crazy times

Sasha and Masha have been home nearly a month now. They seem to be adjusting well. At least I hope so. Language is still our biggest barrier. I feel aweful when one of them spends several minutes telling me something and I can only listen and show interest. sometimes, I think they are trying to tell me something that happened or is going on and I say "show me" or I hear a familier word/s. Then I can figure it out. It must be more frustrating for them when we don't understand them.
We have been to a Ukranian families home twice now and to Ukranian sunday school twice. Nina, our main contact in that family and a translator for our hospital tells me their language is very mature and proper and that they speak very beautifully. Oh, I wish I knew what they are saying. They love the Ukranian sunday school (we go on Friday night). This past friday they got very excited when we walked up to the church. They speak only Russian/Ukrainian so of course Dave and I are out of place again. However, all of the Ukrainian people we have met, especially Nina's family are so kind and warm towards us. I have learned to make Borscht which both kids love, especially Sasha. My next cooking lesson with Nina will be Cabbage rolls- yum yum!
This week we are very busy getting ready for Kaitlins wedding on Saturday. We have so much to do around here and my ability to get anything done is very limited- sigh! I am trying to keep my anxiety under control but it is very hard. I have been on an emotional roller coaster these last few weeks and this week will be challenging. Kaitlin has been wonderful. She has been here with me a lot and gone with me when I venture into town. I do not do that alone! It is very overwhelming to the children to take them places. Meltdowns and sulking/pouting is common. They want everything in sight. I constantly hear "mama, mama, mama" with pointing and "oh". It is just to much for them. The funniest was Sasha getting very upset when we wouldn't buy him a yellow bottle of mustard- he doesn't even like mustard! I think it was the color that attracted him. The worst was a full blown double meltdown at Kohls when we tried to get him shoes for church/wedding. Unfortunately, he saw the spiderman shoes (mind you he already has a pair of spiderman shoes) and that was the end. Masha saw the prone kicking and pounding and decided she should do the same. We took the kids to the car and Dave finished the shopping alone. Oh well, an involuntary way to save I suppose. We have learned the best bathroom stops are certain fast food places. The ones where there are no candy bar racks, toys, or bright colors evident between the door and restroom. lol
Everyday, I think they are learning and understanding better. Even the sulking/ pouting sessions don't last as long. It will still be awhile before I take them anywhere alone.
I am hoping to get the softwear/cables needed to download a vidio of Masha dancing to a cd of her favorite music from the orphanage. She just loves to dance!