Day 1 as a Family of Three!

Today has been full of privileges & sentimental firsts. In our parting conversation with Henry’s orphanage director (for whom the roses were), among other things (such as, in addition to computer games, he likes to put things together – which we would soon learn is true & that he is very good at it!) she told us that Henry was concerned about his sister (Nastia). That she might not be nice to him or that she would take too much and not leave enough for him because he is younger. Wasn’t God insightful to change our plans from spending virtually no time with Henry before adding Nastia to the mix to giving him four full days with our undivided attention?! He needs this time with us!!

And little does he know that Nastia (although I’m sure will do both of the above at some point because she is, indeed, his big sister) is one of the sweetest kids I’ve ever met (and I am NOT biased!). She obviously loves younger kids & will be a wonderful big sister!

I had the privilege of going to Henry’s school today with an orphanage staff member to collect his school marks. We didn’t realize we drove passed it at least twice a day!

On the way out of the orphanage, Henry got to say goodbye to his 1^st grade teacher.

Our facilitator assisted us with grocery shopping with our newest large-tummy-ed mouth to feed. We indulged him in a few extra treats & tried to buy foods that would be familiar to him. And he navigated the unruly shopping cart. The carts here have all four wheels on steer, so it’s an accident waiting + a kid who didn’t seem to have any prior experience = nervous parents! And I’ma guess Ukrainian parents do indulge their children like American parents do. Just a li’l observation on my part since we’ve been here…

We spent the rest of the afternoon just hanging out (indeed, the forecasted rain presented itself & settled in for the entire afternoon). And can I just say (and I am sure I will live to eat these words but…) he is a thousand times easier than Nastia (not that we don’t love our time with her !). He enjoys playing games together (and has relished the attention from us) but he also entertains himself (which Nastia did not do when she was with us last summer). On her behalf, she was dealing with two factors that he is not. 1-we were on our turf & she was adjusting to the culture and language differences & 2-she did not know if we would adopt her; if we would be her forever family. We are still on his turf (for which I am very grateful!) & he has never had to fret over whether we are his forever family. We came specifically to get him! He knows that. So I am willing to withhold judgment until she has had an opportunity to prove herself otherwise. But for now, we are completely relived at how comfortable & EASY he is!

He put together his Lego boat in a snap! He is very good with spatial orientation. I am blown away (and a little worried) at how good he is at reasoning & problem-solving. He’s a thinker. And I’m in trouble!!

I think my biggest privilege today has been standing in the kitchen making dinner (which was a success – Greek salad, salami slices, & dumplings) listening to my two favorite guys in the whole wide world interact in the next room.

We are loving being a family of three & looking forward to being a family of four (Tuesday!). Our girl has been incredibly patient & we miss her! We are coming for you soon, Li’l Miss Sassy!!

More than once today I have been overcome with emotion. I just pray I can live up to the grandness with which God has blessed me. I will spend the rest of my life trying…