I'll tell you that Elizabeth is so smart that when they were bringing her toward the play room where we've met the last 2 nights, she was already crying because she knew we were there. Broke our hearts, but it wasn't long before she stopped crying and I was able to play and interact with her. We found some nesting blocks at the toy store today and she was entertained with them for over 20 minutes. We looked at books again, played with some stacking blocks (we found some today from a street vendor), and of course Machelles' angel that plays music. She really loves that angel! For the first hour she was playing and not crying, yet not smiling. But then....she smiled at me! What a precious moment that was. Then....she laughed! She has the cutest, most adorable little laugh! I would tickle her belly and she would laugh and laugh! It was such a touching moment. Finally we are feeling so great about our bond we are developing. Tom stayed behind the camera again today, but was much closer. She looks at her daddy, with her little wheels turning in her mind, and at one point she smiled at him too.
The caregiver and a babushka (old woman) were there and when I stacked up the blocks and motioned to Elizabeth to knock them over, she pushed them over with a big smile on her face and the caregiver and old woman laughed and clapped for her. The older woman is the 'guard' and no one enters or exits without going by her. She is very protective of the children and the first night we were there (which was the night Elizabeth cried and cried) she kept saying something in Russian to us (of course we couldn't understand her) and she appeared to be gruff with us, but tonight she was so pleased with our progress that she was giving us the thumbs up sign on our way out the door.
But the best part of the story....when they came to get Elizabeth around 6:45 the old woman had Elizabeth put her toys into the diaper bag and then when she realized it was time to leave...she cried like she didn't want to leave! The caregiver was starting to walk her away from us, when Elizabeth just plopped down on the floor like she did not want to leave (again another precious moment!). Then I held my arms out to see if Elizabeth wanted me to pick her up and she held her little arms up for me. So I picked her up and she started to cry again. I think she was too confused to know what she felt at that moment. Anyway...it was a great day! I was a little worried about the time change, that it may have thrown her off, but she did great! And we got to see her for almost 2 whole hours!!!
Tom's mom just called to check in on us. I didn't get to talk to her, but Tom loved hearing from his mom! We had another great day in the city, walking and shopping. It was fun, fun, fun shopping for toys for our little girl! I've been waiting ages to do that. Tom won't admit it, but I really think he enjoyed it, too!
Today as we were walking, we were talking about how neat it is that both of our families have really pitched in to help us out on this adventure. Judy and Joe played a huge role in furnishing most of the gifts that we brought over. Judy also gave us both a scapula (I hope I spelled it right) that was blessed by their priest and we wear them everyday. My mom and Holly also contributed to the gifts. Mom made a beautiful quilt for Elizabeth and also made a blanket which we will use on our trip home. Machelle and Becki both gave us clothes and toys from their daughters, Katrina and Danielle. Mark and Carol loaned us their very nice set of luggage. Gary and Karen loaned DVDs which were a lifesaver while we were waiting in Kiev. David & Lindsay are keeping our van and will pick us up at the airport. Mark and Joe have covered for Tom in the fields and on the farm. All of my co-workers who are covering for my absence. All of the numerous family and friends who have prayed us through. Lennie Gottman made a beautiful quilt (pink, of course). Wow! I could go on and on....We are blessed with a great support system!
We love each and everyone of you!!!!!
Tom, Valerie, and Elizabeth
9 comments:
What precious pictures. I can just imagaine how thrilled you were at her smiles and to hear her laugh! I don;t know when I have been on the computer so much. Can't wait from one blog for the next. Love You heaps. Dad and Mom
Elizabeth is so adorable! What a smile. A wonderful addition to our family. Thanks so much for taking the time to post the pictures and journal. It's so reassuring to know you are doing so well. It's almost as good as being there.
Many blessings!
Aunt Debbie
Tom and Val,
The "30" has an oil leak, so Mark and I are thinking (dangerous, huh)that with your checkbook and my new priveledges to write checks on your account, that the new "235" at Meyers will soon be ours!
We had our best day of combining yesterday (Saturday) so far this year. We did everything except for what was around Chad's house in nine hours (113 acres).
We went back and finished up this morning, then moved to the "Dimmit" farm, but got rained out after 15 acres.
The beans so far have been making around 85 bushel per acre!! (Trent, hope you're reading this!)lol This should leave us with about 200 acres to go.
Seth's been a BIG help over the weekend what with Jared gone to the National FFA Convention in Louisiville, KY since Wednesday. He has been chauffering his dad around on the four wheeler (when we could find him)lol
The combine is running great except for a seige of broken sickle sections (deer antler, barn door hinge, and two rocks). No damage done!
You are keeping me on my toes though, every farm we go to you have planted it different! I figure this way I don't get bored!
Soybeans are starting to cut a lot easier now since the frost, but still there are a lot of green stems.
As soon as we finish the "Dimmit" farm, that will leave the "Robey" farm, and since they are yours, we may wait till you come home so you can do them!ha ha Mark and I will want to test drive this "new tractor" you're going to buy us provided I can get that many zeros written on your check!lol May have to call the bank to put more money in your account!
Love and miss you all!
Dad and Mom
PS: Get down on the floor at Elizabeth's level and start playing with her!!!!!
It is awesome that you have a way to tell Elizabeth's story to everyone. She looks wonderful and we are happy for the both of you. She is the same age as Nora Belle. Once back in the states, and she has had time to adjust, they will have to have a play date. It sounds like she is warming up to you a little more. Don't worry Nora takes a little time to warm up to new people, might be the age, it will just take time. She could not have better people to bond with than her new Mom & Dad.
Good Luck and God Bless!
Jamie, Megan, Ava, Nora & Mya Gottman
Hello,
Mark and Seth say...they have been playing with George, the cats don't like Seth--he's been trying to play with them for two days. Coco--not sure how this is spelled--was in need of someone to play with and Seth took care of that too. George took a ride with Mark and Seth in the service truck--because he was following them--then he got to ride home on the four wheeler. Papa fed George a cookie--it wasn't the kind he likes--he buried it in the field. Mark has no other farm information except the beans were probably closer to 100 bushels! Needless to say we are well on the way to beating the Gottman's in the harvest competition! But this is not uncommon--better stop here we may need some help before we are finished ( I am sure that Tom is the only one who understands any of this fierce competition). Be patient--Elizabeth will warm up to you. On vacation this summer--Nora--who is at times very shy--was Mark's best friend--loved to sight see with him, go to the beach--and most of all eat. Not only are books universal--but so is food. Most of our family vacation pictures--there's Mark--and Nora. Megan has suggested a play date with Nora when Elizabeth is settled--sounds like fun. Ava and Mya will also be very entertaining. You have lots to look forward to when you return. Love and God Bless--the "other Hagans"
Tom, Valerie and Elizabeth
How nice! Sounds like she is starting to warm up already! I am sure it wont take long and she will be looking for you guys in the play room!
It is great to see you dad on the blog site! What a treat!
Trent wanted to make sure you knew they had one field that made 90 bushel! The Hunnewell Farm!
Joey, Trent hope you are reading this lol!!!
Cant wait for you to come home with your new addition! What a cutie!
Bless you always!
Trent Consetta Michaela and Alaina
tom, valerie and elizabeth, i wish you could have seen grandma judy when she brought the pictures into the pharmacy to show us elizabeth. she was the proudest grandma god could have created. all progress stopped at the pharmacy as we all quit what we were doing and gave elizabeth our blessings. what a beautiful daughter you have. no matter how difficult the situation or the length of the "amazing race"
will definately be worth while. congratulations to the Hagan family from the Saunders family.
Tom,Valerie,& Elizabeth,
What a day huh,Knew it wouldn't take long for Elizabeth to warm right up to her new Mommy. Tom it won't be long till you'll be holdng her too. Has to be good news you're beating the Gottmans in the harvest battle.100 bu. beans in a dry year, think there may be two new red tractors in your drive by the time you get home. We loaded the kids,grandkids and Holly and Randy in the old motorhome and went down to the lower Damn,leaves still pretty but raining while we were there. Can't wait to hear how things go tomorrow.
Love,
Gary and Karen
p.s. Think the beans may be making 125 Bu. by tomorrow
Hi! I've been keeping an eye on your blog. She is really cute!! My prayers are with you as you continue your trip. Can barely wait for you to bring her by the Science Building!! Deb Ziegler - HLG math
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