Our first week home!!

Natasha has been home for a little over a week now. What a week it has been. Things have been going just great. She had a hard time the day of the flight, but fortunately we met a family on the plane who had just adopted 2 boys. They were going back to California too. Natasha quickly warmed up to the boys and they chatted away. And the 2 moms were able to compare notes.
This really helped over the 3 hour layover, which would have been a killer without the pleasant diversion. Still, she was very tired by the time we landed in SF. Mark picked us up at the airport and Natasha's whole demeanor changed instantly. She had big hugs and smiles for him. I think Mark got just a little teary eyed. We collected our bags and drove home. Natasha clung to Mark the whole drive. It was good to see. Once we got home and Natasha took in the surroundings, her whole attitude changed. She was smiling and affectionate. I think she was relieved to be able to see and touch and feel the home that she had only been able to imagine up to that point. It was no longer a scary thing, but a real, warm home. Even though we were totally exhausted, she now found the energy to play with the dogs and proudly show Mark a few items before we went to bed. She was a totally different girl than in Ukraine! I was happy and relieved to see it.

As the days clicked by, Natasha became more and more comfortable. At first she was onlu comfortable and happy at home with us, but grew reserved anytime we left the house and took a drive. After a few days she realized that taking a drive usually meant we were going somewhere fun, and her attitude changed. Now she is happily taking int he surroundings and playing with the sunroof and windows. She even got a pair of sunglasses so she can look like a real California girl!

She was and still is reluctant to meet people. I am sure it is hard to meet strangers when you cannot speak their language. She has met her grandparents. She quickly became comfortable with Marks parents. Our first visit was only about 10 minutes, but we visited them nearly every day and by the 2nd or 3rd visit she loved spending time with them. She now calls them "Babuska" and "Daduska". When Babuska made Pelmini for lunch, Natasha was in heaven. That, along with the fact that they have a swimming pool in the backyard sealed the deal! We have not had the opportunity to spend as much time with my parents, so she is not as comfortable with them yet, but I am confident it will come. They live on a ranch with horses, so she is now eager visit them too!

She is even relucant to meet kids who have recently been adopted by some local families. I know these children can be a huge support for her, and a way to be able to communicate with someone in her own language. I know these connections will benefit her, so I gently continue to push. She is shy by nature, but I know she will value these friendships once they are formed.

The best part is what an affectionate, loving child she is now that we are home. Her personality did not really shine until we came home. She loves, loves, loves the dogs and could play with them for hours. She is very affectionate with both Mark and I. She calls us Mommy and Daddy. She showers us with hugs and kisses and tells us that she loves us. She is also very funny and mischevious. She makes us laugh all the time. Here English is improving every day. She amazes us when she speaks full (short) sentences. Our favorite right now is "One cat daddy, please!" Once she rode a horse, that changed to "No cat, horse!"

We plan on starting her in school in 2 weeks. She is not excited about starting school either, but she knows it is coming and we are preparing her for it. I bought her a book back the other day, and she was excited to get it. She knows it is for school She is passionate about "High School Musical" and we are going to decorate her room in that theme.

Things are going so well right now. She can get a bit of a stubborn attitude, but it is nothing we can't handle and she usually responds once she realizes we mean business. I am sure there will be some rough roads ahead, but for now I can say I am totally in heaven!!