One Month Home

Peyton and Caleb have been home one month.  Sometimes it seems longer and other times it is all still so new. 

Sweet Caleb is attaching so well and is just a smiley boy.  I have yet to figure out his logic behind getting in trouble and initally crying until I say his name to get him to look at me and then he puts on a big smile with no tears.  Mama doesn't cave to that smile but I can't get him to say da (yes) or nyet (no) when I ask him if he understands why he was in trouble.  Even after showing him right and wrong he still will not respond.  He just stands there so straight looking at me with that smile.  He must think I am so funny because believe me if you could see the charades I do to get him to understand I guess you would be laughing to.  Gary says I do a great job at charades because he can't think of things to do to get Caleb to understand.  I even catch myself laughing at some of the things I do and, well, I guess when I start laughing it's all over because then all the kids join in with the laughter.  Joking aside, Caleb is really doing great and is starting to understand English words when I tell him to do things, like put this in your bedroom, it's time to eat, let's brush your teeth etc. He is very neat and tidy and every morning he takes very good care to make his bed and put his dirty clothes in the hamper.  Something his siblings could take a few lessons from.  He loves music and whenever he hears any music the hips start to swinging.  I still am amazed at how well he is doing and that he doesn't seem to miss his life in Ukraine.  He never mentions any of the nannies or his friends there.  It is as if he has always been here.  He just fits so well for never knowing what being in a family was like.  I praise God for this smooth transition.

Beautiful Peyton is still distant but she seems happy and content.  I know the road is going to be longer for her.  I just can't wait until she lets us in more.  Because we have no record of what happened in her life before she came to the boarding school at 9 years old, adjusting is just going to be harder.  Some day when she can speak English I hope she can open up and tell me about that life.  I am really interested to know about her Ukrainian family and what her life was like.  We have not really had many issues with her.  There has been a couple of teaching moments where the choice she made was not acceptable but the choice is too be expected.  The orphan mentality of taking without asking and begging is how they survived.  I know that our home grown children have done the same things but they were younger and had to be taught.  Peyton is 11 and you would think she would already know these things but the reality is she doesn't and so we have to start at the beginning.  She is very neat and tidy like Caleb and her bed is made perfectly every morning. She still will not get out of bed unless Gary or I tell her that she can no matter how many times I have told her she doesn't have to wait for us to tell her.  She rides the bus to school with brother Cash everyday and is all smiles and waves through the window as the bus pulls away.  She says school is good now when I ask her and is eager to show me her school papers each night. She now feels safe enough to take her shower without me being in the bathroom with her but still needs the security of me laying with her each night to fall asleep.  Gary and I are both looking forward to the day that she calls us mom and dad and reciprocates the hugs we give her.  But for now seeing that sweet, shy smile when she catches us looking at her will do.  I know she is happy here and someday when the English comes we will have alot of catching up to do.

~Tina

Jeremiah 29:11-13

11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.