Spring has sprung

Spring is all around here in Petrozavodsk. The sun has been out every day since we arrived. When we were here last time we only saw the sun once for about 20 minutes. The temperature is right around 35 degrees in the afternoons. It makes it nice to go out walking.

We have now had the kids with us for 3 days. It has been nice. We are working with Daniel to not sulk when things upset him. He is also continuing to repeat English. Katya is finally starting to like me (Kamber) more. She has really taken to Joseph with his Russian. They’ll soon figure out who is really in charge. Right? The kids are still enjoying eating. When we were at the orphanage last weekend they wouldn’t let them eat any of the cake we were having. So since having them here we bought a cake and gave them some. Daniel said this was the first time he’d had cake. Some other firsts are pees, grapes, and ketchup. He is really coming around. Both kids are sleeping well. Katya wakes a few times at night, but it doesn’t take her long to go back to sleep.

We are missing Brigham and Kyler so bad. Today marks the longest we’ve been away. That was for the last trip. Yesterday was really hard for me. Anything that reminds me of them sets me off. Lots of tears and heartache. Daniel and Katya remind me of Brigham and Kyler about a year and a half ago. Anytime Joseph does something with them like airplane rides, the famous flips or tickles it makes me sad.

Brigham and Kyler are having a lot of fun with Grandma. This past weekend they went on a surprise camping trip. Brigham went ice fishing and from what I’ve heard, caught the biggest fish. He is reading a lot with Grandma and is ready to advance to the yellow books. He is also working on earning money to buy toiletries for the kids at the Christmas house. Kyler is very sweet, but doesn’t talk much on the phone.

Daniel and Katya will fit in our family well. They are showing great signs in attachment. It is hard to attach because it makes me feel like I’m cheating on Brigham and Kyler. I have to keep reminding myself how excited they are for them to be with us. We are anxious to get them home, but we still have a while to go.