tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-365718952024-03-13T08:22:00.450-07:00When two becomes FOURJoe & Myrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01064161373679806517noreply@blogger.comBlogger94125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36571895.post-47551006505133980312012-08-22T12:56:00.001-07:002012-08-22T12:56:39.993-07:00Three Years Old!<p>On July 24th Madison and Jonathon turned THREE!!! We can’t believe how quickly this milestone crept up on us. We celebrated their birthday that next weekend with Joe’s parents and aunt and uncle. </p> <p>Both kids LOVE Caillou so Myra decided to make them a Caillou cake. Little did she anticipate how out of practice she was with cake decorating so this took until 2:30 in the morning and she still wasn’t happy with the writing!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WucyPTXE4Ug/UDU5XMawblI/AAAAAAAADjw/aVEW-lRZh7o/s1600-h/IMG_1846%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1846" border="0" alt="IMG_1846" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uua2mDCiHAo/UDU5Xj17x4I/AAAAAAAADj4/-uMh7bm-Inc/IMG_1846_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="288" height="261"></a></p> <p>Our big gift to the kids was a bounce house. We decided to put balloons in the bounce house to add to it’s ‘fun’. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8nsI_l8KA3I/UDU5YJYhgOI/AAAAAAAADkA/9IdMQXsCWgE/s1600-h/IMG_1872%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1872" border="0" alt="IMG_1872" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QEzLEK6EpPA/UDU5Y7eZzII/AAAAAAAADkI/SVE3XXVOBlg/IMG_1872_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="310" height="189"></a></p> <p>Madison and Jonathon quickly discovered that if the hit the balloons up the wind would take them over our fence into the alley. They found out that this resulted in a very fun game of ‘Papa fetch’. This picture is from the alley (where Papa (Joe’s dad) was waiting to retrieve balloons). Joe, his mom and his uncle are playing defense to keep the balloons in the bounce house.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9OjuiNWQ8SM/UDU5ZYh4r1I/AAAAAAAADkQ/wWnFE_0vKMI/s1600-h/IMG_1897%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1897" border="0" alt="IMG_1897" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-21qrVPAfh-s/UDU5Z6CH9mI/AAAAAAAADkY/xy4hLhnS4Ug/IMG_1897_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="392" height="276"></a></p> <p>Madison first checking out what this ‘thing’ was in the back yard and Jonathon laying on the comfy bounce house floor.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6dshjoJaSW0/UDU5aUH5P8I/AAAAAAAADkg/36cJ_L5caUY/s1600-h/IMG_1853%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1853" border="0" alt="IMG_1853" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YmCkGwm3_ss/UDU5a191BEI/AAAAAAAADko/U5IkCSZMPWQ/IMG_1853_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="167" height="281"></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rvoyxc3mXm4/UDU5bY5BSUI/AAAAAAAADkw/lp-lnycs74s/s1600-h/IMG_1880%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1880" border="0" alt="IMG_1880" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Q83S2UR1rwE/UDU5b3ZAB6I/AAAAAAAADk4/avGgFceJac4/IMG_1880_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="351" height="266"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Below is a family picture after singing Happy Birthday and revealing the Caillou cake. Madison was thrilled at the cake right away, Jonathon was not so sure about it. Once he had a slice of cake though he proudly announced “I EAT CAILLOU!”.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TGS3sOcHw8Y/UDU5cvjCU6I/AAAAAAAADlA/VciB34AiRdw/s1600-h/IMG_1969%25255B13%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1969" border="0" alt="IMG_1969" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2Pr5Ev0LGdU/UDU5dqQQbHI/AAAAAAAADlI/Tqjq6nZmg7Y/IMG_1969_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="453" height="318"></a></p> Joe & Myrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01064161373679806517noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36571895.post-62547827444661850322012-07-23T18:14:00.001-07:002012-07-23T18:14:20.507-07:00A horse is HOW big? No really…how big?<p>One morning we decided to go to Joe’s aunt and uncle’s farm where they board horses (and have many of their own). First things first though – Joe’s mom decided that Mimosas were in order for breakfast. Only Myra and her partook though – mmmmmmmm.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-svxWC-Jk2F0/UA32ziYZrAI/AAAAAAAADic/-N5_Zb-VFzc/s1600-h/IMG_1027%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1027" border="0" alt="IMG_1027" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qZR0ARR5mLY/UA320VrjWAI/AAAAAAAADik/qzqGZgVXKtw/IMG_1027_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="244"></a></p> <p>Our first horse was one of the mini horses (just perfect Madison and Jonathon size). This was actually a baby – but the mother is in the background (not much bigger). Madison wasted no time trying to make friends (she is very good about going slow and being gentle with animals).</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pfjNEH2-gmU/UA321PrrYSI/AAAAAAAADis/IWv-2ZcIz2o/s1600-h/IMG_1088%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1088" border="0" alt="IMG_1088" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Q3WaLKzzel4/UA322c6uTAI/AAAAAAAADi0/pD4zF-TRj7k/IMG_1088_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="462" height="325"></a></p> <p align="center">Jonathon was a bit more unsure so Joe coaxed over the baby by being a human salt lick (yummm). </p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zPY3441TMkg/UA323KPsXFI/AAAAAAAADi8/86-_JGxL5XE/s1600-h/IMG_1105%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1105" border="0" alt="IMG_1105" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-D5l2J6QE5KQ/UA323yVd3jI/AAAAAAAADjE/JYOGX1RwyBQ/IMG_1105_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="262" height="192"></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-T7VTPuR99eI/UA324riIJoI/AAAAAAAADjM/Hyqcnfjt-dI/s1600-h/IMG_1107%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1107" border="0" alt="IMG_1107" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kEFKG-iFqi0/UA325RUMANI/AAAAAAAADjU/5Bf0yEI26yQ/IMG_1107_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="271" height="191"></a></p> <p>Next we went down to the main barns and Joe’s aunt Sandy introduced us to ALL the horses (we seriously lost tracked). There were more mini horses, and lots of full sized as well. It was really neat to see the kids finally see a horse in person (they are always pretending to be horses or riding their stick horses). Jonathon really was here too, but he was a bit busier trying to talk to the dog (aka puppy) that was running around the barn.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9JxyudBxpyo/UA326DX7kEI/AAAAAAAADjc/PLyMqGLXASw/s1600-h/IMG_1122%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1122" border="0" alt="IMG_1122" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-J07i1EvgBl8/UA3265d0AFI/AAAAAAAADjk/tQjdVK6WXfE/IMG_1122_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="249"></a></p> Joe & Myrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01064161373679806517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36571895.post-20209809125856324552012-07-23T17:58:00.001-07:002012-07-23T17:58:25.660-07:00Tractors for Jonathon; Swimming for Madison<p>Jonathon just LOVES tractors. The word ‘tractor’ immediately invokes a smile and laughter. Good thing Joe’s dad has a couple tractors so we could make a family ‘ride’ out of it. We followed Papa out to the field to watch him load hay. Jonathon helped Daddy steer, but Madison wasn’t so sure this tractor thing was so great and sat on Mama’s lap. Myra was a bit unsure about sitting on a tractor fender while holding an almost 3 year old (call her an old fashion car-with-seatbelts type of gal) – but everyone was just fine!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GIzXONaUQV4/UA3zEihgM3I/AAAAAAAADg4/9EqylbEajkY/s1600-h/IMG_08745.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0874" border="0" alt="IMG_0874" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-x8lYOeXG29M/UA3zFPfZ5uI/AAAAAAAADhA/A77qu6yad00/IMG_0874_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="278" height="203"></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-446pnlNlOus/UA3zFilY5_I/AAAAAAAADhI/pz2PdIv7tu0/s1600-h/IMG_08974.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0897" border="0" alt="IMG_0897" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ae5_zaUFCfQ/UA3zGRriNsI/AAAAAAAADhQ/EDid326rrmg/IMG_0897_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="287" height="202"></a></p> <p>Madison MUCH preferred the pool, every day she wakes up (even at home) and says “swimming, okay?”; “beach, okay?”. She has the cutest ‘okay’ with a head nod too, as if as soon as she says ‘okay’ at the end of sentence it has been written in stone as what will come to be. She says ‘okay’ a lot….determined little girl! Here are some pics of the favorite activities (swimming with Daddy, kicking the ball back and worth, and of course jumping!):</p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wckwfSAxrU8/UA3zG0w1fNI/AAAAAAAADhY/Q4jl-f5B-Qk/s1600-h/IMG_0938.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0938" border="0" alt="IMG_0938" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Pl5KYcMV4i4/UA3zHq6tTaI/AAAAAAAADhg/JnbjEAD2tv8/IMG_0938_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="245" height="205"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cl51sB7F-Rk/UA3zIa7TqaI/AAAAAAAADho/azkv-1loQ2s/s1600-h/IMG_0966%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0966" border="0" alt="IMG_0966" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-okVq9md3Bk0/UA3zIyx3MhI/AAAAAAAADhw/ETFZ6TgTYC4/IMG_0966_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="280" height="205"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-656dUopLbnY/UA3zJmK4vDI/AAAAAAAADh4/_EK9-01QUvk/s1600-h/IMG_0992%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0992" border="0" alt="IMG_0992" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Jd8xjRA_k40/UA3zKADYOpI/AAAAAAAADiA/8-2QWWH0sPU/IMG_0992_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="528" height="371"></a></p> <p>One day Joe just took Jonathon out on the tractor since he loved it so much. Madison was once again content to just go ‘swimming’:</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DnQq_YPsIuc/UA3zKoo-PNI/AAAAAAAADiI/0A5YzYtqWDk/s1600-h/IMG_1315.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1315" border="0" alt="IMG_1315" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3kBipMU8-94/UA3zMGDA8NI/AAAAAAAADiQ/OLd_FfVfT9U/IMG_1315_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="498" height="360"></a></p> Joe & Myrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01064161373679806517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36571895.post-2891233158033358172012-07-10T17:47:00.001-07:002012-07-10T17:47:36.242-07:00Down on the Farm…<p>The kids woke up bright and early our first day at Nana and Papa’s house (despite not getting to bed until 10pm!). One of Madison’s first activities was to help Nana make blueberry pancakes (she LOVES to help and is always asking to help make meals…she’s a great stirrer!):</p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PTLqHPw9qyk/T_zM0hmAzoI/AAAAAAAADZU/ssXpORFV0Yg/s1600-h/IMG_0655%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0655" border="0" alt="IMG_0655" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4diRCAgBXtQ/T_zM1eZwUNI/AAAAAAAADZc/1116S-4Brag/IMG_0655_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="346" height="243"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Dc9jaaoSO4Q/T_zM2GmODXI/AAAAAAAADZk/aWi53_vqEjk/s1600-h/IMG_0665%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0665" border="0" alt="IMG_0665" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JW6L70PInEs/T_zM2xBqugI/AAAAAAAADZs/04zLp_yOsMo/IMG_0665_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a></p> <p>Jonathon went right to playing with car toys and a rocking horse:</p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VnFsKTO-YJU/T_zM3UqlTsI/AAAAAAAADZ0/7f-UMBpB3NE/s1600-h/IMG_0670%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0670" border="0" alt="IMG_0670" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-skcu5go4evE/T_zM4Na-oeI/AAAAAAAADZ8/6InHpk71tAI/IMG_0670_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="342" height="241"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wmScvNLHyek/T_zM45E3hRI/AAAAAAAADaE/vfznwW9UTJ8/s1600-h/IMG_0684%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0684" border="0" alt="IMG_0684" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VgW-AaLP7Gs/T_zM5hvf99I/AAAAAAAADaM/LFRRZWVm8ik/IMG_0684_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a></p> <p>The kids also wanted to see Papa’s cows. Jonathon was a bit scared so didn’t stay in the barn long, but Madison was very excited to be near the cows:</p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cAcWiRZyGUs/T_zM6AXhE7I/AAAAAAAADaU/rTwz_X63_I8/s1600-h/IMG_0699%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0699" border="0" alt="IMG_0699" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CTXi_jlsQFQ/T_zM6yuMBwI/AAAAAAAADac/_6LXHtUOpN8/IMG_0699_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SJY5XJVp5jc/T_zM7kwPTrI/AAAAAAAADak/Q9VLE9MFuhc/s1600-h/IMG_0698%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0698" border="0" alt="IMG_0698" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NhtqYBvexJQ/T_zM8bm__oI/AAAAAAAADas/onSq3GPZInI/IMG_0698_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="348" height="245"></a></p> <p>Running down the hill and looking for cows in the field (Here Jonathon is saying “COME ON MAMA!!”, i.e, stop taking so many pictures and play!):</p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nM2MRm7GBIM/T_zM85KDlwI/AAAAAAAADa0/NwgHPTWEXek/s1600-h/IMG_0692%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0692" border="0" alt="IMG_0692" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FmMx_OF9JMI/T_zM9t6JSWI/AAAAAAAADa8/nep9YHFxYgg/IMG_0692_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="347" height="244"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9ppg9rwMcMQ/T_zM-Ydx6LI/AAAAAAAADbE/p28mDlG8cTA/s1600-h/IMG_0695%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0695" border="0" alt="IMG_0695" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xlGwKgX3pAU/T_zM_M5G7WI/AAAAAAAADbM/ykEJIiZTPmI/IMG_0695_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a></p> <p>Papa made a play-set for all the grandkids – he was smart and put up 4 swings so when all the kids were there they wouldn’t fight (well, not over the swings anyway…)! </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-36nllt4uV6c/T_zM_5PkyhI/AAAAAAAADbU/doVodlRRcbU/s1600-h/IMG_0703%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0703" border="0" alt="IMG_0703" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-g2Br6wdXLjM/T_zNBMDUGUI/AAAAAAAADbc/s2MD2lIQYkU/IMG_0703_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="289" height="204"></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-O3xOOMiyr6Y/T_zNB-MsEDI/AAAAAAAADbk/mX8fkb_rUqg/s1600-h/IMG_0719%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0719" border="0" alt="IMG_0719" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4yCj5ym1ggk/T_zNC-K0lBI/AAAAAAAADbs/H95-kIlmGcE/IMG_0719_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="290" height="204"></a></p> <p>The kids also enjoyed riding on a couple different kid bikes (although Daddy’s old bike was a favorite despite being a bit too big!):</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8OpcKPkmy2c/T_zNDlzICBI/AAAAAAAADb0/yHubmBIgu7Y/s1600-h/IMG_0800%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0800" border="0" alt="IMG_0800" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-adss2FJ7pXM/T_zNEXeM-1I/AAAAAAAADcA/3O2ff7Ll5Xo/IMG_0800_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="375" height="264"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-du3v2S4s1gs/T_zNFQUJ6II/AAAAAAAADcI/sLy8-Zcuwvk/s1600-h/IMG_0808%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0808" border="0" alt="IMG_0808" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JMC8c2hgE3s/T_zNGPdhUEI/AAAAAAAADcQ/OKRJ-kc8oxI/IMG_0808_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="207" height="266"></a></p> <p>Four generations:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6p56svFLoes/T_zNGzgAfGI/AAAAAAAADcY/M9CiBEwVPNo/s1600-h/IMG_0753%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0753" border="0" alt="IMG_0753" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Mg7ZotMUd_Y/T_zNHq2r_nI/AAAAAAAADck/_uyIbqBMRM8/IMG_0753_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="341" height="314"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-osWI_fYJlRY/T_zNIm5F7yI/AAAAAAAADcs/sa4HooKDrM4/s1600-h/IMG_0759%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0759" border="0" alt="IMG_0759" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-B35MtO1Sb_Q/T_zNJacjuDI/AAAAAAAADc0/2S47gGlx294/IMG_0759_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="355" height="263"></a></p> Joe & Myrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01064161373679806517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36571895.post-56788570720062306242012-07-10T07:06:00.001-07:002012-07-10T07:06:03.159-07:00Airplanes, Airports and Delays–OH MY!<p> </p> <p>For the July 4th week we took a trip up to Joe’s parents house (aka, Nana and Papa) to combine a visit with attending one of Joe’s high school friend’s wedding. We decided to fly out of Orlando (about 1.5 hours away) because it was much, much cheaper. The day started out great and the kids were so excited to get on a plane (we’ve talked about it for the last two months and about how they needed to buckle their seat belts – a big issue during our Christmas flight). Madison had decided that she would not only buckle her seat belt, but also help Daddy and Mama buckle theirs!</p> <p>Joe and Myra were upgraded to First Class (yeah), but Myra found out the day before the kids were still back in coach. Although perhaps a more relaxing arrangement, we decided it was probably not the best…After a long time on the phone we got it worked out and there happened to be lots of extra space so we were all upgraded! Madison and Jonathon in their big seats:</p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tm72isPyea4/T_w2toC_FgI/AAAAAAAADYA/04AQC3Tq4FQ/s1600-h/IMG_0628%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0628" border="0" alt="IMG_0628" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xV6jepXkzk0/T_w2uLrazaI/AAAAAAAADYI/fZHnsuFM58s/IMG_0628_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hsUqjIgvSUQ/T_w2ujW1-LI/AAAAAAAADYQ/daf3vYsWJoo/s1600-h/IMG_0632%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0632" border="0" alt="IMG_0632" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Bt39fKjq8ls/T_w2vCZ0hVI/AAAAAAAADYY/KKwVT-h4WQ4/IMG_0632_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a></p> <p>Once at the Newark airport our 3 hour layover turned into 4, then turned into a cancelled flight! As many of you know, there isn’t much to entertain an adult in an airport for more than an hour, let alone two almost 3-year olds for 4 hours! Jonathon started this game of climbing through the beams and we didn’t really care how many strange looks we got – they were entertained (the people movers were also quite entertaining):</p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-K577uvQnLqA/T_w2vXMwlrI/AAAAAAAADYg/xB-xi0U2xHM/s1600-h/IMG_0640%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0640" border="0" alt="IMG_0640" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ORXexkBTwoA/T_w2vxCGlJI/AAAAAAAADYo/Hra1NQT8Sb0/IMG_0640_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="195" height="300"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nuYuZmTGaHE/T_w2wS1EBmI/AAAAAAAADYw/c6nyfAFCHSQ/s1600-h/IMG_0642%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0642" border="0" alt="IMG_0642" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--f-44vZ1odw/T_w2w2NgeAI/AAAAAAAADY4/XaTE5qsqQ6Y/IMG_0642_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="195" height="300"></a></p> <p>It’s a long, LONG story, but after lots of phone calls and standing at the customer service counter for over an hour (with only one big meltdown – this may have been an combination child/adult meltdown…) we ended up rushed to a plane into Baltimore instead of Harrisburg. Jonathon managed to get about 15 minutes of sleep (finally) on this flight:</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZlF-QdxoG8s/T_w2xIYEnmI/AAAAAAAADZA/oCBfdu5WRZo/s1600-h/IMG_0649%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0649" border="0" alt="IMG_0649" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0NKQ8LM-WmM/T_w2ymK0MQI/AAAAAAAADZI/SJcaUdE0a2s/IMG_0649_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a></p> <p>After 14 hours of travel (btw – it only takes 17 hours to DRIVE) we were at Nana and Papa’s house – phew!</p> Joe & Myrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01064161373679806517noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36571895.post-45644509532282251042012-07-01T19:32:00.001-07:002012-07-01T19:32:04.284-07:00Artwork and Trucks<p>It’s amazing to us how both kids have the same toys and we haven’t pushed ‘gender’ toys on either one, but still Madison has been really into artwork (Jonathon tolerates it) and Jonathon has been obsessed with trucks/cars. He can spend 30 minutes or more just playing with the same truck/car trying to figure out all the different ways he can drive it/move it.</p> <p>Our cloth line of artwork:</p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FOFb0X68sTc/T_EIEsO4pNI/AAAAAAAADWs/0Ul0a9ugKU4/s1600-h/IMG_0579%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0579" border="0" alt="IMG_0579" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9iK4oDXQS_4/T_EIFL3bWlI/AAAAAAAADW0/OA4KjPihNZQ/IMG_0579_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="173"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YpmUWs5Fu5Y/T_EIFqD_9fI/AAAAAAAADW8/bEd9Lk2brIU/s1600-h/IMG_0581%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0581" border="0" alt="IMG_0581" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_2R4Eq0SiuI/T_EIF5GheyI/AAAAAAAADXE/g8KwZt-3vJE/IMG_0581_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="177" height="172"></a></p> <p align="center">Paper plates are better then paper!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nur-R2Ee0AU/T_EIGXivyGI/AAAAAAAADXM/3a7n5gtC8_0/s1600-h/IMG_0582%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0582" border="0" alt="IMG_0582" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NQbLxT_El6Q/T_EIG1dfoUI/AAAAAAAADXU/3HKOkV2YNqQ/IMG_0582_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="173" height="266"></a></p> <p>The newest truck:</p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-R8qWEYqfsTA/T_EIHWs8tNI/AAAAAAAADXc/oM18c_musFQ/s1600-h/IMG_0613%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0613" border="0" alt="IMG_0613" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wIkvUHKu-WA/T_EIH-ljiJI/AAAAAAAADXg/nJvYbYU9GWM/IMG_0613_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qHgd4aP3y60/T_EIIYKS__I/AAAAAAAADXs/fuzn7WNoetk/s1600-h/IMG_0615%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0615" border="0" alt="IMG_0615" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0AD4cgHTz2Q/T_EIIre_udI/AAAAAAAADX0/xNoS7wLNaao/IMG_0615_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a></p> Joe & Myrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01064161373679806517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36571895.post-9720376231940866032012-07-01T19:19:00.001-07:002012-07-01T19:19:36.233-07:00Playtime<p> </p> <p>We are lucky enough to live two blocks from a great park with a playground and a walking path around a lake. The kids love all the birds at the lake and of course the playground . </p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FtX_qQPVSII/T_EFESi2qiI/AAAAAAAADUI/kGl6PKKqIhw/s1600-h/IMG_0362%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0362" border="0" alt="IMG_0362" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-C4Xy52vfk30/T_EFE_s5RbI/AAAAAAAADUQ/Ld9tU8agMAs/IMG_0362_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dyBKVkrhbhA/T_EFFTFuAtI/AAAAAAAADUY/6-A4em9cFSY/s1600-h/IMG_0373%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0373" border="0" alt="IMG_0373" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4Hsz9DmYU4w/T_EFF5I7kSI/AAAAAAAADUg/86i0S6_LB3Q/IMG_0373_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a> </p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-h-lYyJWZ5VM/T_EFGX1fJuI/AAAAAAAADUo/Uuoytk94-Vc/s1600-h/IMG_0382%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0382" border="0" alt="IMG_0382" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--xA6CfPi2ww/T_EFG9BfbGI/AAAAAAAADUw/VJvxQzBYQvQ/IMG_0382_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VJlJYevx3e4/T_EFHT2rYaI/AAAAAAAADU4/YPD_SNKGix4/s1600-h/IMG_0384%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0384" border="0" alt="IMG_0384" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MTUWlH2cl1k/T_EFHwuixAI/AAAAAAAADVA/Iy-E6ssdt7A/IMG_0384_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a></p> <p>Inside the kids have lately been into this little puppy that walks and barks (remember those? Myra came across one in Singapore a couple weeks ago) and LOVE getting chased/tickled. They are even starting to learn how to ‘hide’:</p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0yWXiSHu3zQ/T_EFIZCn15I/AAAAAAAADVI/qKhzRWguNVw/s1600-h/IMG_0594%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0594" border="0" alt="IMG_0594" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DNZwsuCUCAU/T_EFI9uCz4I/AAAAAAAADVQ/Ykb9PZcIt_o/IMG_0594_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-h2-Zm38Q6xU/T_EFJcaSo2I/AAAAAAAADVY/SshO_9DY9Yo/s1600-h/IMG_0603%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0603" border="0" alt="IMG_0603" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JOR1bU_Rav8/T_EFJo6pDyI/AAAAAAAADVg/aUDKIm5xDmI/IMG_0603_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YXLUJhJfL4I/T_EFKMLipsI/AAAAAAAADVo/TjWEG__wz80/s1600-h/IMG_0523%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0523" border="0" alt="IMG_0523" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-S-vnipG01VE/T_EFKkCWBuI/AAAAAAAADVw/xZGRflRHw-E/IMG_0523_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="215"></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sMTb6ECAMGI/T_EFLCKKswI/AAAAAAAADV4/AoAlcKSmezQ/s1600-h/IMG_0527%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0527" border="0" alt="IMG_0527" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wxF2zhoGOis/T_EFLrIGDnI/AAAAAAAADWA/5LB60ShqoDE/IMG_0527_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="230" height="216"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mz-toscvRzw/T_EFMEuTkjI/AAAAAAAADWI/cr6uA4Bpzr0/s1600-h/IMG_0543%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0543" border="0" alt="IMG_0543" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3HR4OUos46I/T_EFMgyQsqI/AAAAAAAADWQ/-IQliqsv0FQ/IMG_0543_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="267" height="196"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XsZCX8vWqBg/T_EFNOF88EI/AAAAAAAADWY/xtJMvm6sXOU/s1600-h/IMG_0563%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0563" border="0" alt="IMG_0563" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4OILHtSDoD4/T_EFNuA6feI/AAAAAAAADWg/wZuxJD-iDy8/IMG_0563_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="276" height="194"></a></p> Joe & Myrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01064161373679806517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36571895.post-37315116440604315432012-06-11T09:58:00.001-07:002012-06-11T11:32:58.929-07:00Yes, we are alive and well!Well, as with all good intentions, catching up on our blog never really came to be…So, let’s start with now (no promises on if it will continue)…<br />
<br />
There is SO SO SO much that has changed with our family, and Madison and Jonathon this year. They are doing amazing! We hope to talk more about that later…<br />
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But, now, some pictures from Myra’s NEW DSLR camera. After 10 months of whining (since the kids came home) about how awful our point and shoot was, Joe finally was broken down and agreed to a MUCH better camera. Myra took so many pictures the first morning (this past Saturday) of the kids (who say ‘cheeesssee’ now as soon as they see a camera), that they eventually decided they wanted ‘Cheese” and went to the fridge to ask for it… (maybe we should repeat VEGETABLES over and over and they would feel the need for some broccoli).<br />
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Trying out the continuous shooting mode:<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TVxdscjLz1I/T9YjPeG6lxI/AAAAAAAADOM/vwNQ1YFLq5I/s1600-h/IMG_0044%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0044" border="0" height="171" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-W59TXWmvDr4/T9YjP5YJDVI/AAAAAAAADOU/Dd-jLG_zSXA/IMG_0044_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0044" width="154" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Ckvp2Yfxop4/T9YjQbALZEI/AAAAAAAADOc/NRFZHX5MCaE/s1600-h/IMG_0045%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0045" border="0" height="170" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Nk3_QdD7EpQ/T9YjQ81Dj4I/AAAAAAAADOk/Kt6gqV8pouA/IMG_0045_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0045" width="138" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Qk1zEPzJ5X4/T9YjRUEaoZI/AAAAAAAADOo/Dck9yLf8s1c/s1600-h/IMG_0046%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0046" border="0" height="170" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Zwb29PSRVhs/T9YjR12bgDI/AAAAAAAADOw/7vo3CmjS3fE/IMG_0046_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0046" width="133" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LprdxUKBT6Y/T9YjSVbk8oI/AAAAAAAADO4/RjVaw2-SIoY/s1600-h/IMG_0047%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0047" border="0" height="168" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6X_bLaPHjyA/T9YjS1A-odI/AAAAAAAADPA/m8wxOwM0uck/IMG_0047_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0047" width="118" /></a><br />
Madison is getting so big and is CERTAIN of what she wants. She found this PJ shirt (above) in Jonathon’s drawer and would wear nothing else.<br />
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Jonathon is also growing so much (but he needs a haircut...much like his Daddy!):<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dSahVwl07jY/T9YjTUDj2yI/AAAAAAAADPI/mfaCC8K4FbA/s1600-h/IMG_0054%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0054" border="0" height="163" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iMQRk8e8UuE/T9YjT7gCO5I/AAAAAAAADPU/cgyQZUvjLOQ/IMG_0054_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0054" width="153" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HGwFpoPtdYM/T9YjU0zo3LI/AAAAAAAADPc/oavsKzOOfFg/s1600-h/IMG_0258%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0258" border="0" height="164" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-e9oY4brIulo/T9YjVf5xyZI/AAAAAAAADPk/UNuofdeDWmk/IMG_0258_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0258" width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-K5DJKaPzCHM/T9YjV0D86SI/AAAAAAAADPs/3_msRJqQOsw/s1600-h/IMG_0260%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0260" border="0" height="162" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gtoNeM0liok/T9YjWIFBlAI/AAAAAAAADP0/tUb09rJPRls/IMG_0260_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0260" width="152" /></a><br />
Being silly:<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-D515yuqgJkU/T9YjW6fUJsI/AAAAAAAADP8/2HQMHK7XzXw/s1600-h/IMG_0057%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0057" border="0" height="164" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5pt2nZ5us5M/T9YjXeLwVsI/AAAAAAAADQE/6VJR07oVxjQ/IMG_0057_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0057" width="244" /></a><br />
Daddy: the tickle-monster:<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mP_VS3AjWI0/T9YjX68bh6I/AAAAAAAADQM/fVs5sIebTUg/s1600-h/IMG_0142%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0142" border="0" height="164" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FGsVCtWoNSE/T9YjYNuwgyI/AAAAAAAADQU/5pC49kkOXYU/IMG_0142_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0142" width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aGsR7mbBP_E/T9YjYuL8nlI/AAAAAAAADQc/8FaZR7tziBs/s1600-h/IMG_0147%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0147" border="0" height="164" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1FA15WpVF7U/T9YjZAhRNUI/AAAAAAAADQk/Pcwz706NjQM/IMG_0147_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0147" width="244" /></a><br />
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Walking/Investigating at a local wildlife preserve:<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FioS1S3AiAc/T9YjZjQKCpI/AAAAAAAADQs/B25MoXjZmaw/s1600-h/IMG_0231%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0231" border="0" height="128" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hIAt3an-dBU/T9YjaEmLl-I/AAAAAAAADQ0/ArLvVZuS8Fg/IMG_0231_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0231" width="181" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SQ1E4KcZMIQ/T9YjamG3iWI/AAAAAAAADQ8/rhAWB6MWTf0/s1600-h/IMG_0204%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0204" border="0" height="144" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OqK_Lyaed_c/T9YjbEvb5lI/AAAAAAAADRE/ZN66z8JYu1w/IMG_0204_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0204" width="187" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-k_LT08PLrx8/T9YjbzOxfdI/AAAAAAAADRI/oT1gDd7Uzu4/s1600-h/IMG_0238%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0238" border="0" height="129" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Nt7s9mbsMKA/T9YjcERl44I/AAAAAAAADRQ/tk_aF845CKw/IMG_0238_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0238" width="183" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-J0Kd2meiKXI/T9YjcnOeNBI/AAAAAAAADRc/xvhFTO00oj8/s1600-h/IMG_0218%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0218" border="0" height="164" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Uifs0LbvipQ/T9YjdEtDhwI/AAAAAAAADRk/ZkaIuE_AEIM/IMG_0218_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0218" width="244" /></a><br />
Madison has a love/hate relationship with bugs – here she ‘caught’ an ant. She also likes to jump off of the benches:<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZwFGpae_TLQ/T9Yjdpdi-dI/AAAAAAAADRs/dwfIn3DF6_Y/s1600-h/IMG_0197%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0197" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-p6vPm9mYkac/T9Yjd_GWtOI/AAAAAAAADRw/GFdrBmWDNMI/IMG_0197_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0197" width="164" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hGeGQCo8pUM/T9YjeZ5RYqI/AAAAAAAADR4/H6hMz5BnK3I/s1600-h/IMG_0205%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0205" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Fg8AwmAZKq0/T9YjfP3KJXI/AAAAAAAADSE/2jZsA_DGVZs/IMG_0205_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0205" width="164" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bduicqmzCrY/T9YjfVoUl6I/AAAAAAAADSM/FqcZvgVRJQg/s1600-h/IMG_0206%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0206" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CKqfcLyf7Vw/T9Yjf8_QriI/AAAAAAAADSU/mlTD2kWUrLQ/IMG_0206_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0206" width="164" /></a><br />
Jonathon being a clown:<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-72lr5H_q3SI/T9YjgZYvmwI/AAAAAAAADSc/tIgPfS85cpU/s1600-h/IMG_0222%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="IMG_0222" border="0" height="164" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ocrkSm-khUU/T9Yjg5KOfAI/AAAAAAAADSk/Vtd_FC17LPc/IMG_0222_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0222" width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xOS9_1kCJjU/T9YjhZiT-eI/AAAAAAAADSw/LiEhif3etto/s1600-h/IMG_0223%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0223" border="0" height="164" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ki4nUoj3KzY/T9YjiMCdOVI/AAAAAAAADS8/s7V0pOIWh-0/IMG_0223_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0223" width="244" /></a><br />
It was also VERY hot this weekend – we broke out a new ‘beach ball/sprinkler”. Madison LOVED it from the start. Jonathon is a little reserved and needed Daddy (who was trying to clean his garage and not prepared for water fun) to bring him through to enjoy it (yes, he’s laughing!).:<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sUNNWYN0IUM/T9YjivS3iEI/AAAAAAAADTM/DytDoYif2jc/s1600-h/IMG_0297%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0297" border="0" height="217" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0OToCL9xKlQ/T9Yjj7OwJGI/AAAAAAAADTU/_0fh_wILeAk/IMG_0297_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0297" width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Isga7Xcr8fI/T9YjkTzGxRI/AAAAAAAADTo/dv1h1hl-NcE/s1600-h/IMG_0302%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0302" border="0" height="215" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_lZfpjCoyH0/T9YjlLPWUrI/AAAAAAAADTs/jGv7PGe4nV0/IMG_0302_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0302" width="285" /></a><br />
Now that Myra has her new fancy camera it will get broken out more (which means that hopefully there will be more updates!).Joe & Myrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01064161373679806517noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36571895.post-86062269546050035802011-11-06T11:41:00.001-08:002011-11-06T11:41:36.386-08:00What’s a beach?<p>This, among others, is a question that we imagine our kids think when we talk about going new places (and when we arrive there). At about two months home there was a going away gathering for a friend in a park right on the water. It was the first time we really ventured out and decided it would be a ‘safe’ place to gauge how Jonathon and Madison were doing (nice, open environment). </p> <p>This was the first time either of them had ever seen water outside of a bathtub and been to a beach-like place (it’s not a ‘real’ beach but since it was low tide it counted as one)! We had no idea what to expect, would they be scared? run away from us to go to someone new? love it? Madison (who is turning out to be our risk taker) immediately wanted to check it out. Jonathon, who is more reserved, was content staying in Joe’s arms and observing for awhile. </p> <p>Both kids impressed us by staying with us the entire day. They were curious about other people just looking at them (Madison gave them all her serious stare down), but were interested only in being with us or near the other kids. One example of how great they did was Madison was playing with a couple kids a little ways away when her water shoe came off. She picked up the shoe and handed it to friends daughter and pointed at Myra then started walking towards her. Myra was in a group of a couple other women, but Madison made sure that the shoe got to her to help get it back on! </p> <p>The low tide made for a lot of tide pools with a ton of hermit crabs of all sizes. It didn’t take long before both kids were really into it and having a blast. A good friend of ours took amazing pictures for us:</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Cfeikf0lzig/TrbipHz3PFI/AAAAAAAADFE/lJ8IWmRpMXA/s1600-h/2011_10_01_IMG_2726%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="2011_10_01_IMG_2726" border="0" alt="2011_10_01_IMG_2726" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fVcqSMoS_Rk/TrbitTW8IgI/AAAAAAAADFM/tvO0K2OytFk/2011_10_01_IMG_2726_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-R56wF3-kpJY/Trbitu6B4dI/AAAAAAAADFU/0LCRyZK1FcI/s1600-h/2011_10_01_IMG_2560%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="2011_10_01_IMG_2560" border="0" alt="2011_10_01_IMG_2560" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KIHK1yyEKsg/TrbiwhFsdLI/AAAAAAAADFc/ZkVgM7LFDmQ/2011_10_01_IMG_2560_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="273" height="194"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-P3Hy8-WIC-M/TrbixtuWIgI/AAAAAAAADFk/QHUYvCXFxns/s1600-h/2011_10_01_IMG_2579%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="2011_10_01_IMG_2579" border="0" alt="2011_10_01_IMG_2579" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sK1znlgUr5c/TrbiyNInt3I/AAAAAAAADFs/nqvT1PEKYUs/2011_10_01_IMG_2579_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="356" height="255"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lvMvUIVTmfs/Trbi0Mp2-pI/AAAAAAAADF0/3TuypxPPjEk/s1600-h/2011_10_01_IMG_2565-3%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="2011_10_01_IMG_2565-3" border="0" alt="2011_10_01_IMG_2565-3" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tNCAsyC2Wns/Trbi0XkWmZI/AAAAAAAADF8/9K6ry2v6rVE/2011_10_01_IMG_2565-3_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Yel4kNS4CfE/Trbi2Ap2IHI/AAAAAAAADGE/lXMT6ohpmEk/s1600-h/2011_10_01_IMG_2611-1%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="2011_10_01_IMG_2611-1" border="0" alt="2011_10_01_IMG_2611-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KIcV5XoF8Vg/Trbi3AW31TI/AAAAAAAADGM/VLSgFSp-w_8/2011_10_01_IMG_2611-1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-irv_-yWTlPo/Trbi5L6hMJI/AAAAAAAADGU/3rUc9kvx7-A/s1600-h/2011_10_01_IMG_2621-2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="2011_10_01_IMG_2621-2" border="0" alt="2011_10_01_IMG_2621-2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8-8Cl1bb_58/Trbi5d5gGoI/AAAAAAAADGc/HNS0RQY-_tc/2011_10_01_IMG_2621-2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="353" height="244"></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Our original plan was only to stay for an hour or maybe two because of nap times and not wanting it to be too much for the kids. However, Madison was having so much fun we couldn’t put a stop to it and Jonathon surprised us by falling asleep on Joe and then staying asleep on a nearby blanket!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1o5zqFtnMyk/Trbi5nlfDEI/AAAAAAAADGk/3bzBFOs9Vac/s1600-h/2011_10_01_IMG_2638%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="2011_10_01_IMG_2638" border="0" alt="2011_10_01_IMG_2638" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NJYnPVGxf9A/Trbi6K1aRaI/AAAAAAAADGs/XDeQ04DiwsY/2011_10_01_IMG_2638_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4rnUehu_CAM/Trbi6c_tIrI/AAAAAAAADG0/Z3zY295p6tU/s1600-h/2011_10_01_IMG_2642%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="2011_10_01_IMG_2642" border="0" alt="2011_10_01_IMG_2642" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-K0atj_M8QYU/Trbi64tEcxI/AAAAAAAADG8/bFPPCoaPLnM/2011_10_01_IMG_2642_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="341" height="252"></a></p> <p>Some friends had a homemade ice cream contraption that different people took turns with, resulting a very good chocolate milkshake. Madison really enjoyed this – another first!</p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pdyTG6JL-P4/Trbi7Pj4ncI/AAAAAAAADHE/rLywK4P-4CY/s1600-h/2011_10_01_IMG_2630%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="2011_10_01_IMG_2630" border="0" alt="2011_10_01_IMG_2630" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YUSxcitpjsY/Trbi7aeDfzI/AAAAAAAADHM/3N9UP4gcmkI/2011_10_01_IMG_2630_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="265" height="197"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Rz4eZezkJPY/Trbi7hOePkI/AAAAAAAADHU/3Ir8S2oL044/s1600-h/2011_10_01_IMG_2629%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="2011_10_01_IMG_2629" border="0" alt="2011_10_01_IMG_2629" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MmswPk0XfNY/Trbi79trYwI/AAAAAAAADHc/Mn5cTIVc4PQ/2011_10_01_IMG_2629_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="265" height="192"></a></p> Joe & Myrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01064161373679806517noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36571895.post-82310278468493647012011-10-17T05:50:00.000-07:002011-10-17T05:50:29.743-07:00Our First Month Home<p align="center"><em>Okay, okay…we are SO behind! At the request of many we are not going to wait to catch up on everything (since these catch up entries take forever and are super long) so we will be switching from past events to current blurbs about the kids progress (after this one!). Here’s a past one (obviously)!</em></p><p>Wow – that first month! It seems like an eternity ago, yet it really has not been so long. That first month held some big challenges but also some of the greatest joys we've ever felt. We all know that learning how to be a family is challenging, we ‘knew’ this too…but did not REALLY 'know' it. Nor did we anticipate what this new family would look like when two scared, unsure two year olds were brought thousands of miles to a new home (something they had never imagined) where only English was spoken and with parents (also a new concept) who had never parented before! Twins is an absolute blessing and we think it's great for them to have each other...but it also keeps you on your toes! </p><p>The first couple days home were a lot of fun watching the kids discover all the new fun toys (real toys and objects that became toys) in our house and start to learn about their new home. Jonathon can’t seem to resist luggage and both kids love their little kitchen…here they are looking at each other through the microwave window. Good friends from Oregon sent us a ton of wonderful clothes that actually fit the kids now (so many of the clothes we had for them were way too big). As you can see Madison liked the box they came in (it helped that Joe dragged her around the house in this box).</p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sFlDaPOf79s/TpwUkGGJeII/AAAAAAAAC8w/iZ3PPiRcuJ8/s1600-h/DSCN43795.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSCN4379" border="0" alt="DSCN4379" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1Oqanm4DqTo/TpwUkWn554I/AAAAAAAAC84/2gEk9tz8mnA/DSCN4379_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="174" height="142"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YwJw8yZs3DM/TpwUlPmnMdI/AAAAAAAAC9A/aZ0fj4S-hp8/s1600-h/2011080720.58.233.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="2011-08-07 20.58.23" border="0" alt="2011-08-07 20.58.23" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZC-y0-vORes/TpwUlWy5EII/AAAAAAAAC9I/LAr1PxYKz1I/2011080720.58.23_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="205" height="158"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NCXr8R1H1VA/TpwUlgCIyRI/AAAAAAAAC9Q/hfhqJjCVo-I/s1600-h/DSCN4431%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCN4431" border="0" alt="DSCN4431" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--Yb-kXbjfhU/TpwUmJ-eweI/AAAAAAAAC9Y/FRe7yr7X83U/DSCN4431_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="137" height="168"></a> </p><p>The first couple weeks were riddled with many tantrums, mostly from Madison. Myra swore one night that the cops were sure to show up at our door as Madison screamed like a banshee for hours in the middle of the night and the neighbors blocks away were certain to have heard. We were at a loss some nights and just tried lots of holding (when they would let us) and tried to just talk to them. We knew they were grieving immensely, were confused and felt out of control, however we still found our patience running thin and questioned if we were up for this! It was tough and thank God for his strength and understanding friends and families who listened with care. </p><p>Sleeping was one of the hardest things, often consisting of an hour and a half (at least) of crying and screaming before we could get them to sleep. We quickly gave up the ‘ideal’ family bed for portable cribs next to our bed as no one was getting any sleep this first way! Jonathon took to his immediately, seeming relieved to have his own space. Madison cried and screamed the first night like we were abandoning her, it was heart-breaking. But, she also quickly seemed to really like her ‘own’ bed. Madison is very against rocking and at nap or bed time and immediately wants to be let down into the crib. Joe is able to rock Jonathon to sleep and he seems to really need this to calm down and allow himself to go to sleep. However, toward the end of this first month Madison wouldn’t go to sleep unless Myra was rubbing her back – progress! We settled on what our routine would be before bed (and for the whole day really) and kept things very very structured. We saw such a change in the kids (less fear) when they knew what to expect each day. For this first month, we really stuck to the same activities with very little deviation.</p><p>We quickly discovered that Madison really liked to ‘help’. Myra was carrying out laundry one day with Madison in tow (Madison likes to follow either of us when we leave the room). Myra turned around and Madison had disappeared, she then immediately came running with some clean clothes she found so she could carry some too. Those clothes were extra clean that day. She also likes to imitate us with sweeping or wiping the table:</p><p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FOcnA1KpnhY/TpwUmX6hTEI/AAAAAAAAC9g/XVDYZgVvx2o/s1600-h/DSCN44183.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSCN4418" border="0" alt="DSCN4418" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oPj5WPMexuo/TpwUmgp5c8I/AAAAAAAAC9o/ejuIGPbF3ck/DSCN4418_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="160" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ohxjr2SMWE4/TpwUm_pa4cI/AAAAAAAAC9w/591_uNBZv64/s1600-h/DSCN43953.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSCN4395" border="0" alt="DSCN4395" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eyK2BRPYkSw/TpwUnFT1N2I/AAAAAAAAC90/91gnP0rjZew/DSCN4395_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="167" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fWSJhkMqH-U/TpwUnYz5UbI/AAAAAAAAC-A/M6AlpVwMkkE/s1600-h/2011082511.57.282.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="2011-08-25 11.57.28" border="0" alt="2011-08-25 11.57.28" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7Ywn-LcljPY/TpwUnyhoKLI/AAAAAAAAC-I/uj0NsoSFLQg/2011082511.57.28_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a> </p><p>As mentioned, both kids were scared to death of the bath tub. After a couple weeks home and one very messy day of playing with the water table outside (and Joe dumping water over his head...then letting the kids do it to him), Madison decided the tub wasn’t so bad and started to cry when it was time to get OUT! Jonathon was still very scared of it, but we could see him watching Madison closely and had high hopes. We tried some playtime in the bath tub with clothes on, but he still wasn’t buying it with water!</p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iwL9-1QSDus/TpwUoKRXodI/AAAAAAAAC-Q/ApEzQcCP6WY/s1600-h/DSCN4457%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCN4457" border="0" alt="DSCN4457" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_1KaSW60P0Y/TpwUoq06fDI/AAAAAAAAC-Y/KefhF4WIUgA/DSCN4457_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PwYcO2uj0Y4/TpwUo6X5bqI/AAAAAAAAC-g/neosWrtErqA/s1600-h/DSCN4455%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCN4455" border="0" alt="DSCN4455" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uqjr2_FTEdU/TpwUpK9GUII/AAAAAAAAC-o/HH0BclVW3OI/DSCN4455_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> </p><p>Another VERY exciting event this first month was Jonathon started to walk on his own after being home about a 1.5 weeks! With lots and lots of encouragement he went from only taking 3 or 4 steps then crawling to walking all around the house on his own he became pretty steady in just a few days – it was so wonderful to see! Once he started, there was no stopping him! Being able to walk also opened up so many more opportunities for development and we saw such a huge change in him in this area as well.</p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cJh8h158suk/TpwUpq5v54I/AAAAAAAAC-w/F8rkVHwiBoI/s1600-h/DSCN4484%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCN4484" border="0" alt="DSCN4484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3Qd2Nrimk_0/TpwUp_VVCbI/AAAAAAAAC-4/uc7r59KAW5E/DSCN4484_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="149" height="193"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KaaqjUs7WVU/TpwUqH-8N5I/AAAAAAAAC_A/4tcDqwx3jzg/s1600-h/DSCN4447%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCN4447" border="0" alt="DSCN4447" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AQyctmTsWIg/TpwUqf2EotI/AAAAAAAAC_I/0Pmd3D0_je8/DSCN4447_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="215" height="169"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DZIKZpeLo14/TpwUq9jyk7I/AAAAAAAAC_Q/jkgWSJ2a2dQ/s1600-h/DSCN4486%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCN4486" border="0" alt="DSCN4486" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kTc7z7jhqas/TpwUrQDVViI/AAAAAAAAC_Y/pTb6nzTSJvY/DSCN4486_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="149" height="193"></a> </p><p>The days seemed to really fly this first month and we probably would not have eaten if it wasn’t for great friends who provided us with 2-3 meals every week! We are SO SO SO thankful for all the fabulous food we were given, we had never eaten so well! At the beginning of the month the kids still (understandingly) had food issues were they would scream and cry for it as soon as they saw any, but towards the end they were becoming much more selective…starting that typical two-year old behavior. Now they are almost TOO picky :) ! They do have some favorites that are ALWAYS a hit: yogurt, fruit, chicken tenders (for Jonathon) and hot dogs/sausage (for Madison). They also really enjoyed their first chocolate pudding:</p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0_bm2ACEjug/TpwUrkltJWI/AAAAAAAAC_g/p_HPBwwcN90/s1600-h/DSCN4391%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCN4391" border="0" alt="DSCN4391" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hfSDI2Edr4o/TpwUr07li7I/AAAAAAAAC_o/FDmw4Aj4dxc/DSCN4391_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="159" height="207"></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0cobBLWDxlc/TpwUsBMXDyI/AAAAAAAAC_w/9FVPIwR4p6Q/s1600-h/DSCN4389%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCN4389" border="0" alt="DSCN4389" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RAY6YOam8BQ/TpwUsoc1LyI/AAAAAAAAC_4/TXUsryfxE1g/DSCN4389_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="251" height="205"></a> </p><p>It was quite hard being cooped up and not being able to have visitors for more than a few minutes, although we really knew it was necessary and for the best (we can really see how important that was looking back now as well). Still, we tried to escape for a couple short trips in the car to get the kids use to it and we really enjoyed our backyard. Both Jonathon and Madison were so excited when they saw the big wheels, once on they were off – staying on the curving path quite well! They also really like being pulled around in the wagon. </p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mw4DhoMQGLc/TpwUs8aNtFI/AAAAAAAADAA/KnDnDj5GOPY/s1600-h/DSCN4443%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCN4443" border="0" alt="DSCN4443" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fRC2PaUQlTM/TpwUtPjKX8I/AAAAAAAADAI/dFoH3KRvG_k/DSCN4443_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0SVxlWyNSo4/TpwUtcigN4I/AAAAAAAADAQ/pPDJPJOtLVc/s1600-h/2011-08-16%25252017.08.10%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="2011-08-16 17.08.10" border="0" alt="2011-08-16 17.08.10" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9Qco6TpM1zo/TpwUttU9PeI/AAAAAAAADAY/En9lXpCbYdM/2011-08-16%25252017.08.10_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XHHFtjEfVjs/TpwUuA4hqbI/AAAAAAAADAg/NeEPBEdnoRw/s1600-h/2011-08-17%25252017.25.31%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="2011-08-17 17.25.31" border="0" alt="2011-08-17 17.25.31" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-T4_d3RcbXis/TpwUuZps3NI/AAAAAAAADAo/e6sVuetbsgg/2011-08-17%25252017.25.31_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="194" height="241"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-R_iOXCVv3jY/TpwUutLoQCI/AAAAAAAADAw/asCOey4c51Q/s1600-h/2011-08-24%25252017.37.31%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="2011-08-24 17.37.31" border="0" alt="2011-08-24 17.37.31" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eA0t0J7BOFQ/TpwUuz8nN2I/AAAAAAAADA4/aXQU1tBsv9A/2011-08-24%25252017.37.31_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="204" height="255"></a> </p><p>Our cat has been one of the big sources of conflict in the house. Anyone who knows her understands this well. It doesn’t seem like anyone is backing down – who will win?</p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-c5NZTqjupOo/TpwUvaO0vxI/AAAAAAAADBA/v96d-VscP60/s1600-h/DSCN4416%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSCN4416" border="0" alt="DSCN4416" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dL4h8apfCjU/TpwUvm8EzMI/AAAAAAAADBI/SD9bvMrlWeM/DSCN4416_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p><p>Despite the challenges, there has been so much joy as well. It is so fun to watch the kids discover new things and just be kids…we are really starting to see their personalities emerge and they are fun and full of life! The kids are really staying near us throughout the day and there is even a little cuddling….no real eye contact yet or affection initiated, but it is way too soon to expect that! Here are some fun pictures (links to a few more):</p><p><div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:66721397-FF69-4ca6-AEC4-17E6B3208830:b63cd3f0-4f11-4aa2-8e45-cf1241c3b40b" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><a style="border:0px" href="https://skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?cid=5c279811d59c4047&page=browse&resid=5C279811D59C4047!111&type=5&authkey=1MT4er3sf48%24"><img style="border:0px" alt="View A few fun pictures" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JtO77pLqKTw/TpwUv-StVPI/AAAAAAAADBQ/QwoIVFHmWxU/InlineRepresentation6a5c0fe7-76dd-443e-aaec-e62a1284cdd4%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" /></a><div style="width:586px;text-align:right;" ><a href="https://skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?cid=5c279811d59c4047&page=browse&resid=5C279811D59C4047!111&type=5&authkey=1MT4er3sf48%24">View Full Album</a></div></div></p><p>Just because you haven’t seen enough, here are a couple favorite pictures (can you tell we are proud new parents?).</p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-j8vQyqOw_zc/TpwUwFZ2WtI/AAAAAAAADBY/BvSCIvzUz6g/s1600-h/2011-08-17%25252017.24.30%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="2011-08-17 17.24.30" border="0" alt="2011-08-17 17.24.30" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Y4NkoJIJIyQ/TpwUwdyKn4I/AAAAAAAADBk/0gRYK_jbmMg/2011-08-17%25252017.24.30_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="169" height="207"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zi4GCdCpEtE/TpwUwmxQGrI/AAAAAAAADBs/LP280CTnVrY/s1600-h/DSCN4467%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCN4467" border="0" alt="DSCN4467" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2T2k0fUfkos/TpwUxNcmdZI/AAAAAAAADBw/PLVlSm-Mhes/DSCN4467_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="156" height="207"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--6ixDGpyx_M/TpwUxUTPXnI/AAAAAAAADB8/k_AbqCb9f4k/s1600-h/2011-08-31%25252017.13.12%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="2011-08-31 17.13.12" border="0" alt="2011-08-31 17.13.12" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VWMeMEoLwJg/TpwUxl37sEI/AAAAAAAADCE/tv4EGH_O3sM/2011-08-31%25252017.13.12_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="165" height="207"></a> </p><p>Believe it or not, that’s just a snapshot of our first month! It’s still just so amazing to think that less than a year ago we never imagined that our family would look like this! Stay tuned for some bullets of what month 2 had in store! Even more awesome changes!</p><p align="center"><em>Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1) </em></p>Joe & Myrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01064161373679806517noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36571895.post-78337659229726738832011-10-15T12:14:00.001-07:002011-10-15T12:19:46.973-07:00Home at Last: LATE on August 6th, 2011<p>When we FINALLY arrived in Tampa after about 24 hours of travelling, both kids were soundly asleep. A couple friends met us at the airport - they brought us our car so we didn’t need to park for so long, try to drag the kids and all the luggage to the car and/or drive home after all that traveling! Thank goodness! Here are some pictures they took of our first minutes on the ground in our home state:</p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6sxxAh1IcQM/Tpnbhrw_nGI/AAAAAAAAC8A/kejZ_S4b9KY/s1600-h/Misc%252520021%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Misc 021" border="0" alt="Misc 021" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-g4IshW1tYqg/Tpnbh833jfI/AAAAAAAAC8I/izWtPPcB03s/Misc%252520021_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="167" height="167"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GMO4qihnsO0/TpnblVAsfkI/AAAAAAAAC8Q/t-11zGhmn58/s1600-h/Misc%252520018%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Misc 018" border="0" alt="Misc 018" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KT9sBw5QQoI/TpnblsAklrI/AAAAAAAAC8Y/_I-EtHSkLts/Misc%252520018_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="188" height="195"></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HHeshD9RfH8/TpnbmLbGpZI/AAAAAAAAC8g/DztE-Azeq8o/s1600-h/Misc%252520020%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Misc 020" border="0" alt="Misc 020" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_00JWiQdBjk/TpnbmSv29iI/AAAAAAAAC8o/5tut-dWuYoo/Misc%252520020_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="170" height="174"></a> </p><p></p><p></p><p>We visited for a few minutes at home while the kids took it all in (thankfully they slept the car ride home, we were worried about the car seats being scary to them because of strapping them in). They left us with some food in our fridge (on top of a full fridge thanks to a couple of Myra’s friends at work!), we were thankful we didn’t need to think about that! Then off to bed we all went to try and find some sleep….</p>Joe & Myrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01064161373679806517noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36571895.post-71811697950162481042011-10-14T04:10:00.001-07:002011-10-14T04:10:27.495-07:00That Fateful Plane Ride Home (AKA “Are we there yet????!!!”)<p>We will apologize up front as this is not a very exciting post and sounds a bit negative, it is really mostly for our memories….we are in catch up mode so fun pictures to arrive soon!! <p>~~~~~August 6<sup>th</sup>, 2011: Time to go home! <p>After very little sleep, 4:30am arrived, we had all the suitcases by the door and really just needed to get ourselves ready, make coffee that we didn’t drink and then change the kids. A confused Jonathon and Madison snuggled into their ergobabies and we were able to get all the suitcases downstairs and into the car with little hassle. We rode with a woman and her teenage daughter, also from America that were on their first trip to meet siblings, 3 and 6. Our Vesta agent helped us get all check in. <p>The flight from Sofia to Munich was pretty uneventful and fairly calm. Then we had a 3 hour layover in Munich where Madison would whine to get down, then up and down and up and down….. We were able to entertain her for a solid 10 minutes chasing her up and down in a less crowded portion of the airport. We tried food as a distraction...fruit and a parfait…the GROSSEST ever…so sad….We also allowed them to climb on the airport ‘golf cart’ (picture below) with only a few dirty looks from passer-bys (all without any kids probably!) – don’t judge us for wanting 10 more minutes of happiness before an 8 hour plane ride! <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Yb2rbxaJ4zQ/TpgYoZ_-G8I/AAAAAAAAC7w/NBhT8IR8ccQ/s1600-h/DSCN4348%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCN4348" border="0" alt="DSCN4348" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PbFuNVZkJR4/TpgYohL4wNI/AAAAAAAAC74/KB17xWwH6Fk/DSCN4348_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> <p>Next we had to wait in a rather long line for the United agents to ask a whole slew of detailed questions of each passenger. The kids did okay at first, but when it was our turn they squirmed and cried and did not want to stay put during the questioning that probably lasted 5 minutes, but felt like 30! Right before boarding Madison fell asleep in the Ergobaby. We were in the middle row of 5 seats, taking the two end seats in the hope that no one would sit in the middle….but, alas there was someone who had that seat (they gladly took the aisle and let us all sit together). There really is no sugar coating it – this was not a pleasant flight. Madison made it about ½ hour after take off, and never slept again. About an eternity into the flight with crying, screams, distracting with different toys, distracting with food and walking, we realized we only made it 2 hours!! We both looked at each and said ‘I don’t think I can make it!’. The flight attendants were surprising unfriendly about the kids (just attitudes is all we can describe). Thankfully, a few of the passengers were very kind and sympathetic….one lady said “oh, don’t you worry, what comes around goes around…I use to travel like this by myself with 3 kids and you know people shuddered when they saw me coming’!” Jonathon eventually did fall asleep (after many attempts by Joe to sit down with him, only to have him wake up! Eventually Joe was able to sit down, but the way Jonathon was laying on him put his arm to sleep, however Joe said “I would rather lose my arm than wake this child!” Madison refused sleep…Myra even had her laying across 3 seats (Myra was on the floor) to try and get her as comfortable as possible…hours later and no luck. The kids would not eat hardly any of the air plane food (do you blame them?), but thankfully we packed crackers and half a loaf of bread….their favorite – talk about carb overload! Ten minutes before we landed, Madison fell fast asleep….. <p>Next up – customs in DC! <p>After landing and waiting in the customs line and showing them the envelope for the kids we were directed to get our bags, recheck and go to the customs office. What a nightmare baggage claim was! They had TWO baggage carousels with about 12 international flights…talk about over stimulating and overwhelming for the kids! There were so so many people everywhere, a bit mob like at times…thankfully we had them tight against us in the carriers – otherwise we aren’t sure what would have happened! After quite a long wait (not surprising) for the baggage we were able to squeeze into the line to recheck our baggage. Next up we headed to the customs and immigration office, there was a large sign to leave our baggage outside the door (which we did reluctantly) and then we handed our paperwork to the agent. This had to seriously be the rudest agent and we were very embarrassed that he was who welcomed people to our country. There was a lady ahead of us in a wheelchair (at least in her 80s, maybe 90s) that he was trying to get fingerprints and he was SCREAMING at her because she wasn’t relaxing her hand enough or something…afterwards he muffled sarcastically “welcome to the United States…good luck”. Then a father and son came into the room (pulling a piece of luggage) and he yelled at them “Can’t you see the sign?!?...do you see anyone else with baggage in here?!?!!....that means LEAVE IT OUTSIDE”…wow. He was okay with us, abeit mumbling under his breath about the first customs agent messing up or something. But, it was over soon enough and we were able to leave that unhappy place…hoping that he actually routed our paperwork correctly! Our kids were now US Citizens!!! <p>Of course looking back, we’ve forgotten the pain and we think ‘it wasn’t so bad’….our advice for those who have yet to travel (which was given to us) is just don’t worry about what the other passengers think – you will never see any of them again! Joe & Myrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01064161373679806517noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36571895.post-88576141534109189572011-08-20T11:44:00.001-07:002011-08-20T12:06:45.599-07:00Delayed Picture Sharing<p> </p> <p>We wanted to share some of our favorite pictures from our first week together as a family (in Bulgaria). You can double click on the pictures to make them larger. We took soooo many it was hard to choose! Below is our first family picture on Gotcha Day (in their orphanage) and pictures waiting for (and on the plane) from Sofia to Varna":</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EghOVgJNwtM/TlAFiJD59FI/AAAAAAAAC3c/0szZisFmSmM/s1600-h/DSCN4211%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCN4211" border="0" alt="DSCN4211" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-l18pI1xNGe0/TlAAJIQD6CI/AAAAAAAAC3g/6OHCXTEO5Vo/DSCN4211_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="389" height="290"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wF9kGl4IxTQ/TlAAJV6P-PI/AAAAAAAAC3k/cgqA-cNOFHc/s1600-h/DSCN4215%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCN4215" border="0" alt="DSCN4215" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Ag2JWk5KMc4/TlAAMEiKJiI/AAAAAAAAC3o/WVcS1VgKadA/DSCN4215_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="204" height="165"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nYZSti6oDys/TlAAMcG8oZI/AAAAAAAAC1M/H4EbzozKtyc/s1600-h/DSCN4218%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSCN4218" border="0" alt="DSCN4218" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YumiRrUP9N0/TlAAM_ETKVI/AAAAAAAAC1Q/J-8ADUM_ozw/DSCN4218_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="152" height="197"></a> </p> <p>While waiting for Vesta the kids like to walk around all the suitcase (and play with the wheels) and look at photo book we made them from the first trip (with lots of pictures of them with us):</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VK4TJab7MnU/TlAANItp7RI/AAAAAAAAC1U/e_bnQWzadFo/s1600-h/DSCN4228%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSCN4228" border="0" alt="DSCN4228" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-J74CsOQdZi8/TlAANZuEKcI/AAAAAAAAC1Y/rYPk2V4tLc4/DSCN4228_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-r3kks5mLCY8/TlAANrviEJI/AAAAAAAAC1c/zno-ZNNjudc/s1600-h/DSCN4226%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSCN4226" border="0" alt="DSCN4226" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aUpFFhYI0Hs/TlAAPzrQ1fI/AAAAAAAAC1g/i7bsqgGXwjM/DSCN4226_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>In between appointments, we spent the week almost exclusively in the apartment playing. The kids LOVED the singing Elmo microphone (still do, after 3 weeks we are dreaming in Elmo voices and songs). The tub picture was Myra’s attempt at convincing the kids the tub was fun…didn’t work!:</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-R0ldj8k-_ks/TlAAQN8MfaI/AAAAAAAAC3s/r_wLarWljWw/s1600-h/DSCN4346%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCN4346" border="0" alt="DSCN4346" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0IbsHTg8D7w/TlAAT4JlPxI/AAAAAAAAC3w/6pdEZcLfWtE/DSCN4346_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="148" height="178"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mkGYzZ7i2e4/TlAAUaIVxxI/AAAAAAAAC30/6VWG8YiygBQ/s1600-h/DSCN4236%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCN4236" border="0" alt="DSCN4236" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YtVjwMReN-w/TlAAUnw3baI/AAAAAAAAC34/J8C9qamBwTs/DSCN4236_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="222" height="171"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7yOfhN8J3Rs/TlAAV9rZX0I/AAAAAAAAC38/XMLMf32cqkQ/s1600-h/DSCN4246%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCN4246" border="0" alt="DSCN4246" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RPb3uS0d-5U/TlAAWOsk1HI/AAAAAAAAC4A/0bf97gQFpX4/DSCN4246_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="155" height="198"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5ey0LgLIJkI/TlAAYVqtGKI/AAAAAAAAC4E/2449FfRjNNs/s1600-h/DSCN4268%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCN4268" border="0" alt="DSCN4268" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-u8ar8GnXW0w/TlAAYptjQyI/AAAAAAAAC4I/OoS-tRXOTrw/DSCN4268_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="206" height="159"></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Paw7ylhYbBk/TlAAY2XMxTI/AAAAAAAAC4M/4JWEn-G0vH8/s1600-h/DSCN4299%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCN4299" border="0" alt="DSCN4299" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kPz2AoMvbyY/TlAAZPwunSI/AAAAAAAAC4Q/lMeXHWxyVFo/DSCN4299_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="160" height="208"></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VTzGjur2gyY/TlAAZcwyqBI/AAAAAAAAC4U/10su-pPSgC8/s1600-h/DSCN4334%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCN4334" border="0" alt="DSCN4334" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qv1szAblEdE/TlAAZn35NJI/AAAAAAAAC4Y/jUNzdKkkdj0/DSCN4334_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="162" height="211"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-avQWxLCnmV8/TlAAZ5_ErOI/AAAAAAAAC4c/KDjLwzDh47M/s1600-h/DSCN4315%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCN4315" border="0" alt="DSCN4315" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-K5bIWuqm0MQ/TlAAaFgIWYI/AAAAAAAAC4g/ctCheazfUO8/DSCN4315_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="190" height="164"></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-L_ownKMoqJs/TlAAabFWokI/AAAAAAAAC4k/Mi0sVdy8xPM/s1600-h/DSCN4316%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCN4316" border="0" alt="DSCN4316" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Sw0KPYzRx2c/TlAAax1M1QI/AAAAAAAAC4o/WZqcdK8Lrp0/DSCN4316_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="163" height="150"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zkmzeHJYEC4/TlAAbNEWFFI/AAAAAAAAC4s/0cKgmuFbkIk/s1600-h/DSCN4296%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCN4296" border="0" alt="DSCN4296" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aE0t-bX371E/TlAAbc8aZJI/AAAAAAAAC4w/6AiFtGgfFYo/DSCN4296_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="144" height="185"></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>The kids were very interested in the washing machine (after they stopped being afraid of it).</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wxaFi-clsB0/TlAAb86TkKI/AAAAAAAAC40/WyAeZakmC5Y/s1600-h/DSCN4275%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCN4275" border="0" alt="DSCN4275" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9cIqsbttsp0/TlAAcALKU8I/AAAAAAAAC44/4R39T76-dl0/DSCN4275_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="139" height="180"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ism27ZEXIaE/TlAAcqa1zgI/AAAAAAAAC48/ZUF7AyLgoeo/s1600-h/DSCN4289%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCN4289" border="0" alt="DSCN4289" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8ACY69JNtc0/TlAAcxOYl4I/AAAAAAAAC5A/B-Ayp06affs/DSCN4289_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="188"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FYFk5OsfNsg/TlAAeIIq4HI/AAAAAAAAC5E/tGzAKqujYLk/s1600-h/DSCN4309%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCN4309" border="0" alt="DSCN4309" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Y26qFLaSZWU/TlAAgrZGtuI/AAAAAAAAC5I/ssNMuufgU1c/DSCN4309_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="203" height="187"></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Here are a couple pictures from the Munich airport during our ~3hr layover. Yup, we were THOSE parents that allowed our kids to climb on airport owned equipment to allow for 10 more minutes for entertaining.:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WWP4IR366v8/TlAAg0gUEmI/AAAAAAAAC5M/HgvNC1btDGQ/s1600-h/DSCN4354%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCN4354" border="0" alt="DSCN4354" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-va8iI5FZ_cw/TlAAhfvhOpI/AAAAAAAAC5Q/et3HAxr_Ulo/DSCN4354_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="125" height="171"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CzFTwMUumfY/TlAAhl9zqKI/AAAAAAAAC5U/Siw6ApY5z2k/s1600-h/DSCN4348%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCN4348" border="0" alt="DSCN4348" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gfM4L0F-KjI/TlAAh3jVjkI/AAAAAAAAC5Y/IlPkRUlfkug/DSCN4348_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="196" height="157"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Rw4p6uyZwHo/TlAAiARFL7I/AAAAAAAAC5c/lvkPCKg5CMs/s1600-h/DSCN4351%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCN4351" border="0" alt="DSCN4351" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-M43V0lbfu9k/TlAAiecE_pI/AAAAAAAAC5g/BGUmBJdVq6M/DSCN4351_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="207" height="168"></a></p> Joe & Myrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01064161373679806517noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36571895.post-69402718575422960602011-08-11T12:11:00.001-07:002011-08-11T12:11:01.257-07:00It’s okay to throw up the White Flag<p> </p> <p>Catching up….Our last day day in Bulgaria was pretty much filled with playtime and trepidation over what the next day had in store for us.  How on earth would were going to get our kids home on the long flight and all stay sane?  Well, one day at a time.</p> <p>Thankfully we spent a lot of time sight-seeing on our first trip to Bulgaria because there was no time for that this trip.  We chose to really not go out much because the busy streets, cars, stores, etc. were all just too stimulating and we wanted this week to be our first week of cocooning in order to build a secure attachment (which will of course be months to years down the road).  Friday was no exception.</p> <p>I’m sure there were funny tidbits from the day (they entertain us on pretty much an hourly basis with cute and funny things).  Many/most of the videos we took end abruptly because Jonathon crawled over to grab the camera or we needed to throw the camera down quickly to go stop some impending damage yelling ‘neigh’ along the way (‘no’).</p> <p>Madison still had a Myra fetish which is actually a good sign, that she is on her way to hopefully attaching with her.  But, she is much more open to play from Joe which is actually great considering it had been less than a week.  We did go buy some more diapers at the pharmacy for the trip home and they ended up being too large, but manageable (since we had no choice anyway!).  Madison went down for a nap, but after much trial, Jonathon refused so we let it go…  Petko came by early evening to drop off the kids Visas, Immigration paperwork and discuss what to expect while passing through Passport control and US Customs & Immigration.  That was it – our case was closed and our kids could finally enter the country!</p> <p>We had bath time again and tried to coax them by playing with toys outside the tub and throwing them in, but it didn’t help.  We decided to just try and get it over with quickly, poor things!  We tried to order take out from Pizza Roma again, but today the kids didn’t like ANY of it.  Thank goodness we still had lots of bread/pasta/etc for back up, we’ll be sure to have better options for back up once home!  Bedtime was awful, we tried to put them to bed for about 1-1.5 hours and eventually threw up the white flag.  Of course we tried so hard not to laugh, but they were so cute playing and singing to each other.  We just couldn’t calm them and looked at each other said, ‘we surrender’!.  We still needed to pack, it was about 8:45 and we needed to be up at 4 am!  Myra brought the kids into the other bedroom (where all our clothes were) to let the kids play while Joe concentrated on the living room (where all the toys and random things were).  About 9:45pm we could see signs that bedtime would probably work with little fight so we tried again and success!   About 11:30pm we had everything packed and were ready to try for some sleep, in the end the only thing we forgot to pack was a couple DVDs we brought – at least that’s all we’ve discovered so far!</p> <p>4am was going to come might early…</p> Joe & Myrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01064161373679806517noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36571895.post-9330099906904584032011-08-04T12:05:00.000-07:002011-08-04T12:05:29.465-07:00Don't cry over spilled Cheerios<div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Last nights sleep went pretty well. Jonathon rolled out onto Joes mattress (the twin mattress on the one side of the bed) but was unphased so he left him there. It's only about a 6 inch drop from mattress to mattress. Of course 45 minutes later he was uncomfortable so Joe put him back up on the bed and he was asleep in no time (why isnt it this easy all the time!) Happened one more time during the night, about about 1am but again a quick plop to the middle of the king bed and he was out. Madison rolled onto Myras mattress about 430am and she was also unphased so Myra let her stay there until she started kicking Myra in the head for a while as she squirmed. They both stayed asleep until about 7am...not bad!</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Again they played for awhile when they woke up and then we went out in the living room. We went for scrambled eggs again since they were a hit, but this time we made some for us too. They did pretty well allowing us to have some bites for ourselves. Again, Madison didnt finish hers but Jonathon cleaned the plate, minus the jarred strawberries that neither of them liked. And of course no meal is complete without lots of bread. </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Madison played by the bathtub with Myra again, throwing things into the tub, Jonathon however hugs the hallway on the side to avoid the bathroom altogether. We've decided to put off bathing for one night.... </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The kids played for a bit and Jonathon occasionally led Joe back into the kitchen, so he eventually finished Madison's plate and had some more bread. Petko called about 10:45am and said he would be by at 1:30pm to take us to the US Embassy for the visa interview. Of course, right in the middle of naptime, we improvised. We fed them some macaroni and cheese, peaches, and ....bread around 11:15 to suffice for lunch and then tried for naptime. After an hour rocking, chasing, and listening to Jonathon scream we gave up and said no nap for him. Madison was asleep after lots and lots of screaming in about 45 minutes which at least gave Myra a chance to shower and grab some bread and cheese to eat for lunch. Joe got ready then and dressed Jonathon while Myra woke Madison up at 1:15pm (she wasn't exactly thrilled about that). Petko came and they both did well on the ride to the Embassy and in the waiting area. Since Madison seemed so scared yesterday Myra had kept her tightly strapped to her in the Ergobaby carrier the whole car ride (no, there are no car seats here) – this seemed to do the trick! </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">When we first entered the waiting area, Jonathon happily pointed to a picture of President Obama and shouted “BEBE!” (of course many pictures of a people get labeled as 'Bebe', but we got a laugh out of it). Jonathon loved swinging a velvet rope at one end of the long room (the opposite end of where Myra and Madison were sitting). Madison knew it looked like fun and after a bit of coaxing came running down to Joe to take a swing. So great to see her smiling face come to him. He usually only gets to see if from afar while she is playing with Myra! Joe has fed her a couple times, but she only gets halfway through and then needs Myra. So there is still lots of progress to make, we just have to wonder how long that will take, will she attach to him?</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The wait was really good as Jonathon walked Joe around the place. He is really starting to pick up some speed but not confident enough to walk around without support unless its 5 steps or so from Myra to Joe. MAJOR improvement over where he was just 4 months ago when we visited. He has come a LONG way in those 4 months and we are so proud of him and thankful to the caretakers.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">They got a little fussy but again Cheerios to the rescue. We got called into the interview room ("The Long FAMILY"... that has a nice ring to it)! And this is really where the only trouble was. Myra forgot to close to Madison's bag of cheerios (and Madison has to be independent and carry it herself) and so cheerios went everywhere. Which meant Myra scuffling to the interview room with Madison with her hands full to say we're sorry but we'll be there in a minute and Joe and Jonathon try to pick up the Cheerios. Not the scavenger hunt we were looking to have! A nice man came over to help and get cleaned up so we could go get interviewed for the kids visa's! They have bulgarian passports and a visa to enter the US, but they will immediately be US citizens when we land in DC on Saturday (yikes, that plane ride is only two days away...). The "interview" was really just a guy congratulating us.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The ride back was uneventful and we got back to the apartment around 330pm. We gave the kids some yogurt, bread, and peaches for a snack, this time Madison finishing hers and Jonathon (when distracted, not finishing his. Definite improvement but a lot of other times as soon as the food is gone (ie cheerios, mac and cheese, etc) he goes into a tantrum. We're very afraid of the plane ride when we may not be able to distract when the food is gone, and that NEITHER of them is going to sleep. </span> </div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The kids were playing and eventually walked/crawled into the bedroom to play around. Myra and Madison left at one point and while messing around in the kitchen they decided to walk up the road a block to the pharmacy to get some medicine (Myra has come down with a bad head cold). Before they were back (less than 10 minutes), Jonathon was asleep...tired boy!</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Joe went down the street to get some food for dinner and by the time he came back, Madison had dragged Myra into the kitchen to each two more bowls of yogurt and some bread. Hungry girl! Then she had a piece of pizza on top of that. She played for a bit and then the usual screaming bedtime with the girl asleep about 45 minutes later (7:45pm). We agonized over whether to wake Jonathon up. he's been sleeping since about 5:00pm....will he make it through the night? Joe went in to see how sound asleep he was (caressing his head, kissing his forehead, etc) and he didn't flinch at all so we let him sleep. We may be in for a disaster come 3am but he went to sleep so easily we hardly wanted to pass this up.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">They were both in bed so early that we are finally sitting down to drink that anniversary wine. Just peeked in on them – it's amazing how they can start in the center and so quickly end up on the edge of the bed – certain to fall on us again!</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div>Joe & Myrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01064161373679806517noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36571895.post-67586965023248514822011-08-04T10:56:00.000-07:002011-08-04T10:56:21.507-07:00Number 9On Wednesday our wedded bliss turned nine years old. We can honestly say that 9 years ago, this isn't where we thought we would be, but God led us on this path and its been a roller coaster that is entering an amazing loop. <br />
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Tuesday night both Jonathon and Madison slept all through the night (without any falling out of bed) until about 6:45 (when Jonathon heard the alarm Myra had set on super low setting because we needed everyone ready by 9am). Upon waking up the kids just loved playing in bed with each other. Rolling around, laughing, giggling, etc. So Myra took that opportunity to hop in the shower and Madison seemed ok with her departure. After awhile Joe coaxed the kids out of the room (it was clear they were waiting to be removed from the bed like they were their cribs). We went in the living room and looked through some photo books. Myra had made two books of all the pictures from our first trip of us with the kids. The ones we left after our first trip only had pictures of the two of us and we thought this would be great for them to see how they had been with us before. They loved looking through these books. So much so that Madison stayed in the living room with Joe the entire time Myra showered and got ready. Amazing. The behavior didn't stick, but he'll take any moment he can. For those of you that know Joe well, he is often a a favorite of kids so Madison's 'fear' of him is rather heartbreaking at times.<br />
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Joe made some scrambled eggs, strawberry jam on croissant, and some peaches. Both the kids LOVED the eggs (and the bread of course). Sorry for the details...some of you may think its a bit much but grandparents like to picture every moment and Myra and I want a way to remember every moment. They actually sat in the kitchen eating their bread while he made the eggs so thats little improvement (but they still needed some food). Kitchen has now become synonymous with food.<br />
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We were all set by 9 and waited for Petko to take us to the medical clinic for their appointments. They were a little fussy by the end of the ride (Madison especially) but made it through the wait for the doctor thanks to the blessing of Cheerios. The doctors visit itself was very quick. He checked their lungs, heartbeat and then reviewed their immunization records and that was it. 10 minutes tops for both of them. Then Petko waited in the doctors room for him to finish the paperwork and we headed down to the cafe. joe picked up a couple of juices and was looking for another snack when the lady behind the counter asked what he needed. He said a kids snack so we went in the back room and grabbed some puffs snacks. The four us ate this big bag of puffs (breakfast for Myra and Joe) and they had some juice. The doctor filled out a name incorrectly so Petko had to come down for another form which means the puffs didnt last long enough (thats a recipe for disaster). So we headed outside to distract them and wait. Madison seemed drawn to talk to boys (about 10), even grabbing one's hand - but did not appreciate any adult males talking to her. Petko arrived withn 10 minutes and we headed back for the apartment. When we hit the bumpy cobble streets Madison screamed for the last 10 minutes home. When Petko reached the apartment, he stopped in the street and said "Just put them to bed". Ha - didn't need to suggest that twice, that's what we did. Took about 45 minutes to get them alseep but it was worth it. We skipped lunch because they had eaten so many snacks already.<br />
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During naptime we made something to eat and checked our email. It was about 2:30 or so when Joe checked his email an say a message from our friend saying Happy Anniversary. To which he turned to Myra and said "Oh crap, happy anniversary", and after second she said 'Oh, yeah, happy anniversary!" Needless to say a bottle of wine went on the grocery list for today.<br />
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Madison woke up about 330 and had a gerber meal (still so thankful we packed so many small meals and snacks!), and once again we woke Jonathon up after about a 3 hour nap. He also had a meal and we played together until about 6:30 when we decided to go for a walk. One thing we played was 'throw things into the tub', Myra was able to coax Madison into the bathroom by acting all silly and loudly throwing plastic bath toys into the tub - she caught on! Joe eventually convinced Jonathon it was okay too (he is very timid about the bathroom) and both had fun doing this. However, we aren't so sure this will really help come actually bathtime - but maybe just a little. At 6:30 we headed out for our walk. Jonathon is ok with the ergo baby carrier, Madison is hit or miss, today was a miss and she refused to be in it as soon as we hit the street and insisted on walking. We just decided to head to McD's (a 10 minute walk) and grab some food to go and that was about enough stimulation for the kids with all the people, stores, etc - Madison did enjoy pointing at lots of different things and then looking up for confirmation that we saw that AMAZING blue large garbage can (and similar items). They both loved their chicken nuggets and some french fries. Again, they actually didnt finish their meals. Madison is good about stopping and then she often goes to play with Myra. You can tell when Jonathon is getting full because he gets playful but he will just keep insisting on more. If you turn him away from the plate so he is looking at something else and then put him down and immediately walk with him away from the table he does well and does not cry which is progress.<br />
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We had all the lights dimmed in the apartment and put all the toys away before dinner was over to try a calming atmosphere before bed. Let them play with each other about a a half hour or so in the living room and then off to bed. This is where our anniversary present came. For whatever reason, they love to play with each other bed. We should have stopped them from playing, but it was the most precious thing we have seen. All we could do was videotape it for a while, preserving our memory of this anniversary forever. After our first trip they put their cribs together to try and form a good bond. We think it worked. Madisons comfort thing is to pull her shirt up to her chin, hold it there and suck her thumb. Then sometimes she likes to hit her belly (not hard). At one point Myra and Joe were between the two of them (to try and get them to sleep). Jonathon heard the belly-slapping noise (and couldnt see her) and he immediately pulled up his shirt and did the same thing. Before laying down they also like to stand a couple feet away from each other at the end of the bed, hands on the footboard, and just go up and down (like doing squats) - so cute.<br />
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Again, getting them actually sleep was a tough experience. Madison finally fell asleep about an hour or so. Jonathon finally went down about 1030. At one point Joe held him and rocked and then Myra came in and hugged him from the other side so it was a Jonathon sandwich. Seemed to work, but he always wakes up fter 5-10 minutes and screams. He likes to rock himself and sometimes all you an do is sit there and be with him which is tough. Putting them to bed was exhausting enough for us. They start crying as soon as we take them in to the room to lay down. Any other families with tips out there....let us know!<br />
We went to bed soon thereafter, too exhausted to even drink our anniversary wine.Joe & Myrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01064161373679806517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36571895.post-40363474514953650452011-08-03T05:59:00.000-07:002011-08-03T05:59:17.705-07:00Little Victories...So we're catching up during naptime...posts will get shorter and not proofread...we're thankful if they end up even semi-coherent...2 toddlers have us a bit scattered.<br />
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Madison slept through the first night until 7:15 when she rolled out of bed onto myra. she actually just looked at myra and smiled, i think glad that myra was still there!. jonathon however woke up at 230 and 330 crying but Joe easily had him back asleep in 10 minutes. At 4:30 he woke up and just would not go back to sleep. He tends to rock himself a lot, and sometimes just his head side to side but we think this is typical orphanage behavior, they have always had to rock themselves to sleep. He was in a weird place, and scared. Myra took over at about 6am and got him to sleep only shortly before madison fell on them! All in all they did better than i would have if soeone plucked me from my home and took me to a place i had never seen, with people i didn't know and who couldnt understand me, and I had no idea what the heck they were saying.<br />
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they had some oatmeal, 1/2 strawberry bar, and bread will jelly on it for breakfast. jonathon ate it all, madison maybe half. we're thankful for the apartment so we can eat in. joe gets to do all the food prep because madison cannot be left in a room without myra and if the kids see food in the kitchen they need to eat it right away and breakdown if they can't. Sippy cups were still a no-go. They are too used to regular cups but we are trying. Jonathon still has a major breakdown when the food is gone and if he sees food. So we have been put on an effective diet plan where we don't eat all day until they are asleep at naptime or evening. <br />
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We gave them a snack mid-morning (I think yogurt and bread, peaches, and juice) and then went for about an hour walk to the grassy mall area where they walked around a bit and loved seeing/chasing the birds. We stopped at Pizza Roma on the way back and ordered a chicken pizza and shopska salad to go. They did ok on the 10 minute wait and then each ate a piece of pizza and peaches, (we tried eating a piece while feeding them and it was ok this time as long as it was gone before theirs). Our lunchtime victory was our ability to get them BOTH tricked into trying their sippy cups (without the one-way valve put in it)! We're on our way.<br />
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Then it was naptime which is always a struggle. Takes us about an hour or so to get them calmed down, Jonathon especially. He is just always hyper and Joe needs to actually (gently) restrain him and rub his back for a while. he screams for awhile but eventually he gives in. we hate restraining him but otherwise he does a lot of violent rocking and just can't calm down. Naptime was our shower time and some food, Joe went to get groceries. It was glorious! Madison woke up about 3:30 but Jonathon just kept sleeping (he needed it after the night he had) but we finally woke him up (he was getting restless anyway afraid of how bedtime would go).<br />
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We were supposed to have our medical appointments at 3:30pm but they called and said they would not be until the next morning. So we spent the rest of the day playing as a family.<br />
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They had an afternoon snack with some pasta and bread (they LOVE bread). Tried to give them some ham pieces but they both hated the texture. They had a fit at the end of snacktime but a little playtime soothed them. Our victory that afternoon was Madison taking Joes hand to walk into the other room with Jonathon. Shes usually a bit fearful still but hopefully this is a sign she'll one day be a Daddys girl. Our other victory is Jonathon finally not screaming during diaper changes, he actually smiles now. <br />
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We gave them pasta for dinner (Bulgarians make a GOOD pasta sauce) and peas. Madison wasn't a huge fan of the peas but loved the pasta. Jonathon loved it all. BUT our victory here was that NEITHER of their finished their meal! Joe knew he put a lot on their plate but didnt expect for them to actually regulate themselves based on hunger. Wonderful to see.<br />
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Unfortunately that victory was marred by bathtime which was truly awful experience and they screamed so much. Myra even had her bathing suit on and was in the tub, along with some toys. That was no help. We made it quick and then got them out wrapped in towels and went out to watch some Animal Planet. They were soo amazed by the TV, it was so adorable. Unfortunately we didn't think about our DVDs not be compatible here. Staying naked in the towels was a good idea, until Madison pees down her leg and starts to bawl....diaper time!. Next we think try playtime in the bath time with no water.<br />
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We tried for bedtime at 8:45pm (they were playing with each until then). Lots and lots of screams and them trying to play. We gave up about 9:45pm and brought them back out to the living room but kept it with some mood lighting. They played a bit and then we got some warm milk and went back to the bedroom. They drank the milk from the sippy cups (still no valve) but then still would not sleep. Jonathon was doing so much moving/rocking and joe restrained him again (feeling bad). he finally went to sleep but madison was the difficult one this time. she just wasn't having any sleep. joe went to leave the room (heck, his job was done and myra is usually the one who gets to leave first!) but madison starting screaming (victory?). So he came back, laid in the room (but not near her she doesnt like that...he just had to be in the room). By about 11:15pm she finally went to sleep. Finally...dinnertime! Starving, we got ourselves some pasta, exhausted, and just cleaned up the house. We got things ready for tomorrow morning because we knew it would take time to get everyone ready by 9am.<br />
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We'll try to post some pictures soon...Joe & Myrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01064161373679806517noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36571895.post-76822550620246311282011-08-03T05:07:00.000-07:002011-08-03T05:07:40.838-07:00Gotcha Day - A Day of Firsts....Ok, so this a couple days late but you can guess why!! A summary of our Gotcha Day:<br />
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Sometimes a week long severe lack of sleep can be a blessing... we both slept a solid 7.5 hours last night, very important for this day of 'Firsts'. We headed across the square for the continental breakfast and then to the grocery store to buy some juice to give the kids when we picked them up (and have them practice drinking out of their first sippy cups before getting on the plane). Afterwards, we just sat in mostly silence just waiting for our agency representative to call and have us come down to the street to get picked up. (this was the same taxi driver as yesterday, and last trip, he is very trusted by Rosi, our representative, who came to Varna this morning). <br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">We headed the same winding route to the Orphanage that we took last trip in sheer anticipation. Pulling up the hill caused major flip flops in our stomachs! After signing a ledger/”sign out” sheet, we gave the kids clothes to the social worker so she could go have them changed. The social worker had told us the caregivers have been talking about us constantly and that Madison and Jonathon have just been waiting for us (so thankful for that!) She also said that the caregivers have been spending extra time with them because they will be missed when they go! Waiting on the edge of our seats in the social workers office the door FINALLY opened and here was the FIRST meeting when they were officially our children! As you can imagine, this was such a happy, amazing moment! Madison stood in the door unsure at first, but with some coaxing ran into Myra's arms. Her well-known and often talked about 4 pigtails were gone which came as a surprise. They recently gave her a haircut! Still, of course, cute as ever. Jonathon was very happy to go right to Joe. Jonathon was not in the shorts we brought because they were way, way too big! Turns ourt he wears 9-12 month pants. we've heard this from other families but thought we remembered our kids being a little chunkier! guess we were wrong. We asked for the scrapbooks and their blankets/teddy bears/albums we left last time. To our disappointment, they could not find the scrapbooks so the social worker gave us a baby picture of each of the kids from their file. To which Madison spoke for the First time today, yelling BEBE happily and holding each picture in her hands. After some quick questions (including getting the caretakers names for the kids to have as they grow), we whisked our kids off to the Varna airport. We were really only in the orphanage for about 30 minutes. It seemed go by so fast and with little fanfare. So many people were on vacation (the orphanage director, Jonathons “grandma”, the social worker we worked with last time, etc). A bit disappointing but we left their gifts for them in the office.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">They did very well for us in the car and waiting in line, which was an adventure all in itself. The airport was very crowded and we had to try and make our way through any other lines to get to ours. Thankfully, Rosi was amazing (as always) and pushed our luggage cart through (all 100+ pounds of it!). We thought we would have time to rearrange before getting to the counter so we ended up carrying on a little more than we thought we would. Again it was just going by so fast. We were in the airport less than 3 minutes and our bags were checked and we were on the way to security (while the airport was very busy, Sofia wasn't an extremely popular destination.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">We fumbled a bit at security trying to rearrange, carry the kids, and dump out the juice they never had a chance to drink. Sippy cups are not in their repertoire. Rosi was gone at this point, off to meet another family! The would not let us take the kids through security so he made Joe go through while the TSA guy held Jonathon and then Joe went back through and carried Jonathon through. Same for Myra/Madison. Jonathon was ok with the stranger, Madison was none too happy, mainly we think because it was a male.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Once to the gate (really just a large room with multiple doors), Myra put on her Ergobaby carrier for the First time to carry Madison to look for juice. She was SOOOO thankful to have that carrier! Freeing up her hands was great and her arm was falling asleep trying to carry her. Madison did very well in the carrier and didn't seem to mind. Madison helped Myra pick out the juice and after a very unsuccessful attempt to get them to use sippy cups, we finally just unscrewed the tops and let them drink out of the cup like they are use to. Joe was able to finally 'trick' Jonathon into realizing it was okay, but Madison has quite the stubborn streak. Jonathon ate ½ a banana we bought that morning, but Madison was only interested in walking around with Myra and showing her all the very cool things in the airport, especially the grates (that was her favorite). After boarding a shuttle bus (First shuttle bus for them) to get on the plane (First plane) we thought we were settled and decided on staying together on the side with three seats (and no one take the aisle on the other side which was also assigned to us). Then, while they are taxing down the airport they tell us we can't both sit with children in that row. We had a hard time understanding what they wanted us to do, still taxing, but after a quick shuffle later we had no idea what happened except Myra had Madison strapped to her at the widow with a harness, some larger man now sat on the aisle seat of where Myra was (he just popped out of nowhere). And then Joe was on the other aisle with Jonathon harnessed to him. Myra was able to toss over some puffs for Jonathon so he would swallow during takeoff to pop his ears. Jonathon did eat some cracker puffs during takeoff, but Madison refused to eat the yogurt bites she was eating in the car (but she didn't really seem to enjoy them at that time) so Myra was very worried about her ears, BUT she was fine (fussy during takeoff,but we think she was just scared). The refreshment cart provided juice for Madison and a chocolate filled crossient – THIS Madison was all about and ate the whole thing (minus the two pieces her starving mother stole- bad mom!). On the way back down she ate the other banana ½ and we landed safely with no screams. Jonathon also had some juice and a croissant. This was a little past their lunchtime by now so their schedule was all off.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Getting off last (since we knew we'd have to just wait on the shuttle until the last person got off) we then waited to get our luggage (again Madison was strapped in the Ergobaby). We didn't see anyone waiting for us at first so we called our representative (Eti this time) on the cell they gave us and waited a little bit. Jonathon LOVED to walk around the luggage cart and play with the wheels on all the suitcases!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Our First stop after leaving the airport was the police station to apply for passports. This took quite some time, because there was a lot of paperwork to fill out. Of course Eti took care of it all for us while we tried to entertain the kids. Madison did great for the passport photo, but Jonathon wasn't having any of it. He started screaming and crying. Joe tried, then Eti, then Joe...the first three pictures didn't work because one of them was in it by accident or he wasn't looking. The picture we did get was priceless. He looks sooo mad! But they said that it was okay for the passport unless we wanted a nicer one – nope, we're good...its perfect for a guilt trip for hi later in life! After that we went to the apartment (about 3:30) to try and get them to sleep and go grocery shopping (nap time had also come and gone during all this travel). Neither happened though. There was a cabinet FULL of toys inn our apartment),..it took 2 seconds for them to find it. :-) They played a lot, Madison surprised us by picking up a toy phone, saying 'hallo' and then giving it to Myra! Jonathon has changed quite a bit in that he seems to understand 'how' to play with toys more than our last visit. Jonathon ate a gerber meal, Madison was having none of it. There is always a little 'meltdown' from Jonathon when the food is gone, but usually a distraction away from the table helps it to pass quickly. Then came the FIRST diaper change, what a tragedy that was. Madison was so upset (lets not forget they missed their normal 12:30-3 naps so for this to be her first meltdown is really very good!), but quickly bounced back. Soon after it was Jonathon's turn – poor boy! He had the WORST diaper rash – thankfully some friends had given us this wonderful ointment they swore by (weleda) and by the 2<sup>nd</sup> diaper change later it was already looking better! Madison helped Joe by making sure he got Jonathon's shoes back on (he left them off as Jonathon went to play but Madison tracked him down and insisted on shoes) and she put away the wipes case. She is a girl who likes/needs structure and order and lots of it. A funny diaper story was Madison soon after clearly needed another change. She watched Myra set it out the wipes and changing pad and even helped to open the wipes case – then she stood up and pointed and walked toward Jonathon saying 'Pepe!' (this is what they called him in the Orphanage). We started laughing so hard...but tried to stop when her little face got all mad knowing it was her in store for the change. They are really starting to open up and although Madison watches when Myra leaves the room she is clearing becoming more comfortable with Joe, but not quite ready for him to cuddle with her or play too much. They both laughed and talked with us a lot this afternoon, although the only thing we know they said was ball (topka).</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">It was almost 7pm so we fed them some Mac & Cheese we had brought with us for dinner (nope, we are not worried about them being healthy eaters during this week, just that they eat!). That went over great! Then is was time for diaper change/pj's/bed (8pm). They weren't excited about any of those things. We thought they would go right to sleep since they missed their nap, but this was not the case. There was a lot of crying, followed by the cutest interaction between them (and First time we saw them really playing with each other). They laughed and poked at each other on the bed (while Joe and I laid on either side in an attempt to coax them to sleep). Then they discovered the blinds and curtains behind the headboard – they had sooo much fun with this for a long time, it got to the point that we knew they would never stop and we had to try and calm them down.. Here came the meltdown...our poor babies....tired, scared, not sure where they were or why, they fought off sleep the most the could. They had a well-deserved tantrum and we just held them and talked them through it and all of a sudden Madison just stopped yelling laid down next to Myra rubbing her back, and was asleep! Jonathon was much more difficult, but Joe was very patient with him and eventually he gave in to sleep as well. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Next – a little after 9pm, Joe was off to find whatever food he could since we had nothing to eat since our 7:30pm breakfast. McDonalds has NEVER tasted so good! I can't even tell you the last time we had it. Not really a place we frequent in the U.S. We were sitting here recounting the day when Joe said he would check in on them again. He was in the process of looking for the flashlight Myra had in her purse (yup, likes to be prepared for anything), when we heard a noise and some crying. Jonathon had fallen out of bed! Thankfully, they were very low beds, but we had just been talking about moving the mattresses from the other room to go next to them....this sealed the deal. Jonathon was scared, but fine, and they are both happily taking over the queen size bed again in about 10 minutes. Good thing there is a twin mattress on either side of the bed now for us to sleep in because they clearly aren't willing to share the main bed!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">We are happily exhausted, wondering what they are thinking, praying for more improvements tomorrow and thanking God for our kids! Tomorrow is our First Full day with the kids- wonder what it will bring!</div>Joe & Myrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01064161373679806517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36571895.post-90895814600678626982011-07-31T12:25:00.000-07:002011-07-31T12:48:36.490-07:00Leaving on a jet plane (well, 4 actually)Seems like every time we fly, we're leaving early morning to head to the airport so today felt pretty weird. Our flight wasn't until 1:40pm so it meant not leaving our house until almost noon. So we had plenty of time for our Saturday morning ritual of pancakes and coffee in our pj's at the breakfast bar. Of course, as we sit there it suddenly dawned on us...this will be the last time we have our Saturday morning ritual at the breakfast bar. After all there are only 2 seats! Wow, what a wonderful thought. <br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">We had time to clean up and get the cat's food/water ready (there was no way to really prepare her for what was coming) and then rearrange the bed in our room in preparation for the arrival of Jonathon and Madison and the room we'll all share at nighttime for awhile. During naptimes we'll try to have then sleep in there room which as you can see from the pictures is all ready to go!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tygzOIyO9-0/TjWcnbdDINI/AAAAAAAACpk/PXV_tJf66Dg/s1600/Madison+Bed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tygzOIyO9-0/TjWcnbdDINI/AAAAAAAACpk/PXV_tJf66Dg/s200/Madison+Bed.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BPp100vd06M/TjWcrJGNasI/AAAAAAAACpo/Psp6JbM4PNw/s1600/Jonathon+bed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BPp100vd06M/TjWcrJGNasI/AAAAAAAACpo/Psp6JbM4PNw/s200/Jonathon+bed.jpg" width="150" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> Along with the back room that was once a dungeon and now FINALLY is finished (6 months after we started it). Now we have our laundry room, half bath and playroom! </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></div><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Ok, back to the day at hand, We had some friends over last night to see us off with a few beers and then we pretty much got everything packed by 2am (we couldn't sleep anyway). We had been getting everything 'staged' on the guest bed for weeks, so its not like we JUST started at 10pm the night before. We paired it down to 2 suitcases, a carry-on roller-board, and then a backpack already full of our 'plane items' for the kids on the way back (toys and snacks). It feels a bit weird carrying the backpack on the plane right now, but there was no room in the suitcases (and we barely made the weight limits with 49 and 48.5 pounds anyway!). There is already a fully-stocked diaper bag taking up space in the suitcase (yeah,Myra likes to be a bit prepared). Our friend Kara came by to pick us up and take us to the airport which was wonderful of her to offer so we didn't have to deal with parking.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">No problem with the plane from Tampa to Dulles. When we landed in Dulles Joe turned on his phone to immediately hear 'beep,beep,beep,beep...” meaning a barrage of text messages! Turned out it was from our family in New Mexico who had a layover in Dulles and were boarding in about 30 minutes. So of course we were four concourses away but we started briskly walking in their direction and 20 minutes and about 795 escalators later (along with 'glistening' faces) we found them at a little commuter terminal at the end of a hallway. So we had a wonderful quick 10 minute visit with the 5 of them (and mini family send-off) before they needed to board a plane to go up to Joe's parents house for the week. What surprise we got to meet them there!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Then over to our gate for our flight to Munich. Boarding was painless but when we will lose our premier status and economy plus seating air travel will be much less inviting! Thankfully we'll have the extra room for us and kids on the way home. Unfortunately, we went to pull away from the gate to find that our EPU (External Power Unit) broke. So back to the gate to get plugged in and checked out. Not a big deal, apparently and we could make it without it (I suppose its like a gallbladder or tonsils) but needed to get it looked at anyway. Not sure if they ever even fixed it but about and hour and half later we were on our way to arrive in Munich in a little under 8 hours. The ipod made an appearance in between movies to try and practice (in our head anyway) a few 'key' Bulgarian phrases, which will no doubt come out as “fat green chicken” instead of “I love you” or something along those lines!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Our gate in Munich wasn't far away so the hour late arrival wasn't a big deal but there wasn't a whole lot of time to spare or grab a snack. But, we were pleasantly surprised to find we had been upgraded to business class which meant an actual meal on our way to Sofia. It was very European (which we like) with yogurt, cheeses, breads, etc. But then they made it even more eclectic by adding in a piece of sushi. Departed a bit late but landed in Sofia right on time. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">We were first of the plane and breezed through customs to find our luggage just coming out the belt. Fastest airport experience we've had in some time. To our surprise Delyanna (from our Bulgarian agency VESTA) was waiting for us outside security to welcome us, give us a cell phone to use, etc. We had nice visit with her and then sat for a latte to start our 3.5 hour layover before we could check in for our intracountry flight to Varna. More practicing of Bulgarian phrases, snacking, etc to pass the time. Flight was delayed about an hour but no real hiccups. Our taxi driver was waiting for us and brought us right to the hotel. VESTA really works out all the details. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">We threw on some shorts and went out for some non-airline food. But we weren't in the mood for fancy so we had a beer and ate at the Happy Bar and Grill. You may remember us talking about this place from our first trip. Popular here, kind of Dennys'ish. The city of Varna changes so much with the seasons. In March the place was dreary and desolate (but easy to explore!). Now the place is packed as people flock to the coast for a summer vacation.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">We explored lots of Varna on the last trip but took a stroll among the crowds to look through all the craft vendors, look at the sea and think about Jonathon and Madison getting ready for bed just 20 minutes (rather than 28 hours) away. We talked lots about how they probably have no idea that as of tomorrow, they will be leaving the only place they have ever known. How scared they are going be. In a way its heartbreaking to think about.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Now were getting things rearranged in the suitcases, getting out gifts we want to leave with people at the orphanage, and then MAYBE getting some sleep if we can. Their 'Gotcha Day' outfits are all laid out. We can't even fathom, our last night with just the two of us. In some ways it still doesn't seem real. Is it actually happening? We've been married for just a few days shy of 9 years and as of tomorrow we finally get to share our love with our twins. The first day of forever.</div>Joe & Myrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01064161373679806517noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36571895.post-10283727362802002862011-07-20T06:02:00.001-07:002011-07-20T06:19:08.387-07:00IntroductionsWe had been hesitant to post pictures of the kids, even after the court date but the process is official and the kids are ours...so it's FINALLY time for some introductions!<br /><br />We'd like to introduce you to our new and growing family. 'Gotcha Day' in T minus 12 days...<br /><br />Please welcome:<br />Madison Antoaneta Long & Jonathon Petar Long:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jXI4kR0Co9Y/TibS1my5IKI/AAAAAAAACl8/9901ADcZinY/s1600/DSCN3667.JPG"> <img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jXI4kR0Co9Y/TibS1my5IKI/AAAAAAAACl8/9901ADcZinY/s320/DSCN3667.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631420202462290082" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AlvpTd3ylNE/TibS1nd8lEI/AAAAAAAACmE/0dfoTwEsAD4/s1600/Picture3_1.jpg"> <img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AlvpTd3ylNE/TibS1nd8lEI/AAAAAAAACmE/0dfoTwEsAD4/s320/Picture3_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631420202642871362" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xqRDsIVZSwE/TibS2BomGjI/AAAAAAAACmM/Ht1HoPo0APE/s1600/Picture3_10.jpg"> <img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xqRDsIVZSwE/TibS2BomGjI/AAAAAAAACmM/Ht1HoPo0APE/s320/Picture3_10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631420209666857522" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Joe & Myrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01064161373679806517noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36571895.post-60001834068568961312011-07-05T09:13:00.000-07:002011-07-05T09:16:28.553-07:00It's Official!Well we just heard that during our court hearing yesterday the judge officially approved our petition for adoption. SO, as of yesterday July, 4, 2011 Jonathon and Madison are officially part of our family and we are legally their parents! What a tremendous feeling. Now we wait about 3.5 weeks to head back to pick them up (with our list of things to do it will likely pass quickly). August 1, 2011 will be our 'Gotcha Day' (and often-used term in the adoption world). Amen!Joe & Myrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01064161373679806517noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36571895.post-37229872361491535332011-06-28T18:04:00.000-07:002011-06-29T05:15:46.143-07:00Travel Dates!!!We have a couple other posts in the 'Draft' folder BUT we couldn't resist letting everyone know that we got a call today with our travel dates!!! This is amazing because we haven't even had our court date yet. They schedule travel dates after the court date to ensure that everything goes smoothly with your case but apparently they are very confident with our case because they assigned us dates and gave us the go-ahead to buy our tickets.<br /><br />We will fly out July 30 and arrive in Varna on the 31st. First thing on August 1st we will go to the orphanage to pick up our kids!! We will then immediately fly to Sofia at noon (just us and kids...yikes!) for the rest of the week (appointments with doctors, the US Embassy, etc. etc.). We will arrive back on American soil (after 3 long flights) on August 6th. The nerves are setting in!<br /><br />Unfortunately we will be there one week AFTER their second birthday but what a way to celebrate our 9th Anniversary (August 3rd)...as a FAMILY!<br /><br />More updates to come about things that have been going on and on our preparations!Joe & Myrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01064161373679806517noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36571895.post-1029649125439295202011-06-26T06:35:00.001-07:002011-06-26T06:35:06.253-07:00Toddler Shower: The Pennsylvania Edition<p>Back-to-back weekend flights to the north resumed as we both flew up to PA for another toddler shower, this one at Joes’ parents house!  Lots of people in attendance from Joes family, childhood church, and some of his high school friends!  It was an awesome time of celebration and having the opportunity to show everyone pictures and videos of the kids (of course in all reality many of them had already seen the pictures Joes mom carries around!).  It was another short trip (Friday night to Sunday afternoon) but it was a  great time and we take every opportunity we can to see our niece and nephew (you of course their parents! :) ).  Thanks to all for the wonderful presents and celebration.  It was physically impossible to manipulate everything in the suitcases this time but Joes parents were on their way to FL in a couple weeks so the rest was delivered to our door!</p> Joe & Myrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01064161373679806517noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36571895.post-25854883655149385242011-06-23T18:37:00.001-07:002011-06-28T06:16:17.191-07:00Toddler Shower: The New York Edition<p>We’ve been so humbled by the generosity and excitement of our friends and family as we all wait for the homecoming of Madison and Jonathon. In the beginning of May Myra flew up to Syracuse for a weekend because her mom hosted a toddler shower! It was a great day with family and friends and so exciting to start to prepare with things we need for the kids. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9lf2RFpkml8/TgdjfvrR5MI/AAAAAAAACbc/j0EhKTXQ1ZM/s1600-h/IMG_1834%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border: 0px none; display: inline;" title="IMG_1834" alt="IMG_1834" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vhooya0URmk/TgdjgBqQsEI/AAAAAAAACbg/w3JG73DV-0I/IMG_1834_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0" height="184" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wp7HIWGol0A/TgdjgZJUitI/AAAAAAAACbk/TDtSRkKpDHY/s1600-h/103_2325%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border: 0px none; display: inline;" title="103_2325" alt="103_2325" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WZh_G-Rn64Q/Tgdjg4eQ4-I/AAAAAAAACbo/tpIxtfCq9Yg/103_2325_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0" height="184" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8h0m1mkEu54/TgdjhTyAuGI/AAAAAAAACbs/Nc8TpBhe8tY/s1600-h/IMG_0674%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border: 0px none; display: inline;" title="IMG_0674" alt="IMG_0674" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Xl73Cm4Tqh8/TgdjhvqGsvI/AAAAAAAACbw/ngzAFIbJrsY/IMG_0674_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0" height="184" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8_6Xqbwg_Bo/Tgdjh2-wv6I/AAAAAAAACb0/48hfhk2IVUQ/s1600-h/IMG_1767%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border: 0px none; display: inline;" title="IMG_1767" alt="IMG_1767" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sI5Tw9RpXyQ/TgdjiPD9_vI/AAAAAAAACb4/bpSeA8Trlz4/IMG_1767_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0" height="184" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-90yKpe6OPbo/TgdjiVPCFqI/AAAAAAAACb8/FXvGVVbfYgY/s1600-h/IMG_1831%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border: 0px none; display: inline;" title="IMG_1831" alt="IMG_1831" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Pm2lIjimY1Q/TgdjjJY4qvI/AAAAAAAACcA/nQSXXW9nkbg/IMG_1831_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0" height="184" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ezpwcF4861s/TgdjjdkJmEI/AAAAAAAACcE/5c2Bc0qFDqM/s1600-h/IMG_1772%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border: 0px none; display: inline;" title="IMG_1772" alt="IMG_1772" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sv6Y20sHBn8/Tgdjj6U14QI/AAAAAAAACcI/iN3kPkwKFb8/IMG_1772_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0" height="184" /></a></p> <p>Of course the fun started even before the shower when Myra’s aunts and grandma sent a double stroller to us in St. Petersburg! We love it! Now we just have to figure out how to fit it through doorways! This on top of the diapers, toilet seats, and car seats family and friends have purchased is such a wonderful surprise and blessing.</p>The real challenge came in getting everything back home but with empty suitcases packed inside of empty suitcases on the way (think of those wooden Russian dolls) and Myras superior packing skills it all made it back. Of course when she emptied it all out in the living room to show Joe, he about fainted from the overwhelming realization of everything we need for the kids (and will our house be big enough!?!?)Joe & Myrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01064161373679806517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36571895.post-69641848153606235672011-06-20T11:23:00.000-07:002011-06-20T11:30:20.533-07:00Court Date Scheduled!You might think we are a little behind with updates, but the sad part is...there weren't any updates to be posted! We are hoping to add some posts soon with pictures from the wonderful 'toddler showers' our friends and family have been having for us, and some the 'nesting' that is going on around the house. But in the meantime, we FINALLY have a court date scheduled!!<br /><br />July 4, 2011 will be the court date. Obviously not as soon as we would like, but at least we have a date. We are praying this next 2 weeks goes by quickly.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Whats Next</span>: After the court there is a one week period for people to contest the courts decision. Then, provided we passed court (they oftentimes ask for additional information and postpone the decision), and no one contests the adoption, it takes 2-3 more weeks to issue new birth certificates and the court decree. Once those documents are issued we can travel to pick up Madison and Jonathon! So we are looking around mid-August...we HOPE!Joe & Myrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01064161373679806517noreply@blogger.com0