I hope everyone is enjoying the 4th of July.  I wanted to pass along some information for you on this Independence Day.  What better way to spend your 4th of July then by remembering a relative or loved one who served this country in WWII.  While I know it is not possible for everyone to visit the WWII monument in Washington DC,  you can still make sure that those who served appear on the WWII Memorial registry.

How?

Visit wwiimemorial.com

Click on the WWII Registry button at the left. Follow the instructions to enter the name you wish to honor.  The vet you register will be recorded on the registry and receive an ID#.  Get your loved one registered today.  You can also add information with the name, type of service, etc.

I found out about the registry by speaking with Mr. Robert Eley, ID #547794 while I was shopping at Wal-Mart.  I thanked him for his service and promised to tell everyone I know (or don't know) about the registry.

Check it out TODAY -- oh, and enjoy the fireworks!!

Today,  we have been home for 2 months!  It seems like yesterday that we were getting off the plane and all those feelings of joy to be home!

So, how is Nicolas doing? 

• Food -- he is becoming a picky eater.  Sometimes,  we'll give him food and he gives us that look like you've got to be kidding me.  He'll play with it for a while but that is about it.  (This is a huge step from gorging everything in site).  Usually,  if his sister will eat it, so will he.  He loves, loves, loves bananas.  I really cannot keep enough of them in the house.  He also loves yogurt.  He uses the spoon well and is still learning to use the fork but is getting better.  I don't have to stay with him the entire time that he is eating anymore.  He does pretty good about regulating his food and I can even give him a cereal bar and not worry about him putting the whole thing in his mouth.
• Language -- Nicolas still doesn't have many words, but I do think that he is progressing.  He is starting the baby babble now.  In fact, he will talk up a storm -- only problem -- we have no idea what he is saying :)!  I think it is great that he is playing with language though.  He understands so much.  The problem is when he is trying to tell me something, and I do not understand!  His new word this week is sky. and we have been working on the word "yes" with him as everything is "nah".  It is a little funny listening to him say yes -- he really loves the "s" sound. 
• Sleep -- I wish I could tell you this has gotten better but it is still a struggle.  We had about 2 weeks of good nap time.  I would put Nicolas down for his nap and sit outside his door and he would go to sleep.  He has now taken to screaming fits again at nap time.  Sometimes,  these will last upwards of 2 - 3 hours on and off.  Funny thing is that he only does this when it is him and I.  When Slade is home, he will lie right down.  In fact, Slade came home early this week so I could go to a meeting,  and when he saw Slade, he went right to sleep.  He also goes to sleep pretty well at night.  Slade puts him down for bed and he is usually out of the room in 10 minutes -- can you believe that?  A few nights ago we went to give Nicolas his medicine (we have to apply after he is asleep), and he was standing in the middle of his room.  This has never happened before, but I am sure that he was not awake.  Do I have a sleepwalker on my hands?
• Potty training -- we are still working on this but he is getting much better.  Sometimes, he will even go all day with a dry diaper.  His word for potty is "kaka" -- I can't tell you the looks I got at the pool when he used this word.  The moms must have been thinking -- what are you teaching your kid?  Nicolas is learning to use his words to tell us that he needs to go to the bathroom.  Sometimes he will tell us after he has gone to the bathroom, though.  I tell you it won't be long, and he will have this down.
• Behavior -- Typically 2 year old behavior.  He knows the word mine!  He is learning to play by himself or with Tori so he doesn't expect me to be with him at every moment now.  He doesn't have the tantrums like he was having.  I guess he figured that wasn't working anymore.  I can tell a difference when we are home all day or when we have errands, appointments, etc.  He does much better when we are home all day (only problem -- Tori does much better when we are not!). 
• Activities -- He loves to play outside, running, throwing balls -- typically boy stuff.  He has also enjoyed the pool although not at first -- he clung to me like velcro (although I have learned to expect this in new environments/situations).  Now,  he is walking around the kiddy pool all by himself and doesn't even want me to interfere with his activities.  He does tend to mommy shop at the pool and every woman is mama.  I have tried to intervene before this happens.  He doesn't really understand personal space especially with strangers.  This doesn't happen everywhere but tends to happen more often than not at the pool.  This week,  he has taken to a play vacuum cleaner and loves to help unload the dishwasher (although sometimes the dishes go back into the sink!).
• Doctors -- Can you believe that we have at least one drs visit a week for the next month?  This week, we are off to the dentist.  Next week, we see the cardiologist, then we have the hearing screening, and update on shots, our assessment with the speech pathologist and finally the update with the IA doctor!  Whew,  I have to keep a calendar just to keep up with all these appointments.  I am so glad that I've had this time off so that we can fit it all in.

I do not go back to work until August so we have the month of July together.  I will be easing him into care.  We have decided on daycare for Nicolas beginning in August.  This is a long story,  maybe I'll share another time.  I will be easing him into this environment in July so that my transition to work will be a little smoother.  My dad is coming in for the 4th tomorrow, so it may be after the 4th before I post again -- we'll see how it goes.  If not --- Happy Independence Day early!

I'll leave you with the cutest picture ever!

The previous owners of our home had quite a since of humor.  Our upstairs bathroom had this fabulous wallpaper with pictures of chairs on it -- yes, we have a throne room!  Since we moved into the house 4 years ago,  we have not done anything with the bathroom but just move in.  We bought an inexpensive shower curtain and hung it for visitors.  I have redecorated every room in the house, but this bathroom.

When we registered for Nicolas' shower,  I chose a few items and if we received them,  it would spur me to update the bathroom.  Well, guess what?  we did receive those items, so in my spare time (ha! ha!),  I have been redecorating the bathroom.  I was all too happy to tear the wallpaper off the wall.  I have been wanting to do that from the moment that I saw it! Then, the bathroom got a fresh coat of paint and a few new nick-knacks and presto, change-o.  Now,  this is a bathroom fit for the kids.

Wow,  that last post was a downer -- I realize.  Thank you all for your encouragement.  I really needed all the e-mails that you sent me.  After writing the post, I was worried about getting flamed but instead -- you guys are great and really encouraged me.

So, yesterday morning realizing that the previous day was so difficult,  I decided that I needed a little time with the Lord.  I have all these great plans for the day:  I will get up early (before the kids wake) and exercise and have some prayer time.  Then,  I wake up and there are a million things to do -- pay bills, do the laundry, etc. etc.  -- you know I need to get these things done before the kids wake too. Normally,  I would have my quite time on the way to work with no kids in the car and just time for me to pray and think.  Lately,  there is no quite time for me.  Well, yesterday, I decided that the bills would wait, and I would give myself a little alone time to refocus.

Waiting in my inbox was a daily devotional that I receive from Girlfriends in God.  The title of the devotional was Give until it hurts.  And the summary is that you don't have to steal a blessing from God, he wants to give it to you.  God is not only able to answer your prayers, he wants to answer your prayers.  So, I just prayed for guidance and for God to give me a double blessing of patience.  I decided to take my sister's advice to not worry so much and just enjoy this time -- it will be gone quickly.  If Nicolas doesn't show a burst of language development tomorrow -- so what!  Just love, love, love him and enjoy this beautiful summer that I will not have again.

So, here comes the being pursued part.  Do you ever feel like God is trying to teach you something, you think you've got it, and he comes along and says -- "listen clearly -- this is what I mean . . . " God knows me well, and he knows that I need to hear it more than once, and it sure helps when I get the same message over and over.  Then, this light bulb goes off in my head -- Oh, so that is what you are trying to teach me. . .

So, on the way to swim lessons yesterday,  I was listening to WAVA and hear a message by Dr. Tony Evans (my dad's preacher). His message -- Jacob and the deceiver God used.  Huh -- do you think this will have anything to do with blessings?  He was preaching from Gen. 32 when Jacob was running from Esau because he had stolen Esau's blessing.  Jacob had been blessed but had not yet received God's blessing.  Dr. Evans said God will not share the blessing until your character is ready to receive it. And, when God is trying to address our character, he will put us in situations that cause fear, frustration, defeat (wait a minute -- that's right where I am!  God, are you trying to address my character?).

In Gen 32,  Jacob is being pursued by Easu and is caught by a man.  That night, he wrestles with him and dislocates his hip in the process.  Dr. Evans mentioned that it is through our brokenness that God strips us of our self sufficiency.  During the fight,  Jacob realized that it wasn't about the fight -- it was about the blessing.  Through the process of dislocation, he discovered a connection between his pain and God's purpose.  God doesn't want you to fix it -- that's why he keeps dislocating things.  Every time you think everything is alright, something else happens.  Make the connection -- it is God dislocating things.

What did I take from all this?  I am a little like Jacob.  I wanted to be blessed.  I now have this great family, and I can take on the world as "supermom"! -- well, not so much.  Every time you think everything is alright -- God keeps dislocating things, right? Wow,  so God really doesn't want me to fix this!  I really can just be the vessel to share Gods love - to give until it hurts.  Wow -- I really did need to hear all of that -- God, thank's for pursuing me until I understood!

I don't know if you all struggle with this, but I think it is a constant reminder that I need.  I hope that if you are struggling with fear, frustration or defeat,  you can take a little bit from my lesson from God.

On Monday,  we had our appointment with Anne Arundel county Child Find.  Child Find is the program offered by the county for children 3 and over to assess them for pre-school services.  The first step was a pre-assessment to see if Nicolas would qualify for services.  If the meeting is positive, they conduct a formal assessment to determine the level of services that he would qualify. 

Our meeting was with a occupational therapist and the speech therapist.  I was prepared to explain that Nicolas was not just a second language learner but that he was experiencing delays due to institutionalization and neglect.  Well,  Nicoals was taken to a cubicle to meet with the speech therapist while I spoke with the occupational therapist.  It didn't take them 10 minutes to determine that Nicolas would qualify for services.  The speech therapist indicated that she could tell that Nicolas was learning a first language and that he had very little Russian language skills (I'm not sure how she knew this??)

So, the outcome of our meeting is that we have another meeting scheduled at the end of July.  This assessment will determine what level of services that Nicolas will qualify.  They also made a referral to our county health department for a hearing screening, and we have that meeting in a few weeks too.

I must say that I am conflicted about the outcome of the meeting.  I am glad that Nicolas will qualify for services and that I do not have to fight for the care that I think he needs.  I am also worried and scared.  The speech pathologist made a comment that she thought Nicoals was reacting similar to an 18 month old.  While I realize this is not a formal assessment, this is also the lowest age that I have ever heard anyone rate him. At this point, he really does not have too many words, and I worry about him catching up before he begins kindergarten.  I work with him many times a day on his language (I posted about our books previously), but he still has not added too many words.  After our trip to Mass. he has been saying "horsie" -- he really loved the horses.  I am no professional, so I do hope that the speech pathologist will be able to help him.   

i cannot tell you how much I worry -- am I doing this right?  What can I do to help him?  will he have a developmental burst? what if he doesn't catch up before school begins?  Then I tell myself -- we have not even been home for 2 months now,  be patient.  He has so much to take in and learn; it must be overwhelming.  I am also interested in the hearing assessment -- will it provide so insight that will help us understand his language issues?  What must his life been like for the first two years?  Can I overcome that?  I worry that I push him too much and introduce too many things to him.  The good news -- we will be receiving some professional assistance to support the development!

Well it looks like I am on a salad kick.  I was stuck on soups this winter and now that summer is officially here,  I ready for some good salads.  Maybe I will get it all out of my system in June.  So, a few weeks ago at Nicolas' shower, Julie had made this great Chicken Salad.  I had to ask if I could take some of it home with me.  It was my lunch for the next few days and so yummy.  So,  I have been recipe hunting for the last few days -- sure it would have been easier to just ASK Julie for the recipe but that would spoil the hunt!? 

I am sharing with you a Chinese Chicken Salad that I found on my search.  It looks very similar to the salad that Julie made (Julie,  if you are reading this, you will have to tell me if this is it.).  I think that she used a package of the shredded coleslaw mix that they sell with the pre-packaged salads.  If so,  that would make this recipe even quicker and for a busy mom that really does equal success!

On to the recipe. . .

Chinese Chicken Salad

• 1 head cabbage
• 1 bunch green onions, thinly sliced
• 2 c. cooked chicken breasts
• roasted sesame seeds
• 1/2 c. sliced almonds
• 2 pks. Ramen noodles

Dressing:

• 1/2 c. canola oil
• 1 TBSP sugar
• 3 TBSP vinegar
• salt & pepper to taste

Mix shredded cabbage, green onions, chicken, sesame seeds, almonds.  Toss with dressing.  Sprinkle with Ramen noodles (do not sue the seasoning packages)

I have this great tip for all the moms out there with girls.  I was sitting in one of the many doctor's offices that I visit these days reading some type of home or woman's magazine and came across a tip from a reader that I have now tried out myself and I must tell you it works fabulously. 

Ok, so moms of girls know that girls have hair bows, ribbons, headbands, barrettes, rubber bands, pony tail holders, etc.  If you are like me,  these items tended to litter the sink.  We had several tins that we kept Tori's bows in, but they always ended up on the counter and I could never find a matching pair.  So, usually a fight would ensure because she didn't have her headband in; she couldn't find it; I couldn't find it, and I ended up digging through tins to try to find something to work.  Mornings like these are tough with girls and searching for hair accessories should not be a part of the morning stress.

Well,  the tip is to buy one of the over the door shoe organizers (you can see in the picture).  I bought a clear one so you can see what is in each pocket.  Then, use one of headbands, one for ribbons, one of pony tail holders. . . . I think you are getting the picture.  This has worked fabulously.  Everything has been organized, and I can actually find matching barrettes when needed.  We hung ours on the bathroom door but the tip suggested the mud room.  That would be a great place to but we preferred the upstairs bathroom where Tori get's ready.  There were even a few left over slots for all the shoes the clutter the floor.

Great idea -- I am so glad that someone thought of this. . .

Well,  it is Tuesday evening and I am just now getting a chance to tell you about our fun filled weekend. We left Baltimore on Friday afternoon and headed up to Brookfield, MA.  Why you ask would we take a weekend trip here?  Well,  we had to meet Michele and Wally -- Michele single-handedly saved our lives by putting us in contact with Sergi while we were in Abakan, and this weekend was the big Family Festival held by Socks for Siberia.

You may have heard me write about SfS before.  You can read about all the history behind this organization and how the Connors are connected on the SfS website.  Through their non-profit organization,  they have sent donations to the orphanages and even sponsored a baseball game in Siberia (this is a big feat considering they have no idea what baseball is).I knew that I had to get in touch with the Connors after our first trip.  The orphanage director had showed us pictures and spoke so highly of the family in Mass. who sponsored the orphanage.  It was funny at the time because she asked if we knew them -- like we knew everyone who lived in the United States because we are American.  It didn't know then just how our lives would collide.

So, we knew after we met Sergi that we would just have to meet the Connors and what better weekend than the festival so that Nicolas could be present.  We so wanted Nicoals to be there so that those who have been supporting the organization would see one of the real life lives they have been touching.  We left on Friday afternoon at about 2pm and when we pulled into the driveway at 10pm, it was the first time that we met Michele.  Saturday was the annual  festival and then Sunday was Father's Day and our trip home.  Needles to say,  it was a busy weekend! And -- even busier for the Connors. Besides hosting us at their home,  they also had family visiting from out of town to assist with the Festival and then on Sunday,  Wally's fire department held it's annual chicken dinner roast. --Aren't you just tired just reading about all that?

Well,  we cannot thank the Connors enough for allowing us to stay in their home.  I cannot tell you how wonderful they are.  I must also say that it felt like we met old friends or distant relatives. They took us into their family like we were family.  Tori just adored Michele and Marion (Michele's granddaughter!)  Tori followed her around like a puppy.  And the fact that Wally and Michele have horses -- well that didn't hurt anything either!

Before the pics -- let me put a plug in here for the organization.  Socks for Siberia is a 501(c)(3) organization so all your donations are tax deductible.  And -- I can tell you first hand that the funds they receive go directly to the children -- remember it was the orphanage director who told us about the organization.  So, if you have a heart for orphans and have been touched by our story -- this would be a great way to help the less fortunate children of Abakan.

Ok -- for the pics. .  (and two videos -- Wally and Michele's neighbors have sheep.  Well,  Nicolas is learning his animal sounds and I caught this short video! & Nicolas favorite word (can you guess what it is?)

What Does a Sheep Say?

Nicolas' Favorite Word

I love this recipe.  It is one that always made it's way to family gatherings and Sunday dinner.  Easy simple and great for those summer afternoons when it is too hot to turn on the oven. (Again,  sorry for the Monday post -- the weekends are too busy these days!)

Taco Salad

• 1 Head Iceberg Lettuce
• 1/2 chopped onion
• shredded cheese to taste (1/2 - 1 cup)
• Tomato, if you like
• 1 can Ranch Style Beans
• Fritos (approximately 1/2 16 oz bag)
• Catalina Dressing

Chop lettuce and add to large salad bowl.  Add onion, cheese, & tomatoes.  Open Ranch Style Beans and drain the excess liquid (do not rinse the beans).  Add beans to salad. (So, Ranch Style Beans are very Texan.  You might not be able to get these in some parts of the country.  In fact, we cannot get them in Maryland, but when we visit Slade's brother in North Carolina, we load up.  If you cannot find Ranch Style Beans, you could use pinto beans or another seasoned bean).  Next,  add Fritos.  Top with Catalina dressing and toss.

We had a very busy Father's Day weekend.  I can't wait to tell you all about it.  For now,  it's laundry and grocery shopping -- stay tuned because it was a very special weekend!

Ok,  so I am not that quick.  I must tell you that I had an Ah, Ha moment this weekend and must share with the world.

I have really been working with Nicolas on his speech.  We have about 3-4 books that have great pictures that we go through on a daily basis.  One is My Big Animal Book, another is the First 100 Words and the other is the great book that Sharon gave us at the shower. So we will sit down and look at the pictures.  Nicolas likes to point to the picture (and I think he is saying "what's that") and then I say the word over and over.  He will usually point to a picture over and over before he is ready to move on.

So,  back to the point of my Ah Ha moment.  I am also reading about language development in the Adoption Parenting book.  I was reading a great article called "Your Child's Language Development" on page 103.  I had read this before but was referring to it again when I noticed the author.  This article is written by Dr. Sharon Glennen! -- This is the speech pathologist that Nicolas saw at Towson University last week.

Wow!  I had been reading and referring to her work for a couple of weeks and just now realized that she is also the Dr that we were seeing (I told you that I wasn't that quick).  So, I guess Nicolas is in really good hands!  I cannot wait to get her report. 

As a side note,  we also had the first visit from our social worker this weekend.  Everything was fine,  she was just checking in to find out how we were adjusting and to see if we were seeking medical attention and applying for services for Nicolas.  She will see us again in late August to write our first post-placement report.  It did make for a busy Sunday with her visit so once again -- the Recipe for Success did not come until Monday -- please forgive :)