The boys did much better at the playground today. They were a lot more confident and Dima is becoming quite the climber. Although we'll probably regret it later, we're really encouraging their climbing to help with their motor skills. They also really enjoy the swings. We have determined that Dima is best suited to become a university professor, as while they are on the swings he gives Zhenya a lecture in Russian. Every once in a while, Zhenya will say "Da?" and Dima replies "Da." very seriously. Dima's lectures can go for 10 or 15 minutes. We really don't know what they're talking about, but yesterday I did hear Dima mention "detsky dom" which is their orphanage. We get a big kick out of their conversations and know we will miss it when they are not speaking Russian anymore.
We spent some time today training for the World Cup. As you can see, Dima is all set to become a star forward and a lefty to boot. :) We think some of his coordination problems may have come from being forced to use his right side, but he is definitely a lefty and he's got a great shot. Dad O and Paul will be happy for the company.
The boys decided Mark needed some help with the yard work and they were glad to lend a hand with the tree trimming. They were especially good at hauling limbs to the far side of the yard. Really, it's not child exploitation...we're trying to build up their strength, right?
It's especially important to have a good ratio when shoveling. Three people for one small tree always works better, and that shovel handle is awfully long for just one person. Or at least the boys thought so; I'm not so sure Mark agreed. ;) When all of that hard work is done, it's good to have a brother...
...and a Papa to lean on.
17 comments:
I am loving this! *Thanks* for all the pictures and the day's events. What precious memories and photos. The close-up picture of the two together was wonderful and the one with Timothy/Zhenya and his Papa cuddled just couldn't get any better. :-)
it's neat to see pictures of your boys bonding. I just read that you got your 10 days waived. How awesome is that? What a Merry Christmas!
(commented once before) I had a thought about the children's Russian conversations - They will stop before long - and they will forget many things about their life in Ukraine and their first weeks with you - how about videotaping or audiotaping some of their conversations so that in years to come you can get them translated if you wish, and know what they were saying in the early days.
Many congratulations! (I've commented here once before, I'm here from Tonya's blog and the UKR email list, if you were wondering.)
Natalia, we've been talking about doing just that. We don't have anything that would record audio digitally, so we're trying to see if we can borrow one for a few days. :)
Awww...those pictures are just precious!!! When we get Maddie home we need to get together. We could meet in the middle...Columbia, perhaps?
I second videotaping their conversations- they sound very cute!!
The boys are just adorable!
Curious- What orphanage were they in?
It is delightful to see the photos of them at play and helping Dad! But I really loved the two brothers and a Papa to lean on!
Very sweet!
Savor this time. It goes so fast!
Thanks for posting the pics. Your two little guys are precious!!!!
Too stinkin' cute! I am SO HAPPY for you all. I just love seeing the pictures - especially the one of Daddy's little helpers!
Oh, how precious! Good job helping Daddy with the yard work!
i enjoy reading your blog - so keep rambling
Use audacity for a digital recording to your laptop. (It's a free download) You can save your recording into mp3 format or other formats and save it to a CD. All you need is a microphone for your computer (easy to find). I use it to record books for my girls to "read along with".
You have a captive audience, Courtney:). You can ramble all you want. Love the pics and I am so into manual labor:):):). Not only is is good excercise, but it lets them know that they are an integral part of the family. Love the pic of Z laying on Mark. They look perfectly comfy there.
I just found your blog through Tami's.
Congrats on your two sons and what a wonderful Christmas present for all four of you and your families.
Another soccer player in the family is more than welcome:) You may want to check at your local library. Sometimes they have audiovideo equipment that you can borrow with a deposit or just check out. Hope you guys are getting some rest now that you're home!
We are so happy for you!! We hope to meet your family of 4 sometime this next year! We miss you and St. Louis. Give our love to the church. Love, Anna, Tim and CJ.
Mark and Courtney,
It is so wonderful to see pictures of Dima and Zhenya and to learn how they are progressing with you. CONGRATULATIONS on having 2 beautiful boys! We are thrilled for you, and amazed at God's goodness and perfect timing. Enjoy every day with them!! See you soon!
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