Lots of Food

I think it is safe to say that Nicholas enjoyed Thanksgiving. He isn’t a fan of turkey, but he did have his fill of several carbs and desserts. We even got to celebrate a birthday, so Nicholas helped my cousin, Jessica blow out her candles. I think he did pretty well for not having a nap. We had pushed back Thanksgiving an hour, so he would be able to have one, but he had a two hour rest period in his bed instead. Thankfully, he fell asleep quickly that night and woke up about 12 hours later!


Tasting the frosting off of Jessica's cake when he thought no one was looking




We couldn't get Nicholas to take off my mom's reading glasses.


Nicholas and Jessica

Saturday we got to have leftovers with Evan’s family, since we celebrated Thanksgiving Day with my side this year. When Nicholas first came home from Russia, he and his cousin, Carter didn’t really play together. Now they’re starting to interact more. It is fun to watch them play. They are only 8 months apart, so they will be great playmates for each other over the years.







Our church had a Family Sunday this week since there was a 5th Sunday this month, which means that all the kids were in the service. I was a little nervous since Nicholas isn’t much of a sitter, but loves to keep moving. He helped us pass out bulletins and pens as people walked in. I only had him run away once and throw himself on the ground once. Thankfully, Evan finished up our duties and Nicholas and I were able to take a seat. He was a bit squirmy and talkative, but did pretty well for his age. I only had to take him out once for a break. It was funny (in retrospect) to see him clap throughout the service and also yell out “Jesus” a couple of times. One funny moment came when Pastor Gordon was talking about how the names “Jesus” and “Savior” go hand-in-hand. Nicholas watched him and said to Evan and me, as he held up each hand, “Jesus. Evan”. Evan and I laughed. While Evan aspires to be more like Jesus, he’s not Him. Nicholas always keeps us laughing these days with what he says.

Finally, I slacked off a little on “L” week. I had some good intentions, such as making cookies in the shape of lollipops, but that didn’t happen. We did decorate the “L” with leaves.







We colored a picture of Grover with a light bulb and I gave him a real lollipop.





Then we made our non-anatomically correct lion (see previous blog for story).



“M” week should be pretty good. Nicholas already knows the letter. We bought him a LeapFrog DVD, which shows the alphabet and the sounds each letter makes. He’s already learned a lot from it. I recommend this DVD about the letter factory.

Anyway, we’re exhausted today. We had an early morning visitor in our room, as well as the energy spent keeping Nicholas “contained” in church today. I have a feeling that naps are in order for everyone today.

Kristin

Thankful

We’re getting ready for Nicholas’ first Thanksgiving. We tried to explain to him about this holiday, but I don’t think he’ll get the gist of it until later this afternoon. I think he knows it involves food, so that’s good enough for him. This morning we decided to turn on the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade so he could see some of the floats. He seemed to like Sesame Street’s the best and even danced along. It was pretty cute.

We’ve had a pretty crazy week so far. The “crazy” part would be Nicholas. He has had more energy than I’ve ever seen him have. He’s been going non-stop and getting into everything! It makes for some very long and tiring days. He seems to listen better once we tell him to stop, but it feels like we’re saying “stop” to something new every other minute. There have been a lot of good moments though.

In fact, Nicholas has been a little more serious this past week about using the potty. He’s had a couple of days where he used the potty all day. We have taught him about his anatomy and he has caught on quickly. I can tell we’ve talked about it a lot this week because we were doing a craft where he glued parts of an animal on a piece of construction paper (You’ll see the picture later this week) and he asked to glue a piece of anatomy on that was not on the paper. He also wanted to glue on the animal’s backside as well. I kind of just laughed to myself and explained to him that we wouldn’t be gluing that today.

Nicholas has also learned his father’s first name. Evan was busy watching the Ohio State game last Saturday when Nicholas was trying to get his attention. “Daddy. Daddy. Daddy. EVAN!” Needless to say, he got Evan’s attention. He thinks it is funny so he’ll say it once in awhile to see if anyone is listening. My first name is too hard, so I’m still “Mommy” for now.

Well, I’m hoping everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving. I feel like even though things are tough sometimes we have so much to be thankful for this year.

Kristin

So Kissable

Nicholas is a very affectionate little boy. He loves to give hugs and kisses. Therefore, I felt it was fitting that we decorate our “K” with kisses. I want to note that I got permission from Evan to let our son wear lipstick for this project. ;) I don’t think we have to worry about any future wear though. He really wanted to use it as a crayon more than anything. But, I was able to get some good pictures for the blog.





We also colored a picture of a kangaroo. It’s always nice when we have a toy lying around that goes with our theme. He also colored some pictures of other items that start with “K”.





Finally, we played a fun game to review all of the letters we have learned this far. We hid foam letters around our family room and Nicholas had to find where they were hidden. We played this game over and over and over again. I was impressed by how he knew all the letters, even the ones it didn’t seem like he knew just a couple of weeks ago.





Regarding our first post-placement visit, it went very well. I think Nicholas charmed our social worker. She was impressed by how much he can do and say already. Of course, he flashed his huge, award-winning smile a couple of times. She said that he was smart and developmentally on track. That’s a great thing! The rule of thumb in international adoption is that the child will often be one month behind for every three months in an orphanage when they come home. We are lucky that it hasn’t been the case in our situation.

I was telling our social worker that my biggest concern when Nicholas first came home was his speech. It was hard coming across kids his age that were talking a lot. I almost forgot Nicholas had just come home from Russia. Fast forward almost five months and he talks quite a bit.

Now we just wait for the report to come back from our home study agency. Then we take it to the Secretary of State to get it apostilled (remember that word from our dossier) and send it to our adoption agency to forward it on to Russia. Then we’re good for another six months.

Today was a very busy day for us. In the morning we went to my parents’ church to decorate gingerbread houses. Nicholas helped me put the candy on in the beginning, but soon decided that he’d rather have the candy in his stomach than on the house. Fortunately for me, I have wanted to decorate a gingerbread house for a couple of years now and got to live out that “dream” while Nicholas ate.





The eating fest continued later today when we went to an all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner for our nephew, Logan’s Boy Scout troop. Nicholas, who was obviously not full from this morning, ate pretty well.



Speaking of eating, we can’t wait to celebrate our first Thanksgiving with Nicholas. Last year at this time, we were waiting for them to call us back to Russia. The holidays were pretty rough on us, so we’re so happy that we can finally celebrate them with our son.

Kristin

Thank You, Jesus!

Nicholas has been saying some pretty cute things lately. For instance, in Sunday school Nicholas learned to thank Jesus for his food. Sometimes he will thank Jesus for other things too. Well, we were on the elevator at the mall yesterday when my sister was telling Nicholas about Christmas. She was trying to simplify it by telling him it was Jesus’ birthday and Jesus loves us so much that we get presents on his birthday. So, when the doors opened Nicholas exclaimed to all the people waiting, “Thank you, Jesus!” The way he said it must have made the people think it was one crazy elevator ride.

Nicholas’ Sunday school class has also been giving an offering every week to help with Operation Christmas Child. Nicholas knows that he gets to put his money in each week. Well, we were at the grocery store today when Nicholas was getting a little antsy at the checkout line. I told him that we still had to give the lady our money. He said “Jesus!” So, money is now associated with Jesus.

Finally, I was putting Nicholas into his car seat when he started squirming around. I told him that he needs to listen to his mommy. It makes Jesus happy when Nicholas obeys his mommy and daddy. Nicholas replied, “Jesus. Cross”. I told him, “You’re right. The cross reminds us that Jesus loves us.” Nicholas then exclaimed, “Thank you, Jesus!”

All of this just shows me that we have to be careful what we say and what our children see. Sometimes it is easy to put on a television show that we want to see because Nicholas isn’t really watching, right? Or maybe we have a conversation that is better said after he is in his bed for the night. I’m just really learning that I want to be intentional about what Nicholas sees and hears. I’m happy that Jesus is becoming an important part of his life, even if he doesn’t fully understand everything yet.

Well, we’ll be spending the morning cleaning for our afternoon visit with the social worker. It will be nice to have one post-placement report under our belt. We’ll see her again every May until 2012 though. And, when all the reports are done, I’m sure we’ll all be saying, “Thank you, Jesus!”

Kristin

Jumping for Joy

Nicholas could barely get two feet off the ground when he came home from Russia four months ago. Now he loves to jump! Even though they took very good care of him at the baby home, his stomach and leg muscles were not strong enough to do even a simple jump. Now, he’s famous for showing off his muscles. This child loves to haul his toys (no matter how big or small) from one end of the room to the other. He’s one solid and strong little boy.

Besides jumping this week, we also decorated our “J” with jelly beans. Nicholas didn’t know that they were edible, so he kept them out of his mouth the entire time. When we were done, I told him he could eat some. He liked them initially, but must have tasted one he did not like because jelly beans soon became yucky. At least I don’t have to worry about him trying to eat his artwork.





We also made some Jello Jigglers. Nicholas had fun using the cookie cutters. He liked the jello initially, but a couple of days later, he wasn’t interested in that anymore either. That’s okay though because his dad loves it!





We also worked a little on recognizing the numbers “1” and “2”. We just colored a couple of pictures. Of course, he really wanted to color the picture of Elmo and the number “2” (two of his favorite things). Nana also taught him to sort his crayons by color, which he did on his own the next day while we were coloring together.





I want to finish this blog by giving you a chance to enter a contest. It’s almost Christmas time, so if you have any kids in your life, you may want to enter. My friend Kristy is having a contest on her blog to win a Crayola Glow Dome. You can read about it here. I’m entering, so you can all be my competition. You have until Monday night to enter. Also, if she receives a lot of feedback, she could possibly have more contests in the future to enter. Check her blog out anyway. It’s one I love to read.

We have a busy week ahead of us, including our first post-placement report with the social worker (We have to do four over three years). I'm sure Nicholas will charm her with his huge smile.

Kristin

He’s Losing It!

Nicholas is not saying “Nih-ka-ka” as much as he used to when he talks about himself. He’s been saying his name correctly more often. And, don’t bother calling him by any nicknames because he will correct you. He is “Nicholas”. Sometimes we call him something else for fun, so he’ll correct us because it is so cute. It’s sad though at the same time. He’s growing up and saying so many new words each week. I looked at the professional pictures we had taken a few months ago, and he already looks older.

Speaking of cute, Nicholas has been very polite lately. “Tank you, Mommy” is said several times a day. If he wears a shirt someone got him, he just spontaneously shouts out a “tank you” to them too even when they aren’t there. Evan even taught him to thank me for all the meals I make him. I think Nicholas is definitely ready for Thanksgiving then.

We’ve also been enjoying the nice weather. Nicholas loves when anyone takes him on a walk. Today I let him actually get out of the stroller and get some exercise. Maybe I had an ulterior motive and wanted to tire him out a bit, but he doesn’t have to know that, does he?









Finally, I have a short video from this morning’s walk. It’s nothing exciting. It’s just the littlest Buckeye fan running.



Kristin

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream!

We started out the week with visitors from IOWA (and some local family too). Nicholas enjoyed taking pictures, playing with a real cell phone and opening presents. We all had a good time.







We decorated the “I” with Insects and colored a picture of an insect. I know that is a hard word for a 2 ½ year old, but I didn’t want to put ice cream on everything.







However, we did make ice cream cones out of construction paper and worked on our colors.





Of course, we had to eat ice cream too.



You may have noticed in one of our pictures that we had a new student this week. Gabby seemed highly interested in what Nicholas was learning, so she joined in.





Finally, our “schooling” doesn’t just consist of a letter a week. I try to throw in other concepts as well. For instance, on Tuesday I decided to help him learn about circles and triangles. He had a blast just running around our family room trying to find circles and triangles amongst his toys. I was teaching him, but I did it through play. Later that week, he called to me, “Mommy. Circle.” I looked over and he had taken his puzzle pieces and formed them into a circle. I asked him to sit next to it so I could take a picture; he decided he didn’t want to sit too close.



In non-schooling news, Nicholas went to his cousin, Carter’s 2nd birthday party today. We had been talking about it for a couple of days since he likes going to birthday parties. Evan and I started to get worried though when Nicholas was saying it was going to be his cake and his presents. We were hoping that there were no meltdowns at the party. He ended up being very well-behaved. He spent most of the time playing. But, he did make time to have some cake.







There are now four more months until Nicholas’ birthday. I’m pretty sure that he’ll be ready!



Kristin

Not For Everyone

In honor of November being “Adoption Awareness Month” and November 8th being “Orphan Sunday”, I thought it would be fitting to write the following blog:

This blog is directed toward some of you out there. Some of you are off the hook, but maybe you want to listen, you never know if this blog could apply to you in the future. Do I have your attention?

Over two and a half years ago, God began working in my heart in a way I never would have expected. I was focused on having my “own” children. I use to believe that adoption just wasn’t for me. See, I know all the things a lot of you are thinking.
Some of you think adoption is great. In fact, you want to adopt some day, but you just want to have biological children first. Then, you’ll try and adopt later. Others of you want to adopt, but the financial aspect won’t let you move forward. You don’t know how you would ever be able to pay those adoption fees.

First, I want to address the “own” children line of thinking. What does “own” really mean? God brings children in our life, either biologically or through adoption. He has entrusted us with each precious child. They are actually “His”. Nicholas does not share our DNA, but that’s okay. While not knowing a child’s entire medical history can be scary, we have to trust that God is in control. We don’t know what the future holds for any of us, even those that share our genetics. Nicholas is my child because God brought him into our family. He was adopted, but now he is just my child, plain and simple. The fact that he is adopted is how he joined our family, but doesn’t define his identity. He is treated like any other member of our family.

Some of you want to have biological children first and that’s your decision. I’m not saying there is anything wrong with it or anything wrong with wanting biological children. But, sometimes we need to commit our prayers to God and see what his plan is for us. Maybe He wants your next child to be adopted though. Are you willing to obey? Are you willing to put your plans aside?

Third, it is always about the money! If God has called you to adopt, don’t you think He will find some way to provide the funds? Evan and I did not know how we would be able to pay any of the fees when we decided to pursue an adoption from Russia. We had some money saved up, but not enough to cover all of it. Then, we had that unexpected third trip. How were we supposed to cover it? God provided. He provided every penny for that adoption! I am happy to say that we have no debt related to our adoption. Nada. None. Zilch. I am not saying this to be proud. I am saying this to show you that God can provide, and sometimes in the most unlikely ways. Do not let finances be a barrier. Pray. Trust. Obey.

Another reason that people will not adopt is they are worried about attachment issues. Will my child have all kinds of problems? Not necessarily. But, are you guaranteed that a biological child will be perfect in every way? No! Nicholas has a few minor issues related to living in an orphanage, but we are working on them with love, patience, and grace. There are plenty of resources out there to help a family deal with post-adoption issues. I have read so many blogs from families that have adopted, and you can just see how even in the most difficult times, they still feel like their child is a blessing to them.

The purpose of this blog is simple: When God calls you to do something – Obey! What are you missing out on because you are putting up stumbling blocks? God has a different plan for each of us. Like I said before, not everyone is called to adopt. In fact, some of you are past this stage in your life. Will you do me a favor though? If you are not called to adopt, will you support the people that are called? I am not saying that you have to give financially, unless that is something you feel led to do (Sometimes God will stir in your heart to give). Pray for them though. Encourage them. Send them a note to tell them you’re thinking about them. Make a meal for them when their child comes home.

Evan and I struggled with our infertility for years. Little did we know, it would change our life. We don’t know if God will open my womb. It’s difficult at times, when people consider you as almost “broken” because you cannot get pregnant. But, I am working on not caring what other people think (notice I said “working on”). I think that is a big stumbling block as well in life. It’s hard to be obedient when other people may look at us funny for following God. I guess if you want to name it, it is self-centeredness when we think only about ourselves and worry about what everyone else is thinking.

But, Evan and I would love more children. We don’t know God’s plan, but we are hoping to adopt again, regardless of whether or not we conceive. It is important to us. It has shown me how much God loves me when he adopted me as His own. We have so much and there are children that need families. Anyone out there think that you may be one of these families?

I want to close by saying that it took me awhile to write this blog. I had to figure out a way to express my passion without going overboard. I wanted to find a way to speak to some of my readers without sounding overbearing. I hope I accomplished these goals. I just wonder how many of you are sitting out there, thinking, “I want to do it, but . . .” I’ve given God too many reasons “why not” in too many areas of my life. He has changed my heart in a big way, so I cannot help but share.

Kristin

Four Months!

That’s how long Nicholas has been home. It really seems like so much longer. In honor of this milestone, I thought I would do a list of some of Nicholas’ favorite things:

Favorite Food(s): “Pizzi”, chicken (nuggets), French fries, apple juice, and cake

Favorite Movie: Muppets Take Manhattan (or better known as “Piggy Make-up”)

Favorite TV Shows: Sid the Science Kid, Super Why!, and Wizards of Waverly Place

Favorite Sports Team: Buckeyes!

Favorite Number: 2 (He’s always pointing out 2 of everything)

Favorite Books: Anything he can get his hands on right now (I hope he never loses his love of books).

Newest obsession: The garbage truck! He takes his blue bucket for his toys and pulls it around our family room telling me that it’s a garbage truck.



Yesterday Nicholas and I walked to the church next door to vote. I explained to him what kind of behavior I expected and he listened. In fact, he impressed the woman at the table for our precinct when he pointed out the “D” on the sign. On the way out, we stopped at the bake sale that the church’s school was holding and bought a couple of cookies. We got a nice walk as well to and from the church, which I used to justify the three cookies that I consumed once we got home. Note: The less-than-thrilled look on his face is due to the fact that he wanted a cookie, not his picture taken.





Today we did some shopping with Nana and Amy after Bible study. In the last couple of weeks he finally has taken an interest in toys that he wants. He already perused the Toys R Us Big Book that came in the paper last week and voiced his desires. Evan and I used to be able to walk the toy aisles in stores without a peep from Nicholas. Not anymore! It takes everything in me to resist him when he says “peas”. In fact, I was looking at a book today in the store when he took it from my hand and said, “Tank you, Mommy”. How could I deny such a polite boy?



Finally, I want to share one last picture with you. Nicholas loves to wear his sunglasses (“cool dudes”), but they often remain in our car. So, when we go out with my mom, he has no glasses to wear. This week she had a pair from the eye doctor's office to offer him when he asked. We like to call him “Grandpa”. What do you think?



Kristin