We had our two visits with Sofia again today and we let her sleep for the first visit and we played at the second visit. The weekday orphanage staff is a bit more strict but still very kind with us. They've been putting even MORE layers on our little girl! You should see the stuff we find layered on her...socks on top of tights and then our little booties we brought from home on top of that. Hector and I just crack up at it! Today we changed her into an outfit from her Nana. So cute! (I also do not mean any disrespect to the way children are bundled up here in Ukraine compared to what we are used to back at home. We know this is a cultural difference and we totally respect it. I'm just lucky to get a jacket on my boys back at home when it's raining outside so it's just been fun for us to see this difference here.)
One of the main groupa staff tried to speak English to us today and it was really sweet. Another staff person, when they handed Sofia to us, smiled a huge smile and said in broken English..."you good people". This made our day. I think they actually might like us and to be honest we like them too...they've cared for our baby since birth. We are so grateful to them.
Hector and I are trying to learn as much Ukrainian culture as possible so we can share the stories with Sofia someday. Our landlady is the sweetest thing. She loves to take care of us and wants to make sure we are comfortable. Whenever she is home and sees us coming (she lives below us in the same house), she rushes out to greet us and chats away in Russian and we just nod our heads and say our one or two words back to her. It's clear she wants to make sure we're happy.
We still miss our boys like crazy. Mateo is having the most difficult time out of the three of them. My mom says he prays every night that we come home soon with Sofia. He's more quiet than usual and not eating as much. His teacher tells us the same, that he is not quick to smile at school and he tells her that he misses us at bedtime. I wish I could just hold him now. He needs us home soon. I'm sure Diego and Joaquin have the same feelings deep inside. Diego keeps his feelings very close to his heart and it takes a lot of encouragement from us to get him to open up. The fact that he says his prayers to himself speaks volumes to us. Joaquin...I can't imagine how he is feeling. Up until I left for Ukraine he was still night nursing...poor baby. He gets up every morning at 3 am and has trouble going back to sleep. Must be so confusing to him why his mama isn't around anymore. At least I know they are all in the loving hands of my parents (Nana and Grandpa). Gives us such peace of mind. We also have amazing friends that are making special visits and extra special efforts to comfort our boys while we are away. We are so grateful to all of you.
Wonderful to see you with your little sweetie!
ReplyDeleteMy, is she cute. And your boys are SO handsome!
Praying for a court date soon :)
Jodi
I LOVE seeing the pictures. Sofia is so beautiful! SO glad you found her! :)
ReplyDeleteShe is SO SWEET!!
ReplyDeleteI will pray for April 30!!! Have I mentioned that I simply cannot get enough pictures of you guys with Sofia. She looks like she is so happy with you. Someday I would love to hear more about why they believe it is necessary to bundle them up so much when it is "warm" outside. Very interesting!! Please give her hugs from all of us in blogland.
ReplyDeleteDenise- I think it has something to do with catching a cold (kinda like our grandmothers used to be with us) and so they bundle for protection...now why even when it's warm outside? I know know...again...if there is any coolness to the breeze outside, the staff gets really worried about it. Maybe it's the hospital like/orphanage setting where they don't want anyone sick because then everyone gets sick? Also, I have heard of a Ukranian saying in our culture book her...they say that children shouldn't run in the cold because they could sweat and then catch a cold. Just very protective over here :)
ReplyDeleteLove that last pic... a little reminder of the love that waits at home.
ReplyDeleteMelanie- Sorry I cannot find your comment to publish but wanted to respond. I don't think anyone commenting on here is being superficial when they say how beautiful Sofia is. I think in America it is common to use the word beauty and beautiful to imply more than just the outward appearance...we use it to mean so much more than that. A beautiful act, a beautiful soul, a beautiful connection, a beautiful deed, a beautiful sight...it means so much more when we use that word :)
ReplyDeleteAlso, yes...what is most important is that Sofia is clothed and warm and clean...all of these things have been provided for her in the orphanage...I've just been having so much fun dressing her in pink as I have three boys back at home and have never had the opportunity to have fun with bows, polka dots and pink :) so it's been fun for me to dress Sofia during our visits. She's such a doll baby and she seems to love the attention and the "doting" and the extra touch. It's also so sweet to see that the staff want to dress her now in pink because they know how much I love pink and how good Sofia looks in pink. The staff absolutely loves the jacket and pink hat we brought for her...I think they've enjoyed the change in scenery from the old clothes they have. I wish I had brought an extra suit case of clothes to donate and if we return I might just bring that for them. At the end of the day, I'd love her in whatever clothes they put her in...and I think we'd all find her to be beautiful no matter what...on the inside and the outside.
aww. I know it's hard being away from your boys. It would tear me apart but you WILL be home soon with a very special gift!
ReplyDelete(((HUGS))) to all of you!
Just love those pink robeez! Did you ever dream your lives would be so full of pink!
ReplyDeleteMany, many, many prayers coming from TX.
Who takes the pictures of you as a family?
Found Melanie's comment...
ReplyDeleteAnonymous has left a new comment on your post "Waiting on a Court Date":
Dear Sanchez-Family,
first of all I would like to say that I have the greatest respect for what you are doing. There is just one thing that confuses me: Do you really care about what Sofia is wearing at the orphanage? Don't you find it superficial to compare her old cloths to the new ones? I am a reader from Germany who has often been in Eastern Europe. The clothes Sofia has been wearing up to now seem pretty normal to me, compared to what eastern european children are usually wearing, also when they have a caring family. They are not exeedingly ugly. Are they clean? Well, that should be the only thing that matters!
I am very surprised about that in nearly every comment to your posts people say how "beautiful" Sofia is. This must be something typical american. I do not want to offend someone, but this is something unusual in Europe... And gives an impression of superficiality. I know you are far away from beeing superficial. Just felt like having to write this, cause you are are adopting a european child. People here don't talk so much about the look of children ; )
Regards,
Melanie
Rachel- Hector has fun setting up the camera and putting it on a timer to catch all three of us as a family...hence my funny face in the one of all three of us on the swing set...he took that picture about 5 times trying to get it right and I was teasing him...very cute of him though!
ReplyDeleteAs a mother of two boys- I would dress her in pink too!! She is beautiful because she is loved-and is engaging and responsive. Plus her cute mouth and rosie cheeks!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh I can hardly see the keys because my eyes have pools of tears in them........what amazing photos you have taken...you have some very cool dramatic shots almost as if (oops tears are now falling on my computer) almost as if we are able to peak into your time there at the orphanage. Jen, she is just so beautiful...I'm in love with that little chubby girl with the cutest fluffy hair EVER!! I am so grateful things are moving along...will pray for a miracle that Friday would be the day! ...and that things speed along for the boys as well. I am sure that must just pull at your heart....but you are almost done....she is almost yours and then no one ever has to separate again. As the woman at the orphanage said in her best attempt at English, you are "good people".... my heart is so full reading how well received you guys have been!!
ReplyDeleteJen, When I read how much you miss your boys, it pulls my heart strings. I can't wait to see pictures of the 6 of you all together!!!! Thinking of you!
ReplyDeleteI think you answered the question about the word "beautiful" being superficial quite well. Yes - here in America we often use the word to express a joyful emotion in some cases and an outward appearance in others. Of course I love looking at photos of Sofia as much as I enjoy looking at art, flowers or adorable puppies... or my own daughter with Down syndrome - - Sofia reminds me of her. Looking at the pictures of this precious little girl with her meant-to-be parents brings me a huge amount of joy! Thank you for filling my heart with such a warm and beautiful emotion!
ReplyDeleteI am hoping and praying for the very earliest court date possible!!! love all of the pictures:) thinking of your boys and parents back at home and hoping you guys and sofia can soon be home with them!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is the most heartwarming blog I have ever read. Sophia is the luckiest girl ever to have found such a warm, loving family. I have fallen in love with her through your photos, she looks to be the perfect addition to your family. Best of luck to you all, I am looking forward to following your blog and seeing your family grow together. Best wishes!!
ReplyDeleteYes she is beautiful and beautiful in pink at that!!! :) Keep the pictures coming!! I look forward to seeing that sweet face of hers! You guys are so blessed. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's easy to see the love you have for your daughter, and she looks quite content & happy, as well!
ReplyDeleteAbout what size clothes is Sofia wearing? I ask because the girls my family is adopting are almost 2.5 years & 9 months and I am trying to guess at what size clothes to bring with us when we travel.
Thank you for sharing updates about your time in Ukraine! It is very informational & I love seeing you with Sofia!
((( hugs ))) on missing your boys. That is the part that I am dreading about traveling ~ having to leave my kids. I pray that the days fly by for your children and that you all will be home together again very soon!
I so understand where you are coming from about the bundling. My husband and I could never wrap our minds around it! Even with the excessive bundling, the kids there got sick more than my kids did. My younger son said when the little ones would play out side bundled up in warm weather, they would cry to their grandma's that they were sweating and hot. They are really convinced that they will get sick. I've noticed that it leads to them not being able to maintain their body heat when they are older. They are always cold and in the summer no one sweats because they like the heat!
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to read your posts because it helps me to remember Ukraine and all the things I loved about the people! People truly are so hospitable there!
Praying for you!
Edna
Hope you get that court date on Friday. I know you want to have your entire family together as soon as possible! Still loving the pink as I know you are after all blue. :)
ReplyDeleteKristin
We are thinking of you and praying for April 30th.
ReplyDeleteWow - I'm speechless. I was able to catch up on your journey and could not read fast enough. I'm both cheering you on and sending up prayers during this journey. Thank you for honestly sharing your story as you bring home your new daughter Sofia. You are not only softening hearts but encouraging us all to stretch way beyond our comfort zone.
ReplyDelete-Libby
Oh how precious she is!!!! I have a little Sonya too :) PRAYING that you get that court date really soon, friend. Hang in there--I KNOW how much your heart is missing your angels at home. It is not an easy journey. You're doing great!
ReplyDeleteI think that she is absolutely-positively-amazingly beautiful!!! She will be the best little sister. She looks great and I can see the happiness in all of you!!
ReplyDeleteMy word she is just so kissable !! I love her sweet cheeks and teeny kissable mouth :) I pray you have her home asap !
ReplyDeleteMelanie, I'm sure if it's "typical American" or not, but I think that it is BEAUTIFUL to see this child enjoying the sunshine & the company of loving parents, as opposed to being stuck in a crib all day. Sanchez Family, God Bless you for all that you are doing. So looking forward to seeing this little one thrive in your family!
ReplyDeleteI just love her and don't even know her, lol, but those cheeks. I hope you get to have court Friday. GL
ReplyDeletehoping you get good word of a court date soon!!
ReplyDeleteI thought of you today and your first post in Ukraine about beind down and missing your boys. I'm away at an orphan conference and I've never traveled without my kids...I cried just thinking of how much WORSE it will be leaving all 3 when it's our turn. I can't wait for you all to be TOGETHER in the US!!
Jenn, Can you email me? foggydogs@yahoo.com Would like info on baby Anna if you can comply. Sorry to leave this here but could not find your emial addy. Thanks, cathy
ReplyDeletei think the comment from melanie is very interesting. as an american who now lives in a different country i can tell you that even though america is a "melting pot" we don't know as much as we should about other countries and other cultures. but through blogs like this one, think of how many ppl are learning about other countries. i know i have learned a lot about ukraine, and i'm just fascinated with everything.
ReplyDeletei have met ppl from just about every part of the world and this is the 1st time i heard of a culture "not talking about the look of their children". i think all babies are beautiful, inside and out. and when you tell your child how beautiful they are, they will grow up with great amounts of self confidence, which is vital in being a stable person. of course sofia is a truly beautiful child, but the whole experience is beautiful as well. that is why all of us followers keep coming back each day to read (am i right?). ;)
about the clothing...i agree that countries differ on how to dress their children. there was a sudanese baby in my son's daycare who i thought was a girl (lots of pink, girly outfits), then i found out that he was in fact a boy. his mom used his older sister's clothes on him. for her it wasn't a big deal and it was more practical. at the same time my russian friend brings lots of clothes from here (saudi) to her family because she thinks the clothes in russia are not as attractive (they're also expensive). so you see, it's really just a matter of opinion, and cultural influence.
sofia is sofia, she's beautiful in any clothing, but i would also dress her up in pink, she looks so cute in it.
okay, that's enough from me (i also felt the need to comment). i love healthly discussion and in the end we are all learning about each other, and that my friends is truly BEAUTIFUL...;)
Sofia is gorgeous, I am so happy that your family has been drawn to her. I have frequently visited the Reece's Rainbow website, and want to adopt, though my husband and I are not on the sae level as of now (He is still leery). My heart is set on little Artem in Region 14. Thanks for sharing your story, it gives those of us who want to make the commitment an inside look at the inner workings of such a decision.
ReplyDelete