The fog is beginning to lift, I think

Well I think the fog is beginning to lift at the Passanita household. I almost feel human again. We certainly haven't solved everything but we are on our way to figuring things out pretty well. The boys are starting to speak some English and are understanding most of what we say. They are still a little obstinate but what kid isn't. It is now a little more comfortable letting them go outside and play knowing that they are aware of cars, and know a few more of the limits we have set as far as where they can go and where they can't. For the most part they will do what they are asked.

The whole concept of being brothers is still a challenge. We know it was like putting strangers together expecting them to like each other like brothers but we could probably use a few less hollering matches about who hit, stepped on, sat on, pushed down, grabbed from whom and for what reason. Sometimes they will do things for one another but only if it happens to benefit them indirectly. Since we still can't really explain things in details they would understand we have simply rewarded the good behavior we see. They seem to respond to that pretty well.

This week they will be getting their immunizations so I'm sure there will be lots of prayer needed (for us and the nurses as well as the boys). We have decided to send the older 2 to school next month and will see how that goes. I'm hoping that will immerse them in English and they will start to pick it up more rapidly. All of the Ukrainian kids who are here in Williamsburg just love the boys and enjoy coming over to play with them and babysit when we need it. I think the boys enjoy it as well. It's probably a relief to be able to speak to other kids who understand them.

Listening to the boys talk to one another and laugh while chasing bubbles still makes me feel so grateful that the Lord has chosen us to be their parents. What a blessing they are! They each have their own way of filling my heart to overflowing. Vanya's giggles and hugs, Victors smirks and smile and Yuri's kisses and excitement about everything all make for really special things about each of them. They still come into our room in the morning and crawl in bed and usually fall back asleep but sometimes we turn on Baby Einstein for a little while. That is such a neat time. They all try to be the first one up so they get the best spot in the middle. It's pretty cute. They are pretty competitive when it comes to sharing mama and/or papa but I think all sibling are that way naturally.

All in all at the end of the day I can still say I love God, my husband, and my children (in that order) more than can be imagined and feel extremely fortunate and blessed to have such a wonderful life. I wouldn't trade the experiences (good and bad) we have had in Ukraine and here for anything.

Signed,

mama mama mama