Tuesday, December 29, 2009

So much to blog about, but I am too lazy to do it. The kids did have a wonderful Christmas. Everyone was excited to see what Santa brought. I'll have to post pictures soon. On another note, I am about to have my tubes tied. I have finally made the decision that my family is complete now, but I still feel a little sad thinking about it. I think I'll feel much better after it is done though! I go for my appt to talk about it next week. I am so fortunate. I always said I wanted 1 kid or 4. With Andy in our family that gives me 4 kiddos, and I think that is a lovely number. I am blessed to have such wonderful kids.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Pictures later

Christmas was wonderful! O was amazed by his stocking and the chocolate in it. He did not even seem to notice his bicycle. He got a little play mouse that he adored and carries everywhere. He went around telling everyone that his stuff was his! A.J. got a little play computer and several toys and clothes. She was very sweet though she told me she asked Santa for a pink computer instead of a green one. I told her Santa did the best he could considering there were NO pink ones to be found that had Spanish lessons on them like the green one. Miro loved all her clothes but made a point of telling us that her lamp would not match her decor. She is still a princess. Andy slept over and loved his gift cards and clothes. Oh, on Christmas eve we went to Olive Garden. I think we have a new family tradition!

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Dear Oskar,

It's been a long time since Momma wrote you a letter. I have to admit, I enjoy being able to say all those things to you that I wrote for the last 18 months, but I think one day you will enjoy looking back and reading about the journey to bring you home. Still, with everything I am able to give you and say to you, there is even more you don't understand. So I thought it was time to write you again so you would know all that is in my heart.

First of all, you are amazing. You are everything I thought you would be and more. I knew you would come to America and talk us all by storm, and you have. You are energetic, happy, and passionate about everything. You are still refusing to say a lot in English, but I knew you would from the very beginning. My son lives on his own terms, and I know when you are ready you will tell me all you want to say. You already do in Eeesti.

You are brave! I've already seen you endure much more than you should, but you have no hard feelings. You go right up to the lab tech who stuck you and give her a hug and kiss. I promise, one day we will finally get caught up on all of these immunizations, and you won't have to be stuck so much. Still, you hang in there with me and roll with the punches, and I am so proud of you.

You still rock yourself to sleep, and I'd give anything for you to let me do instead. I know it will come though. You waited 5 years for a mother. I figure it's the least I can do to wait 5 years for you. So I am giving you time, and I am trying not to push.

You love, oh how you love. Whether it's screaming with joy when we come home, or it's the way you look in the rear view mirror at me and smile, I know that you love us. It gets me through the hardest days when I know how happy you are and that you love us like we love you.

In case I forget to tell you, thank you for being born, and thank you for being patient with me. I am still learning how to be your mother, and I know sometimes I don't always get it right. You didn't come with an instruction book, and I am pretty much winging it. Still, with each day I wake up to that smile, I know I can conquer anything, and I know even more that God loves me because he gave me you.

Momma

Monday, December 7, 2009

Blessed

Reading about other's issues in the countries they are adopting from has me thinking back to my time in Estonia. I have to say we were truly blessed. Everyone we encountered was kind and helpful. Our neighbor allowed us to buy internet from him. We had no issues shopping. Most people spoke English and those who did not were still helpful and kind. People did seem a little surprised that we were adopting a child, but our son was treated wonderfully by everyone we encountered. Even when he did not act his best, people did not look down on us or him. It was a whole new world for him, so there were many times he reached out to touch things and sometimes even threw a few tantrums when overstimulated. We felt safe the entire time. We took taxis and most of them charged us what they said they would. We also walked and took the bus a good deal of the time. We had no issues with any of it, nor has any family that I know of who adopted from Estonia. The only issue we had was that things were very expensive, but like any place, you learn where things are cheaper. We found a very affordable Hungarian rest. to eat at that was right down the street from our apt. The 20% sales tax on everything hurt the most, but we found that all the summer stuff was on clearance, so we were able to pic up a few little things that were affordable. We had a nice trip and Estonia is a really nice place to travel to. We hope to go back one day, hopefully when it's warmer.

Saturday, December 5, 2009











We had such a good time this a.m. We had breakfast with Santa and did some crafts. O loves Santa and the girls had fun too. A.j. had a long talk with him and told him everything she wanted. She also asked Mrs. Claus what she liked best about her job! The other pics are from the weekend after Thanksgiving when we had fun with friends.