7 months

Yes, that is how long the kids have been here.
Half of the baby's life has been spent in my home and we've been his parents longer than anyone else. It is SO hard to believe. Time has seriously flown by. I'm sure it is in part because we have appointments to occupy every waking moment. Oh well.
The kids have all changed so much they are barely recognizable. They have learned to play, laugh, tell jokes, chew food, be secure in new surroundings, walk, skip, jump, climb stairs, identify colors, count and a slew of other accomplishments among the 3 of them. I am really proud of them all.
And Avery has learned that she can survive sharing her toys and parents and even enjoy having other kids around. It isn't perfect and we all still have a long way to go, but while they are here we will keep plugging away and see how far we can go.

Summer is almost upon us and it looks like we will have some more free time to have a little fun. I am excited to think that we will get to do more outside the house.
We are trying to plan our vacations and it looks like we are going to be beaching it a few times this year. I must escape the 4 walls of Ohio that are quickly closing in on me.
Avery is over the moon about vacation, but what she wants to do this summer is fish... oh yeah! I informed her that mommy has some cousins who will be more than happy to show her those ropes, and of course daddy and grandpa are willing participants. I'll take pictures and laugh when she FREAKS OUT!

Update... not much new here

It's time for another update, but, as I sit here thinking about what to write about I am stumped. Life here has fallen into a normal routine. Things are still hectic, but that seems to be the new normal with 4 kids under toe.
We have made some changes around the house to make life a little easier for me and the kids. Ryan is happier to have the sea of toys out of eye shot. I am thrilled to be able to cook dinner and set the table or unload the dishwasher without stepping on tiny toes or pulling someone out of a drawer. The kids are enjoying their upstairs playroom. And Johnathon is sleeping SO much better in his own room. The renovations aren't complete, but life is easier and we got what we expected out of the changes. I think the new layout is even improving Johnathon's seperation anxiety.
Avery still struggles with the kids being here, but when you ask her what will happen if their parent's can't ever take care of them she says, "we'll keep them of course". We'll see... Ryan and I are still uncertain.
Saturday, Ryan and I will celebrate our 12th anniversary. Doesn't seem like it could possibly be that long ago. It will also be our first child free evening (aside from foster training) in more than a year, so I am excited about that. I get to go to dinner and not have to cut someone else's food!!! What a treat!

I guess that is really all the news around here. Aren't we an exciting bunch.

PS - for those of you following my "What do we do about Kindergarten?" saga. We've decided to homeschool Avery. I am nervous about it, but know it is the best option for her.

Non-Kid News

So this post is all about me. A rare treat I know. Cuz don't you all just wish you could learn more about my boring life? Don'tcha

Since returning from Russia with Avery, I have totally felt like a piece of my heart was still there. My heart just ached for the kids left behind and honestly I loved Khabarovsk. Over the past few years, I've contemplated what I would do about my passion for the need in Khabarovsk. And over the years the need has increased exponetially. Many agences have stopped travelling to the Far East because so few families are willing to make that long trip again and again. And as you know from our journey, it isn't an "easy" region. Also, Russia has stepped up their foster care program, good right.... not for the orphanages, their funding is decreased and they are still overcrowded. The need is HUGE!

This gets me to what I (and you) can do about it. Last year I was approached by 2 friends and fellow adoptive moms who share my passion. They were trying to start a non-profit to reach out to those orphans and orphanages, and they wanted me to be a part of it. It was an answer to prayer! So of course I said yes.

Now here we are a year later and our little dream is reality. We still have some loose ends to tie up with paperwork, but S.O.A.R. (Supporting Orphans Across Russia) is official. Trust me when I say you will hear a lot, LOT more about this in the future, but for now I just wanted to share my excitement with you all.
And yes, we will be heading to Russia in the summer of 2010 for the 3MomMission. So Missi and Julianne, if you are reading this, I'm brushing up on my Russian and practicing cobblestone streets in my FABULOUS shoes. Just try and keep up with me! ;)

I hope you will all be praying for us as we start this new venture, that we can be a light for these kids and really impact those who are still without forever families.