SETTLING IN!

Okay, so we haven't gotten around to posting pictures yet. I'm sorry!!! I can give you the written update and ask Primo again about putting some pictures up.

Sunday we made it to church for service and the kids were able to meet a couple people. It was "light" because of the holiday. We went to Golden Corral for lunch in hopes that the kids would find something they liked to eat (it's a buffet). Michael did pretty good, but Dasha primarily ate potato salad and ice cream. She has eaten very little since arriving. When we got home we mostly hung out. Dasha fell asleep around 3:30pm and slept til Monday morning. Michael rode Primo Jr's bike in the circle while Nic shadowed him on his. It was very cute, but it was very hot out. I was hesitant to let Michael out of my sight since he doesn't know where he is and he can't ask for directions. I stayed out as long as I could, but we just had to go in. Primo Jr. hung out downstairs all day. It was awesome having the WHOLE family together. Grandma Sabatini made chicken parmesan for dinner which was nothing less than wonderful!

Yesterday (Monday) we all went to the mall. We had some money that had been donated to us and the kids still need some basics...Michael > Dasha. We breezed through that money and then some. Michael's "treat" was a bicycle of his very own. We thought that would be a great bonding tool for him and Primo Jr.. We weren't sure if Dasha would want one and when I asked her she wrinkled her nose. I found out later why....she's never ridden a bike! Another Kodak moment was Michael holding her as she tried to balance the bike. So sweet!

Today Primo Jr. had school so everyone was up early (not by design!). He mentioned yesterday that he didn't want to go to school. I think he's been enjoying being around his new brother and sister. We had an ESL tutor come over this morning for a consultation. I have to admit that it was a little awkward. Dasha was quiet and kept sinking down in her chair. Michael completely shut down. He wouldn't speak at all and had a very serious/sad look on his face. As soon as the tutor left, he was his normal happy self. We set up a 1 hour lesson for Thursday, so we'll see how it goes. The teacher is a man and I don't know if that has anything to do with it or not. I only recall seeing female workers at the orphanage (with the exception of the director which probably has limited contact with the kids). Primo talked to Michael after the tutor left and hopefully he will be more "open" on Thursday.

All in all I think things are going well. We are going to work on getting social security numbers for the kids, enrolling them in school for the fall and all the other fun stuff that needs to be done. Primo is leaving either Saturday or Sunday to drive his mom back to New York. He will fly back to Raleigh on Monday. She will be very much missed and I would like to thank her from the bottom of my heart for all that she has done for us. It was no small task and she did an amazing job! Thank you!