Happy New Year!! Belated Update

Today's writer: Renee

Dear Friends and Family:

We have been meaning to send another update, really we have. First it was going to be a few days after we arrived, then a week after, then two weeks, then a Christmas letter.... Well, then there is reality!

We have been home over three weeks now and today happens to be New Year's Day and Genevieve's 17-month birthday! (For those who have noticed, somehow I started to call her Genevieve and not Syevinch any longer -- which is probably a good thing, as she was probably getting confused with all the names being thrown at her including Pumpkin Butt, Ladybug, and Kiddo!)

Initially I had many details to share about the long plane ride home, getting peed on, sweated on, food smeared on and the like. It wasn't pretty. But now we are home and in our routine and in many ways it just seems as though Ladybug has been with us forever.

She is napping and sleeping through the night (the sleep gods have been kind to us). She is funny, goofy, crazy, and very emotive (like her mommy). She loves when daddy throws her up in the air or turns her round and round to the point where I am dizzy just looking at them and she can't walk straight. However, she still doesn't like it much when I am not an arm distance away, but there have been improvements on this front. Our little bundle is now allowing daddy to diaper and soothe her to sleep (thank goodness). She still wants me near her, but is much less anxious than she had been when we were back in Moscow.

Genevieve has met her doting grandparents, most of her cousins and aunts and uncles, a few friends and LOVES to be the center of attention. During our visits to the orphanage, we taught her to wave bye-bye at her toys when she threw them on the ground. This has translated to her waving at literally everyone, every picture (including photo Christmas cards), the TV, magazines, the wall, etc. It is a kick when she can get the most cranky-looking person to soften and smile at her. It is great! She cracks us up.

Have I mentioned she currently has a shoe and hat fetish? They must be on at all times (including nap times). I draw the line with her sleeping with her pink boots that Grandma bought her. And for those who know of my color-matching issue ... I am having to really work hard to release the notion that a red winter hat doesn't go with a girly peach outfit and pink mountain boots!

Anyway, thank you all for your love, support and well wishes during the wild ride. Now that we are over our jet lag and are just generally tired, all is well. Since the holidays were so busy with lots of visits, we are trying to lay low and not completely overwhelm her. So please be patient if it takes several more weeks until we are ready to show her off. But just wait... she sparkles.
Photo: Genevieve bonding with her big Cousin Ella.

We hope for many things in the coming year, but the biggest and best has already arrived.

And happy birthday, Genevieve!

XO

Renee & Larry (now Mommy & Daddy — the American version of the earlier Mama & Papa)