Yes, We are still alive and well

Hi All,

No, we haven't fallen off the face of the planet, though it seems like it sometimes. This is just going to be a quick note for those still visiting this blog. I've been trying to find time in the last several weeks to give an update but haven't found any real time to do it except when I've been too tired to type.

I used to wonder what why the blog entries would slow down after coming home. I now know why. Our two girls are wonderful and we feel that we have it easy compared to many adoptive families. Our girls are healthy and bright (many times I think a bit too bright for our good :) ).

The adjustment is going very well and we are all bonding quickly. I think the girls are adjusting quicker than Virginia or I. Up until they started school two weeks ago, I would do the morning duty and then get on to work and Virginia had the girls for the day. Virginia was originally going to be working full time and I was going to do the Mr. Mom routine when I wasn't with clients. Our welcome home gift from her company was a pink slip. It would have been easier to take but she was our insurance carrier. Oh well, we are making due.

Christmas was wonderful and we had both sides of our families descend on us. The girls were a bit overwhelmed but really enjoyed knowing that they have a sizable family. They connect very well and are quite sociable.

Getting them into school was more difficult than I had thought it would be. First, both girls but especially Olena was very scared to start school because of the language differences. Second, the school they are zoned for is not one that I was willing to send them to. I had contacted the county director of ESL and got a list of schools that had Russian speaking children already in them. I wanted them to have someone that they could relate to when starting to make their transition a little easier. After going to 7 or 8 schools and learning that there were no students still speaking Russian, we went back to our first choice and finally recieved a variance. I take them to school and pick them up each day (8 miles each way) and feel it's well worth it to give them a good school to attend. They both love school and are adjusting well to the language differences. Actually, their language skills are amazing me and their teachers, both of which love having these girls in their classes.

One last note: I now really appreciate what a single parent has to go through. Virginia had to go back East for two weeks and I've had the girls to myself for the last week. Olena was sick today and couldn't go to school so I couldn't get to any work today either. It seems that Sasha is coming down with something and I hope she can beat it before it gets as bad as Olena's. The only time is a short time in the evening when I'm already dog tired from the days events. Today, I decided I was going to give this short updated and now I'm ready for bed.

On this note, good night and God bless you all.

From a tired but happy new parent,
Chris