Figured out how to post again

For the longest time my page was stuck on Russian, but now its not so I will try to update a bit.

We now have both of our boys. Court was on Mon the 31st, and it went fine. Very strange, but fine. I was shocked and apalled at the courthouse. It was a disgustingly rundown junkbox out in the middle of nowhere. We were all dressed up and walked to the front door only to be taken on by a pack of wild dogs who apparently didn't like us interupting their afternoon nappy.

We went in and I just had to breathe deep and tell myself it was going to be ok. There were several women clomping around in revealing sequined mini dresses and ultra high stilettos and the warped floor boards of the building were cracking and falling apart with nails sticking out. I swear there is just something I am not understanding here.

Anyway, we finished court. We had already had Ian staying with us for several days, so we went to get Andre. Now we are waiting the 10 day appeal period out and getting to know each other very well.

I love these boys SO MUCH. For all the torture little Andre has endured he is doing amazingly well. He just loves life and was abandoned at such a young age, that every little freedom is huge to him. Every day he just paces around in awe of the toys, video games, food, bathtub and family that he has suddenly acquired. He loves for me to hold him like a baby monkey and doesn't ever want to let go. He is very hyperactive and is challenging to deal with at times being locked up in an apartment, but when he is reprimanded he responds well. I love him and Thank God that he is ok. He needs constant attention but with each day gets a little better. He loves to fill the bathtub and just play in the water forever. He eats constantly and chews massive amounts of gum. Things will definitely change in America, but for the time being, we need to survive this and let a few things slide.

Ian is a Mama's boy and is eager to be the very best he can be. He has wanted this for a long time and has a plan. He must have talked someone at the orphanage into teaching him the English alphabet, and then taught himself how to read small words. I am so proud of him. He is a gentleman and he opens doors, carries my bag, takes out garbage, helps me clean, keeps his little brother in line, reminds me that I need to sit down and eat too, all without being asked. He truly has deep consideration and feelings for others. I feel like I have won the lottery. He is an angel. He loves to do schoolwork and show it to me with pride. He loves to collect certain things. He shows love, gives hugs and kisses and holds hands. It is good stuff.

I will never forget the first night we were together as an entire family, he helped me set the tiny kitchen table and we all sat down. He was smiling from ear to ear and waited patiently for everyone to join. He then looked at me and said, "Mommy, Daddy, Parker, Ian, Andre. This me family." I know this has been his dream since he could remember (his director told me). He is absolutely awesome. He refuses to answer to Ihar or Igur anymore, he reminds everyone, "Me Ian Frank Corbett." He is so mild tempered but able to flip into survival mode in no time at all. The kid in the yard area out back tried to steal his ball then picked up a 10" piece of plate glass and told Ian he was going to slit his wrists first, then his throat and kill him. Ian started laughing and knocked the glass out of his hand and shoved him to the ground in a matter of seconds. I didn't think it was funny and was yelling DOME! DOME! DOME! (home). Its like he has this tough side that he just hides so well and really doesn't want to have to use ever again. I am so happy to be their safe haven, they don't have to fight to survive anymore.

I hope they quit eating everything in the house because their little tummys are sick from pigging out so hard. This is something I've heard about, and I hope we get a handle on it soon after we get home.

I signed them both up for Firebirds Soccer in Sept. I can't wait to see them flourish in America. I know they will be happy and so will we.

Parker is adjusting well to having brothers. It is quite the change from being the only child to having two brothers immediately. He has had a couple scraps with them and a few arguements, but with each one we work through it and find a solution. I think I will take Parker to lunch just the two of us tomorrow when we have our driver back in town for some special alone time together so we can chat.

I wish I could have blogged everyday like Christy did. I really have some funny stories that I have forgotten now. This place is otherworldly to me. Mostly because I have never had to actually live in a place like this before. Sometimes when traveling, I have been through some crummy towns to get to the tourist spots, but have never actually become a resident of such an undesirable place. It has been something I do not regret however, because we as a family have become extremely grateful for what we have, and for each other. Wow are we lucky! To be born in such a wonderful country to parents who loved us. To have education available and dental and medical care. To have clean water and electricity and plumbing. To have money for food that we can buy whenever we want from a variety of choices. USSR was a sad and miserable existence for many people that I have talked to. I have become lifelong friends with a few and can not believe what people have lived through in this area really recently. This has been an eye-opening, humbling experience to say the least. To have to get up at 5am to wait in a bread line is something I have never done, and I should be very grateful for that. I have hope for this country but it is in its infancy of hopefully moving forward toward a democracy. In the meantime, I will be happy to get my boys and myself home to the good ol USA~

With Love,
Sonya