Nappies For Nork Delivery #1

As you may remember, the Nappies for Nork Fundraiser earlier this year collected $11,000 to purchase diapers for Rex's former orphanage.  After the fundraiser closed, another $1000 donation arrived, making the total $12,000.  At that point George Yacoubian from SOAR and I decided to deliver $1000 worth of diapers for the next 12 months to the Children's Home of Yerevan in Nork Marash district.

A few days ago, the first monthly delivery was dropped off: 2740 Pampers. I am so happy for the children and want to thank again all who contributed to the fundraiser.

Ella's First Mother's Day

Today was Ella's first time experiencing Mother's Day.  She had learned about it at school and worked very hard on some gifts which she was excited to present to me. I'll admit it, I cried.

The last word is make-up
which is the height of coolness in Ella's book

Again, her teacher helped her write the answers, but I can tell by the choices for the fill in the blanks that they were all Ella's ideas and thoughts.  I think she likes me.

This morning, Craig told Ella to greet me by saying "Happy Mother's Day" which she did.  She gave me a big hug and followed up with this statement, "I woke up in my bed and I thought about Mother's Day and I cried a little because I was happy."

As I've mentioned before, Craig and I aren't big into holidays, so we kept things pretty low key here today, like any other Sunday.  I don't need to be showered with gifts (though I did receive a nice large tote for travel) or fancy meals (not having to cook because of leftovers was a great break, however) or  exuberant expressions of love (because my family shows me love and appreciation every day).  I am just happy and privileged to be the mother of these three treasures.

May 8, 2014

One year ago today, Rex reunited with his birth family.  I wrote about it here.  That day is forever edged in my memory and heart with so many strong emotions intermingling as two families loving the same little boy reached across multiple barriers to connect.  We decided together that our relationship need not be a secret, so I am not hesitant to share these photos.

Talking about hard things with Rex's first mom and grandma

Siblings

Brothers

One of my favorite photos:
a birth father and son connection

Rex and his Armenian family

May 5, 2014

One year ago today, we met Ella for the first time at the orphanage in Gyumri where she had spent her entire life.  She was cautious, but interested.  She has a stoical side, especially when she feels uncertain and not in control and we saw a bit of that, but mostly she was hungry for attention and interaction.  She has told me her thoughts during those firsts visits included this one: "I was worried you wouldn't take me."


Look how much she has changed in twelve months.

Pick-Up Trip Days 20 & 21

*I realize I am woefully late on these entries, but I do want to conclude this series of posts, especially for Ella who might like to read about her pick-up trip some day.

October 23, 2014

We felt like we were in a holding pattern today and the kids were not happy to be indoors.  After our morning walk, lunch and naps, we headed to Victory Park and spent a few hours with two other adoptive families.  The kids enjoyed running around and doing a few rides.  Rides in Armenia cost anywhere from 50 cents to a dollar per child and they go for a long time, so we always felt like it was money well spent for our bunch.

Only two months apart in age,
former orphanage mates Rex and his friend T
now roaming free
beneath the statue of Mother Armenia

Having a blast

October 24, 2014

Shortly after breakfast, we finally got the call that Ella's visa would be ready by late afternoon, so we knew our time in Armenia was coming to a close.  We spent the morning as always, walking the city and purchasing fresh food for lunch at our favorite places.  In the afternoon, Craig and Rex headed to the US embassy to pick up the passport with visa and I had the wonderful opportunity of visiting one of Armenia's small, private Catholic orphanages and spending a few hours with the special kids there.  For dinner, we went to an indoor amusement park of sorts where the kids enjoyed rides and games once again.

In front of our apartment
located right next to two parks

Teacher Gifts

Are any of my readers out there teachers? If so, what kind of gifts do you like best to receive from your students at the end of the school year?  I have ideas, of course, but I'd really like to present the awesome teachers that work with my kids with something that they will appreciate.  I am open to any and all suggestions.

Haircuts Galore

My big little girl has been begging me for months to let her get her hair cut much shorter.  She has very beautiful hair, thick and wavy, but it's also very hot, especially for an active Kindergartener.  So, I promised her that when spring arrived, she and I both would get haircuts.  We each had enough hair to spare for a donation to Children with Hair Loss.

This was Ella's first haircut at a salon.  She thoroughly enjoyed every moment of the experience and, being a born entertainer, she had the entire place in stitches with her commentary.

She was thrilled when the eight inches came off.

"This feels so good!"

Supermodel

And now here we are with our summer dos.  And, by the way, our hair will never look this sleek again.  We're an air-drying kind of family.

Positively giddy about her short hair