After our family dedication this weekend, our children reminded us that they want a "babyska." That's the English word with a Ukrainian/Russian term of endearment (ska) stuck on the back of it.
Our newest children are forgetting what is Russian and what is English, then mixing the two languages. If you've ever wanted to go on an adventure, just come on over. There's millipedes, frogs, butterflies, guinea hens, and more to explore, but some of the greatest treasures are just hearing these little ones learn each other's languages. Our original 4 (3 bio and 1 domestic adoption) speak more Russian than I do now. And our newest 5 are showing off their English each day. S will say,
"Mom, come here, please."
"OK!"
"Mom, will you open the door, please?"
lol...she's actually asking if I will open a bag of gummies for her, not the door.
We were out shopping today with 8 of our kids, as H was at choir practice. The cashier said, "I bet you all are never board. They laugh so much! I want a family like that some day." I said, "I recommend it. I was an only child, and this is what happened. I was totally board, but not any more."
When we were finally home tonight, J, one of our newest sons, went to get himself some water and noticed that E, his new little sister (our bio daughter), was struggling to get the water turned on. In Russian, he asked if she wanted water, and she said yes. Before he got his own water, he poured hers and closed her cup for her. Then got his own. There are some beautiful things in this world, but this is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. We watch the former bonds between our original 4 and the newest 5 fade away, and they all form new bonds as a single sibling group of 9.
I love this life and seeing these children bond. Our home is filled with so many people with so many stories, personalities, gifts, and yet we all work as one team, we are one family.
God never fails to provide too. Today we had a photo session that someone offered us for free. It was such a blessing to us, and we will get to share them this coming week with everyone! I am thankful for so many helping us and making this journey so unbelievable wonderful. From our new house that we could never afford to our pictures today to help us remember these times, so many wonderful people are making this life even more meaningful. I'm so thankful for these people in our lives and for this amazing journey we are on!