Getting familiar . . .

. . .with having little ones again! ! !

Sure, we knew we were getting little ones, but it has been a little while since we have trained up little ones.  Our girls are 14 and 16 now, and we can talk with them about most things, they are independent, they can entertain themselves.  Not so with the little guys!  So, we are being retrained.  Nap when they nap! (I just woke up from my nap.)  Eat enough to have energy with them.  Be watchful of their every position in the apt (later the house).  Teach them to eat the foods they are being given~~watching their expression when they like something, the turn of the head when they don't want what is being offered. 

I have a story that was a blessing to me especially.  We took the boys to a doctor in Moscow the first morning that we arrived.  He spoke English.  He does a complete physical examination of the boys for the documents, etc. that need to be filed.  Roman was first and was found very healthy.  During that time, Isaac was getting somewhat restless, and I was doing my best to appease him, distract him, play with him, etc.  The doctor saw my actions, and was quick to let me know he had something that he wanted to tell us.  He said, (in so many words)"Those are crocodile tears. You have to realize that these boys have been in an orphanage.  They know how to behave.  It is sort of like a military situation where they know what is expected of them, and they do it.  If you continue to let them run the show, and you give in to their every caprice, then you will have a lot of trouble when you get home.   They will be ruling you, and not you ruling them.  When you get home, you will need to be living life, and they will have to get used to their new life."    WOWSA!  I am almost in tears as I write this.  It is difficult to know how to handle some situations for sure, as is parenting any child, but with adopted children, there is always an attachment issue that also needs to be addressed that weighs heavy in the back of my mind.  So there is a balancing act that I guess I was trying to do, and when he spoke those words to me, it was as if the Lord were saying to me,  "Do not forget that you are under my authority to train up these children, and in training them up properly, they will learn that they are loved."  I have read many a book on adoption, many on reactive attachment disorders, and the list goes on, in preparing to get these little guys under our care, and to know how to handle whatever may come our way.  You know, it is always easier to think you are prepared, but when the rubber meets the road, you wonder if you recall any of what you read.  Isaac was then checked out, and also found to be healthy.  Praise the Lord for their good check-ups, and the doctor who spoke truth to me from the Lord!  It has certainly taken a weight off of my shoulders.  Now you can catch Diester and I saying, as we go throughout the day with them, "Those are crocodile tears."  and we both know that means Isaac or Roman is just wanting their way, or attention when something else is going on.  Thank the Lord! 

Today we are headed back to Red Square!  It is easier to take walks with them, and get fresh air when we are couped up in this 3 (very small) room apartment.  Mind you, I am very thankful for it.  Small makes it easier to keep our eye on them.  Small is easier to clean.  Small is easier to stay in touch with each other.  Small also allows for more bonding with the little guys. I am also thankful for the apt, because I have a kitchen to make our meals in, and to save us a ton of money.  But, to get out, and walk, and get sunshine!  I love it!  And, we are going to try to make it to St. Basil's Cathedral again, and go inside today.  

Another thing that Diester wanted me to mention is our prayer time before meals.  It is something we do before every meal.  I know that not all families do this, but it is important to us.  So, we have started this with them, and it is so cute.  They already know that before any food is put on the table it is prayer time.  So they hold out their hands to hold hands with us, and then Diester leads us in prayer.  Of course, it is all "English" to them.  (hehe-not Greek)  They understand nothing of what is being said, but when Diester end with "in Jesus' name."  We all say "AMEN" together.  It is precious to see their eyes light up when they holler out "AMEN!"  Praise the Lord!

The boys are done with their naps, and so it is time for me to sign off.  Have a wonderful weekend!  Still asking for prayers for our trip home on the airplanes!  For me to have a peace about whatever happens!  Thank you!

May you be blessed!  Michelle