The Journey of Five Boys

After 3 months as gypsies, traveling just about as far as one can across the USA..... we have lighted. We travelled through 13 states, logged over 5000 miles, saw many new sights and had hugs from lots of friends and family.

The Whirling Dervishes Today
Jesse Ray: (Hurricane, J.R. Jr) My first son: Currently enjoys: nagging me about his social agenda....everyday, his IPOD volume limiter, missing the beach/surfing or soccer, his b-ball buddy time, time at parks for his little brothers to run and climb; on the other end he also enjoys nagging about his brothers’ problems, telling his mother “no!”, choosing to not to eat or to eat. Does not enjoy: running errands cleaning, trash duty, or listening to a word I say.

Andrew Jon: (A.J., Andy, Bushkinator, Silent Assassin) My second born son. Andy’s quiet introverted nature belies the deep love and compassion he has for the few he connects with and befriends; he is deeply missing his “friend” Sharon and beach escapades. He loved the pool, the ocean and swimming like a fish. Currently enjoys listening to his IPOD, paper tubes, eating, watching “Street” TV with his buddy Brandon, eating anything, BASEBALL(s), reading baseball books, watching baseball, talking baseball.... did I say eating?, oh and BASEBALL anything. He’s spending time with friend Lorne, enjoying the peace of backyard swings, helping with kitchen duty (of course... it’s around food), and smiling all the while.

Maxim Noah-William: (Bug, Max, Maxie, Akmed, Trouble) Third born, but last to join our tribe: Currently enjoying making “wookie” sounds... as in Chewbacka... you know the Star Wars big hairy guy. He loves anything with trucks... Big trucks... the bigger, the better and of course the toy car love is still alive and well, climbing on play structures... to the top and posing. Bug’s biggest love these days is Baseball hats, gloves and stealing one of AJs all-time favorite, limited-edition baseballs. He’s been spotted stacking hats on his head..1-2-3, OK enough, then his sunglasses go on top of the hats. Bug gets his glove out, slips his hand thru the grab loop (so his hand is free, of course) and continues on with his day. His imagination circles the earth at warp speed. Baseball bats become swords or sticks with which to dig out bugs, OH MY. Bug also enjoys hands-on-hip posture and telling me off, in Russian, when he’s asked to do something or told “Nyet.” Mr Independent!!! Clearly, as my Mom has always said, you get one “just like you...” even with adoption.

Alexander Eric (Alexi, Boobah, Lexi-Loo): 4th born (3rd if you add on the 2 extra years his “home” country says he has), total surprise adoption and 4th to arrive in the family. Boobah is seemingly quiet and unassuming.... so totally NOT! That sweet face, with the big eyes, is ohh so very sneaky. Boobah enjoys getting over on everyone... too bad he always gives himself away with overkill. Boobah is also the resident drama-king with mime-like dramatizations of everything from the current weather to what everyone is up to at the minute to what he wants for dinner. His imagination takes him and us to amazing places; Boobah routinely takes on the character and manifestations of a builder (house), handyman with tools, plumber, fashionista, rock singer. This little guy has insight into everyone and everything.

Nikita Gabriel (pookers, pookie, Niky, beautiful baby boy): Right now he likes toys that make music or noise... preferably repetitive, riding toys with start-up sounds/horns/sirens and flashing lights, anything with on/off buttons, baths with lots of boats and cars and balls, and flushing toilets. Does not enjoy, mommy-initiated naps, attempts at giving him liquids..... other than a couple spoonfuls with meals, or any device designed to prevent exploration by his mischievous “Ponce De Leon-like” self. Currently spends time running around, as no decent baby would at the same age, while we engage in “potty 101”.