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.