HOME AT LAST - Here's some new pics!

NEXT STOP USA!!

Trying to look sad about going to America!












Here is an assortment of pictures from her first 24 hours home. We had warned the boys that she was afraid of older boys so it would take a while for her to feel safe with them and warm up to them - on the way home from the airport - while she sat in the back of the van between her two big brothers, Carter said, "I think she's used to us now!!" Yes, that took about half a second!
ALL FOUR TOGETHER AT LAST









With her "BEEG SEESTER!!"


Chilling out in her room

Hanging out with her big bros






She finally got to ride that new bike. Riding consists of her sitting on the seat and she pushes herself with her feet. She no longer wants any help. Her favorite place to ride is our neighbor's steep drive way which goes straight the the river. Maybe we should put a life vest on her as well as her bike helmet (which she is now wearing) We tried to put training wheels on the bike - once they were on, she went to her room and had a rather impressive fit. Once she settled down, she came downstairs, didn't speak to anyone - went out the front door. She picked up the instructions for the training wheels and looked them over - then kicked the wheels a few times - found the vice grips on the porch and proceeded to take the training wheels off - unassisted! She told me later that she wasn't mad, but her bike was only supposed to have TWO WHEELS and "they" put FOUR WHEELS on it.














Lena came over today and was talking to her in Ukrainian - Anna leaned over to Wesley and whispered, "I no speak Ukrainian, I speak English." she did warm up to Lena and they had a great conversation - she invited Lena to come back today. She told Lena that she was happy - Lena just said she is way over stimulated. We have tried to keep things low key - but EVERYTHING is new. She has had a couple small spells where she just goes to her room, closes the door, and spends time alone. She LOVES her big brothers and sister. She has met some of her cousins, and more are coming over today to play. Thanks to all of you who have cared for and prayed for us during this labor and delivery. God truly delivered us in an incredible way out of Kiev those last 24 hours. Things were moving so quickly our heads were spinning. Her first night in America was great. We checked into the Hilton by JFK and the desk clerk gave her some candy. Then we went to our room where there were computer games on the TV. When she got in bed, she layed just under the bedspread, which as you know is like putting a plastic sheet over you - not very warm. She was rolled up in a ball, so I went over and showed her that there were additional sheets and blankets that she was laying on top of. She was AMAZED - she said "OH MY GOSH" about 10 times, then settled in and was asleep in about 2 minutes. But it made us sad to think of all the times she has gone to bed cold, and would not even consider that there were additional blankets or covers to keep her warm.

Anastasia was a wild woman on the plane - at the Detroit airport, she was AMAZED by the toilet that flushed on it's own, the automatic soap dispenser and the water that came on when you stood in front of faucet. She turned to me, shook her head and said, "AMERICA!!" The flight attendants all got a big kick out of her - she said "SANK YOU" to everyone who assisted her in any way. It's difficult for us to imagine what is going through her little head. EVERYTHING is new. We are so thankful to be home and are looking forward to where God will lead on this next leg of our journey. Thanks to my Erlanger Baptist Church buddies who welcomed us to Kentucky in a grand fashion at the airport and my sisters who took care of all our needs as soon as we touched down.