Well, today I am taking after my Mom. She is the most impatient person I know. She absolutely hates to wait for anything. I am right there with her today! On Monday, we were asked when we would like to preview, and we gave them our proposed dates. We still haven't heard back. It is driving me crazy!!! I want to make travel arrangements, but more than anything, I want to know the exact day I will see Andres. This waiting is so much harder when the days draw close.
I did find something to distract me a little. From watching our wonderful video, I know that Andres LOVES to play ball. This afternoon I found a pattern for a knitted ball.:) I had lots of bright-colored, soft, cotton yarn in my yarn box, so I have a ball in the works. If you could only hear the way he says "ball" with his Estonian accent-so cute!! It would be much easier to run to WalMart and buy him a $2 Nerf ball, but this is much more fun and distracting. It feels great to know I can make something especially for him that he will enjoy.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
Guess what I got for my birthday?
USCIS APPROVAL
Dan called me at co-op to tell me it had arrived. I of course, burst into tears.:) They didn't last for long, but I couldn't eat lunch. I am walking on air. I'm also beginning to LOVE co-op Fridays.:)
Yesterday was actually my birthday, but every time I remember that I can go to meet Andres I keep humming, "Happy Birthday to ME"!!!!
We are going to try for February vacation. We may actually get to meet up with Steve and Viola after all.
Dan called me at co-op to tell me it had arrived. I of course, burst into tears.:) They didn't last for long, but I couldn't eat lunch. I am walking on air. I'm also beginning to LOVE co-op Fridays.:)
Yesterday was actually my birthday, but every time I remember that I can go to meet Andres I keep humming, "Happy Birthday to ME"!!!!
We are going to try for February vacation. We may actually get to meet up with Steve and Viola after all.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
More Mittens
These are my latest mittens. I wanted to post a photo of Dan's "Torque", or hat, but he always seems to have it on.:)
I still haven't settled on what to make for Andres. Part of me wants to make him a beautiful, intricate pair of Estonian mittens. They are amazing, but look very intimidating. Another part of me wants to make him a traditional Maine pair. Hey, maybe I should make both!
This is the Fleur-de-lis mitten. I am knitting these for my friend Deb,to celebrate her French heritage. The French people of Maine and Canada used slightly different techniques in shaping the mitten. I love the simplicity of the design. Isn't it pretty?
These mittens are my very favorite. They are called "Double-rolled" mittens. They are knitted with only one skein of yarn. Fleece in wrapped(or rolled) around the backside of the yarn making the soft, warm lining. The cuff is called a "shag" cuff. It is a slow process, but the end result is worth it.
I saw these mittens for the first time at the Common Ground Fair. I can't remember for sure if it was 1989 or 1990. I've always wanted to try them. This pair belongs to Dan and has already been worn through 2 snowplowing sessions. The tufts of fleece inside keep his hands toasty.
Garrett isn't interested in mittens at all, but he is willing to wear these. I copied the school mascot, a ghost called a "red eddie", from his team swim cap. He loves the way it looks, and I love that he has warm hands.:)
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Andres Video
I just watched the video for the 3rd time. I know, it is hard to believe I have only watched it 3 times, but I'm trying to savor it. So far, it is enough. I feel like I have met him, and that feels like a dream come true. His voice, the way he walks, the way he sits are all in my head now. There will come a time, when that won't be enough, but for now, I am content.
Every time I watch the video, I learn something new about Andres. This time I learned that he tries to repeat every word spoken to him in English. He tries very hard to understand and to do what is asked of him. He learns very quickly! Andres has the cutest giggle. His spoken language skills are really good. He is able to put end sounds on words, even new, English words. I love his little ears and his tiny hands and feet. I desperately want to fix his lips which are so cracked and dry!! The way he says "ball" with his Estonian accent is precious. Soon, I will try to edit and post a short clip of the video. I'll try to stop rambling about it, too.
Every time I watch the video, I learn something new about Andres. This time I learned that he tries to repeat every word spoken to him in English. He tries very hard to understand and to do what is asked of him. He learns very quickly! Andres has the cutest giggle. His spoken language skills are really good. He is able to put end sounds on words, even new, English words. I love his little ears and his tiny hands and feet. I desperately want to fix his lips which are so cracked and dry!! The way he says "ball" with his Estonian accent is precious. Soon, I will try to edit and post a short clip of the video. I'll try to stop rambling about it, too.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Good Stuff
Today has been amazing! I should start with yesterday which was much less than amazing. It was a long, hard day, and I had a killer headache from the moment I woke up.Ugh! Today started pain free.:) Instead of hitting the snooze alarm, I turned off the alarm, so I fell back to sleep for 35 minutes. I don't know what woke me up, but I got Garrett up, fed, and off to school on time even though I got the extra sleep.:)It was great. Once everyone was up and fed we headed to Dan's office to get our last 3 documents notarized. Then it was on to homeschool co-op which was amazing because we had visiting missionaries. The couple used to live in our area and attend our church. Now they live in India, setting up maternity and baby hospitals in rural areas. The kids asked some great questions. It was really fun.
At lunch, Dan called to tell me we had gotten a package which contained a video of Andres from last fall. Yup, that's right, a VIDEO OF ANDRES!!!! I somehow managed to take the kids to lunch as planned, but I couldn't tell you what I ate. I was dying to get home and watch that video!!! It wouldn't work on our DVD player. Sigh, deep breath... It wouldn't work on our computer.:( Big sigh, at least 3 deep breaths...
I had to take our COMPLETED DOSSIER to Augusta for apostilles. The drive took 40 minutes. I drove right to the building and was seen right away. Then, the fun began. "Are you sure you want all of these apostilled? Do you know it cost $10document? Why do you need so many? Why didn't you have them all done by the same notary?" The woman had a horrible attitude. She explained to me how much work I was creating for her on a Friday afternoon.:) I figure she earned my $10/document, but I smiled and said thank you. After an hour she called me back over and told me she couldn't apostille the documents because Estonia is not a Hague Convention country. I assured her it is and gave her a website for confirmation. She could NOT put the black and gold sticker on my papers unless Estonia was written on her list, and it was not on her list. She had to get a supervisor involved. Fortunately, the supervisor was able to add Estonia to the list, and I got my black and gold stickers.:) I actually forgot about the video until I was almost home.
Dan had the brilliant idea of trying the DVD on the kids' playstation. IT WORKED!!! We all crowded around and watched the video together as a family. Everyone of us is in love with that tiny, precious little blondie with the best smile ever!!!! I think he knows how to use that smile,too.:) What a special, precious gift! Thank you, thank you Christina!!!!! It was the perfect late Christmas, early birthday present. I don't know how I will sleep tonight! I've only watched the video twice so far and I've learned so much about Andres. He is so smart!! He is a chatterbox, like his mommy.:) He is right-handed. He definitely needs OT. He is adorable. He LOVES to play ball. He will need to wear a belt-even with slims, just like Connor and Gavin. Did I mention he is ADORABLE? He learns very quickly. He can stay focused and on task for a long time! He has the sweetest smile and when he says, "pleeease",no one will be able to say "no".:)
At lunch, Dan called to tell me we had gotten a package which contained a video of Andres from last fall. Yup, that's right, a VIDEO OF ANDRES!!!! I somehow managed to take the kids to lunch as planned, but I couldn't tell you what I ate. I was dying to get home and watch that video!!! It wouldn't work on our DVD player. Sigh, deep breath... It wouldn't work on our computer.:( Big sigh, at least 3 deep breaths...
I had to take our COMPLETED DOSSIER to Augusta for apostilles. The drive took 40 minutes. I drove right to the building and was seen right away. Then, the fun began. "Are you sure you want all of these apostilled? Do you know it cost $10document? Why do you need so many? Why didn't you have them all done by the same notary?" The woman had a horrible attitude. She explained to me how much work I was creating for her on a Friday afternoon.:) I figure she earned my $10/document, but I smiled and said thank you. After an hour she called me back over and told me she couldn't apostille the documents because Estonia is not a Hague Convention country. I assured her it is and gave her a website for confirmation. She could NOT put the black and gold sticker on my papers unless Estonia was written on her list, and it was not on her list. She had to get a supervisor involved. Fortunately, the supervisor was able to add Estonia to the list, and I got my black and gold stickers.:) I actually forgot about the video until I was almost home.
Dan had the brilliant idea of trying the DVD on the kids' playstation. IT WORKED!!! We all crowded around and watched the video together as a family. Everyone of us is in love with that tiny, precious little blondie with the best smile ever!!!! I think he knows how to use that smile,too.:) What a special, precious gift! Thank you, thank you Christina!!!!! It was the perfect late Christmas, early birthday present. I don't know how I will sleep tonight! I've only watched the video twice so far and I've learned so much about Andres. He is so smart!! He is a chatterbox, like his mommy.:) He is right-handed. He definitely needs OT. He is adorable. He LOVES to play ball. He will need to wear a belt-even with slims, just like Connor and Gavin. Did I mention he is ADORABLE? He learns very quickly. He can stay focused and on task for a long time! He has the sweetest smile and when he says, "pleeease",no one will be able to say "no".:)
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Vacation is Over
Well, we survived yesterday. I was not looking forward to getting back into the school routine. In fact, I was really kind of dreading it. On Sunday evening I started running through each child's progress in my head. How could I have forgotten! Before vacation, I didn't want to stop because Meredith was making amazing progress!
Meredith has always struggled academically. She did not begin talking until age 3, and there was something about her use of words that wasn't quite right. I asked questions and pushed to have her tested which got her into speech therapy, but still didn't answer my questions about her language development. By 2nd grade it was obvious that she had serious learning issues. Finally, in 5th grade she was evaluated and diagnosed with an auditory processing disorder and short-term memory deficit. Of course I began researching and learning as much as I could about her difficulties. Gaining an understanding helped both of us so much! Unfortunately, there are no easy fixes and most of the programs and therapies are unbelievably expensive! We sought help through the school system, but they don't really know how to address her specific issues. Some of the teachers and administrators wanted to help and were willing to try. Most just didn't get it, at all! Her school experience was a disaster!
This year we started out with our tried and true methods. We usually spend the first half of the school year reviewing(relearning) everything from the year before. Math is the toughest. It is not unusual for us to spend 1-2 weeks learning a new concept. By then, Meredith has completely forgotten the previous lesson. When I say "completely forgotten", I mean she looks at it and has no recollection of ever have seen it before. That can also happen from one day to the next. So, I take a deep breath, and show her again. Usually, she gets it quicker with subsequent tries. In the meantime, we have to do small amounts of practice of the concepts she does know, so she doesn't forget them. Somehow, she makes progress every year.
Things started out differently this year. The school asked for a 3-yr. evaluation. She was given the entire battery of tests again, and her scores improved beyond anyone's expectations.:) She was invited to the PET and it was great for her to hear how impressed the teachers were. She decided to take language arts at school with a wonderful teacher who really gets Meredith, and her issues. This teacher and the special ed. teacher were "fighting" over who would "get" Meredith when we walked in. Meredith was a little embarassed, but very pleased.:) Then, the special ed. teacher explained to Meredith what her scores meant and how he had NEVER seen that kind of improvement before. She certainly left feeling more confident than she had ever felt before.
After that, things fell into the normal routine until the last 2 weeks before Christmas break. All of a sudden, math began to click and stick! The first day we skimmed through 8 chapters. She remembered every single concept. The next day, she still remembered them and we skimmed through 12 MORE chapters. Each day went like that. The truly amazing part is that she not only remembered and understood the concepts, but she could use the vocabulary as well. The language of math has been one of her biggest hang-ups. When she used the word "quotient" and actually KNEW what it meant, I almost fell off my chair.:) Yesterday, I was a little nervous about opening the math book again. I knew I would be disappointed if she had forgotten again. She hadn't. We skimmed through several more chapters and finally found a new concept. We went through the lesson twice, and she had it. I'll find out soon if it stuck. I think it did.
Sorry for the long, rambling post. I'm just so excited!
Meredith has always struggled academically. She did not begin talking until age 3, and there was something about her use of words that wasn't quite right. I asked questions and pushed to have her tested which got her into speech therapy, but still didn't answer my questions about her language development. By 2nd grade it was obvious that she had serious learning issues. Finally, in 5th grade she was evaluated and diagnosed with an auditory processing disorder and short-term memory deficit. Of course I began researching and learning as much as I could about her difficulties. Gaining an understanding helped both of us so much! Unfortunately, there are no easy fixes and most of the programs and therapies are unbelievably expensive! We sought help through the school system, but they don't really know how to address her specific issues. Some of the teachers and administrators wanted to help and were willing to try. Most just didn't get it, at all! Her school experience was a disaster!
This year we started out with our tried and true methods. We usually spend the first half of the school year reviewing(relearning) everything from the year before. Math is the toughest. It is not unusual for us to spend 1-2 weeks learning a new concept. By then, Meredith has completely forgotten the previous lesson. When I say "completely forgotten", I mean she looks at it and has no recollection of ever have seen it before. That can also happen from one day to the next. So, I take a deep breath, and show her again. Usually, she gets it quicker with subsequent tries. In the meantime, we have to do small amounts of practice of the concepts she does know, so she doesn't forget them. Somehow, she makes progress every year.
Things started out differently this year. The school asked for a 3-yr. evaluation. She was given the entire battery of tests again, and her scores improved beyond anyone's expectations.:) She was invited to the PET and it was great for her to hear how impressed the teachers were. She decided to take language arts at school with a wonderful teacher who really gets Meredith, and her issues. This teacher and the special ed. teacher were "fighting" over who would "get" Meredith when we walked in. Meredith was a little embarassed, but very pleased.:) Then, the special ed. teacher explained to Meredith what her scores meant and how he had NEVER seen that kind of improvement before. She certainly left feeling more confident than she had ever felt before.
After that, things fell into the normal routine until the last 2 weeks before Christmas break. All of a sudden, math began to click and stick! The first day we skimmed through 8 chapters. She remembered every single concept. The next day, she still remembered them and we skimmed through 12 MORE chapters. Each day went like that. The truly amazing part is that she not only remembered and understood the concepts, but she could use the vocabulary as well. The language of math has been one of her biggest hang-ups. When she used the word "quotient" and actually KNEW what it meant, I almost fell off my chair.:) Yesterday, I was a little nervous about opening the math book again. I knew I would be disappointed if she had forgotten again. She hadn't. We skimmed through several more chapters and finally found a new concept. We went through the lesson twice, and she had it. I'll find out soon if it stuck. I think it did.
Sorry for the long, rambling post. I'm just so excited!
Friday, January 2, 2009
Sunshine and Shadows
The sun was shining all morning and the days are getting longer! Ok, maybe only a few minutes each day, but every moment counts.:) The darkness hasn't bothered me as much this year. I think it is because so much of me is always caught up in Estonia where it is even darker. This afternoon is looking wintry, though. The river is beginning to freeze to a dull, milky gray. The ground is white from recent snow and the sky is white as well. Here and there pale blue patches peek through the clouds. It makes me shiver to look out the window. The shiver is probably from the cold air that seeping through the windows. Pulling the shades helps keep in the heat, but it shuts out the light. I have to keep those shades open!
A college student from our church spent the last 2 winters in Sweden, even farther North than Tallinn. I asked her how people deal with the darkness. She said everyone tries to make the best of it by making their homes bright and cheerful. People burn lots of candles, and fireplaces or stoves that allow you to see the fire are also popular. I would love to have a pellet stove with a glass front! Maybe next year....
Recently I noticed a faint, but undeniable shadow around Connor's upper lip. I wanted to cry! There is something Peter Pan-like about Connor. I just don't want him to grow up. He is such a perfect boy!! Thinking about Connor made me sad and started feeding the impatient monster in my heart. Soon it was screaming in frustration. If I don't get Andres home soon, it will be too late. He will be grown up and we'll have missed it! I hate how I feel when I let those feelings overwhelm me. I really don't like being reminded that I am not in control and I cannot get what I want RIGHT NOW!! So I yelled and stomped my feet and complained about how unfair it is that I have to wait. I did manage to hold back the tears which gave me a horrible headache and that achey tightness in my chest that sort of feels like heartburn.
The next day Dan and I went to finish our last minute Christmas shopping. Our first stop was the bookstore to find a "special" for our great-niece, Mary. Both of us LOVE reading books to kids, and choose books with great care. While I was searching the shelves I noticed a little boy sitting at my feet playing with books and toys. I didn't pay much attention until I heard his voice. Something about his speech caught my ear. I looked more closely and realized he had Downs. I moved just slightly so I could watch him play. Tears started streaming down my face and a huge sob built up in my chest. I knew I couldn't let myself cry because I would not be able to stop. I turned my back and walked away until I was under control again.
I couldn't keep my eyes off him. I watched his hands turn the pages of a book. His fingers were short and his skin was dry, so like Andres' hands in my pictures. He leaned forward to grab some toys and he leaned way too far forward. Only people with very flexible joints can move like that. It was so amazing to watch him. I looked around for his family, but they must have been waiting in the very long line because he was totally alone. I know he wasn't really alone, and I know he wasn't Andres, but he was the closest thing I have right now. I wanted to scoop him up and run away so that I could have him all to myself. Isn't that crazy? All the time, tears were streaming down my face and I knew I was being ridiculous. Thankfully, Dan was too engrossed in book shopping to notice.:) Somehow, I got the tears to stop and helped Dan find a book. We chose, The Mitten, by Jan Brett. It is one of our favorites. I especially like it now, because the setting is Eastern Europe(Ukraine, actually),and it reminds me of Estonia.
After we found the book, I turned back to watch the boy some more. This time he looked up at me and melted my heart with grin. I was surprised to notice a shadow, just like Connor's on his upper lip. He wasn't such a little boy after all. He was a handsome young man with brown hair and brown eyes, wearing glasses. When I looked more closely, I realized he must be at least 12 or 13, and he was taller than I first noticed. His smile got the tears flowing again, but this time I was smiling, too. In his lap he had 2 dolls and a puppet. He was playing with Bert, Ernie and Elmo.:) It was such a precious reminder that it is not too late. When we get to Andres he may be taller and bigger than I am imagining, but in so many ways he will still be a little boy. The monster in my heart is drowsing peacefully again...for now.
A college student from our church spent the last 2 winters in Sweden, even farther North than Tallinn. I asked her how people deal with the darkness. She said everyone tries to make the best of it by making their homes bright and cheerful. People burn lots of candles, and fireplaces or stoves that allow you to see the fire are also popular. I would love to have a pellet stove with a glass front! Maybe next year....
Recently I noticed a faint, but undeniable shadow around Connor's upper lip. I wanted to cry! There is something Peter Pan-like about Connor. I just don't want him to grow up. He is such a perfect boy!! Thinking about Connor made me sad and started feeding the impatient monster in my heart. Soon it was screaming in frustration. If I don't get Andres home soon, it will be too late. He will be grown up and we'll have missed it! I hate how I feel when I let those feelings overwhelm me. I really don't like being reminded that I am not in control and I cannot get what I want RIGHT NOW!! So I yelled and stomped my feet and complained about how unfair it is that I have to wait. I did manage to hold back the tears which gave me a horrible headache and that achey tightness in my chest that sort of feels like heartburn.
The next day Dan and I went to finish our last minute Christmas shopping. Our first stop was the bookstore to find a "special" for our great-niece, Mary. Both of us LOVE reading books to kids, and choose books with great care. While I was searching the shelves I noticed a little boy sitting at my feet playing with books and toys. I didn't pay much attention until I heard his voice. Something about his speech caught my ear. I looked more closely and realized he had Downs. I moved just slightly so I could watch him play. Tears started streaming down my face and a huge sob built up in my chest. I knew I couldn't let myself cry because I would not be able to stop. I turned my back and walked away until I was under control again.
I couldn't keep my eyes off him. I watched his hands turn the pages of a book. His fingers were short and his skin was dry, so like Andres' hands in my pictures. He leaned forward to grab some toys and he leaned way too far forward. Only people with very flexible joints can move like that. It was so amazing to watch him. I looked around for his family, but they must have been waiting in the very long line because he was totally alone. I know he wasn't really alone, and I know he wasn't Andres, but he was the closest thing I have right now. I wanted to scoop him up and run away so that I could have him all to myself. Isn't that crazy? All the time, tears were streaming down my face and I knew I was being ridiculous. Thankfully, Dan was too engrossed in book shopping to notice.:) Somehow, I got the tears to stop and helped Dan find a book. We chose, The Mitten, by Jan Brett. It is one of our favorites. I especially like it now, because the setting is Eastern Europe(Ukraine, actually),and it reminds me of Estonia.
After we found the book, I turned back to watch the boy some more. This time he looked up at me and melted my heart with grin. I was surprised to notice a shadow, just like Connor's on his upper lip. He wasn't such a little boy after all. He was a handsome young man with brown hair and brown eyes, wearing glasses. When I looked more closely, I realized he must be at least 12 or 13, and he was taller than I first noticed. His smile got the tears flowing again, but this time I was smiling, too. In his lap he had 2 dolls and a puppet. He was playing with Bert, Ernie and Elmo.:) It was such a precious reminder that it is not too late. When we get to Andres he may be taller and bigger than I am imagining, but in so many ways he will still be a little boy. The monster in my heart is drowsing peacefully again...for now.
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