Christmas 2009

We are almost through celebrating Christmas with one more family gathering tomorrow with my brother and sister! The kids have been good, but I am glad things are about to wind down. Wednesday night we joined some friends who had a live nativity and read the Christmas story aloud. It was great! They put notices in all their neighbor's mailboxes and asked all the children to play the characters. They even cutout a donkey from cardboard and fastened it onto a Red Ryder wagon. When it was time for Mary and Joseph to go to Bethlehem, Joseph just grabbed the handle of the wagon after Mary had climbed aboard. Wish I had taken my camera. They had a pretty good turnout! After the reading of the Christmas story, three of the families (us included) went caroling. We had a great time and look forward to doing it again next year.

As stated in the previous post earlier today, Dawn's ABI clearance came in the mail yesterday. That will finish the homestudy and push it to Alabama DHR for approval. If Alabama approves us, the documents go to US Immigration for approval. Either could say "no" or ask us to produce more documents.

For the past eight months, I ignorantly thought I would manage this adoption and take control of the situation. I really, really should know better. But, I am a sinner like everyone else. He has reminded me that I am in control of nothing - absolutely nothing. The very fact that I wake up in the morning is by the grace of God. Everything I have is His, He is just letting me borrow it. So Lord, I apologize for my arrogance.

Merry Christmas folks!

Brief Post

Well, Dawn got her Christmas present from the ABI on Christmas Eve- her long awaited clearance!

Prayer Requests

Tuesday I was moving some files (photos) from the old laptop and putting them on an external drive. To verify the files transferred properly, I viewed several of them. I was amazed at how much the kids, all of them, had grown. I was also saddened because I saw pictures of my oldest daughter smiling. She hasn't done that much lately. She has been sick since the first of September. Her problem is she can't keep food down. It is not immediate and ranges from 30 minutes to 4 hours or more. Her diet is mostly liquid and even that is difficult to manage. She has had 3-4 tests run by a gastro-interologist and everything comes back okay. While that is great, my baby is still sick. Sometimes water has been a problem. There was a time when I would have thought there was an eating disorder, but we are well past that. Even she is scared. So please, when you say your prayers, please add Christina to and ask our Father to please heal her.

Also, we are walking down the adoption road again. In fact, we signed with an agency back in early summer. Way back in January, I was having trouble sleeping. I knew the problem, I was just trying to ignore it. Ever said "No" to God? He doesn't like that a whole lot. So, I fessed up to Dawn one night and she told me had been getting the same message. So we started listening to God and about three months or so later, I felt like we were being led to adopt a special needs child. I didn't say anything to Dawn about it, and later we started getting some agency packets in the mail after I submitted some inquiries. One day, she grabbed a packet that had arrived in the mail and started reading info from ABC agency and she said, "Hey - did you see this brochure on special needs children." So, that is how it started and we are now in the process of getting clearance from the Alabama Bureau of Investigation. Jeremy and I received our clearance more than six weeks ago. She went to the ABI office on Tuesday to see about getting her fingerprints electronically scanned (the originals were the old ink and card). They advised her that her prints were rejected twice because they could not read them. They asked her if she washes dishes and she laughed. Even though we have a dishwasher, some things do get washed by hand. And then there is the other cleaning that is done using household cleansers. They advised her they were running her name to complete the clearance. Now this takes about thirty seconds, (I did this in college) but they told her she should receive her clearance in about six weeks! She asked if she could just have her prints scanned and the told her no, they were running her name instead. So, prayer number two, please pray we get our ABI clearance before Christmas. Our homestudy is finished and we are just waiting on that once clearance before the homestudy can be submitted to the State for approval (and then US Immigration/CIS).

It is Thanksgiving and I do have so much to be thankful for. So many people have lost their job due to the crappy economy and I still have mine. I have a wonderful wife (that I don't deserve) and six beautiful children that I love dearly. And.... across the great ocean is a special little boy under five that needs us. So please, pray for our family.

God Bless -

Tony B.

Out of the Mouths of Babes...

I was sitting here at the computer tonight and was on a popular adoption message board when I clicked on a video link about street children in Russia. As I was watching, Nastya walked up and started watching. Below is part of our conversation:

Nastya: Daddy, what is that little boy doing.
Daddy: He's sleeping baby (train station floor).

Nastya: Why doesn't he go home?
Daddy: He doesn't have a home baby.

New scene - 5 or 6 YO boy crying.
Nastya: Why is he crying daddy?
Daddy: Somebody just stole his clothes.

Nastya: He should go tell his momma.
Daddy: He doesn't have a momma.

Nastya: Daddy, we have to go get him and he can live with us. Daddy we have to go get him!
Daddy: Baby, I don't know where he is.
Nastya: But daddy...

Nastya then goes to get Dawn and makes me replay the video for them. She then told Dawn we have to go get those boys and girls that don't have a momma or a home.

My Nastya will be six next month, and she "gets it". She is wise beyond he years and I praise God that her memories of her early years are dim.

My greatest desire is that my children learn the love that Jesus Christ has for them and that they share that love with everyone around them. At six, Nastya is well on her way.

God Bless -

Growing Up & Stories

Things are bustling around here! God is walking with us on another journey and because He is so faithful, we trust Him to take care of us.

The kids are doing great including Jeremy in his first semester of college. Not only am I very proud of him, I am very proud of Dawn who has homeshooled the kids for the past nine years. There are many people that do not understand homeschooling parents just as there are people that do not understand adoption. Many just assumed Jeremy would just "graduate" and then nothing. When he started college, I think some were shocked that a homeschool kid would go to college. In September, he turned 19 and it was a big event to Dawn and I. Our baby boy was becoming an adult - officially. I am very proud of him and wish I were half the person he has become when I was 19.

A couple of nights recently, two of my three youngest have just started talking about their old life. I sat there and listened and deep inside I am hurting for them. I hugged my youngest son and reminded him that I am his papa now and he does not have worry about those things ever again. Later, his sister recalled some events and again I hurt for them. In both cases, I could only hug them, tell them I love them and that I'm sorry those things happened. I know they hurt and will carry that hurt with them probably for the rest of their life. I have to watch myself, because the hurt I feel for them sometimes turns to anger against their parents. I don't say anything, but deep inside I get mad and that is not good. Because Polina is older and understands a little more, about once per week at bedtime, we pray for her "starry mom" and that she will come to know Jesus and let Him heal her and I sincerely mean that. One night several months ago she asked me why we prayed for her. I explained that I would love to have the opportunity to see her in Heaven and thank her for giving birth to our children.

It's late, but I wanted to update everyone. I will try and post pictures from our month of birthdays in September (four birthdays). God Bless -

New Beginings

Well, I guess it was bound to happen sooner or later - we now have a college freshman on our hands. Our oldest, Jeremy, starts college on Monday. I went with him to orientation on Tuesday. Funny thing, when I went to orientation 28 years ago, parents did not go to orientation. But I went with the only goal being to make sure he did not overload himself like I had. Yes, I was dumb and trusted my advisers who "had my best interest at heart." I laughed out loud when that phrase was repeated on Tuesday only to draw curious looks from others. My fatherly advice - get your feet wet first and only take twelve hours. When it came time to register, the evil parents could not join their children. I reminded him - focus on a math class, an English class, a chemistry class and then anything else to finish it off. He wanted a history class and I told him he could, but to be prepared for a lot of reading. He exited the room and showed me his schedule. Chemistry classes were full, so he signed up for Music Appreciation and US Government Politics. The government class bothered me. I explained that college institutions, even here, are incredibly liberal and that he may be faced with a decision - pretend to agree with the instructor and keep his mouth shut to get a good grade or stand up for his beliefs. Although I think he is ready to stand up for his beliefs, I do not think this is fair to a kid. Besides, asking him not to debate a point he has strong opinions about is impossible.

The younger siblings are doing well. The four youngest have requested new beds. I'm not sure what started this, but I think the thought was they might acquire more bedroom space with different beds. The two youngest got their sisters bunkbeds. Polina got a slightly used daybed from another family and Sarah is wanting a futon. I have tried to talk her out of the futon, but she is set on having one. Fortunately we found one another homeschooling family was wanting to sell.

I feel so unworthy with all that I have been blessed with and I am just blown away by it all. He is taking us down another road right now that is different. While there are many unknowns, His light is shining the way - of that I am certain. God Bless -

Baby Pictures from Russia

Back in April, our extended family in Russia sent baby pictures of Polina. Unfortunately, she did not have any of Dima and Nastya. I understand why, but I know that years down the road, they will want that connection. The pictures are great and show Polina with her aunt, her cousin and, her grandfather. I have scanned them in the event something happens to the originals. They are priceless treasures. Also included is a copy of her baptismal certificate. Their aunt is a very good woman and took Polina to church on at least a couple of occasions. We have a certificate for the baptismal and then what appears to be her first communion.

This past week, I have read e-mails and postings from parents who recently completed adoptions and parents who are waiting to complete their adoptions. I am constantly amazed at God's sense of humor! I say that because so many of the children look remarkably like their parents (or soon to be parents). God knew when I was in the womb, that he would place at least three of my children on the other side of the world and have me search them out. Praise God I found them - they were right before my eyes one February evening in 2007.

This fourth of July, we went to the home of a church family for a picnic. While there, I was in a discussion with some other couples - some who knew our story and some who did not. I mentioned I would someday like to go back to the village where my children were born in Siberia. One father looked over at me and asked me, "What are you?" I looked at him quizzically and answered, "Southern." He then asked what took me to Russia to cause my children to be born there. I started laughing and explained that my three youngest were born in Russia and have only been home one year. He had no idea!

God bless everyone out there -

One Year Later

Wow, time flies! On June 9, 2008, we arrived home with our three new children to start a new phase of our life as a family. It just seems like it was a month or two ago we were on a 767 from Moscow to Atlanta. Let me take the time to update everyone on the changes that have taken place in the last twelve months.

Nastya and Dima have forgotten nearly all of their Russian. This occurred around nine months home. Polina still recalls about 80% of her Russian and we are going to have to reach out and get some tutoring or something to bring her back to speed. We really would like her to stay in contact with their Aunt Tatiana. She just now called Tatiana on Skype and was very nervous. Unfortunately, Tatiana was at work, but she did get to speak to her cousin Vladick (14 years old).

All three children have lost several teeth and have become a regular at the dentist. I think we have paid for some new furniture and a summer vacation for the dentist with what we have spent on dental bills! I just found out yesterday Dima has another loose tooth. I guess the improved nutrition just sort of made something click inside them.

We had to get some measurements for the one year report to the Russians. All three have grown at least 2 inches in height and gained approximately 5 pounds each. Overall, Dima has grown the most adding about 7 pounds and growing 2.5 inches.

The kids love Sunday School and Awana (church program for kids) and have several friends. Unfortunately, Dima's best friend is moving.

The kids are very shy in public with people they don't know, but talk up a storm with friends of the family. Some may think this is a bad thing, but we don't. The greatest fear/problem adoptive parents have is with attachment. Kids from the detsky dom initially view every adult female as "momma". Sounds sweet until you see your darling child in the arms of a complete stranger. We never had this problem, but I know of some who have struggled with this issue.

To Polina, I am Papa. To Nastya, I am Daddy. To Dima, I am Dad. All three are music to my ears, but I am glad that Polina has held onto "Papa".

Our three older children are doing wonderful. Jeremy just graduated from high school to remind me once again, I am getting old. Christina and Sarah are turning into beautiful young women. Jeremy is going to start college at Auburn University - Montgomery for one year and then transfer to University of Alabama - Huntsville in the fall of 2010. Christina still loves her horses and riding. Her passion for photography and writing are very strong and I am glad she has found something she enjoys and can share with everyone. Sarah is my sensitive one and keeps me on my toes should I become tired or get into a bad mood.

Nearly every night I am home (usually all but one), I read them a story and say a good night prayer with the four youngest. I wasn't so good with the oldest two about this, but now I hope my priorities are more in order. I spend as much time as I can one on one with Jeremy. He is a young man now about to step out into the world and I want to make sure he knows that he is loved and that this is his home - always. I can't pass onto him millions of dollars in inheritance, but I hope that when all is said and done, I have shown him how to love and support his wife, love his children and serve the Lord.

In closing this post, I will say Happy Father's Day. My children have made this one of the greatest Father's Day I have ever had.

God Bless -

Tony B.

Surprises from Far Away & Visits with Family

Well, it is hard to believe, but we are quickly approaching our one year anniversary with our three youngest. Friday, our social worker came to complete our report for the Russian government. Almost 12 months later and the kids were still a little afraid I think. We explained what she was coming to do and why, but it seemed they still were afraid. Dawn even explained they would never have to go back to the detsky dom and that this report was just to make sure we were taking good care of them. The visit ended good even though Polina quickly disappeared after Amy arrived.

We, or I should say, Polina received a wonderful surprise from Aunt Tatiana a few weeks back - baby pictures and baptismal records. I'll have to scan a couple for the blog, they were cute. There were pictures with their cousin Vladik, their aunt and, their grandfather. I wish I had a better picture of the grandfather - it is just a side shot of him. We spoke to Tatiana on Skype just a week earlier and she never told us about the pictures that were in transit so it was a good surprise. Tatiana did update us on the rest of the family. We have learned that Tatiana is a very good woman and did as much as she could for the kids. I have grown to admire her for what she did for my children because I am sure it put her in difficult situations at times.

The kids are growing so much and Dima has lost at least four teeth just in the past nine months. At their next doctor visit, it will be interesting to see how much weight they have gained. The other night, Polina asked me, "Papa, why I have dark circles around my eyes"? I replied, "Because your a Baggett baby - all Baggett's have dark circles around their eyes"! She just looked at me and started to slowly smile.

As far as the language goes, Polina and Nastya speak very good English and have thick Russian accents that they will likely have forever. Sometimes Nastya will say something very serious in that thick accent that just cracks me up (I try not to laugh out loud). Dima has a unique accent that sound to be a mixture of a Russian/South Alabama accent.

That's about it for what has happened in the past 30 days. We are STILL waiting on Social Security cards for the three youngest (we filled January 22). They sent our adoption records to be translated into English. Our records had an English translation attached, but they would not accept that translation because it was not certified. I offered to go locally, get an English translation and have it certified and the answer was "no". I have attached some photos from just a week ago. My brother and his family came home from Pennsylvania and the three youngest got to meet him and their cousin Jessica.

Our days are filled with laughter, tears and yes, frustration - but I would not trade one single day for a million dollars.

God Bless -

My Private Nurse

This past week, I got hit by the flu as did about 4 others in the house. I am just glad it didn't happen a week earlier when I was out of the country. I awoke Tuesday morning in my motel in Pensacola and knew it was going to be a bad day, I just didn't know how bad. I finished my work Wednesday afternoon and God was truly my co-pilot for my 200 mile trip home. Thursday through Sunday, I had my own private nurse - Nastya. She would come to me on the couch (where I was living) and would keep me covered up with her own baby blanket and about three others. Each time, she would cover me up and pat me on the forehead. She would always say something, but in my sick induced brain fog, I could never tell what it was.

Thank you God, for ALL my blessings...

Father-Daughter Banquet

Saturday night, I had the blessing to accompany my four daughters to a father-daughter banquet at church. I was reminded of what my priorities should be and where my children fall in the order of things. All too often, I slide work and providing for my family over and above them. I am better now than I was 10 years ago, but I still need to be reminded.

I was asked to write down four things I love about my daughters. My four things were:
* You care for your friends and their feelings.
* Your love for God's creation - great and small.
* They are blessings from a loving God.
* Specifically for Polina and Nastya, they allowed me to be their papa.

When we got home, Sarah thanked me for taking her. Coming from a 10 YO, that was very special. Friday night, when putting the kids to bed, Polina asked me, "Do you know why I love you"? I said, "no". She said, "Because you my papa". Both comments were so very special, because they were said in sincerity and not just a passing comment.

I am unworthy of such blessings!

A New Year

The past three weeks of 2009 have been interesting with the typical ups and downs of everyday life. The kids are off to a pretty good start on school following the holiday period. Below is an update of the kids:

Jeremy is preparing for college. He took the ACT again to see if he could bump his score up just a wee bit and he did - one point (28). He did very good and his overall score is almost twice what I made in 1980. More than enough to get in any state university. I don't think he gets that from me! He wants to get a degree in computer engineering and seems interested in completing his degree at University of Alabama - Huntsville. I have requested only three things of him; (a)attend Auburn-Montgomery (local) for one or two semesters then transfer, (b) Take only 12 hours per semester the first year and, (c) after completing his degree - work for himself or the Lord (don't go to work for ABCD, Incorporated). He is an intelligent kid and will do well.

Christina is continuing her passion for writing and photography. She spent her money in December and purchased a very expensive camera (enough to make me choke). She has her own website where she makes her prints available. At the 2009 Horse Fair in Montgomery, she had her own booth and offered her services. She had several inquiries and we will wait to see what happens.

My little Sarah is growing up. She is such a delightful young woman and always worried about the feelings of those around her. She and Polina are very close, but at the same time, they both have their own interest. She is all girl and getting into the nail polish and color coordinating her clothes. She has come so far in her education just in the past 12 months. Things she struggled with January 2008, she breezes through now.

Polina is finally putting on weight and getting meat on her bones. She is not quite as picky over her food as she was six months ago. When we arrived in Vladivostok in May, we learned she had gotten her ears pierced. Some less than honest person replaced a gold setting with a cheaper setting. End result - infected ears. We had the earrings removed when we got home (no one in Russia knew how). The holes sealed and healed. For Christmas, she got them pierced again with gold settings. She is working to maintain her Russian by reading her Russian New Testament and using Rosetta Stone.

Dima is our little energy machine. He is as sweet as he can be and full of energy - I mean really full! He will walk over completely unexpected and grab my leg and say, "I love you Pop". He can come up with some dandy stories that were obviously dreams. We make him think about his comments to make him understand that these things did not and could not have really happened. He has improved his ability to control his anger so much, it is just hard to explain. He will still occasionally slip and hit one of his sisters because of something that happened, but it is no where near the frequency that it used to happen. Most significantly, the anger is not there any more. Now when he does lash out, it is just a reaction. They had gone to a party at Christmas for homeschoolers and a little boy snatched something out of his hand. Dawn saw it happen and was wondering of she could grab him before he reacted. He handled himself very well and just moved on to something else.

Nastya is our drama queen. She loves to sing and dance and keeps us in stitches. She will not allow you to hug her neck when saying "goodnight" or "goodbye". If you try, you will get slapped. Now you can hug on her any other time you want without a problem, but she has NEVER liked goodbye.

Well, that's about it. Issues at work have allowed me to help a non-profit group and their efforts to help folks around the world. If things work out well, it may open some doors to allow us to help orphans around the world who are near and dear to us.

Take care and God Bless -