Babushka's Beach Vacation

What a treat it was for us to visit with Babushka and Ama (great grandmother) in Florida for a week. The boys were thrilled to go to the beach and pool every day as well as have babushka spoil them daily.
We drove down to Florida in our van to visit with Babushka. Mama got smart this time and placed a mirror on the dashboard so that any guilty parties would be seen! Amazingly enough, the boys were quite well behaved on the trip and mama didn't have to say most of those things you promise yourself you will never say. "If you keep it up, I'm going to pull this car over", "5 more minutes till we get there", "Let's play the silent game". You get the point.
Each day we enjoyed going to the pool and to the beach. Our activities included swimming, looking for shells, playing waffle ball, building sand castles, etc.. Babushka was thrilled to have some new shell finders at her side. We even walked down the beach a ways to where there were some rocks and a little reef close in where shells were abundant. The boys had wanted to go fishing so badly but mama will wait for papa to have that pleasure. Instead Yuri just thought he would use a bag and try to catch some of the minnows that way. (see picture at the top) It was pretty funny to watch and "no" he didn't catch anything must to his dismay. We did get caught in one of those afternoon showers once though and the boys were not all thrilled to be running down the beach being pelted with rain. It was quite a site to see us all jogging down the beach with Vanya and Victor crying and Yuri so far ahead of us even he was surprised. I think we actually had a little hail that time. The next time it thundered just slightly the boys were "johnny on the spot" to get out of the water and head in. They really enjoyed digging in the sand to catch the little sand crabs. It wasn't quite so amazing however when Vanya thought it would be more fun to catch them again by dumping them in the pool!

Ama enjoyed having each of the boys tell her what we did at the pool and was content to watch them play and come sit on her lap and kiss her goodnight. Vanya and Victor also enjoyed rides on her walker which helped her get a little exercise while being entertained with their stories.
Yuri hit a milestone as he learned how to swim properly all the way across the pool. The other boys graduated from their water wings and floaty suits to being able to keep afloat by themselves and even doggie paddle from one spot to another without any help.

We also got to go to the Mote Aquarium which was pretty fun for the boys. They got to see the shark tank and the giant squid as well as some seahorses and other wildlife. They enjoyed the stingray pool where you could pet them (the stingers had been removed) but of course the stingrays had a mind of their own. Victor was trying desperately to lean in and touch one and one of the stingrays came right over and proceeded to flap it's wing right in front of him and completely drench him! Everyone got a big laugh out of that one. Even him! Mama also had her hands in the water so I missed that priceless shot.

Babushka took them to the jungle gardens where they had a ball seeing all the animals. They even got to hold an alligator. Vanya and Victor got to have their picture taken holding it but Yuri was not having any part of that. He wasn't quite as sure that the tape on the snout was strong enough for his liking. He did volunteer to hold one of the birds on his arm for a picture though. When Victor tried the same thing, he lowered his arm a bit too far and the bird scratched him since it felt like it was falling. Vanya got up the nerve later in the day and unfortunately repeated the same thing. The flamingo garden was a riot. Normally you can get close to the flamingos and feed them and pet them. We were there during the breeding season and had been warned that certain ones were aggressive and to steer clear of them. The boys didn't need to be told twice about that one and totally panicked when we got to where the flamingos were. They just milled around you and you could see the little tags on their feet with the numbers. I have never heard them holler like that before. It was sheer panic. They thought they were going to get bitten. Needless to say we didn't stay in that part of the park very long.

Babushka always has fun things for them to play with and they found every nook and cranny to amuse themselves. Of course all the hats she has were a big hit as were the colored whisk brooms. Victor thought it would nice to turn on her Christmas lights each night (which are up all year round along with her tree) on her lanai and Yuri enjoyed the mini slot machine toy that you could put real coins in. Vanya loved being read to by babushka and checking in with Ama just to ask her what she was doing and if she was OK. Mama enjoyed playing chicken foot and chatting with Babushka and Ama after the boys had gone to bed but I wasn't too far behind them most of the time. They usually asked to go to bed and it was a struggle sometimes to get them through dinner before they fell asleep. We did manage to watch the sunset a few times, play a few games by the pool and even swim in the evening with the lights on in the pool.
Overall a wonderful visit where everyone enjoyed each other.

When we left Babushka's house and delivered Ama back to her home we enjoyed an overnight visit with Cousin Sam and his wife Karen and 3 daughters (Hope, Joy, and LillyGrace). It was nice for the boys to play with their cousins and Laura enjoyed catching up with Sam and Karen. We got to spend the night with them and go to church Sunday with a nice lunch at the country club after that. Special treat for all of us. The boys just loved the baby (Lilly Grace) who was only a few months old but enjoyed being able to play with the other girls too. There was always a fight to see who got to be by the baby. It was actually pretty sweet to watch. The highlights were that they had Wii game, got to see all the boats at the Marina at the country club and go for a ride on their golf cart.
Then it was back on the road again where we stopped along the way and picked up another one of their cousins, Marco, in Georgia who was coming to stay with us for a few days. We made it home safe and sound and Papa and Mayra had enjoyed a nice week of peace and quite. We would have stayed a little longer but the boys started ESL summer school the day after we returned. Looking forward to a relaxing rest of the summer.

Mama mama mama

No more Tonsils and Adenoids for the V's

Big day for Vanya and Victor. They both had tonsils and adenoids that were so large that it was causing them to have trouble breathing. They both snored really loud at night as well. What ever possessed me to think that it would be a good idea to do them both on the same day I still am wondering about. Good thing Fran came to the rescue and volunteered to go with me. At first I was thinking that it would be nice just to chat while the boys were having their surgery but there wouldn't really be anything for her to do. WRONG! She was a life saver. The surgeries were very short (35 min) and they started with some sedation meds and then waited a little bit and then wheeled them back one after the other. So when one was being sedated the other one was still waiting. We did get the "suite" with a bathroom between the 2 rooms which was fortunate. They really rolled out the red carpet for both of them and while they waiting they got to ride in the wagon and take a trip around the loop of rooms and they got their own surgeon mask and hat. They also got a coloring book and lots of smiles and hugs from all the staff. While I was signing their life away, Fran would be with the other one and then visa versa. Then I would be with one while they got their "happy" juice and then bop over to the other for their dose. It was especially helpful after they returned since they Victor had a harder time coming out of the anesthesia and was much more uncomfortable. What a blessing to not have to worry about one while I was tending to the other one. I wanted to be there when each of them woke up and it would have been impossible if Fran hadn't been there with me. What a friend! People who volunteer for that kind of duty I hope will be rewarded greatly in heaven. Helping with 2 out of sorts little people after surgery should be considered for hazard pay.
Well both of the boys charmed the whole staff and they got so much attention they just couldn't be too miserable. Victor cleared them out of their popsicles and Vanya just curled up in a ball and slept. He still donned his little furrowed eyebrows so I knew he was uncomfortable but he didn't even whimper. Victor, on the other hand, moaned and groaned from the minute he woke up. He couldn't figure out the feeling of his throat being numb and kept trying to cough which obviously made htings worse. I am also convinced that they must have used super glue for his IV because getting that tape off hurt me to look at, so i know he was justified in his yelps.
Once Vanya came too he had a couple of sips of juice and a couple bites of a popsicle. He informed the nurse that he would like to stay there longer and didn't want to go home. I think that really confused the nurse because she said she hadn't heard that one before. Most kids can't wait to get out of the hospital. Not my little social bugs. They thought they were the star of the day and didn't want to miss out on any more special treatment.
Once home Vanya wanted to get right on his bike and play! Victor didn't want to be out done by his little brother so he said he wasn't tired either and felt fine. Obviously they were supposed to take it easy for a week like we were instructed but crying and hollering wouldn't have been good for them either. We compromised and they rode slowly to the end of the street and back and then agreed to rest the rest of the day. I think the doctor gave them extra pain meds before the end of the surgery so it took a longer time to wear off. On the third day they did not rise again! By that time, all of the pain meds had worn off and they were only working on some Tylenol w/codeine. Neither were very energetic and both clearly had some discomfort but at least it slowed them down a little so they weren't begging to go outside and to the pool and such. They enjoyed eating as much ice cream and as many popsicles as they wanted and it was only about 7 days before Vanya was back to solid food. Victor took a few more days to get there.
All in all it was not too bad (for me at least!). Vanya didn't miss a beat and Victor took his own sweet time to recoop.
They were both allergy tested as well and we found that they are both allergic to trees, grass, weeds, and house dust (oh great joy). Vanya is also allergic to cats. I guess we know who will be our grass mower. Yuri gets selected by default.

Papa was a big hero when he came with a stuffed animal for each of them when he got home from work. If I had half a brain left, I would have realized that I needed another set of hands and Rob could have been there too, but hind sight is always 20/20. Good thing Fran was thinking for both of us. Thank you for everything, my friend!!!!!
Now they have fully recuperated, don't snore, and sleep much better. It did change Vanya's voice slightly but we are getting used to it. The doctor said his adenoids were actually bigger than Victors. He's so tiny I don't know where there was room for them to begin with.

Well we have all survived and, aside from a few sleepless nights, are back to life again.

Mama mama mama

Yuri turns 8!

Boy does one year make a difference. I remember celebrating his 7th birthday in Ukraine last year. This was a big day for Yuri as we got to celebrate his birthday in his classroom at school.
The day started off though with the presents! Of course he requested everything under the sun when we went to the store to look at what he thought he might like to have. He really wanted a batman outfit though so we did get him that. He enjoyed opening his presents and we did withhold one thing that Papa wanted to give him special. His own pool cue! Papa told the boys they were not allowed to play on our pool table until they turned 8 and he taught them how to play right and they were tall enough. Well the day finally came for Yuri and he was sooooo happy to get his own cue. He wanted to wear his batman outfit to school like Victor had worn his superman one (which was actually pajamas) but it was too hot outside for it so he had to settle for the batman shirt he had instead.

Since he had already seen what we did in the 2 other boys classes he was well prepared for what he would like to do. He wanted to have a batman party since Victor had a superman one and Vanya had an Elmo one. So Batman is was! His birthday actually fell on the last of the school we celebrated a day early since the class was having their year end party the next day.
We got to have cake and ice cream and also play the balloon popping game and the stick the sticker on the batman one. You know they don't make "pin the tail on the donkey" anymore since it has been deemed as too dangerous for children! It's amazing that any of us over 40 are still alive since we didn't have bike helmets or seat belts and we played on playground with gravel instead of foam padding or mulch. Anyway, I digress. Back to the party.

All the kids had a great time and the teacher even had each student stand up and say something nice to Yuri. That was so sweet and the kids were really genuine with their comments. One boy said,"I'm just glad to have "big" friend since he is 8 and I'm only 5". It was so nice that the kids were so accepting and didn't make fun of him for being older than kindergarten age.

He had a great time and that night he wanted to go to The Corner Pocket restaurant for his birthday dinner out with mama and papa. That was a lot of fun and he was so proud of his new cue and that he could finally play on the table we have and have papa teach him. As has become custom mama rocked him a little bit before bed and told him how much we love him and that Jesus must have thought we were pretty special to have blessed us with such a great child. He was excited and exhausted all at the same time. Just to hear him say "I love you mama" as he gave me a big hug and kiss after getting in bed made the day very special.

Mama mama mama

Anniversary, Memorial Day, Mama's birthday, and Summer fun

Rob and I celebrated our 13th year of marriage on the 26th! Boy this anniversary was a lot different than the last one. No advanced reservations for a non English speaking restaurant; no taxi fare; no "steak" that turned out to be a pork chop. Very low key but requiring much less energy. Good thing because we don't have as much energy these days by the end of the day.I got wonderful card from my best friend and love of my life and a digital picture frame to admire all the ones I love. We enjoyed a warm bath with the jacuzzi bubbles that now work and an evening with no child responsibilities thanks to Mayra.

Memorial Day we had a barbecue on our street complete with Fireworks! It was nice to have Mayra's mom still with us as she had come from Mexico for the graduation. The kids all enjoyed themselves and Rob smoked a brisket and made some sausages and hot dogs in appreciation of all the kindness our neighbors have shown us over the past year. As a matter of fact WE were the topic of conversation at last years barbecue because they were all discussing our blog entries as were in Ukraine this time last year having just met the boys and making the decision to bring them all home! All the neighbors have been so gracious in donating clothes and toys and backyard equipment and such. They have also endured the learning curve that the boys have had to go through (mail taken out of their mailbox, toys brought back to our house because they thought they were "fair game", door bell rings at the wee hours of the morning before school so they could honk the horn of their car, frequent requests for everything from candy to flashlights to money, poop in their backyard (yep, sorry for the graphic image that one left, but we did have an outside pooper), wearing out their animals with extra "love", chasing after their cars on foot and bicycles, throwing their yard reflectors down into the drainage well, and the list goes on) and they still speak to us and continue to bless us all the time. We were glad we were able to at least thanks them properly even though it did take us a year to actually get back to a point where we had rational thoughts and time to process things. Well...everyone was conked out after a long day in the sun and a few great fireworks ad a game of hide and go seek with flashlights, so bed time was not an issue.

Well Mama turned a year older on the 29th as well. When asked if I felt older the answer this year was a definite YES! I have never been happier and more tired in all my life as I am this year. My new sons have certainly been a tremendous blessing and awesome privilege to have but the day to day care taking is not only physically draining but mentally draining as well. trying to figure out whether the things they do are "normal" and age appropriate or something that exists due to their earlier experiences or prenatal abuse. So most of my time is really not my own but staying in pursuit of what God has called me to do and blessed me with makes every late night and every whinny phrase and every stuck out bottom lip still fill me with great joy knowing I can make a difference. Rob isn't always like that but ..... NO, just kidding, he only accounts for a portion of the above. Each card from the boys was absolutely perfect and fitting of their personalities so papa did a great job of making laugh and cry all at the same time. The funniest thing Rob got me was a frame with spots for 3 hanging pictures. He then got a picture of each of the boys doing their part of "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil". What a hoot! All in all a great birthday.

Well the baseball season is coming to a close and the pool is now open, so summer is almost in full swing. With the boys being as active as they are I am so thankful winter is over and they can enjoy playing outside and going to the pool. They all tan so well they already look brown and we have only been to the pool a handful of times. They all love to come home from school and go straight to the pool until dinner time. Great exercise and they sleep well too. They can all swim now so I don't worry as much. Vanya still wears his little suit and Victor still puts his water wings on occasionally when he feels lazy but neither of them really need to. Once school is out we will go and enjoy babushka's pool in Florida for a week and then the boys start summer school. They don't really know how long school lasts or that not everyone goes to summer school so we haven't gotten any complaints so far. Yuri and Victor will both to ESL summer school M-Th from 9-12 until July 25th. That way they can catch up a little bit and not loose what they have learned. Victor will repeat Kindergarten and Yuri will go on to 1st grade.

In August we will all be going on a missions trip back to Ukraine. Yep, crazy as it sounds, we will all be going back to Zapporyzhzhia to do some work at the children's home #3 and be able to minister to some of the kids we met. We are going with a group called Heart for Orphans in conjunction with our church. We couldn't leave the kids here without us for that long so they are coming along. Since it is Yuri's orphanage we are going to, he is excited about being able to go. The other 2 just want to go wherever we are going. We will be visiting the baby house where Vanya came from but I don't think he will come with us for that part of the day. I'm just not sure what kind of memories he has and I don't want to rekindle anything that would hinder his development. It will be interesting to see their reactions but I know my mother hen instincts will be in full swing so I'm not too worried. We will hopefully do some fundraising for the trip as this time we don't get the big tax credit. We are also going to try to help raise money for the orphanages playground. Currently the kids play in a field full of broken glass and empty beer bottles and cigarette containers. The playground plans that had been drawn up by the director total $30K US dollars so obviously we will only be making a donation towards it; unless someone comes forward with a burning desire to give us $30K. The Lord is good all the time so we are believing that if it is meant to be then it will happen. Our main goal is to share God's love with all the kids and give them an opportunity to receive Christ as their personal saviour. For them just to have some hope for a positive future knowing that their heavenly father adores them will be a success. So all those readers out in cyberland pray pray pray that the trip will be successful and we will be able to make a difference in the lives of the kids we interact with and that our own boys would see what it means to pick up your cross and follow Jesus.

Mama mama mama