April Showers Bring... and Lots of Rained-Out Games!

Where has April gone?

Since we haven't posted for a month, we just want to let everyone know that all is well and the kids are doing "Simply Marvelous!"

Between Tax preparation, on-going issues with USCIS, sports (both kids), rained-out baseball games and life in general have kept us VERY busy this month. Throw in Bill making a major job change to put the icing on the cake, and it becomes easy to understand why this month's entry is short.

Life has been so busy that the camera memory chip is about full and both batteries are about drained. Remember the TV commercial where a boy is paused in mid-leap into the swimming pool because his mom hasn't downloaded the pictures? Life has been like that. Not in a bad way, just BUSY! Kate's basketball season has ended and we have a couple weeks off before she starts softball. Meanwhile, David plays a mean game of baseball, especially for a kid who didn't know what the game was just four months ago!

Both David and Kate are making fantastic progress in language and academics. We still have a few areas to work on, but they are picking up English fast enough to make people wonder if they're the same kids we brought home.

We'll post another update soon!

Hittin' the Wall

We've now reached the point where basic communication skills in English are fairly well established. We knew we rounded the corner the first time Kate yelled at David in English. Now, hearing one yell at the other in English is now a very common occurrence, but we still have a loooong way to go for fullest comprehension.

It's also interesting to observe how the communication tide has turned in the past couple months. Since Kate didn't have much of a background in English to start with, David had to do a lot of translating for her, at least in the beginning. However, she started learning new words more quickly and now does the same for him on occasion.

Our Franklin translator and pocket Russian-English dictionary still get a lot of use (and will for a long time), but what happens when the words start getting bigger and either a) the Russian-English dictionary doesn't have a direct transliteration or, b) you don't know the Russian word that it translates to?

Google translator does an outstanding job and Wikipedia has many articles in Russian, but we're occasionally running into completely new subjects with big and unfamiliar words... (we had a telescope project for Kate two weeks ago which ended up being quite a challenge!) Perhaps Homer Simpson put it best with his, "Doh!" 8-D

Both children are meeting the challenges with positive attitudes, and it's hard to believe we've been home just four months. Kate is now picking up English faster than David (granted, third grade doesn't have many big words, unlike fifth grade!) and David hates to see the big dictionary coming out because it means that "Pops" is going to start asking questions and he won't wiggle off the hook easily, especially if he has been trying to take a shortcut or two by guessing at words/meanings rather than looking them up.

While their vocabularies have been growing, so have their bodies. Since our first height measurements in October, David has grown a full 2 inches and Kate 1 1/2 inches (we've started marking the kitchen doorframe to keep track of "progress"). Thank goodness for children's clothing and uniform sales at church! Only a few items have worn out before being "retired," and those were due to rough and tumble play. The sad part is that the really nice court outfit and boots we got for Kate just four months ago no longer even comes close to fitting!

The good new is that the flowers and trees are all budding, the temperatures are heading back up and spring is just around the corner. We even noticed that daytime temperatures in Petropavlovsk even reached the 40's this past week! Soon it will be spring time there too.

Doctors, Dentists, Daffodils, and Snow!

Happy Spring and Happy Easter!

Life with two energetic kids sure is busier than we were used to. It's amazing how quickly the social calendar fills up, especially when we also have to balance such mundane things like doctor and dentist appointments and sports practices, all on top of homework and our own schedules.

Reflecting on our time in Kazakhstan, we are just as amazed today at what we can accomplish in a very short time, just as we were with what Masha could pack into our short visits to the RBS. It's definitely a tag-team effort that keeps us busy from 6 am 'til 9 pm.

We're finally finished with doctor's appointments and booster shots, at least until it's time for the next round of sports physicals. Still a few more dentist appointments to go though. Now that we're almost done with all the basic work, we're understanding that the kids thought the dentist was going to pull a lot of their teeth (at least the ones with cavities). We had joked about that, but didn't think that the kids thought we were serious, especially after their first appointments. Despite the misunderstanding, there was no fear or reluctance for them to go, another sign of their building turst. (For the last two months we have had a standing 4pm appointment on Tuesdays with the dentist).

In the few years we have lived in the Memphis area, we have noticed daffodils popping up around St. Valentine's Day, at least those on south-facing hillsides. This year was no different. February's several warm days led to a question: Does it ever snow in Memphis? Some mornings brought heavy frost, but nothing like they had been used to in Petropavlovsk. Although we said that it does snow sometimes, their serious doubt was plainly obvious. Friday March 7th erased that doubt.

A robin had to take shelter under the bushes while Bob took time to make several high-speed laps of the yard while enjoying the snow.

Also, Cathe got her long-awaited wish for a snow day, or at least half of a snow day.

Meanwhile, Kate and David took advantage of the storm to build a snow family, representing all of our family members, including Bob with his favorite purple ball. They even made sports versions of themselves, complete with basketball and baseball equipment!

Both David and Kate are participating in spring sports and doing very well. Although David had never played baseball, he is catching on quickly and has gotten a few hits. Kate is quickly catching on to the rules of basketball and has become a strong team player.

In addition to team sports, Kate won the first round of a basketball free-throw contest for her age category and only lost round two by one basket. We're very proud of her!

Last, but not least, we want to wish you all a very Happy Easter!

Night of the Tornados

It has now been a week since several tornados came through our area, as well as Arkansas, Mississippi and Kentucky. Due to several lines of storms, it was a very long evening for us. Although there was loss of life and property during the storms, we came through unscathed.

Since the storms made national and international news, we have been pretty busy answering e-mail and phone calls, reassuring everyone that we are ok.


During the first round of storms, Bill was "stuck" at the Navy base since a funnel cloud had been spotted just a couple miles to the south. The gates were closed and everyone was directed to take cover in the center of their buildings. As soon as the gates re-opened, he headed home and was greeted by the children saying, "Not good Papa!" (chastizing him for driving home during the continuing rain and lightning), but all were glad to see him since he had been out of contact with no cell phone signal while taking cover.

A major storm cell had passed directly over our home, the same one which produced the tornado that damaged Hickory Ridge Mall, dropping pieces of insulation and roofing materials in the area around our home. Later news reports indicated that those pieces were from the mall 15 miles south of our home and had been carried by the storm, attesting to its strength. All the while, storm sirens had been wailing and Bill was constantly shifting from the front porch to the tv for the radar update, then to the back door, keeping an eye out for approaching tornados. Although several funnel clouds had been spotted in our area, fortunately none came close.

Both children were both nervous and excited during round one, but not afraid. David asked what was going on and Cathe explained that there were tornados in the area. Both wanted to know if we would get to see one. "We hope not," was our reply. We asked if they had tornados in Kazakhstan. "No." "How do you know about them?" "We saw 'Night of the Tornados' on TV." Geez!

Then much like being in the eye of a hurricane, the sky cleared and the winds died down around 6 pm once the first line of storms passed. Between storms we were even able to get out and vote in the "Super Tuesday" primary.

Around 8:30 pm the second line of storms arrived, along with the renewed wailing of the storm sirens. There was a little hail and a few strong thunderstorm cells, but much less severe than the first round. Both children slept in Kate's room, along with Bob, while we stayed up until the storms passed.

Shortly after midnight the storms passed and quiet returned.

The Groundhog Groove

Happy Groundhog Day!

It was sunny and relatively warm in Memphis today, so I'll assume that the groundhog saw his shadow. But 6 more weeks of Memphis weather won't be all that bad, especially compared to Petropavlovsk! Right now it's 59 degrees in Memphis, but only 1 (at least positive) degree in Petro!

If you're familiar with the movie starring Bill Murray, then you'll better understand today's entry. As he re-lives Groundhog Day, he gets another chance to "get it right." We have been looking forward to this day for a long time. Although we still have a long way to go, especially in the language department, we have genuinely settled into a routine in which we're all comfortable with each other. As we settle into "normalcy," we're also getting into the "normal" life routine of raising two energetic kids, so "routine" doesn't always mean one day is the same as the previous though.

The past week was an especially interesting/challenging one for us. Without a doubt, the honeymoon is over and we're all comfortable with the fact that we're a family. Although we faced a few minor challenges, it's great to see that the children are getting very comfortable with us, their new surroundings, and themselves. We're seeing both children blossom and their individual personalities emerge.

Unfortunately, just as they are getting comfortable with their new environment, their schoolmates are also getting comfortable with them, which was part of the problem.

As it turns out, David is our more mischievous child and laughs out loud when he sees something that he thinks is funny (pretty normal for a 12 year old boy). So... he becomes the focus of attention when the adults arrive to see what's up. A couple of the other boys in his class have picked up on that and are taking advantage of him. Worse yet, he's trying hard to fit in so he goes a little further than he knows he should. Two demerits in one week. 8-( (Five in a marking period will result in detention)

We asked if he knew what he did wrong. Yes. We asked if what he had done would have been ok at the boarding school. No. Ok, Почему? (pucheemoo, why?) "I thought it would be funny." At least we have something better than, "I don't know" to work with.

Meanwhile, Kate started out as our little banshee but has now settled down and is starting to get into the "girlie" things. She also wants to play soccer and basketball, and even won a free-throw challenge last week.

Although the past week has been a little more challenging, it's nice to know we have achieved another milestone in coming together as a family.

Citizens or Permanent Residents???

With all the new travel rules going into effect, we want to get our kids new US passports as soon as possible, but have run into a few snags. Instead of the expected US Citizenship Certificates, we received Permanent Resident Cards (Green Card). It's a little frustration, but we'll work through it...

Before leaving the US Consulate in Almaty, Kazakhstan, we were given sealed envelopes containing all required copies of documents to give to the USCIS rep at the port of entry as well as having IR3 visas placed in the childrens' passports. Paperwork was collected and we expected to have the certificates by early-mid January. But that's not what happened...

After working my way through the USCIS phone tree (MANY layers of menus), I was able to finally reach a live person at the USCIS National Customer Service Center at: 1-800-375-5283.

Despite my instance that USCIS had made an administrative error in issuing Permanent Resident Cards instead of Citizenship Certificates for our new son and daughter, the phone agent did not understand that there was anything in error but at least did open a Trouble Ticket with an estimated completion date of March 1st (they’re running about 30 days behind right now, probably due to the need to fix all the processing errors…). By the way, the new Green Cards are pretty impressive.

While on hold, I tried all sorts of combinations of IR3, adoption, I-600, etc. into teh USCIS "Search" box and did find information on the “Child Citizenship Act Program Update” on the USCIS web site (text and direct link to the page pasted below) which clearly indicates that children entering the US on IR3 visas are automatically US Citizens and should receive their Certificates of Citizenship within 45 days of arrival instead of a Permanent Resident card. (Just like the folks at the US Consulate in Almaty said).

It didn’t help with the phone agent today, but should get us back on the right track as well as helping anyone else who has done all the I-600 pre-processing.

Here's the link: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=1fb596981298d010VgnVCM10000048f3d6a1RCRD&vgnextchannel=d6f4194d3e88d010VgnVCM10000048f3d6a1RCRD

And the text of the article:


Child Citizenship Act Program Update

The USCIS has reengineered its processing in order to streamline the production of Certificates of Citizenship for certain children adopted abroad. Streamlined processes have been developed for newly entering IR-3 children who are automatically U.S. Citizens when they arrive. These newly entering IR-3 children will receive Certificates of Citizenship within 45 days of their arrival instead of receiving a Permanent Resident Card and then filing theN-600 for a Certificate. (Please see our Fact Sheet for additional information)

Background
The Child Citizenship Act, which became effective on February 27, 2001,amended the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to provide U.S. citizenship to certain foreign-born children-including adopted children-of U.S. citizens. Specifically, these children include:
· Orphans with a full and final adoption abroad or adoption finalized in the U.S.,
· Biological or legitimated children,
· Certain children born out of wedlock to a mother who naturalizes, and
· Adopted children meeting the two-year custody requirement.

This legislation represents a significant and important change in the nationality laws of the United States. The changes made by the CCA authorize the automatic acquisition of citizenship and permanently protect the adopted children of U.S. citizens from deportation.

In general, children who are younger than 18 years of age and have at least one parent who is a U.S. citizen whether by birth or naturalization will benefit from this new law. Under the CCA, qualifying children who immigrate to the United States with a U.S. citizen parent automatically acquire U.S. citizenship upon entry; children who live abroad acquire citizenship on approval of an application and the taking of the oath of allegiance.

Frequently Asked Questions about the CCA

1) Does my child qualify for automatic citizenship under the CCA?
Under CCA, your child will automatically acquire U.S. citizenship on the date that all of the following requirements are satisfied:
· At least one adoptive parent is a U.S. citizen,
· The child is under 18 years of age,
· If the child is adopted, a full and final adoption of the child, and
· The child is admitted to the United States as an immigrant

2) Do I have to apply to USCIS for my child's citizenship?
No. If your child satisfies the requirements listed above, he or she automatically acquires U.S. citizenship by operation of law on the day he or she is admitted to the United States as an immigrant. Your child’s citizenship status is no longer dependent on USCIS approving a naturalization application.

3) What documentation can I get of my child's citizenship?
If your child permanently resides in the U.S, you can obtain evidence of your child’s citizenship by applying for a Certificate of Citizenship. You will need to file form N-600 (Application for Certificate of Citizenship) and submit it to the local USCIS District Office or Sub-Office that holds jurisdiction over your permanent residence. You can also apply for a U.S. passport from the Department of State.

If your child permanently resides abroad, your child does not qualify for automatic citizenship under the CCA. However, you can apply for citizenship for your child by filing form N-600K (Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate Under Section 322). You can submit this form to any USCIS District Office or Sub-Office in the United States.

4) Will USCIS automatically provide me with documentation of my child's citizenship?
At the present time, USCIS is not able to automatically provide most parents with documentation of their foreign-born child’s citizenship. However, USCIS has implemented a streamlined process for newly entering IR-3 children and their families that will ensure they receive a Certificate of Citizenship within 45 days of entering the United States. Additionally, USCIS has implemented procedures to expedite processing of pending N-643 cases. If you previously filed an N-643 application and have not received your child’s Certificate of Citizenship please contact the National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 . Please have the following information when you call: your child’s A-number and the location and date you filed the application.

5) What forms do I file and what are the fees?
If your child permanently resides in the U.S., you can apply for evidence of citizenship by filing form N-600 (Application for Certificate of Citizenship). If you are filing on behalf of an adopted minor child, the fee is $420 (all other applicants must pay $460).

If your child permanently resides abroad, you can apply for citizenship by filing form N-600K (Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate Under Section 322). If you are filing on behalf of an adopted minor child, the fee is $420 (all other applicants must pay $460).

6) Where should I file the forms?
If your child permanently resides in the U.S., you can file form N-600 (Application for Certificate of Citizenship) at the USCIS District Office or Sub-Office that that holds jurisdiction over your permanent residence.

If your child permanently resides abroad, you can apply for citizenship by filing form N-600K (Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate Under Section 322) at any USCIS District Office or Sub-Office in the United States. You and your child will need to travel to the United States to complete the application process

7) Is automatic citizenship provided for those who are 18 years of age or older?
No. Individuals who are 18 years of age or older on February 27, 2001, do not qualify for citizenship under the CCA, even if they meet all other criteria. If they wish to become U.S. citizens, they must apply for naturalization and meet eligibility requirements that currently exist for adult lawful permanent residents.

8) Will USCIS publish regulations on the CCA procedures?
The USCIS published interim regulations specific to the CCA in the Federal Register on June 13, 2001. The USCIS is reviewing comments received from individuals and organizations and is in the process of drafting the final regulation.

9) What resources are available to answer questions about the Child Citizenship Act?
For more information about the CCA application procedures and forms, you may contact our National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 . USCIS has also made available field guidance and public materials to all information officers and other front line staff to aid them in answering questions.

Green Eggs & Ham

Hello everyone and Happy New Year!

We have now been home longer than we were in Kazakhstan. A significant milestone in our life and family!

Time is passing quickly as we settle into our new life and new routines. Although there have been a few moments of frustration, mostly due to the still present language barriers, we have been making an amazing transition into a solid family of four.

One important family routine has been our Bedtime Story. Both David and Kate love the one on one time and we are quickly plowing through the entire Dr Suess collection. One of the current favorites is "Green Eggs and Ham." In fact, they enjoyed that particular story to the point that breakfast last Saturday morning was indeed Green Eggs & Ham! (it's amazing what you can do with a little butter and food color!). Bill warmed up the frying pan while Cathe went upstairs to wake the kids. They were already awake and their noses had already picked up the wonderful smells coming from the kitchen. The looks on their faces when they saw what was on their plates was absolutely priceless! In typical kid fashion, they expressed their amused disgust at what they saw, but only hesitated a moment before devouring the meal.

School has been going very well. We are truly thankful for the warm acceptance both received from their new teachers and fellow students. They are getting very good at sounding out words and are beginning to comprehend many of the more complex concepts. We have a lot of catching up to do, but they are both enthusiastic and eager to learn. We have even worked in items from their background which is helping score additional points. (David had a Social Studies project to create a poster to advertise the "New Colonies in America," which he wrote out in Russian)

One of the things the care givers kept stressing before we left Kazakhstan was that neither was one of the best students. Although Bill was concerned about holding both back a grade, we both agree that it was the best thing we could have done to give them a solid foundation in their new environment. Not only do they have to learn English, they have to learn American history to catch up with their peers. Both are very bright and learning new concepts at an exceptional rate. Although they are a year older than most of their new peers, we would recommend that anyone adopting older children take a little time to access current progress and place thier children based on academics rather than just age. We're quickly discovering that their previous academic performance was most likely just due to their need for one-on-one family time with academics. That approach is also helping us work through maturity and social skills.

Although we have not experienced any major issues, we have had to frequently pause to explain that certain behaviors are not proper. In some respects, our children are old beyond their years. They have seen and experienced things that will have life long effects. In other ways, they are immature, having missed out on early years of just being able to be kids. There are also learned behaviors from their time in the orphanage system which also need a little retuning.

The colder weather these past few weeks has kept us indoors more than we would like. We all like to be active outdoors and the kids are trying to wear out their new bikes. There's another quickly learned skill to share! No problem getting them both to wear helments, but we still have to work on proper methods for stopping (brakes instead of dragging shoes). Thankfully it won't be long before the days get longer and we can get back outside. Although winter is shorter in the mid-south, we are stuck with a lot of in-between weather: cold and rainy. It has given us more opportunity to work on English and academics though. When we asked if they missed winter in Kazakhstan, both quickly replied, "No!"

January has been a good month and we're looking forward to the new successes awaiting us in February.