What a year 2008 has been for us! We've done our best to let everyone know about the additions to our family. Our three adoptive children created an impact on our lives. And their lives have changed drastically as well.
Emma, Maciek (mah-CHECK), and Michal flew into Chicago from Warsaw on December 13, 2007 with their new Mom and Dad. In the beginning, it seemed as though we were on some strange reality TV show and other times our new melding family was as average as any.
We all adapted in different ways at different times. Beth's mothering instincts kicked in quickly and the kids' desire to be mothered surfaced soon as well. She didn't anticipate the sheer exhaustion involved. Tim took a while to get used to the inclusion of an instant family, but over the summer he found his sea legs. He's refereeing a roller derby in the basement as this is typed.
The kids liked arriving at winter break but were ready for peer social time without their new mom and dad. Their teachers were phenomenal as were their classmates. The kids hit the three-month language immersion milestone and became more conversational in English. Before that point, we used four-dozen Polish words, drawing, picture dictionaries and gestures to communicate. By July, all three were nearly using all English, even with each other.
In late May, Beth underwent a hysterectomy and was thankful to have done so. Grandma Phyllis and Grandma Perry helped Tim with kid-wrangling duty during her recovery. A former co-worker of Beth's, named Beth earned her future Godmother status at that time, too.
Beth called it the carefree summer. She occasionally, but rarely tried workbooks to bolster academics. This strategy seemed to pay off in emotional growth for everyone. All three attended summer school sessions, which had some fun electives to offset math and reading work. When Tim went to Virginia for a training session in late June, Beth, Emma, Maciek and Michal went camping at High Cliff State Park. Grandma Perry joined in, in between shifts at the hardware store. Beth, Emma, Maciek and Michal went camping at Peninsula State Park in late August. It was tent camping this time and it got down to 45° F but everyone survived and had a super time at the beach the next day.
The kids were nervous about going back to school but were full of excitement getting off the bus that afternoon. Some academic catch-up work remains but these are three bright kids making great strides. First quarter conferences brought good reports with suggestions for areas to concentrate. The boys shined at their holiday concerts and amazed their family with their excitement for music and performing. Emma will have her concert in spring.
Emma turned 10 in September and had fun birthday party with three favorite girl friends. She progressed to fourth grade and works more independently every day. She spends time in her room with various crafts or will take the dog for a survey of the property, inspecting the latest flora and fauna. She's been thrilled by the record snow and is bugging Dad to get the snowmobile ready for action. She played soccer with the school league and wants to repeat Tae Kwon Do at the YMCA. She keeps pace with mom while shopping and is a super snuggler.
Maciek hosted 25 classmates and friends for his 8th birthday. (Mom wasn't sure who to invite and in mid March, all came out of their groundhog hole due to cabin fever!) He accumulated a variety of Lego sets and sought to assemble them immediately and until they were complete per instructions. He's logged hours on Disney's Toontown Web site, exploring neighborhoods as his created 'Toon' character. He's taken a handful of piano lessons and we'll see if the noodle sticks to the wall. He progressed to third grade this fall, where his reading is improving and his math abilities impress both teacher and parents.
Michal entered Kindergarten in January. It was an uncertain beginning, but he made improvements as the days and weeks ticked off. He's steadily become Dad's shadow in the yard and on projects. He's also found common interests with a neighbor boy as they explore the woods near our house for treasure and adventure. He was tentative but headed to his the first day of first grade with bravery. He's connected with the rest of his class and likes school. He celebrated his 7th birthday in October. He, like his sister and brother, is a cozy snuggle bug.
Tim continues work at a nuclear power station. The job change is good for the family and allows for more time at home. He misses his former coworkers and transportation work, but there are cool projects at the plant, too! This past year did not see a significant amount of home improvement, but Tim is replacing the basement floor and drainage. This provides extra space for the kids to run and yell during the winter months. Mostly he's done his best to be the best husband he can be and find his inner Daddy-ness.
Beth stopped working her graphic design job at the end of April. She had a few weeks to prepare for her six-week post surgery bed rest. Summer filled itself easily with just lazing around the house, keeping the kids busy, camping and attending festivals. Beth delighted in the approach of the first day of school. But soon she followed the kids into school to help for an hour a day with reading in Michal's class and computer support in Maciek's class.
On July 26, about 85 friends and family gathered with our Pastor to bless our new family and celebrate after. We had great weather and were so happy to have such enthusiastic support from those who could make it and those who sent their best wishes. See photos at http://perrywattleworth.shutterfly.com/
We've been grateful to receive news from you over the year. Your friendship and courage has helped us to do the best we could for our new children. We wish you a belated Merry Christmas, Blessed Solstice and Adventurous New Year!
With love,
Tim, Beth, Emma, Maciek and Michal
