What's Up?

Wow it has been forever since my last post--- Life has been busy, but good!


well---not all good... 2 weeks ago Deyan took a tumble down the stairs with his big sis-- OUCH! Busted femur. He was in a lot of pain for a few days, now he is just a little annoyed that we won't let him walk--

Since Christmas, we have been prodding him to take his first steps--- now we won't let him--poor dude is quite confused. another few weeks little "Cheeto".

Marty continues to push his boundaries like any good boy should-- He still loves to sign, be read to, and swing--- just on his terms-- he has picked up a nasty habit of scratching us if he does not get what he wants---anyone else dealing with this?

Many days Marty spends more time in "timeout" than out of it---- but it really seems to be working well. He understands what is expected and every day is a bit more willing to deliver.

SUMMER!

Moose made his first visit to the local swim club pool--- I was at home with Dido, but the reports were that after some initial trepidation the Moose took well to water--- I can't wait to get him to the pool to see!

Dido LOVES the water---but no pool until at least early July thanks to the break-- we also had to postpone our first family vacation in about a million years--- The beach and mouse would not be fun with a gimpy Cheeto--- Maybe August.

I may be the only one,but I am so looking forward to summer with the boys---lots of work on schedule, routine,communication and family!

It's Gonna be a GREAT Summer!

My Amazing Swimming Moose

Sorry-- I have no Pics


Today Marty and I had the most amazing afternoon---

Marty (Moose) is afraid of EVERYTHING.

We have had the kiddie pools out 5 or 6 times so far this year and the most he would do is sit on the ledge maybe putting his feet in. (one pool is actually a sandbox and has a nice place to sit and watch)

This afternoon Deyan wanted to be in--- Jake too-- so it was me and 2 of the older boys with Moose.. after a few minutes he sat his toosh in the water (first time)... a couple minutes later he was splashing with his hands---- then his feet-- then laying on his back--- then ALMOST putting his face in the water---

What an amazing transformation--- it was like watching a 9 month old enter the water the first time and after 30 minutes a 3 year old emerge with appropriate water play skills--

Moose, you amaze me-- It's gonna be a FUN Summer--- Can't wait!

Love,

papa

Tragedy Begets Life

One year ago today our baby Jordan (Jacob-Henry) died in a Bulgarian hospital from surgical complications It happened just a few months before we to hold his tiny body and comfort him with the thought of a forever family.

I still think of him every day when I look into the eyes of his brother Deyan.

Through Jordan's death, Deyan has had a chance at life. We had already committed to bring Jordan and Martin home. After we got the terrible news about Jordan's passing, we could not even think of "replacing" him with another child.

Thanks to many hours of prayer and many encouraging words from you we DID decide to find a second child that needed us-- Another child with little hope of being adopted and little hope to survive another year.

One year later Jordan's brother Deyan has not only survived, but thrived when given the chance at a full life.

Thanks to God for this miracle.

Jordan-- I will always keep the promise I made to you --

Each time I play with Deyan--- hear him giggle--- see him smile-- I will give him 2 hugs-- one of them is for him, one of them is for you.


Love Papa

Deyan... the same Kid?

Thanks to Sabrina for taking note of Deyan and his hair (the fact that he now has some)

What an amazing transformation this past year:

Easter Weekend!

Sorry it has been so long since the last post.

No drama to report. We all continue to get to know each other and to grow together as a family.

The Cliffs Notes Version:

Deyan:

• What a HAPPY kid. Sure he has moments, but what a smile just about ALL THE TIME!
• He is now officially a walker--- he can't get enough of it. He does laps in the living room, but really loves to tear down long hallways.
• Kudos to the orphanage eye docs. We finally got his eyes checked and the glasses from Bulgaria are exactly what he needs (except now that he has some meat on him they no longer fit)-- Got his new ones today!
• Zero health issues other than those (maybe) seizures.--Amazing!
• talking a bit--- we get "Mama" and "Ba" (he is taking a bottle a couple of times a day)

Marty:

• Oh Moose! All he wants to do is tell us what he wants (and for us to promptly comply). He picks up signs super fast. He is up to more than 20 signs. Some are not quite "right"-- my fave is his sign for "happy". It looks more like the throat slitting motion... 
• We have been working on signs for emotions and other abstract things this week. He gets it. Plus he has a great sense of humor. He will scowl at you and sign angry--- then bust our laughing.
• The swing machine--- Moose would swing 24 hours a day if he could. The Rainbow Play System has gotten quite a workout already this spring. Baby swing?--DA! Big swing on a lap? DA! Today he did a few minutes in the big swing by himself.
• Still freaked out about new stuff. Mary took the kids to the reds Opening Day Parade yesterday. The report was that he really warmed up to it--but just as in the past, a major new adventure means a sleepless night the following night. Excitement? Fear? Dunno

Some Pics courtesy of school!

A Wonderful Spring Day!

If this is climate change---sign me up!

We were in the mid 80s today as the boys played outside.

Deyan LOVES the kiddie pool--- Marty "wants" to love it but is still a bit timid..

A Whole New Jake today too! (YAY)

Marie brought Deuce to play --- he is a 9 month old German Shepard--- and the boys all loved it.

Newbie update:

It has been so much fun to watch language blossom with both new boys. They (especially Marty) sign for all basic needs.

Marty LOVES to watch as Emily sings songs and signs to him--- he watches every hand movement.

He has figured out for the very first time in his life that he can communicate his wants and needs--- he does not want to miss any chance to increase his ability to let us know what he wants!

SIDEBAR---
Marty would sign ANYTHING to get him out of the living room (the only play room for the newbies)--Eat? Sleep? Drink? NOPE they are all "Moose speak" for "make a run for it". I think today he finally understands that each sign does not automatically mean you are free to escape.


random thoughts---


We never picked up on it in Bulgaria, but Marty is one VERY smart kid. Our new duty is to make sure that he get the supports he needs to rule the world (or at least his world)

Deyan had a blood draw yesterday---the first time with me---WOW was he unhappy to see me this morning-- grudge boy--- he got better this afternoon,but still was not happy with what I had done to him--- sorry Dido.


The new kids are so settled in---- it is like they have been here forever. Now if we can get Jake's SIB under control I could see "normal" in our future---- Let's go Jakie Bear!!!

A Castless Moose

Marty finally got his cast off today--- poor dude


his arm looks all gross after 6 weeks in there-- a bit swollen and VERY dry and peeling--- he still won't use it yet. Hopefully a few days to get some mobility and a week or so for some strength and he will be back and signing with 2 hands!

I feel kinda bad--- it was a nice day yesterday and we were all outside--- you would THINK we would have enough sense to put sunscreen on the babies who have never seen sun---NOPE!

the good news is that Marty just had a bit of red on his face today---Deyan just some new tan!


Here come some pics from Emily !