Ground Hog Day!

Today is similar to every other day, in a good way. We are finally getting "settled" into a routine. We are a simply doing our best each day. We like to keep it simple. We get up each morning and get ready to see the kiddos. We have a schedule with the taxi driver to pick us up by 9:40 to have us to the orphange by 10am until Noon. He picks us up and drops us off at the Potato House for lunch. It is next to the market and only a 15 minute walk to our apartment. We are able to order pizza, burritos, baked potato, salads and drinks. The girls that work there know us by now. They are kind and helpful with our orders. We eat there at least once a day. If I knew how to ask I would ask if they have a frequent buyers card. :) The walk "home" is nice. It's not too far for Wayne and just enough for the kids and I to let out our energy. The fresh air does us all good. Today we came back after our trip to the market and watched a movie together before going back for our evening visit. The driver comes back at 3:40pm for our 4-6pm visit. The taxi's here drive FAST. We don't have to worry about being late for our visit. The weather today was nice. We were able to take the kids outside for the first time. They came to us way bundled up. Timur could not even fit on my hip. He was in a snow suit, several layers of clothes under neath and a hat/scarf on top and pink boots. Macey came in her puffy pink coat ontop of the other layers of clothing plus a purple hat on top. Her workers had doen her hair before we arrived. She must have had 6-8 ponytails on top of her head, all over. It wasn't easy putting that hat on. She enjoyed holding my hand adn Taylor's too. Timur was happy to pushed in an umbrella stroller by Tanner. The big kids are having so much fun with their younger siblings. Today was a relief to go outside. Our morning visit was in the middle of a hallway. Yes, a hallway. Workers just walked by and had to step over us and our belongings. Not much fun. We are grateful for our time with them no matter the circumstances. THEY are the reason we are here. One of the workers watched us as we played in the "doctors office." We are never in the same area twice. She had a hard time trying to talk to me. I did understand her to say, "Two, hard?" I told her NO two children would not be hard. She said, "You have a BIG heart." She made me smile. I told our children we are a witness to eveyone we meet. We want others to see the love of Jesus through us. We are truly blessed that God would use our family in such an amazing way. Marcus and Macey are a gift from God. This evening we were in yet a different room. Only four walls and a mat on the floor. Timur was getting tickeled at himself. He would laugh and hollar just to hear himself. The room echoed and he loved it! He has such a fun laugh, it comes from his belly. Macey loves to be read to. My sister Jennifer gave a book to bring with us. She loves it. When we arrive she goes to our bag, pulls out the Bubbles book, backs up until she finds my lap then sits down for me to read it to her Again. It is quite fun! Today she also sorted nesting blocks. She did quite well. She is right on target. She is high functioning and smart too. She dresses herself, is potty trained, feeds herself and loves our attention. We will know more when we get home. These are all things we are told.
We will measure the kids today. Timur is not the pumkin we thought he would be. Under the many layers of clothes he has on each day is a little baby boy. His thighs are not thinck but thin little bird legs. I can not wait to watch him grow. I guess he is maybe a 2T in size. Macey is probably a 4T. These are my best guesses. Their sizes are different here. It looks like we will want to buy a swing set for the Spring and Summer. I think they are going to love being outside. I want to get Timur some kind of jumping thing. He pulls up to you and furniture but doesn't go far. It is only a matter of time before he will walk. He'll need to strengthen his legs and see were he is going.
It's only a matter of time before both of them grow by leaps and bounds. It's so exciting to see them and their potential. It's exciting to be a part of something so big. God is so Good!
Jennifer and Tara - I am reading e-mails. I have to decide whether to respond to e-mails or post on the blog. The service here is so SLOW. I won't even beging to tell you I have spent hours on this post. I can hardly wait to see Macey is her Big Girl toddler bed and Timur in his new crib. He is going to love all the musical toys. I am going to need some help with shopping and sizes. It has been 8 years since I've had a little one. I appreciate ALL of your encouraging words. Keep them coming! I need them. I can only focus on today. It's too hard to think past today. It's too long of a time period. I really do miss you guys. This is so much harder than I thought. Our time with the kids is the highlight of our day! They are both SO worth it!
Alyson - Thank You for tending to our home and all of the essentials. Bless you for your time. Thank you for being so eager to help while we are away. Bless you for your time and thoughtfulness.
Stefannie - Thank You for caring for our pets. Yes, we are coming home. Thank You for loving on them, caring for them and reminding them we will be back. You and the girls have been a real blessing. What a relief it has been to know they are taken care of. Thank You is not enough.
Nana, Dad and Barbara - Thank You for finding enough love in your heart for 2 special grandchildren. They are gifts from God and we know they will bring so much joy to our family. We are excited for you to meet them and fall in love with them too.
Thank You for your patience with me. I will try to blog more often and send pictures when I can. The modem that we purchased for just under a $100 is helpful but it is not the same. It is still limited with speed and space.
We love you guys and look foward to your comments.
P.S. There is also no Spell Check available - go figure.

Blessings,
Meghan