HAPPY 9TH BIRTHDAY FREDERICK JOHN!

My eldest is 9 today-GOD HAS BLESSED HIM!

Will post pics a lil later on;)

xox

She's a climber...

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....

SHE'S OBESSESSED WITH THIS MAN!

Back from Orlando!

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....

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

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!

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

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HOPE ISABEL!

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!

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!

Hope get's her 2 year old vaccines

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;)

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;)

Dolly says "Byeeeee"

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!!

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!

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.....

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!

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...

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!

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"

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...

Our Turkey Turkey was a Blast!

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

November

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.