Lessons in Parenthood

Today I was taught a lesson in fatherhood. About halfway through the four hour morning visit, #3 had to go pee (my part of teaching English). This falls in Papa's hands. We do our business and return to play with the other five members of our family. It had to be anywhere between 20 and 30 seconds, #3 has to go again. {sidebar - papa has not covered the English word for doing poopie). He pulls down the pants and up on the pot he goes. No paper. Papa yells for wipes from Mama. A few minutes later we are washing our hands and returning to the crew. Then #2 has to go. Papa's job again.

Now some background, I have allowed the two oldest to listen to Mama and Papa's IPOD if they behave and are nice to the younger ones. #2 has an IPOD and we go to the bathroom. IPOD is attached to the pocket on the pants. Pants lowered. Ear phones fall out of ears and INTO THE TOILET. Now papa reaches to catch earphones. {At this point remember #3's adventures}
Papa pulls out headphones and they got stuck under the rim. #2 is dying laughing.
Lesson: Never get caught listening to Bon Jovi with your pants down.

Lesson #1 of many.

A thought: When you look into the eyes of the children here, you immediately realize that our lives must be lived to serve others. OM players, hug the significant male and female adult in your life and say thank you. -------------J (Hey Sela!)

Bubbles, balls, Cheerios, juice, music, yogurt, and anything with flashing lights and noise-These are a few of our favorite things!! (Kids can consume juice, Cheerios, and yogurt in massive quantities!) We are tired but are having a great time! I have never been so sore in my life! I am hurting in places that I never knew I had! Jerry and I tackled all four children yesterday and today! We would have made you proud! There are moments that we are feel like we are coralling children, but they are really doing wonderful! At least we know that we can do it. Traveling will be another issue.

We leave everyday feeling like we had some successes and discussing what we can do differently tomorrow. It gives a whole new meaning to the word TEAM. Once thing is for sure, everyone will know when the Hoods are around. We are loud, spontaneous, and big in numbers. All of the other adoptive parents are playing with their one child and they are quite and calm. And then there is the Hood family. There is no telling how it looks from the outside- to me, it is controlled chaos!! Everyday we make new discoveries and have new breakthroughs. There is no doubt in my mind that this is what Jerry and I were being prepared for. The children have wonderful personalities and each of them is very different. I feel like we are discovering a treasure every day!

We will find out about our court date tomorrow. Ukraine clebrates Easter, in addition to another holiday, the end of April and beginning of May. We REALLY do not need to get caught up in this delay. Please pray for a speedy court date!!

Love to you all!
Amanda