2 Years Home

Two years have past since one of the happiest days of my life. Bringing Bryant home December 10, 2011 was a moment in time that will be forever etched in my memory. Walking off the plane in to the arms of my girls and our loved ones can be summed up in one word - completeness. Nothing in life could have been better. No amount of money, no material thing could ever replace that feeling of completeness. I know now that feeling if a gift from God. I believe it is his spirit within us. The times in my life I have felt that closeness and completeness I have fully surrendered to his will.  I have put my full trust in him and I am one with HIM. This is true completeness.

 Fast forward two years the scared tiny shaking baby afraid to ride in the stroller and terrified of the car seat is now a rambunctious mighty (but still tiny)  3 year old. Yes a full blown strong willed 3 year old boy. He is testing the limits with his words and his actions. I sometimes think the 3's are harder than the terrible 2's because they now are armed with lots of new words.  Bryant's new found place is the time out spot "aka laundry basket" which he has frequented on a regular basis this week. He is the absolute sweetest child but he is also independent and strong willed. I have to say he is by no means out of control but having four kids means keeping them all walking a straight line the majority of the time. If not there will be a mutiny in the house, four kids versus two adults.  If they don't know we mean business they will surely win. We are outnumbered and fully aware of it. Since the Thanksgiving break behavior has been rough for all the kids so this week we have modified a few things and added a "chore jar" to our house. If they have trouble following directions, talk back or any other major offense they have to draw a chore from the jar that now sits on my kitchen counter top.There have been three chores drawn this week.  Jeff and I have had a few laughs watching the kids begrudgingly complete the chore. The plan seems to be working. All I had to do was point to the jar today and low and behold the behavior stopped. Score for the parent team.

 The kids can't wait for Santa to come. The letter to Santa was obviously received. On Macies's birthday we woke up to four little elves from the North Pole - Caroline, Isabella, Anastasia and who could forget Boris. The kids love waking up every morning to see what magic happened during the night. These elves are a little crazy when they eat too many jellybeans.

Sara Kathryn is asking for an Ipod, Macie a Nabi, Amelia a Barbie ATV ride-on, and Bryant a Spiderman bike. We will see if they make the Naughty or Nice list. Right now it is a toss up.

We are all so excited for Christmas. It is such a fun and magical time of year. The kids are singing jingle bells and ready to be out of school for Christmas break. This year we have an even bigger gift coming a few weeks after Christmas. My sister is having a baby girl late January. Her name is Caroline.  I can't wait to be an Aunt again. Going to spoil her rotten and then give her back when she cries. Being an Aunt is so much fun. We have lots to look forward to in the next two months. God is good and he is faithful. Merry Christmas to you all

Bryant - Two years home

Two years ago tonight

 

 

1st look at his sisters

 





 

I will never forget the smiles on the girls faces

One of my favorite pictures

 



 

Family picture at the airport - Hilarious

 

Little bit of that personality shining through

 

1st night rocking to sleep in his new room

 

The kiddos now

Amelia at her Preschool Thanksgiving feast

 

 

Bryant, Amelia and Cousin Hutson with their Great Grandaddy ( 92 years old and sharp as a tack)

 

Thanksgiving Day

 

Kiddos with Uncle Grayson

Hanging at Cacky & Poppy's house

 



 

My babies

 

Little twins - Amelia and Sara Kathryn

 

Silly Family Picture

My sister's baby shower

With my Mom and Sister



Happy Gotcha Day

Two years ago Jeff and I stood before a judge and were declared the parents of Bryant Alexander Rogers. It was a dream come true for us. After a long stressful flight with no sleep we departed the plane and searched for Vlad our adoption assistant in Moscow. We noticed two other Americans heading in the same direction. We soon met Jennifer and Kent and we were both told our court date had been moved up a day and we needed to be ready in two hours. We were all panicked at the unexpected change. We both met at the court house and adopted our boys, Bryant and Maks. It was Thanksgiving day and we couldn't have been more thankful. Who would have known that a chance meeting in Russia would have led to such a great and valued friendship. Everday I am grateful for my baby boy and the friendships that have emerged from our journey.

Tonight we celebrated "Gotcha Day" with Bryant's favorite meal, lasagna and salad. We all  laughed as he said "Happy Got ME day."

Happy 3rd Birthday

 Happy birthday to my sweet boy. He is 3 today. Not sure where the past two years have gone. It seems like yesterday Jeff and I met him in Moscow. I vividly remember the day and will never ever forget it. We sat waiting anxiously in the children's music hall of the orphanage staring at these odd rather scary looking stuffed animals when all of a sudden the orphanage worker burst in and literally threw Bryant at me, no introduction just a flying baby. A flying baby in a gray and white striped one piece outfit and ugly brown wool socks.  I was completely surprised and remember thinking how lucky I was that I caught him. He immediately smiled at me with this big toothy grin. At that one moment he was mine. All mine. I will never forget that connection between us and the look on his face. It was as if we both knew it was meant to be. I don't know how to describe it but it was right, all right.

On this visit, Bryant acted like a one year old but was the size of a five month old. I remember how pale his skin was and how brittle his fingernails appeared. Regardless of his poor health he had this big smile on his face and this adventurous spirit, which he still has. We left just short of his first birthday. It makes me sad to think of how he celebrated his first birthday. For the girls we went all out and had a big party to celebrate the big day. I just hope Bryant got a hug or maybe even a kiss from someone who cared it was his birthday. Amazing how things have changed.

This weekend he had his first big birthday party with friends and family. There were 35 kids and numerous adults there to celebrate with him. A far cry from his first birthday in Moscow. It was a costume party at the local park. Little man was a pirate. He perfected his "Arrgh." He was so excited about the party. He loved every minute of it. It was crazy chaos with lots of sugared up kids running around in costumes having a blast.

Tonight we celebrated again with Papa and Nana. They brought Bryant his favorite french fries and Sprite. We had a cupcake (icing only for the birthday boy)and sang again. Bryant likes to sing "Happy Birthday" to himself.  Papa and Nana gave him a Chuggington train which he adores. The girls gave him a Sponge Bob pillow that he asked for. Cacky and Poppy gave him the Woody from Toy Story. He got a special spider man gift from his best buddy Maks. He is one happy happy boy.

 Today, as with last year, I have found myself thinking about his birth mother. I can't help but wonder the circumstances surrounding his birth. I wish I knew but then again it may be too painful to hear. I find myself wondering why she gave him up and asking many questions that I honestly don't normally think about. I think for me Bryant's birthday is a celebration of not only him but of his mother's choices. She made difficult decisions but she made one right one and that was to give birth to this little boy. I can only imagine there were other options available. I thank her for that decision to give Bryant life. She may not have been able to care for him but she gave him the gift of life. Today I find myself praying for her. I pray that she has peace in her heart about her decision to leave her baby at the hospital. I know any female who has carried a child has an emotional bond regardless of external factors. That being said I believe she, or any mother who gives up a child, grieves for that child in some way or another. I sometimes wish she knew how great he is now and how much he has overcome. I wish she knew how thankful I am of her and her decision. Without her I would not have my little boy.

 Bryant I wish you the happiest birthday.  I love you with all my heart.

 Love, your Mommy
 

 

 

 

 

Bryant - 3 years old

 

 



My sweet boy- then and now

                                    

 Pinata time - the lefty at bat

 

Searching for candy

The birthday party gang minus a few

 SK & Macie

Amelia and Hutson at the birthday party
 

 

Ahoy Mate

 

Blowing out candles with Papa

 

 



 

Woody from Cacky & Poppy

 

 

 

 

 

Way Behind

  Yes I am a slack blogger. Way behind. Life has gotten in the way of my blogging duties. Every time I sit to write I am either distracted by the kids or I have brain drain. Since school started the pace at our house has really picked up. When Amelia and Bryant started preschool a month ago I began working 3 days a week until 1pm. I love my kids but I also love my career. So I thought I would try adding two more work days to my schedule . It might not seem like a lot but all of the things I did during the day are now done after 10pm. Hence no time for blogging. I am always playing catch up. I know it is not a great excuse but you will have to cut me some slack. I am finally adjusting to the new schedule and hopefully back on track with my monthly posts. 

 

 I think back to this time two years ago. Jeff and I were packing and getting ready for our first trip to Moscow to meet our son. We left on our first trip on October 22, 2010. We saw Bryant's face on October 25, 2010. I remember how busy and chaotic life felt. My mind was racing with to-do lists and itineraries from our adoption team. I remember this night two years ago I had a complete melt down over leaving the girls. I wept like a baby. I wrote them all letters to say how much I loved them. I knelt down and prayed a prayer, a mother's plea, to keep my girls safe while I was gone and to bring me back home to them. I was overcome with fear, anxiety, stress and excitement at the same time. As I prayed I accepted for the first time in my life that I had no control. It was all in God's hands. I learned the meaning of full trust and faith in God. I felt his spirit in me. I knew he had my child way across the world and he intended me to go get him. Today the little munchkin has now grown in to the biggest Mama's boy ever. I couldn't imagine him not being mine. I know in God's eyes he was always mine.

  The kiddos are in full school schedule mode. All after school activities are in full swing. Sara Kathryn is training for gymnastics team at least 16 hours a week. It has been exhausting for her with the increase in homework. She is working hard and learning the valuable skills of time management and multi tasking. She starts competition in a month. She amazes me at how well she handles the pressure of her sport and school. Underneath her sweet spirit is one tough cookie. Macie is playing soccer on an all boys team. I was a little worried how she would do this year as the boys at age seven have become stronger and much more aggressive. Macie has stepped up to the plate and shown us her true skills. She loves playing with "her boys" as she calls them. At the first game she scored two of the four team goals scored. Jeff and I are so proud of her. She asked me if she could be on the soccer field every day. She really has the passion and drive to excel at this sport. Macie is taking gymnastics too. She just got her standing back walk over and is super close to her back handspring. Last week she lost her two front teeth. The tooth fairy left her a whopping $20. It was a high rolling tooth fairy who never has change. The money is burning a hole in her pocket. She wants to go to the toy store soon.

 

  Amelia is loving her new preschool. She has her best buddies Caroline, Savannah, and William in her class. She couldn't be happier. Last week she had a field trip to the local farm to pet the animals, pick a pumpkin and ride the tractor hayride. She and I had lots of fun. We had a special lunch date and some shopping time too. Jeff is coaching Amelia and my nephew Hutson in soccer. They are so adorable running up and down the field. Amelia's favorite part is handing out snacks. Her southern hospitality shines through. She is also taking gymnastics. She has perfected her cartwheel and handstand. With three girls taking gymnastics in our house I believe they are standing on their hands more than their feet. Every time I turn around they are in a handstand position and I am staring at feet. They love to pretend play gymnastics class and Bryant is the student. Poor guy gets talked into doing everything they tell him to. If he doesn't they will make him run laps or do push-ups. They told him he has Olympic potential. He did a front handspring the other day. Hilarious.

 

  As for Bryant, he is doing great in school. He loves his teachers and classmates. He uses the potty, participates in all activities, goes to music, chapel and his favorite the playground. I worried so much about him when I started work and he had to eat lunch at school. He is doing a little better at lunch bunch but it is still a daily struggle. The teachers are very helpful and encourage him to eat. Two weeks ago he had to have three crowns on his teeth and three cavities filled. We have been so good about brushing his teeth and taking him to the dentist for fluoride. However, we can't reverse the malnutrition he suffered as an infant and the ill effects of apple juice while in the orphanage. The dentist trip was no fun. He was sedated for the entire thing. They said he wouldn't remember it however afterwards he told me he cried a lot when he was in the back at the dentist and it hurt. I think he may remember. Breaks my heart.  He now says he the crowns on his molars are his pirate teeth. Recently he had a screening for the state preschool program. We just got the results this week and he scored in the normal range for speech, motor and cognitive skills. We are thrilled. He does not qualify for any services. His cognitive score was in the 96th % tile compared to other children his same age. I m so proud of him. We are going to re screen him for speech in 6 months to see where he is at then. I requested this because I want to keep an eye on his word formation. He talks non-stop but his clarity is not where the girls were at this age. He is communicating effectively but I believe the earlier you catch speech issues the better off you are. So far no delays. Incredibly thankful for his amazing progress.

 

 We are planning a pirate party for Bryant's 3rd birthday. It is a costume party. Should be a lot of fun.

 Two years have past since we first met our son. There have been many challenges but one thing is for certain my love continues to grow for him and the rest of my family. I am a lucky girl.

 

 

First day of Preschool - Amelia & Bryant

 

Backpacks ready

 

Big School Boy

 

Fall School picture

 

Amelia and her pumpkin

 

 

 

My crazy crew

 

 

Macie and her soccer moves

 

Amelia loved the trip to the farm

 

 

Amelia and her soccer snacks

 

 

Macie with minus two front teeth

 

 

 

The girls performing their own "show" in the backyard

Sara Kathryn's letter to Jesus

His hands are growing

Summer Fun

 We have had a great summer and now it is back to school time. We spent a week at the beach right before school started. We considered it our last blast trip. We had a wonderful relaxing family vacation. The kids had a so much fun at the beach and pool. Bryant and Amelia loved the splash pad. Every morning Bryant woke up and said " I am going to the splash pad." He learned to swim to us after jumping off the pool stairs. Problem is it may be years before he can touch the bottom of the pool. Nonetheless he is doing a great job swimming. Amelia is a little fish so he is trying his best to catch up with big sis. Macie got over her jellyfish fear (she was stung earlier in the summer)  and returned to the ocean. All in all a very successful vacation.

 

 This past week we returned to the back to school routine. Part of me was ready but 6am comes too soon every morning. Sara Kathryn and Macie have wonderful teachers at their elementary school. They both adore school. Amelia and Bryant start preschool after Labor day. They are attending a new preschool this year. They went to cooking camp there this summer and loved it. Surprisingly Bryant cooked his snacks and ate at least a bite of it. They took a picture (below) of Bryant in a chef's hat for the preschool cookbook. Jeff and I couldn't stop laughing. It is quite funny considering all we have been through with his eating issues.

 

 The medical drama in our house continues, last night while attempting a back handspring on the trampoline Macie fell and fractured her elbow. She has a splint and a sling but I am sure a cast will be in her future. Poor girl has the worst luck. She is so tough she didn't even want to go to the doctor. She said "give me some advil and I'll be fine." She totally gets that from me. I think Advil will cure all. Thankfully we convinced her she needed to go to the doctor. Her gymnastics class will be on hold for a while. Soccer starts soon so we are hoping to be healthy by the first game.

 

 Here are some pictures of the kids this past month. Lots of laughs and summer fun.

 

 

 

Our little chef


 

Bryant at the beach

 

Bryant just chillin

 

 Macie in the pool - Accessories required

 

Football on the beach with the boys 

Uncle Grayson and Bryant

 

 

 

DOWN

 



SET

 HUT

 

 

Bryant on the carry!

Loving his cousin time - These two together are trouble with a capital T

Daddy & Amelia

 

Playing in the sand

 



 

First day of school

Sara Kathryn - 4th grade

Macie- 1st grade

 

Macie today with her splint