Nuthin but a number

We've been watching the Estonia photo listing like hawks lately, convinced now that it really is the most feasible option for us now. The domestic is much more chaotic than even Ukraine seemed to be, and we're tired of the idea of paying through the nose before you lay eyes on a real kid. I'd prefer to not lose an arm and a leg before I get to use my eyes.

A week or so ago a listing popped up on Estonia that we kept in the back of our minds for a couple days. Jason really likes them. REALLY likes them. In fact he says they are the first ones he's seen that he can visualize being his kids. I was surprised to hear that. That's the way I felt about the "listing" mentioned in the last post.

Since it's fair to say at this point that it's impossible that we'll be adopting the "listing" from the last post, I guess I can tell you guys more details now. It's somewhat relevant to the current possibility. The last "listing" was in Arkansas, and it was a set of THREE girls. Three, yes. Which is why I didn't tell you! I didn't want to hear "Well, Molly... Maybe it's for the best. Three is an awful lot to handle right away. From 0-3? Wow." I didn't want to hear "Maybe it's for the best"! I really wanted them! If you saw them you'd understand. Their ages were 4, 6 and 7. All blonde, all blue eyed, all gorgeous, all smiles, and all sweet. Maybe, sure, maybe they might have had behavioral problems. Who knows. So maybe it was for the best? And three is more than we intended to adopt. That is a lot. So there's the secret of my ambiguity.

NOW. The Estonia listing has a minor detail of its own that you all will have to wrap your brains around (especially those of you with judgmental opinionated brains). OK two minor details. Since there are two kids. A boy and a girl. Oh yeah, and one other detail... They are much older. Old enough that, honestly, my only real concern is that family and friends will never really get used to them as being our "kids." They are 10 and 11 (but probably small, as most of them are... they might end up looking like 8 and 9 year olds in person).

We wouldn't be okay with the age except under specific circumstances... specifically the specific kids. We have heard reports of them being very friendly, sweet, on track with school, obedient, helpful, laugh a lot, respectful, etc. etc... Which is not what they say about every kid.

Now the pros for adopting older kids... I am frequently reminded (by my own mind and my an appreciated input-giver) that at the age of 7 a child's personality is pretty much set. That would mean that 1) it could be advantageous to adopt a kid younger than 7 so they can be molded personality-wise. Or (and this is my own addition to the rules) 2) adopt a kid older than 7 so the personality will be apparent and probably won't change for the worse. What you see is what you get.

Those of you who have access to the photo listing, you can look at these kids and tell me what you think. Their names are Roman and Ekaterina. We're waiting for the video of them in the mail (should be here in a couple days). If all goes well and nothing unusual comes up that would end yet another possibility, then there is a chance that we'll go to Estonia to preview them soon (like a month from now).

So that's the latest, for the most part. More later this week.

Love,
Molly

PS- Carolyn can you remind me when you wanted us to watch B&K for you? So I don't interfere with that. :)