Not too much to post since last time but things are still going well. Today the translator went to the Municiple Council and they said that our paperwork would be ready tomorrow morning. Once this is completed it will go by train to Kiev, signed and sent back....then we can go to court. That is the day we are truly waiting for because then once our adoption is granted it is 10 more days then we start to head home.
Last night was a lot of fun with her....she is quite the little pistol. Her favorite game with daddy is lets throw something on the floor and watch him pick it up!! LOL!! What a sucker...he falls for it everytime. She has the greatest laugh I cannot wait until you can all hear her!!
We made a lot of progress this morning with Jason, she did not willing come to him but if I handed her to him or he picked her up she did not argue. This is a great breakthrough. I also heard her cry for the first time today and it was very hard. I started to cry too!!! The caregiver gave her to me and she buried her little face in my chest and laid there. It was very sweet. She is going to be a real lover, she likes to be cuddled!
Today we will go the flea market and buy some pull ups or diapers because she is having some accidents, I am also going to start looking for a few things like a coat, socks, shoes and maybe another outfit. I did bring one and I am very happy because I think it will fit. The other family tried some clothes on their daughter so in comparison I am almost positive she will wear an 18months. Now I just got to figure out the shoe size and we will be good.
Thanks for all the wonderful comments you guys are leaving. It is awesome hearing from all of you and it has even made me cry! (Yes I am emotional these days) I can't wait to get home and see all of you again! Lots of love as always. We will check in again tomorrow.
Monday, November 20, 2006
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Baby "O"!!!!!
Sorry we have not written in a few days...but let me bring you up to date.
We went to the Black Sea this Saturday and had a great time. But it was VERY cold. Of course as you all ready know we have been having great weather but the one day we decide to go to the Sea it is freezing. We had a good time anyway. The drive took about 1 hour and we got to see a lot of the country side and it was beautiful. We even had an excellent lunch!!
Every day is getting better with Olena. As each day passes she is getting more and more use to us and it is a great feeling. It is also getting harder everyday to leave her. Unfortunately we only get to spend a couple hours each day with her but it is the best few hours of our lives. She is even starting to pick up a little English. Jason and I love to tickle her because she is VERY ticklish and her laugh is adorable....when we do we say "tickle tickle tickle" so last night while we were there she was running around mimicking us and she would lay in front of the caregiver and say tickle tickle tickle.....it was hilarious. Yesterday was a great day at the orphanage. We spent a lot of time with her and the other children as well. They are all so sweet and just want to be loved. We hugged many of them and played. They were also very interested in the camcorder and camera...that was something very cool to them.
Olena has also learned that momma and poppa's bag always has goodies. The past few times we have went there to see her she is more interested in seeing what is in the bag for her. This morning poppa had the bag with crackers so she actually sat on his lap for the whole time we were there. It was great and I know that he loved it! She is still a little nervous around him but it is getting better each day! She'll do anything for food! I doubt we will have any problems getting her to eat!
The caregivers in her groupa are wonderful too!! They play games with the children and have story time. They are all so smart - it is wonderful to see. We really had a great time getting to know all of them.
Oh... and Thursday night she was very quiet but she must have been tired because she had me hold her while she buried her face in my neck and fell asleep. Jason and I were beside ourselves with joy. It was a great and very emotional moment. I cannot help but to wonder why not every family does this. We have been so blessed and I would never change a thing about this entire trip. We are really going to miss it when we leave.
The food is excellent too!!! We have had our share of Ukrainian food and it has all been great - especially the borscht. I am definately going to get that recipe. Even Jason has been open to trying everything and he loves it! Gene has been too great for words to express. We all have so much in common and we are having a lot of fun! He is very kind and has a HUGE heart! I can't say enough how much we love it here. Don't worry we do miss all of you too but it should make you feel good knowing that we are happy and probably have never been happier. The country is filled with so much culture and beautiful people (Jason loves the women too) They dress a little skimpy compared to American women, even in the cold weather, but I must agree they are all beautiful!!! We are hoping to come back in a few years and Gene has welcomed us into his home so we will have a good place to stay.
Another family arrived this morning to the orphanage for another girl in Olena's group. That makes 3 little ones getting a forever family. It is so great! Now if we could just take home the other 15 I would be happy!! Maybe another year or so ;O) wink wink!!!
Friday, November 17, 2006
One week away from home...
Today makes one week since we left home...one week since sleeping in a comfortable bed!!! The one thing I do not like about Ukraine! The mattress' are very thin and very hard. However so far everything else is perfect!
We got to visit Olena (FYI - pronounced O-LAY-NA) yesterday afternoon and again this morning. Yesterday we got to take her outside to play which was nice. They put so many clothes on these children when they go outside it reminds us of the little boy from the Christmas story. We are in southern Ukraine and it is very warm here. Kinda like being south at home. It has been in the 50-60s and we packed clothes for the North Pole - most of the leaves are still on the trees to.
This morning we went to see her again, but she was pretty reserved. We had a banana in our bag which she quickly discovered was something wonderful. She loved it. One of the other children in her groupa had a family visit her today - hopefully she too will get a momma and poppa! They are all so precious, I pray for the best for each and everyone of them.
Today Gene is running around getting some paperwork settled to send to Kiev. He told us that we will need to send some documents to the adoption center by train, wait for it to come back, then try to get a court date. He has not given us any estimates yet - I think he is too nervous to get our hopes up, but my guess is that we should have court by the end of next week. Once we go to court and the adoption is "approved" we will have to wait 10 days (a mandatory waiting period) then back to Kiev with Olena. She is not allowed to stay with us until this 10 day period is over. During this time we will continue to visit her 2 times a day...this will give her a chance to get use to us! I looked at the calender last night and if everything remains "kink free" we should be home by the week of December 10th.
That is all for today. I will post again over the weekend - we are going to try to go and visit the Black Sea so that should be nice. Take care everyone and we miss you all!
We got to visit Olena (FYI - pronounced O-LAY-NA) yesterday afternoon and again this morning. Yesterday we got to take her outside to play which was nice. They put so many clothes on these children when they go outside it reminds us of the little boy from the Christmas story. We are in southern Ukraine and it is very warm here. Kinda like being south at home. It has been in the 50-60s and we packed clothes for the North Pole - most of the leaves are still on the trees to.
This morning we went to see her again, but she was pretty reserved. We had a banana in our bag which she quickly discovered was something wonderful. She loved it. One of the other children in her groupa had a family visit her today - hopefully she too will get a momma and poppa! They are all so precious, I pray for the best for each and everyone of them.
Today Gene is running around getting some paperwork settled to send to Kiev. He told us that we will need to send some documents to the adoption center by train, wait for it to come back, then try to get a court date. He has not given us any estimates yet - I think he is too nervous to get our hopes up, but my guess is that we should have court by the end of next week. Once we go to court and the adoption is "approved" we will have to wait 10 days (a mandatory waiting period) then back to Kiev with Olena. She is not allowed to stay with us until this 10 day period is over. During this time we will continue to visit her 2 times a day...this will give her a chance to get use to us! I looked at the calender last night and if everything remains "kink free" we should be home by the week of December 10th.
That is all for today. I will post again over the weekend - we are going to try to go and visit the Black Sea so that should be nice. Take care everyone and we miss you all!
Thursday, November 16, 2006
2nd day visit.
We are still doing great. We finally got settled last night in our flat about 6:00pm and boy must I say...we are staying in the Hilton!!! It is gorgous. It is a lady that the Director of the orphanage recommended. I guess she usually rents her flat to Italian Families but adoptions have been very slow in this region over the past year so she was very happy to accommadate us. The flat is awsome. We even have a bath tub!! WOOWHO!! I sat in there so long yesterday I looked like a 80 year old woman when I got out :O) It is very clean, very beautifully decorated and very comfortable. It has 2 bedrooms so our translator is staying with us as well.
Today we got to visit Olena again and this time she came running to us!! It was a great feeling. Our translator had the caregivers put us in the sleeping room so that we could be seperate from the other children and spend some time alone. She even let Jason hold her today!!! We got many great pictures and even came here today to try and download them but unfortunately we were not successful. The guys who worked here said that I need the disc to download the program and I did not bring it!!! Sorry guys. I know that you are all probably swearing at me right now, but I promise this is not on purpose!!
Oh and I am now band from the orphange!!! Just kidding, but I did make the caregivers mad already!! It was time for us to leave and for Olena to eat lunch I tried to have her sit in her chair she stumbled and put her hand right in the bowl of soup, spilling it everywhere!! Needless to say, they were not very happy with me!
I think she is finally starting to realize who Jason and I are. Yesterday she called Jason Papa and today she ran to me calling me momma. Gene is now dada (which is Uncle.) She talks a little, but I am sure she knows more, because today she was babbling about my camera and the light on it. I really wish you guys could see her...her smile will make you melt! Her caregiver told us yesterday that she is very clever. Today while playing with her, it seems she will have quite the attitude if she finds it necessary. We might really have our hands full! We will be able to see her again this afternoon after 3:30. Hopefully she will not be grumpy. Yesterdays afternoon appointment was not as much fun because she was crabby! but now that she knows a little better perhaps it will go smoother. We are going to walk over to the flea market and buy her a little toy! Yes we are going to spoil her already!
We found an internet cafe literally a 2 minute walk from our flat so will promise to post daily. Thanks for all the support. Reading your comments made me cry today. If she only knew how many people already love her.
PS: Becky....her birthday is January 20th!!!! Thought you would like that.
Today we got to visit Olena again and this time she came running to us!! It was a great feeling. Our translator had the caregivers put us in the sleeping room so that we could be seperate from the other children and spend some time alone. She even let Jason hold her today!!! We got many great pictures and even came here today to try and download them but unfortunately we were not successful. The guys who worked here said that I need the disc to download the program and I did not bring it!!! Sorry guys. I know that you are all probably swearing at me right now, but I promise this is not on purpose!!
Oh and I am now band from the orphange!!! Just kidding, but I did make the caregivers mad already!! It was time for us to leave and for Olena to eat lunch I tried to have her sit in her chair she stumbled and put her hand right in the bowl of soup, spilling it everywhere!! Needless to say, they were not very happy with me!
I think she is finally starting to realize who Jason and I are. Yesterday she called Jason Papa and today she ran to me calling me momma. Gene is now dada (which is Uncle.) She talks a little, but I am sure she knows more, because today she was babbling about my camera and the light on it. I really wish you guys could see her...her smile will make you melt! Her caregiver told us yesterday that she is very clever. Today while playing with her, it seems she will have quite the attitude if she finds it necessary. We might really have our hands full! We will be able to see her again this afternoon after 3:30. Hopefully she will not be grumpy. Yesterdays afternoon appointment was not as much fun because she was crabby! but now that she knows a little better perhaps it will go smoother. We are going to walk over to the flea market and buy her a little toy! Yes we are going to spoil her already!
We found an internet cafe literally a 2 minute walk from our flat so will promise to post daily. Thanks for all the support. Reading your comments made me cry today. If she only knew how many people already love her.
PS: Becky....her birthday is January 20th!!!! Thought you would like that.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
First I will start by saying the train was great. What a wonderful experience. We have never been on a train so we were like a few 5 year olds and got very excited. Though it was an 11 hour ride it went pretty quickly. We of course tried to sleep but only managed to get about 4 hours.
Anyhow. We are here in the region of Myckolayv - it is known as the ship building city of Ukraine. During Soviet times this was where all of the Military ships were built. It is not as busy as Kiev (thankfully) but it is beautiful. There are of course some very poor areas, which really is a reality check of how people here have to live.
Oh and by the way....We met Olena!!!! I know that is what all of you were waiting for. Funny story though....we met a different Olena first. We were taken into a room where we were introduced to this girl who was NOT happy to see us. She started screaming and did not want anything to do with us. I was very nervous and felt very bad. But something was not right. Her eyes were blue and she was very big. I told my translator that she was much bigger than I was expecting?? Then all of a sudden everyone realized that this was not the right girl!! Boy was she probably happy. So off we went to the other side of the orphange where we walked into a room with 20 tiny children sitting at the table eating their lunch...with spoons that we would use for serving. The director pointed to her and said "there Olena!!" I start to bawl my eyes out. She was ABSOLUTELY perfect. I looked back and Jason and Gene were crying too. We were invited to come in and sit down where we watched all of them finish their lunch. It was very hard to see them all sitting there. I wanted to bring them all home. So sweet and innocent...just looking for a mommy and daddy. All the while Olena kept staring at the 3 of us. She knew we were there for her. After everyone ate they cleaned her up and told her to go see her momma and pappa. Surprisingly she came right to me and put her arms up for me to pick her up. All we could do was stare at each other!! She warmed up a little and we started to play on the floor with her. She is still a little nervous about Jason but that is expected. They do not interact with many men if any at all. But we were tickling her and she was laughing away. She is such a happy baby and boy is she tiny. She is VERY ticklish and loves to laugh. She even hugged and kissed me and let me rock her while she put her head on my shoulder. We of course couldn't stop crying. Thankfully Gene was thinking because he was snapping pictures like crazy using his camera phone. We only got to stay with her for about 30 minutes because we could not disrupt her schedule and it was nap time. We will be allowed to visit her again this afternoon after 3:30.
The orphange is very nice and very clean! The staff also seems very sweet. No pictures yet and we still do not know if we will post any because it may not be possible, but we will see what we can do.
We will try to post again soon. Love everyone and please welcome Olena Victoria Warchol to the family!!!
Love and miss you all.
Anyhow. We are here in the region of Myckolayv - it is known as the ship building city of Ukraine. During Soviet times this was where all of the Military ships were built. It is not as busy as Kiev (thankfully) but it is beautiful. There are of course some very poor areas, which really is a reality check of how people here have to live.
Oh and by the way....We met Olena!!!! I know that is what all of you were waiting for. Funny story though....we met a different Olena first. We were taken into a room where we were introduced to this girl who was NOT happy to see us. She started screaming and did not want anything to do with us. I was very nervous and felt very bad. But something was not right. Her eyes were blue and she was very big. I told my translator that she was much bigger than I was expecting?? Then all of a sudden everyone realized that this was not the right girl!! Boy was she probably happy. So off we went to the other side of the orphange where we walked into a room with 20 tiny children sitting at the table eating their lunch...with spoons that we would use for serving. The director pointed to her and said "there Olena!!" I start to bawl my eyes out. She was ABSOLUTELY perfect. I looked back and Jason and Gene were crying too. We were invited to come in and sit down where we watched all of them finish their lunch. It was very hard to see them all sitting there. I wanted to bring them all home. So sweet and innocent...just looking for a mommy and daddy. All the while Olena kept staring at the 3 of us. She knew we were there for her. After everyone ate they cleaned her up and told her to go see her momma and pappa. Surprisingly she came right to me and put her arms up for me to pick her up. All we could do was stare at each other!! She warmed up a little and we started to play on the floor with her. She is still a little nervous about Jason but that is expected. They do not interact with many men if any at all. But we were tickling her and she was laughing away. She is such a happy baby and boy is she tiny. She is VERY ticklish and loves to laugh. She even hugged and kissed me and let me rock her while she put her head on my shoulder. We of course couldn't stop crying. Thankfully Gene was thinking because he was snapping pictures like crazy using his camera phone. We only got to stay with her for about 30 minutes because we could not disrupt her schedule and it was nap time. We will be allowed to visit her again this afternoon after 3:30.
The orphange is very nice and very clean! The staff also seems very sweet. No pictures yet and we still do not know if we will post any because it may not be possible, but we will see what we can do.
We will try to post again soon. Love everyone and please welcome Olena Victoria Warchol to the family!!!
Love and miss you all.
Monday, November 13, 2006
Now we have a minute
I know that we already posted today but now we have a little more time so we thought we would check in again while we have the time.
As you already know we are having a great time. We have met 3 other American Families and had dinner tonight with them at an awsome Italian resturant. Don't worry we tried the Ukrainian food at lunch. Both times the food was excellent.
Our apartment is small but HORRAY it has a washing machine so we have been able to wash all of our clothes.
We have train tickets to leave Kiev tommorrow at 7pm and we will arrive in region at 6am. I have heard that the train is quite the experience!!! We tried to fly but there are no flights there....which our translator was very happy about. We found out he does not like planes. We are still very excited and can't wait to meet little Olena.
Yesterday was tough because we were alone all day and did not have phone service. Though I must admit we did pretty good. We managed to make it to the market and buy food for lunch and dinner. We have been told not to leave the apartment after dark but so far we have felt completely comfortable walking around - besides it is pitch black by 5pm!! Tonight we were able to see a part of the city that we have not seen yet! It is AMAZING! The lights and the buildings are unbelievable. I can't explain enough how great it is to be here. Well worth the wait! Everyone has been very kind to us too.
(Don't worry we are fighting off the tears too!!) We both thank all of you from the bottom of our hearts. And we hope you know that we are going good.
Mom and dad I know that you are probably worried since you haven't heard from us but we will do our best to call as soon as we can. We will probably not be able to post for a few more days being that we will be traveling and will need to locate an internet cafe in region. Hang tight...Gene said that the post office allows you to make long distance calls so if necessary we will go there to get in touch.
That about sums up our day. We love you all!!
As you already know we are having a great time. We have met 3 other American Families and had dinner tonight with them at an awsome Italian resturant. Don't worry we tried the Ukrainian food at lunch. Both times the food was excellent.
Our apartment is small but HORRAY it has a washing machine so we have been able to wash all of our clothes.
We have train tickets to leave Kiev tommorrow at 7pm and we will arrive in region at 6am. I have heard that the train is quite the experience!!! We tried to fly but there are no flights there....which our translator was very happy about. We found out he does not like planes. We are still very excited and can't wait to meet little Olena.
Yesterday was tough because we were alone all day and did not have phone service. Though I must admit we did pretty good. We managed to make it to the market and buy food for lunch and dinner. We have been told not to leave the apartment after dark but so far we have felt completely comfortable walking around - besides it is pitch black by 5pm!! Tonight we were able to see a part of the city that we have not seen yet! It is AMAZING! The lights and the buildings are unbelievable. I can't explain enough how great it is to be here. Well worth the wait! Everyone has been very kind to us too.
(Don't worry we are fighting off the tears too!!) We both thank all of you from the bottom of our hearts. And we hope you know that we are going good.
Mom and dad I know that you are probably worried since you haven't heard from us but we will do our best to call as soon as we can. We will probably not be able to post for a few more days being that we will be traveling and will need to locate an internet cafe in region. Hang tight...Gene said that the post office allows you to make long distance calls so if necessary we will go there to get in touch.
That about sums up our day. We love you all!!
Now we have a minute
I know that we already posted today but now we have a little more time so we thought we would check in again while we have the time.
As you already know we are having a great time. We have met 3 other American Families and had dinner tonight with them at an awsome Italian resturant. Don't worry we tried the Ukrainian food at lunch. Both times the food was excellent.
Our apartment is small but HORRAY it has a washing machine so we have been able to wash all of our clothes.
We have train tickets to leave Kiev tommorrow at 7pm and we will arrive in region at 6am. I have heard that the train is quite the experience!!! We tried to fly but there are no flights there....which our translator was very happy about. We found out he does not like planes. We are still very excited and can't wait to meet little Olena.
Yesterday was tough because we were alone all day and did not have phone service. Though I must admit we did pretty good. We managed to make it to the market and buy food for lunch and dinner. We have been told not to leave the apartment after dark but so far we have felt completely comfortable walking around - besides it is pitch black by 5pm!! Tonight we were able to see a part of the city that we have not seen yet! It is AMAZING! The lights and the buildings are unbelievable. I can't explain enough how great it is to be here. Well worth the wait! Everyone has been very kind to us too.
(Don't worry we are fighting off the tears too!!) We both thank all of you from the bottom of our hearts. And we hope you know that we are going good.
Mom and dad I know that you are probably worried since you haven't heard from us but we will do our best to call as soon as we can. We will probably not be able to post for a few more days being that we will be traveling and will need to locate an internet cafe in region. Hang tight...Gene said that the post office allows you to make long distance calls so if necessary we will go there to get in touch.
That about sums up our day. We love you all!!
As you already know we are having a great time. We have met 3 other American Families and had dinner tonight with them at an awsome Italian resturant. Don't worry we tried the Ukrainian food at lunch. Both times the food was excellent.
Our apartment is small but HORRAY it has a washing machine so we have been able to wash all of our clothes.
We have train tickets to leave Kiev tommorrow at 7pm and we will arrive in region at 6am. I have heard that the train is quite the experience!!! We tried to fly but there are no flights there....which our translator was very happy about. We found out he does not like planes. We are still very excited and can't wait to meet little Olena.
Yesterday was tough because we were alone all day and did not have phone service. Though I must admit we did pretty good. We managed to make it to the market and buy food for lunch and dinner. We have been told not to leave the apartment after dark but so far we have felt completely comfortable walking around - besides it is pitch black by 5pm!! Tonight we were able to see a part of the city that we have not seen yet! It is AMAZING! The lights and the buildings are unbelievable. I can't explain enough how great it is to be here. Well worth the wait! Everyone has been very kind to us too.
(Don't worry we are fighting off the tears too!!) We both thank all of you from the bottom of our hearts. And we hope you know that we are going good.
Mom and dad I know that you are probably worried since you haven't heard from us but we will do our best to call as soon as we can. We will probably not be able to post for a few more days being that we will be traveling and will need to locate an internet cafe in region. Hang tight...Gene said that the post office allows you to make long distance calls so if necessary we will go there to get in touch.
That about sums up our day. We love you all!!
The angels are flying!!!
We just got back from our appointment at the Adoption Center. I honestly cannot say enough good stuff about how well it went. The staff was EXTREMLY kind and they gave us many choices. They had preselected 5 girls for us to look at and I must say that they were all beautiful and it was a very tough choice. All the girls were between the ages of 1 - 3 years. Jason and I did not take much time chosing. Both of us agreed pretty quickly which one we wanted to meet. She is so beautiful!!! and had the happiest smile on her face. Sorry to say mom, but she has big brown eyes and brown hair. Looks like dad's and my dream were pretty accurate. It was a very hard choice though...I am getting emotional just writing this. Maybe I can talk Jason into coming back for that blonde hair blue eyed one!! LOL! We are very happy right now and have perma grin on our faces.
We are taking a train to meet her tomorrow to a region called Myokiv (spelling???) near the Black Sea. The region is known to be an easy one, and will take us about 12 hours to get there by train. We will leave Kiev tommorrow at 7pm. She is 22 months old, one of the youngest in the group of 5 we were shown. Her name is Olena! and I can't tell you enough how cute the picture was!!
I am so sorry we have not called yet. We told the translator today that it is imparative that we get a phone card to call home so hopefully within the next couple hours we will be able to call.
Things are going good don't worry about us. We have a GREAT and very kind translator, his name is Gene! We ventured out on our own yesterday and went to the market and even cooked dinner. Jason was a little nervous but did good in the long run. The one crappy thing is the bed! lets say we are sleeping on a piece of wood with lots of blanket.
Weather is chilly though warmer today. It snowed yesterday but melted on the ground.
*Jennifer if you could print this and call you dad and read it to him, we would really appreciate it.*
Thats all for now. I will post again once we are in region. Hopfully they will have an internet cafe.
Oh and the buildings here.....OMG they are the most beautiful things that Jason and I have ever seen. We are truly having a great time.
We love you all and keep the prayers coming. So far they are all being answered! Hugs and kisses to everyone. Talk to you soon.
We are taking a train to meet her tomorrow to a region called Myokiv (spelling???) near the Black Sea. The region is known to be an easy one, and will take us about 12 hours to get there by train. We will leave Kiev tommorrow at 7pm. She is 22 months old, one of the youngest in the group of 5 we were shown. Her name is Olena! and I can't tell you enough how cute the picture was!!
I am so sorry we have not called yet. We told the translator today that it is imparative that we get a phone card to call home so hopefully within the next couple hours we will be able to call.
Things are going good don't worry about us. We have a GREAT and very kind translator, his name is Gene! We ventured out on our own yesterday and went to the market and even cooked dinner. Jason was a little nervous but did good in the long run. The one crappy thing is the bed! lets say we are sleeping on a piece of wood with lots of blanket.
Weather is chilly though warmer today. It snowed yesterday but melted on the ground.
*Jennifer if you could print this and call you dad and read it to him, we would really appreciate it.*
Thats all for now. I will post again once we are in region. Hopfully they will have an internet cafe.
Oh and the buildings here.....OMG they are the most beautiful things that Jason and I have ever seen. We are truly having a great time.
We love you all and keep the prayers coming. So far they are all being answered! Hugs and kisses to everyone. Talk to you soon.
Saturday, November 11, 2006
We're in Amsterdam!
We are finally over the long flight and arrived in Amsterdam at 9am this morning....3am for you guys. Airport is nice but very big. We had to walk well across the entire airport to find out that we cannot sit at the gate until they are ready to board. Each gate has it's own security check point and they are all enclosed in glass!! so we had some time to spare and decided to check in with everyone. Our flight leaves for Ukraine at 12:35 and we will arrive in Kiev around 4:30. The flight here was great! We had great seating and video monitors in the seats so we could listen to music, watch movies and play games. We slept a good part of the last half of the flight so it went pretty smooth. Hope it goes that well on the way home with the little one :O)
We just wanted to check in and let everyone know that we are doing great, and so far, everything is looking on the bright side. We will post again probably tomorrow from Kiev.
We just wanted to check in and let everyone know that we are doing great, and so far, everything is looking on the bright side. We will post again probably tomorrow from Kiev.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Last night home
Well this is it. Our last night home as just husband and wife. I am sitting here collecting my thoughts for the first time all day and I think it is finally starting to sink in. The moment we have been anticipating for 2 years is finally here. We are going to become a family.
For the past 2 years all I kept thinking was how excited I was going to be at this moment. I got such anxiety just thinking about it....but, strangely enough, during these past 2 weeks I have been calmer then I have been since this whole process started. I guess I just don't find a reason to be scared or nervous. I have learned and studied so much about the adoption, Ukraine, what to expect, what could go wrong... all I have done is prepare!! I am ready -
For the past 2 years all I kept thinking was how excited I was going to be at this moment. I got such anxiety just thinking about it....but, strangely enough, during these past 2 weeks I have been calmer then I have been since this whole process started. I guess I just don't find a reason to be scared or nervous. I have learned and studied so much about the adoption, Ukraine, what to expect, what could go wrong... all I have done is prepare!! I am ready -
We leave tomorrow evening and will arrive in Ukraine, late Saturday afternoon. I will do my best to post Sunday. If for some reason, it is not possible, I will be sure to post Monday night and let you know all about our appointment.
Thank you to everyone who has helped us along the way - now the real journey begins and I am happy to be sharing with all of you!
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
HOLY COW!!! 3 days and counting. Though I must admit I am still having a lot of trouble getting myself to believe that it is finally happening. NO nerves, no emotional breakdowns yet...nothing! I have been so busy making sure we have everything and making sure the home front is being well taken care of.
The dogs are my main concern right now! I am so worried that they are going to go into depression when we're gone, then to come home with a baby is going to stress them beyond belief. I just keep praying for the best and a smooth transistion. Family and friends are doing great with helping out, but I know that no one is going to care for and spoil our "babies" the way we do!
I am a little worried about the husband too. He is stressing big time! I am doing my best to reassure him that we are going to have a good time and to just relax and enjoy the time we will spend there. I have a feeling that he might experience a bit of culture shock.
This is going to be a big change but it is only going to last a few weeks, then we get to come back and continue living in our comfort. If all of the Ukrainians and our daughter can live their lives there, there is no reason why we can't handle it for a month. I know that this is not a trip to Tahiti but I am really looking forward to it. This is truly an once in a life time opportunity!!
I will be sure to post again before leaving.... just think, 1 week from today I should be posting you the details of the daughter we will be getting ready to meet! FINALLY!
The dogs are my main concern right now! I am so worried that they are going to go into depression when we're gone, then to come home with a baby is going to stress them beyond belief. I just keep praying for the best and a smooth transistion. Family and friends are doing great with helping out, but I know that no one is going to care for and spoil our "babies" the way we do!
I am a little worried about the husband too. He is stressing big time! I am doing my best to reassure him that we are going to have a good time and to just relax and enjoy the time we will spend there. I have a feeling that he might experience a bit of culture shock.
This is going to be a big change but it is only going to last a few weeks, then we get to come back and continue living in our comfort. If all of the Ukrainians and our daughter can live their lives there, there is no reason why we can't handle it for a month. I know that this is not a trip to Tahiti but I am really looking forward to it. This is truly an once in a life time opportunity!!
I will be sure to post again before leaving.... just think, 1 week from today I should be posting you the details of the daughter we will be getting ready to meet! FINALLY!
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Can you believe we leave next week? It is so strange to finally be able to say "next week"!!! I am a little behind schedule and still have a ton of things to do. But I have the weekend and
Tuesday is my last day at work so I will have 2-3 full days to get things done.
I have still managed to stay relatively calm. The only thing I can think of, is that it just has not "processed" yet or I am just so prepared after waiting for 2 1/2 years that I know everything is going to be o.k.
Everyone has been so supportive...it is good to know we have so many friends and family cheering us on! I truly think we are going to have a good time...cold weather, no hot water, lack of toilets, lack of heat and great Vodka!!! What else could you ask for? LOL!!!
On a serious note, we will lack a few of the luxuries that we have here but we're prepared. One of the girls at work the other day said "who the heck goes to Ukraine?" and I said "WE ARE!!" and we are going to have the time of our lives.
Tuesday is my last day at work so I will have 2-3 full days to get things done.
I have still managed to stay relatively calm. The only thing I can think of, is that it just has not "processed" yet or I am just so prepared after waiting for 2 1/2 years that I know everything is going to be o.k.
Everyone has been so supportive...it is good to know we have so many friends and family cheering us on! I truly think we are going to have a good time...cold weather, no hot water, lack of toilets, lack of heat and great Vodka!!! What else could you ask for? LOL!!!
On a serious note, we will lack a few of the luxuries that we have here but we're prepared. One of the girls at work the other day said "who the heck goes to Ukraine?" and I said "WE ARE!!" and we are going to have the time of our lives.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
14 days - 2 weeks - 336 more hours!!
Not much is going on! Pretty calm actually. We just finalized our airline tickets today- leaving the 10th of November and scheduled to come home the 17th of December but that can easily change, depending on our progress while there. It is so strange to know that in about 2 weeks we will be meeting our daughter! It is so surreal to think about. I am not too nervous yet but I still have a ton of things to do, so we'll see how I am doing next week :O)
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Friday, October 20, 2006
The emotions
Today was different!
I am so happy that this is finally happening, but today I was tired....and scared. I did not get any sleep, my mind ran a million miles a minute. I was also wide awake at 5am - which for me, is not common. Getting up anytime before 8am is normally torture to me. (guess I better get use to it) but my mind hasn't stopped all day.
I am very organized and I already have my "lists of things to do". I made it months ago hoping it would come in handy during my days of crisis, but I have no clue where to start!! This weekend is the prep rally!!! I will sit down, lay everything out, and break out the highlighter....away we'll go! At least I hope!!??
Don't give up on those prayers just yet! Believe me, I still em'.
I am so happy that this is finally happening, but today I was tired....and scared. I did not get any sleep, my mind ran a million miles a minute. I was also wide awake at 5am - which for me, is not common. Getting up anytime before 8am is normally torture to me. (guess I better get use to it) but my mind hasn't stopped all day.
I am very organized and I already have my "lists of things to do". I made it months ago hoping it would come in handy during my days of crisis, but I have no clue where to start!! This weekend is the prep rally!!! I will sit down, lay everything out, and break out the highlighter....away we'll go! At least I hope!!??
Don't give up on those prayers just yet! Believe me, I still em'.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
The aftermath...
Things have finally settled for the day! The excitement and overpowering emotion has somewhat subsided....and now the fear and reality sets in!! Oh my God...we are going to be parents in 1 month. You think we would be prepared after waiting 2 years - but this, truefully, is probably one of the scariest days of my life!
We have called most of the family and friends, I am working on a letter to send out so that we don't miss anyone and to give everyone the blog address. Thank you to everyone who has been so supportive. Your comments and well wishes were greatly appreciated.
Our daughter is finally coming home!
We have called most of the family and friends, I am working on a letter to send out so that we don't miss anyone and to give everyone the blog address. Thank you to everyone who has been so supportive. Your comments and well wishes were greatly appreciated.
Our daughter is finally coming home!
As I promised!!!!!!!
We are back in the game :O) WOOWHOOO! We finally have an appointment. Jason was very brave and called the Adoption Center (SDA) today and they were kind enough to tell us our date over the phone. We are scheduled for November 13th....that is only 25 days away!! I am so excited, yet so overwhelmed. I don't have a lot of time to fill you in now but I will be to post again soon. Thanks for all prayers...look like He finally heard us.
Monday, August 21, 2006
Recap!!!
O.k. I decided that it is time to recap! Time to go back to when this all started and give a timeline of this ridiculous, yet marvelous journey.
2/2004 Decided to adopt on our 1st anniversary
4/2004 Studied up on various Countries and decided to adopt from Ukraine
5/2004 Had fundraiser raise money for the homestudy
8/2004 Found an agency and started homestudy
2/2005 Agency finally got their stuff together and completed/approved homestudy
3/2005 submitted our complete application to Ukraine
7/2005 Ukraine registered us as adoptive parents and assigned us a registration number
9/2005 Ukraine "closed" down to adoption due to the lack of compliance by Americans for the filing of the post placement reports. No new adoptions. Also announced that there would be changes for the adoption center including directors.
12/2005 Adoption Center closed their doors to switch control over to the new department (known as the State Department of Adoptions; SDA)
1/2006 SDA announced that they would reopen in March
3/2006 SDA understaffed, cannot open until June
6/2006 SDA will open but will not be "working" until July
7/2006 SDA announced that appointments will start in September
8/2006 Letters went out to few families for September appointments
Here we are today....Waiting for our letter of invite for October. Supposely the 23rd. I am praying, but incase you haven't noticed from the timeline above - nothing is predictable.
We are hoping for a girl... Sophia (name is chose)
ages 15months to 5 years
We will get an appointment to go to the SDA, we will meet with officials and they will show us binders of children that meet our request. We will chose one to meet based on history and medical information. We will travel to the orphanage that the child is at and meet her. After spending time with her we will decide to a) adopt her or b) not adopt her and go back to the SDA to chose another. **this is only something that would happen if for some reason she was not available or maybe a lot unhealthier than we were lead to believe**
Once we decide to adopt we will move forward with the paperwork and court dates. During this time we will visit her in the orphanage everyday. Spend time getting use to her, and her, to us. Once we go to court we will then need to stay for 10 more days. After the 10 days we can finally take her out of the orphanage, back to Kiev, visit the US embassy to get her VISA and then HOME!!!
2/2004 Decided to adopt on our 1st anniversary
4/2004 Studied up on various Countries and decided to adopt from Ukraine
5/2004 Had fundraiser raise money for the homestudy
8/2004 Found an agency and started homestudy
2/2005 Agency finally got their stuff together and completed/approved homestudy
3/2005 submitted our complete application to Ukraine
7/2005 Ukraine registered us as adoptive parents and assigned us a registration number
9/2005 Ukraine "closed" down to adoption due to the lack of compliance by Americans for the filing of the post placement reports. No new adoptions. Also announced that there would be changes for the adoption center including directors.
12/2005 Adoption Center closed their doors to switch control over to the new department (known as the State Department of Adoptions; SDA)
1/2006 SDA announced that they would reopen in March
3/2006 SDA understaffed, cannot open until June
6/2006 SDA will open but will not be "working" until July
7/2006 SDA announced that appointments will start in September
8/2006 Letters went out to few families for September appointments
Here we are today....Waiting for our letter of invite for October. Supposely the 23rd. I am praying, but incase you haven't noticed from the timeline above - nothing is predictable.
We are hoping for a girl... Sophia (name is chose)
ages 15months to 5 years
We will get an appointment to go to the SDA, we will meet with officials and they will show us binders of children that meet our request. We will chose one to meet based on history and medical information. We will travel to the orphanage that the child is at and meet her. After spending time with her we will decide to a) adopt her or b) not adopt her and go back to the SDA to chose another. **this is only something that would happen if for some reason she was not available or maybe a lot unhealthier than we were lead to believe**
Once we decide to adopt we will move forward with the paperwork and court dates. During this time we will visit her in the orphanage everyday. Spend time getting use to her, and her, to us. Once we go to court we will then need to stay for 10 more days. After the 10 days we can finally take her out of the orphanage, back to Kiev, visit the US embassy to get her VISA and then HOME!!!
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
OCTOBER!!!!!!
Orange and black.....maybe that is a sign Aunt Jennifer. Your "favorite" colors right? Also the color of October! October is the month we are bringing Sophia home!!! Before you die of heart attack right now, no we did not get our letter of invite. BUT we did hear from our translator and he said that we fall under the October appointments.
Here is the list that is at the SDA right now....
September - Registration no. 9913-14507
October - Registration no. 14511-15196
November - Registration no. 15196-15717
December - Registration no. 15718-16099
We are number 151**...so that puts us in October. Our translator said that they are suppose to be mailing out the letters for October appointments on August 23rd. I am trying my best to keep my cool because things are known to change in Ukraine at a drop of a hat so I am somewhat reserved about what I hear. Yet my heart is dying with excitement! The 23rd is only next week so pray to God that we get this damn letter. I AM TIRED OF WAITING!! UKRAINE HERE WE COME!!
Here is the list that is at the SDA right now....
September - Registration no. 9913-14507
October - Registration no. 14511-15196
November - Registration no. 15196-15717
December - Registration no. 15718-16099
We are number 151**...so that puts us in October. Our translator said that they are suppose to be mailing out the letters for October appointments on August 23rd. I am trying my best to keep my cool because things are known to change in Ukraine at a drop of a hat so I am somewhat reserved about what I hear. Yet my heart is dying with excitement! The 23rd is only next week so pray to God that we get this damn letter. I AM TIRED OF WAITING!! UKRAINE HERE WE COME!!
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