Special Visitors

We have been very busy lately. Last night Eric and Becky Pitman came from St. Louis to visit with us over night before making their way to Indiana. It was so great to see them. We met them on our first trip to Russia in December. It was great to see that their 3 children are doing so well. They are pretty much speaking English exclusively. Eric and Becky were able to assure us that things do progress. They felt that at about 3 ½ months was a turning point for them. Max, Oliva, and AJ even communicated with Blake in English. So I guess it won’t be long and we will understand more of what Blake is saying. We are thankful to have met such great people through our journey!

Here is a group shot of the kids: AJ, Olivia, Blake, Madison, Brady, and Max


We went to a stuff-a-tiger workshop at the library


Blake petting a leopard cub.


VBS crew. My niece Alexis and nephew Trevor with Brady, Madison, and Blake.

Is he speaking another language?

So things are still well on our end, but I thought I would share some thoughts with you. I know that some of you are about to bring your little one home soon and wonder what sorts of things you may experience. This week I have had a great opportunity to observe Blake in a group setting – Vacation Bible School (VBS). First I must say that he is very well behaved and joins in by copying whatever everyone else is doing. For the most part no one would even know that he has only been in the U.S. for a month. Then in true Blake style, he strikes up a conversation with someone as if they understand every single word he is saying. The person then gets a confused look on their face and leans in closer to listen. “Ummm, sure” they say. “Whatever you say honey” and they turn their attention elsewhere. One of the teenage helpers said, “It is like he is speaking a different language.” I find that I am torn between going to defend him and explaining that he is in fact speaking another language and we are so proud of his progress OR just letting the moment pass and be proud that he is not phased by people’s confusion and is still willing to try to repeat every word he can. It is easier in a setting like a grocery store clerk or a waitress at a restaurant. We just let him talk and don’t go into our personal story when they look at us a little helpless. Other times it is hard to decide on whether or not it is ‘worth’ the effort to explain. I know that we will get more comfortable and determine a balance that is right for our family and especially for Blake, but for now we are still trying to learn what that balance is.

One very well meaning person was trying so hard to carry on a conversation with Blake. After a couple of minutes, I stepped in and said I bet you wish you had a clue what he was saying. He shared that when his son was younger he had a speech impediment and so he had learned to compensate for incomplete conversations. Again I found myself thinking, do I let him continue to figure out the conversation or do I say well actually he is speaking in Russian and your efforts are probably useless unless you understand Russian spoken by a 3 year old. – Ok so I wouldn’t put it like that and am being a bit sarcastic, but you get the point! We are proud of Blake. We are proud of where he has been and what he has overcome. But like any family in any situation with any special circumstance, you have to determine if/when to share ‘your’ story.

More VBS observations to come….

By the way, Blake has switched completely from saying nyet to using ‘no’ exclusively. He is switching between PaPa and Daddy/Dad. His ABC song is getting a bit clearer and he is counting to 10 (he always forgets 7 and his pronunciation is a bit off – like pive for five). He comprehends so much and is very intuitive. Kids are such sponges at this age!

Shoes, Snakes, and Baseball

This week is Vacation Bible School for our church so we have my niece and nephew spending the week with us. I can see how people with larger families get the “What’s one more?” attitude. With five children running around today they are pretty much entertaining themselves. I just have to play referee every once in a while.

This morning I got woke up by the cutest little “Good Morning, Mama”. It is not unusual for Blake to repeat us saying good morning or good night, but for him to do it on his own is a first. Progress is good.

Here are a few pictures from the past week.

Here is Blake in Daddy’s size 13 shoes. He thought he was real cool in those and tried walking all over the house. I drew the line when he wanted to maneuver the stairs!


The library reading program this summer has a jungle theme. Last week they brought in the snake man for the kids to enjoy. I personally was not too keen on going, but as you can see in the picture Brady thought it was essential that we went.


This is Madison’s first year playing baseball. On Friday the coach told her she was going to be the catcher for the game. She smiled and nodded. When he turned around she came over to me and said, “Mama, which one is catcher?” Ohhh, it was too cute. And she took the job very seriously!

ABC - after 3 weeks

Well here is Blake's version of the ABC song after 3 weeks of being home. He loves to have an audience and to hear cheers when he is done. Madison is such a great big sister and will sing with him when Mama can't take one more round of the song for the day! Brady thinks there are far more important things to learn like how to ride a bike, build traps, and how to play jokes on the family. I guess everyone needs a well rounded education!

Justin is very close to finally having the fields planted. We had a huge storm last night so he will have to wait a few more days. What a year this has been so far!