Thanksgiving 2009

It's been a challenging few weeks with a toddler who feels she runs the roost, is ready to move out and fend for herself ("go away mama/papa" if we try to help), and won't go to sleep (taking up to 2 hours each night!) for fear she'll miss out on something. She's a night-owl just like her Mama.

But the challenges are outweighed with the joys of watching Kristina blossom. And every night when we say our night-night prayers (and I silently add "Please, God, let her fall asleep quickly!!!"), we thank God for bringing us together. She is the gift we are especially appreciative for on this Thanksgiving holiday.

We also want to thank all our family, friends and virtual friends who have followed our journey and supported us the entire way. Your comments encourage me to continue this blog and document Kristina's first year with us.

To each and every one of you,
Happy Thanksgiving!!

A little girl who woke up from her nap just in time for dinner and a sleepy mama who craves a nap more than pecan pie!

Our very own shot of Wild Turkey!

Kristina's first try at pumpkin pie. Yeah...we'll do anything to get our little girl to eat fruit. (And everything tastes great with lots of whipped cream!)

First of many family holiday pictures (but it only took 50+ digital shots to get us all looking in the same direction...)

November 21st...Holds Special Meaning

Today, is significant. It's our dear friends' Anna and Mike's wedding anniversary. Happy Anniversary, guys!

Today also marks 17 years ago when JD and I went to Six Flagg's Magic Mountain Amusement Park (where we went on our first date 27 years ago when we were in High School...). We took a ride on Collosus (one of the most famous rickety wooden rollercoasters left!) and as we approached the top of the first incline, JD pulled out a diamond ring and proposed marriage to me. It's been a crazy ride ever since but one we keep riding through all the highs and lows and still want to keep on going and going and going.

November 21 is also considered National Adoption Day and November is National Adoption Month. I agree with my friend Amy, though, that it should really be called Inter-National Adoption Day as children await families around the world as well as here in the USA.

Prior to 2007, it's sad to say but we didn't really think about the children awaiting a family as our focus was so heavily weighted on creating our own child. But that has changed. Not only because we completed our family through adoption, but because we saw with our own two eyes the spirit of little children running around so innocently craving for attention and reaching out to be touched. Through their inquisitive looks as we approached the room to pick up Kristina, to the calling out of "Mama, Papa" as we walked by, to the laughter and smiles as we helped them climb up the slide or play on the see-saw ---- these children touched our lives like I never thought was possible.

These children are no different than the children we see daily in our own families or with our friends. Unfortunately, they have been born into a situation that doesn't afford them the ability to grow up in a loving family or a family with means to support them.

We have learned a lot about adoption and have experienced first-hand the rewards that it reaps. JD and I have been blessed beyond what words can express. I can't say "I wish we would have adopted sooner" because we'd be on a different path than we are now and life is great. We were destined to go through what we had to endure until our angel was born and ready for us.

I commend all those who welcome children into their home to enrich their lives and give them love. For those who choose adoption, I hold a special place in my heart.

In honor of the 143 million orphans in the world, I ask you to say a prayer or think a wishful thought that some day, each one will experience love and life to its fullest potential.

If you have two minutes, here is a quick YouTube video: The Facts .

By adopting a child, you cannot change the world. But for that one child, you make a world of difference.*

*I read a version of this phrase on someone's blog but can't find the blog right now to give credit. If it's yours, please let me know!!! :)

6 Months Home as a Family

To our dearest Kristina DeAnn:

Six months ago tonight, we brought you home and started our life as a family. It has been the most challenging yet the most rewarding time of our lives.

At times I feel like we are part of a circus act --- juggling schedules to make sure all your needs are met and putting on make-up with the hopes to hide some of the evidence of lack of sleep.

You are wise beyond your years, my dear, and your profound desire for independence has us at times pulling you back to remind you that you're not yet 30 years old, nonetheless 3.

For instance, you love to carry around your chair or booster seat so you can get things out of cabinets, retrieve items off the kitchen counters, and prepare your own meal. In your world, scissors and Sharpee Pens are everyday items -- not! You pick up on everything so like all parents, we have to be careful what we say or do.

Your favorite phrases are now "it's broke, Papa fix", "it's heavy," "Mama's cooking," "Papa's truck" (although we're still working on the correct pronunciation of TRuck...). You have also demonstrated the use of polite words: Please, Thank You and You're Welcome.

You melt my heart, Kristina, when you cuddle into my belly to spoon and say "s-cuse me, Mama -- s-cuse me" or when I cry (usually from joy), and you stroke my arm and say "it's okay, Mama - it's okay" with your head tilted to the side as you look into my eyes. You melt Papa's heart when you place your two hands onto his cheeks to give him a kiss...

Papa and I still look at each other and realize we're rookies at this parenting gig - at times forgetting the most basic of items when going out in public with you or not knowing the best way to reprimand you when you pull out your 2-year old tactics.

But together, the 3 of us are learning more everyday. I pray nightly that Papa and I are given the insight, patience, and wisdom to be the best parents possible for you.

Thank you, Kristina DeAnn, for being the beautiful little girl you are. You have brought so much meaning into our lives that we didn't even know was possible and we thank God daily.

Many blessings to you, KD!

All our love,

Mama and Papa xoxoxo

Our first picture together at home, May 16, 2009

Six months home as a family, November 16, 2009

The LINK to our family...

We've been home almost 6 months and I've never written about the Adoption Agency that helped make our life what it is today. There are many wonderful agencies out there but in the world of Russian adoption, it is crucial that the right one is chosen. I've read of people waiting over a year or two years ---- just for a referral and that is just incredible.

Back in December 2007, after 5 months of researching agencies, I narrowed it down to 2: one in Ohio and one is San Diego. When the one in Ohio called me and said they weren't taking referrals for girls at the moment, our decision was made for us. Our choice: Adoption Options located in San Diego.

I heard many wonderful things about AO and liked the fact that they were close by (here in CA, 2 1/2 hours is "close by") in case we needed to drop in and have a face-t0-face.

In January 2008, I submitted our application to AO and then took a 4-month hiatus from adoption to focus my efforts completely on my "last" work project - the national Occupational Therapy Convention. As soon as it was complete in April 2008 and JD & I took our vacation to Tahoe to recover and get reacquainted, everything went into full swing. We completed our homestudy in June, submitted it in July and received Kristina's referral a week later.

We couldn't have asked for a smoother adoption process. JD and I know we were blessed by everyone all over the world praying for us and yes, we think "luck" had some part in the process. And we can't begin to thank the staff at AO for their professionalism, thoroughness, and support ~ both here in San Diego and abroad in Russia.

Now if you have a spare few moments, you can read an article in Adoption Options' latest Newsletter (October-November version - for the home page, click here: Adoption Options). I think you may know the author's! ;)

Overview of Adoptions Options Picnic, June 2009 (3 weeks home from Russia)

Kristina and I with Brent Yoder, director of Adoption Options. We are forever thankful to Brent for "introducing" us to Kristina!

Kristina has always loved the slide...from the one in the orphanage to the ones on the beach!

Kristina's first time playing on a beach.

My dear friend and former co-worker, Andrea, came to the picnic to see Kristina for the first time.

Carrie and John-John (or is it John-John's twin, Tommy?) - who was adopted from Ekat a year before Kristina came home. Carrie was an incredible resource for Ekat adoption when we learned we would be going there to meet our daughter.

Kristina hung out with Daniel -- her first "boy"friend here in the US. Daniel is originally from Kirov, Russia.

Donna, here with Daniel, was such an encouragement during the lengthy adoption process! Thank you, Donna!

Overview of Adoption Options Picnic, October 2009 (5 months home from Russia)

Papa and Kristina enjoying some lunch.

"Wow, mama -- this is the same slide as in June but it looks so much smaller!" No, baby - you're just getting bigger!!

And she loves to swing.....high!!!

With friends, Beth and her daughter, Francesca. Beth and husband, Enrico, will be traveling to Ekat in December to meet their referral for the first time!

Kristina and Francesca saying good-bye until next time!

We always feel like the heavens are looking down upon us...especially when we're leaving San Diego!

Our Little Ghoul

Actually, our little girl was not a "ghoul" for her very first Halloween. Not a Princess. Not a fairey. Not Little Red Riding Hood. Instead, Kristina was a Dragon! Papa was shopping at his favorite store (yes....you all know it....COSTCO!!) and found this costume about 6 weeks ago. He grabbed it knowing if you pass something up at Costco, you'll never see it again. It wasn't quite the costume I imagined but oh....she looked so cute in it! "Grrrrr" ~ the sound we heard all last week as Kristina practiced her new identity.

The holiday started out Friday with a party at school where Kristina wore her costume out in public for the first time. Since it was quite bulky and warm, I brought it along with the hopes that the teachers would put it on her in time for their little party. When Kristina saw all the other kids dressed up, the teachers had no problem convincing Kristina to put hers on. Kristina even came home with an award in recognition for having the "Scariest Costume". Scariest? You judge for yourself!

On Halloween, Kristina was with Nana and Grandpa D for the day since JD and I both had to work. There was a Halloween Carnival at a local park so they took Kristina there. Kristina had lots of fun but when Nana and Grandpa felt that it was starting to get a little too overstimulating for our little one, they took her home for her 2-hour nap. Afterall, a dragon must rest in prep for scaring the begeezus out of everyone that evening!

Nana guiding Kristina to play a bean-bag toss game.

When I got home at 5:30pm, Kristina was engaged in carving pumpkins with Papa and Grandpa. As usual, Kristina has to have her hands in everything!

Kristina supervising Papa and Grandpa carving all the pumpkins!

I had to lower myself to bribing our daughter in order for her to donn her Dragon costume for Trick or Treating. "Please, Kristina --- you'll get some candy!!" I can't believe I had to succumb so low but I was really worried there for a moment as Super Gaby, Cinderella Kira, and Pirate Maiden Andrea awaited Kristina outside! Nana and I even brought out the back-up pink tu-tu ballerina dress, but with no success. Finally - our dragon was all dressed up and ready to hit the streets (minus the dragon head [hood])...

I do have to say that this was by far the best Halloween in a long time. It was so much fun watching Kristina evolve from being the naive one lagging behind everyone to the one leading the group to the door and saying "Tick or Teat." After making it home, Kristina got as much joy out of handing out candy as she did in getting it.

We are so appeciative to JD's parents for taking care of Kristina on Saturday and helping her enjoy her first Halloween. It was great having them here and only wish my family in FL was here, too.

Now, does anyone know how to get a 2 year old down from a candy high?????

Ok, girls -- level with me...does this dragon costume make my butt look big???

Kristina went to Rose and Marc's house (our next door neighbors) for her first candy. Yes - Kristina was already eating a Snickers by the time we left their house. Wipes --- stat!!!

Started out hanging behind everyone....

...but not for long! Headed to the front of the line ~ thumb and all!

Self-serve Halloween candy...what has this world come to??????

Walking through the neighborhood turned into running when learning candy was being handed out FREE! Geez, America is great!

"Look, Mama --- you match the big pumpkin on the lawn." Thanks, baby....

"OK, Tina's tired." (Kristina just started calling herself Tina within the last 2 weeks. No more Tee-Tee....)

"Whew...this Trick or Treating is a lot of work!" Rest break!

Alright, Mama -- check out my stash so I can start test-tasting!

Sugar......I need sugar.....muhahaha!!!