Today as we pulled up to the orphanage Alina was waiting at the window. She smiled and waved. She told Lena she had been waiting there all morning.
She came to meet us all smiles, with hugs for everyone.
We took her with us and what a great day we had together. We went grocery shopping and we tried to get her to pick out a snack or some candy. She wouldn't.
When I took Lena and Sara to the grocery store for the first time they wanted everything. Funny, shy Alina.
We went to lunch at the Pizza place, you remember Wendy. Then back to our apartment and played UNO and Candy Land.
She loved Candy Land and wanted to take it back to the orphanage to play with all the kids. Of course, we said yes because that is what Shelby wanted, so thank you Shelby!!!! They are going to love it.
The highlight of her day was to Skype her brother Spencer in America, who was adopted by the Hinkson's. We mentioned it to her and she was very excited. She had to make sure her hair was perfect before she got in front of the computer. When she saw him on the other end she just started talking and talking. She was all smiles, and so happy.
My favorite part was when Spencer said something like, "Wow Alina you have huge bangs" in English. She didnt understand but the girls and I couldn't help it, we busted up laughing. She asked what he said and Lena told her that he said her hair was long. Smooth Lena! I am still laughing as I write. Thanks Hinkson's ! We sure love you guys.
When we were riding back to the orphanage I reached over and grabbed her hand and told her how happy I was she was coming with us. I don't know how much she undestood but she squeezed my hand tight and held onto it the rest of the way. Her sweet little hand in mine, ahhh!
Lena and Sara are extremely cute with Alina. They are so so nice it is hilarious. Sara treats her like a pet or little kid, always saying good job and stuff you would say to a dog or toddler. I am sure Alina wants to pound her, but she just smiles.
They always want her to win all the games and they get mad if anyone skips her or makes her draw extra cards. How long will it last??? Hopefully until we get home.
I will have to post pictures tomorrow about giving presents to Sara and Lena's friends and our time at their orphanage. It was so amazing. I am too tired tonight. What a great experience we are having so far.
The face under the hair. She hates pictures.
Our funny face contest. Alina didn't want to play. I don't know why. Ha ha! The girl's laughed and said mine was only funny because it wasn't funny it was stupid. Oh well!
What a difference a day makes. Such a sweet daughter you'll soon have. Keep being such a great mom! And tell Jeff to keep being himself and it's just a matter of time before she'll be laughing out loud. :)
ReplyDeleteIt was awesome to talk to you and see Alina in teenage form. I hope you really enjoy that super nice intra-daughter behavior. I think you should video tape it and then when they are home fighting over clothes and stuff you can go and watch the video in your bedroom :) We are so excited that things are going smoothly. YAY YAY YAY!!! Big giant Whew!
ReplyDeleteYou are all so lucky ~ all coming together making an awesome family! Very happy that she said "yes"! Can't wait to hear more about the little brother...
ReplyDeleteThe part about treating her like a pet or a toddler made me laugh because it is how our kids treated the new kids when they arrived... (even though they are all younger than one of the boys we adopted). It is so awesome that you are able to have your daughters there with you. Sweet story.
ReplyDeleteEven if she didn't understand your words - she understands your heart.
ReplyDeleteThe Pizza place!! With the terrible hole in the floor bathroom. Remember that. Remember to go before - unless you're at the orphanage. In that case this hole in the floor is cleaner and smells better than the other.
I am so sorry Fring didn't work well. Skype us if you can, if not, no worries. It's not like Alex can say much or understand. He did get a dark glimpse of Sasha and then he watched over me while I tried to find you on Skype.
Lena is smooth. Not sure I could have thought of something so quick!
Love and miss you. We loved the broccoli salad at the pizza place. And if your at the same location (I think it's a franchise?) by the orphanage, remember the place to get your toes done is just behind it. They do fingers too!
Amy, Her face looks brighter in one day! You girls are being so cute! WE are here in Kiev! what is your # you can email it to debbiemosteller@msn.com
ReplyDeleteGet a hot chocolate for me at the pizza place or the potato house upstairs. I loved the salad there too with mayo in it but one day i got it and it had raw fish in it. The hot chocolate was never a disappointment though:)
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad everyone loves Alina. Even if the girls are treating her like a pet, it shows that they want her to feel good and loved! I do agree you may want to video some of these nice moments to reflect on when there are hard days : ) But the entire post made me smile, I love that it's all coming together!
ReplyDeleteThis post made my heart full!
DeleteI don't know how to post a comment on your blog.. humph it is only letting me post as replys..
Adorable day with Alina! I love your laughs and giggles and smiles! You are wonderful Amy!