Getting to Know Irina

We've officially been parents to Irina for five full days. (Are you getting tired of all my blogging?) She is more comfortable with us every day. We certainly have a lot to learn about her, but here are some things that have become very clear. We ALL love her very much.

1) She loves joking around. She is constantly flipping off the light when you are in the bathroom, putting various items in the refrigerator or freezer (dish soap, sponges, etc.), hiding your toiletries, or other various jokes. Then she giggles hilariously. We love that she has a sense of humor, but are trying to teach her when it's not appropriate. For now, it is a work in progress. We love to see her smiling and happy.

2) She is very eager to help. She always wants to help put away groceries, clear the table, wash the dishes, carry things for you, clean the floor, etc. Let's hope the boys attitudes do not rub off on her and that she teaches them a thing or two. ;)

3) She loves to clown around with her brothers. Once she and Aaron get silly, it is tricky to get them to settle down. (chasing, tickling, running around, screaming, pulling off hats)  Ethan is quick to join in. Luke usually stays on the sidelines observing. She is certainly not a wilting flower and will not be lost in the shuffle of all the boy energy.

4) She is very generous. We gave each of the kids some Ukrainian coins to keep. Irina pulled hers out of her pocket and showed them to me at least 10 times in the span of 30 minutes. She was so excited about her coins. Thrilled to have coins that were hers. Then we passed a needy women sitting on the side of the street with a bucket for coins. Irina immediately pulled out her coins and put them in the bucket. The smile on Irina's face was priceless!

5) She is strong willed. We learned the phrase, "Nee ha choo" when she was here last time.  I have no idea how to spell it, but it means: "I don't want to." I've had to carefully decide what is and what is not important. The good news is that if something is really important, she responds positively to me being firm. It's amazing how much attitude you can pick up even in another language. Perhaps that's a universal tween girl behavior? It's new to me.

6) She has occasionally begun calling me "Mommy." The term "Momma" was used for all her female caregivers in the orphanage. It is so sweet to hear her differentiate between a general caregiver and a Mommy. She is quick to hold my hand and give me a side hug, but otherwise is a little reserved. This morning, she greeted me in the same way the boys do. (And she's been watching closely!) With her arms wrapped around my neck for a big hug! It melted my heart.

7) She enjoys food. After being deprived of consistent food for so long, food is very important to her. Food is likely associated with love. What we've observed so far is that she eats very fast and eats quite a lot. If food drops on the ground (no matter how gross the ground), it is still quickly popped into her mouth. (10 second rule?) Every bite of food is precious and none is wasted. 

 7) She really loves her new Daddy. Darin is very patient with her jokes and persistent begging for attention. She loves to hold his hand and lead him around. She has never had a father before and is learning what it means.

We are thankful that God knew before we did that Irina would one day be our daughter. 

Happy Thanksgiving!