2012 Year End

Hello, Dear Family & Friends . . .

As I sit and relax with my tea, I take a moment to reflect back on the year . . . 2012 has certainly been divided between major highs and major lows. And, Yes, even though it has been a very difficult year . . . it has been like “No Other” Year!

At the top of the year's memory list was our miracle Homecoming for Gracy the end of May from Pakistan! Stepping off the final flight onto Oklahoma soil was such an emotional moment, Mama was so very thankful and Gracy was, well as a very tired toddler should be . . . peacefully asleep. And, as we walked through security to the waiting crowd of family and friends . . . Mama was speechless as happy tears fell. What a wonderful sight! After 1.5 years of separation, it felt so good to finally hold BOTH my children in my arms . . . at LAST!

Marina Grace - Our "Gracy Girl" is now 3.5 years old! She turned 3 in June and her birthday was celebrated at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri. In July, a big “Birthday/Homecoming” celebration was held to welcome Gracy home to the US. Most of the summer was spent compiling new medical evaluations to determine her medical needs. Medically she is doing very well and all medical evals have resulted with a “Hmmm, yes, there is something there . . . but she’s developing like there is nothing there . . . let’s move forward with a “watch & wait” medical plan . . . no surgeries needed, at this point!” Gracy’s speech pathologist is amazed at how she accommodates for her tongue tie. Over a short few months, she has grown so much and her English has really blossomed (Mama just has to translate sometimes). She continues to meet or exceed all major, age-appropriate milestones! Outside of several fevers/colds (new American germs), her adjustment to the US has been without any complications. She is just perfect! J

Gracy is “action waiting to happen” from the moment she wakes up . . . until her little head hits the pillow at night. She is just ADORABLE . . . and a HANDFULL! She has no fear, which resulted in a broken arm in July! You can’t turn your back for a second when she is around water, animals or in a store (recent missing child “Amber Alert” in Kohls). Yet . . . she is such a “girly girl”. Her FAVORITE thing right now is Mama’s “lip-lip” (yes, my lipstick & each lipstick has a G mark!) and “dress-up” (including hat, purse & shoes!) One night recently, I woke up in the middle of the night and found Gracy “dressing-up” with all the clothes from her closet on the floor!  I always call her my Sweet Pea, but now I also lovingly call her my “Sweet Mess”! J She LOVES to sing/dance . . . I just smile as she serenades me from her car seat during our daily errands, always reminding me of my adorable blessing.  And, a night-night doesn’t go by without singing her favorite song . . . “You Are My Sunshine.” She dances to any kind of music and I love to watch her as she twirls and pirouettes and “shakes it all about”. She is so much fun!

Nicholas Ivan – Now in double digits . . . Nicky was a big 10 years old in December! He is definitely Mama’s “big boy” now. While I was in Pakistan, he grew and changed so much. Once I returned . . . Oh, My . . . Where did my little boy go? . . . a very bittersweet adjustment for Mama. Over the last 6 months, we have slowly worked our way back to each other.

Nick (no longer, really wanting to be called Nick-y, although Mama slips many times J) is in the 4^th grade and doing just great in school. His love of sports continues, and our “All Star” added a new sport, Football, to his increasing busy schedule. Soccer, Baseball, Basketball, Football, he doesn’t miss a season without playing some kind of sport and here at year-end he is playing 2 sports, Basketball/Soccer (2 sports in a season is something Mama said she would never do . . . but soccer is a weekend, indoor conditioning game with thankfully NO practices). It seems Baseball is still the fav, but any sport will do (even a cricket bat/ball from Pakistan!) Nick is a very artistic/creative boy as well. He loves his music and is playing the piano for the 3^rd year. His December recital was beautiful and his musical accomplishments were recognized with 2, 2^nd place awards. He is also playing the recorder in school music and he marches around the house to the tune of “Hot Cross Buns”! He really enjoys music of any kind, any instrument and he loves to “pluck” out a tune by ear. Christmas brought him musical electronics, key board and drum set . . . now, he is our “Rock Star”! His creative side also includes a love of art and his art teacher recently told me, “Nick just intuitively gets it”. Since Mama can’t draw a straight line, I wasn’t exactly sure what that meant, until a recent project, “The Nativity, This Great Day” . . . amazing and beautiful!

The very 1^st moment I saw my children, my heart instantly loved them as my “son & daughter”, but becoming “brother & sister” has had its unique challenges. We work at it every day, slowly . . . and, after 6 months, I can see progress and I’m proud of how far we have come as a family . . . some days it is 2 steps forward and 1 step backward . . . but still moving forward! Gracy adores her big brother and Nick is starting to think that having a little sister isn’t so bad . . . after all! We were shopping one evening recently and Nick protectively held Gracy’s hand as they crossed the busy traffic. I watched from behind and smiled. As joy filled my heart, I thought, “Could this be the beginning of love? Or, maybe perhaps, just deep like!” J I’m so very proud of my children . . . They are both pure JOY and the LOVES of my Life!

Katy Sue – Our sweet Katy dog is now 11.5+ years old (12 next April)! She is really starting to slow down, but given enough attempts, she can still jump up into the back of the SUV (however, she usually plants her front paws on the bumper & then looks at Mama to help her the rest of the way!) She LOVES when N/G play with her (as long as she can recline). The favorite is to play “doctor” (since Gracy’s broken arm, both kids love to use the splint wraps on Katy). Katy walks around with her legs wrapped daily and never seems to mind. She is the perfect doggie for Gracy . . . when Katy has had enough of Gracy, Katy just simply gets up and finds a quiet place to hide from Gracy! She’ll still do anything for an ear rub. And, yes . . . Katy and Mama STILL fight over Mama’s chair!

Mama/Mommy/Mom – I will answer to “any of the above”! J The best word to describe my life these days . . . Busy with a capital “B”! Busy with the children and Busy managing LIFE! Yes, there are a few “fair, to partly cloudy” days and “how did I get here?” days, but overall, I’m doing well. I do have to admit, the adjustments to life these days have been challenging and I’m in such a very different place today than a couple of years ago or even just 1 year ago! But life is about change and I simply embrace it with Joy.

I’m still very busy with legal issues for Gracy’s adoption case. Gracy is here in the US on a Humanitarian Parole, a temporary approval to reside in the US for 2 years. During that time, many steps of US approval are required for Gracy to live in the US permanently as my daughter (I currently have permanent legal guardianship). As of now, we are only about 50% complete and I’m currently working on the US adoption (hopefully an adoption hearing in March). Nothing in Gracy’s case has been easy and the US adoption is no exception . . . but I’m an “old hand” at working through the complex/challenging details and consider it “all Joy” (nothing surprises me anymore!).  Once we have a legal parent/child relationship through a US adoption decree, Gracy can move forward through the permanent US immigration process and then US citizenship. I ask you to please keep us in your prayers as we continue forward with Gracy’s case. Please pray for softened hearts . . . for a little girl’s best interests.

I haven’t been able to carve out much time to write in the last year (except for legal documents! J) . . . and the out-of-date blog and facebook show it! J But, I do plan on updating as soon as I can. So if you would like to follow along . . . nrbfamily.blogspot.com (The blog is public, once again). My Facebook, account ID – nbaney.

Other events of the year – In January, after a 5 week visit home to the US (seems like a lifetime ago), Mama’s return trip to Pakistan to again take up the USCIS fight for Gracy to live in the US. In February, a trip to Murree, Pakistan (Himalayan mountains) for Gracy’s 1^st snow. In April, Gracy’s Humanitarian Parole approval. In May, Shorman family visit to Islamabad, Pakistan - Aunt MJ/”ChaChi” and Joel (sister Mary Jane Shorman & nephew Joel Shorman). In July, a family vacation to Austin, Texas over July 4^th. In September, our 8^th Familiversary (changed from “Gotcha Day” since September is now the significant month both the children and I became “family”; N 2004 & MG 2009). And, as always, it was a beautiful autumn day at the park with balloons going up, up, up - our traditional balloon release in honor of orphans. In November, Thanksgiving on the Baney farm in Nebraska with G’ma/G’pa. The highlight of the trip was introducing Gracy to family and riding horses, complete with cowboy hats! Over the year, so many “firsts” for Gracy and it has been so fun watching her embrace her new US life.

When I was working as a project manager, after project completion the project team would document “Lessons Learned” to help gain wisdom for future projects. Home now for 6 months I’ve been able to reflect . . . What are my “Lessons Learned” over the last year? I can truly say that so many areas of my life have been touched . . . I’m richer, I’m poorer. I’ve won, I’ve lost. I’m a stronger person and yet, weaker as well. I’ve learned that “No” doesn’t have to mean “The End”. I’ve learned there are deeper reserves to Perseverance, Patience, Peace. I’ve learned that “calm” can come with just 1 word, my word is . . . “Grace”.  I’ve learned there are no perfect people, only a perfect God that uses people perfectly for His perfect plan.

And, as we come to the end of 2012 . . . I’m so very, very thankful for those that stand alongside my beautiful and amazing family. Family - The “constant” Uppa D (cousin Dalend Baney), who is co-parent; my family, whose encouragement and support has resulted in renewed relationships. New Friends - My life has been enriched beyond words with the people I have met and become close to over the last year, here in the US, in Pakistan and all around the world. Old friends - It has been wonderful to reconnect with everyone. If I haven’t said hello to you, please send me an email, novokbb2@yahoo.com.

As I look around me, I see toys on the floor, dishes in the sink, laundry piled high . . . but, my son is happily reading in his room and my little daughter is napping with “no cares in the world”. We are safe and warm . . . together as a family. And, above all else, we treasure ALL our wonderful Blessings . . . health, accomplishment, growth, purpose, fellowship, faith, childhood, family, laughter and love. And, yes, moments of sadness, challenges, disappointment and pain, but opportunities for blessings as well.

Our Heavenly Father gives us a strong, steady spirit to move forward through it all.

“Count it ALL Joy . . . “ (James 1).

With love to all our family & friends,

Nancy, Nicky & Gracy Baney (& Uppa D)

   

Christmas 2009 . . . A year in Review!

Hello, Dear Family & Friends . . .

This year has definitely been a unique year, full of “life-changing” events! But, some years just seem to stand out compared to all the rest. As we close 2009 and look forward to 2010, time is moving way to fast . . . and then, in other ways . . . the days are never-ending! However, through it all, I would like to “dig in my heels” with Father Time and slow down one particular part . . . my Nicky’s zealous push through Life. :)

My sweet Nicholas just turned 7 years old. Yes, can you believe it? He is all about “Mommy, I think . . . !” and “Well, you know, Mommy . . .!” He definitely is a wealth of information these days! I listen attentively with each story that he tells of school and friends, all through the eyes of a sweet seven-year-old. If I could just keep the camera on him - 24/7 . . . ! The major event of his year was a move to a new school in August. Evangelistic Temple School (ETS), a private, Christian school located a couple minutes from our home. The move to 1st grade and “real” school has been so eventful. Now . . . there is Homework!!! Most weekday evenings are spent working on math, reading, spelling, memory verses, etc. As the parent of a 1st grader, I have quickly learned that when your little one has homework, Mama has homework too! :) Nicholas continues to love all his sports, with another sport added to his list this past summer, June/July - - Baseball. Nicky absolutely loved it! He also continues to play soccer and played in a fall season, September/October. He would like nothing more than to play basketball, football, hockey, etc. – You name it! He loves it all and is very intense and serious about the game-of-the-moment. I’m a “side-lines” Mom with the ready cheer and I love watching his eagerness to master each new sport. Throughout the summer, many a pretend, major league baseball game was played in the back yard (both Mama & Uppa D designated players). In an attempt to help balance my little boy’s life, Nicholas also started piano lessons this year in September. A prerequisite for his future move to playing the drums (we will see in a year if the drums are still the desired instrument!). But, I’m a firm believer that music is a good balance for a child’s life, so piano lessons it is . . . to learn his notes . . . for at least a year. I’m amazed at his progress in just 3-4 months. It is such a joy for me to play with my little guy (I have brushed off my piano skills too!). An added bonus! I love that we have another wonderful activity to share together.

Mommy still continues her work with Helmerich & Payne, managing human resources information systems for payroll, compensation & employee health/retirement benefits. After almost 12 years, what can I say? - It just seems to be a good fit! :) After last year’s transition of new responsibilities, I feel I’m starting to find my “groove”, so to speak. I work with a wonderful team. The challenges of new projects and an always moving schedule, definitely keep me on my toes. These days, Time Management is my “claim to fame” with the constant play date, birthday party or just fun activity to schedule around work, school and home. As always, I love to write about my precious family, single parenthood and my international adoption journey. It gives me another path for creative expression! If you have an interest, follow along with our forever family at http://www.nrbfamily.blogspot.com/.

An adoption update . . . the adoption journey to Pakistan in September/October to adopt my 2nd child ended in a heartbreaking experience . . . After 4 weeks in Pakistan, I was not able to bring precious, 3-month-old Marina home due to document complications. Our beautiful Marina Grace . . . our precious Sweet Pea . . . our beloved “Gracy Girl” is now currently living in a Pakistani orphanage awaiting a final decision by the Pakistan and US authorities. We anxiously wait and are hopeful for a positive, final decision by mid January. We are asking for your continued prayers . . . Our continued hope and prayer is throughout the decision making process and all the political positioning, one aspect of the decision will shine through bright and clear . . . “the Best Interests of the Child”. In the last few moments I held my daughter, I prayed a Mother’s Blessing upon her . . . asking for God’s grace to surround her and His loving arms to hold her . . . protected . . . until we meet again. The waiting is very difficult, but there is no doubt in my mind, God holds our Gracy in the palm of His hand, protected and His timing is perfect. I will definitely keep everyone updated; if/when we finally are able to bring our baby girl home.

And of course, our sweet puppy dog, Katy Sue!, who is 8 years old, soon to be 9 in April. She lost one of her best “buddies” this year. My cousin, Dalend’s weimaraner, Tessa, passed away from cancer in November. We miss Tess! And as always, I’m still Katy’s best human buddy and there will always be a special, unique relationship between the two of us. After all, she is my 1st born!

A few other highlights added to our year . . . In June we traveled to Nebraska and Kansas to celebrate the wedding of my niece, Meghann Baney to Drew Pursley. Nicholas was a very, very handsome ring bearer. In September, Grandma came to spend a wonderful month of G’ma time with Nicholas while Mama and Uppa D traveled to Pakistan. Grandma and Nicholas definitely have a great bond and special love after their time together! In November, Mama’s birthday . . . December, Nicky’s birthday. Another highlight in December was Nicky’s 1st piano recital, such a proud moment for Mama to hear Nicholas play his recital piece, “Wishing Well”, all 2 lines of music . . . a proud milestone moment for my little guy!

And finally, we come to the end of 2009 - Yes . . . a bit “bruised” by life, but perspective brings wisdom. We treasure all of our wonderful Blessings . . . health, accomplishment, growth, purpose, fellowship, faith, childhood, family, laughter and love. And, yes, moments of sadness, challenges, disappointment and pain, but opportunities for blessings as well.

Our Heavenly Father gives us a strong, steady spirit to move forward through it all.

“Count it ALL Joy . . . “ (James 1).

Have a blessed Holiday Season.

With love to all our family & friends,

Nancy & Nicky
(Katy)

Christmas . . . 2008 Review

Hello, Dear Family & Friends . . .

Another wonderful year! Each year seems to speed forward and becomes as busy as the last. I guess that means we are totally living life to the fullest. As we close 2008 and look forward to 2009, it reminds me time is moving way to fast! Life is just so wonderful . . . and, I so wish there was a way to slow time down for those precious childhood moments. Of course, that is every parent’s wish! J Yes, BUSY is the word for our life these days.

B lessings that far exceed expectations.
U nlimited 5 year-old hugs & kisses.
S miles that light up each and every day.
Y earnings to finally hold my 2nd child.

My 5 year old Nicholas, my sweet baby Tyoma, is all little boy now. He is all about “I can do it, Mommy!” and “Can I help, Mommy?” As promised, Nicholas started playing beginner soccer in March. He loves it! It is so much fun watching the little ones learn the game. Playing 3-on-3, no scores, no goalie, just kick the ball! The 6-body huddle moves wherever the ball goes! He played soccer in both the Spring and Fall seasons and he cannot wait until the next soccer season. I will say, I think Nicky is a natural (I know, a mother’s biased). June/July was again full of swimming lessons. I attended Nicky’s last day of swimming lessons and watched as he made a dive into the deep end (gulp!) and swam under water the length of the pool. Nicholas seems to have a very natural, athletic ability and it certainly helps in directing his non-stop, action-packed, b-ou-nd-less energy! August, Nicholas experienced the milestone of Kindergarten. He considers himself such a very “big” boy; since he is one of the oldest now at his school (oldest students are 5-6 year olds!). This will be our final year at our wonderful little daycare/school, just down the street from Mama’s work. “Kindy Day” I thought would be just another daily, school drop-off. After all, we do this every morning! I had prepared myself! All I can say is . . . the emotional reality of my little guy growing up caught me off guard. In a quiet moment, as I sat stirring my morning cup of coffee . . . the tears fell. I tearfully thanked God for the precious gift of my son. What a wonderful moment for a parent to have! October was Fall Festival & Halloween with a school carnival, HalloZOOween and neighborhood trick-or-treating. Nicholas was a very “fast” Race Car Driver. Race cars are one of Nicky’s favorites these days. He carries a race car wherever he goes and is on his knees racing them all the time (the holes in his jeans prove it)! However, his 1st love of fire fighters/fire trucks is still at the top of the fav list! But, a race car is easier to tuck in a jeans pocket. I now have to make a mental note to always check his pockets before doing laundry! December, Nicholas will turn 6 years old on the 19th. He is learning to read and add/subtract. He loves to sound out street signs riding in the car and loves to count his piggy bank coins! He is starting to read to me at night. It is so amazing to watch him accomplish new developmental milestones. As you can tell, I am just such a proud Mommy! He is just so full of joy, so cute and funny, and his smile lights up my life. I have said it every year and many, many times, but nothing sums it up better, so please bear with me as I say it again – He is just a precious child, pure joy and the love of my life!

Mommy celebrated her 10 year anniversary with Helmerich & Payne this year. Where has the time gone? As of April, I moved into a new position, but still continue to manage human resources information systems for payroll, compensation & employee health/retirement benefits. In October, the passing of my dear boss, mentor and friend, Earl Stroud, was a deep loss. I miss him dearly, every day. Professional changes and challenges, along with the usual application technical support, development and database management, have created a very busy professional year. Along with my 1st priority of my little boy, it is everything I love! On the personal side, I try to keep my blog up to date (as best I can with my schedule!). I love to write about my precious family, single parenthood and my international adoption journey. It gives me another path for creative expression and it is such good therapy! If you have an interest, follow along with our forever family at http://www.nrbfamily.blogspot.com/.

And of course, there is our sweet puppy dog, Katy Sue! She turned 7 years old this year in April. The love/hate relationship still exists between Nicky and Katy, each one wanting to be the center of Mommy’s attention. But one of Nicky’s chores is to feed Katy and I have now noticed a more playful, loving relationship between them. Nicky loves to tell her to “sit” and “stay”. It is so cute to watch them play. Ahhh, my wonderful “children”! We had Christmas pictures taken with Katy this year and what an experience that was! She still lives for her all-important “ear rub” and loves to stretch and lay on whoever is close by. I’m still her best human buddy and there will always be a special, unique relationship between the two of us. After all, she is my 1st born!

For those of you wondering about baby #2, a Russian adoption update – Still waiting . . . In January, unexpected decisions unfortunately led to significant delays. Then, unexpected closings began in April within several of the regions in Russia, which caused even more delays within my 2 regions of registration. Once everything settled in late summer, it was hopeful I would travel to Russia in October/November, but that plan did not happen. So, another dossier is being registered in a 3rd region in Siberia (January 2009 registration timeframe) and we are hopeful for spring travel dates. After 3 years of waiting, homestudy/document updates and 4 different dossiers registered within 3 different regions, I am an expert on the paper-chasing (dossier) process. All I can say is . . . there is a reason. Someday, we will know and understand. Until then . . . even though the waiting is very difficult, there is no doubt in my mind – God’s timing is perfect. I will definitely keep everyone updated, by email and family blog, on when we finally are able to bring our little one home.

A few other highlights added to our year . . . In May we traveled to Benkelman, NE to celebrate my niece’s (Meghann B) graduation from University of Nebraska and in June we traveled to Austin, TX to celebrate my nephew’s (Joel S) high school graduation. They were children just yesterday! Nicky absolutely loved the airplane flight to Texas and slept most of the way during the drive to Nebraska! In hopeful anticipation of our Russia travels for baby #2, we stayed very close to home most of the year, but did take in some very fun local activities. June/July/August were months full of weekend swimming at our local water park, Big Splash. Nicky’s favorite thing to do at the water park is to jump off the diving platform. He also loved playing “Swimming Olympics” and won the gold medal over and over again. Nicky still loves to ride the train at the Tulsa Zoo and is just in awe of the sharks at the Tulsa Aquarium. September marked our 4rd “Gotcha Day” as a Family. We love to celebrate the special day with our wonderful family friends. And . . . our special Baney family tradition always makes it complete – releasing balloons in remembrance of all the “waiting children” of our world. As we watch the balloons go up, up, up . . . we remember . . . and also pray for those children still “waiting”. Also in September, we enrolled in our 3rd year of Russian language classes. It is getting harder . . . and we are now past the beginner A,B,C’s and 1,2,3’s. We are now mastering masculine, feminine and neuter adjectives and nouns. Keeping it all straight is a challenge, but is really a lot of fun! And, it keeps Nicholas involved in his Russian heritage (Mama too), which I consider very important. One very BIG event occurred in October, spending the day with Thomas the Train! It was kept a secret until we drove up to the train tracks. Little Nicky’s eyes were so wide-eyed in amazement at seeing life-sized Thomas! It was a very fun surprise and just a wonderful day!

And finally, we come to the end of 2008, totally amazed at how quickly the busy year has gone by. We treasure all of our wonderful Blessings . . . health, accomplishment, growth, purpose, fellowship, faith, childhood, family, laughter and love. And, yes, moments of sadness, challenges, disappointment and pain, but opportunities for blessings as well. Our Heavenly Father gives us a strong, steady spirit to move forward through it all.

“Count it ALL Joy . . . “ (James 1).

Have a blessed Holiday Season.

With love to all our family & friends,

Nancy & Nicky
(Katy)

Christmas - 2007

Hello, Dear Family & Friends . . .

Another wonderful year, with life blissfully running full-speed ahead! I believe, I literally blink, and time is gone! I look back at the year and it seems I mark time with Nicholas’ “next size” in shoes and clothes, “next class” in school and “next birthday” party. Throw in the occasional realization that, I’m getting older (yes, I think I have a birth date in there somewhere!) and you have basically our year! Life IS wonderful :)

Nicholas continues to excel in school and, now at 4 years old, has moved into the exciting world of Pre-K. He loves his school and is quite the outgoing little guy with many friends. His social calendar remains full with play dates and birthday parties. During his school day, he attends several “extra classes”; music, swimming and a gymnastics class that, believe it or not, travels to his school in a bus (Nicky loves the Tumble Bus). It seems Nicky is learning something new everyday and he has achieved so many milestones this year - - too many to name them all! But, a few to note as very BIG are - - In March, Nicky finally achieved writing his “C” opening in the right direction and connecting his “K” in the middle. All the letters of his name are now being written going in the correct direction! He is counting by 20,21,22,23 . . . 30,31,32,33, etc. He can say his prayers all by himself and I tear-up as I listen to his sweet, angelic voice. In August, another red-letter day when he finally swam holding his breath. Mommy was there for the final day of swimming lessons, documenting the picture-perfect moment as he swam, under water, from one side of the pool to the other (only coming up for air twice!). His current dream is to play baseball and soccer and basketball (he really wants to do it all!) on a TEAM. So, a team sport will be on next year’s agenda. As you can imagine, while awake he is ready for action and only stops when he falls asleep. Never a dull moment! On December 19th, Nicholas will turn 5 years old! I have to repeat it several times, out loud, to believe it! A very big “Fire Fighter” themed party is in the plans, including “Huffy”, the fire fighter clown, and ending with a “real” visit to a fire station. He is more excited about his birthday this year than Christmas (as he should be, you only turn 5 once!, right?). As you can probably tell, I am just such a proud Mommy! He is just so full of joy, so cute and funny, and his smile lights up my life. I have said it many, many times, but nothing sums it up better, so please bear with me as I say it again – He is just a precious child, pure joy and the love of my life!

Mommy (transitioned from Mama) continues at work managing human resources information systems for payroll, compensation & employee health/retirement benefits. What a whirlwind of a year with new members added to the HRMS team and, in December, a team move to new offices. My professional life of application technical support, development and database management are not without the cyclical challenges of the “next project” to keep me very busy. I continue to participate in volunteer organizations, both professionally and personally, and sit on the board of directors or planning committees. In June, I hosted the annual picnic for the local “Families of Adoption” group and, in October, traveled to Las Vegas to the annual software users’ conference. I thoroughly enjoy my career and volunteer work. On a more personal note, I am proud to admit, in September, I officially joined the ranks of the “bloggers”. Yes, you read it correct! Over the last few years, I have realized a love for writing and decided to try my hand at developing a personal internet site, blog spot, “my space”. I usually write new posts/blogs a few times a month or whenever the inspiration strikes me (usually between 10:00 - 12:00 at night!). There is nothing I love more than to write about my precious family, single parenthood and my international adoption journey. It gives me another path for creative development and it is such good therapy! If you have an interest, follow along with our forever family at http://www.nrbfamily.blogspot.com/. I’m a amateur, just getting started.

Life would not be complete without our daily visits from wonderful “Uppa D”. My cousin, Dalend, is the co-parent in our family. Nicholas loves him beyond words and they both have a special bond that connected them from the very first moments of our family. “Uppa D” is 2-year-old Nicky’s shortened version of “Pick me up, Hold me, Uncle Dalend”. I am so very thankful for his regular play visits and “on-call” availability. Dalend provides an insightful ear for our adoption journey and knows and understands the wonderfull-ness of our family. Needless to say, we consider Uppa D one of us!

And, as always, our wonderful 4-legged family member, sweet Katy Sue! She turned 6 years old this year in April. Right now, there is a love/hate relationship between Nicky and Katy, each one wanting to be the center of Mommy’s attention. But, Katy usually gives up with a gentle “Hummff” and finds her blanket. She steals my chair thinking she can get away with it, stretches out to lay on whoever is closest and waits for the all-important “ear rub” she lives for. But, most of all, she loves to be around her family.

A few other highlights added to our year . . . In April, we traveled on a family vacation to Sea World in San Antonio, TX. Nicholas loved it! He fed the dolphins by hand and the trip was complete with a soaking splash from “Shampoo’s” tail. So taken by the big fish, Nicky now sleeps with a smaller, stuffed version. For those of you who need a translation, “Shampoo” is Shamu the whale (I haven’t had the heart to correct him). In July/August – Swimming, swimming, swimming and more swimming. Nicholas loves to swim! In September, we celebrated our 3rd “Gotcha Day”, remembering wonderful memories from Russia during our adoption journey in August/September 2004. I can’t believe it has been 3 years! We celebrated with a picnic and our wonderful family friends. Our special Baney family tradition made it complete – releasing balloons in remembrance of all the “waiting children” of our world. As we watch the balloons go up, up, up . . . we remember . . . and pray for those children still “waiting”. Also in September, we enrolled in our 2nd year of Russia classes. Nicholas, Uppa D and I have thoroughly enjoyed learning the Russian language and culture. We all 3 are starting at the same beginner’s level and it has been so much fun learning our A,B,C’s and 1,2,3’s together. Dalend and I were successful in writing our 1st short story (5-6 lines) in Russian! In October, we enjoyed a circus with a very special family, the Brooks’. Both boys (Nicky/Bodan), in wide-eyed wonder, rode an elephant! Also in October, was a special visit to the Pumpkin Patch for just the right shaped pumpkins to carve. For Fall Festival/Halloween Nicky was, you guessed it, a Fire Fighter! (and, I might add, the cutest one you have ever seen!). In June and, again in November, exciting birth family searches were completed in the Kemerovo Region of Russia (Central Siberia Lowlands) to locate Artyom/Nicholas’ birth family. Both searches were extremely successful. I consider it a miracle and such a blessing to have this wonderful birth family information documented to share with Nicholas as he grows in the knowledge of his adoption. This special Shestakov family – on the other side of the world – is now our extended family. One day, we hope to reunite.

In May, I announced exciting news of an addition to our family, with the anticipated adoption of another child from Russia in 2007! For those of you wondering, here is an adoption update - I have not completed the adoption of this precious child yet. Nicholas and I are still waiting, waiting, waiting . . . almost 2 years now, for sweet brother or sister. When I started this second adoption journey in January 2006, little did anyone know the world of international adoption would change with new regulations. This has resulted in significant delays in the process. When people ask, Nicky tells them we are just waiting for, “the call”. Anything else is a day-to-day, educated estimate of the time line. The best I can tell you is, we are next in line, ready to travel and the call can be any day now. Even though the waiting is very difficult, there is no doubt in my mind – God’s timing is perfect. I will definitely keep everyone updated, by email and family blog, on when we receive “the call”.

For the days and months that I missed . . . simply filled to the brim with living life! We treasure all of our wonderful Blessings . . . health, accomplishment, growth, purpose, fellowship, faith, childhood, family, laughter and love. And, yes, moments of sadness, challenges, disappointment and pain, but opportunities for blessings as well. Our Heavenly Father gives us a strong, steady spirit to move forward through it all.

“Count it ALL Joy . . . “ (James 1).

Have a blessed Holiday Season.
With love to all our family & friends,
Nancy & Nicky Baney
(Katy)