In a week and a half's time, our children experienced all three modes of transportation mentioned in the post title for the very first time. I doubt many can say that!
We woke up at 1:15 in the morning in Moscow to get ready to begin our loooooooong journey home. The morning of our flight home from the second trip was much different. Though we set our alarm, we slept past the buzzing and nearly missed being picked up by our driver at 3:30 in the morning. We rushed to get ready in 20 minutes and were out the door. With this last trip and with three checked luggage items (clothes for four for more than a week!), two children and all the food, snacks, toys and diapers that go along with them, we were sure we were up and not rushed. So, after about two and a half hours of sleep, our driver picked the four of us up and we are on our way home!
He drove us past Red Square. It was absolutely GORGEOUS in the winter night, all lit up. The Kremlin was very impressive and St. Basil's has a beauty the likes of which are not easy to come by. Unfortunately we don't have any photos from Moscow, but we'll make it back. Hopefully our kiddos will be better sleepers at that time and we can go stomach virus-free.
The Moscow airport is HUGE! Being originally from Chicago and having flown out of 'Hare countless times, I was expecting it to be large, but it surpassed even my imagination.
Our first leg was to Munich. Both kids were asleep for their first take-off, which eased my nerves a bit as I was worried about the change in air pressure giving them problems. Or second flight was the longest. Munich to D.C. The seats which we were originally assigned had us split up. Derek asked the wonderful Lufthansa (oh how I wish they flew domestic in the US!) employees and they worked their magic. Not only were we able to all sit together (D and B in the two seats by the window and me with C on my lap across the aisle), but they bumped us up to economy plus seating, which offers more leg room. Nice! Celia was particularly taken with the Ukrainian man sitting next to us. I think it was his mustache... Both kiddos slept about four of the eight hour flight. Mama and Papa were able to snooze a bit too. Using the changing "table" in the lavatories wasn't as much of a nightmare as I expected. I'd say the only negative part of the flight was when C spilled an entire can of ginger ale on me. Things could have been much worse, wouldn't you say? Sure, they both cried a little, but it didn't last long. They were great.
In D.C. we went through immigration, where our babies officially became US citizens! We handed over our sealed (but perhaps a tad bit chewed on by our teething little angel) envelope to the officer and she stamped away. We all cheered when the final stamps were made on their US Visas in their Russian passports, making it official. Yay!
Several security check points and elevator rides later, we were getting ready to finally board our plane home! Unfortunately, the service on this flight (United) was by far the worst. I actually wanted to file a complaint on our stewardess, but overheard her refuse to give her name to someone else who asked for it. The physically handicapped passenger who conversed with her later told me he was asking so that he could file a complaint as well. Oh well. I let the comments and her attitude get to me for a few minutes, calmly expressed my disappointment, and then focused on the excitement that was to come.
Our homecoming was truly amazing! Our most supportive friends and family were waiting at the airport with signs, smiles, cheers and hugs. My heart welled up even more than I thought it could. To sample just part of the love and excitement, check out our story that was featured on our local news station. My brother- and father-in-law I believe were behind getting the station there. Though I wasn't looking forward to being on TV after a 26 hour journey, I'm so glad we'll have this to share with our kiddos when they get older. I need to burn a CD!
I was also just informed that our beautiful story was featured on HLN and CNN. If anyone catches it, will you please let us know? The Hunters made national news!
Okay, so I'm a few days behind in blogging. I hope to catch up tomorrow or the next day. Our first day home was tiring but oh-so-wonderful. Today was tough. I suppose any day that includes a trip the emergency room isn't a day in the park...
More to come!
Showing posts with label Traveling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Traveling. Show all posts
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Almost Home
Derek is definitely on the mend. I suppose it was a stomach virus after all, though I think he'll probably get checked out once we're home and settled a bit. He's weak, but at least isn't vomitting. We are making it through! Thank you to everyone who has kept us in your prayers. They were most definitely felt and we are so grateful.
Just before I got online, Derek checked the statuses of our flights. It looks like, as of now we are good to go. For our long, eight hour flight, we are not sitting together. We're hoping someone may volunteer to change seats so we can sit as a faily and help each other out when needed.
When we get to the Moscow airport, we will most likely be pulled aside and asked to show every original document regarding the adoption we have... times two, since we have siblings. We are prepared for that. Also, once we land in D.C. (our first home-country stop) we will be asked to go though a special immigration screening. Yesterday, we received two sealed packets which we will be required to hand over to immigration at that time. We were reminded at least eleven times that they must remain sealed! Who knows what happens if the seal is somehow broken, but I sure don't want to find out. After the immigration officer goes through our packet and gives us the okay, he will stamp our kiddos' Russian passports with the American Visas. It is at that precise moment that they become American citizens! How exciting!!
We leave our hotel at 2:30 a.m. tomorrow (Friday) morning to catch our 5:55 a.m. flight. I'm hoping our driver can at least drive us by Red Square. We'll see.
So, today is Thursday. Of which of course, I lost track. It is also December 30. Of which, again, I lost track of. December 30. Derek and my anniversary. Five years ago today we were married in the evening at Union Station Hotel in Nashville. Whoever would have thought that exactly five years later we would be in a car with our two precious children on our way to bring them home from Russia...
Life is good. Thank you God.
Just before I got online, Derek checked the statuses of our flights. It looks like, as of now we are good to go. For our long, eight hour flight, we are not sitting together. We're hoping someone may volunteer to change seats so we can sit as a faily and help each other out when needed.
When we get to the Moscow airport, we will most likely be pulled aside and asked to show every original document regarding the adoption we have... times two, since we have siblings. We are prepared for that. Also, once we land in D.C. (our first home-country stop) we will be asked to go though a special immigration screening. Yesterday, we received two sealed packets which we will be required to hand over to immigration at that time. We were reminded at least eleven times that they must remain sealed! Who knows what happens if the seal is somehow broken, but I sure don't want to find out. After the immigration officer goes through our packet and gives us the okay, he will stamp our kiddos' Russian passports with the American Visas. It is at that precise moment that they become American citizens! How exciting!!
We leave our hotel at 2:30 a.m. tomorrow (Friday) morning to catch our 5:55 a.m. flight. I'm hoping our driver can at least drive us by Red Square. We'll see.
So, today is Thursday. Of which of course, I lost track. It is also December 30. Of which, again, I lost track of. December 30. Derek and my anniversary. Five years ago today we were married in the evening at Union Station Hotel in Nashville. Whoever would have thought that exactly five years later we would be in a car with our two precious children on our way to bring them home from Russia...
Life is good. Thank you God.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Happy Birthday Celia!
We left our hotel this morning at 9:20 a.m.—well before the sun came up. This Saint Petersburg winter day—which are usually extremely short as it is—was practically non-existent since today is the shortest day of the year. But man! We sure packed a lot into this “short” day!
After making two quick stops for paperwork, we went to the “Baby Palace,” or where we pick up our official adoption decrees and new birth certificates. After a two hour wait and several Russians asking us (I’m guessing) “Are you in line?” they called us in. Signing the documents that officially state that we are Bennett and Celia’s “Mama” and “Papa” gave me chillbumps. Derek reached for my hand and we both glowed with excitement as we got up from our chairs and said “spa-see-ba” to the women who prepared our documents. (They also commented in Russian about how “young” we are. I suppose to be adoptive parents, we are rather young…)
Side Note: As we were off to drop off some of the documents to Bennett’s baby home, “Pour Some Sugar on Me” played on the radio. One of my favorite childhood memories is of me with my late brother, Trevor, in his red Chevy Camaro just listening to rock songs, one of which was “Pour Some Sugar on Me”. To this day, the song makes me think of my brother, who passed away five years ago. It was good to have one of those “hugs” from God at a time like this.
We dropped off the official documents to both baby homes so that they could take them to the local police station and have our kiddos legally released from the orphanage. After making both stops, I looked out the car window and pleasantly watched a mother pull her young son on a sled through the snow. At that moment, I wished for a little sled with which we could play with B and C this week, but realized that trekking through on a stroller would be adventure enough.
And then it hit me.
The stroller!
We left the stroller at the airport yesterday. Completely forgot about it! Not a single thought. Nothing until that very minute. Oy!
“Not to worry,” our amazing and laid back driver/translator told us. He took us by the airport—which, luckily, was a short drive away from the baby homes—and we picked up the stroller. It may have taken us filling out several pages of customs documents for unaccompanied luggage, waiting and hour and 15 minutes and paying two Euros per kilo (thank goodness this sucker was relatively light!) and a “service and handling” fee, but we got it! This was just Mommy Mistake #1 of what I’m sure is going to be a long list of “oops!”
We then got to swing by Celia’s baby home for a quick visit and to sing “Happy Birthday” to the birthday girl. Perhaps she could feel that I was a bit frazzled after the craziness that turned out to be our day, because she was particularly taken with Papa today—something I know he absolutely didn’t mind! I wanted to do more for our C’s birthday like bring a cake and celebrate a bit more, but the day didn’t allow for that. I told her I’d make it up to her when we got home.
After several other quick stops we went to file for B and C’s passports. Derek and our driver/translator took care of everything after waiting just 20-30 minutes. The Russian passports should be ready Saturday, which is a day earlier than was first estimated. That could put us home as early as the 30. However, since we already had tickets booked and it would cost us a minimum of $600 to change them, we’re sticking with our original plan and coming home on the 31st.
To those who would like to meet us at the airport (and we would LOVE to see you!), we will land at 6:20 p.m. if the weather cooperates and everything goes as planned. I hope you fall in love with our kiddos at first glance, just as we did!
We will head out tomorrow morning at 9:15 and make a stop at a store to pick up diapers, wipes, food and a scarf (for me, since I lost my nice black cashmere scarf somewhere along the way…). At about 10:30 we’ll be at Celia’s baby home, saying goodbye and THANK YOU to her caregivers, dressing her in her first outfit that 100% belongs to her, and take her from the orphanage. The three (plus our driver/translator) of us will then be off to pick up Bennett and do the same with him. Our babies will meet for the first time in their life, and the brother-sister-bond will start, something that is near and dear to my heart. We should be back in our hotel room tomorrow in time to feed them lunch!
After making two quick stops for paperwork, we went to the “Baby Palace,” or where we pick up our official adoption decrees and new birth certificates. After a two hour wait and several Russians asking us (I’m guessing) “Are you in line?” they called us in. Signing the documents that officially state that we are Bennett and Celia’s “Mama” and “Papa” gave me chillbumps. Derek reached for my hand and we both glowed with excitement as we got up from our chairs and said “spa-see-ba” to the women who prepared our documents. (They also commented in Russian about how “young” we are. I suppose to be adoptive parents, we are rather young…)
Side Note: As we were off to drop off some of the documents to Bennett’s baby home, “Pour Some Sugar on Me” played on the radio. One of my favorite childhood memories is of me with my late brother, Trevor, in his red Chevy Camaro just listening to rock songs, one of which was “Pour Some Sugar on Me”. To this day, the song makes me think of my brother, who passed away five years ago. It was good to have one of those “hugs” from God at a time like this.
We dropped off the official documents to both baby homes so that they could take them to the local police station and have our kiddos legally released from the orphanage. After making both stops, I looked out the car window and pleasantly watched a mother pull her young son on a sled through the snow. At that moment, I wished for a little sled with which we could play with B and C this week, but realized that trekking through on a stroller would be adventure enough.
And then it hit me.
The stroller!
We left the stroller at the airport yesterday. Completely forgot about it! Not a single thought. Nothing until that very minute. Oy!
“Not to worry,” our amazing and laid back driver/translator told us. He took us by the airport—which, luckily, was a short drive away from the baby homes—and we picked up the stroller. It may have taken us filling out several pages of customs documents for unaccompanied luggage, waiting and hour and 15 minutes and paying two Euros per kilo (thank goodness this sucker was relatively light!) and a “service and handling” fee, but we got it! This was just Mommy Mistake #1 of what I’m sure is going to be a long list of “oops!”
We then got to swing by Celia’s baby home for a quick visit and to sing “Happy Birthday” to the birthday girl. Perhaps she could feel that I was a bit frazzled after the craziness that turned out to be our day, because she was particularly taken with Papa today—something I know he absolutely didn’t mind! I wanted to do more for our C’s birthday like bring a cake and celebrate a bit more, but the day didn’t allow for that. I told her I’d make it up to her when we got home.
After several other quick stops we went to file for B and C’s passports. Derek and our driver/translator took care of everything after waiting just 20-30 minutes. The Russian passports should be ready Saturday, which is a day earlier than was first estimated. That could put us home as early as the 30. However, since we already had tickets booked and it would cost us a minimum of $600 to change them, we’re sticking with our original plan and coming home on the 31st.
To those who would like to meet us at the airport (and we would LOVE to see you!), we will land at 6:20 p.m. if the weather cooperates and everything goes as planned. I hope you fall in love with our kiddos at first glance, just as we did!
We will head out tomorrow morning at 9:15 and make a stop at a store to pick up diapers, wipes, food and a scarf (for me, since I lost my nice black cashmere scarf somewhere along the way…). At about 10:30 we’ll be at Celia’s baby home, saying goodbye and THANK YOU to her caregivers, dressing her in her first outfit that 100% belongs to her, and take her from the orphanage. The three (plus our driver/translator) of us will then be off to pick up Bennett and do the same with him. Our babies will meet for the first time in their life, and the brother-sister-bond will start, something that is near and dear to my heart. We should be back in our hotel room tomorrow in time to feed them lunch!
Monday, December 20, 2010
Running on Fumes
Well, we made it! We got in to St. Petersburg--but barely! If we would have traveled through Frankfurt, as we usually do, chances are our flight would have been severely delayed (70% of flights out of Frankfurt were either canceled or greatly delayed today). And if we would have come in through Dusseldorf yesterday as we did today, we would have been stranded, as all flights were canceled out of that airport just yesterday. Praise God we made it!
Our driver let us swing by Bennett's baby home for about 30 minutes. Of course it was well worth it! His face lit up as soon as he saw us. He was all giggles and non-stop play for the full 30 minutes. He even started saying more words than we have heard him say before. We are not sure if they are Russian words or just sounds, but either way it was beautiful to our ears.
As I, Derek, finish writing Kat's blog because I think that she just passed out in her Borsht, (Traditional Russian Soup made with beets), we thank you for continuing to follow our journey. In less than 48 hours, the children will be with us forever.
Our driver let us swing by Bennett's baby home for about 30 minutes. Of course it was well worth it! His face lit up as soon as he saw us. He was all giggles and non-stop play for the full 30 minutes. He even started saying more words than we have heard him say before. We are not sure if they are Russian words or just sounds, but either way it was beautiful to our ears.
As I, Derek, finish writing Kat's blog because I think that she just passed out in her Borsht, (Traditional Russian Soup made with beets), we thank you for continuing to follow our journey. In less than 48 hours, the children will be with us forever.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
It’s Official! I’m a Mommy!
Just after 12:30 St. Petersburg time today, Thursday, December 09, 2010, a Russian judge formally approved our petition to be parents to Bennett Alim Trevor and Celia Rose Nargiza. With nine other people in the cramped, hot courtroom, Derek and I began a new chapter in our lives. One we have been waiting for for quite some time, and one that could only begin with the two children God preordained to be ours—our “B” an “C.”
Without further ado—and because it’s been a very long and very emotional day, and we have a flight to catch early tomorrow morning as long as the snow doesn’t get in the way—I’m going to cut this post short and introduce the world to our two little blessings.
Introducing the strong-willed and completely lovable Bennett Alim:
…and introducing the very popular and totally smooch-able Celia Rose:
PLEASE NOTE: I do not plan on posting photos of our babies on facebook until we are safely home.
As the judge was reading her verdict, I lost it and began to cry tears of joy immediately after I heard the judge say (via our translator), “I grant your petition…” I didn’t even pay attention to the rest! Good thing Derek kept his wits about him. He informed me as we left the courtroom that we are able to pick up our children as early as the 21st—Celia’s first birthday! Hooray! If all goes according to plan—which our agency representatives here in Russia believe that its should—we will be able to have all paperwork ready by the evening of the 21st, pick each of them up from their baby home on the 22nd (the day brother and sister will meet for the very first time!), and make it home by the evening of the 31st! We should begin the new year with our babies safely home!
Thank you all for your prayers and well-wishes. I feel I’m getting greedy, but if you think of it, pray for our travels home. Currently St. Petersburg is getting a lot—and I mean A LOT—of snow, and flights at our first layover destination have been canceled and postponed for the last day or so… There is so much yet to do at home and I am anxiously hoping and praying to make it back to get things accomplished this weekend.
LOVE YOU ALL!!!
WHAT AN AMAZING DAY!!!
Without further ado—and because it’s been a very long and very emotional day, and we have a flight to catch early tomorrow morning as long as the snow doesn’t get in the way—I’m going to cut this post short and introduce the world to our two little blessings.
Introducing the strong-willed and completely lovable Bennett Alim:
…and introducing the very popular and totally smooch-able Celia Rose:
PLEASE NOTE: I do not plan on posting photos of our babies on facebook until we are safely home.
As the judge was reading her verdict, I lost it and began to cry tears of joy immediately after I heard the judge say (via our translator), “I grant your petition…” I didn’t even pay attention to the rest! Good thing Derek kept his wits about him. He informed me as we left the courtroom that we are able to pick up our children as early as the 21st—Celia’s first birthday! Hooray! If all goes according to plan—which our agency representatives here in Russia believe that its should—we will be able to have all paperwork ready by the evening of the 21st, pick each of them up from their baby home on the 22nd (the day brother and sister will meet for the very first time!), and make it home by the evening of the 31st! We should begin the new year with our babies safely home!
Thank you all for your prayers and well-wishes. I feel I’m getting greedy, but if you think of it, pray for our travels home. Currently St. Petersburg is getting a lot—and I mean A LOT—of snow, and flights at our first layover destination have been canceled and postponed for the last day or so… There is so much yet to do at home and I am anxiously hoping and praying to make it back to get things accomplished this weekend.
LOVE YOU ALL!!!
WHAT AN AMAZING DAY!!!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Blessed Reunions
It’s so good to be back with B and C! We’ve missed them so much over the last month and a half, so our reunions were nothing less than fabulous!
I woke up this morning not feeling well. Not well at all. Derek was worried I wasn’t going to make it to the baby homes, however it would have to take one heck of a bug to keep me away! We had the wonderful and FREE! breakfast buffet to give us the fuel for our face-paced day. (Since we are unlike most adoptive families in that we are adopting two at once—and not only that, but two in two different locations—our days are usually jam-packed.) Then we were on our way to see our babies!
I got so nervous on the way to see C. I was practicing my Russian—“NEE BOISS-ya” (don’t be afraid) “fsyoh ha-ra-SHOH” (everything is okay)—in preparation for what may have been to come. All bundled up, we walked in through the baby home’s gate and up the path to the main door. We noticed an evergreen decorated with ornaments and twinkle lights near the snow-covered playsets out front. As our driver manually entered the code allowing us to enter the baby home, I felt my heart begin to beat faster. We set down our bags, put on our flimsy blue plastic booties and took off our coats. Was I sweating because I was so anxious, or because it was 80 degrees inside? Probably both. We walked the three flights of stairs to her group’s playroom, where we waited for our C…
Once the caregivers saw us, their voices went up an octave and I could make out “Oh! N____!” (her current name) “Mama!” and “Papa!” as they were hurrying back to get our baby. And then they brought her. My first thought? There’s my beautiful baby girl! I’ve missed her so much! My second thought? She’s grown so much! Her face has matured in just the few weeks since we’ve last seen her. Her outfit was familiar to us. It was one she wore as a dress during our visit in October, which now looked more like a long sweater. It was so good to have her back in my arms. Indescribable, really. I’m not completely sure if she remembered us, but she warmed up to us so quickly that I think she might. One of her favorite “toys” is still the black camera lens cap. She put just about everything in her mouth—which has at least three more teeth since we last saw her!—except the teething toy we bought her. So much for good intentions! There was another couple in our room for several minutes with the boy they plan to adopt with the help of our AMAZING agency. I was chatting with them, getting to know them, when I felt something being moved about on my hand. C kept trying to hand me her stacking cups to get my attention so that I was focused 100% on her. What a princess! I was happy to oblige of course!
Then we were off to see B! A short 20 minute drive later and we were at his baby home. We couldn’t go in through the door we usually use, which takes us to practically directly to his group’s room due to renovations. Our driver took us in through the main door, so we stopped in to see the baby home director and pediatrician. She called to have B’s caregivers get him ready and bring him down to us. While we waited, she educated us a little on what the judge has been asking adoptive families in court. “What makes you qualified to be parents to two children?” (being a teacher would help me there, hopefully saying that I teach a weekly class to two-year-olds will be something…) “How have you interacted with them?” (I think the baby home directors will have good things to testify for us on that one) “Will you discipline your children?” “What are you plans regarding work and taking care of the children?” “Are you financially able take care of two children?” etc…
The doctor also informed us that after our first visit with B every one of his immediate caregivers and his physical therapists said that our visits with him made a very positive impact on him. He has thrived so much more since our encounter that short week. Due to the one-on-one attention we were able to give him, he has become more outgoing and confident and has been more interested in trying more “excelled” tasks. Yay! That is such great news for a Mommy to hear!
And then the door opened…
Quite frankly, I was expecting tears. What we got was a timid (I wouldn’t even use the word scared) little boy. Our B! He had a haircut since we last saw him, though his beautiful, shiny black hair was as thick as ever—just like his Papa! He took his stacking cups from our bag in one hand and Papa’s hand in the other and we headed off to the playroom. He wasn’t as rambunctious as he was when we left him more than a month ago, but we did get to see an equally wonderful side to him—his cuddly side. B just leaned up against Papa or lay on Papa’s stomach for most of the time, his cute little hands so close to Derek’s face. B did much on some Gerber puffs (big surprise!) and even played his “Give one to Mama!/Give one to Papa!” game. Gosh, I love that boy! What produced the biggest smiles was when I tickled his belly or gave his belly loud kisses. He loved that and I, in turn, loved making him happy like that.
After our morning meetings with our children, we visited St. Isaac’s Cathedral, the third largest domed cathedral in the world. It was a beautiful house of God with breathtaking mosaics, painting, columns and more.
For lunch we went to a great place we had visited on our first trip, though this time we were joined with the other couple (on their own first trip) and our driver/translator’s wife, who we had the pleasure of working with during the last two days of our first trip while her husband had to take a quick trip to Moscow. It was just a great group of people! After lunch (and our driver being pulled over by the Russian police for a traffic violation! Eek!), we were able to make one visit each to see our babies again. I can’t get enough of those kiddos!
We got back to the hotel around 6:30, stopped to chat with the couple who are on their first trip who incidentally are staying at the same hotel, and Skyped my parents to fill them in on the day’s events (who will then fill in Derek’s parents, since they don’t have access to Skype this week). After that we braved the cold and walked to one of our favorite Russian eateries, Stolle, where we had our “usual,” meat pies and tea. Mmmm…
Tomorrow it will be more of the same and I can’t wait. At some point tomorrow, we will meet with another of our agency’s employees to prepare for court. The woman who will educate us on what’s to come was actually the one who began the agency more than 20 years ago with the help of the main director who lives and works in the Sates. We’re definitely in good hands. The best, in our opinion, when it comes to adoption agencies. But… I’m still nervous. I wonder what would happen if EVERYONE had to go before a judge and prosecutor before becoming parents…
Love you all! For those who requested, no, demanded that I blog each day while we’re gone, I hope you approve!
I woke up this morning not feeling well. Not well at all. Derek was worried I wasn’t going to make it to the baby homes, however it would have to take one heck of a bug to keep me away! We had the wonderful and FREE! breakfast buffet to give us the fuel for our face-paced day. (Since we are unlike most adoptive families in that we are adopting two at once—and not only that, but two in two different locations—our days are usually jam-packed.) Then we were on our way to see our babies!
I got so nervous on the way to see C. I was practicing my Russian—“NEE BOISS-ya” (don’t be afraid) “fsyoh ha-ra-SHOH” (everything is okay)—in preparation for what may have been to come. All bundled up, we walked in through the baby home’s gate and up the path to the main door. We noticed an evergreen decorated with ornaments and twinkle lights near the snow-covered playsets out front. As our driver manually entered the code allowing us to enter the baby home, I felt my heart begin to beat faster. We set down our bags, put on our flimsy blue plastic booties and took off our coats. Was I sweating because I was so anxious, or because it was 80 degrees inside? Probably both. We walked the three flights of stairs to her group’s playroom, where we waited for our C…
Once the caregivers saw us, their voices went up an octave and I could make out “Oh! N____!” (her current name) “Mama!” and “Papa!” as they were hurrying back to get our baby. And then they brought her. My first thought? There’s my beautiful baby girl! I’ve missed her so much! My second thought? She’s grown so much! Her face has matured in just the few weeks since we’ve last seen her. Her outfit was familiar to us. It was one she wore as a dress during our visit in October, which now looked more like a long sweater. It was so good to have her back in my arms. Indescribable, really. I’m not completely sure if she remembered us, but she warmed up to us so quickly that I think she might. One of her favorite “toys” is still the black camera lens cap. She put just about everything in her mouth—which has at least three more teeth since we last saw her!—except the teething toy we bought her. So much for good intentions! There was another couple in our room for several minutes with the boy they plan to adopt with the help of our AMAZING agency. I was chatting with them, getting to know them, when I felt something being moved about on my hand. C kept trying to hand me her stacking cups to get my attention so that I was focused 100% on her. What a princess! I was happy to oblige of course!
Then we were off to see B! A short 20 minute drive later and we were at his baby home. We couldn’t go in through the door we usually use, which takes us to practically directly to his group’s room due to renovations. Our driver took us in through the main door, so we stopped in to see the baby home director and pediatrician. She called to have B’s caregivers get him ready and bring him down to us. While we waited, she educated us a little on what the judge has been asking adoptive families in court. “What makes you qualified to be parents to two children?” (being a teacher would help me there, hopefully saying that I teach a weekly class to two-year-olds will be something…) “How have you interacted with them?” (I think the baby home directors will have good things to testify for us on that one) “Will you discipline your children?” “What are you plans regarding work and taking care of the children?” “Are you financially able take care of two children?” etc…
The doctor also informed us that after our first visit with B every one of his immediate caregivers and his physical therapists said that our visits with him made a very positive impact on him. He has thrived so much more since our encounter that short week. Due to the one-on-one attention we were able to give him, he has become more outgoing and confident and has been more interested in trying more “excelled” tasks. Yay! That is such great news for a Mommy to hear!
And then the door opened…
Quite frankly, I was expecting tears. What we got was a timid (I wouldn’t even use the word scared) little boy. Our B! He had a haircut since we last saw him, though his beautiful, shiny black hair was as thick as ever—just like his Papa! He took his stacking cups from our bag in one hand and Papa’s hand in the other and we headed off to the playroom. He wasn’t as rambunctious as he was when we left him more than a month ago, but we did get to see an equally wonderful side to him—his cuddly side. B just leaned up against Papa or lay on Papa’s stomach for most of the time, his cute little hands so close to Derek’s face. B did much on some Gerber puffs (big surprise!) and even played his “Give one to Mama!/Give one to Papa!” game. Gosh, I love that boy! What produced the biggest smiles was when I tickled his belly or gave his belly loud kisses. He loved that and I, in turn, loved making him happy like that.
After our morning meetings with our children, we visited St. Isaac’s Cathedral, the third largest domed cathedral in the world. It was a beautiful house of God with breathtaking mosaics, painting, columns and more.
That's Derek and our translator in the foreground.
We got back to the hotel around 6:30, stopped to chat with the couple who are on their first trip who incidentally are staying at the same hotel, and Skyped my parents to fill them in on the day’s events (who will then fill in Derek’s parents, since they don’t have access to Skype this week). After that we braved the cold and walked to one of our favorite Russian eateries, Stolle, where we had our “usual,” meat pies and tea. Mmmm…
Tomorrow it will be more of the same and I can’t wait. At some point tomorrow, we will meet with another of our agency’s employees to prepare for court. The woman who will educate us on what’s to come was actually the one who began the agency more than 20 years ago with the help of the main director who lives and works in the Sates. We’re definitely in good hands. The best, in our opinion, when it comes to adoption agencies. But… I’m still nervous. I wonder what would happen if EVERYONE had to go before a judge and prosecutor before becoming parents…
Love you all! For those who requested, no, demanded that I blog each day while we’re gone, I hope you approve!
Monday, December 6, 2010
Back in the Homeland
We made it! This trip seemed much more difficult for whatever reason. I'm completely spent from hours upon hours of flying and layovers. I'm hoping the headache I've had for the last several hours (or has it been a day...?) goes away before tomorrow morning. Nevertheless, nothing is going to stop me from showing my excitement to see our kiddos tomorrow!
Our driver/translator was waiting for us just outside of the St. Petersburg airport's customs area with a huge hug and a "So glad to have you back!" We just love him. He hustled us outside into the bitter cold Russian air and into his compact car. He drives just aswild well in a foot of snow as he did back in October.
St. Petersburg is absolutely beautiful during this time of year! I'm afraid I'm too tired and out of it to do the city justice in my description at the moment, but believe me—it's magical. Of course, the fact that B and C currently live here add to the "magic!" What we Americans would consider Christmas decorations are up: decorated pine trees, tall fake trees waiting for the finishing touches before being lit, icicle lights twinkling on the sides of buildings. However, all of this is done in celebration of the "New Year," according to our driver. I can’t wait to better appreciate it when I’m more awake!
Our driver will pick us up just after 9:00 a.m. tomorrow to take us to see our babies (first one, then the other). It would be fantastic if they remember us, but even if they don’t it will be such a blessed reunion! Possible happy or frightened tears and all!
Good night friends! (Or, good afternoon to you in the states!)
Our driver/translator was waiting for us just outside of the St. Petersburg airport's customs area with a huge hug and a "So glad to have you back!" We just love him. He hustled us outside into the bitter cold Russian air and into his compact car. He drives just as
St. Petersburg is absolutely beautiful during this time of year! I'm afraid I'm too tired and out of it to do the city justice in my description at the moment, but believe me—it's magical. Of course, the fact that B and C currently live here add to the "magic!" What we Americans would consider Christmas decorations are up: decorated pine trees, tall fake trees waiting for the finishing touches before being lit, icicle lights twinkling on the sides of buildings. However, all of this is done in celebration of the "New Year," according to our driver. I can’t wait to better appreciate it when I’m more awake!
Our driver will pick us up just after 9:00 a.m. tomorrow to take us to see our babies (first one, then the other). It would be fantastic if they remember us, but even if they don’t it will be such a blessed reunion! Possible happy or frightened tears and all!
Good night friends! (Or, good afternoon to you in the states!)
Saturday, December 4, 2010
All My Bags Are Packed, I'm Ready To Go
We're finally packed! Just a few more days until we go before a judge who will officially decide if we can be parents to B and C. Eeeek! I am so nervous can't wait!
Since this is our shortest trip, we're trying to make the most out of our luggage space. For only three full days in Russia, we don't have to pack too much clothing, and I've always been a very practical packer anyways. So, with the extra space in the two large suitcases we are allowed to bring this trip, we've packed some items that we'll need for our third trip and are allowed to leave with our translator. We have practically any over-the-counter child medication (suggested by our pediatrician) one can think of packed away. We have a few small Christmas presents. We have one snowsuit. (Try finding a decent snowsuit in a store in Tennessee. I dare you! Oh Chicago... how I miss you sometimes.) We also have two bags of infant clothing items to donate to the baby homes. Oh! And how could I forget all the gifts for the caregivers? (Remember, B and C have never met and are currently in two different baby homes, so we're bringing double.) They're small items really, but it all adds up. So, needless to say, we're stuffed to the gills right now. But better now than when we have to pack for four people for about ten days in bitter cold Russia!
My mind has been going 90 miles an hour for the last few weeks, so I haven't really had a chance to sit and truly enjoy the anticipation leading up to seeing our babies again. I think I'm finally getting there...
Since this is our shortest trip, we're trying to make the most out of our luggage space. For only three full days in Russia, we don't have to pack too much clothing, and I've always been a very practical packer anyways. So, with the extra space in the two large suitcases we are allowed to bring this trip, we've packed some items that we'll need for our third trip and are allowed to leave with our translator. We have practically any over-the-counter child medication (suggested by our pediatrician) one can think of packed away. We have a few small Christmas presents. We have one snowsuit. (Try finding a decent snowsuit in a store in Tennessee. I dare you! Oh Chicago... how I miss you sometimes.) We also have two bags of infant clothing items to donate to the baby homes. Oh! And how could I forget all the gifts for the caregivers? (Remember, B and C have never met and are currently in two different baby homes, so we're bringing double.) They're small items really, but it all adds up. So, needless to say, we're stuffed to the gills right now. But better now than when we have to pack for four people for about ten days in bitter cold Russia!
My mind has been going 90 miles an hour for the last few weeks, so I haven't really had a chance to sit and truly enjoy the anticipation leading up to seeing our babies again. I think I'm finally getting there...
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Thank you!
I wrote a blog while waiting for one of our flights today. I'll post it below, but when Derek and I came home (just a short while ago) and saw what was awaiting us, I knew I needed to post something a bit more important.
We are two of the most blessed people to have such amazing friends and family. Derek and I are planning a yard sale for this coming weekend to raise some funds that will help us complete our adoption of B and C. When we opened our garage door and saw all of the donated items already present, I was just so overwhelmed with emotion and complete gratitude. For people to go ahead and get things started while we were meeting our children... I just can't even explain how meaningful that is... We are so unworthy of all that God is blessing us with through each of you (I don't even know who all donated things yet!) and through our perfect angels in Russia. I will be eternally grateful. I wish there was a better way to express my thankfulness to each of you... When we came into our house, there was a basket of muffins for tomorrow morning and dinner in the fridge. Derek said he even thought someone planted flowers into one of our long-forgotten flower pots outside! Thank you all. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
And now to what I was originally going to post:
Well, we’re back in Tennessee. While it’s great to be on US soil, I feel like a part of me is still in Russia. Of course I mean the kiddos, but I also mean St. Petersburg itself. It’s hard to describe, but I feel like that city is another “home.” It is now part of our family’s heritage and feels as such just as much as Chicago, my hometown. I love the people, the history, the food, the rich culture,the climate, and so much more. It is definitely a place that we will return to as a family years down the line.
Our trans-Atlantic flight had television monitors that displayed flight information such as outside temperature (-77—yikes!), speed and miles yet to go. With each passing mile, I felt the threads from my heart—which have been created and tied to our children—pulled tighter and tighter and the separation grow harder and harder.
But there is so much to do to prepare for their arrival, so keeping busy will be good. For the last few months, Derek has been great and researched several adoption grant possibilities for some financial assistance. Now that the adoption process is practically set in stone, we will apply and see what happens. We are also planning a yard sale for this Friday and Saturday, which—thanks to amazing friends—will feature A LOT of items. Please pray that buyers show up! Derek wrote a heartfelt letter, in which we asked if anyone was willing to donate some items. So many of you have offered to do so! I am so overwhelmed with gratefulness for everyone’s loving and giving heart. A few have suggested that I post the letter on the blog. I will do so in a post tomorrow. Our address is listed there (at least until I am able to make this blog public) for those of you who can make it!
In addition to the logistical stuff, there is fun stuff to be done as well! Their room is painted, but we still have to furnish and decorate it. It will be so fun doing that now, since we know their personalities. Oh, and clothes! I can’t wait to pick out cute outfits! Derek’s already said it’s going to be hard not to buy things for them every time we go into a store. Oy! Envelopes, Derek. Envelopes!
Well, I’m beat! (I feel I’ve ended nearly every post this way. Sorry about that.) We had to wake up at 2:15 a.m. St. Petersburg time (5:15 p.m. central time) after just three hours of sleep for our 6:30 a.m. flight. Interesting reason why we had to get up so early actually: Our hotel was on a small island between two of St. Petes’ rivers. The only way on and off the island are via bridges that are drawn up during the night to let the barges go through. I believe they go up at 2 a.m. and are brought down at 5 a.m. For those that need to get on or off the island between those times, there is a short 15 minute window starting at 3:00 a.m. during which the bridges are down. Our driver for that day lives east of the island. Once the bridges were brought down during this short gap if time, he raced onto the island, picked us up at our hotel on the west side of the island (which is about 5 miles east to west and 2 miles north to south), and made it just in time to cross the main bridge on the south side. Whew!
So, 22 hours of travel later, we've been up for 29 hours and are physically and emotionally exhausted. I'm going to bed one thankful friend and longing mommy.
We are two of the most blessed people to have such amazing friends and family. Derek and I are planning a yard sale for this coming weekend to raise some funds that will help us complete our adoption of B and C. When we opened our garage door and saw all of the donated items already present, I was just so overwhelmed with emotion and complete gratitude. For people to go ahead and get things started while we were meeting our children... I just can't even explain how meaningful that is... We are so unworthy of all that God is blessing us with through each of you (I don't even know who all donated things yet!) and through our perfect angels in Russia. I will be eternally grateful. I wish there was a better way to express my thankfulness to each of you... When we came into our house, there was a basket of muffins for tomorrow morning and dinner in the fridge. Derek said he even thought someone planted flowers into one of our long-forgotten flower pots outside! Thank you all. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
And now to what I was originally going to post:
Well, we’re back in Tennessee. While it’s great to be on US soil, I feel like a part of me is still in Russia. Of course I mean the kiddos, but I also mean St. Petersburg itself. It’s hard to describe, but I feel like that city is another “home.” It is now part of our family’s heritage and feels as such just as much as Chicago, my hometown. I love the people, the history, the food, the rich culture,
Our trans-Atlantic flight had television monitors that displayed flight information such as outside temperature (-77—yikes!), speed and miles yet to go. With each passing mile, I felt the threads from my heart—which have been created and tied to our children—pulled tighter and tighter and the separation grow harder and harder.
But there is so much to do to prepare for their arrival, so keeping busy will be good. For the last few months, Derek has been great and researched several adoption grant possibilities for some financial assistance. Now that the adoption process is practically set in stone, we will apply and see what happens. We are also planning a yard sale for this Friday and Saturday, which—thanks to amazing friends—will feature A LOT of items. Please pray that buyers show up! Derek wrote a heartfelt letter, in which we asked if anyone was willing to donate some items. So many of you have offered to do so! I am so overwhelmed with gratefulness for everyone’s loving and giving heart. A few have suggested that I post the letter on the blog. I will do so in a post tomorrow. Our address is listed there (at least until I am able to make this blog public) for those of you who can make it!
In addition to the logistical stuff, there is fun stuff to be done as well! Their room is painted, but we still have to furnish and decorate it. It will be so fun doing that now, since we know their personalities. Oh, and clothes! I can’t wait to pick out cute outfits! Derek’s already said it’s going to be hard not to buy things for them every time we go into a store. Oy! Envelopes, Derek. Envelopes!
Well, I’m beat! (I feel I’ve ended nearly every post this way. Sorry about that.) We had to wake up at 2:15 a.m. St. Petersburg time (5:15 p.m. central time) after just three hours of sleep for our 6:30 a.m. flight. Interesting reason why we had to get up so early actually: Our hotel was on a small island between two of St. Petes’ rivers. The only way on and off the island are via bridges that are drawn up during the night to let the barges go through. I believe they go up at 2 a.m. and are brought down at 5 a.m. For those that need to get on or off the island between those times, there is a short 15 minute window starting at 3:00 a.m. during which the bridges are down. Our driver for that day lives east of the island. Once the bridges were brought down during this short gap if time, he raced onto the island, picked us up at our hotel on the west side of the island (which is about 5 miles east to west and 2 miles north to south), and made it just in time to cross the main bridge on the south side. Whew!
So, 22 hours of travel later, we've been up for 29 hours and are physically and emotionally exhausted. I'm going to bed one thankful friend and longing mommy.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Checked In!
After three plane flights and 1.5 hours of sleep, WE ARE HERE! Despite being absolutely exhausted when we touched ground in St. Petersburg, I had butterflies in my stomach thinking that we are in the same city as our kiddos! However, I still don't think the magnitude of what is about to happen over this next week has sunk in. Maybe after a few more hours of sleep. Maybe tomorrow morning when we go to the Ministry of Education and officially receive our referrals. Maybe on the way to the baby home(s). Maybe we when get to hold them!! :-)
Our room here in St. Petersburg is amazing. Our driver (and possibly translator too?) requested a corner room for us, so we have a marvelous view! Check it out:
We meet our in-country coorinator in about a half an hour. She'll meet us in our room and go over what to expect this week, particularly tomorrow. After that, we may walk down the street (with our coats, it's chilly and rainy here!) to a place our driver recommended for dinner. Known for it's "pies," he said, which I'm guessing are not for dessert.
We don't have Internet in our room, so we are accessing it in the hotel lobby. We hope to have the chance to update you guys as much as we can! We love you all and are SO thankful you are all on this journey with us!
Our room here in St. Petersburg is amazing. Our driver (and possibly translator too?) requested a corner room for us, so we have a marvelous view! Check it out:
(Okay, I don't think the video works. I think it's too big... We'll try to figure something out later. But take our word for it, it is beautiful here! Even with the rain)
We meet our in-country coorinator in about a half an hour. She'll meet us in our room and go over what to expect this week, particularly tomorrow. After that, we may walk down the street (with our coats, it's chilly and rainy here!) to a place our driver recommended for dinner. Known for it's "pies," he said, which I'm guessing are not for dessert.
We don't have Internet in our room, so we are accessing it in the hotel lobby. We hope to have the chance to update you guys as much as we can! We love you all and are SO thankful you are all on this journey with us!
Leaving On a Jet Plane
We are in St. Petersburg! Below is a video taken at the beginning of our journey today. Or... yesterday, I guess.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
A Week From Today
A week from today, we will be in St. Petersburg! We will be in the same city as our kiddos! We will be breathing the same air! We will be (I'm guessing here) a short 30 minute drive away from either of them! Oh my goodness!
Our plane will land around 3 p.m. St.Petersburg time, which is about 6 a.m. Central Time. So by the time most of you are out of bed next Sunday, we'll be on our way to our hotel! We'll spend the first day adjusting to the time difference. We'll be greeted at the airport by our driver, who will be with us the rest of the week. He'll most likely take us to a store and help us pick out some snacks and bottled water for us to keep at the hotel. (Still not being 100 percent familiar with the Russian alphabet, who knows what we would pick up if we were on our own!) We have been advised NOT to drink the water in Russia. After we get settled into our hotel, our in-country coordinator will come to visit us and brief us on our wonderful and exciting week to come.
Most likely, we will go to the Ministry of Education (a governmental body in Russia) first thing on Monday morning and will OFFICIALLY receive our referrals. From there, we will be off with our driver and translator to the baby homes to meet the kiddos!
We still need to finish packing!!!
Our plane will land around 3 p.m. St.Petersburg time, which is about 6 a.m. Central Time. So by the time most of you are out of bed next Sunday, we'll be on our way to our hotel! We'll spend the first day adjusting to the time difference. We'll be greeted at the airport by our driver, who will be with us the rest of the week. He'll most likely take us to a store and help us pick out some snacks and bottled water for us to keep at the hotel. (Still not being 100 percent familiar with the Russian alphabet, who knows what we would pick up if we were on our own!) We have been advised NOT to drink the water in Russia. After we get settled into our hotel, our in-country coordinator will come to visit us and brief us on our wonderful and exciting week to come.
Most likely, we will go to the Ministry of Education (a governmental body in Russia) first thing on Monday morning and will OFFICIALLY receive our referrals. From there, we will be off with our driver and translator to the baby homes to meet the kiddos!
We still need to finish packing!!!
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