Keeping Dima

Well, we did it! What a day of firsts yesterday was! It was another long day of sitting in the backseat, waiting for mysterious paperwork to be completed -- but this time, it with 4 people in the tiny backseat. We picked up Dima from the orphanage early on in the day, and then got to take him with us into the wide world. He was enthusiastic and amazed by all that he saw, commenting on cars and busses, dogs and pidgeons he saw out the window. He was especially excited any time a car honked -- which happens all the time in the heavy traffic of Kiev! He is such an even-keeled, sweet tempered little boy. He seemed happy to be with us, and unbothered by missing his nap, having strange and irregular meals, and a huge chimpy brother who can't leave him alone!

We've all got a lot to learn right now. Ted and I have to learn how to manage 2 kids, and their personalities and the way they interact, and just keeping track of 2 instead of one. Tristan has to learn how to share the spotlight (that's going to be a hard one, old habits die hard), how to play on Dima's 3 year old level, and how to give Dima a little space and let him sleep (let's just say Dima didn't quite wake up on his own this morning...) And then Dima himself has a lot to learn -- a new language, how to live in a family with all our little quirks and rules (the concept of relaxed family dinner, for example, is a totally foreign concept), and to adjust to a new home. We're all going to need patience and a lot of God's grace to help us through. It might be possible... that the transition will be hardest for Tristan. He is so excited, and just loves being a big brother, but we all have to learn how to help him channel that energy and excitement. The picture of Tristan and Dima on the couch in their jammies is a perfect example -- notice the manic gleam in Tristan's eyes?

Thank you again for your prayers! We are so thankful to get to share our joys and frustrations with you all -- and we eagerly anticipate the chance to really share our joy as we introduce Dima to all of you in a week or two!

Kristin