Family of SIX!!!

It's a BOY and a GIRL! As of today, April 28 at 3:40 pm half way around the world John and I have been named the proud parents of Alexei Joseph Hinz and Sonya Noel Hinz. Yes, tears of joy were shed as they also were at the births of Johnny and Carolyn.

A little about their names...Before we were even married, John and I decided that we would name our first child AJ (for A-my & J-ohn).  Then when the time came, we decided our first born would be a junior. In God's timing, now our oldest child is our AJ.  Alexei Joseph is named after my brother, Andrew Joseph. We also like that Alexei shares his middle name with Jesus' ADOPTIVE Father. When we were naming Carolyn we were going back and forth between "Joy" and "Noel" for her middle name.  Sonya will have the other middle name that we loved.  Sonya Noel is our new daughter, "Noel" being a reminder of Christmas, the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  A little more about the childrens' names. We have chosen to keep their first names to maintain an idenity with their Ukrainian heritage.

Johnny is very excited to be the BIG brother - not the oldest - but the BIGGEST! Carolyn is excited in her own way too!  Johnny and Carolyn will probably continue to affectionately call AJ - Dusty!  

Now we have a ten day waiting period. We will stay here and continue to visit the children during this time. Then on day 11 we will be permitted to begin all paperwork in order to make it legal. We will probably be able to take the children out of the orphanage on May 16th. This day will be called our "Gotcha Day." If everything goes well we can then fly home on May 19.

Thank you for your prayers!  We are praising God for a successful court decision and for the honor of being new parents to Alexei Joseph Hinz and Sonya Noel Hinz.

Visit #12 Bath Day and Visit #13 "Happy" Cupcakes

Visit # 12  Tuesday, April 26, 2011 was another beautiful day, so we were hoping to take Sonya and Dusty outside.  We arrived to find out that today was bath day and the nannies thought it best to keep them inside.  

 Dusty’s hair was extra fuzzy and Sonya had to wear a cute little hat to keep her head warm. 

Visit # 13 Wednesday, April 27, 2011

There was some sort of celebration happening at the orphanage.  Amy asked someone and the only word she got was "Happy."   There was singing, dancing, and traditional cupcakes being eaten!

 Dusty watched intently - Sonya did not care for the celebration - We think she said her first word to us - "NYET!"

During our stroll we came to the end of the neighborhood and found a nice vista!

Dusty ate his cupcake like a champ.

 Sony was more ladylike with her cupcake - eating it in bits.

Just wait'n for lunch!

Today, Thursday, April 28, 2011 Amy and I will stand before a judge and ask to become the mother and father to Sonya and Dusty.  We thank you for your prayers and support!  Another post will come later today!   

Visit # 11 and News Of A Court Date!

 Visit # 11 – Monday, April 25, 2011 another walk in the SUN!  We were glad the children were not as bundled up today, as it was 22 degrees Celsius.  

We enjoyed another day strolling about.  Dusty was happier if we were MOVING.  Sonya was just happy!

Number 8 is Daddy's favorite number - Cal Ripken

Stopped to say hello to a nanny who is sweet to our "Sonka"  & "Aloosha"  

We stopped to play on the swing again today.  Guess who was not so happy...

Soon enough he got use to it.  Thankfully!  

Look at the hairdo that was hiding under Sonya's adorable hat...

Too cute - right!?!  I also loved the patch on Dusty's jacket today... so true!

We found out that our court date is Thursday, April 28th at 2:00pm.  That is 7am Virginia time!  Prayers are appreciated!

Day 9 & Day 10 - Happy Easter!

Day 9 - More visiting with the children!

Queen Sonya with her crown and favorite toy!

Dusty thinking about... wearing a cowboy hat!?!? 

Big Bibs!

 Day 10 was DIFFERENT!  When we arrived today the Nanny asked us something in Russian... I am getting good at looking confused.  She then pointed outside and pointed at the children.  I shook my head yes and they started BUNDLING the children up for their walk.  (Tights, pants, shirt, sweater, socks, heavy socks, hat and snow suit.)  As you can tell, John and I are dressed for the Spring weather.

 The orphanage has many buildings and all around the orphanage grounds is a colorful fence.  As you can see, we decided to take them OUTSIDE the fence!  Dusty loved the stroll, swinging his feet the whole time!  In his own way, Dusty showed his impatience with Daddy's frequent stops for picture taking!

 In the background is the building that Sonya and Dusty are in - until we take them HOME!  After a long walk outside of the gates of the orphanage, we decided to try the main playground.  It was quite a fun time, especially for Sonya.  We need to work on getting Dusty to smile!  He was not too fond of the motorcycle, but seemed to like the swing well enough!

 Back inside after some fresh air!  Appropriately, Dusty's shirt says, "My love for you is insatiable!"  We love the cute little donkey on the shirt!

Johnny got this monkey toy from McDonald's and thought Dusty would like it...He was right! 

 

Our visit ended with taking them back to the groupa and saying good bye for now.  Hoping for many more nice days so we can take them out in the fresh air and sunshine!

We are posting Day 9 & 10 on Easter Sunday.  He is Risen, He is Risen, indeed!  Hallelujah!

Video From Day 7 and Post From Day 8

Video from Day 7 of Dusty - cruising!

Today is Thursday, April 21, 2011 (Maundy Thursday).  When we arrived at the orphanage we saw that Dusty was outside in a stroller – bundled up in a snowsuit.  He was probably at the doctor’s for some reason. 

Amy carried Dusty upstairs to his groupa.  Sonya was ready to see us with her hair fixed in a French braid.  She looked beautiful!

We had a grand time with the children today, and Dusty walked around the playroom holding only one hand!  

We pray that he will be “free-range” soon!  Like a broken record, Sonya was still as social as could be.  

As usual, our visit was too short, curtailed once again by lunch time. 

Here is the lunch being carried in!

Did not catch the kids eating today, but we did get into the groupa for some candid pictures in their own element. 

  Tomorrow is another day – Good Friday!  We are thankful to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for HIS sacrifice for us!  "By canceling the record of debt that stood against us with it's legal demands.  This he set aside, nailing it to the cross."  Colossians 2:14 ESV