Summer Fun

We just had a really fun weekend and a nice Father's Day. Daniyar's friend, Jaterius, from preschool invited them to a birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese. They had a great time! We also went to King's Island water park on Sunday for a very hot Father's Day celebration. Collin played so hard he fell asleep on the King's Island train. They enjoyed their new play-doh ice cream and hamburger makers in their jammies.

I thought of fun things each of them have done lately. Daniyar's group in Kazakhstan watched music videos on their tv sometimes and the kids would dance. Sometimes they were hip-hop videos. I think he picked up some dance moves. Out of nowhere, he will turn around, stick out his "booty" and start slapping it while dancing! Kind of funny but also a head-turner. We tried to tell the long story at first but now we just say "we didn't teach him that move!" and redirect him. I'll try to get a picture some time.

Collin (preceded by Daniyar) has had the neighborhood tummy virus recently. We talked a lot about not drinking after each other so we wouldn't "give it" to each other. One day on the potty in mid poo, he said, I want to give this to you mommy or back to Daniyar because I don't want it any more! He thought someone else had to take it for him to get better. I also love the fact he still says "nusic" for music and "mapkin" for napkin, too cute!

We are headed off to Florida this weekend for a fun week with the family. Grandpa, and lots of aunts, uncles and cousins will be there. More pics when we get back!
Jacqueline

Thank you for the responses!

I appreciate the responses I have had to the post about the little girl waiting. I am happy to share what I can to help this little girl. It is nice to know families are willing to adopt the toddler/preschooler age kids. They are so much fun. So many things are new to them still. I would be happy to talk to any of you via email/phone if you like. I want to protect her privacy of course but would also like to help her find a loving home. I just took a special interest in her and with the help of the Baby House have been trying to be her voice in the US.

Thanks again! Jacqueline

Little girl waiting in Kazakhstan

Well this blog isn't going to be about my two great kiddos.

I have just had on my mind the sweetest little girl we met when we were adopting Daniyar. She was the only one in his group that was also eligible to be adopted. She is the most beautiful little 3 year old with black hair and gorgeous almond brown eyes. I have been talking to everyone I know that might be interested in becoming her family. The reason she has been passed over is that she had a medical misdiagnosis as an infant and that is so unfortunate. Further testing shows the original diagnosis was wrong. She is also in a town that a lot of US agencies don't place children from. And she is 3 now, an older age than many families seek. I would love to make a place for her in our family but financially we aren't able to right now. If anyone out there has ideas about how to help her find a home, please feel free to email me at jacgray14@yahoo.com. I would love to talk to anyone about her, whether in the adoption process or thinking about it. I think she would be a great daughter for someone. She is well cared for at the Baby House but approaches the age to go to the older children's orphanage and that worries me a lot. And of course, she would thrive in a family of her own. I truly believe Daniyar would not be with us if a special person had not advocated for him and maybe now it is my turn.
On a side note, the boys are great, enjoying summer and looking forward to a visit from Grammy and Pa and cousin Liam's first birthday party. Pics next week from the fun weekend! Jacqueline

Ready for Summer!

We have had a cold and rainy spring so we are happy to have summertime temps and a lot of sunshine this week. Ed is almost done teaching for the year and the boys have been enjoying time outside. We had a great long weekend trip to see the Gray family and Bonar family at Aunt Libby and Uncle Charles' house in Baton Rouge.
Collin is excited about starting kindergarten this fall. We visited his school for kindergarten registration. He gave the playground a big thumbs up! He is getting so good with his letters and numbers lately. We have had fun riding the local train and going to Kings Island lately.
Daniyar is speaking more daily and seems to understand almost everything we say these days. He is fascinated by fire trucks, airplanes, and any living creature outside. He wants to go out first thing in the morning. He loves to ride on the tractor with Dad.
New pictures, coming right up!

We Are the Truth

It has taken a few days for me to get enough time to write this post but I feel it is important. In response to the tragedy of a 7 year old child being sent alone to Russia by his adoptive mother, parents have been asked to show the positive side of international adoption. Unfortunately, negative outcomes get more media attention. This is one way to show the world that most international adoptions have good outcomes.

Our boys are doing so well. Daniyar learns new words and phrases daily. He is starting to get comfortable enough with us to melt down sometimes but that too is progress. He was learning so well he was moved to the 4 year old class at preschool. He loves to be outside and asks to go out within 10 minutes of waking up every day. We spend a lot of time at the park. We went to Kings Island amusement park this weekend and he loved the train and the bumper cars the most.

Collin has had a very good week at home. He seems to have discovered the joy of entertaining Daniyar and now uses his silliness to keep Daniyar laughing. He continues to love to draw and we registered for Kindergarten this fall. He is excited about our upcoming trip to Baton Rouge to Aunt Libby's house to see the Gray family and the Bonar family.

We are the truth. Sometimes the transition is hard but these kids are the joy of our lives. Jacqueline

Brotherly Love

Just wanted to add a couple of pictures of the boys together. Collin seems to have turned a corner in the past week with Daniyar. He now realizes that the nicer he is to his brother, the more fun we all have and the more Daniyar wants to be with him. Of course, they still fight over a toy from time to time but I've seen so much more playing together. Collin was playing dress up again with the very creative underwear, coat and socks look. Daniyar has grown into 3T clothes now and up 2 shoe sizes. You will notice his new haircut. Remember that if you send kids with their father to get a haircut, be sure to specify "Don't shave his head!" I wasn't aware of that requirement. All joking aside, I am thankful that Ed helps a lot with the boys. Daniyar can rock the buzz cut with his cute face. Anyway, it'll grow!

New Pics!

Sorry it has been so long since I've written anything. The boys are doing well. Daniyar seems completely healed up and is talking more and more. His favorite words seem to be oatmeal (still his favorite food!), no, and mine! He loves to sing and has developed a fondness for Barney. We now know all of the Barney songs.
Collin is adjusting slowly and does some very nice big brother things on a regular basis now. He even puts up with Barney on TV when it is Daniyar's turn, even though he would prefer Garfield or Spongebob. He still loves super heroes and telling stories. He is doing great with his letters and writing. We are excited about Kindergarten this fall. Here are some pics taken at the YMCA family gym.