If today and the past week are what dreams are made of, I never want to wake up! Today was my very first Father's Day and was a wonderful culmination of a wonderful week.
Over the years, male friends of mine that have had kids have always said that it is a feeling like no other to see your kids grow up and experience all that life brings their way. That you no longer get up in the morning and just to go through the motions, but you awaken with a renewed vigor every morning for the sole purpose of loving your kids.
This week brought these emotions to the forefront and for the first time, I got to experience this remarkable feeling every single day. In a way, ever since Nastya and LA showed up at RDU a little over two weeks ago, I have felt a new feeling that I had never experienced. But until this week, I really couldn't pinpoint what the feeling was.
In preparation for writing this update tonight, over the past couple days I have thought long and hard to find the right words to describe this feeling. The closest that I can get is that "my heart is smiling". Through and through, this week has been a true blessing in every sense of the word.
It has been a week of many firsts for me, our family, and Nastya. Going into the week, there was a hidden potential for a rough week. But as I sit here tonight, I can say that the Puskars, especially Nastya came through with flying colors.
Since my last post, it has been quite a busy week. Last Saturday we started off the weekend with my Mom's birthday celebration and then were honored to be invited to share in two other homecoming and birthday parties on Sunday for some dear friends of ours that have adopted kids from the same program that we did. When Nastya went to bed Sunday night, I can only imagine that she was thinking that her new family does a lot of partying!
Monday started off with Nastya's first appointment with the pediatrician. This is where the potential for disaster could have started. 7 shots and 4 vials of blood later, LA walked out of the appointment with Nastya and MiMi with smiles and some pretty cool looking band aids to show her battle wounds!
Wednesday was my second favorite day of the week this week. Last week, Nastya had expressed interest in wanting to get her ears pierced. So, knowing that this week was going to be doozy with her dr appointment and everything, we scheduled a fun outing for her. Thanks to MiMi and PopPop, Nastya picked out some new purple earrings bearing her birthstone and bravely got her ears pierced. And at Nastya's request, I stood by her side holding her hand as the very kind lady at Merle Norman did the piercing. I don't know who had more fun, me or Nastya, as this is one of the events at the top of the list that I have always wanted to share with a daughter.
Thursday brought another first for Nastya, as she visited the dentist with LA. Because dental hygiene and going to the dentist is such a foreign concept to Nastya, we made special arrangements with our dentist for LA to have her cleaning, with Nastya watching. We also arranged for a family friend to come and translate for Nastya and explain the whole process to her. Thanks to Dr. Foy and her great team, and our friend Katerina, Nastya left feeling comfortable about the process and we have scheduled her appointment for the upcoming weeks. Once again, another possible bump in the road avoided.
This weekend was a busy one as well. My Uncle Larry and Aunt Carol from Pennsylvania came to town to visit with us and to meet Nastya. Not trying to suck up or anything, but Uncle Larry and Aunt Carol are the side of the family you don't just feel obligated to see, but really relish the chance to spend time with and hang out. Nastya fell in love with Aunt Carol and her "yellow hair" and of course did the same with Uncle Larry and his "no hair". They shared laughs, many underwater somersaults in the pool, and quite a few hugs over the weekend! Nastya walked away from her brief time with them this weekend really knowing how much she means to our family and how much Uncle Larry and Aunt Carol love her. Also, an extra special thank you to them for taking Nastya shopping and getting her her first bike. And the pizza afterwards was just icing on the cake!
That leads us into today. Father's Day. I woke up this morning for the first time on this special day as a PaPa. Today was special in every way. Right after breakfast, Nastya and LA gave me a handmade card from Nastya, a card from LA, and a gift that I will cherish forever. A canvas portrait of the three of us on our first day together back on April 1 on the grounds of the orphanage. Oh how far we have come in the last few months! We then watched Charlotte's Web together as a family, a movie that Nastya has been eyeing since she first saw the DVD cover on our end table a few days ago.
This afternoon, after less than 24 hours of having a new bike, I stand proud saying that Nastya learned how to ride a bike! Until yesterday, she had never been on one. With the help of Ms. Linda, Mama, and Papa, she can now ride around the circle in our neighborhood all by herself! To see her shear determination to ride that bike this weekend and to finally see all that effort pay off when she was off on her own, made my heart smile.
If you can believe it, the day got even better. We got to spend time with my Dad and went out for supper to celebrate our first Father's Day together. If I end up being half the Papa to Nastya that he has been a Dad to me I will consider myself pretty successful. Thanks Dad for all that you have done for me and know that Nastya loves her PopPop...mochi mochi...
And tonight, after shower time and during our nightly wind down time before bed, Nastya jumped in the bed between LA and I for the first time. With Daisy at the foot of the bed, we laid together as a family and watched the college baseball world series. It didn't matter what was on tv...it was what was lying in the bed beside me that mattered. And of course, it didn't hurt that she was enjoying watching the game with me!
AsI tucked her in bed tonight, I could help but feel that feelling in my heart. From hearing her version of the pediatrician's visit on Monday night and how proud of her I was that she was such a trooper having to get all those shots...to holding her hand while she got her ears pierced...to watching her never give up while she tried to ride her bike by herself...to having her lay on my shoulder and watch tv with me and LA tonight...my heart is smiling.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Friday, June 10, 2011
What I Learned This Week
Can you believe it? As I sit here in my home office typing this update, it has officially been one full week since LA and Nastya have been home. Last Friday night, I laid my head down on the pillow a new man. My wife...my daughter...and my four-legged daughter...were all home, under one roof, sleeping soundly for the first time together. Now the first week is in our rear view mirror and we are preparing for our journey ahead.
It has been a week of many firsts for me and I have learned alot about myself, Nastya, and LA. I find myself sitting back and trying to imagine life without Nastya being in our family and I can't. It feels as if she has been with us forever. For the most part it has been a very good week. We have had a few minor hiccups, but nothing that was unexpected or that we weren't prepared for.
All in all, Nastya is settling in very well and is soaking in her new world like a sponge. Everything that she touches, sees, smells, hears, and feels is virtually new to her and everyday is new adventure. The best part of this past week is sitting back and watching her evolve, learn, and grow as she tackles the challenges of her new life with us.
I am amazed at the progress and ways that she has handled all of the newness of this past week and I am so proud of her. We have attempted to get settled into a daily routine and form a sense of structure within our new family. Nastya seems to thrive on structure, scheduling, and knowing what the "plan" is for the day, tomorrow, and the next day. She has settled into our daily routines very nicely and is handling everything we throw her way like a champ.
Our goal for the first couple of weeks has been to establish a sense of family for her and for us as new parents. To gain her trust and know that we love her and will never abandon her. This new life is not only new to Nastya, but to LA and myself. We have never been parents before either. So, this is all new to all of us. I think I am adjusting rather well and I definitely know I have learned some valuable life lessons and felt some absolutely cool things this week.
Here is what I learned this week...not to put too much milk on her cornflakes because it makes them too mushy...that I really need to brush up on my Wii skills as Nastya has kicked my hiney several times at various sports...there must be a minimum of 4 stuffed animals in her bed in very particular places in order for the stars to align at night (Bunny, Casey, her yet to be named purple unicorn pillow pet, and Little Foot seem to occupy prime realty at night)...holding my daughter's hand as we walk around Old Navy is pretty neato...there isn't much "me" time anymore except before 9am and after 9pm...mushrooms and garlic pizza seem to be a pretty safe go-to special treat dinner...Nastya is quite athletic and loves swimming, playing catch, and watching women's college softball and men's college baseball with her Papa...Scooby Doo can be your hero...Daisy needs a break from Nastya sometimes and retreats to her own floor of the house on occasion...tucking her in at night and having her run downstairs when I get home for the day are absolutely the best feelings in the world...and...having an 11 year old daughter is pretty darn cool!
I could go on and on and on and on. Get my drift? The feelings that I have had this past week run the spectrum of emotion, with only a few fleeting moments of not knowing what to do. I fully understand that at some point the honeymoon period is going to end and we are going to have to once again figure out how to make lemonade out of lemons. But for right now, I am just going to sit back and enjoy my new life as a new Papa.
Without coming across as too hokey, I must give a few shout outs to some very important people before I sign off for the night. The feelings, experiences, and my life as I now know it wouldn't be possible without some very special people in our lives.
Aunt Allyson...MiMi and Poppop...Granddaddy and Grandmama...Elena and Mark...the Cline Family...Liliya and Luda...LA's bible study friends...Angie and Jim...Mr. Jim Farrell...and everyone that came out to the airport to support us last Friday night.
(I just felt a little like the teacher in Romper Room for a minute there...)
We couldn't have done this without your love, support, understanding, and prayers. Nastya, LA, and myself are so blessed to be in the position we are in right now. I can promise you that I will never take any of it or any of you for granted.
It has been extremely clear to me over this past week, if it hadn't already been as plain as day before...that this was not "OUR" plan through and through. But it was God's plan for us and we are blessed to be new parents and have Nastya in our lives. I now understand why LA and I had to experience the heartbreak and challenges over the years...so that we can appreciate what we have now. Funny how it all works out huh?
In closing, a special little something for my daughter...my PPP... my Puskar Pinky Princess...Once you learn to read English and later on in life when you are sitting down and reading your Papa's blog, please know one thing...Papa loves you and always will. You are my everything. Mama and Papa love you so much and will always be here for you!
It has been a week of many firsts for me and I have learned alot about myself, Nastya, and LA. I find myself sitting back and trying to imagine life without Nastya being in our family and I can't. It feels as if she has been with us forever. For the most part it has been a very good week. We have had a few minor hiccups, but nothing that was unexpected or that we weren't prepared for.
All in all, Nastya is settling in very well and is soaking in her new world like a sponge. Everything that she touches, sees, smells, hears, and feels is virtually new to her and everyday is new adventure. The best part of this past week is sitting back and watching her evolve, learn, and grow as she tackles the challenges of her new life with us.
I am amazed at the progress and ways that she has handled all of the newness of this past week and I am so proud of her. We have attempted to get settled into a daily routine and form a sense of structure within our new family. Nastya seems to thrive on structure, scheduling, and knowing what the "plan" is for the day, tomorrow, and the next day. She has settled into our daily routines very nicely and is handling everything we throw her way like a champ.
Our goal for the first couple of weeks has been to establish a sense of family for her and for us as new parents. To gain her trust and know that we love her and will never abandon her. This new life is not only new to Nastya, but to LA and myself. We have never been parents before either. So, this is all new to all of us. I think I am adjusting rather well and I definitely know I have learned some valuable life lessons and felt some absolutely cool things this week.
Here is what I learned this week...not to put too much milk on her cornflakes because it makes them too mushy...that I really need to brush up on my Wii skills as Nastya has kicked my hiney several times at various sports...there must be a minimum of 4 stuffed animals in her bed in very particular places in order for the stars to align at night (Bunny, Casey, her yet to be named purple unicorn pillow pet, and Little Foot seem to occupy prime realty at night)...holding my daughter's hand as we walk around Old Navy is pretty neato...there isn't much "me" time anymore except before 9am and after 9pm...mushrooms and garlic pizza seem to be a pretty safe go-to special treat dinner...Nastya is quite athletic and loves swimming, playing catch, and watching women's college softball and men's college baseball with her Papa...Scooby Doo can be your hero...Daisy needs a break from Nastya sometimes and retreats to her own floor of the house on occasion...tucking her in at night and having her run downstairs when I get home for the day are absolutely the best feelings in the world...and...having an 11 year old daughter is pretty darn cool!
I could go on and on and on and on. Get my drift? The feelings that I have had this past week run the spectrum of emotion, with only a few fleeting moments of not knowing what to do. I fully understand that at some point the honeymoon period is going to end and we are going to have to once again figure out how to make lemonade out of lemons. But for right now, I am just going to sit back and enjoy my new life as a new Papa.
Without coming across as too hokey, I must give a few shout outs to some very important people before I sign off for the night. The feelings, experiences, and my life as I now know it wouldn't be possible without some very special people in our lives.
Aunt Allyson...MiMi and Poppop...Granddaddy and Grandmama...Elena and Mark...the Cline Family...Liliya and Luda...LA's bible study friends...Angie and Jim...Mr. Jim Farrell...and everyone that came out to the airport to support us last Friday night.
(I just felt a little like the teacher in Romper Room for a minute there...)
We couldn't have done this without your love, support, understanding, and prayers. Nastya, LA, and myself are so blessed to be in the position we are in right now. I can promise you that I will never take any of it or any of you for granted.
It has been extremely clear to me over this past week, if it hadn't already been as plain as day before...that this was not "OUR" plan through and through. But it was God's plan for us and we are blessed to be new parents and have Nastya in our lives. I now understand why LA and I had to experience the heartbreak and challenges over the years...so that we can appreciate what we have now. Funny how it all works out huh?
In closing, a special little something for my daughter...my PPP... my Puskar Pinky Princess...Once you learn to read English and later on in life when you are sitting down and reading your Papa's blog, please know one thing...Papa loves you and always will. You are my everything. Mama and Papa love you so much and will always be here for you!
Monday, June 6, 2011
Daisy My Daisy
How do I put into words what I am feeling right now? In short, it has been an absolutely wonderful couple of days and being a Papa is pretty darn cool. I know that things aren't always going to be roses and rainbows, but for right now, I am enjoying every minute.
Nastya has been such a trooper this weekend. She is taking everything and everyone in, nothing too big or too small that she doesn't notice or absorb. It is so neat to watch her and see her reactions to her new world. At times, you can see that she is a bit overwhelmed by it all, but for the most part, she is adjusting rather well.
Friday night was a grand event. We were so blessed to have so many of our friends and family at the airport to greet LA, Nastya, and Granddaddy on their homecoming. If those walls of Terminal 2 at RDU could talk, they would definitely speak of the love that was in that place that night.
Daisy, our four legged daughter, has been a highlight for Nastya and has helped ease the process. Nastya walks around the house saying "Daisy My Daisy" and smiling from cheek to cheek. She has mastered taking Daisy for a walk and Daisy loves the attention! Not sure who is going to get tuckered out quicker? Daisy or Nastya? I do believe Nastya is going to win that one!
Being a Papa is the single greatest feeling in the world. Its official. Its in the paperwork. She is in our home. She is now my daughter. Tucking her in at night and getting my goodnight kiss on the cheek just makes me melt. Getting my morning hug as she comes down the stairs and I greet her at the landing with a huge hug is right up there too. Seeing her master new things, no matter how simple they may be is so rewarding. Its only been a few days and I could go on and on!
Son. Brother. Husband. Now Papa. Pretty darn cool. And if I may borrow a quote from my daughter...not "Daisy My Daisy"...but "Nastya My Nastya"! God is good. Life is good.
Nastya has been such a trooper this weekend. She is taking everything and everyone in, nothing too big or too small that she doesn't notice or absorb. It is so neat to watch her and see her reactions to her new world. At times, you can see that she is a bit overwhelmed by it all, but for the most part, she is adjusting rather well.
Friday night was a grand event. We were so blessed to have so many of our friends and family at the airport to greet LA, Nastya, and Granddaddy on their homecoming. If those walls of Terminal 2 at RDU could talk, they would definitely speak of the love that was in that place that night.
Daisy, our four legged daughter, has been a highlight for Nastya and has helped ease the process. Nastya walks around the house saying "Daisy My Daisy" and smiling from cheek to cheek. She has mastered taking Daisy for a walk and Daisy loves the attention! Not sure who is going to get tuckered out quicker? Daisy or Nastya? I do believe Nastya is going to win that one!
Being a Papa is the single greatest feeling in the world. Its official. Its in the paperwork. She is in our home. She is now my daughter. Tucking her in at night and getting my goodnight kiss on the cheek just makes me melt. Getting my morning hug as she comes down the stairs and I greet her at the landing with a huge hug is right up there too. Seeing her master new things, no matter how simple they may be is so rewarding. Its only been a few days and I could go on and on!
Son. Brother. Husband. Now Papa. Pretty darn cool. And if I may borrow a quote from my daughter...not "Daisy My Daisy"...but "Nastya My Nastya"! God is good. Life is good.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
The Day Has Come
Did I ever think this day would happen?
Have I had dreams about it? Is it really happening? Truly happening?
The resounding answer is yes!
I just got off Skype with LA and Nastya and confirmed that they have completed the in country processes and are going to be homebound tomorrow. With nearly 21 hours of travel time, 3 airplane flights and two 4 hour layovers ahead of them, they are scheduled to return to Raleigh Friday night. What a joyous homecoming event and a moment I have been waiting for!
We started this part of our journey last August. As our pastor at the time so eleguently put it, we started a journey to climb that mountain and do what it took to make this day happen. It is with everyone's love, support, and prayer that this is possible.
As I prepare for their arrival tomorrow, I also prepare for the start of the rest of our lives together a family.
Will there be challenges? Yes.
Will there be obstacles to overcome? Yes.
Will there be good day and bad days? Yes.
Will there be two steps forward and one step back? Yes.
But no matter what challenges God puts before us, I know that we are surrounded with the best family, friends, and resources to overcome any obstacle. We have climbed this part of the mountain, with LA and Nastya travelling home tomorrow.
The bottom line is that we are soon going to be one family. United in one home. One forever home. As we close one chapter of this journey to Bring Nastya Home, we will start a new one. Tonight is the last night I will lay my head on the pillow at home without all my girls being with me. Pretty cool huh?
Have I had dreams about it? Is it really happening? Truly happening?
The resounding answer is yes!
I just got off Skype with LA and Nastya and confirmed that they have completed the in country processes and are going to be homebound tomorrow. With nearly 21 hours of travel time, 3 airplane flights and two 4 hour layovers ahead of them, they are scheduled to return to Raleigh Friday night. What a joyous homecoming event and a moment I have been waiting for!
We started this part of our journey last August. As our pastor at the time so eleguently put it, we started a journey to climb that mountain and do what it took to make this day happen. It is with everyone's love, support, and prayer that this is possible.
As I prepare for their arrival tomorrow, I also prepare for the start of the rest of our lives together a family.
Will there be challenges? Yes.
Will there be obstacles to overcome? Yes.
Will there be good day and bad days? Yes.
Will there be two steps forward and one step back? Yes.
But no matter what challenges God puts before us, I know that we are surrounded with the best family, friends, and resources to overcome any obstacle. We have climbed this part of the mountain, with LA and Nastya travelling home tomorrow.
The bottom line is that we are soon going to be one family. United in one home. One forever home. As we close one chapter of this journey to Bring Nastya Home, we will start a new one. Tonight is the last night I will lay my head on the pillow at home without all my girls being with me. Pretty cool huh?
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