When you work hard and play hard,
it's okay to just pass out cold sometimes:
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| Let him sleep... for when he wakes, he will move mountains. - Napoleon Bonaparte |
Friday, July 17, 2015
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Together Forever Day 2015
Dear Rex,
Four years ago, with you in our arms, we walked through the blue gates of your orphanage one final time. From that moment on, everything changed.
The last four years with you as our son have sent us high and low, stretched us further than we ever thought we could endure, and blessed us beyond measure. You, then a toddler and now a preschooler and soon to be a kindergartener, are the master teacher in our life. You bring us daily lessons in acceptance, patience, courage, trust, gratitude, surrender, and joy.
The people who truly know you, those who meet you with wide open hearts and minds, quickly come to love you. Your laughter is infectious, your smile most genuine, your spirit a little mischievous, your feelings straight-forward, your work ethic true. You have to push yourself more than most kids to learn and grow. And this past year, you've come so far. You started using a few words, things that are important to you: pop, bubble, ball, balloon, up, car, cracker and added new signs to your repertoire, too. You learned how to undress, how to play with some toys, how to give kisses, how to sleep in your own room, how to pet dogs. You lost four teeth and gained two scars on your head.
You are an expert climber, rough-houser and escape artist with parkour aspirations, a connoisseur of potato chips and sandwiches, an aficionado of music, silly sounds, tickles, water, swings, and thrill rides. Above all, you are a devoted son whose love for us is pure without an agenda, without judgment. There's no need to read between the lines when, instead of a left into yours, you make a right into our bedroom at night to request a co-sleep, when you squeal at seeing our faces at the end of your school day, when you cling to us during frightening situations, when you wordlessly lean on our shoulders, and when you just don't care where in the world your head hits the pillow at night so long as Daddy and I are there with you.
Rex, no matter what things might seem to others from the outside looking in, from right here in the thick of life with you, we want you to know that you are a miracle, a blessing and a treasure. We love you. Happy Together Forever Day,
Mama & Daddy
Sunday, July 12, 2015
The Week In Review
I don't know why this week turned out to be such a struggle for Craig and me, but here we are on Sunday night, still breathing, but barely hanging on. The weather in our area has been super rainy and unseasonably cool for several weeks now which has affected our activities and enjoyment of what should be summer. The dreary wet days have kept us inside too much with books and TV and lots of restless energy.
Ella started summer school this week and had a good time, I think. We opted to send her into a classroom with a different teacher than she had for Kindergarten to allow her to be exposed to a new setting and teaching style in preparation for first grade. Her summer school class has eight children and two teachers, so a great ratio for intensive learning. I have been impressed with the work sheets that Ella has been bringing home and with the activities she describes from her hours in class.
Ella and I also made a plan for a new morning routine to be used on school days. We talked about it a lot and I was in process of making her a visual chart for it, but it turned out this week, Ella doesn't need a chart. With few reminders, she now works through the following steps by herself: make bed, fold pajamas onto bed, have breakfast, fix hair, brush teeth, put on shoes, locate backpack. Any time left before the bus comes after completing this routine is hers to spend as she wishes.
With Ella at school, Emilia and I did a bit of preschool work to review for her Kindergarten year. Upon initial trial, Emilia can still identify and name 24 out of 26 upper case letters and 21 out of 26 lower case letters. She can, surprisingly, also count to 20. Last I checked she could go to about 13, so she picked up the other numbers somehow. Emilia and I also started another round of potty training. She always does so well at home, but usually doesn't carry her skills to elsewhere. In any case, we only had a few accidents this week and, best of all, Emilia went #2 on the toilet for the first time (and second time and third time), something she previously completely refused. I know she's perfectly capable, but not altogether willing.
Emilia also had a check-up with our new pediatric dentist. While it was still super scary for her and she did not like it one bit, she did much better than ever before. I feel like having a pediatric dentist is helpful in this regard. And good news: no cavities for our little girl. She was offered to choose a prize and she told the dentist, "I want gloves." Silly girl loves those medical gloves and fortunately, the dentist obliged.
Other than that, Craig's been crazy busy at his job and I have been doing the mandatory load of house work. At one point in the week, Craig and I were so exhausted that we literally missed one of Rex's therapy appointments and looked at each other in confusion when we got an email from the therapist wondering where we were. As the boy says in the famous youtube video, "Is this real life?" Yes, it is.
I managed to schedule a family photo shoot for late summer when we will have the five weeks of the year where all three of my kids are different ages. My plan is to try to have our pictures taken in that time frame each year, so I can always tell the kids things like, "Here you were five, six and seven years old." We also got the girls a used bike with training wheels and they are both able to ride it, though it is a struggle for Ella, but she is nothing if not determined to make her body work for her. Now we're on the lookout for a second bike, so both girls can ride at the same time.
The absolute highlight of the week was Rex telling Craig and me he loves us in the unique, deliberate, and unmistakable way he has chosen to express this feeling without words.
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| My current view |
Ella started summer school this week and had a good time, I think. We opted to send her into a classroom with a different teacher than she had for Kindergarten to allow her to be exposed to a new setting and teaching style in preparation for first grade. Her summer school class has eight children and two teachers, so a great ratio for intensive learning. I have been impressed with the work sheets that Ella has been bringing home and with the activities she describes from her hours in class.
Ella and I also made a plan for a new morning routine to be used on school days. We talked about it a lot and I was in process of making her a visual chart for it, but it turned out this week, Ella doesn't need a chart. With few reminders, she now works through the following steps by herself: make bed, fold pajamas onto bed, have breakfast, fix hair, brush teeth, put on shoes, locate backpack. Any time left before the bus comes after completing this routine is hers to spend as she wishes.
 |
| Happy to have received a batch of fresh lavash directly from Yerevan |
With Ella at school, Emilia and I did a bit of preschool work to review for her Kindergarten year. Upon initial trial, Emilia can still identify and name 24 out of 26 upper case letters and 21 out of 26 lower case letters. She can, surprisingly, also count to 20. Last I checked she could go to about 13, so she picked up the other numbers somehow. Emilia and I also started another round of potty training. She always does so well at home, but usually doesn't carry her skills to elsewhere. In any case, we only had a few accidents this week and, best of all, Emilia went #2 on the toilet for the first time (and second time and third time), something she previously completely refused. I know she's perfectly capable, but not altogether willing.
 |
| Emilia helped me with some preparations for next year's Bulgarian reunion |
Emilia also had a check-up with our new pediatric dentist. While it was still super scary for her and she did not like it one bit, she did much better than ever before. I feel like having a pediatric dentist is helpful in this regard. And good news: no cavities for our little girl. She was offered to choose a prize and she told the dentist, "I want gloves." Silly girl loves those medical gloves and fortunately, the dentist obliged.
Other than that, Craig's been crazy busy at his job and I have been doing the mandatory load of house work. At one point in the week, Craig and I were so exhausted that we literally missed one of Rex's therapy appointments and looked at each other in confusion when we got an email from the therapist wondering where we were. As the boy says in the famous youtube video, "Is this real life?" Yes, it is.
 |
| Enjoying a dry evening outside before bedtime |
I managed to schedule a family photo shoot for late summer when we will have the five weeks of the year where all three of my kids are different ages. My plan is to try to have our pictures taken in that time frame each year, so I can always tell the kids things like, "Here you were five, six and seven years old." We also got the girls a used bike with training wheels and they are both able to ride it, though it is a struggle for Ella, but she is nothing if not determined to make her body work for her. Now we're on the lookout for a second bike, so both girls can ride at the same time.
The absolute highlight of the week was Rex telling Craig and me he loves us in the unique, deliberate, and unmistakable way he has chosen to express this feeling without words.
Saturday, July 11, 2015
Saturday Steals
Those of you who know me in person are aware that I like a good bargain. So today I ventured out to my favorite clothing clearance center to see what was on tap, so to speak. You can't shop at this place wanting to purchase a specific item. Instead, you have to go with the flow of what they have that day.
Today, I found two pairs of pants, two pairs of shoes, 18 pairs of socks (much needed), two short sleeved shirts and six long sleeved shirts for $126 and a few cents. Most of the socks did not have their original prices on them, but the pants, shoes, and all but three of the tops did. Adding those original prices up comes to $295. I think the three sweaters that didn't have their retail prices on them along with the socks would have cost at least $125 together at the mall, so I probably got $420 worth of merchandise today for a quarter of the cost. I call that a good deal and an improvement to my fall and winter wardrobe.
Today, I found two pairs of pants, two pairs of shoes, 18 pairs of socks (much needed), two short sleeved shirts and six long sleeved shirts for $126 and a few cents. Most of the socks did not have their original prices on them, but the pants, shoes, and all but three of the tops did. Adding those original prices up comes to $295. I think the three sweaters that didn't have their retail prices on them along with the socks would have cost at least $125 together at the mall, so I probably got $420 worth of merchandise today for a quarter of the cost. I call that a good deal and an improvement to my fall and winter wardrobe.
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| My loot |
Monday, July 6, 2015
Home School June Week 4
This was our last week of intense home school for the summer. I cannot believe how quickly June went by. My mom has come and gone and some of summer's highlights are already behind us now, too.
Our theme for this week was Trees and Ella did a great job. She learned the difference between broadleaf and evergreen trees, was introduced to the concept of oxygen and how trees make it for us, acquired new tree related vocab (bark, limb, needle, palm, etc.) and gave some thought to all the resources we gather from trees, including all the things made from wood in our daily life. Since it was timely, we also threw in some Fourth of July books and worksheets. Ella was super excited about America's birthday and kept saying, "America is free now."
Ella mastered 12 new sight words, bringing her total to 49. At the end of the school year, her teacher gave a me a list of 42 First Grade Dolch sight words. Ella can now read 26 of them. Her other sight words are from the Dolch pre-primer and primer sets. In addition, Ella (and Emilia) earned their second level prizes in our library's summer reader program. They each have to read just four more books by July 31 to be declared Super Summer Readers. Among our literary selections, Ella especially enjoyed The Story of America's Birthday and The Giving Tree. Even though our tree themed week is over, she brought the latter book to me this afternoon and said, "Can we read this again? I am still interested." After reading the book once more I asked, "Why do you think the tree always helps the boy and almost gives up her whole self for him?" Ella answered, "Because she loves him so much."
Even though home school as such has come to a close for this summer, we will continue to work on reading and sight words every weekday afternoon and on math every weekend until Ella begins first grade in August. I also have a few ideas for some additional topics and concepts which we will address in a less formal setting.
Today Ella got on the school bus bright and early at 7:15 and started attending summer school. She's signed up for the two hour reading and the two hour math sessions through July 31. She arrives back at home just after noon, in time for lunch, naps and afternoon fun.
Our theme for this week was Trees and Ella did a great job. She learned the difference between broadleaf and evergreen trees, was introduced to the concept of oxygen and how trees make it for us, acquired new tree related vocab (bark, limb, needle, palm, etc.) and gave some thought to all the resources we gather from trees, including all the things made from wood in our daily life. Since it was timely, we also threw in some Fourth of July books and worksheets. Ella was super excited about America's birthday and kept saying, "America is free now."
Ella mastered 12 new sight words, bringing her total to 49. At the end of the school year, her teacher gave a me a list of 42 First Grade Dolch sight words. Ella can now read 26 of them. Her other sight words are from the Dolch pre-primer and primer sets. In addition, Ella (and Emilia) earned their second level prizes in our library's summer reader program. They each have to read just four more books by July 31 to be declared Super Summer Readers. Among our literary selections, Ella especially enjoyed The Story of America's Birthday and The Giving Tree. Even though our tree themed week is over, she brought the latter book to me this afternoon and said, "Can we read this again? I am still interested." After reading the book once more I asked, "Why do you think the tree always helps the boy and almost gives up her whole self for him?" Ella answered, "Because she loves him so much."
Even though home school as such has come to a close for this summer, we will continue to work on reading and sight words every weekday afternoon and on math every weekend until Ella begins first grade in August. I also have a few ideas for some additional topics and concepts which we will address in a less formal setting.
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| Our sight word wall before the change-over last night |
Today Ella got on the school bus bright and early at 7:15 and started attending summer school. She's signed up for the two hour reading and the two hour math sessions through July 31. She arrives back at home just after noon, in time for lunch, naps and afternoon fun.
Friday, July 3, 2015
Bulgarian Adoption Reunion 2015
This year we attended the fifth annual Bulgarian Adoption Reunion in Ohio. I continue to be one of two organizers, so the event is a big milestone for us each year. We were excited to welcome 27 families with 120 or so people and more than two dozen Bulgarian adoptees. Craig and I are always looking forward to spending time with many folks who have become friends over the years.
Here are some photos from the weekend:
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| Performance of Bulgarian folk dances |
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| Emilia got on someone's bike one night and started riding - first time ever. |
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| Emilia's close-up look at a snake during our visit to Parky's Farm |
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| Some of our group checking out the calf (Ella's in the red sweater and pink shoes) |
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| Fun in the giant play barn |
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| More play barn action |
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| Climbin' sibs |
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| Rex doing the bungy activity |
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Ella doing the bungy |
Thursday, July 2, 2015
IAC 320 Results
*Please also read this blog post by a fellow adoptive mom regarding MOJ statistic on BG referrals: https://bulgariatomaineadoption.wordpress.com/2015/06/24/iac-319-and-moj-statistics/
The following referrals were issued in IAC Session 320 which was held on May 21, 2015:
1) German dossier from February 2011 referred a male child aged 1 year and 5 months with features in health status
2) US dossier from December 2011 referred two waiting children (#2458 & #2459) with profiles on the MOJ site
3) Italian dossier from May 2012 referred a male child aged 3 years with features in health status
4) Canadian dossier from January 2014 referred a male child aged 2 years with features in health status
5) US dossier from April 2014 referred a male child aged 1 year and 7 months with features in health status and a family history
6) US dossier from May 2014 referred a female child aged 1 year and 7 months with features in health status and a family history
7) US dossier from July 2014 referred a brother and sister aged 1 year and 6 months & 4 years and 4 months with features in health status and a family history
8) US dossier from September 2014 referred twin sisters aged 3 years with features in health status
9) US dossier from February 2015 referred three children, male and female, aged 4 years & 7 years and 2 months & 5 years and 8 months with features in health status
10) US dossier from May 2015 referred a waiting child (#2441) with a profile on the MOJ site
11) US dossier from May 2015 referred a waiting child (#2120) with a profile on the MOJ site
12) US dossier from May 2015 referred a waiting child (#2697) with a profile on the MOJ site
The following referrals were issued in IAC Session 320 which was held on May 21, 2015:
1) German dossier from February 2011 referred a male child aged 1 year and 5 months with features in health status
2) US dossier from December 2011 referred two waiting children (#2458 & #2459) with profiles on the MOJ site
3) Italian dossier from May 2012 referred a male child aged 3 years with features in health status
4) Canadian dossier from January 2014 referred a male child aged 2 years with features in health status
5) US dossier from April 2014 referred a male child aged 1 year and 7 months with features in health status and a family history
6) US dossier from May 2014 referred a female child aged 1 year and 7 months with features in health status and a family history
7) US dossier from July 2014 referred a brother and sister aged 1 year and 6 months & 4 years and 4 months with features in health status and a family history
8) US dossier from September 2014 referred twin sisters aged 3 years with features in health status
9) US dossier from February 2015 referred three children, male and female, aged 4 years & 7 years and 2 months & 5 years and 8 months with features in health status
10) US dossier from May 2015 referred a waiting child (#2441) with a profile on the MOJ site
11) US dossier from May 2015 referred a waiting child (#2120) with a profile on the MOJ site
12) US dossier from May 2015 referred a waiting child (#2697) with a profile on the MOJ site
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