tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22248581495020289282024-03-05T18:04:05.430-06:00Our family journeysThis blog is the story of our family's journeys - starting with an International Adoption from Hungary and then whatever the future holds for us.KRShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11224942925618692004noreply@blogger.comBlogger91125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2224858149502028928.post-85178513639331103042013-05-20T21:40:00.000-05:002013-05-20T21:41:56.739-05:00Drew's surgeryWhen we received Drew's referral, we were told that he had an issue with his left leg. We were able to see medical reports and talk to an English speaking doctor who had examined him. <br />
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Shortly after he was born, he developed a staph infection in his left knee. The infection was treated properly in a hospital, but it left the growth area weak. As he grew, the ligaments did not keep the lower bones lined up properly so they rotated and caused his leg to be bowed. The doctors said it would be a simple procedure to correct the leg. Luckily, the bones were straight though. In June, after we came home, I took Drew to a local doctor who referred us to Scottish Rite in Dallas. <br />
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Drew was accepted as a patient and his surgery was scheduled for January 8th. I wanted to avoid the holidays since he would be in a wheelchair after the surgery. The surgery would involve cutting the 2 lower bones and inserting rods that would hold the leg straight and afterward, he would need to wear a full leg cast from his hip to his toes. He would not be able to put any weight on it for 6 weeks.<br />
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While he never seemed to be in pain nor did he ever complain, the doctors told us that it needed to be fixed before his knee cap hardened into bone or it would be inoperable. He would have had hip, knee and ankle problems for the rest of his life.<br />
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Drew did wonderfully during surgery - there were so many unknowns when the nurses were asking me questions! The doctor was very pleased with the procedure. Drew never complained during the next 6 weeks. He still went to school and since it was winter he didn't miss much outdoor time. <br />
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We had the cast removed on February 19 and hoped that would be the end of it! But the doctor said it was still a "soft heal" so he put Drew in a short cast and gave us a walking boot so he could start putting weight on it. He had to wear the short cast for 4 more weeks. Because there were pins in his leg while he had on the full leg cast, Drew had to be put out when they took off the long cast. During this time, the doctor injected a dye into his knee to view the cartilege in an XRay. The dr said that the cartilege looked better than he had hoped and was very pleased.<br />
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Finally! On March 22nd (which is actually the 1 year anniversary of us leaving Hungary) I took Drew to have the short cast removed. He was so excited!<br />
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Drew's leg is much better. He will probably need another surgery when he's done growing and there's a chance that he might need limb lengthening surgery as well. The growth area in the knee was damaged and there's nothing that can be done about that and so there are still some unknowns about his lower leg. However, he has the best doctors available and will have 2 checkups every year.<br />
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Based on the creases in the backs of his knees, you can see that his left leg is shorter than the right. If it's a small enough difference, he might wear shoe inserts or if it's too much, he might need the limb lengthening surgery. Only time will tell!<br />
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<br />KRShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11224942925618692004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2224858149502028928.post-11992388911255095952013-05-20T20:59:00.001-05:002013-05-20T21:41:00.990-05:00Finally updating!Finally updating and like most people, I can't believe how quickly time has passed. We are 2 weeks away from school being out - how is that possible!<br />
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All the boys are doing really well! Gus has changed so much this year. He ran track in the spring. <br />
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He ran distance and hurdles. Because his school is small and he's in 6th grade, he usually ran against 6th and 7th graders. At the District meet, he ran against 6th, 7th and 8th graders.</div>
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Drew and Sam continue to make us smile and laugh. </div>
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KRShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11224942925618692004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2224858149502028928.post-5306455770660063952013-02-17T18:54:00.000-06:002013-02-17T18:54:33.101-06:00Funny thingsI enjoy the boys conversations and words that they can't say quite right yet.<br />
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Drew saw me packing his bag for our trip tomorrow and he went right over to Sam and said "Sam, I'm going on trip. You gonna miss me?" So sweet!<br />
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packpack = backpack<br />
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lellow = yellow<br />
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Where you are?<br />
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The boys have started playing hide n seek with each other. It goes better than when Aaron tried to teach them a year ago, but Sam just can't wait quietly. As soon as Drew finishes counting, he yells "Where you are?" and Sam yells back "Come find me!" Drew goes straight to where Sam is hiding. Sam then proceeds to accuse me of telling Drew where he was hiding.<br />
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The other game they like to play is the Quiet game and I'm all over this! They will talk 90 mph and then one of them will say "Let's play the quiet game. Starting now." They are actually pretty good at this game, and surprisingly, Sam wins the majority of the time.KRShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11224942925618692004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2224858149502028928.post-75799629633505935632013-02-16T16:55:00.001-06:002013-02-16T16:55:46.137-06:00One year agoOne year ago, we were given custody of the boys and went to pick them up for the last time from the foster home.<br />
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<a href="http://aggiesages.blogspot.com/2012/02/long-hard-days-and-names-by-aaron.html" target="_blank">One year ago</a><br />
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What a difference a year makes! It hasn't always been easy, but nothing worthwhile ever is right? We love these boys so much!KRShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11224942925618692004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2224858149502028928.post-24960595568595501432013-02-16T16:42:00.000-06:002013-02-16T16:49:11.031-06:00LearningWe continue to teach the boys good manners. They are pretty good at saying Yes m'am/sir, no m'am/sir, please, thank you, God bless you, etc. They have taken this to the point of saying "Mom (or Dad) thank you for cooking this" when we sit down to eat. They also say this to friends so I know they are getting the message.<br />
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They are also learning to encourage others. Today, Sam said to me "Mom, you did a good job cleaning your room."<br />
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The boys are doing really well in school. We had a conference with Drew's teacher and she said that he is right in the middle of the other kids who will go into kindergarten next year. This is really an accomplishment since he's only been in America for less than a year. <br />
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Sam is learning to play baseball. He gets really excited about it, but sometimes forgets that it's baseball and he'll say football or basketball.KRShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11224942925618692004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2224858149502028928.post-25497570881530241722013-02-16T16:37:00.000-06:002013-02-16T16:37:01.629-06:00Christmas <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Finally updating after 3 months away. I'm blaming the holidays and life flying by for not keeping up with my posts. I'll try to go in order.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">School Christmas play - even though the boys are in different classes, Sam was seated behind Drew. Drew's teacher told me that it wasn't planned.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drew frosting his own cookie at school party<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sam opening a gift in his class<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys decorating a gingerbread train<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sam meeting Santa Claus - also called Ho Ho. </td></tr>
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Sam was so excited when Santa Claus came to grandma's house. He wanted to be the first one to sit on his lap. He was not shy at all.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drew meeting Santa Claus</td></tr>
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Drew was very shy around Santa. He held onto my leg when he first saw him. Drew was the last one to sit on Santa's lap.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas morning</td></tr>
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The boys didn't know what to expect! They slept in until 8:30 and only woke up because we let Gus wake them up. I hadn't put any presents around the tree and they were so excited to see the stockings and presents. I'm sure next year will be a very different experience.<br />
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We all went to Midnight Mass at our church. Gus was an altar server. The boys were very well behaved and stayed awake the whole time. It was our first time at Midnight Mass since the new church was built. In previous years, we had gone to the earlier children's mass because Gus was in the choir.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite present</td></tr>
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Aaron and the boys had a big surprise for me. Aaron had made this metal cross. Gus told him to weld 'Jesus lives in Family' on it. Then he welded flowers, vines, and all our names on it. Lastly, they all painted it. The little boys used their thumbs for the flowers and leaves, while Aaron and Gus did the more detailed work. I cried like a baby!<br />
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KRShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11224942925618692004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2224858149502028928.post-58824442086529646262012-11-18T22:56:00.002-06:002012-11-18T22:56:48.184-06:00Finally updatingI can't believe it's been about 6 weeks since I last posted. If you asked me, I would have said it was only a couple weeks ago. Time is really flying by!!<br />
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October was busy with friends visiting, our school Carnival and Halloween. The boys really liked Halloween once they realized they were getting candy at each house. Sam kept asking me, "more candy, mom?" <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our West TX friends came to visit and brought wigs, mustaches, fake bugs and fake poop.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys were pirates for our school costume contest<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Jack o'lanterns with the boys<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trick or Treating<br />
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KRShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11224942925618692004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2224858149502028928.post-57981965055262322532012-09-27T20:53:00.001-05:002012-09-27T20:54:08.005-05:00"Read at me"The boys are at a stage where they love books. Their teachers at school tell us that the boys are really interested in their letters and in books. <br />
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Some of their favorite books at home are ones I read over and over and over and over... to Gus and I've found that I still know them by heart.<br />
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Drew (with a steel trap mind) already has some of them memorized and I've walked in his room more than once to hear him 'reading' to himself.<br />
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How can I resist when Sam comes running to me with a book in hand and says "Mommy, read at me"<br />
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My house might be messy and dusty but I'm happy to read instead of clean!!KRShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11224942925618692004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2224858149502028928.post-23297352447560594882012-09-26T20:46:00.000-05:002012-09-26T20:46:40.797-05:00ConversationsOur conversations with the boys are becoming longer. Both of them speak pretty clearly now, although Drew is still a little hard to understand sometimes.<br />
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About 2 weeks ago, on a Friday evening, we were outside and it was getting cool. Aaron went inside to get a lightweight jacket and he grabbed the one he wore in Hungary. (He hasn't worn it since March) As soon as he came back outside with it on, Drew looked at him and said "Miskolc jacket". Drew has a mind like a steel trap! We started asking him questions about Miskolc and his old house. He told us that Adam and a doctor came to his old house and asked him questions. We asked "What did they ask you?" He said "my name" but couldn't tell us anything else.<br />
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Both he and Sam have been talking more about their old house (they call it Miskolc house or old) and they talk about old mom and old dad. Occasionally, one of them will mention "the kids" but when we ask them more questions, they say they don't know. Very confusing.<br />
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Sam talks about Ho, Ho all the time. We keep saying Santa Claus, but he can't say it, so he says Ho, Ho. The other day Sam told us that he was going to hide in the closet and when he saw Ho, Ho, he would say "Hey, Ho, Ho, what's up?" Where does he come up with this stuff??? <br />
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Sam also 'loves' everything that anyone else mentions/eats/does. Tonight, Gus warmed up some soup and it was a little too hot so he put an ice cube in it. Sam immediately said that he loved ice and wanted some in his macaroni and cheese. If I said I love onions, he would say that he loves them too.<br />
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KRShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11224942925618692004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2224858149502028928.post-85465681050230930102012-09-05T23:42:00.000-05:002012-09-05T23:42:12.726-05:00DoctorsWe've been to 2 doctors 3 times in 11 days. <br />
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The first appointment (on a Friday) was a regular checkup for Sam and Drew. They have been really healthy since we came home and I've been very relieved. The boys talked about their doctor visit for several days and we even practiced reflexes and breathing beforehand. Needless to say, they were both pretty excited. Our doctor was fantastic with both of them and they talked non-stop to her and answered all of her questions. Both have grown taller and gained weight since we've been home. She was really impressed with their English and some of their other abilities - considering they've been in the US only 6 months.<br />
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Then came the dreaded (by me) words "They each need their 4 year immunizations." I thought, "How am I going to handle this?" The nurse suggested one boy at a time while the other went to the nurse's station. I volunteered Drew first for shots. Sam went down to entertain the nurses, while I held Drew in a bear hug and the nurse held his legs down so she could give him all 5 shots. The first shot drew a cry and tears, the next 3 shots brought on more tears and the final shot (the stinging one) brought out a cry and a look of "why are you doing this to me?"I could only hold/console him and tell him he was brave. Drew quickly calmed down when the nurse mentioned candy and toys.<br />
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She opened the door and I heard Sam telling the nurses that Pa and Gammy had come to see him and brought presents and corn. (Remember Sam miming eating corn on the cob - he's been fascinated with it since then). We traded out the boys and it was Sam's turn. He questioned everything but when I told him it was the same for Drew, he was ok with it. Until the first shot - he gasped loudly and gave me look that wasn't friendly. His eyes filled with tears but he didn't cry out and the nurse told him he was brave and mentioned candy and he was better.<br />
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Our second appointment was also planned well in advance and took place the following Friday. Shortly after Drew was born, he developed a staph infection in his left knee that has caused his leg to bow out. The infection was treated but the infection had damaged his left leg growth plate and some of the cartilage. We knew that he would require surgery at some point, but felt it was better to have the surgery here than in Hungary. In May, I had taken him to an orthopedic doctor who quickly referred him to <a href="http://www.tsrhc.org/">Scottish Rite Children's Hospital</a> in Dallas. We drove to Dallas Thursday night because his first appointment was at 8:30 Friday morning. Drew was excited to be alone with us, but a little wary after his last doctor experience. I had told him that he wouldn't get any shots, but I'm sure he was still thinking about them. <br />
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<em>Let me tell you, being at Scottish Rite was one of the most humbling yet uplifting experiences of my life. Out of all the children we saw in the waiting rooms, hallways, play areas, Drew was the only one who had 2 hands, 2 feet, 2 arms and 2 legs. Every other child was missing at least one (and usually multiple) limbs. But they weren't sitting around feeling sorry for themselves, they were laughing and playing and chasing each other - they were just being kids. If you are not familiar with the work this incredible hospital performs every day, please check them out.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
Drew's appointments went well. He will soon need a surgery to straighten out his leg, otherwise his knee could be badly or irreparably damaged. He will probably require another surgery in 8-10 years since he is still growing. We felt extremely comfortable with the doctors. The doctors are the best in their fields.<br />
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We returned home Friday evening and the next morning, Sam woke up with one side of his face swollen. I looked in his mouth and one side of his throat was swollen. He wasn't running any fever, ate well and had lots of energy. This probably makes me sound like a bad mom, but I waited until Tuesday to take him to the doctor. I just kept thinking that if it was serious, he would act differently or have a fever or lose his appetite. Tuesday morning he had a fever of 99 so I decided to take him back to his first doctor. He was pretty excited to get candy again and didn't mention the shots. The doc took one look at his throat and said "It's strep." <em>I feel pretty lucky because this is the first time I've heard those words from a doctor. Gus has never had strep before which is nothing short of a miracle because it's swept through his old school a few times.</em> So I call up the hubby to say that Sam needs to come to his office for the rest of the day. I<em> </em>fill his prescription, grab some lunch (Chick FilA), and run by the house for a sleeping bag. I leave him with Aaron and within 2 hours, Sam is worn out and has no energy. After I left work at 5, I picked up Drew and had to get Gus from a friend's house. Aaron called me at 5:30 to say that Sam's temp was 105. I make it home and Sam's lethargic and covered in sweat. We give him some ibuprofen and his fever finally starts to come down around 7pm. <br />
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Sam was quickly back to his old self and looks forward to the next time he's sick so he can go to the doctor, get ChickFilA and stay at Oil Vac with Dad. He's mentioned it at least once day since last Wednesday :) Yes, I'm serious.KRShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11224942925618692004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2224858149502028928.post-89741269811760510352012-08-25T12:21:00.002-05:002012-08-25T12:21:17.298-05:00First daySchool started this past week and I'm really happy to be back in this school routine. The little boys are still at St. Mary's while Gus has moved up to middle school. I have a hard time thinking aobut him being in 6th grade - it has all flown by so quickly. As usual, we took our first day pictures with Dad.<br />
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KRShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11224942925618692004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2224858149502028928.post-35168252497893319462012-08-25T12:16:00.003-05:002012-08-25T12:16:37.836-05:00BaptismOn August 4th, we had the boys baptized at our church. Our dear friends were their godparents. It was a beautiful day and we had brunch for our family and friends afterwards.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sam</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drew</td></tr>
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KRShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11224942925618692004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2224858149502028928.post-63736633425928197962012-08-07T21:07:00.001-05:002012-08-07T21:12:11.477-05:00More funny conversationsThe boys speak really well now and we can understand almost everything they say. They still say things backwards. They are also in the habit of saying something that has the same meaning but saying it in different ways.<br />
<em>Example</em><br />
Drew loves our babysitter, Ansley. He knows that she comes on Tuesday and Thursday and the boys go to school on the other days of the week. So after Monday, he'll say:<br />
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Drew "Mom, me eat, sleep, wake up, Ansley here." <br />
Mom: "Yes" <br />
Drew: "Mom, Ansley here after sleep, wake up" <br />
Mom: "Yes" <br />
Drew: "Mom, eat, sleep, wake up, Ansley my house"<br />
Mom: "Yes"<br />
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One of my friends asked if I thought he did this because he was trying to find the right order of words. I hadn't thought of it that way but it really makes sense.<br />
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They love all of our babysitters and when I tell them that we are going out and one of the sitters is coming over, one of them will reply, "Awestome!"<br />
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On Monday night, we were at the dinner table and Sam told us this:<br />
<br />"Mom, you no here. Dad no here. Gus yes. Drew yes. Pa yes. Gammy yes. Me yes. We have this (he holds up his hands and mimes eating corn on the cob)." <br />
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As we all start laughing, he tells us the same thing word for word. This is funny because the weekend before, Aaron and I were gone and my parents came and stayed with the boys. They had corn on the cob for the first time (we think) and my parents said that the boys ate so much of it! Sam was telling us that the first time he had it, Aaron and I were gone.KRShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11224942925618692004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2224858149502028928.post-70885510057153800682012-08-07T20:52:00.001-05:002012-08-07T20:52:52.051-05:00"Me no more trouvle"On Sunday, we had the boys baptized at our church. We had been preparing them for a while but you could tell that they just didn't get it. The day before, Sam told me at lunch "Me, bathtub (baptize) no more bad". Aaron had told them that they would have no more sins and that lead to a discussion on sins. Then, Sam said "Me show" and held up his hands like he was showing a baby to the congregation, in the same way our priest shows a newly baptized baby. At least they knew that they would get wet and they seemed to be ok with that. Later, Aaron told me that Sam had told him "Me baptize. Me trouvle, go back." We laugh because he thought he could just go back and be baptized every time he gets in trouble.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4bVQ2nfHK-4ezRjPEpicKheh5lAbmpVLf3mbXTRfeUUI1jtErWaVY8w9ldfnHb37mUVgBrbASOqF8DQerRvfODk8Zwn9QUc-5AxmGqDhI5MO1ielt0fWqiFFD2qZTRrmAZ-HG78h_aeX/s1600/DSCF0510_copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4bVQ2nfHK-4ezRjPEpicKheh5lAbmpVLf3mbXTRfeUUI1jtErWaVY8w9ldfnHb37mUVgBrbASOqF8DQerRvfODk8Zwn9QUc-5AxmGqDhI5MO1ielt0fWqiFFD2qZTRrmAZ-HG78h_aeX/s320/DSCF0510_copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>KRShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11224942925618692004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2224858149502028928.post-14400681352365822442012-07-23T22:13:00.000-05:002012-07-23T22:13:42.303-05:00Funny conversationsA few nights ago, we had this conversation at dinner:<br />
Drew: Mom, Jesus fly?<br />
Mom: No, Jesus doesn't fly. He's just everywhere.<br />
Sam: Jesus eat?<br />
Dad: No, Jesus doesn't eat food.<br />
Sam: Me fly. I can do it. (firm nod of the head)<br />
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Tonight:<br />
Dad: Gus, do you know what a legume is?<br />
Gus: No.<br />
Sam: I know.<br />
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Later...<br />
Dad: Sam, where does hamburger come from?<br />
Sam: (long pause) The store.KRShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11224942925618692004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2224858149502028928.post-15160428009907810272012-07-23T22:08:00.001-05:002012-07-23T22:08:36.335-05:00Fourth of JulyWe went to my hometown for a parade and fireworks. My brother and nephew were there and the kids all played together very well We decided to incorporate many American themes - bike races, BBQ, baseball, fireworks - we had a great time!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gus was 2nd in his age group in the bike race</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CANDY!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"They just throw the candy to us!!"</td></tr>
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The boys weren't sure what to think of the fireworks at first, but they quickly found that they liked them - the louder, the better!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvlbmhITuT-ZTADNeaY2WpFa7jd52nHaUEj3f-uB6_RC36JCyWDkH2QdDjdr8EKDQMzPWH927_-p_DhRlqj4klvUckN-5oYCLgZ62MH0nZYTFdlQrxnLdpc8crFzOKKaC-hqXcyKg-ytg8/s1600/Fourth+(14).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvlbmhITuT-ZTADNeaY2WpFa7jd52nHaUEj3f-uB6_RC36JCyWDkH2QdDjdr8EKDQMzPWH927_-p_DhRlqj4klvUckN-5oYCLgZ62MH0nZYTFdlQrxnLdpc8crFzOKKaC-hqXcyKg-ytg8/s320/Fourth+(14).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipjH-BH5_fD5pRJ_kvgvmeBTSM_xvjz1EVrp0EWqyQFhNo63mIFmxAgtJ7FraOv9Xd42NcrJMVc36_IBvTltO20tweJCL1CcokRc2FIz3YtIbl0scShqjRo5SioQVNyzmEK1Az6nd0pA-y/s1600/Fourth+(15).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipjH-BH5_fD5pRJ_kvgvmeBTSM_xvjz1EVrp0EWqyQFhNo63mIFmxAgtJ7FraOv9Xd42NcrJMVc36_IBvTltO20tweJCL1CcokRc2FIz3YtIbl0scShqjRo5SioQVNyzmEK1Az6nd0pA-y/s320/Fourth+(15).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>KRShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11224942925618692004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2224858149502028928.post-26653153491312133662012-07-23T21:49:00.000-05:002012-07-23T21:49:00.933-05:00Family vacationWe took a family vacation with 4 other families to South Dakota a couple weeks ago. One of my friends grew up there and invited us to her family's ranch. We all decided to stay most of the time in Deadwood and visit Mount Rushmore before going farther north to her family home.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMhbFHWQwM5uJAMlkff_YcVBCtm2zoOFIQ0ltXfYnd9Hk42DIczPLho_fylL6hkIdQ5St51VpHsTH7NAEtT6t0wqor8AKtur3QpTTnGV0JLO_Nc7z0tlXnm6xdY9wkBXFreTTd-QxgYPI/s1600/Deadwood+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMhbFHWQwM5uJAMlkff_YcVBCtm2zoOFIQ0ltXfYnd9Hk42DIczPLho_fylL6hkIdQ5St51VpHsTH7NAEtT6t0wqor8AKtur3QpTTnGV0JLO_Nc7z0tlXnm6xdY9wkBXFreTTd-QxgYPI/s320/Deadwood+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stockade Restaurant</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drew and Sam with Wild Bill Hickock</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main Street Deadwood, SD</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"No more pictures, Mom"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peace!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family picture</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keep in mind that 4 months ago, Drew was deathly afraid of most animals. Now, we couldn't drag him off the horses!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gus was a natural</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful wide open space</td></tr>
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<br />KRShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11224942925618692004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2224858149502028928.post-60245821912367958362012-06-30T15:19:00.000-05:002012-06-30T15:19:01.429-05:00Lunch conversationThe boys have minds like steel traps. You tell them something one time and they will remember it. A couple weeks ago, Gus mentioned sleeping on the trampoline and, boy, did Sam's ears perk up! He asked if he (Sam) could sleep on the trampoline. I said "No, you have to be big before you can spend the night on the trampoline." Well, today at lunch, out of the blue, Sam says, "Mom, Sam almost big trampoline sleep. Drew almost big trampoline sleep. Gus big trampoline sleep." Then he repeats this word for word two more times. I had to hold back my laughter because he only said the important words but also because he was so serious. He wanted to make sure that I knew he hadn't forgotten the rules. KRShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11224942925618692004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2224858149502028928.post-41568348084201496482012-06-25T21:48:00.000-05:002012-06-26T14:31:45.250-05:00UpdatesBoth of the boys are speaking a lot of English now and we can understand most of it. The funny thing is that they say things backwards. Today, I picked them up from school and Sam said "Mom, big muscles Sam." Tonight at supper, I asked Aaron what he wanted to drink and he said "a Shiner." Sam piped up with "Mom, me Shiner too!" LOL When they get excited about something - usually food - they say "oh goodness!" It's just too cute! <br />
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Both of the boys are really healthy. A friend asked me this the other day and I said that we are so thankful for their health. The foster parents did a great job teaching the boys to wash their hands, and because they were well taken care of there (good diets, clean home) we haven't had any sicknesses yet. I know the time will come when they do get sick, but I'm grateful we haven't had to deal with any of that while we are adjusting. It's silly but I've prayed that nothing serious would happen while I couldn't understand them. Imagine how frustrating it would be if something hurt and I couldn't understand them to help them!<br />
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We've begun teaching the boys about lying because they have both been blaming the other when something happens. So we say, "Lying not good. Jesus sad if you lie." The other day, something happened and they each blamed the other. I said, "Jesus is sad that one of you is lying." Sam looked at me and said, "Sam no lie. Drew lie. Jesus lie no good." Sure enough, he was right. Drew admitted that he had done it. Don't get me wrong, this all started because Sam lied to me first, but Sam is just more vocal about things than Drew. I like how they both (seem to) understand that Jesus wants them to do well and they want to make Him happy.KRShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11224942925618692004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2224858149502028928.post-72876252248566671602012-06-25T21:25:00.001-05:002012-06-25T21:29:08.774-05:00Shower blessingsEleven dear friends held a shower for the boys on June 16th. Everything was just wonderful! The boys received many wonderful things and have had so much fun playing with everything.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8CEMElRVngcg843IS48uI17KwkeArgGfZxs7rcwaFKyxaO8GGD6AnEWfUo3RZ7P9N9d9cvaJNTXKrDZAJzQdL72uIIHf3EhWxVfjsVStDsJvdjWjgXP-YPpP_bg9PkEa0idZHTqOVZUaD/s1600/Shower+cake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8CEMElRVngcg843IS48uI17KwkeArgGfZxs7rcwaFKyxaO8GGD6AnEWfUo3RZ7P9N9d9cvaJNTXKrDZAJzQdL72uIIHf3EhWxVfjsVStDsJvdjWjgXP-YPpP_bg9PkEa0idZHTqOVZUaD/s320/Shower+cake.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cutest cake!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3p0T3jCnbJjTM2ABV4_1xiH4-1exrZmCZizWXPVjLcR4kfE5S0Ah5WN-Seg32mNDLCd7SC4VZt3IcuDLz2VtJ4e2kd9LMkUue81wQTlohc6klJ_b2TYKM6Hso8kkf3SVOb0Ghwe9m9skw/s1600/cake+close.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3p0T3jCnbJjTM2ABV4_1xiH4-1exrZmCZizWXPVjLcR4kfE5S0Ah5WN-Seg32mNDLCd7SC4VZt3IcuDLz2VtJ4e2kd9LMkUue81wQTlohc6klJ_b2TYKM6Hso8kkf3SVOb0Ghwe9m9skw/s320/cake+close.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gus was touched that his name was in the middle.<br />
I love the hearts around Drew and Sam's names.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghYV234GHL44Fz0DjEcJHdNYAFhOusNtXTBVQ2hDQSFrNTanu2d5UUMGMXl_nsHpld58IRBL5R8mFqxiBiuLeGX3xITIb1p7kuGA-RYcb4kmauD3g9okI0mbRTLiS-BDKNE3ZUmmXNBkkj/s1600/Shower+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghYV234GHL44Fz0DjEcJHdNYAFhOusNtXTBVQ2hDQSFrNTanu2d5UUMGMXl_nsHpld58IRBL5R8mFqxiBiuLeGX3xITIb1p7kuGA-RYcb4kmauD3g9okI0mbRTLiS-BDKNE3ZUmmXNBkkj/s320/Shower+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>KRShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11224942925618692004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2224858149502028928.post-71314972670391062942012-06-25T21:21:00.000-05:002012-06-25T21:21:06.919-05:00Summer fun and scrapesWe took the boys swimming for the first time this summer last weekend. Both were very hesitant at first but quickly realized that they were floating. After that, we couldn't get them OUT of the pool. They quickly learned to kick and move their arms to get where they wanted to go.<br />
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I found these neat floaties at Target. They have the foam floaties for the arms and have a connector piece across the middle. The boys felt very secure in them. The floaties buckle in the back so the boys can't take them off without help.</div>
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Sam had his first big scrape on Thursday night. He was riding a pedal tractor and got to going fast and came up over the driveway and it tipped over on him. He immediately had a big goose egg over his left eye. Unfortunately, it looked worse the next morning. He came up to me with this sad look on his face and said "Mom, better?" I said not yet. Every morning, he looks in the mirror and says, "Mom, little better."</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for bed. You can kind of see the bump over his eye.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The next morning. Definitely NOT better!</td></tr>
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<br /></div>KRShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11224942925618692004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2224858149502028928.post-88203096307189911572012-06-12T16:39:00.002-05:002012-06-12T16:39:20.795-05:00How quickly time flies!Gus graduated from St. Mary's Cathedral School on May 31st. So many of the kids had been together since kindergarten and we had all come to know and love each other. They are a tremendous group of kids and parents!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First day of Kindergarten - 2006<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last day of 5th Grade - 2012</td></tr>
</tbody></table>KRShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11224942925618692004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2224858149502028928.post-5355467417626375892012-06-12T16:29:00.001-05:002012-06-12T16:40:34.409-05:00The big 11!So 3 days after Sam's birthday, Gus turned 11. Since it was a Sunday, we let the kids sleep longer and Sam was the last to wake. The rest of us were in the living room telling Gus "Happy Birthday" when Sam came in and said "No Gus birthday, Sam sleep, no birthday". He is definitely not a morning kid!<br />
After church, Gus opened his presents.<br />
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New sunglasses are a favorite!</div>
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New dirt bike helmet!</div>
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We went to Sports World after the little boys woke up from their naps. Gus and Aaron drove go carts.</div>
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We tried to teach the boys miniature golf, but that didn't go over well :) Drew thought he was supposed to pick up all the balls after everyone hit the first time.</div>
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Unfortunately, I wasn't feeling well and by the time we got to the 5th hole, I was sick in the bushes. I waited inside while Gus and Aaron finished and then we went home. Aaron started running a fever and poor Gus had to take care of his parents on his birthday. We rallied for his delicious grilled cheese sandwiches but didn't last long. Luckily, the little boys were exhausted so they went to bed early. I was able to stay up with Gus for little while longer.</div>KRShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11224942925618692004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2224858149502028928.post-5327173909408012922012-06-12T16:13:00.005-05:002012-06-12T16:15:07.601-05:00The big 4!Sam's big day finally arrived on June 7th! I wish I could say he waited patiently for it, but he probably did the best a 3 year old can do!! Sam got to go with Neener to pick out his much anticipated bike!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQz6DrKRPQIBW5U291oqJDbxQJtVbqhyphenhyphenDMMTJVC3zhIgvxo6hByHgeNATEjUwrtis2E_jeCe0KJwVKAp7VUcV-1e1tFBDs8AufDjUkE_nWmFopntSXt4IEfFkGjPdvoohPt4lQTW2R7Zif/s1600/Sam4_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQz6DrKRPQIBW5U291oqJDbxQJtVbqhyphenhyphenDMMTJVC3zhIgvxo6hByHgeNATEjUwrtis2E_jeCe0KJwVKAp7VUcV-1e1tFBDs8AufDjUkE_nWmFopntSXt4IEfFkGjPdvoohPt4lQTW2R7Zif/s320/Sam4_1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The choice turned out to be easy since this was the only bike put together! But he is thrilled and his first words were "Mom, Sam bike fast!" Oh boy - his guardian angel will be working overtime :)<br />
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He was also very excited for his balloons. It's hard to get him to smile for real - this is another fake smile.</div>
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He loved blowing out his candles! I didn't get to make his cake because Aaron and I got in from a trade show at 5:30 in the morning.</div>
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He also received a tool set so he can help Dad around the house.</div>
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This water toy will be loads of fun!</div>
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Both boys fully understand American birthdays now, and they are eagerly awaiting their next birthdays!</div>
<br />KRShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11224942925618692004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2224858149502028928.post-43225333474436350702012-05-30T23:37:00.001-05:002012-05-30T23:37:23.787-05:00How's it going?We get this question a lot! For the most part, things are going well. We have setbacks and meltdowns, but what family doesn't? We are only 3 months in and I couldn't ask for anything more.<br />
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Language<br />
The boys are speaking more English every day. They still speak mostly Hungarian to each other but they speak English to us. I do hear them saying English words to each other but it's still mainly Hungarian. They understand a lot of what we say. I compare it to a 1.5-2 year old who's learning to talk. We don't understand most of what they say, but they understand us. <br />
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Getting along<br />
For the most part, everyone gets along. Gus is probably having the most difficult time adjusting to the changes. He's had us to himself for almost 11 years and now he has to share us. The boys are ok because they were used to house with 7 people in it, so only having 5 might be a nice change for them. <br />
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School<br />
The boys are doing well in school. They have ups and downs and the teachers assure us that all the kids have good days and bad days. It's just hard to have good reports for several days and then go to school and hear that Drew bit his teacher or Sam spit on someone. I think that it's still mainly a frustration thing that they aren't understood, but I know some of it comes from not getting their way. We've met with both of their teachers so that we are on the same pages and using a lot of the same phrases/words for consistency. I think it was a good decision to have them separated because they seem to be learning English faster and their personalities are blossoming.<br />
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<br />KRShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11224942925618692004noreply@blogger.com0