Happy Birthday Jadon Paul!

July 11, 2006 our youngest son was born in Krasnoyarsk, Siberia. We weren't there and didn't know he was being born, but we were praying for this miracle boy! Thank you Jesus for bringing JJ into this world 2 years ago!

Firsts: Guys night out

Tonight was the first night it was just and my boys out on the town. Penny went out with some of the girls and I took Roman and JJ to the mall for some Chic-Fil-A and of coarse a stop by the Apple Store to introduce them to gadgetry. What did you do on this big Friday night out?

Firsts: Sea World trip

Yesterday Penny and I went to Sea World in Orlando with the boys. It was their first ever trip to a theme park and we learned the hard way that Jadon is NOT ready for any park, including Mickey. We actually left considerably earlier than planned, but crazy central Florida weather had something else to say about that! Notice Penny caring the heavy equipment as I click a pic.

Grampy and Roman

You gotta love this picture of Roman sippin' on a vanilla shake with his Grampy. Awesome.

Blood work with the boys!!

Tuesday is my new day off so I get to spend some special time with my fam. This morning around 8 I left our house with our oldest, Roman to go get his blood work and other medical test done. He was awesome until the nurse screwed up his first draw. She inserted the needle and then she wasn't paying attention and jerked the needle out of my sons arm. Freaked US out! So she had to re-draw blood from his other arm. Needless to say he wasn't to thrilled (neither was I!). All in all he did well (Better than me. I have to lay down to have blood drawn!). Jadon was next, so I went home, dropped of Roman and picked up JJ. We got to the lab, and it went as smooth as silk. Of course it was all with a different person drawing the blood.

Firsts

Since we arrived from Russia with our sons it seems like every day we encounter a first for them. Examples are a first beach experience, McDonald's meal, ice cream, pizza, BBQ, etc. This past weekend seemed like it was the end of all of the dramatic firsts. We had family in town (Penny's and mine) for a welcome home party on Saturday (read more here) and the dedication of our boys to raise them in a Godly home before our church family. Amazing weekend. we are so blessed to be surrounded by such incredible family and friends.

New t-shirts

Saw these t-shirts while at Target on Tuesday. Perfect.

Me and my boys!

Adoption videos....

If you haven't watched our first adoption video (it was not public until today) than here you go. I have put all 3 videos up for you to watch in order. I am working on 1 more, it wont be ready for at least a few days though. Enjoy!

Trip 1



Watch here

Trip 2



Watch here

Gotcha Day



Watch here

My boys

Today we took the boys to the beach for a quick visit, it was their first official car ride since being home. We then came home and were visited by some friends who put together our new swing set (props to Art, Marcos and Wes-Dawg!). The boys seem to be pretty well adjusted and know that this is home and we arent going any where. It feels good!

I'm trying

This week has been crazy, to say the least. We have been trying to get the boys into the swing of things, it has been tough. Yesterday and today have been really good days for sleep. Jadon had been struggling with all of the changes but has seemed to make some big strides. Roman is the most submissive loving child and has had very few set backs. Today my dad came over with his truck and we picked up a swing set from Toys R Us. We used some gift certificates that friends have so generously given to us. We appreciate everyones prayers and support. Hopefully over the next several days I will start posting more often with the typical posting flavors you have grown used with this blog.

From Red Square...

Raise 'em up!

By adopting 2 kiddos it means that there are 2 new Hurricanes in the world. Our first day together on US soil meant breaking in their new Hurricane t-shirts.

Sleepy time

We have had some serious sleep deprivation in our home. Since leaving Moscow on Monday the longest consecutive sleep I have had is 3 hours. Welcome to fatherhood, right? Please pray for Jadon, he has been struggling with sleep, add to that my sleep issue. Things are tough, but I'm excited about my sons getting settled.

Skype us!

Screen name: geppapa@gmail.com
When: Friday
We would love to here from you all!
This is a picture from a Skype video chat with my parents and of course our dog, Grommit.

60 hours and counting!

We can hardly contain ourselves! We leave for Russia in about 60 hours. 60 hours from our lives changing forever. 60 hours from a 30 day excursion that will be imprinted in our hearts and minds forever. This will be the longest I have been away from home aside from college. Have you ever been on a month long trip before? As far as Siberia?

Skype me!

After Tuesday the only way you will be able to communicate with Penny and I will be via Skype. If you are unfamiliar with Skype you should familiarize yourself with this great application and then get an account, it’s free! Our Skype name is Geppapa. Plug us in and if you see that we are online give us a ring!! Just remember that will be 9 hours ahead in Moscow and 12 hours ahead in Siberia. Talk soon!

8 days

I can't believe our departure for Siberia to go and get our boys is only 8 days away! Today we will clean the house thoroughly and get some packing things in order. We will be away from our house, family and church family for 30 days! That’s the longest trip I have ever been on. It's kind of like a short-term mission trip. Our mission: Rescue 2 young lads from the frozen tundra of Siberia!!

*No purpose for the random picture of me and Grommit.

2 weeks and counting....

Our schedule for the next 2 weeks is going to be crazy! Besides having to get all of my bases covered in my ministry, we have tons to prep for with our travels. We have to pack enough clothing for 1 month (including toiletries, etc.), pack for our sons as they own absolutely nothing, electronics (video camera, still, laptop, external HD), paperwork (a whole large backpack dedicated to paperwork). I'm sure that there is more but that's the basics.
For those interested, here's our schedule:

2/12 Leave US

2/13 Arrive Moscow

2/15 Medical exam

2/16 Leave Moscow flight 779 Aeroflot

2/17 Arrive in Krasnoyarsk

2/18 Visit children

2/19 Court hearing

3/5 Leave Krasnoyarsk for Moscow

3/5 Arrive in Moscow at 8am

3/5 Medical exam

3/5 Apply to US Consulate

3/6 Receive visa

3/7 Apply to Russian Consulate

3/10 Receive Registration

3/11 Leave Moscow for US (YEAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!)

Good news....

Stay tuned. We have some good news concerning our adoption.
UPDATE: Penny has writen of our lastest adoption good news HERE