Saturday, December 8, 2007

Our little family...


Family Portrait cropped, originally uploaded by The_Charbas.

Friday, November 30, 2007

Baby Bump


Am I 36 or 37 weeks along? Well, no matter--the basketball that I'm carrying under my shirt is getting bigger and bigger!!

Sewing Projects...

I have always enjoyed sewing--whether it be sewing something from scratch or making alterations to something premade. As an heir to the short genes of the Huss family, most-if not all-my pants need hemming! However, the most fun comes from creating projects with special purpose for special people.

The past few months I've been working on a Baptismal Gown for Baby Girl. Henry's gown was my first. I haven't yet decided whether this will be an every-baby tradition or a one-time boy and girl endeavor.




Henry's gown was fairly plain and most definitely gender neutral. But since we are anticipating Baby Girl's arrival, I felt that she would appreciate something more befitting her femininity ;p



Next up: Christmas Stockings.

Sunday, November 18, 2007

A Baby Shower!

A sweet group of gals from Henry's Wednesday playgroup showered me and another mom from the playgroup with gifts.



We had such a nice time eating and gabbing. And, of course, ooing and ahhing over the DARLING baby things. Elizabeth is expecting a baby boy in Jan--so we had a boy & girl themed party.

A yucky stomach bug had been making it's way from one playgroup home to the next--and the shower had been relocated TWICE!! Most of the parents had escaped from the sickness unscathed--so although the location had to be changed only one friend was unable to attend.



I really hadn't been doing anything to prepare for little Charba's arrival--except for sewing her baptism gown--but the shower has kicked me into gear :)
Clothing to prepare! Bags to pack! Rooms to clean! Ooo! and the Minnesotans are coming for Christmas !!!!!
"It's the most wonderful time...of the year!"

Saturday, November 17, 2007

The Poole Family Returns!!!

+ACM

Greetings to you all!

Well, this email (long awaited) brings great news... We have a daughter! Svitlana Maria Theresa Poole will enter the United States of America on Saturday the 17th of November, thanks to all of your prayers and God's great goodness!

Last you heard we were trying to get our papers and leave Kyiv. After waiting two and a half hours in the freezing cold (thankfully we had a car to wait in), they gave us the awaited documents and we fled to get our things, eat and get on that night train. The next day at court was a true miracle. After all the proceedings were done, our good judge (without our asking), waived our ten day waiting period! This means we are coming home at least 10 days sooner! He was being kind beacuse of the baby, Joseph and how long we have already been here. We were the first International adoption in that region, so it is amazing that he was brave enough to do that. Then there were still more hoops to jump through, but every time after being told no or something being closed, it all worked out. It was amazing! We all know it is due to the prayers of so many. Thank you!

Last Sunday we had Svitlana Maria Theresa conditionally baptized (meaning that she was baptized -and confirmed as the custom is here- to generate documents since her baptism is only by hearsay). It was very very beautiful, we have it on video. Svitlana wore the traditional Ukrainian clothing and was very attentive to what was happening. She is such a good sweet girl. The priest was impressed with her when he questioned her, he said she was So cute and funny.

Anyway, there are many stories to tell… but this gang must get ready for bed and hop on an international flight in the morning. Again, we thank you for all of your suppport and prayers! Can't wait for you to meet our little “Sveetie”!

Much love and prayers,

Andrew, Mara, Svitlana, Joseph and Louie

PS. Oh yeah, did we tell you that she got chicken pox the day after court? Ha! Thankfully it has been okay and Joseph and Louie have yet to develop it. Time will tell…

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

New Videos


Hey Y'all!

New videos of the family (mainly Henry) on youtube.

Check 'em out!

http://youtube.com/profile?user=audsbodkins

PS Does the shirt Henry's wearing look familiar?

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Bella

http://www.bellathemovie.com/

Karl and I went on a movie date night this evening.

The movie that we chose has been in all the rage in the prolife and homeschool circles that we frequent the last few months, so we were excited to check it out for ourselves.

We got in on a special promotion night too, so our $5 ticket was also redeemable for $5 in concessions!!!

With our jumbo popcorn and extra large cherry Coke, we sat down to watch the 8:45 showing of Bella.

What a great movie!!! The characters were so pleasant and believable. No gratuitous anything--you know? Just wholesome, genuine relationships--real life at its best.

A conversation Karl and I had the previous evening came to mind...Karl had asked me as I watched "The Notebook," why movies like that appeal to women. I thought about it a while, and finally responded that I, at least, like 'chick flicks' because it's fun to picture yourself as a character totally unlike yourself and live vicariously.

One of the main reasons that I liked Bella so much, was not wholly different. Although the situation that the lead actress finds herself in is not attractive--the people who surround her in her time of need are. I want a friend like Jose! And who wouldn't love to be invited in to share a meal with a close knit family like his?

Bella is the kind of movie that makes you want to emulate the characters--not just fantasize an unrealistic, irresponsible dream.

FOR THE GENTS who may read: this is not just a Chick Flick! It's an excellently woven tale of nobility, courage, and virtue. Karl enjoyed Bella thoroughly and will be recommending it to others.

PS Being eight months pregnant and drinking an extra large cherry Coke during a movie is not a good idea! I left to use the restroom, and came back in the middle of the climax of the movie--DOH! Next time, I'll push pause :)