Finally ... An Update!

Hi everyone,

So sorry for the delay in posting. We've had our hands full. Quickly, here is a summary:

1. The trip home - was hell. There were several delays and door to door was close to 40 hours. We were delayed in Atlanta several hours and when we finally got on the plane we sat on the runway for hours in 104 degree heat. The girls were as good as could be expected but they were just over the whole thing. If they went to sleep they would wake up, look around and whine that they were still in a plane. I can totally understand.

2. The adjustment - the girls are doing great, although their previous 10 hour sleeping per night was reduced to 1 hour when we first got home. We 've been building it up from there trying to get them back on schedule. Both Maia and Ilona have had sleep issues, mostly related to adjustment as would be expected with an institutionalized child. First we went through some issues with Maia, which resolved quickly. We are currently going through some issues with Ilona. This is totally normal and to be expected but knowing that it is normal doesn't make us parents feel more rested and refreshed! They are both extremely mobile, which we weren't counting on before we left. We thought we'd have a little time before they were all over the place but they've hit the ground running, almost literally. Ilona is trying to walk (she couldn't even crawl when we picked her up) and Maia is doing this weird little crawl that propels her across the room faster than can be beleived.

3. Their health - is great. On Wednesday we went to a well known International Adoption Department in one of our major hospitals and spent over 5 hours with a doctor and occupational therapists that specialize in internationally adopted kids. To say they were pleased with Maia and Ilona would be an understatement. Both are bonding extremely well, which they were pleased about most of all as they see alot of bonding issues. Ilona was rated as being above her age in development and Maia right on. The only issue is that Maia isn't even on the height-weight chart and the doctor said that if she hadn't examined her she'd say she was "failure to thrive" however she is clearly thriving. Although we are running a bunch of tests they think she is just small and didn't get the food attention at the orphanage. She should catch up somewhat but may always be on the small side. The only thing is the doctor does not want them in daycare for at least another two months, and doesn't want us to use a nanny either. The doctor wants at least one of us, if not both of us, to be with them for this time. I am definitely not going to be able to comply with that directive however we are hoping to work something out where Al can stay home with them with a helper.

We go out quite a bit, to restaurants and other outings. The girls are really great with other people but are starting to want to make sure that Mom and Dad are around. Whereever we go we create quite a stir. This morning after church we went to our diner where all the waitresses ran up to the girls, grabbed them and took them around to all of the other tables and back into the kitchen. They are known as "the stars" there. Maia just laughs at everyone she sees, Ilona just checks everyone out.

My Mom has been with us since we got home, thank the Lord. I don't know how we'd function without the extra pair of hands but suffice to say we'd probably still have our suitcases piled in the kitchen. I don't know if there are any Mom's of twins out there that have handled both kids by themselves, but God Bless You... I cannot even imagine how it would be possible.

I'm sorry it has been so long since I've posted but between the girls sleep schedules and the issues we've had with our phone lines I just haven't been able to keep up. Also, if you've sent me any emails I probably haven't gotten to them yet, my service is excutiatingly slow and even though we just signed up for the fastest service available we are still struggling.

Thanks for all of your best wishes, thoughts and prayers. I can't tell you how much it means to all of us that you've been there through the journey with us. The girls are just so lucky to have you as a community. What a beautiful thing.

Love from Tina