Day 3: more hugs, I love you's, and meltdowns

Wardrobe issues again today.  Ellie really likes these striped summer type leggings I brought.  They are pretty thin, not really warm enough.  Fashion is what matters.  They feel comfortable saying "no" to my face and the shake their finger at my as if scolding me, but they're not, just communicating with their hands, "no."

Ok, I didn't push the gloves and hats because the sun was out but I should have brought them because their little hands froze.  However my mistake taught them to bring them (they did make a point to grab them later in PM when we went out.)

Went to same park again.  Girls like to run away from Anton.  Scares me because they may not realize they're running in street.   Went to Starbucks again.  Girls start talking to this young student beside us.  She is junior in high school working on some map work homework.   Girls had a fight right there about an object one possessed and the other did not.  This young girl was so helpful in talking to them and calming them
down.

Had dinner tonight with lovely couple that works with orphans.   They were helpful in explaining that in orphanages, kids are very much out for themselves and mean to each other but they were also very encouraging about our girls. 

Tonight girls whined for me to sleep with them (threw themselves on the ground again).  At first I thought this is them wanting their own way and just tired (and probably true).  But I realized how much they need physical touch and closeness and so I layed down with them and stroked their hair until they went to sleep. 

Anton is very exhausted.   Has a cold sore.  He's having fun but he's inbetween being a crazy kid and seeking to be in that more responsible big brother role.  He's sensitive when I correct him, he had a breakdown when scolded for lack of self control.  I told him he was acting foolishly (and was hurting himself and girls because he was not thinking).  He said I called him a "fool" which I did not but he was being hard on himself more than I was.  Poor thing.  He fell asleep at dinner.   Begged to go to bed as soon as we got back to apt.

I feel very positive about the future and how these girls will grow in God's grace.  We prayed tonight and they prayed to God in Bulgarian.  We look forward in joining the Ullriches at church tomorrow assuming everyone is healthy.

Day 2: meltdowns, park, pizza and sweet friends to the rescue

I woke with 2 sweet faces giving me hugs saying, "I love you"  they are so happy.  But then trouble followed after breakfast.  We were getting ready for the park and they had a few meltdowns and fights.  Fists were flying,  tears, they tried to explain to me in Bulgarian.   All I could do was sing the Barney song I've been teaching them, "I love you."  I feel pretty inadequate.   I calledd our social worker and explained their reluctance to wear gloves and hats (they didn't think it was was fashionable.   She spoke to them on the phone and they said they would put on the gloves and hat.  But then they changed their minds.  I tried everything on the positive side but when  I got angry they were afraid to lose my affection and so the quickly discussed together and decided to comply.   I really don't want them to be afraid like that but we had to get out of the apartment for food as well as exercise.

So at the park, a few power struggles with Anton.  They didn't want to hold hands and be tethered.  

We had a break at Starbucks and the were very obedient. 

Then the wonderful and always gracious Ullriches showed up.  They found a pizza place with kids play area.  It was at bottom of big bldg in picture below.  Nice and warm place.  Then we had a few more fights and tears.  Scot and Robin were able to communicate with them.  And Scot prayed for the meal in Bulgarian.   They are just like all of us..  we're grateful then we're not.  But they're really still sweet girls all in all.

Gotcha day!

Thanksgiving Day.  We are so thankful.   Picked up our sweet and precocious girls. 

They are taking a bath now so I have a few seconds. 

Got passports started.   that is all we can do before the weekend.

They try to speak in Bulgarian to me.  I think they want me to find their favorite show on TV snd other things.  I just have to keep saying "I don't speak Bulgarian."  I have a translator app on my phone that helps a little.  

They are so happy.  They love the apartment.   They have been going through things and stowing things in their room (even things that aren't theirs :).  Bobbie found some nail polish, shut the door, and started polishing her nails (oh my).  But they really do want to please and have good manners overall.   I'm trying to get Anton to be more calming to them but he us just to excited. 

I'm not getting stressed out by the language situation.   I think that is God working to keep me even keeled thus far.

They call me "Mader"  mu-da. Screechy sound.  I told them to call me "mama"  Its pretty humorous.   I think one has to keep a sense of humor.

They started learning how to use the Kindle.  Bobbie is going to be good at computers because she'll try every button.  They are also going through DVDs and keep sampling.   It is like Christmas.   Now they're watching The Grinch (they're out of tub).  Better go.  Anton needs a towel.

"Mamo"  she just said.  she wants cookies.  I'm saying yes to everything practically except loud volume.

Ok. Bye.

Couldn't post above because Internet in apt not working.   At Starbucks now.   Had a few meltdowns.   But not a surprise.   I knew there would be tough moments.  Stil calling me "Mamo" 

In our cozy apartment in Sofia

The place is perfect!   Was able to get groceries using BG currency.   Apt. is nice central location downtown.  Our agency really wants to make sure we're happy. Just winding down now. 

In Munich about to board to Sofia

We're on our way

We made it to airpirt.  On our way to Newark NJ.  flight leaves at 11.  Then to Munich.  Then Sofia.  Get our girls Thanksgiving Day.  Chris is taking us as far as he could go today and will join us in a few days.

So much to be thankful for.  

Had to check my carry on.  I thought I bought the right size .  $100 fee.  Pooh.  Oh well.   deep breath.   De stress

A lot of folks love our girls

Some dear friends that I've known a long time had a shower/tea for me.  My friend who hosted it suggested I set up a registry.  This is a great idea, if I had time.   It was during the prep time for the garage sale, I could not think of a registry, in the midst of getting rid of stuff and room changes.   Generous folks were bringing things by for the garage sale and throwing in things particularly for the girls, the plan was to do inventory of outstanding needs after the garage sale (just before we travel almost).  But it turned out wonderful!  The Lord doesn't need me like I thought.  ha ha.  He has provided through such sweet friends that already love our girls.

But they have the greatest gifts in the world, they have a sovereign God, friends already outside our family who want to love them (as you can see).   They have a brother who is so excited he just jumps up and down.  and parents who are not quite as energetic as that, but ready to love them.  

We may not live in a castle, but they will be very rich.   My friends did an excellent job without a registry.  I don't think I could be more pleased.  I need to mention that one precious lady, just lost her son to cancer just a week or so prior.  She donated the cabbage patch dolls, and bag of things to go with them, that her girls used.  and was delighted to do it.  This was a precious gift because she has so many fond memories of her girls growing up with them.  But several ladies got together and showered me with all these things.  One of the things our girls asked for (and I was glad they felt free to do so) was a baby and stroller.  So many other things were given, to many to mention.  Let's just say we got showered with many blessings.

Room is ready!

It took a lot to get to this point but room is done.  This is one of the hardest things I think I've ever done, or ranks in the top 3. So, today I'm feeling a big sigh of relief.  This has been a consuming project that a lot of other pursuits on hold.  Today is a good day for me.   Here is what has had to take place over the past 2 1/2 months.

First we had to move Chris' study into our bedroom.  That was a huge deal, had to get new furniture to make it work.  Chris, being a former pastor and still loves to study the Bible, has a ton of books  And we had to build this new furniture.  (got IKEA).  So, if we're going to do all that, might as well paint our bedroom walls since they haven't been painted in over 12 years (and that took a while to make a decision on the right color).  I'm glad I did paint, but it was more work than I thought it would be, I painted it all myself.  I was worn out at that point.

Meanwhile, we get offsite storage, start putting stuff there that we want to sell.  And as I started to get closer to the garage sale, I began to move more things there that we want to keep in storage from the study because we can't sell and don't know where to put it.

Then we had big garage sale to sell all our used furniture, some we just gave away because we had it so long.  At the garage sale, we accepted donations from other families of their things to sell.  People were so generous.  So many people gave and we were able to raise a lot of money to help pay for the home changes we did.   But we had a lot of "stuff" at our house.  A lot of stuff.   Really, a lot of stuff.

Then, what to do with the leftover stuff, that took a week of trying to figure out and our house is a total wreck, but I begin to slowly get the girl's room done.  This time, paid for a painter  (smart!!).  But I had to paint the bunk beds white, of course.  Why not?  Let's do it the way we want it.  and I'm starting to feel stronger anyway from all this.

And then we get one more piece of IKEA furniture.  Chris builds it for me.   OK, wash the linens.  (I think putting sheets on a bunk bed is almost equivalent to a pilates class.)

But it's done!!  And guess what, I'm almost packed.  And the house is clean.  I'm a happy momma today.

Some of this, I know I brought it upon myself wanting thins "just so."  but I can say now, I'm glad it's all done the best way I possibly could do it.  I hope our girls feel loved.  And I think Chris is happy with his new study.  I like having his study in our bedroom, actually.

Chris says they should feel like princesses with their new room.

You can see many of the generous gifts from so many people.  I just realized I forgot to post about the shower some dear friends had for me.

Tickets bought!

Check that off list.  Got great fares through agency in Kentucky called Adoption Airfare.  1 way tickets are normally 3 timed more expensive than round trip but not for us.   God has truly prepared the way before us.

Getting ready for huge garage sale this weekend.

Travel date!

We should be there around Thanksgiving (end of November).  Chris will have to join us later.  So excited to bring my girls home!!

so excited, lots of work to do.