Rocky

It has been a almost year since we returned from Ukraine. There have been a lot of joyful moments for us and for the kids. Roman is happy at school, has lots of friends, and loves sports. He is playing on the school soccer team and is learning baseball. Natalia is happy, does well in school and has made new friends. She loves to ride her bike, dance, and is now in girls softball.  I would say from all accounts, the kids are adjusting well.

 As Don said, it has been a year of adjustments for all of us. In the orphanage,  the kids did not have as many options as they have here. They think they should be able to eat candy, drink soda, and watch TV whenever they want. They fight us on the little things and that can be frustrating at times, but basically, they are very good children. The hard part as parents is to stay firm and keep them unspoiled. Christmas was crazy fun for them getting all those presents. It's a lot easier to give in and say yes, but that is not what's best for them to grow up and be happy, healthy, successful adults. Would we do it again?...see Don's blog below....

Don

It has been one year since the kids have come to our home. If you are thinking of adopting, there are rewards for sure, but there is also the frustration of trying to reshape the hearts and minds of children brought up in an environment that we will never really comprehend. Rocky and I struggle with little battles much of the day when they are not in school. We have to be careful not to let it all turn into one big battle.

Sometimes I even wonder if we did the right thing by bringing these to into our home. Life was so much easier before.

Fact is, we would do it all over again.