2 more days
Only two more days of going to the orphanage and then leaving without Ethan.
Ethan is obviously getting more and more comfortable with us. He tells people who walk through that we are his Mommy and Papa. Maybe its because of the juice and cookies, but who cares--he is proud of us!
The ladies in his room have been preparing Ethan ever since we arrived that he will be leaving for America with his Mommy and Papa. They tell the other kids in his room that he is going to America to be a big rich American boy! "Rich" in this case is certainly relative! Compared to his opportunities here he will be rich. But
they way we see it, we are as wealthy as anyone can be having a son like Ethan!
To answer Marj's question, they do not want him to walk outside because he has one pair of corrective shoes. And they are overproective, especially when it comes to American's adopting the kids. They are not sure we can handle it!
Wish we had more fun stories, but going to the same room and playing with the same two toys everyday is getting quite boring! You know, I never really understood why my neices and nephews had so many toys--I always thought--my kids won't need that many toys, they can be creative and have fun with just a few toys. I know I was wrong--Grandparents--Bring on the toys! We need them!
Ethan is getting the hang of English commands. We think it might be more the tone and facial expressions than the language, but he knows when he is doing something wrong, when we want him to sit, say please, more cookies, again, walk, give it to me, it is not a toy.....and many other sayings, requests and commands. It is fun to watch him learn. We have actually gone back to videos we took the first few days and we see a huge change in him already!
We leave Donetzk on Monday, hopefully we will be able to keep you updated when we return to Kiev.
Joe & Steph
Ethan is obviously getting more and more comfortable with us. He tells people who walk through that we are his Mommy and Papa. Maybe its because of the juice and cookies, but who cares--he is proud of us!
The ladies in his room have been preparing Ethan ever since we arrived that he will be leaving for America with his Mommy and Papa. They tell the other kids in his room that he is going to America to be a big rich American boy! "Rich" in this case is certainly relative! Compared to his opportunities here he will be rich. But
they way we see it, we are as wealthy as anyone can be having a son like Ethan!
To answer Marj's question, they do not want him to walk outside because he has one pair of corrective shoes. And they are overproective, especially when it comes to American's adopting the kids. They are not sure we can handle it!
Wish we had more fun stories, but going to the same room and playing with the same two toys everyday is getting quite boring! You know, I never really understood why my neices and nephews had so many toys--I always thought--my kids won't need that many toys, they can be creative and have fun with just a few toys. I know I was wrong--Grandparents--Bring on the toys! We need them!
Ethan is getting the hang of English commands. We think it might be more the tone and facial expressions than the language, but he knows when he is doing something wrong, when we want him to sit, say please, more cookies, again, walk, give it to me, it is not a toy.....and many other sayings, requests and commands. It is fun to watch him learn. We have actually gone back to videos we took the first few days and we see a huge change in him already!
We leave Donetzk on Monday, hopefully we will be able to keep you updated when we return to Kiev.
Joe & Steph
posted by Baldwin at 5:37 AM
8 Comments:
Joe & Steph,
Dad and I were looking over the first blog you wrote, remember the difficult Christmas of 2004 when you knew you were parents of a young child? God put Ethan in your heart right then and there because you knew that you were the parents of young child then and he wouldn't have even been 1 yet. God is so good.
You said it would be a long road ahead -- but you said "Git Er Done". and you have!
Love you all
Mom and Dad B.
P.S. Yes, you are right we both are crying!!!!
Im so happy for you three and your family. I dont think that Ethan will ever have a shortage of toys or anything with all the Addicts he has. your house may just resemble a TOYS R US! This has truly been a Holiday Miracle and Im so honored to have been a part of it with you! Look forward to seeing you soon.Best wishes for your trip to Kiev and the flight home. Love Shelley
Christmas is coming and let the toys start flowing in! We always say that the kids have to much, but its worse for them to be bored (then they drive you crazy!) We can't wait to have you home where you can just be mom and dad and not worry about someone looking over your shoulder. We love you guys and will be praying that you have an excellent trip!
Love, Marjorie & family
You sure are figuring out this parenting thing aren't you. Kids definitly need a variety of toys unless you can entertain them ALL the time and we all know that is very difficult to do. I only have one question to ask and that is Dont't you remember January 05?
We love and miss you
J,K, and girls
Only two days left. We can understand why you miss Indiana---"There is no place like home." We hope there will be truckloads of family & friends waiting for you at the airport---and of course we expect a PLANT tour for Ethan at a future date when he get settled in. We have been keeping an update on you daily--we have become Ethan addicts too. Our server was down for 3 days and we couldn't stand it. We keep the updates on Phyllis' desk so everyone can read them. Keep your family safe "new pappa" on the big bird home. Your mill crew
Joe & Steph,
Only a weekend away now! God has done such great things and we are looking forward to meeting this little one that He had hand picked for you from the start. What a great Christmas for all of you this year! We will be praying for a safe trip on Monday and ofcourse the long trip home.
Waiting anxiously,
Love to all,
Mark and Heather
Just think, it won't be long until you will be counting down the hours instead of the days!!! It will be so great to see the 3 of you together.As I go back and read through the blogs, I can sense how Ethan has taken to you guys, learning to trust you, and to bond with you. And we haven't even met him yet. God is Good all the time, and He will be with you every step of the way home, just as He was with you every step of the way the past 2 years. Oh, I pray this week goes by quickly!!! It is late. Bye for now. Love Mom H.
Hey Steph & Joe,
By now, you probably have all the stuff for the party. I keep thinking about all the children and how much fun it will be to play with balloons & eat candy. What a great send off for Ethan. Hope it goes well. As the last two years have passed, God has prepared you both well for this time in your lives. Ethan is a lucky little boy & you all are blessed to finally be together. We are all anxiously awaiting your return. Think of all the toys awaiting Ethan here! Lots more than two! And, no shortage of love, either. Best prayers for a quick and safe journey home.
Jean
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