The past two months have flown by since bringing Tanya and Viktor home from Ukraine. The 7 weeks Scott spent in Ukraine (and the 3 and a half weeks Anna and I spent) were a blur of sweet moments and challenges beyond what we could have imagined. Since coming home, things have definitely been easier, but I would not say they have been easy. But we are blown away by how God is knitting us together as a family.
I am grateful when they first came home it was July 4th, Independence Day, the day they officially became U.S. citizens as they stepped foot on North Carolina soil. Being the middle of summer, we had a chance to become a family, learn to live, work, and play together, and begin working on English all while enjoying the flexibility of a summer schedule, with plenty of time for swimming at the YMCA and volleyball in the backyard.
The four younger children have had to learn to share their parents with 2 older siblings, as well as find the balance between playing with (and hanging on) Tanya and Viktor, and giving them their much-needed space. Tanya and Viktor are learning how to engage the younger children with games, wrestling and tickling, and are especially enjoying watching Isaac change so quickly, as he learns to walk and talk. Tanya adores Isaac and is quick to pick him up and bring him to me when he needs Mama. Isaac and Viktor sit by each other at dinner, and it has been a special joy watching Viktor learn how to engage a baby, feeding him from his own plate, and getting slimed by those chubby fingers (that are covered in what we’re having for dinner) that are always reaching out to grab Viktor’s arm. Anna and Viktor have a special bond, as they really connected when Anna came with us to Ukraine, and she enjoys snuggling up next to him for games or watching videos. Although it was difficult at first, Anna has learned not to boss her older siblings and how to be both a big sister and a little sister, which is a new dynamic for her. Scotty and Mary are still learning their new place in the family, and are having the toughest time adjusting. They both have regressed in certain areas, which often happens even when a new baby is brought home, and it has been hard to help them adjust to the new normal. As they struggle, it often comes out in whining, pouting, and other annoying behaviors, which only widens the gap between them and their new siblings, but Scott and I are encouraged that they are slowly adjusting with lots of love, instruction, and affirmation from us.
Two weeks ago we started school, with a new routine and the adjustments that come with that. We are thrilled for the opportunity Viktor has to attend 4 classes at Eastwood Christian School, where he dresses in button-down shirt and tie, and is surrounded by kids who want to learn and teachers who love Christ. His English is improving dramatically, and he is working on other subjects at home, learning the new balance of chores, homework, family time, and free time. He is excited to start soccer in a couple of weeks. I am homeschooling the girls, and enjoying a very full day of teaching, sharing, and learning together. The girls have started choir classes, and Tanya and Anna will begin piano lessons next week. Tanya will start ESL (English as a Second Language) classes 4 mornings a week next week as well, to supplement our homeschool day.
Last night after we came home from church and the little ones dressed in their pajamas, we gathered on the rug of the living room and “Papa” Scott led our family in a time of prayer as we prayed over each of our children. Franky, our dog, was right in the middle of the pile of bodies, licking faces and wagging his tail as we prayed, providing plenty of comic relief as usual. Scott and I laid our hands on each of our children as we prayed over them, and when it was Tanya’s turn, I laid my hand on her and she quickly grabbed it and didn’t let go, even when it was Viktor’s turn for prayer. When we were finished, there was a tangible sweetness in the room, as the Holy Spirit was there in our midst. Viktor, in his usual gregarious way, began sharing Franky germs with all of us – he went around giving everyone kisses on the cheek to share the Franky slobber that he had picked up during prayer time (Franky had been licking his face!). He started with Scott, and as he jumped on Scott’s back piggy-back style, and nuzzled his face in Scott’s neck, my heart swelled. As he went around to the younger kids and Tanya, sharing “Franky” kisses with each of them, the laughter and silly protests filled our home. Finally he came to me, and I got my first kiss on the cheek from my oldest son. More heart swelling for me. Thanks be to God.
I am grateful when they first came home it was July 4th, Independence Day, the day they officially became U.S. citizens as they stepped foot on North Carolina soil. Being the middle of summer, we had a chance to become a family, learn to live, work, and play together, and begin working on English all while enjoying the flexibility of a summer schedule, with plenty of time for swimming at the YMCA and volleyball in the backyard.
The four younger children have had to learn to share their parents with 2 older siblings, as well as find the balance between playing with (and hanging on) Tanya and Viktor, and giving them their much-needed space. Tanya and Viktor are learning how to engage the younger children with games, wrestling and tickling, and are especially enjoying watching Isaac change so quickly, as he learns to walk and talk. Tanya adores Isaac and is quick to pick him up and bring him to me when he needs Mama. Isaac and Viktor sit by each other at dinner, and it has been a special joy watching Viktor learn how to engage a baby, feeding him from his own plate, and getting slimed by those chubby fingers (that are covered in what we’re having for dinner) that are always reaching out to grab Viktor’s arm. Anna and Viktor have a special bond, as they really connected when Anna came with us to Ukraine, and she enjoys snuggling up next to him for games or watching videos. Although it was difficult at first, Anna has learned not to boss her older siblings and how to be both a big sister and a little sister, which is a new dynamic for her. Scotty and Mary are still learning their new place in the family, and are having the toughest time adjusting. They both have regressed in certain areas, which often happens even when a new baby is brought home, and it has been hard to help them adjust to the new normal. As they struggle, it often comes out in whining, pouting, and other annoying behaviors, which only widens the gap between them and their new siblings, but Scott and I are encouraged that they are slowly adjusting with lots of love, instruction, and affirmation from us.
Two weeks ago we started school, with a new routine and the adjustments that come with that. We are thrilled for the opportunity Viktor has to attend 4 classes at Eastwood Christian School, where he dresses in button-down shirt and tie, and is surrounded by kids who want to learn and teachers who love Christ. His English is improving dramatically, and he is working on other subjects at home, learning the new balance of chores, homework, family time, and free time. He is excited to start soccer in a couple of weeks. I am homeschooling the girls, and enjoying a very full day of teaching, sharing, and learning together. The girls have started choir classes, and Tanya and Anna will begin piano lessons next week. Tanya will start ESL (English as a Second Language) classes 4 mornings a week next week as well, to supplement our homeschool day.
Last night after we came home from church and the little ones dressed in their pajamas, we gathered on the rug of the living room and “Papa” Scott led our family in a time of prayer as we prayed over each of our children. Franky, our dog, was right in the middle of the pile of bodies, licking faces and wagging his tail as we prayed, providing plenty of comic relief as usual. Scott and I laid our hands on each of our children as we prayed over them, and when it was Tanya’s turn, I laid my hand on her and she quickly grabbed it and didn’t let go, even when it was Viktor’s turn for prayer. When we were finished, there was a tangible sweetness in the room, as the Holy Spirit was there in our midst. Viktor, in his usual gregarious way, began sharing Franky germs with all of us – he went around giving everyone kisses on the cheek to share the Franky slobber that he had picked up during prayer time (Franky had been licking his face!). He started with Scott, and as he jumped on Scott’s back piggy-back style, and nuzzled his face in Scott’s neck, my heart swelled. As he went around to the younger kids and Tanya, sharing “Franky” kisses with each of them, the laughter and silly protests filled our home. Finally he came to me, and I got my first kiss on the cheek from my oldest son. More heart swelling for me. Thanks be to God.