I again apologize for not posting sooner....for every parent who has had a colicky baby or a child that needs less sleep than the parents....you are my heroes! We are fine tuning our sleep schedules and feel confident will get it down soon. Maksym LOVES his big brother and struggles being away from him even for the moments his eyelids are closed. Sergei loves him right back but I think he is ready to be the big brother and not the Dad any more. Now if we can just convince Max!
We are having a lot of fun over here. The kids all love each other and play great together. Charlotte is wondering why we waited so long for brothers...she loves to wrestle and chase! Max and Charlotte are perfect match-up for wrestling....Charlotte age 20 months weighs: 32 lbs and Maksym age 6 weighs: 36 lbs. He is very gentle and careful with the girls...Charlotte, our little rough-neck, not so much!
We had our first doctor appointment for the overall check-up and I couldn't find the boys weight on the chart Dr. Lindgren had printed for me....he pointed that it was marked but was almost off the page because they are so thin! These boys need to gain some weight but other than that have a pretty good bill of health.
We are getting settled and the boys and girls are realizing this is forever...we are so happy to be together. I will share a very personal and touching moment...Sergei has started me calling me "Mom". He has always called me Becki and just a few days ago he called for me, "MOM!" I try not to grin ear to ear and buy him a pony on the spot but it is pretty hard. It is pretty awesome to say the least. He is a good boy...14 for sure but still a good boy. My vacuum smells like maybe he cleaned up milk with it and he did wash my car with my kitchen mop but again, he is 14. Before you think I have him slaving away over here, he is trying to earn money so he can buy video games!
Our little Max can melt you with his face and smile. He likes to play and is active and strong. He is a good little helper and will eat ice cream after breakfast, lunch and dinner (usually I would say no but the kid weighs 36 lbs!) Suzy, Pearl and Max are like peas in a pod....nice having them so close in age because they all like to do the same things. Park, bike rides, ice cream breaks and pool. We are living it up the summer of 2012! We are playing and working out a few tantrums (less and less as time goes by) while Kevin works and works and works leaving just enough time to help put all 5 of the kids to bed. Mom...I will never figure out how you did it....I LOVE YOU!!!
I know many of you are praying and thinking of us daily, thank you. We need it! We are settling in and feel your prayers wrap around our little family like a huge hug at the end of each day. We love you all so, so much. Still pretty surreal having all of children under one roof....God is great!
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Saturday, June 9, 2012
This is right...
We have been home for six days as a family. Every night I say I am going to update the blog but it just doesn't happened, sorry for the wait! We are so happy...happy isn't even the right word to describe it. Joy, complete, whole, peaceful, right. My heart feels right. We are all together. We belong. We fit. it took so long but here we are together reading bedtime stories, going to the park as a family, leaving notes and pictures under each others pillows and finding the word "Femeli" aka: "Family" written on scrap pieces of paper around the house...this is right.
We have our uphill challenges for sure but just being together makes everything else seem easy. Our sweet Sergei gets shy and lonely for Ukraine. It is hard not to talk to him in Russian, I know he misses hearing his own language, his friends, his culture. I went into his room late one night and he was sleep talking in Russian...I would have killed to understand what he was saying! He has been the father to Maksym his whole life, we have two Papas at our house right now, Papa Kevin and Papa Sergei. We will be slowly reestablishing roles for everyone. Maksym emotionally has been put through so much during his 6 years of life. He is adjusting but has 2-3 tantrums a day lasting about an hour which Sergei feels pressure to calm him down. It is hard for them both. It is Maksym's way of saying "What the .... just happened to my my life people and why is this lady always talking funny to me?!" I hear Sergei getting up several times in the night to check on his brother...Papa Sergei. Sergei is one good kid. He has a great friend Alex who lives in Provo, Utah who he knows from the orphanage. It is a gift having the Gardnier family in our life...WE LOVE THEM SO MUCH!
We got home and started introducing the kids to one family each day. For those who do not know us, we have a HUGE family. That seemed to be too much for the boys and we really needed to focus on our little family. We needed to show Max that families are special and that this little group of people will always be here, always. We stopped taking calls and emails (SORRY) I just could not make it to my computer or phone fast enough! Every night someone falls asleep after me and Kevin and every morning someone wakes up before us, with a few night wakings in-between. We are pooped but so, so happy.
Suzy, Pearl and Charlotte have been kind, loving, patient and overall just great sisters. They love their brothers who often times drive them crazy. The kids are getting along and they really do love each other. Kevin was back to work Monday, we have our family pool pass, annual aquarium pass and bikes for everyone so we are keeping busy...Kev and I are the only ones who seemed utterly exhausted at the end of the day.
Our sweet neighbors/ward have had hot dinners at our house every night...enough for 50 kids instead of 5! We are so grateful. Each meal is made with love...we know it. The recipes are family favorites and they have been wonderful to put it lightly.
As we focus on bonding with Maksym and establishing family roles you might not see too much of us but slowly we will get out to see everyone. We know you are all DYING to meet these boys...you brought them to us and they are just perfect. Perfect to us...even if we do not have any doorknobs left in six-months. Boys ARE different...Dana and my friends with boys have been saying it for years and they are right. Different but great!
I am letting Sergei decorate his own room....call me crazy but he deserves it. I was trying to talk him into his name above his bed....I of course got two thumbs WAY down for that one. Hey a Mom can try right!?
More in a few days...five kids in the backyard waiting for some fun!
We have our uphill challenges for sure but just being together makes everything else seem easy. Our sweet Sergei gets shy and lonely for Ukraine. It is hard not to talk to him in Russian, I know he misses hearing his own language, his friends, his culture. I went into his room late one night and he was sleep talking in Russian...I would have killed to understand what he was saying! He has been the father to Maksym his whole life, we have two Papas at our house right now, Papa Kevin and Papa Sergei. We will be slowly reestablishing roles for everyone. Maksym emotionally has been put through so much during his 6 years of life. He is adjusting but has 2-3 tantrums a day lasting about an hour which Sergei feels pressure to calm him down. It is hard for them both. It is Maksym's way of saying "What the .... just happened to my my life people and why is this lady always talking funny to me?!" I hear Sergei getting up several times in the night to check on his brother...Papa Sergei. Sergei is one good kid. He has a great friend Alex who lives in Provo, Utah who he knows from the orphanage. It is a gift having the Gardnier family in our life...WE LOVE THEM SO MUCH!
We got home and started introducing the kids to one family each day. For those who do not know us, we have a HUGE family. That seemed to be too much for the boys and we really needed to focus on our little family. We needed to show Max that families are special and that this little group of people will always be here, always. We stopped taking calls and emails (SORRY) I just could not make it to my computer or phone fast enough! Every night someone falls asleep after me and Kevin and every morning someone wakes up before us, with a few night wakings in-between. We are pooped but so, so happy.
Suzy, Pearl and Charlotte have been kind, loving, patient and overall just great sisters. They love their brothers who often times drive them crazy. The kids are getting along and they really do love each other. Kevin was back to work Monday, we have our family pool pass, annual aquarium pass and bikes for everyone so we are keeping busy...Kev and I are the only ones who seemed utterly exhausted at the end of the day.
Our sweet neighbors/ward have had hot dinners at our house every night...enough for 50 kids instead of 5! We are so grateful. Each meal is made with love...we know it. The recipes are family favorites and they have been wonderful to put it lightly.
As we focus on bonding with Maksym and establishing family roles you might not see too much of us but slowly we will get out to see everyone. We know you are all DYING to meet these boys...you brought them to us and they are just perfect. Perfect to us...even if we do not have any doorknobs left in six-months. Boys ARE different...Dana and my friends with boys have been saying it for years and they are right. Different but great!
I am letting Sergei decorate his own room....call me crazy but he deserves it. I was trying to talk him into his name above his bed....I of course got two thumbs WAY down for that one. Hey a Mom can try right!?
More in a few days...five kids in the backyard waiting for some fun!
Saturday, June 2, 2012
There are no words...
My sweet and wonderful brother-in-law captured our moment. To all of you who made this miracle happen, there are no words...
They are on the plane!
Just recieved word from Kevin....THEY ARE ON THE PLANE! No false alarms this time! They will be landing in SLC on Delta flight #2333 at 7:21PM
For all your prayers, love, cheers, donations, tear of happiness, tears of heartache...thank you, thank you., thank you. I cannot count the number of miracles we have seen since we started this adventure. Each and everyone of you have made this happen, thank you.
For all your prayers, love, cheers, donations, tear of happiness, tears of heartache...thank you, thank you., thank you. I cannot count the number of miracles we have seen since we started this adventure. Each and everyone of you have made this happen, thank you.
Just Kidding! Arrive at 7:20pm
Dang it! Flight was missed due to customs...arriving at 7:20PM...Don't hate us...I am as sick as you are about all the back and forth! Again it is standby so check the blog before you walk out the door!
Delta arrival 7:20 MN to SLC Flight #2333
Delta arrival 7:20 MN to SLC Flight #2333
ARRIVING AT 4:20!!!!!!!!!!!!
IT IS HAPPENING! Kevin, Sergei and MAx will be arriving in SLC, UTAH at 4:20PM
Flight #2029
SEE YOU THERE!Bring your camera because I don't have one!
I am bawling...souts in my yard putting up 50 American flags, thank you, thank you, thank you.
KEVIN CALL ME!!!!
TRAVEL UPDATE!!!!!
DELTA shows Kevin and the boys on the standby list to arrive in SLC at 4:20PM
Still not firm that they will make the flight but it is sooner than I thought! Will keep the updates coming! Sorry so crazy!!!
Flight #2029 Arrive MN to SLC @ 4:20 PM
Kevin call me...dead phone? BORROW SOMEONES!
XOXOXOXO
DELTA shows Kevin and the boys on the standby list to arrive in SLC at 4:20PM
Still not firm that they will make the flight but it is sooner than I thought! Will keep the updates coming! Sorry so crazy!!!
Flight #2029 Arrive MN to SLC @ 4:20 PM
Kevin call me...dead phone? BORROW SOMEONES!
XOXOXOXO
Am I dreaming? KEVIN LEFT AMSTERDAM!
Travel Update:
June 2, 2012 - Saturday Kevin and the boys will land in St. Paul, MN at 10:25AM!
There are two flights he might be able to catch home today:
Flight #2333 Arrive SLC @ 7:21 PM
Flight #1553 Arrive SLC @ 9:00 PM
We will update the SECOND we know when they get their seats! I think this just might be the best birthday....EVER!!!!
June 2, 2012 - Saturday Kevin and the boys will land in St. Paul, MN at 10:25AM!
There are two flights he might be able to catch home today:
Flight #2333 Arrive SLC @ 7:21 PM
Flight #1553 Arrive SLC @ 9:00 PM
We will update the SECOND we know when they get their seats! I think this just might be the best birthday....EVER!!!!
Friday, June 1, 2012
Stuck in Amsterdam
I know I did not post this right, but it is a short video of the boys in Amsterdam. Hopefully their first and last overnight visit! They have a few flights they are going to try to make...still crossing my fingers they are home on the 2nd...could be the 3rd, 4th or 15th of June at this point :( . I feel like they have entered a black hole...so close but so far away!
Well Shoot....
Boys made it out of Ukraine but are stuck in Amsterdam. EVERY flight with EVERY airline is overbooked. Good news....no great news, the boys found a hotel inside the airport where the don't have to pass customs. That hotel is worth its weight in gold (which is what they charge). I will update later on arrival day once we have a flight! Happy they have a place to sleep. Boys, go get some dinner, run up and down the terminal to get the wiggles out and get some sleep! LOVE YOU!
LEAVING UKRAINE!
It is 12:05 AM on Friday, June 1st in the US. It is 9:05 AM on Friday in Ukraine. Kevin, Sergei and Maksym catch their first flight out of Ukraine in 40 Mins. I am sick (with excitement and stress)! Pray hard that they make all their flights which are all stand-by.
A little Delta employee angel ,who does not love the spotlight, but who I can't let go unmentioned, listened to a little voice who prompted him to call my Dad. He called out of the blue to see, if for some reason, he needed FOUR Delta standby ticket...anywhere. He has put in HOURS of time and energy to make sure every flight plan goes as smooth as possible. His kindness and support saved us thousands...literally thousands, in flight cost. He has held our hand and has given us great advice along the way. I have taken his repeated advice and am asking you to do the same, please pray for a safe trip for all three of my boys....lets get them home!
6/1/2012 Depart 9:40 AM Kiev, Ukraine
6/1/2012 Depart 11:30 AM Amsterdam - cutting it close I know....the boys can't get stuck here because Max and Sergei cannot leave ANY airport without a VISA. A 6 year year old and a 14 year old having a slumber party with their Dad in an airport terminal sounds fun for a Pre-teen movie but in real life, it would be a horror movie, yes there would be dead bodies.
6/1/2012 Arrive 3:40 PM St. Paul, MN. Stay the night and get much needed wriggle and sleep time. Sweet Veronica will pick the boys up from the airport and will use her sweet Russian-speaking skills to let everyone vent about the last 12 hours on an airplane. THANK YOU!!!
06/02/2012 Depart 2:25 PM St. Paul, MN - After a much needed rest and wiggle room...
A little Delta employee angel ,who does not love the spotlight, but who I can't let go unmentioned, listened to a little voice who prompted him to call my Dad. He called out of the blue to see, if for some reason, he needed FOUR Delta standby ticket...anywhere. He has put in HOURS of time and energy to make sure every flight plan goes as smooth as possible. His kindness and support saved us thousands...literally thousands, in flight cost. He has held our hand and has given us great advice along the way. I have taken his repeated advice and am asking you to do the same, please pray for a safe trip for all three of my boys....lets get them home!
(I am sure Kevin is rolling his eyes because I don't know what kind of airplane they are on and just used some google stock footage...love that man!)
6/1/2012 Depart 9:40 AM Kiev, Ukraine
6/1/2012 Depart 11:30 AM Amsterdam - cutting it close I know....the boys can't get stuck here because Max and Sergei cannot leave ANY airport without a VISA. A 6 year year old and a 14 year old having a slumber party with their Dad in an airport terminal sounds fun for a Pre-teen movie but in real life, it would be a horror movie, yes there would be dead bodies.
6/1/2012 Arrive 3:40 PM St. Paul, MN. Stay the night and get much needed wriggle and sleep time. Sweet Veronica will pick the boys up from the airport and will use her sweet Russian-speaking skills to let everyone vent about the last 12 hours on an airplane. THANK YOU!!!
06/02/2012 Depart 2:25 PM St. Paul, MN - After a much needed rest and wiggle room...
06/02/2012 ARRIVE 4:20 PM , Flight #2029
IN SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH U.S.A.
Shut the front door....it is my 34th birthday to boot!
See you all at the airport if you are up to it, we will be in hibernation mode after that.
XOXOXOXO
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