Every day the children get better and better. The two older ones are like different people now that they know that they are going to be leaving the orphanage in 8 days!!! This morning we had some great one-on-one time with #3 and #4. #4 loved my lip gloss! We are trying to move away from black crayons!! #3 is the sweetest child ever! He will even give you his last Cheerio-that is a REALLY big deal in this family! He managed to say "I love you Big Lee" and "I love you Fred" today. Honey was a little confusing and Grandmother just completely overwhlemed him!! (Those are the grandparent names!)
#1 and #2 have made the biggest changes. My mother made some photo albums before we came of our family, our house, Sunny the cat, our schools, etc. #1 will not part with it now. Before our court date, she would not have anything to do with it! They both wrote all of their ABC's and numbers today. We are working on the verbal part. They can say most of them but need a little help here and there. They are definitley improving on writing their new names!! They really like them-I worried about that!
Today, the older two were outside with us playing. They both walked away and #2 started whispering to #1. All of the sudden, they took off and started running around picking flowers (actually, they were dandelions-in other words, weeds). Jerry and I just got to sit back and relax. After picking every flower in sight, they snuck up on us and gave Jerry and I the flowers!! They were so sweet and very proud of themselves. It think they are beginning to like us!!
Gradually, some of the other boys came over and we had a full blown block party going on. We were dribbling, kicking the soccer ball, throwing the football, etc. You name it, we were doing it! All of the kids were having so much fun. Their smiles are BEAUTIFUL and they just want to have someone to play with them and just like every other kid. We felt like we got to do that some today. I was glad that #1 and #2 did not get jealous. I really think they liked it that we were playing with their friends!
We know that some hard days may be ahead, but we sure are enjoying the ones that we are having right now! The trip is going to be CRAZY!! Everyday things get better and better. Trust is the big difference. They believe that we are not going to leave them.
Please continue to pray for swiftness (so that we can come home soon) and healthy attachment. We have several other couples here in Ukraine that we are keeping in touch with so please keep them in your prayers. They are going through the same things that we are and need your prayers and support. We talked to our Isreali friends last night and they are flying home on Wednesday! We wish them safe travels!
Love,
Amanda
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
22 comments:
Honey and Grandmother are going to be very jealous of Big Lee and Fred. Haha!! I know I am jealous that they can say "uncle" but not "aunt" haha. That is too cute about the flowers. Sounds like they are really attaching and opening up. #4 is going to be very girlie! already into the makeup! haha. I will make sure to have my camera around when #4 tries to paint Jerry's toenails in the future.I am very glad the DVD player is coming in handy. Did they like the monkey and giraffe blankets? Hope so! Wish we would have known to get 4 of them! Haha.I am waiting on instructions from Honey on what we need to do on this end to prep for the big arrival. Also...I picked out furniture this weekend for our new house and am picking it out with kids in mind so all of you better visit us in Selma!! We are even getting a sleeper sofa so we will have more sleeping room as well as a large casual dining room table for holidays. And thanks for the email over the weekend, I needed it! Hopefully we will have everything situated by this weekend. Miss you! Kea
Oh Amanda!!! It sounds like everything is turning out awesome!!! Dandelions are some of the most beautiful "flowers" in the world aren't they!!!I am so happy for you. We check this site everyday in class because my students and I are so interested in what is going on in Ukraine. Take care and kiss them often. (like I have to tell you that!) :)We can't wait to hear that you are all safely at home.
Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Hood!!
Your children are BEAUTIFUL!! I am so happy for you!
Flowers? Amanda, they are in love with you and Jerry! (I knew that would never be a problem, y'all are the most loveable folks I know!) The first of many bouquets for you, Mama and each will always be as sweet as the first. Wonderful post! Love to you all, Dana
Amanda and Jerry,
I don't know you, but just read about you in the Hoover News. It is amazing what you both are doing for these children. I am so excited you decided to follow God's call to adopt. They will bring you much joy and love in the future. There will be some challenges because of their background, but you will get through them. Remember the sweet things you've written on your blog. We adopted a son from foster care here in America(we have 3 biological sons,too). We have had some challenging times, but seeing the person he is becoming and knowing where he may have gone, is worth every minute. Keep your circle of friends involved in your life and find others who have adopted older children so you can seek their advice in both the great times and the hard ones. You will grow to love these children like you gave birth to them and they will do the same with you. You will be in my prayers over the next few weeks for all to go well and for safe and calm travels home. It is such an exciting time. Please feel free to contact me. Good luck.
Debbie bestbradybunch@yahoo.com
BOY, AM I JEALOUS!!!!!! They can say Big Lee but not Honey. What kind of teachers are ya'll? Let's get our priority straight. HaHa I am so happy everything is coming together. I pray everyday for swift paperwork and then think of all I need to get done before ya'll come home and then PANIC. Ha Ha! Remember what Papaw used to say " Just have FAITH and everything will work out" and it will. Keep practicing "Honey and JD". We can't let Fred and Big Lee have one up on us.
Take care of each other,
Honey
I am sooo excited about all the things I am reading. Seems like everything is going great. Why would we think anything else? God had it all worked out ahead of you, so do we think He would bring you this far and not do a great work in the bonding process. In a few months you'll think you have never been apart from each other.
I am so glad they're doing so well.
I always enjoy the posts sooo much.
Love You, Shirley
Coach and Mrs. Hood:
I found this blog after reading the article in the Reporter and had to write a note. God blesses us in so many ways and He has certainly blessed you. I am proud to call you a fellow coach. I and all of my kids at SCHS are praying for you. I have heard Coach Kines say it many times...now God will show you your priorities, and I know what they will be.
The peace of the Lord be with you.
Coach A
I couldn't stop crying when I read about both of you and your beautiful children,but they were tears of joy. God has brought your family together at last! Even now, as you are waiting for the 10 days to pass, you guys are making some very special memories with your children, and each other. Cherish each moment. God bring you ALL home,safely.
Janice Crow
Mr. Hood and Mrs. Hood, We are so happy for you and have enjoyed all the photos of you all and the precious children. Mrs. Hood, it isn't the same without you here at school though, I must add that! I miss you when I go to get the "golden key" from your office, too. But having your family is much more important. We think of you and have you in our prayers. We miss you and are so happy for you all.
beverly conway
Hey Jerry and Amanda, I have been following your journey through your blog! My family are members of Meadowbrook and I am also a teacher at Greystone! ( I work with Joe Cordi, Amanda!) I have a friend in atlanta whos is going through the adoption process as well in Kiev! We are so excited for your family. I have a 5 year old daughter, Katie who is so excited to have new friends at church... I have already put aside a few Barney dvds and some board books that you will hopefully be able to use. Your family are in my prayers daily!
Jennifer Mattox
Hey! How is day 7 going? I love hearing what you all do with the kids everyday! Your house is going to be what I always dreamed of growing up...loud and something always going on and always someone to play with! :) I know I said this last weekend, but I really should have Skype set up on Saturday or Sunday. Keep your fingers crossed! We miss you...Kea
Mrs. Hood,
Congratulations!! Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Julianna and I read your blog each afternoon. She is very interested in your new little ones. Hope to have you back here soon.
Kristie Cannon
Hey Y'all! We just checked the blog and the count down counter says 6 days!!!!! That is just too exciting! We are still praying for fast paperwork and stuff and so is my school-I told my facutly in facutly meeting and everyone there is praying now too! We love y'all!
Matt, Amy and Lauren
I just came across your blog today - how exciting that your BIG family will soon be coming home! My husband and I live in Georgia and in December we completed the adoption of our son in Ukraine (Mariupol, Donetsk). Life is so much fun now :) I pray God's blessings on you as you complete this part of your journey, and begin the next adventure!
Jennifer
http://dovefamily07.blogspot.com
Jerry & Amanda~ We sure do miss ya'll!!! Can't believe you are in the 10 day wait and will be getting the kids soon!!! We can't wait to see them in person!! Amanda, I know the guys have been talking on the phone a lot, so next time it will be the girls time to catch up :) Talk to ya soon!
Melanie
I am so glad things are going well. I can't believe you are down to day five. I know that seems long to you, but maybe you will soon be on your way. I wish and pray you safety of travel and ease of flying with the children.
Love, Shirley
Hey Hoods! I am so glad I found your sight and can keep up with y'all and this exciting time :) I pray y'all are both doing well. Daniel and I have a blog so you should check it out to stay updated on us! Here it is:
http://www.danielandmagen.blogspot.com
In Christ,
Daniel & Magen (Hewlett) Davis
Coach and Amanda: We are all so happy for you and the new extended family. God blesses us all when he blesses the ones we care about. Have a safe and "peaceful" trip home. The boys can't wait to meet coach's new family - you have babysitter's galore if you want to take advantage of this!
Much Love - Bruce. Beth, Alex and Emily Gouin
Please keep up the updates. We anxiously await your post each day. Many are praying for your family's safe return to Alabama!
No blog update since Monday!??!? haha. We have finally moved, well should be moved today (the movers will be moving all of our stuff this afternoon). How is everything going? We are praying you do not get caught up in the holidays, I know you are anxious to get home. Are you both being patient???? haha. I bet the children are getting very anxious as well. I love all of their bedding that Honey ordered. It is going to look soooo good! Hope to hear from you soon! I already have the internet guy lined up for tomorrow so we will not lose touch! love, kea
Tues. May 13
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Hood, we are happy for you and know you are very busy. I enjoyed all the details of life at home and Mother's day for you, Mrs. Hood.
Just wanted to say you are missed here, but we are happy for you.
You are thought of each day.
Sincerely, Beverly Conway
Post a Comment