God is so good and faithful! Yes, Derek is still sick and slept about half the night on the bathroom floor, but God has given him strength when he needed to take care of something with the children. He gave me strength to balance taking care of my husband and my two new kiddos. He's also calmed B and C when we need it most. We could have changed our plane tickets to fly in a day earlier(today), but thank God we didn't! We are so thankful that His hand has been in our adoption the entire way through!
Derek says he's feeling a bit better. He still has pains just below his rib cage, but he brushed them off today as simply hunger pains, as he hasn't eaten in quite some time. He hasn't vomitted since the middle of the night (it's 10 a.m. here). We're hopefully optimistic that his health continues to improve and that Bennett, Celia and my health stays stable.
Unfortunately, I think we may be the only family to have adopted from Russia who never sees Red Square. Supposedly, it's only thre blocks away. But that's just a little too much for Derek at the moment, considering the bitter cold, the continuous snow and all the effort and time it takes to bundle the four of us up before going out. Oh well. We'll have to come back.
The airports in Moscow haven't had the best track recod in the last several days. One (of the five) lost all power and all flights were canceled for at least a day, due to a terrible ice storm that hit the night before we came in. Since then, the airports have faced more cancelations and many delays. We know of two couples who thought they would beable to leave yesterday that are still here. He pray that we are able to make all of our flights!
I can't wait to be home!
Showing posts with label God's Plan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God's Plan. Show all posts
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
"Indescribable"
It’s “Gotcha Day!”
We began by stopping off at a Russian supermarket to buy diapers, wipes, food, juice and other items. My stomach was in knots as we made our way down the snowy roads to our baby girl’s orphanage.
As we walked up the slippery path to the main door, I paused, turned to my amazing husband and gave him a kiss. “Are you ready to be a mom?” he asked? “Yes,” I replied without even thinking about it. “Are you ready to be a dad?” “Absolutely.”
When we got up to the third floor and saw our baby girl everything seemed to happen so fast. The caregivers, who were teary-eyed at her leaving already, had dressed C in a beautiful burgundy dress with a huge white bow. It means so much to us that they care for her as much as they do.
I quickly changed C into her outfit, which we brought from home. Derek went back to her group’s room and snapped pictures so that down the road she can see where she spent the first year of her life. We left out gifts with the caregivers and they gave us some last pieces of advice: “She loves bread,” “She’s used to being spoiled,” “She’s a very smart girl,” and well wishes: “We wish you a full and happy life,” “take good care of her!” As we were heading out, the caregivers stopped us and gave us a chocolate bar and wished us “Happy New Year.” We bundled here up and we were off to get her brother!
Celia fell asleep on the car ride to B’s home.
The three of us (plus our driver/translator—have I mentioned how AWESOME he is?!) got out of the car and trekked through the snow to B’s orphanage. We stopped at the director’s office and she suggested that C not g up to B’s group because she might get sick. Derek stayed in Dr. G’s office (the baby home directors are also pediatricians) with C while I went up to get B. After he was changed into the clothes we brought him—and I was chided for not dressing him in tights—our translator took some pictures of his group’s room, we handed out gifts and said our goodbyes and we went to join the rest of the family!
Our driver opened the door to Dr. G’s office and in B and I went. I swear, C’s face lit up the second we walked through. Bennett and Celia… Alim and Nargiza… brother and sister were united at last! Celia was simply enamored with her biological brother—which truly touched my heart, because I was always so enamored with my late brother, Trevor. Bennett on the other hand must have been thinking, “Who are you and why is my Papa holding you?” Ah! I can’t wait to see how their relationship blossoms. There is something truly special about a brother/sister bond—especially one with a backstory like this one.
Before we left, Dr. G insisted we feed them a small lunch. Celia was all about it. Bennett was nervous and it took him a few minutes to come around. Soon enough we were off to head back to our hotel! The drive took a bit longer than expected due to traffic and both of our kiddos got a 45 minute nap.
When we got “home” to our hotel, we played and played and played. Bennett was into EVERTHING! We will DEFINITELY have our hands full with this two-year-old boy! We took several walks around our hotel floor and looked out windows. It still amazes me that they are seeing SO much for the first time. First boat, first line of traffic, first view of the world from 6-flights up… Bennett was looking at his photo book and saw a picture of me, pointed, and said “Mama.” He then flipped to the picture of Derek and said, “Papa.” Papa and I both teared up. B was so quiet at every visit up until this point. Now he just talks and talks! I guess his caregiver was right, aybe he was just saving all of his gab for us!
We were able to get onto Skype and talk to all the grandparents at one time. (They all met at a McDonald’s while Derek’s mom was on a work break.) There were tears all around.
After the call, we fed them dinner (I sure hope we’re feeding them enough. For an inexperienced parent, it’s hard to tell). In a word, it was MESSY! We’re still trying to figure out the best way to get them to drink. They are used to drinking out of small tea cups. Hopefully either they’ll catch on to the sippy cup or we’ll learn how to help them pour the drink into their mouths. Then it was bath time. B LOVED his bath and could have played in there for hours! C… not so much. The poor thing cried and cried. We made it through though!
After a short visit from our in-country coordinator, we got ready for bed. Derek read them part of a “Soviet” folk tale as we rocked each of our adorable and cuddly little ones. Then I popped in the “Praise Baby Lullaby” Baby Einstein DVD that a dear friend gave us. B was entranced! C enjoyed it as well. The first song that played was “Indescribable.” Listening to the words, rocking with OUR babies in our arms at last, brought tears to Derek and my eyes. I don’t think we’ll be able to hear that song again without thinking of the indescribable miracle God granted us. God loved B and C so much that he had their parents fly more than half-way across the world (three times!) just to get them. And God loves us so much that he brought us all together in the most PERFECT way.
And then, we put them to bed.
Dear friends, I say goodnight to you as a mother who feels blessed infinitely more than I deserve. I have two beautiful, smart and lovable miracles to call my own. I truly don't feel like I know what I'm doing, but--for the first time in a long time--I like that feeling. God has had his hands in this for years and years. He's got us this far, and I can't wait to see where he takes us now! We are all in the best of hands! I'm SO GRATEFUL!
We began by stopping off at a Russian supermarket to buy diapers, wipes, food, juice and other items. My stomach was in knots as we made our way down the snowy roads to our baby girl’s orphanage.
As we walked up the slippery path to the main door, I paused, turned to my amazing husband and gave him a kiss. “Are you ready to be a mom?” he asked? “Yes,” I replied without even thinking about it. “Are you ready to be a dad?” “Absolutely.”
When we got up to the third floor and saw our baby girl everything seemed to happen so fast. The caregivers, who were teary-eyed at her leaving already, had dressed C in a beautiful burgundy dress with a huge white bow. It means so much to us that they care for her as much as they do.
I quickly changed C into her outfit, which we brought from home. Derek went back to her group’s room and snapped pictures so that down the road she can see where she spent the first year of her life. We left out gifts with the caregivers and they gave us some last pieces of advice: “She loves bread,” “She’s used to being spoiled,” “She’s a very smart girl,” and well wishes: “We wish you a full and happy life,” “take good care of her!” As we were heading out, the caregivers stopped us and gave us a chocolate bar and wished us “Happy New Year.” We bundled here up and we were off to get her brother!
Celia fell asleep on the car ride to B’s home.
The three of us (plus our driver/translator—have I mentioned how AWESOME he is?!) got out of the car and trekked through the snow to B’s orphanage. We stopped at the director’s office and she suggested that C not g up to B’s group because she might get sick. Derek stayed in Dr. G’s office (the baby home directors are also pediatricians) with C while I went up to get B. After he was changed into the clothes we brought him—and I was chided for not dressing him in tights—our translator took some pictures of his group’s room, we handed out gifts and said our goodbyes and we went to join the rest of the family!
Our driver opened the door to Dr. G’s office and in B and I went. I swear, C’s face lit up the second we walked through. Bennett and Celia… Alim and Nargiza… brother and sister were united at last! Celia was simply enamored with her biological brother—which truly touched my heart, because I was always so enamored with my late brother, Trevor. Bennett on the other hand must have been thinking, “Who are you and why is my Papa holding you?” Ah! I can’t wait to see how their relationship blossoms. There is something truly special about a brother/sister bond—especially one with a backstory like this one.
Before we left, Dr. G insisted we feed them a small lunch. Celia was all about it. Bennett was nervous and it took him a few minutes to come around. Soon enough we were off to head back to our hotel! The drive took a bit longer than expected due to traffic and both of our kiddos got a 45 minute nap.
When we got “home” to our hotel, we played and played and played. Bennett was into EVERTHING! We will DEFINITELY have our hands full with this two-year-old boy! We took several walks around our hotel floor and looked out windows. It still amazes me that they are seeing SO much for the first time. First boat, first line of traffic, first view of the world from 6-flights up… Bennett was looking at his photo book and saw a picture of me, pointed, and said “Mama.” He then flipped to the picture of Derek and said, “Papa.” Papa and I both teared up. B was so quiet at every visit up until this point. Now he just talks and talks! I guess his caregiver was right, aybe he was just saving all of his gab for us!
We were able to get onto Skype and talk to all the grandparents at one time. (They all met at a McDonald’s while Derek’s mom was on a work break.) There were tears all around.
After the call, we fed them dinner (I sure hope we’re feeding them enough. For an inexperienced parent, it’s hard to tell). In a word, it was MESSY! We’re still trying to figure out the best way to get them to drink. They are used to drinking out of small tea cups. Hopefully either they’ll catch on to the sippy cup or we’ll learn how to help them pour the drink into their mouths. Then it was bath time. B LOVED his bath and could have played in there for hours! C… not so much. The poor thing cried and cried. We made it through though!
After a short visit from our in-country coordinator, we got ready for bed. Derek read them part of a “Soviet” folk tale as we rocked each of our adorable and cuddly little ones. Then I popped in the “Praise Baby Lullaby” Baby Einstein DVD that a dear friend gave us. B was entranced! C enjoyed it as well. The first song that played was “Indescribable.” Listening to the words, rocking with OUR babies in our arms at last, brought tears to Derek and my eyes. I don’t think we’ll be able to hear that song again without thinking of the indescribable miracle God granted us. God loved B and C so much that he had their parents fly more than half-way across the world (three times!) just to get them. And God loves us so much that he brought us all together in the most PERFECT way.
And then, we put them to bed.
Dear friends, I say goodnight to you as a mother who feels blessed infinitely more than I deserve. I have two beautiful, smart and lovable miracles to call my own. I truly don't feel like I know what I'm doing, but--for the first time in a long time--I like that feeling. God has had his hands in this for years and years. He's got us this far, and I can't wait to see where he takes us now! We are all in the best of hands! I'm SO GRATEFUL!
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!!!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Less Than 24 Hours Until Court!
Quickly checking in before we head out for dinner...
Our court hearing tomorrow is at noon, or 3 a.m. central time. We have a wonderful woman who works for our agency representing us and translating for us. In addition to her, there will be the judge (female), a prosecutor, the two baby home directors and two social workers each representing one of our children. The social workers and baby home directors will be asked to testify regarding our petition to become B and C's mommy and daddy.
Please say a prayer that the hearing ends favorably and the judge agrees to God's plan of bringing our forever family together.
Our court hearing tomorrow is at noon, or 3 a.m. central time. We have a wonderful woman who works for our agency representing us and translating for us. In addition to her, there will be the judge (female), a prosecutor, the two baby home directors and two social workers each representing one of our children. The social workers and baby home directors will be asked to testify regarding our petition to become B and C's mommy and daddy.
Please say a prayer that the hearing ends favorably and the judge agrees to God's plan of bringing our forever family together.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Are You Ready?
The question of the hour has turned from "Have you heard anything yet?" to "So, are you ready?" To which I ask... Is anyone ever completely ready for parenthood?
I'm a planner by nature. A worrier too. It can be a toxic combination. Part of me keeps thinking about the books on motherhood and parenting a toddler I haven't finished reading...not to mention the stack of books on attachment, over-stimulation and parenting an internationally-adopted child. While their room is set up for the most part, it's not completely finished. There's still much to put away. I have yet to know how to properly install their car seats. We have no shoes for our little ones. I could go on and on.
But deep down...when I really let myself think about it... God's got it all in control. He had our path to parenthood in control when we felt helpless and lost. He had the financial aspect of adoption in control when it looked like the monetary mountain was insurmountable. He had the timeline in control when we worried we would be apart from our children on Christmas. He's got it all in his powerful, capable hands.
So parents... if you had one piece of advice or one thing to tell me that would help prepare me for parenthood, what would it be? Am I crazy for having fleeting moments during which I feel completely unprepared?
I'm a planner by nature. A worrier too. It can be a toxic combination. Part of me keeps thinking about the books on motherhood and parenting a toddler I haven't finished reading...not to mention the stack of books on attachment, over-stimulation and parenting an internationally-adopted child. While their room is set up for the most part, it's not completely finished. There's still much to put away. I have yet to know how to properly install their car seats. We have no shoes for our little ones. I could go on and on.
But deep down...when I really let myself think about it... God's got it all in control. He had our path to parenthood in control when we felt helpless and lost. He had the financial aspect of adoption in control when it looked like the monetary mountain was insurmountable. He had the timeline in control when we worried we would be apart from our children on Christmas. He's got it all in his powerful, capable hands.
So parents... if you had one piece of advice or one thing to tell me that would help prepare me for parenthood, what would it be? Am I crazy for having fleeting moments during which I feel completely unprepared?
Thursday, November 4, 2010
HAPPY BIRTHDAY B!
Happy birthday my sweet little man! I desperately wish I was with you today to help you realize just how special you are. However, I have faith that today—because of His infinite love (particularly for orphans) and the many that are praying for you here in the States—our Lord is doing a fine job of showing you just that. You are in great hands, B. The best. Nevertheless, I selfishly wish you could also be snuggled up in my arms.
Ahhh... I miss B. To celebrate his birthday, I had plans to make a large Russian family meal. A very unpleasant stomach virus may have spoiled those plans, but nothing could spoil our excitement over B's big day. Derek and I went out to eat (I still didn't do much eating...) with my parents, who had exciting news to share with us. World travelers that they are, they informed us that they found an "amazing vacation deal" which will take them on a cruise from St. Petersburg to Moscow this spring. How amazing is that?! They will get to see where their grandchildren spent the first part of their lives. I can't tell you what it means to me to see them so excited over the possibility of experiencing our family's heritage. Everything is just fitting together so perfectly. God has a way of doing that, doesn't he?
In addition to dinner, we stopped at Target to get the birthday boy his first birthday presents! Readers, shhh! Don't tell B what he's getting! ;-) We plan on having a birthday bash for each of our kiddos once their home, on their 1/2 birthdays. Perhaps at least one of these gifts will stay unopened for the big day!
Friends, thank you rejoicing over B's birthday with us. And thank you for understanding that, though today is a wonderful day to celebrate his birth, it's also difficult in that we can't be with him. Well... here's to many more birthdays (celebrated together) to come!
Ahhh... I miss B. To celebrate his birthday, I had plans to make a large Russian family meal. A very unpleasant stomach virus may have spoiled those plans, but nothing could spoil our excitement over B's big day. Derek and I went out to eat (I still didn't do much eating...) with my parents, who had exciting news to share with us. World travelers that they are, they informed us that they found an "amazing vacation deal" which will take them on a cruise from St. Petersburg to Moscow this spring. How amazing is that?! They will get to see where their grandchildren spent the first part of their lives. I can't tell you what it means to me to see them so excited over the possibility of experiencing our family's heritage. Everything is just fitting together so perfectly. God has a way of doing that, doesn't he?
Friends, thank you rejoicing over B's birthday with us. And thank you for understanding that, though today is a wonderful day to celebrate his birth, it's also difficult in that we can't be with him. Well... here's to many more birthdays (celebrated together) to come!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Back to "Normal"
Today was my first day back to work since our trip...and since becoming a Mommy. Someone asked me what it was like to be back to my "normal" life here in Tennessee. While it's what I've known for the past few years, there just is nothing "normal" about it. Not anymore.
Being apart from our children just doesn't feel right. Even though we spent only a few hours each day with them for just six days, being with them fells like how things should always be. It feels unnatural not to be with B and C. But, despite all that, I know we are following God's path and all of this is supposed to be happening. There's a reason we have been chosen to become a family through the unique blessing of adoption, and there must be a reason for this waiting.
We showed some videos and pictures to Derek's parents today. Seeing their adorable smiles and beautiful dark, expressive eyes on the videos melts my heart and makes it ache at the same. Gosh, I miss them so much. *deep breath* We'll be together soon... I pray sooner than estimated.
On another note, preparations for the yard sale are going better than I could ever imagine! We literally have thousands of items that have been donated. I'm completely blown away by the outpouring of love and support. I will never be able to thank those of you who have donated to us enough.
Being apart from our children just doesn't feel right. Even though we spent only a few hours each day with them for just six days, being with them fells like how things should always be. It feels unnatural not to be with B and C. But, despite all that, I know we are following God's path and all of this is supposed to be happening. There's a reason we have been chosen to become a family through the unique blessing of adoption, and there must be a reason for this waiting.
We showed some videos and pictures to Derek's parents today. Seeing their adorable smiles and beautiful dark, expressive eyes on the videos melts my heart and makes it ache at the same. Gosh, I miss them so much. *deep breath* We'll be together soon... I pray sooner than estimated.
On another note, preparations for the yard sale are going better than I could ever imagine! We literally have thousands of items that have been donated. I'm completely blown away by the outpouring of love and support. I will never be able to thank those of you who have donated to us enough.
Please spread the word! We would love a great turn out to help us raise some money.
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