the course of the days we spent in Sofia, Abby fell several times. Her right foot drags slightly, her balance isn't the greatest, she is very near-sighted and also has strabismus which probably really messes up her depth perception.) Kevin had been holding her hand as we walked on the sidewalks. I felt horrible that I let her fall.

Anyway . . . Abby had a hamburger Happy Meal. Her prize was a figure of Kung Fu Panda's dad (the noodle-making goose) that was actually a game--his plastic 'plate of noodles' was attached by a string. The goal was to swing the noodles in such a way that you could catch them on his head. Kevin, of course, played with it as we walked along the street on the way back to the Hotel. It was quite dark by then. We stopped on the way and purchased some ice cream which we ate in the Hotel lobby. I was surprised that Abby only ate 2/3 of hers.

She fell asleep without any problems at all--I sure from sheer emotional and physical exhaustion.

I didn't sleep too well. It was too hot in the room so I opened the windows. Then it was too loud with all the traffic. Finally I just turned up the fan speed on the A/C. Why didn't I think of that earlier?

Yes, indeed, it was quite a day.

Positives

2011-07-22T22:58:00.006-06:00

Having lunch with Grandma and Grandpa at Arctic Circle
James, Caleb, Papa, Grandma and Steven
Frank (Billy's developmental tech) and Billy
Scheri, Abby and Teresa. The slide in the background is the one Abby was enjoying so much.
Letter from Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Dear Toni, Dixie and Carla (and now blog friends as well)

We are doing pretty well, outside of being very tired. Jet-lag is a killer, isn't it!!

Abby did much better on the flight than I'd worried she might. She kept herself occupied watching the on-line cartoons and kid movies on the individual screen right in front of her seat. She listened to them in several languages-unfortunately Bulgarian wasn't one of the choices. It was funny because she'd need help navigating the screen and I wouldn't be able to because she'd have it in Japanese or something. We got to our house about 3 am on Sunday morning--so she didn't have any trouble at all going to sleep that night.

Abby really seems to like our kids and they like her as well--except when she's being really demanding and bossy. Smile. Both Teresa and Scheri have enjoyed fixing her beautiful hair. She hasn't wanted to have a lot to do with me but we have had some little breakthroughs. For instance,today she called me "mommy" quite a bit rather than "Anna". Tonight she enjoyed a story I read and wanted another. Also she wanted my help tucking her into bed tonight. Those are positive steps. And she spontaneously gave Kevin a hug.

She sure isn't eating much. I'm sure our food is just so strange to her though she didn't eat much there at the Hotel either--and THAT was Bulgarian food. At some point I imagine her healthy appetite will kick in and she'll be hungrier. Now if I'd just let her live on ice cream and potato chips her appetite would be GREAT. LOL.

Overall, considering the rough days we had there in Sofia, it's going OK.

Thanks so much for asking.
Love,
Joy

Note from Friday, July 22, 2011

I've been getting pretty sick of Abby calling me "Anna" so first thing this morning I just said, "My name is Mommy." She smiled. Sure, several times during the day she slipped and called me by my first name but then quickly added, "Mommy." I really felt like she was using Anna as a way to keep me at a distance.

We played a game of Old Maid and three rounds of Uno (Abby won once.) Abby asked me personally to catch her when she was afraid to go down the tube slide at Arctic Circle. (After about 3 times with me catching her, she just took off on her own. Even started following Caleb and Steven's lead and coming down head-first!! She had a great time.) She took a second helping of cereal for breakfast, ate all of her kid's meal at lunch and her dinner here at home. Yes, I did give her small portions but still she didn't refuse anything--didn't even whine about her milk. When Scheri fixed her hair, Abby made a point of showing it to me. At bedtime Abby finally cracked a smile when I kissed my finger and touched her right cheek, then kissed my finger again and touched her left cheek. She also showed me an owie on her finger and let me kiss it.

I know these may sound like small steps but to me they are incredibly exciting. I feel like slowly but surely I am winning an entrance into her heart.