Today when we got to the orphanage the girls showed us the cafeteria. This is Lena's friend. Although, she did tell me through the translator that her best friend is Leslie Soderberg's Julia. That surprised me a bit since Julia keeps telling Leslie she doesn't have any friends. I told Lena that she will be able to see her back home sometimes, that got a huge grin out of her. That's good huh Leslie. Our girls are friends.
We spent the rest of the day at the park and then had a little birthday party for Julia. The Strader's Julia. That is how we keep the Julia's straight.
The attorney told me that the girls are anxious for court and are excited to be ours. She said Sveta asked her to write her new name in Russian and English so she can learn to say it and write it for the judge. It is surprising to me how much they understand. They play and act blissfully happy and unaware but inside they understand and are as anxious as we are. I said America to Sveta and pointed at her and me and she jumped up and down and said da da.
I had a slightly stressful thought today. These girls have been dreaming of having a mother for so long. I thought to myself if I didn't have a mother and I spent so much time hoping and longing for one, what kind of a mother would I hope for. I suddenly realized they probably have really high expectations of me. I promised myself today to do everything in my power to be the kind of mother these girls have been dreaming of. I know I will someday be tempted to take them for granted and forget the gratitude and wonder I feel now. When I am tempted to feel that way I am going to reread my feelings and remind myself of the dreams of my little girls and the promise I am making today to be that mother to them. I know I won't be perfect but I can give them my heart and the best me I can be.
Thanks to all of you who show me what it means to be a wonderful mother. I love you all!
Hey, the cakes look good. Better than the fish snacks!
ReplyDeleteYou look happy Amy and I know you will be a wonderful mother!
Hey, I think this Ukraine air must be going to your head that or the smell of your stairwell! You'll be a fabulous Mom! And these girls already love you and YOU are who the want.
ReplyDeleteGood gravy....
You make me cry with your posts!! Stop it!! (J/K) I LOVE THEM!! You are going to be a great Mom and Heavenly Father is giving them to you because that is what you all need!! How blessed are you to have them in your life and how blessed are they to have you!! AMAIZING!! Can't wait to read more on this adventure! GOOD LUCK, Love, Vanesa and the fam.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like this is and will continue to be an adventure of a lifetime! I wouldn't worry too much about the mothering aspect though because you've had plenty of practice on your nieces and nephews and if you're half as good of a mother as you are an aunt then these girls will count their lucky stars that they were so blessed to be able to join your family. We love you and continue to pray for you.
ReplyDeleteI've loved reading about your family's amazing journey. Thanks for sharing it with me. You will all be in our prayers. And Amy, I always knew you'd be the most incredible mother. Your girls are truly blessed to have you.
ReplyDeleteOh, by the way...the Daren comment is from Jen Koldewyn. That could be creepy...who's this Daren guy?
ReplyDeleteYou have such a tender heart and those that don't know you as well can tell you are close to the spirit and that you are aware of the needs of these little girls. The pictures that Wendy took before you got there, and the pictures of them now that you are there clearly show that they have found the mama of their dreams. As much as your girls have waiting for the mama of their dreams, you and Jeff have been waiting for the children of your dreams. Heavenly Father has blessed you both to be together, which has led to this miracle.
ReplyDeleteYou will be a fantastic mother! We (moms) all have our days but that is part of the fun. Besides being a good mom to one kid is different for the next, I am finding. They all need something different. I tell my kids all the time this is the first time I've parented so I'm learning too. Sometimes they look at me weird.
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