Thank you all for posting! it was very exciting to get on and see all the responses. Please understand we will try to continue to update you but will probably not reply for a few days. I know you all understand.
Also I wanted to think of a clever way to tell you all we had the kids but time was so short and I wanted you all to know so badly that I took the quick way.
I know you all understand what a special day this was for us!!
You can see these 2 are not exactly fish when it comes to water. What A Day we had! The kids have been wonderful. The only time they seemed unhappy was when we tried the baths. That made them very unhappy, (as you can see) Such cries! Just as we put bolat in the tub our coordinator called and said "We come now" . Holly freaked out....They What!!!! She was afraid they would think we hadn't been getting along. We had been expecting them to come earlier since they know the kids go to bed around 8:30. But around 8 is when they came. All went well, the kids went down like angels and Gulnara and Emil stayed for about 2 hours dicussing court and such.
Please keep Sept. 5th (court date) in your prayers. Just because we have them in the apartment doesn't mean it's official. Until the judge says it, it ain't so. Also they are getting very strict on immediate execution (waiving the mandatory 15 day waiting period after court) and Esik is the last place in the country that still does it. It would not be the end of the world if we don't get it but we sure would rather come home on the 14th instead of the 29th.
A quick story,,,You all saw Bolat asleep on my head the other day. Well today they wanted me to show the babyhouse director how much he liked it so up he went and so did his breakfast, all over my head. Thought some of you might enjoy that. Everyone here did.
A comment from Holly
Today was absolutely incredible!! We had been "expecting" to bring the babies back before the 14 day visitation period was over, but weren't completely sure it would happen until our driver called last night and said bring baby clothes, diapers, and bottles, we bring the babies back tomorrow. Yippee!!
Today was rainy and dreary and quite cool, so we didn't take many pictures outside, mainly just the one in front of the babyhouse (previous post). I'll give some details of the day - I know girls like that. We drove to the babyhouse at our normal time (leave around 8 get there around 9:30), we fed them their normal "yummy" breakfast and our coordinator had me try a bite of kasha today, so I would know what the kids have been eating at the babyhouse. Fortunately, I had a babywipe handy and I turned my head and quickly got rid of the kasha. Word of advice - if anyone ever asks you to try kasha - just say no or if you are in kaz - nyet!!
So after we fed them, we put the clothes on that we had brought for them and then went around and took some more pictures with the director, doctor, etc. Sam and I came back to the room to get our bags ready and Gulnara took the children one at a time to the room next door where the doctor was so she could say her good-byes to the children. We couldn't understand what she was saying to them because it was Russian, but it was sweet and soft. Probably wishing them a good life, and much happiness. Oh course, I started crying. It sounded so caring. All of the staff at the babyhouse have been so caring and compassionate, it's so nice to know that they were caring for our children during their early months.
We loaded the car and drove home to the apartment, they slept most of the way, when they woke up they looked wide -eyed out the car window. This is their first car ride. (other than when they were taken to the babyhouse from the hospital). We brought them up the apartment and played for a while then had lunch, napped, supper played some more, than bath time. Neither of them like bathtime the least little bit, I really wanted to scrub them down good, but they will have to wait. Sam finished the rest of the story in his post. We really are thankful for all the prayers, now we would like for you to pray for Alia/Elizabeth, she is running a fever, coughing, and having some very messy diapers. The doctor told us today that she was getting sick, and to give her tylenol. Bolat is feeling better, we started him on soy formula today and he really likes it. It's been a wonderful day for the Dunning family!! Love to you all... Holly
Also I wanted to think of a clever way to tell you all we had the kids but time was so short and I wanted you all to know so badly that I took the quick way.
I know you all understand what a special day this was for us!!
You can see these 2 are not exactly fish when it comes to water. What A Day we had! The kids have been wonderful. The only time they seemed unhappy was when we tried the baths. That made them very unhappy, (as you can see) Such cries! Just as we put bolat in the tub our coordinator called and said "We come now" . Holly freaked out....They What!!!! She was afraid they would think we hadn't been getting along. We had been expecting them to come earlier since they know the kids go to bed around 8:30. But around 8 is when they came. All went well, the kids went down like angels and Gulnara and Emil stayed for about 2 hours dicussing court and such.
Please keep Sept. 5th (court date) in your prayers. Just because we have them in the apartment doesn't mean it's official. Until the judge says it, it ain't so. Also they are getting very strict on immediate execution (waiving the mandatory 15 day waiting period after court) and Esik is the last place in the country that still does it. It would not be the end of the world if we don't get it but we sure would rather come home on the 14th instead of the 29th.
A quick story,,,You all saw Bolat asleep on my head the other day. Well today they wanted me to show the babyhouse director how much he liked it so up he went and so did his breakfast, all over my head. Thought some of you might enjoy that. Everyone here did.
A comment from Holly
Today was absolutely incredible!! We had been "expecting" to bring the babies back before the 14 day visitation period was over, but weren't completely sure it would happen until our driver called last night and said bring baby clothes, diapers, and bottles, we bring the babies back tomorrow. Yippee!!
Today was rainy and dreary and quite cool, so we didn't take many pictures outside, mainly just the one in front of the babyhouse (previous post). I'll give some details of the day - I know girls like that. We drove to the babyhouse at our normal time (leave around 8 get there around 9:30), we fed them their normal "yummy" breakfast and our coordinator had me try a bite of kasha today, so I would know what the kids have been eating at the babyhouse. Fortunately, I had a babywipe handy and I turned my head and quickly got rid of the kasha. Word of advice - if anyone ever asks you to try kasha - just say no or if you are in kaz - nyet!!
So after we fed them, we put the clothes on that we had brought for them and then went around and took some more pictures with the director, doctor, etc. Sam and I came back to the room to get our bags ready and Gulnara took the children one at a time to the room next door where the doctor was so she could say her good-byes to the children. We couldn't understand what she was saying to them because it was Russian, but it was sweet and soft. Probably wishing them a good life, and much happiness. Oh course, I started crying. It sounded so caring. All of the staff at the babyhouse have been so caring and compassionate, it's so nice to know that they were caring for our children during their early months.
We loaded the car and drove home to the apartment, they slept most of the way, when they woke up they looked wide -eyed out the car window. This is their first car ride. (other than when they were taken to the babyhouse from the hospital). We brought them up the apartment and played for a while then had lunch, napped, supper played some more, than bath time. Neither of them like bathtime the least little bit, I really wanted to scrub them down good, but they will have to wait. Sam finished the rest of the story in his post. We really are thankful for all the prayers, now we would like for you to pray for Alia/Elizabeth, she is running a fever, coughing, and having some very messy diapers. The doctor told us today that she was getting sick, and to give her tylenol. Bolat is feeling better, we started him on soy formula today and he really likes it. It's been a wonderful day for the Dunning family!! Love to you all... Holly
posted by Sam and Holly at 9:20 AM
13 Comments:
Yeah! The first to comment! I already posted once today but could not resist. So happy for you both. Sam, be glad it was only on your head! Just a note of advise, don't lift a baby prone to spit up over your head with your face as their target. That would be your real initiation into parenthood! You can ask my husband all about it! We will keep praying for all and keep Alia's ilness in our thoughts and prayers.
Love- Andrea
Sam and Holly, so glad to get the update...Was afraid they wouldn't like their baths yet. Probably haven't had many in their lives, if any, other than wipe downs or as we used to say, sponge baths. It won't take them long to change their minds, tho. So much to have happen to them in a short time. It must be confusing.
Was just over Saras and Julie Brown Brooks called.
Sara wasn't there so I got to talk to her. She was very excited and had many questions. Most of which I couldn't answer but we got to talk about it all which helps. Keep us posted when you can...Love Nanny
There is another Sandy so I will post under "San D.K." (which is how I learned to write my name).
Welcome to parenthood. Only one thing is guaranteed....things won't go the way you plan. I'm sure the co-ordinator has seen everything.... and anyway, where could they EVER find anyone to take better care of these babies?
Emily called from the tourney today to wish her Mommy and Daddy a happy anniversary. See what good nieces you have! I told her for my anniversary you got to bring Andrew and Elizabeth home (to the apartment). I tried to tell her that it was not totally official yet... but she was too excited!!!!!! She kept saying "ARE YOU SERIOUS?!"
They lost their first game but have won the other three. I am not sure when to expect them home...but be ready! They will be on here and VERY EXCITED as soon as they return!
You know we are trying to get some major painting done in the basement today...but so many distractions :) Thank you!!
Lots of love
Aunt Sara
What as amazing story you have posted. Thank you so much for giving us all a glimpse of the experience you're having there, and of the wonderful family you've created. I'm sorry I'm just now posting. I can't wait to meet your babies!
Mom wanted me to be sure to post given your questions about soy and allergies. Natalie suddenly had blood in her stool at 6 mos., and we had to remove both milk and soy from her diet. It's hard -- milk and milk products are in so many things. Both milk and soy are very very similar at the protein level, and many babies are allergic to both, so if the soy doesn't work, you may have to look at that as well.
The good news is that once you remove the allergic trigger, they typically grow out of it. Natalie is now fine with both.
I'll tell you that we saw just about every dr. in Natalie's pediatric practice (which has a great reputation), and got all kinds of misinformation. It wasn't until we saw a pediatric gasteroenterologist that we were able to clear everything up. So if the soy doesn't help as much as you hope, don't worry, you can get Bolat to a specialist when you get home and they'll be able to take care of everything. (And the time between now and then shouldn't harm anything.)
There are all sorts of great resources and message boards on the internet for moms struggling with the same thing.
Hope this helps. Keep us posted on how the soy goes. And just enjoy every minute with your precious children!!
love, Erin, Edmund, & Natalie
Holly and Sam: So happy for you that you have the kids with you. Sorry to hear that Alia is ill. She will have a lot of folks praying for her. Bolat and her sure don't like baths.I couldn't help but smile though as the pictures were precious. You all continue to do an amazing job with your posts and pictures. Hope and pray things continue to go well for you...love poppy
This is an amazing journey you are going on! I know we dont know you guys very well but I feel like part of the family, reading all the posts and seeing all the pictures . We talked about you guys in Sunday School and there are several of us following your story,[ the women shared how we all cried when we read it)! I am a crier too, Holly! I am so glad things are going well! prayers are lifted up!!Leslie Richards
Good morning to you! Hope your night went well. So glad they are with you...we will be praying for Alia/Elizabeth to get well. Something I used to do for my boys when they had a cough or any respiratory problem would be to put a book or pillow or something under the baby mattress to prop the mattress up a little, so their head was a little elevated. Just a thought. Know that we are praying for each of you. Lots of hugs and kisses your way! Hope you guys have a great day together:)
Let the fun begin!!!
Looks like bath time was a challange, but I guess now you can tell that their lungs are in very good shape.Poor Alia,I hope she get better soon.If her fever gets very high they told me to alternate motrin and tylanol.(it worked for Lauren), If you can do that.I went over to Willodeans last night and asked her if she had seen the babies.She had not.So we got online and started looking, I told her I had to go,but she said "Hey leave that up I got to check this out!!!"I feel you may have another addict now.(I know I am)There is just so much joy here.I just enjoy so much being able to keep up with what going on with your FAMILY.Gas was 2.52 now in Pad.its 2.37 What is it there? YALL ARE IN MY THOUGHT AND IN MY PRAYERS. MECHELE
Just got back from the welcome home party for the Summer's son, Matt, home on leave from Iraq. This was a major turnout with Senator Leeper and Representative Rudy speaking. Showed your adoption pictures to Makalia and Jerry and about that time Bro Davidson walked up and said; "That's nothing, We've been showing those, and following the adventure on our big screen in the santuary for everyone to see." Those "not in the know" had to pass the pictures around. Mom's at Smilies tonite and that leaves me and the two "mouches". Their favorite new snack food is High Protien Fish Food. Scooter always starts at the beginning of the diving board and works to the middle and Baby starts at the middle and works out over the water, balanced on her two paws
Keep plugging away with the kids and we'll all keep praying.
Love Dad
Sam and Holly, I just read your daily events and felt like a dishrag when I finished. We are so thrilled as if we were there with you. We shared your story with Lynette (Kevin's wife) today and she was so excited for you. They adopted their little girl almost 3 years ago. This brings back all the excitement and what a blessing she has been to our family. We told her how beautiful the babies were. Mike said he can't wait to see Sam carve their images out of wood! We are so so happy for you. We will continue to pray for you and especially Alia. Give the kids a BIG Nana hug! We love you! Mike and Glenda
Hello, I just wanted to say that we will be praying for Alia. Grace and Claire are thoroughly enjoying seeing the babies every day. I think Grace is enjoying it a little too much. She thinks we need to get a baby from the babyhouse. I keep calculating in my mind what time it is there and what you are probably doing. I hope your night went well. Have a great day and I can't wait to get up in the morning and see what is new with you all.
What a precious family!!!!! We are so happy for you all. The babies are adorable. We have been praying for you and we hope that you can come home soon. We can't wait to see Andrew and Elizabeth. They seem to be such happy babies.
We love you,
Mark, Joni, Mandy, & Chris
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