"What lies behind us, and what lies before us are small matters
compared to what lies within us."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Saturday, January 14, 2012

National De-Lurking Day!

Yes, this is an actual holiday! I think I should get myself a box of candy or something! I sure would like to know more about all you wonderful people! So please come out of hiding! I would love to know how you found my blog and all about you. If you have any questions about our family, feel free to ask away! If you don't want to post, you can send me an e-mail at:

zoo35511@bellsouth.net



Francesca says she can't wait to "meet" you all!!! (don't you just love the red sparkly shoes with the pj's!)
Posted by Catherine at

79 comments:

  1. AnonymousJanuary 14, 2012 at 3:39 PM

    My family and I are American missionaries to Italy. Not sure how I found your blog. But I enjoy reading your family adventures and pray for you regularly.

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  2. SamanthaJanuary 14, 2012 at 3:47 PM

    I found your blog through another RR rainbow blog (not sure which one!) back in August I believe. I'm just a working mom of two in Arizona who, after discovering RR had my eyes opened to special needs orphans. I started looking into how to help all of them and became interested in following the journeys of all these awesome families (like yours). I enjoy following your story and think your kids are all super cute! P.S-I love the photo at the top of your blog! It's so honest it makes me laugh becuase I know how hard it is to get kids to sit still for a pic!

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  3. Christie MJanuary 14, 2012 at 3:49 PM

    I'm not a lurker but a regular reader. I found your blog from looking at the RR website and saw that Victoria had a home.... from there.... I got to meet you and hold Francesca and Victoria which made my day! :)

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  4. noneyaJanuary 14, 2012 at 3:52 PM

    I met you while in country adopting our precious treasures. I was taken back by your sense of humor during quite stressful times and during the medical visa appt, not to mention your thoughts of flying solo.....Im learning, Im learning :)
    Trina

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  5. Warrior MomJanuary 14, 2012 at 3:56 PM

    Catherine - you know that *I* am not a lurker! I honestly do not know how I came upon your blog ... maybe through another RR friend? I am from Canada and an adoptive mom to a 13 year old and a 5 year old. My youngest is a medical miracle and living with countless unrelated medical challenges (single lung, down syndrome, tracheal stenosis, germ cell tumor). I aloways love your posts! My blog can be found at:

    http://mylittlewarriorprincess.blogspot.com/

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  6. htannerJanuary 14, 2012 at 3:56 PM

    I found your blog link by reading another RR's family blog. I think. Anyway, I love your sense of humor, your words of wisdom, and your photos.

    ReplyDelete
  7. EllenJanuary 14, 2012 at 4:02 PM

    But lurking is my favorite hobby! I am a Canadian single mom of a boy adopted from China with a limb difference. I found you trolling various special needs adoptions sites and Reece's Rainbow. Love your humor and watching your girls develop. Wondering- although much cranial reconstruction needs to wait on growth, is there not some work they can do on Francesca in early childhood? While we think she is adorable as she is, the reality is her childhood will be much easier of some changes can be made earlier.
    Best of luck with the surgeries and casting. We have done one limb lengthening thus far and it is not easy.

    Ellen

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  8. AmyJanuary 14, 2012 at 4:36 PM

    I found you through the RR network a while ago when you first brought Francesca and Victoria home- we are in the process of adopting from RR as well. :) I absolutely LOVE your sense of humor and enjoy catching up on the girls. :)

    www.gracefulbutterflywings.blogspot.com

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  9. AngelaJanuary 14, 2012 at 4:48 PM

    I found you through another adoption blog a couple of months ago.
    I love reading your blog, you and your family are just so inspirational. You handle your life and all the challenges with the most amazing sense of humour. I look forward to every new blog post and seeing the development of your littlest girls.

    ReplyDelete
  10. UnknownJanuary 14, 2012 at 5:02 PM

    I discovered your blog while learning about Reece's Rainbow. I too have a rather hectic life and I find comfort in reading about the craziness that others face. I'm glad I'm not alone.

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  11. jahkamakuraJanuary 14, 2012 at 5:14 PM

    I found you on RR and check your blog regularly. Your honesty and humor make my day. Thank you so much for sharing. The sparkly red shoes were always worn with just a diaper around here, though. I'll be thinking of you as you work through your decisions about Victoria's casting...that can't be easy. Oh, I live in Japan!

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  12. amymJanuary 14, 2012 at 5:19 PM

    I am in Southern Ontario in Canada. I am a single mom of two (domestic adoption for one, foster son of the other). I am not sure how I found you (I read many blogs) and I loved the humour in your blog, so I stayed :)

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  13. PlainJaneJanuary 14, 2012 at 5:30 PM

    I am an adoptive mom of 3 kids plus two the biological way. i found your blog when you were in Ukraine. My 13 and 14 year old daughters are from Ukraine and on Feb 15 they will have been here 3 years. our oldest son was adopted from taiwan when he was an infant (he's also 14) the other two are 10 and 12. i love your blog! little victoria has found a very tender spot in my heart for some reason.

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  14. AnonymousJanuary 14, 2012 at 5:48 PM

    I found you through Julia and Aaron. I live in Philly, have a 20 year old daughter (in college) and 2 stepsons, ages 7 and 9.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Avicile MohailiJanuary 14, 2012 at 5:53 PM

    I confess, I'm a lurker. I found your blog through another RR blog. I have a sister with Down syndrome and grew up with people with special needs. As I got older I wanted to know their stories. I love blogs because I get to see stories unfold and learn things I would otherwise know nothing about. I really love your blog and especially love the way you narrate the events that go on in your life. I'm young, almost 23, and come from Idaho. :)

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  16. JulieJanuary 14, 2012 at 5:57 PM

    Many in our family checkout your blog at various times. We started blog reading with our adoption 4 years ago from Kazakhstan. Found yours thru RR. Our youngest daughter (12) loves adoption blogs and keeps us up to date. Hubbie fell in love with "Moira" before you got her. We still have a Target bag of goodies that we bought for the two back when you were in the hospital with Victoria. Never could get an address to mail them to. Hubbie asks about Victoria almost weekly. We are from Cincinnati.

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  17. nicoleJanuary 14, 2012 at 6:02 PM

    we follow you on facebook and here and laugh at your posts iam the one who posts on your facebook your family reminds us of ours..

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  18. JLH114January 14, 2012 at 6:02 PM

    I found your blog through Reeces Rainbow as well. I grew up in a family with adopted sns siblings and I'm now a single mom of one adopted child from China and a child psychologist. Reading RR blogs is one of my favorite hobbies:) I find your blog especially hilarious and real. Thanks for letting us come along for the ride!

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  19. JodeslyJanuary 14, 2012 at 6:05 PM

    Hello! I found you through Krista at adoptkidswithapertsyndrome. Because we are also adopting a little one with Apert. Our little guy Niko is five, and is finally coming home from Bulgaria in three weeks after a crazy long wait since our first visit with him in June. We are in the Philly area, and I would *love* to meet you and your family if you ever need a place to crash on one of your Shriner's visits. I blog at theyoungpages.com/jodis_blog/ :) And I love the idea of National De-Lurking Day. Might need to steal it :)

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  20. UnknownJanuary 14, 2012 at 6:06 PM

    I also found your blog through another RR family blog. I remember the first picture I saw of Victoria and how incredibly sick she was when you brought her home. I am a mom to two little girls ages 2 and 4 and love to see these cuties find their forever homes! I live in beautiful Big Sky country, Montana :)
    Question, I haven't heard or seen pictures of your husband. Is he just a behind the scenes kind of guy? :)

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  21. TamiJanuary 14, 2012 at 6:16 PM

    I found you through the Apert group on FB. I love following your blog and watching your journey with you family.

    ReplyDelete
  22. ErinLJanuary 14, 2012 at 6:23 PM

    I'm Erin and I'm sure I found you through RR. My Oksana was adopted from Ukraine. Whenever someone asks me my favorite blogs yours is always one of them. It is funny and it's honest which is refreshing in the blogging world!

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  23. LeahJanuary 14, 2012 at 6:30 PM

    I found you throught some RR blog and/or Reece's Rainbow-I read so many I have lost track.

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  24. :)DeJanuary 14, 2012 at 6:42 PM

    I am a lurker that found you from a link on Christie's blog. I love reading your stories and seeing your beautiful children.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Micheala T.January 14, 2012 at 6:58 PM

    I am a foster/adoptive mom in KY. Found you through Reece's Rainbow right before you traveled to get the girls. I am also a Home Health nurse and one of my long-time patients has arthrogyposis.

    ReplyDelete
  26. JennieJanuary 14, 2012 at 7:03 PM

    Hi. I found you through RR and FB. I sent some friends to you in the hospital in ATL when you brought the girls home.

    My Micah had a spica (teehee, that rhymes) for 6.5 weeks (down to the ankle on one leg and the knee on the other... he had a spiral fracture of his femur). Let me know when you get closer and I'll give you some tips. There are YouTube videos that help you know how to best deal with hygiene, etc. From what I hear, it's "easier" when the kids are smaller because you'll be lugging her around quite a bit. My neck hurt a lot.

    Love reading your blog. :-)

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  27. ArtworkByRuthJanuary 14, 2012 at 7:08 PM

    I miss this holiday on my blog each year....gonna steal it :). I found you through the multiple friends who love and support Reece's Rainbow. Mom of 4, two from Ukraine and with special needs.

    ReplyDelete
  28. KimJanuary 14, 2012 at 7:16 PM

    Love your blog! I found you through RR. My husband and I are adopting "Chloe". We're waiting for our first travel date.

    Kim
    TheSimpsonSix.blogspot.com

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  29. dianageistJanuary 14, 2012 at 7:25 PM

    I found your blog through Reece's Rainbow. Either from the "traveling now" section (because I go there routinely to pray those families home) or maybe through another blog that requested prayer for ya'll (Julia's??). Either way I have been following ya'll since you were in country. LOVE those girls! And I love reading all about the changes they are experiencing now that they have a loving family and medical care.
    My son is adopted and diagnosed with AMC as well, so we likely "know" some of the same families through AMCSI. MAYBE I will even meet ya'll at this years conference in Indy?? Any chance ya'll are going?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. dianageistJanuary 14, 2012 at 7:29 PM

      I forgot to mention that we are practically neighbors...I am in Alabama. ROLL TIDE!

      Delete
  30. atherton2January 14, 2012 at 7:44 PM

    My name is Chris A. We live in Arizona. My husband and I have 14 children adopted from India, Korea, Haiti, Ethopia and the US. Six of our children were born with heart defects, one was born 3 months early, one was diagnosed with lupus and one with diabetes each when they were teenagers,one has severe learning challenges, several have struggled with mental health issues. I found your blog through another RR blog (but I could not tell you which one)as you fell in love with Victoria and then Francesca.

    I so love your writing and as someone else said "keeping it real."

    Thank you for sharing your love, adventures, worries, frustrations and humor with so many.

    with Hope,
    ~ Chris A ~

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  31. StephanieJanuary 14, 2012 at 7:44 PM

    I'm not a lurker but I don't comment enough. i don't remember how I found you either. Painting a pretty sad picture of myself... lazy and forgetful!

    Just love your family, wonder how you hold it all together, keep a head count and feed everyone daily. I'm still trying to convince my kids that eating three times a day is completely overrated! i forget where they are at times and where I'm going. You give me hope! Thanks for putting it all out here! Even when it's not all pretty!

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  32. Sandie FlanneryJanuary 14, 2012 at 7:56 PM

    I found your blog when you committed to the girls on RR. I have been doing mission work in the orphanages in the Ukraine and have sent RR updates and photos of some children. I have a blog ServingSpecialOrphans.blogspot.com. I presented a conference for families in Kiev and will plan to do much more as God directs me. I teach in an Early Intervention Program and am the parent of a daughter with significant special needs. I love following the progress of your girls as I know a little boy with the same syndrome as Francesca whose adoption fell though in the Ukraine. So if you or any of your blog readers know of any one who wants a little boy around 10 let me know! I love following the progress of your girls (and all the children adopted) as they become little family members and start to receive services!Thank you for sharing and giving me a chance to share!

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  33. KatieJanuary 14, 2012 at 8:14 PM

    I think I first started visiting your blog regularly when you were in Ukraine and mentioned your kids at home were having a hard time, so I came to leave an encouraging comment for them. I don't comment very often, though, so de-lurking day is a good time to say hi again.

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  34. wndgilhamJanuary 14, 2012 at 8:45 PM

    I found your blog on RR and have very much enjoyed reading your posts. I love your sense of humor and love watching your beautiful children grow. I think you should write a book. I would be first in line to buy it. I have always wanted to adopt and now that our youngest is in college really miss having young ones around and we are hoping to begin the process sometime this year. Thanks for sharing your family with us.

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  35. MelJanuary 14, 2012 at 9:25 PM

    I found your blog about 1month before you brought the girls home. I think I have already de-lurked but here I am just in case. I have loved watching them go through the changes brought by being loved. I cannot wait to read you blog and cheer you on. Thank you for being humorous,real and honest!!
    God bless you and yours!
    Melisas

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  36. Homeschoolin Mama January 14, 2012 at 9:26 PM

    I have been following families on RR for about two years now I think. I started following your blog around the time you were just getting ready to head over to get your youngest girls. I have enjoyed seeing how wonderful the girls are doing and I love your sense of humor. I look forward to your posts as they take the oh my goodness moments when you may want to pull your hair out or cry and infuse them with humor making it all better.
    Adopting Sydney and Lucien through RR
    http://becauseyouareloved.blogspot.com/

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  37. Jessalyn-CatherineJanuary 14, 2012 at 9:28 PM

    I found your blog when the blog Carrington's Courage linked to it. I love your blog and really admire your sense of humor. You are amazing!

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  38. StaciaJanuary 14, 2012 at 9:28 PM

    I found your blog on RR and immediatly fell in love with your girls. I enjoy reading about how you deal with a large multicultural family. You do it very well I might add!Please know you are being prayed for as you go through it all.
    We are adopting our first child, a son who has PFFD and microcephaly from China. We go get him next month!

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  39. LisaJanuary 14, 2012 at 9:41 PM

    I'm Lisa from Houston Texas. I'm a grandmother of 5. I found your blog on RR and followed your adoption journey. Francesca and Victoria, as well as your other sweet children, are adorable. Love reading your blog and seeing their beautiful faces.

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  40. TashaJanuary 14, 2012 at 9:46 PM

    Hello! I have been following your blog since July. My mother in law went to the hospital and sat with Victoria one night for you. =) Her name is Nancy, and you have a picture of her on here as well. I enjoy reading your posts and looking at all the pictures of your wonderful family. I also love your sense of humor, your dedication to your family, and to children in need. I love seeing the updates on your children, especially seeing them all thrive and how happy everyone is.

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  41. Redeeming Hidden TreasuresJanuary 14, 2012 at 9:49 PM

    I do love the sparkly red shoes with the pjs! :) I found your blog because we too are adopting through Reece's Rainbow. Our 5 are coming from a different Eastern European country, but I've been following your journey since before your little ones got home. :)

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  42. MelinaJanuary 14, 2012 at 11:18 PM

    I came across your blog on RR. I am not adopting but one day I hope to. It is something I am very passionate about. I have 2 kids, boy/girl twins who will be 5 next month. My son and I both have a genetic disorder that causes loose joints and hypotonia, and he is dealing with hip dysplasia currently and may need surgery. I hope we can avoid it, but we will have to wait until his appt to know more. I enjoy reading your blog because you are a normal mommy with normal kids. I don't like reading "Super-duper-perfect-mom, drinking my organic coffee from a hand-made paper mache mug while making orange madeleines from scratch" blogs. I love the ones who keep it real. :)

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  43. JoleneJanuary 14, 2012 at 11:21 PM

    I am a Canadian, pioneering my way through the Kenya adoption program (dossier just sent!). I've been following you since your were in the Ukraine. I believe I found your blog through RR. Although 99% of the blogs I follow are African adoption blogs, your candid humour and sweet girls keep me coming back. ;)
    www.thompsontreehouse.blogspot.com

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  44. kjJanuary 15, 2012 at 1:46 AM

    Hi i am from Australia and im not sure how i found the RR web site but i have just been amazed by all of the stories. i read your blog and love your humor and your absolute love for your kids,and i check your blog almost daily -ok i think i am addicted to happy endings so i love hearing how every one is getting healthy and being loved. keep up the amazing job of being a mum and keep telling us everything that goes on in your household i love it! Kara

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  45. SylviaJanuary 15, 2012 at 2:33 AM

    Hi - another Australian here. I found your blog via another RR blogger - not sure who now. I keep reading your blog because you are hilarious and make me laugh. How you can make life sound so funny when really it isn't (well I'm not sure I'd manage to laugh quite as much) is an inspiration. Thanks for that. We have 5 children, 3 bio and 2 adopted from Taiwan.
    Blessings.

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  46. ErinJanuary 15, 2012 at 7:17 AM

    Hello!! I've commented a couple of times, but since I don't have a blog of my own sometimes I feel a little weird commenting...that's kinda weird of me, huh? :) Anywho, I found your blog through RR also. I am not currently adopting but it is a desire of my heart to one day adopt a child with special needs. I am a former special education teacher (now staying home with my 2 young girls). I love your humor and the updates on the girls (and the rest of your sweet family!) are so encouraging. It's like watching a miracle unfold! :) Praying for your upcoming decisions regarding little Victoria! She has come so far and I know she will continue to thrive. :)

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  47. YvonneJanuary 15, 2012 at 8:01 AM

    I am a reader, I think I found you thru Reeces Rainbow?? Who knows in this bloggy blog world! I am adopting Danny and Dante (Homestudy page)... I have enjoyed watching your little girls grow and thrive. I am praying for your girls! Have a great Sunday!

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  48. JaneJanuary 15, 2012 at 8:19 AM

    I found your blog when you committed to bring home your girls. I had looked at the children on RR and had prayed that the children would find homes. I am a special education teacher about to retire from teaching after 32 years. I have so loved reading about the changes in the girls.

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  49. CindyJanuary 15, 2012 at 9:02 AM

    Someday....someway, I sure hope to be able to meet you and your family. Atlanta and Columbia, SC aren't so far apart. Tell Miss F, her shoes are adorable even with pj's.

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  50. GradStudentJanuary 15, 2012 at 9:56 AM

    Hi! I'm a clinical psychology student in my last year of graduate school (thank goodness). I can't remember how I found your blog- I read a lot of blogs by parents of kids with special needs, because they're a population I'd potentially like to work with and I don't think you can understand the child if you don't understand the child's family. It helps to get perspective! Anyways, along the way I fell in love with Francesca and Victoria. I almost never comment on any blogs, but I figure if you can take the time out of your hectic day to write a few times per week, at least I can comment once! :) Don't have any major questions, I just love following along with the girls' progress. Though I'd love to read a post about Isabella's adoption and how that went for you someday!

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  51. lisaJanuary 15, 2012 at 11:08 AM

    I am a special education teacher and the mother to 3 girls. Having grown up in a family that was impacted by ASD I've always kind of known that "they", (those are who are different than the norm,) were us. I somehow stumbled upon Meredith Cornish's blog a few years ago and thus came upon Reece's rainbow. Your family, in particular, makes me smile. I noticed both Victoria and Francesca on RR soon after they were listed, and was SO excited to be able to follow along online as all of you became a family. They are lucky to have you, and you are pretty darned lucky to have them. :-)

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  52. Christi BrownJanuary 15, 2012 at 11:32 AM

    I am a friend of Jen J's, She linked your site on facebook once for a prayer request and I have been following you ever since! I have 3 kids (and homeschool) and we are hoping to be adopting soon. Just waiting on the Lord! I LOVE reading your posts. It makes me feel semi-normal!!! :)

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  53. Hope HarderJanuary 15, 2012 at 11:40 AM

    I'm an adoptive mother to 8 and have 2 by birth. I only have 4 minor children at home. Ours were adopted from the USA foster care system. I would love to adopt through Reeces Rainbow....maybe someday soon :). Your girls are soooo cute! I love that you can laugh about things and not take yourself too seriously. I have been following your blog since finding it on reeces rainbow.

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  54. AnnaJanuary 15, 2012 at 12:51 PM

    I am a Scandinavian university student and kindergarten worker and longtime RR enthusiast that found your blog on RR when you were travelling and have been following it ever since. I love the humor with which you write. And it´s a treat to see Francesca and Victoria blossom.

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  55. La estudiante de vidaJanuary 15, 2012 at 1:21 PM

    RR adoptive family in Kiev right now :) You know me as the admin for the Consultation Room! Love your blog, love your girls, love that you share your journey!

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  56. Alexandra January 15, 2012 at 2:21 PM

    I have followed you from Reeces Rainbow. I was so worried about Victoria and have been amazed to see her blossom since you have adopted her. I desire to adopt but my husband is not there yet. Your blog encourages me and makes me laugh! I appreciate your honesty and humour! Sandy

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  57. AmyJanuary 15, 2012 at 3:12 PM

    I found you through some other adoption blog when you were adopting the girls. I can't remember which one. I have four children (all adopted) and two of them came home from China in May. I have greatly enjoyed your sense of humor and knowing I am not alone in the challenges of parenting children with special needs.

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  58. josetteJanuary 15, 2012 at 4:32 PM

    okay, so i don't usually "delurk" but here ya go.... i found your blog from another blog when you were just going over to get victoria and francesca. i absolutely love your blog, it makes me laugh. your kids are adorable and i think you are amazing. what an inspiration. and i love the pink hair!!! :) i am a nurse and the mom of 2. an 18 year old daughter and a 16 year old son. i am a nurse and did patient care for 17 years before i switched to the computer side of nursing. so now you know a little bit about me....aren't you glad i "delurked"?!!! :)

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  59. RachelpJanuary 15, 2012 at 4:57 PM

    I found you..and love watching your girls bloom. I adopted a one year old from Russia..she is now 11..going on 35. LOL... Thanks for letting us be a part of the great thing you are doing.
    Rachel Atlanta, GA
    www.inhonoroftheking.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  60. PeggiJanuary 15, 2012 at 5:05 PM

    I've been reading your blog since your were getting Victoria and Francesca. I'm not sure how I found your blog, but am glad I did. It is so amazing to see the transformation and how much they have progressed. So exciting!!!!!!!!!!!!

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    Replies
    1. TesseraemumJanuary 15, 2012 at 6:33 PM

      Well, I just lost my last comment! Dur! I think I must have found you on RR! I have 3 kids, 14, 11, 5. That they are here is a miracle, but that's another story for my non-existent blog!! I have had to resign myself to helping in other ways because at the moment we don't look like we should be able to support the kids we have let alone bring another into the house according to the agency charts!! The cruel reality of having a husband who works with the disabled community is that they are paid worse than teachers! SO, I have turned that over to the Lord and now I'm gathering resources to send to Aaron's mom's missionary friend who is going into the orphanages. I just love seeing the progress your kids are making in such a short time and it makes my heart sick to think about the others wasting away. Keep us updated on your other sprouts too! My son is so just like your son! They would be fast friends I can tell! As frightening as the notion is there is another one out here roaming around freely! Sheri

      Delete
  61. schnitzelbankJanuary 15, 2012 at 6:44 PM

    Hi - I'm not sure how I stumbled upon your blog. I read a lot of mommy blogs and I stayed because I really liked your sense of humor with parenting, and your children are just so cute. I live in Los Angeles with my husband and two little boys (3.5 and 9 mo), and a smelly old goat-dog. I'm not exactly a lurker, I comment quite a bit. I have been especially amazed at how much Victoria has blossomed since she became yours. I think we will adopt when our own kids get a little bigger, and your blog has been purely inspirational. -Julie

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  62. TidepoolJanuary 15, 2012 at 7:10 PM

    Love Love Love your blog. I've been reading since you first started up with RR. You have a great way of putting things in perspective. I'm Sasha from San Francisco.

    ReplyDelete
  63. KathrynJanuary 15, 2012 at 7:40 PM

    I feel in love with your two girls on RR and was overjoyed to learn that they BOTH had a family ...the same family! Love your humor and look forward to your posts. Your family is beautiful-thank you for sharing them with us!

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  64. MichelleJanuary 15, 2012 at 7:56 PM

    Hi - I have been following your blog for about 6 months but only recently set up a profile - now I'm an official "Follower"! I want you to know that your blog helps me to be a better mom. Your posts are so funny and remind me to see the humor in life and not be so uptight with my kids. My youngest son (3 yo) is adopted from Russia. It breaks my heart when I think of the children still in his baby home (and the children all over the world) who still need a family to love on them. Thank you for sharing your beautiful family and your wonderful sense of humor!

    ReplyDelete
  65. KatherineJanuary 15, 2012 at 8:56 PM

    Hi! I'm Katie, I'm a 23-years old teacher, and I live in the suburbs of Chicago. I can't remember how I found your blog- either through RR or another blog.
    I check every day for a new post! I love your sense of humor, and your kids are fantastic.
    I hope to adopt some day!

    Love this quote from a reader a few posts above me: "I have been especially amazed at how much Victoria has blossomed since she became yours." So true!

    ReplyDelete
  66. JillianJanuary 15, 2012 at 9:11 PM

    Hi, I'm late in the game--was off line all weekend.

    I'm Jill, a 24 year old teacher, but currently working with special needs infants.
    I think I found you through RR. I can't wait to adopt, SN of course.
    I was adopted at 17 after my parents died, so I have very strong feelings on adoption though my experience is different from most adult adoptees.
    I love your blog--- you have a great sense of humor and keep it real!
    Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  67. Sarah LJanuary 15, 2012 at 9:12 PM

    Hi, I'm Sarah, a mom of 3 little girls (and one more little one on the way). I first came across your blog through a link mentioning you for prayer. I believe it was when you were in the hospital right after returning from overseas. I enjoy seeing your little ones grow and appreciate your humor. The way you share the good and difficult makes me feel like maybe I can adopt someday too. That I don't have to be perfect and have EVERYTHING figured out. :) I prayed about it and I felt the Lord say "not quite yet" to me, but it is often at the back of my mind and I am trying to learn what I can for the future.

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  68. Desert LilyJanuary 15, 2012 at 9:58 PM

    I guess I found your blog on RR. One day I saw that "Moira" and "Nastya" were on the "found" page and somehow I knew they were going to be sisters...I started to read your blog and I always enjoy glimpses of your family life. I have five girls and I'm not very organized. ;D I have been advocating for Valentin and some others--
    loveslightwings.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  69. Jed and KimberJanuary 15, 2012 at 10:03 PM

    Oh fun! I'm Kim, I found your blog through RR. Last spring we committed to a RR cutie with Aperts and I obsessed over your blog when you first met Francesca. :) He ended up being adopted by another family shortly after we committed, but I think you're hilarious, so I stuck around! We have 3 bio kiddos and are in the process of adopting our youngest from foster care. I can't wait to see Francesca's hands!!

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  70. KatieJanuary 15, 2012 at 10:07 PM

    Hi there! My name is Katie and I am a ceramic artist in western NC, and I specialize in doing impressions of little hands and feet in clay for plaques and ornaments. I have three children, 2 boys and a girl. My oldest is 10 and he has Down syndrome and autism. I have been following the adoptions of several families ever since I fell in love with Nicholas 25HA (Reeces Rainbow) over in Russia. I can't adopt him, but I am trying to find someone who can. I am thoroughly enjoying your blog, and have been a lurker since you brought them home. Thanks for the "real" moments and for making me laugh when I need it!

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  71. EstherJanuary 15, 2012 at 10:57 PM

    Hello, My name is Esther and I am a homeschooling mom to 7. I am not sure how I found your blog but I have been reading for sometime now and it is easily one of my favourites! I love your sense of humour and have enjoyed watching your children come so far since they have come home to you. I LOVE how you are so real and make us all laugh with you at the joys and challenges of parenting. Good job momma!!

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  72. Young Christian WomanJanuary 16, 2012 at 3:20 AM

    Hello. My name is Jessi and I am a mom of 3 and I hope to one day adopt. I came across your blog through RR. I first heard about you while you were still in country with Victoria and Francesca, but I don't think I was following you right then....

    My heart goes out especially for the kids with craniofacial differences, like Sammy and Mandy and Kacey.... so it is interesting to me to watch Francesca.

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  73. MelissaJanuary 16, 2012 at 4:38 PM

    Hello, My name is Melissa and I am from NC. I found your blog thru another Reeces Rainbow family. I enjoy reading about your family as your children remid me of my own. My younger daughter loves the picture of your older daughter holding all the kitties. You are so blessed and my family will be praying for Victoria and Francesca.

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  74. debjimhayesJanuary 17, 2012 at 6:36 PM

    Hi, my name is Debbie from Ireland living in NYC - came cross your blog as I was searching for adoption blogs when I adopted my son from Russia two years ago! I LOVE reading your blog and check every day for an update - LOVE your humor and love that you are such an awesome Mom! all your kids are fab! Catherine cracks me up! Would really like to hang with her I think :-) I pray for your new little ones and you are doing amazing with them! Blessing to your all! xo Thanks for sharing!!! Always puts a smile on my face!

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  75. melissaJanuary 17, 2012 at 7:38 PM

    Hi My name is Melissa and I am a stay at home mom of 11. My oldest daughter and I like to read your blog. I discovered Reeces Rainbow right when you were adopting your two littlest girls. I have always been a Mother Teresa nut and my husband has a brother with down syndrome. Anyways I would love to adopt from RR someday if God wishes it. 16 years ago when I gave birth to my second child a friend gave birth the same day to a beautiful little boy with arthrgyposis. Anyways, thank you for adopting and I love how funny and real you are.

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  76. Chris and JuliaJanuary 18, 2012 at 6:24 AM

    Hi! I'm Julia. I was going through my adoption for Michaela 2H at the same time you were adopting your girls. I love your blog. It's so funny, and it reminds me that as a new mom with an 8 year old from Russia, I don't have to be perfect to make it work :) You are an inspiration.

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  77. Team GravesJanuary 21, 2012 at 9:12 PM

    I can't remember how I stumbled upon your blog. Probably a RR connection. I keep coming back because you inspire me not to sweat the small stuff. Your children are beautiful and you are so funny!

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