Nadezda...Hope our BabyGirl!

Happy Birthday Babies!

2012-01-22T17:15:00.001-08:00

Hope's birthday isn't quite here yet..but we did celebrate it for both Hope and Noah. I am happy they were satisfied with thier ChuckEECheese party. They got awesome things-Noah and his beautiful bike and Hope with her Disney Princesses..sigh I was a little teary eyed, that Hope is growing up on me....no longer babies.

Noah 5 and Hope 3!

We just completed our 3rd post placement also! Need to send it off for apostilles. The social worker was quite impressed by Hope's demeanor and charm..sighhh. My girl!

Officially Registered for School!

2011-12-19T10:18:00.000-08:00

Hope is going to school this coming January. Am I scared-yes. She is excited but then again sometimes she says 'NO school'..we'll have to see. Noah will be across the hall from her, so I think that will help...gotta get her a Hello Kitty school bag;)

Counting down for Christmas...going to celebrate this season for everything the Lord has granted me-including his Son.

Amen

SANTA!

2011-12-19T10:09:00.000-08:00

I peeeeeeeed Mom!

2011-11-30T12:42:00.001-08:00

Yes Hope is pottying finally! Yeahh-Lord you're too good to me. It seemed almost impossible at one point with Hope and the potty. Though she is finally getting it, with a lot of positive attention and praise she delights in her accomplishment;)

She actually really likes the potty...she dislikes the toilet. She will be almost fully clean too...amazing!

I am finishing up school and will be entering the hospital come this January (God willing) and Hope will have to go to daycare..I wanted more than anything for her to be potty trained...and low and behold she is! I am worried about her in daycare..but I am happy for her at the same time...because I think she is sooo bright and would benefit from an early education...she often sings to herself holding an invisible microphone...thirteeeen, seventeen...twentyyyyyyyy!

We go away for a sneaky, mini vacation to Orlando Disney Resort...I'll snap some pics there...she's gotten so big, and her hair so long..she TALKS SOOOOO MUCH! Ughhhh...my husband wonders when she will button it..hehe. Mackenzie will be celebrating his 8th birthday...God bless him...my kids are growing up!

I have finals next week and will be able to finally take a real breather and enjoy this Christmas with the kids before the chaos starts with my RN training....sighh...wish me luck;)

2011-10-30T15:37:00.001-07:00

Happy October!

2011-10-30T15:33:00.001-07:00

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2011-10-04T18:15:00.001-07:00

Family get away...

2011-10-04T18:15:00.000-07:00

We haven't been posting in a while..and haven't been taking many pictures, shame on me!

We are leaving this weekend on a little family get away before hubby goes off to Europe for some work:( I am always pretty tired around here with the four kids alone and school...but thank God I am managing. The kids are great though...they are maturing before my very eyes. I would love for Hope to start some dancing, but very little can be done with her not yet potty trained;( Again, shame on me. She started out great-but now completely refuses to potty outside of her diaper.

On a more positive note-her sentences and vocabulary are awesome, she says full sentences, catches on to games and songs effortlessly. She puts on her own shoes, and tries to dress herself-she is actually shoe obsessed to be honest...and I take them away from her as a consequence when she is not listening..which is often lol-Hope is quite stubborn!

She's a daddy's girl...and boy does Freddy look forward to coming home and seeing her run to him. She is very helpful to me..she is always wanting to help with the groceries its so cute. I colored my hair the other day to a red..don't ask...but anyway, she wanted to color her hair too, and of course that was not happening, but I didn't want her to get upset, so I put a pink, Hello Kitty-shampoo in her hair which made her smile..and then her and I waited 25 minutes;)

She is learning her ABC's and numbers..she enjoys playing Fish and has an excellent memory...too good if you ask me..

Hopefully we'll be back with some cute pics of the kids at the water park. See ya in a few!

Back to school...

2011-08-14T17:50:00.000-07:00

Wooohoooooo.....school is next week! Cannot wait...love how I am naturally rising earlier in the am...back to my old schedule with 2 in school. I honeslty cannot wait till Noah and Hope are in school. It is so terrible for me to say that and complain, but I just cannot get anything done here with the kids at home..

In the mean time...look who likes to have her regular melt downs?

Are girls dramatic or what?

A BIG BLUE CHEEK!

2011-07-27T17:43:00.000-07:00

EEEEEEEEEEK! Well Hope finally fell down..off the bed! I heard her cry after a nap (she usually wakes up grumpy) and with the kind of cry she let out this time I knew she had fallen...when I finally turned her around to take a look I was horrified to see a swollen purple/blue cheek...I was so scared that I took her to ER. Hope is a tough one, but she was hurt..we arrived att he ER at 5:30 pm and waited till midnight to be told that her mandible was fractured and that she needed surgery...I was shocked and so upset with myself and the staff that they had taken so long to explain this to us. It gets worse-they don't have the specialist there and we need to be transported to another hospital...we get transported and by this time we are all soooooooo tired...when we reach the other hospital, the specialist takes yet another CT scan of Hope (this is her 3rd CT scan and x ray later) they quickly tell us..that Hope has no fracture! What is going on? I know I prayed hard for Hope so that she wouldn't need surgery..and I was soo relieved! I could have stayed 2 days...if the outcome was going to be positive.

As for the other hospital and its craziness,...I have nothing too positive to say ( I was considering working there once..but not anymore!)

Sigghhhh..I figure I post this since this has been the biggest scare so far in Hope's life thus far. Praise GOD!

P.S. I can't wait till school starts..I am going out of my mind each day with every crazy thing that has happend over the summer! HeHe..I'm such a complainer!

She is fine today...she's just black & blue now...still climbing and jumping around..

Seriously thinking...need your help!

2011-07-03T21:11:00.000-07:00

Hope is trying to lift herself out of crib at times, and she fell once. I know she hates her crib sometimes because she hates restraint...but should I transition her to her big girl bed at 2 1/2? It would give me more space in her playroom, but she'd be everywhere....groannn. Dunno what to do? What are you guys doing with your lil babies?

More Snaps..

2011-07-01T10:50:00.000-07:00

Meet the Gang this summer!

2011-07-01T10:44:00.001-07:00

We're still around...

2011-07-01T10:17:00.000-07:00

Kids are running around wild this summer...house is crazy with 4!

Hope is fabulous as usual and I really have to show the great snaps we have of her in blacknwhites...she is so gorgeous!
(I shouldn't be saying this about my own daughter-but hey, I can't helpt it!)

She is now trying to form phrases with us, and she even speaks spanish and understands well. She is taking out all her clothes these days and wanting to put all of it on and every shoe as well....she loves dress up and make up. She loves to massage daddy's back and feet..eyyyy...

She is always quite occupied with her brothers who spoil her rotten.

Her preferences in food have changed slightly, I catch her feeding the dog! She is not crazy about certain meats...she does love her eggs and fruits and veggies and tuna.

She lets me do her hair now and is very patient and proud once I am done. She always says 'Thank You'..which melts my heart everytime. Just a special little baby doll!

I thank God all the time for my kids, I know I am truly fortunate to have such a bunch, who are healthy and loving.

I hope everyone's summer is going great-the boys will start flag football in 2 weeks...Hope will probably start gymnastics in the fall with Noah.

We just got back from Washington D.C.

2011-06-14T19:27:00.001-07:00

Flying with four kids is awful! Freddy had to fly out to Washington for work and decided to take us with him (go figure). Kids had a blast at the museums (can't say enough good things about this place). Weather was awesome...check out my latest Hopee pics. She's just getting perty!

Happy Mother's Day to Me

2011-05-10T19:57:00.001-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to Me,
I failed chemistry with a 'D'
To prevent insanity, I made another blog,

You are welcome to read along my daily horror stories-if you want to feel better about your life;)

I just don't want to corrupt Hope's blog with my nonsense. A woman needs to let out steam and this is where I will be doing it for now on.

http://amommynurse.blogspot.com/

P.S. Our 10 year wedding anniversary is coming up and we are going on a 7 day cruise vacation, can't wait to get good pics of kids. My pics have been lagging...muah!

I love you & I'm a MAN

2011-05-03T10:37:00.000-07:00

Mommy: I Love you Hopee

Hope: No, No...I LOVE UUUUUUUUU mow! (more)

Wow what a love! Noah says this 10x a day...so Hope has finally catched on and she's in to compete. She's very competitive with Noah and they drive eachother nuts, but they are insepaerable. I'm impressed with them both, more and more every day.

Her Newest thing is our absolute fav: Hope are you a mouse or a man? Hope says: No, no I'M A MAAAAAAAN!

Daddy's girl....we'll have to work on this....

EASTER DARLINGS

2011-04-27T07:11:00.001-07:00

Well GUYS HAPPY EASTER!

THE LORD HAS RISEN JUST AS HE PROMISED!

Our little bunch have been busy...we got a puppy for Easter yeahhhh (not)....God has a sense of humour! He's a stray-it seems...he's always in the garbage can! We wait to see if someone claims him..but everyday that he is here is just making the kids smile with glee;)

Hope calls him WIDUR....which translates to RIDER......he's always running around.

We are planning a family cruise soon, before all the kids get out of school....I'm ending a grueling semseter and just need time with my babies. Hope you are well....you can see how much Hope Isabel has changed...she's just a flower of love!

The boys adore her, and she adores the boys.

Lots to be thankful for in this life.

Amen

xox

2011-04-18T06:18:00.000-07:00

NYET!

2011-04-14T06:41:00.000-07:00

Mommy-"Hope did you do poopoo in your diaper again?" Hope-"NYET!" LOL! Hilarious! She's never used that word before to say no...what a wisecracker girl we have! (we do continue to say certain words to her in Russian, french, italian, spanish) So she says some other foreign words also. When we ask her to do something and she's too entertained...she acknowledges us by saying "BL LA BLA".....boy has she picked up! I have not posted much lately...cause I am finishing up another semester and its hard studying with Hope, she demands a lot of attention (as girls do)..but she is just a delight! A show stealer.... We have found out that: Hope plays well with others and loves the company of other girls Hope is oh soooo kind! She wants to share her food with everyone...awww Hope says 'Mama' now instead of 'Mah'...she says Mama like 10times a minute.....ughhhhhh Hope is very persistant and knows what she wants! Hope likes movies and calls them 'moo moos' Hope drags mommy all over the house to get what she wants....eeeeek.. Hope loves the dog park, and loves animals of all sorts... Hope will probably be a great gymnast cause she climbs everything and isn't afraid of falling Hope loves clothes and shoes!! WOOHOOO... Hope loves her brothers and now has names for them...Frederick is 'Fra Fra' Noah is 'OWA' and Mackenzie is 'Z' Hope now plays with her dolls Hope loves her baths! Feww.. Hope loves to put on makeup with mommy... Hope tries to ride on the dog.....hmmm..oh ya...Hope colors all over the walls..alot!

HAPPY 9TH BIRTHDAY FREDERICK JOHN!

2011-03-18T12:46:00.000-07:00

My eldest is 9 today-GOD HAS BLESSED HIM!

Will post pics a lil later on;)

xox

She's a climber...

2011-03-05T11:52:00.000-08:00

My daughter is so daring! Hope is constantly climbing things...I've had to pick up so many shattered vases, picture frames, plates etc. Because of her stubborn ways. She doesn't listen very well...no matter what her consequences have been (time out, sitting in a corner, put to bed). She is fearless...which reminds me a lot of my eldest son Frederick (the hardest one out of the bunch, thus far). She does these crazy things that are so dangerous! I am waiting to come home and find her on the rooftop! She now slides upside down and backwards on the slide, she rock climbs up the tree house, and spins herself in circles on the swings....I am so fearful at times with this little toddler girl! Hope this doesn't last long and is just a phase, she's going through..sigh. Her father is like this also...she's gonna be the only one who will want to 'bungy-jump' with him..(I'd never let her..hehe).

TOMORROW HOPE WILL BE HOME OFFICIALLY ONE YEAR!!!!

The Girl and Her Father....

2011-02-27T18:01:00.000-08:00

SHE'S OBESSESSED WITH THIS MAN!

Back from Orlando!

2011-02-27T16:56:00.000-08:00

Well, here is the deal-We went to Orlando mainly for the Lighthouse Reunion. We did not want to make this a Disney trip this time...although we should have, cause we spent a lot of money anyway! But it was fun, we splurged at the restaurants;)

The Reunion was super cool! Though, not many families could come;( Weather, costs, timing..I guess. It was kinda sweet though, because we were a small group there was a lot of intimate chat;) Hope, though was naughty! I wanted her on her best behavior...and she cried the whole time! She was super happy swimming with daddy-but outside of the pool-yikes! I've never see her carry on such a drama! I guess she was tired...it was a hot day luckily. I have limited photos, because of the lack of cooperation on Hope's part. As you can see Lorien (Lighthouse's director) is a very warm person, with four children of her own (super-beautiful children if I may add). Hope did not want to be held by her (I was embarressed). Luckily Lorien was understanding. The few familes that were there were awesome! We even met a family who just met their child in Russia, but has not brought him home yet-it was cool meeting them and just remembering how it felt to be in their shoes! Crazy how life is! Once upon a time, Freddy & I went to the Lighthouse Reunion to meet Lorien in person....and were lucky to meet her and the Lighthouse families with their Russian children. Now we are an IA family, talking to pre IA families ha! We IA familes, sure love to talk/share about our experience(s) with others, and we're probably addicted to blogs and more adoption stories to come. All, so so cool really. God is grand in all his ways and plans for us. Hope cannot be anymore like me than she already is! She's so real, and so mine! I was proud of her despite her naughtiness. We hope to attend, the big Reunion in Michigan, this August God willing. Lighthouse, isn't one of the 'big boy agencies', but they sure work hard, and they do care and love what they do, thus, giving 'big boy results' with the child you are blessed to take home. After you do bring home your child with LH, you are forever part of their family it seems;)

Mommy n Daddy took a little Get Away....

2011-02-24T05:43:00.000-08:00

We just came back from Turks & Caicos.....totally spur of the moment because of Fred's job..and it was fantastic! I was only gone a day and a half...but it felt timeless;)

The kids missed us a bunch, especially Hope....she came running and screaming 'mama'! Such a great feeling!

We are planning our anniversary vacation, and will take our kids along this time....cannot wait...sometimes you forget that you need a vacation!

Tomorrow we leave for Orlando-can't wait!

FEBRUARY 11th

2011-02-14T14:27:00.000-08:00

I'm so ditzy-and have been so busy...How could I forget that February 11th was officially one year ago that a judge in Moscow Russia granted us custody of Hope Isabel. It was a terrific day with laughter, tears and great people who wanted to see a child get a home.

We will be planning a trip to Orlando, to spend a day with our adoption agency 'Lighthouse'. So cool to get to see the director again, and all the other families and little precious babies from Russia. Its exciting!

Oh ya...p.s. Happy Valentine's Day Hopee Banana! (she's so confused)...

Hope's Second Post Placement Sent!

2011-02-10T10:09:00.001-08:00

Weeef! Another one down and 2 more to go...then we can finally be done with all this paperwork!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HOPE ISABEL!

2011-01-30T14:35:00.001-08:00

The girl is officially 2 today, the very first time we get to be with her on her day of birth! What a Blessing! XOX

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HOPE ISABEL!

2011-01-30T14:35:00.000-08:00

The girl is officially 2 today, the very first time we get to be with her on her day of birth! What a Blessing! XOX

Look at Me, I'm About to be 2 Years Old!

2011-01-27T12:11:00.000-08:00

Hope get's her 2 year old vaccines

2011-01-22T11:16:00.000-08:00

Wanted to post this yesterday, but due to Hope's grumpiness and pain, after receiving the vaccines I couldn't. Her new Doctor, Dr. Kiang, (the Russian one has moved to another office, *sigh) made a comment on how dramatic girls are compared to boys....but Hopee is Super Dramatic, ha! Hope was staring the Doctor down, and would whine everytime the Doc would get near...and after the shots,..she was very unhappy! I bet she never forgets this day, and will not be happy to see Dr.Kiang from now on-or until she gets old enough to understand, why Mommy & Daddy takes her there.

The rest of the night I had to give her Motrin for the pain in her legs;( awwww....despite those lil chubby thighs being plumped,..lol she was really hurting, and now says 'ow Mom, booboo'.

We've recently, got a notice from our Agency, that it is that time again-for another post placement report for Russia (her 1 year)! It caught us off guard, it came so quickly. And Russia has these specifics, for dates and timeframes, that they want these reports done by...thank goodness there arn't that many left to do.

Hope's vocabulary these last few days include:

Please
Get Down
Get Up
Yes
No
Outside
Milk
Baba(bottle)
Peepee
Poopoo
Stop
Ow
Booboo
DaDa,Daddy,Poppa
Eat
Daapur (Diaper)
Look
Help

My Baby Boy Turns 4 Today;)

2011-01-19T19:08:00.000-08:00

Noah David, born January 19, 2007.

God Bless you my son on your day.

He will be starting pre K God willing this fall;)

Three kiddos in school-incredible..how they grow.

Thank you Lord, for such Blessings in my life....the sons I needed and the daughter you gifted me with.

Hope and Noah will have a joint Birthday Party-This Sunday-so great pics to come;)

2011-01-11T20:01:00.000-08:00

Dolly says "Byeeeee"

2011-01-11T19:50:00.001-08:00

I don't even know how I am going to explain this post..but I just have to post this before I forget (like that's even possible)...I will try to get this on camera. Hope was playing with her doll, and we were trying to film her talking...but could not...anyway, once we gave up on trying to catch her do something, we said "ok Hopee Bye" and she said "bye" then we said "bye baby" (her dolly), then she turned around and stuck out her dolly's hand and made the dolly wave goodbye!! LOL-it was sooo hysterical adn kinda creepy lol...she makes us do the strangest things! We have to kiss dolls all day long, she feeds us with her tea set and play foods-the other day she had water in her tea cup and I saw that she had been playing in the dog's water (ewwww)...you just never know with her! These days she's applying lipstick on herself too...its so hard to chuckle and take a pic at the same time, seriously!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

2011-01-01T10:51:00.000-08:00

Hope and her Auntie and her 2011 stinky lil diaper......don't think Auntie noticed..hehe...Hope loves surprises!

Just yesterday, Hope now says 'tatu' (thank you) and when Daddy tickles her she yells 'Mom, hep' (help)! We love this child!!

What a blessing 2010 was...can only hope for more happiness in 2011;)

XOX

PSSTTT.....Noah & Hope have birhdays this month;))

Can't wait to plan and post this joyous event on my twins!

Merriest Christmas Ever!

2010-12-26T12:48:00.000-08:00

Okay, our Christmas was awesome..how about yours? I didn't get great pics though I was so lost in the moment that I snapped a few but then had to put the camera down to help Hope unwrap...eeeeughh...boy I wish I would have snapped more;( I'll have to redeem myself New years Eve! God bless you guys, enjoy your holidays!

December 22.....

2010-12-22T10:25:00.000-08:00

Ohhhhh this date forever remains embedded in my heart and special! Today was our offical D.O.E. meeting in Russia, one year ago exactly! With our nerves shot, jet lag and a long sleepless, unsure night...we were numb. Until they presented us with a little black and white photo of a baby girl. I had seen this little face before in the data registry, but never considered this girl as a possibility for us, because she was too young, born only in 2009! We were also lucky enough to be able to leave and meet our daughter right away...well I wasn't sure if she was really going to be our daughter but I was sooo excited to be at this stage in the adoption!

When we drove up to the baby house #3 (the orphange for babies with mental disorders); it was ever so cold, and everything was just frozen, the squeaky gate opened and we were minutes away from seeing the child that was for so long kept inside thise building.

Inside a dark dreary room we waited, where some plants were kept, and a little goldfish swam...the only highlight of the room, along with all the old toys that were neatly on a shelf. Did we really come all this way for our child? Was this really going to be our child? Was this a predestination?

In came the translator, as she sat us down and began going over the little girl's history. No name, just the birth mother's supposed name and minimal info. They had the girl as mentally delayed, hypoxic ischemia, vision problems, and weak bones. I knew that all these children would be listed with such diagnosis and that I had to be aware of the health and condition of the child....a lot for a parent to go through when you are just meeting your child, and after waiting so long and traveling afar......only we IA parents can understand as to why we are willing to go through all of this.

Soon after a baby was brought in a teeny blue dress. She was so chubby, and he hair had been cut bluntly. She was pale and coughing....I absolutely froze! She looked much different than the picture, and her crying was so loud. I needed to ask myself if I was right for her? Thank God my husband Freddy took over and immediately embraced the screaming baby. I finally found the mother instincts in me and went to take over....even if she was going to persist screaming, I just held her close and let her cry. She had right to cry, she had been through so much already....she didn't know what a mother and father was.

When we were finally left alone we pulled out a blanket and placed it on the floor, where we played with her and tested her reflexes and got to know who this little girl really was. She didn't smile or wasn't ticklish, but she sure loved snuggling. We even took her out of her too tiny blue dress and dressed her in her first Christmas dress. Watching my husband dance with her, and twirl her around was just darling.....the best Christmas ever! We ended this day by changing her name, and giving her one of her very own, along with her mommy & daddy's name.

Hope Isabel, we are approaching your first real Christmas...and I cannot wait to see your face, this Christmas maybe the one you remember as your first, I remember my first Christmas with you when we were in Russia together....I am sure this year will be another memorable one with you, for you are so alive now and so aware. God Bless you Angelka!

Mommy
xox

FLASHBACK!

2010-12-07T06:59:00.000-08:00

Was stepping out the door and hurrying to dress the kids...I pulled out a familiar sweater/dress and put it on Hope..then I had to stop and take a picture..because hope once was a shorty cake in this sweater..now she's a big girl! Take a looksie at how much Hope has grown and changed;)

Meeting Santa...

2010-12-05T09:37:00.000-08:00

So we arrived home yesterday from Disney! Taking Hope this second time around was soooo much better...she just was aware of everything and the characters, the fireworks..which frightened her at first but by the end she was clapping;) She just loved the rides so much. It was just pure joy watching her..I really recommend taking a child atleast 18mth-2yrs to Disney, so they can really get something out of it, but every child is different..you just never have enough time at Disney and when you go in a big party its very difficult to all comply and stay together...it was magical anyway for many reasons. I had my uncle's little girl in the same photos with my children and my nephews..that in itself is a magical experience! AMEN! God is soo good!

When we finally got home (Hope hates long drives, she complained the whole time lol). I decided to add to the excitement and get them all bathed and dressed to see Santa! I made sure not to put Hope onto Santa's knee, I asked the boys to first go to Santa and let Hope go to him herself...she was excited at first..but as she got closer she kind of cringed and just stuck her hand out and waved 'Hi'..lol, then I asked her to sit on her big brother Frederick's knee, and that was better for her, but because she kept slipping off they set out a little chair for her. The staff from Santa's workshop were the same as last year, and they remembered us-that we were waiting for Hope...and they were just in disbelief and awe that we finally had her..and just how beautiful she is;) Awwwwwww I'm gushing again haha! It is such an honor to have my four kids really. To have three boys and a girl,...I couldn't have asked for a better order of children, (more or less) I am just so happy with our kids. Around Christmas, it is really difficult to budget for buying..because I just wanna spoil them so much! I guess we really are Santa huh?

Blessings! All of them...all these children that God makes are pure Blessings!

I will post Disney pics a lil later...

Happy Birthday MACKENZIE JACK!

2010-12-02T10:10:00.001-08:00

My middle son Mackenzie turns 7 today..sighhh..they just grow up too fast..he is already getting older looking also, losing all of his baby fat cheeks;( Tomorrow we hit Disney to celebrate at Mickey Mouse's very Merry Christmas Party!

"HAP"

2010-12-01T15:13:00.000-08:00

Well...aside from Fred hacking into my blog;)...all has been awesome! I have been doing some Christmas shopping..can't say its been easy with 4 kids..but its been fun too. I just want to buy the whole girl section of the toy store;) I have been buying then returning...coocoo...I know..but I just can't help it! Hope has just surprised us by her vocabulary these days! You ask her what her name is and she hits herself on the chest and says "HAP" haha...its so crazy adorable! When I was bathing her, and I dropped the soap she says "fall down?" And when her brothers are annoying her she yells "MAAAAAHHHHH" and points at Noah and complains (its always Noah) in her baby babble...lol! Its hilarious! Quite a mature young lady! She poopoopied three days in a row in the pottie, and has us quite impressed, never have seen a child so consistant!

Little Hopee, has this annoying habit recently (grr..can be dangerous too), when I am in the kitchen talking or preparing something, she climbs into her high chair to sit down near me and listen to all that is going on-NOSSSSSY GIRL!

When I redirect her to watch t.v. she gets annoyed with me and calls me names I guess lol...in her bla bla bla. Hope's favorite program is Sesame Street and she loves Elmo & Abby..atleast she can sit and watch t.v. for a while. She takes naps everyday as well for about 2 hours-she's super moody when she wakes up though! And when I am on the phone...so is Hap!

i hacked into Jeanni's blog and decided to add this...

2010-11-30T18:02:00.000-08:00

2010-11-26T12:04:00.000-08:00

Our Turkey Turkey was a Blast!

2010-11-26T10:35:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone's Thanksgiving was as blessed as ours was. We had two! Hope had so much fun..I gotta post the pics of our sweet girl, who is just growing like a weed! As we leave November and enter into the month of December, we can only just be left in disbelief that it was a year ago that we had received the phone call on a little girl in Russia who was nearing a year and needing a family! Our little Hope Isabel! No name, no photo, no info...just waiting on God's plans for her...God's plan for us and our family. To be given such a gift of love, and innocence..she is just a joy to us and our boys. She loves animals, and now her dolls, her hair and her shoes...she loves affection..and she is sooo attached to us..it all just feels so natural with my daughter. Hope just did a potty yesterday on thanksgiving evening..she was a little confused but thrilled with our claps and cheers..lets see how she does today. I haven't been pushing it, but she keeps making these grimaces when she gets wet or wants nothing to do with wearing a diaper, so I figure it only makes sense to try and rid of it. Hope will turn two in January (God willing), and I can't believe she's only two! She is a five year old in a toddler's body. Her maturity is so amazing! She tries to feed her baby cousin, and pick him up..she tries to feed the kitty outside and gives her water...wow what a child! Lord you are too good to us, this child is a dream! Everything she wears she is just stunning..hehe (parent's brag). She is always defending her bros too...only she can get mad at them not us!

I can't remember if I had posted this or not-but Hope dislocated her arm a few weeks ago..while we were in a dept. store;( we all freaked out by the way she was crying..we rushed her to the E.R. and they had to snap her arm back in place! Yeeoowch!I think we screamed louder than her...it was quite an experience...its hard to keep Hope sitting in one place-she's very active and curious, and she can now open any door in the house (except the ones with locks)..she also is determined and will not give up until she gets what she wants! my kind of girl...my husband says-she's just like her mother!! HEHE.

Anyway, I gotta post more pics!!

"Hero" by Abandon with Lyrics

2010-11-17T21:06:00.000-08:00

November

2010-11-10T17:35:00.000-08:00

Oh so-November is here....huh?

Wow! Is this year going fast....yes we are having fun, but we are soooo busy, and busy and busy. Why do we get this way? Why do we do this to ourselves? I feel so guilty taking on projects when I can't even get the house clean. I swear I will not hire someone to clean until I am working...but I better clean too...sooon!

I will need to take a lot of pictures this Thanksgiving.

I am getting some shopping in for the cooler weather...its almost so confusing shopping for a girl and boys...I get dizzy, and actually cannot focus at times..lol but I am loving it;)

Hope is repeating everything like: "Peekaboo, Iseeyouuuu"
"hot" "stop" "ow" "MAAAAAAHHHHH" "DADA" "poopoo"
"Peepee" "ouuuahhhh"(Noah)

She likes to play with my hair with a comb (ouch) and she lieks to tickle feet.
She loves her tricycle, and loves to run around and play tag. She isn't fond of staying in the strollerrrr arghhhh. She likes getting dressed up and now let's me do her hair. She walks around and never leaves without her purse;)

I can go on forever about her..but I'll just get the pictures and outfits togther for our baby girl and baby boys;) I am so proud of them, all of them-they are darlings of our hearts, and they light up our days. At times I feel guilty for starting school and taking away from them...but eventually it will be only to better them. I want Hope in ballet and gymnastics, and the boys to continue pursuing sports and activities...and non of these are cheap anymore. God will provide anyhow.

He gave me an awesome family and love.

Hallooooweeeeen CUTIES!

2010-11-01T20:46:00.000-07:00

Fix It Yourself!

2010-10-27T06:53:00.001-07:00

When the kids are left alone with dad....hmmm?

On Stage!

2010-10-27T06:39:00.000-07:00

Happy October!

2010-10-27T06:03:00.000-07:00

Soooo have not posted in a while...hmmm wonder why with 4 kids flying in every which direction;)

A little update on the Hopee girl-She likes Sesame Street and gets a little more distracted these days (weewwwww).

She understands everything we say...and even giggles when she is purposely ignoring us;)

She is getting so tall! Can't believe she isn't even 2 yet!

She loooooves her daddy....and follows him everythwere he goes.

If I get mad at Noah, she is always there to yell at me back and hug Noah..awwww

She loves animals! She calls out to our outside cat...'Poo Poo'...its adorable!

She still is quite clingy to Mama..and misses us so, when we leave her with grandma.

Bathing is still not her favorite.

She loves her tricycle.

Well, October is almost gone...this year has been sooo exciting with a lot of firsts for Hope-guess that is why we haven't been able to stop and post...its been even too fast for pics at times. Hope tried her first pony ride and screaaaamed! I got scared my first pony ride too-but she was just shaking all over...hmmmm guess her Kazak/Kyrg genes haven't kicked in yet?

Anyhoo, here are a few photos. Hope your season is jamming;)

Happy Six Months Hope..

2010-09-06T08:13:00.000-07:00

This month mommy got a new minivan;) and today Hope has been home offically, for six months now...wow! Feels like yesterday we met her little pale face, bundled up in a too-little, blue dress. Hope you are just fabulous! Your intelligence just amazes us, your kindness and affection is a gift to the world and people around you.

You will be 19 months old this month and your hair is just getting so beautiful. You are starting to get curious about the potty and your songs are endless through out the day;)

America is under a lot of stress these days, not everyone is living comfortably-but those who are know that its a blessing, to still be able to smile and focus, on what is truly important in life.

GOD will take care of us sweetheart, I love you so much Hope Isabel.

P.S. Hope loves to look at pics of herself on my blog, as soon as she hears the music, she knows I am looking at my blog...and so she begins to wiggle with delight.

Another Month Gone By...

2010-08-29T18:56:00.000-07:00

We are soon saying good-bye to the month of August..our kids are all in school and will soon all be a year older before we know it;( Fred's B Day is even coming up! Time just goes by so so fast...my daughter still feels so unreal and such a dream to us-God is too good.

Unfortunately, when days go by..some pain does resurface of loss..loss of our dear beloved Arturo, my uncle Arturo. I see him in my Hope and it just hurts sometimes that he isn't here to see her...see my dream finally to life. Sometimes life is just like that I guess...sometimes I am just selfish I guess. He's in a better place, but we're still here, we will still face more suffering in this world. I know God is teaching me and shaping me for his future, a future I look forward to also. It's hard to not look back though isn't it? Before we take those giant steps, we want to look back a few times more..to be certain that we are going the right way? Look back, to hold on some more to what once was...I was watching such a good movie with Freddy tonight, and after such a good church session on 1 Samual, young David's perseverence and strength and protection from GOD...I guess I just feel inspired tonight to say:

Persevere, persevere, fight, fight folks..its only one life, so it's worth it...it's worth tripping & falling before you try again..because, you will get there eventually, if you see it. I still have these desires some days, to think about more children, adopting more, saving more...I dunno, I guess I will wait for GOD's queu, he'll let me know...Just keep your prayers open for your neighbors...its one tough life, and there is just so much need these days. Pray for those who have no job, who have lost someone, who are ill or just struggling with life these days. It is so much easier if we care. God built us to care.

We were all supposed to have a good life...remember that.

good night xox.

Back to school!

2010-08-23T20:17:00.000-07:00

Today we survived our first day..it was quite fun and went quite smoothly. The boys have been blessed this year with great teachers! I am so happy for them. Noah was quite upset though, because he really wants to be four already so he can go to school too;( It broke my heart...but he'll be in school before we know it! Noah has come down with bronchitis it seems..so I'll have to take him to the doctor tomorrow, and my head has been aching along with my sinus..hope, I'm not coming down with something as well...anyway, gonna go to sleep now..I need all the rest I can get, I have algebra tomorrow...eeeeeek!

What's Hope up to these Days???

2010-08-22T21:57:00.000-07:00

*She shakes her head No (alot) and nods yes.

*She brings me a diaper for her changes

*She takes off her diaper herself first thing in the am..ugh

*She sticks her butt out when she does poopoo and wants to be changed

*she points a lot

*she claps her hands when she gets her way

*She is starting to bite her nails

*She stills pulls out her pigtails

*She loves shoes (anybody's shoes)

*She notices everything (hair color changes, makeup, new clothes, booboos, etc.

*She still likes to hit!

*She loves to call out to her 'MAMA'

*She's always stalking Dad!

*She's a climber!!

*She recently fell onto rocks..and is sporting a nasty scrape on her eyelid..ouch!

*She's doesn't want to eat much..cause she's teething.

*She wants to sleep in her brothers' room..awwwwwww.

*We often tell her 'NYET' its the only way she gets it..hehe.

Her speech has not picked up much, but she does do a lot of connective-babbling or singing at times hehe....so she's really wanting to talk, and I have a feeling that once it does come together..there won't be any problems...she's gonna be a talker;)

Also, we have been fortunate to connect with another set of PAP's who also adopted a little Kazak/Kygyz girl from Moscow, her name is 'Ava'..and it has been so much fun getting the girls together..how blessed are we? Hope now gets to grow up with another little girl like her;) Ava also has two older brothers who are just the sweetest....hmmmm who says GOD doesn't plan everything?

Good-Bye Summer..

2010-08-22T21:30:00.000-07:00

I FAILED ALGEBRA!

2010-08-11T19:44:00.000-07:00

Well, as you know school is just around the corner for all of us.. with yet, another semester of algebra for me 'ding ding' round 2! I took a final exam and FAILED IT! GROSS! What is wrong with me?...Just when I thought I was making peace with the subject and actually getting descent at it..I end up failing arggg..life's crazy! Funny thing is, that I don't really mind taking another math class. I told myself at the beginning, that taking it slow is better this time. I like learning, and learning from my errors is even better, as well as getting back up on the horse..and riding, riding it all out.

Anway, enough about me...I did start some back to school shopping for clothes-supplies, not yet...I'm excited for a new year, a new grade, tons of new experiences. I hope and pray for the best for Frederick(gr.3) and mackenzie(gr.1). It will be tough for both boys, as these grades can be challenging. I will get to get out more with Noah & Hope....wooooogh..that should be nice..I'm a tad tied down at the moment with 4 away from school...I choose not to go anywhere far with 4. We had/have some last few plans before school starts, like possibly attending our Adoption Agency Lighthouse's reunion in Michigan...I've always wanted to see Michigan, though we are not sure how this will go, because Nascar is being held there....so ???? Dunno.

I wanted to go to the museum with the boys and the zoo..now that its rained a bit and cooled down...I feel as though we did not do enough this summer;( I guess with the family adjustment and all...it wasn't easy. Even though the boys have clearly bonded to Hope and her to them...I wish I did more with them. Hey its never too late, perhaps its better once school starts, things will be less crowded, more schedules and on track-Anyway, I'm grumpy in the Florida summer heat & so is Hopee;)

P.S. Hopee now says 'Hi' to everyone in sight these days...lol. She just loves attention, and when we make fun of her crying..she sticks her tongue out at us! It's adorable. I really gotta catch her on video.

speaking of videos:We saw this epsiode on 'America's Funniest Videos' where they were asking children where babies come from...and so we thought of asking our kids to see what they'd say on video...Two of them said babies come from Mommy's tummies, and Noah, said they come from Russia, because that is where Hopee's from! FUNNY! There's a 3 year old for you;) He'll just give it you straight.

Question-Re-Adopt or Not?

2010-08-04T11:23:00.000-07:00

This came up during the passport process..but I am just curious now-should we readopt Hope or not? The state of Florida does not require it..but will it be easier for school etc.?

What are your views or experiences?

any advice will be helpful-thank you:)

1st post placement completed...

2010-08-02T13:59:00.000-07:00

I've posted these here before...her room now is just a lot messier now with 2 kitchens and pots & pans everywhere..I'll have to get a pic of her in her chef's hat & apron;) Its not so fancy..its just a very pink, fun room that we had so much fun creating (my hubby & I) together.

We did our first post placement with our Social Worker 'June'...it went smooth, yet it kind of sneaked up on us and so now we are racing around trying to get other stuff together, like photos and probably a courrier service to make sure it gets to Russia on time.

These post placements are very important to Russia, and it is important that we are prompt, so that future PAP's can adopt from Russia. I just wish I wasn't running around right now!

Hopefully the next one (in another 6 months) is more relaxed. Hope was her happy self today and was showing off for June. June was impressed with Hope's communication and interaction with the boys.

She also loved Hope's room;)

So, some advice is...make sure you call up your agency to prepare ahead of time for the first post placment..or you'll be like me right now....a chicken with no head. This kicked us in the butt to go ahead and do Hope's passport too...(no I didn't do it yet). Its not easy to think of everything and to run around now with four kids.

Mercy-please;)

Hope's recent favorite activities..

2010-07-28T08:45:00.000-07:00

I could not stop laughing at Hope yesterday...in the middle of a movie we were all watching together (bicentennial man, which was very good). Hope decided it was too quiet, so she started to tickle my feet and daddy's feet..hehe she laughed as we played along with her..and then I guess she wanted to up the activity by biting our toes..hehe and ewwww...our boys were roaring laughing, and that made her giggle harder with delight..the lil trouble maker...she's hysterical! She loves to be the center of attention. Is this just a little girl thing? Do we women just grow up wanting to be in the spotlight? I wonder as a mother of boys..I don't remember this behavior at all. During the movie there was piano playing, and that really caught her attention as well as any other kind of music that was playing. She just loves to dance...too bad I gotta wait till 3 to start her in something..this little girl was just born to dance or perhaps play an instrument ( I always wanted to play piano as a child) so I am so excited for her! To have a daughter, and just be so excited to see her grow..is just such a pleasure. I see her play 'pow pow' with the boys and water guns..its hilarious, how much and what she has picked up in the little time that she has been home...I don't think I totally realized till yesterday, just how much we needed Hope in our lives. Even my husband has mentioned that he feels so completed by Hope. She throws her arms up in the air every time she sees him and he loves it-cause all little girls would be afraid of him...but not his Hope;)

P.S. Maybe Hope will be a singer too..cause boy can she scream..lol..what a voice-we can hear her anywhere in the house...truly unique!

I gotta start posting videos.

No More WINGS for NOAH...

2010-07-20T10:13:00.000-07:00

We officially have 3 fishies now in the pool...good for you Noah bean!

Mommy's Little Ballerina

2010-07-20T10:07:00.001-07:00

need I say more?..

Is this girl for real?

She is just the feistiest, sweetest, tippy toed Princess (with extra wide feet;)

Adrienne's OUR JOURNEY OF LOVE BLOG

2010-07-15T19:59:00.001-07:00

BACK TO SCHOOL...

2010-07-12T21:25:00.000-07:00

For me that is!

I had previously mentioned, about going back to school to finish my degree in nursing(RN)-and I usually do what I say I am going to do..wink*

Cannot lie and tell you it has been easy with four screaming children who are constantly BORRRED! Sheesh..but I am determined. My daughter has inspired me to be all that I can be for her and the boys...and with such an unsure world-its better to just be prepared!

My Uncle Arturo has been gone for exactly a year now (this past July 11th)..it feels as though it was only yesterday that our hearts were shattered with such stunning pain...pain that almost caused me to give up on Russia & Hope;(

I PRAISE GOD for his FAITHFUL LOVE & STRENGTH for my family...Arturo's murder has not been solved yet...but its in GOD's hands. Knowing this, doesn't always take the pain away, but it helps me wake in the morning...and it helps me seize the days and moments with my family & precious children.

Leave the world's UGLY outside..a voice whispers...Freddy you have been too good to me..putting up with my bad days;( I can't imagine my life without you...you are such an incredible man, husband & father...I love you baby!

GOD BLESS YOU GUYS xox Hope your summer has been as special as ours Amen.

2010-07-08T16:24:00.000-07:00

REST IN PEACE UNCLE ARTURO

Can You see Hope's resemblance to her uncle?

Isn't it any wonder how mommy fell hard for her girl?

Hope's Debut On The Beach

2010-06-29T20:53:00.000-07:00

I am posting tonight because of How beautiful Hope looked today dancing on the beach. At first glance, it was not even obvious to us that it was even Hope we were watching dance. Our little girl has just transformed before our very eyes...she looked so free and happy. Her hair has grown and has become so shiny. Her cheeks have gotten so much color from the sun, that her skin is just radiant and soft. Her little body is changing also ever so drastically, she has gotten much taller, and I am often buying her another pair of shoes to fit her ever growing feet;)

The minute she hears music-she dances, she shakes, she taps her feet, snaps her fingers and smiles...our lil showboat...Hopee...even drew a crowd-who is this little girl?

She calls Freddy-Dada & Papa

She says "Stop" while pointing her fingers angrily..hehe its so funny!

She carries around an ugly 'Ghostrider' doll in her stroller..uhh

she is developing molars all at the same time..oww.

She comes up to me every so often to rub my head;)

We are in heaven with this little girl!

The Lord is just too good.

Such a ministry he has led us to...and I feel as though we are far from knowing just why or what or where or when...there is just so much to discover about our Hopee.

God has blessed her tremendously, with all her talents and beauty...I think often about her BM...may he bless her too.

2010-06-22T13:48:00.000-07:00

2010-06-22T13:46:00.000-07:00

Four kids in NY

2010-06-15T18:25:00.000-07:00

2010-06-15T18:23:00.000-07:00

2010-06-15T18:21:00.000-07:00

2010-06-15T18:19:00.000-07:00

2010-06-15T18:15:00.000-07:00

Our Vivacious Hope..

2010-06-08T13:07:00.001-07:00

Who says girls are calmer than boys? HA! Not Hope;) She is so active & daring!

Oh gosh..her father freddy in a nutshell!

Here is what Hope does & says:

Mama-constantly, especially in the morning-she calls me and knows I will come.

Dada-She smiles and runs in daddy's work shop knowing he is there almost always!
She even runs to him and lifts up her shirt-knowing that he will tickle her tummy;)

She says YaYa & NaNa for her grandmas..who are always boasting about her..she knows this and therefore 'performs' for them.

She makes these hand signals when she wants up, and just cups mommy or daddy's legs when she wants their devoted attention.

She likes to play with the computer's keyboard..uhhhh.

She always tries to climb up the stairs to go in her brothers' room to play;) She has even figured out how to climb down the stairs...yep-we got a wild one!

SHE HAS NO FEARS!

She loves to swim and submerge her head into water-with her wings, non of my boys were this fearless.

She babbles a lot..she'll call out to me, and i'll say "yes Hope?" She babbles..we don't understand her yet;)

She does understand us-when we say:close the door/pick up your toys/where is dolly?/ don't go upstairs..etc.

She shakes her head yes or no...my boys have fun with this..cause whatever they ask her..she nods her head yes mostly..."Hopee did you pee in your pants?" She'll nod yes!

She loves to sleep with mummy & daddy.

She is always giggling about something..and she soo loves to dance and shake;)

She has a dolly & stroller that she rolls up and down the house..and occasionally up the stairs...

She loves her baths and loves to get dressed..but still hates things in her hair and shoes on her feet.

She loves to be tickled and soemtimes makes us tickle her:)

She gives kisses constantly, and hugs Noah lots too.

We are going to NY tomorrow morning with the four babies. I hope to take lots of pics to post Hope out and about, especially at FAO SCHWARTZ..and Central Park...Boys are out of school..Hope you guys have a great summer!

Bites found on Hope

2010-06-05T10:53:00.000-07:00

Well, I couldn't for the life of me understand why Hope was getting these awful looking bites!

I went to the extreme thinking that they were bedbugs (ewww)..washing all the linens and searching, and vacuming..even putting her to bed with socks..and just being so paranoid. I had my bug guy come over again-telling him that we may have bed bugs etc.

Well-he laughed and told me we didn't and that Hope has an allergy to 'mosquito bites'....huh? Ya! Makes sense..her immunity is not strong enough to tolerate the mosquito bites..and so she has these awful rasberry bites that really don't show up till later on..on at once!! We were horrified!

Well-good news-no bedbugs (eww)...bad news...mosquito season here in Florida with all the rain and fast growing grass, not to mention, we live on the water and many of my neighbors own PONDS!

Well, I felt I should post this-because, PAP's should know about 'all precautions' when bringing their lil sensitive ones on home.

Right now-Hope has cortisone creams galore, triple antibiotic cream and antihistamine;(

Dr. Phil?

2010-06-03T20:44:00.000-07:00

Did anyone see Dr. Phil on Wednesday? http://drphil.com/shows/show/1474/

I don't watch much t.v. and I would not begin because of Dr. Phil..but a friend of mine called me up to watch this episode, knowing, that I'd be interested because of the subject matter of IA adoptions. Of course this show was sparked up by the Tennessee mom sending her child back to Russia...it had cases from Belrus, Russia, china & Ukraine...which I am glad, because I get tired of only hearing smack about Russia. All of these stories were quite scary..I really didn't sleep much that night. There are no guarantees in this life no matter what! Be it family planning, marriage, adoption, career choices etc. we just do not know-period.

I take a day at a time with Hopee...at the end of the day when she is tucked in her crib..I just breathe and thank the good Lord for the opportunity & trust, he has given me as a mother, to these four children. I try my best...that is all I can say. We have our awesome days, our tired longer days, the too quick days...one day at a time.

Motherhood is a huge calling, most of us arn't always equipped at all times. No one said it was going to be easy...admire the men/women who have parenting in their hearts.

My Post for This Sunday

2010-05-23T19:11:00.000-07:00

Love... bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. - 1 Corinthians 13:7
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preserves."-- 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Sometimes, I need this recited to myself-do you this week?

EWWW..CACA!

2010-05-20T20:58:00.000-07:00

Well tonight, we went out to dinner with friends and it felt oh so good and oh so needed! Hopee was showing off her stuff;) She pointed to herself, trying to say "me/mio"..we have been teaching her this. Which toys belong to Hopee, and who is Hopee. She also picked up; today, when I was making faces while changing her diaper I said "ewww Hopee did caca"..she laughed and yelled "CACA, CACA!"...I just thought a minute to myself..sheesh she's smart! What a smart cookie we have on our hands..she is just picking everything up so quickly! She understands so much, and thinks its funny to pick her nose! We think this funny too, but try to keep straight faces and say "Hopee No..don't pick your nose!" She is also, 'Miss Kisses galore'...she just wants to have her face close to mine or Daddy's or one of the boys', and she tries to pucker up..its to die for!

Lord we are ever so blessed with this beautiful child! You have been so faithful and so wonderful to our family. Our daughter is such a GEM in our lives...nothing else truly matters. I was ever so proud today with our family, our life, our marriage, our love-and most of all our four children...the Angels in our lives.

Mackenzie said tonight: "Arn't we lucky to be four kids?" "You got three boys who are cool and one tiny girl who is really cute!"
Couldn't have said it better myself;)As school comes to a much anticipated end..we look forward in planning activities together and possibly, get into better shape (for some beach fun), and just enjoy our new family structure & roles..and most importantly our little Hope..we have so much to learn about our new daughter, she has so much to learn and explore about her new life...a life that she has allowed us to be apart of with GOD's grace and peace;)

P.S. I gotta catch a pic of Hope with her finger in her nose!

Happy Anniversary to us...

2010-05-16T14:13:00.000-07:00

Today Freddy and I celebrate our 9th wedding anniversary;) The problem, is that we're both sick..now he's even worse than me! Atleast I have some strength back..so today I am caring for him and the kids. Hope has a bit of a temp as well, but she is very good today. Her earring fell out again, or yet, another earring lost....sheeesh this girl thing is hard!

Children are Taking Over...

2010-05-13T05:23:00.000-07:00

I am up this morning with the flu, its lasted now about 5 days now...I am miserable! Hope has been driving me crazy with her aggressive crying and screaming and tugging! In the evening when she is put down to sleep she screams. In the morning when she is awake she screams, and yells and shakes the crib...its so frustrating for me right now. The pediatrician told me, that since she now knows the difference in life style, and in treatment, that she is going to be aggressive and demand her way. She has been getting worse! It was cute at first, but now my nerves are shot. I try to talk to her to calm her..but it can make it worse. Also, Noah has been driving me nuts by 'accidently' breaking Hope's toys! Grrrr...I am so weak..the children are taking over the house!

Hope is also climbing everything in sight..she is a lil daring thing! She has yells at me and talk back in her baby lingo. I take it as atleast she is trying to babble and make sense. Though, she is feisty and possessive over me. If noah comes over to me, she screams and pushes him out of the way, or tries to climb onto me...survival of the fetis here...AHHHHHHH!

I so want my husband back on nights..I can't take him being away from me in the day!

I know I will be better once I am feeling better, because the house is out of control!

YIKES!

Sincerely,

Hope's very sick mother!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY MOTHERS!

2010-05-09T20:19:00.000-07:00

Today is a day that we celebrate our Mothers;) Some of us even get to celebrate being a Mother. I am now a Mother of four, three boys & a little girl..The children just make my day! Hopee just wanted to be hugged and lifted up into my arms constantly...looking ever so pretty with Grandma's diamond earrings-wink* and a pretty, pink dress! She is growing up so fast! She tries to catch up to the boys & cousins...running around and giggling. Truly, one has not experienced it all, until she has Mothered a boy and girl...cause' men and women are different, even as children!

I hope you all enjoyed your day.

I hope for comfort & peace to those who have lost a Mother..

I hope for those who wait to become Mothers..

I hope for those who wish to Mother more so..

The most beautiful words I have ever heard; was when my Pastor once said, "GOD loved Jesus so much, that he wanted him to have a Mother!"

Sniff, sniff...boy did this hit me hard.

GOD BLESS YOU GUYS XOX

Hope-A-Daisies

2010-05-06T10:40:00.002-07:00

2010-05-06T10:40:00.001-07:00

2010-05-06T10:39:00.000-07:00

Hope-A-Daisies

2010-05-06T10:31:00.000-07:00

Hope wakes with only one earring!

2010-05-05T05:53:00.000-07:00

Great! Now what? I called the doctor's office..and they told me to bring her in and purchase one more earring...after spending $50.00 on supposed tight backs that won't come off! Grrr...I have looked everywhere for this one stud..and nada! So what do I do now? She won't let me near her to even put a temporary in..do I go back to the doctor? Do I purchase one at the mall? The one I purchased at the doctor's wern't even pure gold or a real stone! Grrr...not happy..why Hopee? Why?

I have a feeling she lost the earring in the bathtub last night..she was just enjoying the water wayyy too much!

A Few Thoughts..and Progress..

2010-05-03T11:46:00.000-07:00

First and foremost CONGRATS TO JEANETTE (Our family Journey), they finally will be bringing home their precious girl who is from the same baby home as Hope;) SIGH!
How amazing, that happy ending are still being made possible by Lighthouse Adoptions, despite the unfortunate events that has been all over the media regarding future Russian Adoptions;( I pray for all the other PAP's who are still awaiting.

Our little Hopee sure has us busy, but all in a very good way! She is just a little doll! She is so much more content in the mornings when she awakes, and more secure I am sure. She sleeps all through the night now, and it is easy to tell when she is fatigued. She is constantly kissing her brothers and cousins and parents;) She makes us so proud!

We just recently had her ears peirced! I was undecided and divided about this..but then I just thought, she is going to want it sooner or later, and everyone has bought her so much jewelry..so I can take a hint! She looks adorable! It hurt of course, but she recovered well..and now there seems to be no signs of discomfort, despite our having to turn the studs daily and apply Neosporin and Alcohol. We will be snipping her bangs tomorrow, so we can see her eyes lol. Her hair has been growing so quickly (here is S. FL), and since she doesn't keep anything in her hair, we'll have to give her bangs.

Hope has been babbling...but we don't understand a word! She adores our cell phones, and she has a few of her own that she babbles on..its precious. sheesh, two months in America, and she has observed how the cell phone is so interesting to Americans...hmmm. She doesn't really play with her dolls;( Hopefully, yet..she sure loves CARS though! EWWWW! I hope this passes..hehe.

Despite being so busy with four kids, I have had some time to think..and I am returning back to school to finish my degree in Nursing. I will do what I can online for now, until the children are older and possibly all in school. I am excited and scared all at the same time. I don't want to over do it..but Hope has inspired me in more ways possible...praise God for his gifts;)

I hope you guys are well, and looking forward to the wonderful things ahead of us this year, May is a busy month for us. Its my Anniversary on the 16th..nine years of marriage..dunno how we will celebrate...but everyday is truly a celebration.

Isaiah 1:17

2010-04-23T20:56:00.000-07:00

Isaiah 1:17
Learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.

We Are The Truth! Russia GOTCHA DAY! Mar2010

2010-04-19T22:10:00.000-07:00

We Are The Truth! Russia Feb. 2010 Trip 2

2010-04-19T21:55:00.000-07:00

We Are The Truth! Saying Goodbye on Trip 2

2010-04-19T21:44:00.000-07:00

We Are The Truth! Russia Feb. 2010 Trip 2

2010-04-19T21:42:00.000-07:00

We Are The Truth! Meeting Our Hope Dec. 2009

2010-04-19T21:38:00.000-07:00

We Are The Truth! Red Square Trip 1, Dec of 2009

2010-04-19T21:35:00.000-07:00

We Are The Truth! Russia Trip 1, Dec of 2009

2010-04-19T21:25:00.000-07:00

2010-04-18T12:13:00.000-07:00