Getting ready for Christmas

Nikolay's first pony ride

I took Nikolay to my cousin's horse farm this past weekend and he had his first pony ride. He loves animals and really loved the pony.

A few new pictures

I wanted to share a couple of recents pictures of Nikolay. One of them is in babies r us--one of our favorite stores. He just loves it! He talks so much when he is there b/c he is so excited to see all the lights and brightly colored things.

He also has adjusted to the bath and I am now able to bathe him in the bathroom--much easier than the kitchen floor. He doens't even cry anymore when I rinse out the shampoo--he knows to tip his head back now--pretty smart.

He just started to feed himself cheerios and he loves it. That can occupy him for 45 minutes--more end up on floor and high chair then in his mouth but he does seem to enjoy so much! He also fed himself sweet potatoes and melon.

It is amazing how fast he is learning things--I woke up the other morning and he was standing in his crib. It only took him 2o minutes to learn, "how big, so big" .

I just signed him up for a music class for the fall. I cannot wait b/c he will really love--he just loves music!

Baby is doing great and I am solo

The baby is doing great!! He is still sleeping so well--goes to bed by 7pm and sleeps until 6am--doesn't even make a sound at night. He is also still taking his two naps, and only cries for about 5 seconds when I put him down, then falls asleep. He is making this so easy!!

My mother left this am, so I am now officially on my own. I am trying to line up company every day and also have myself on a schedule so I can get everything done when he is asleep. It was pretty overwhelming at first b/c there was so much to do when I first got home--the doctor, social worker visit, social security, registration with consulate, not to mention unpacking, paper work and of course, taking care of baby. Most everything is done, so is a little more relaxing now. I still can't believe though how much baby food and formula and diapers he is going through. At the beginning of the week I stocked up on baby food but today I am down to my last jar of meat.

I wanted to attach a few more pics. We took him to the beach right by my house and he LOVED it. He crawled right into the water and loved the surf splashing on it. He has also adjusted much better to the stroller (thanks to some stroller toys my niece attached to the stroller )and the car seat, which is making it so much easier. The bath he is fine with as long as it is in the kitchen. For some reason, he doens't like to be in the bathtub. I will give it a few more weeks and then try again. Hope you like the pics!

We Are Home!!

We are finally home and Nikolay is doing great. It was rough for the first few days b/c the baby wasn't sleeping well but now he is back on schedule sleeping 10 hours a night and takes a 2 hour nap in the am and two hour nap in the pm. We are thrilled to finally be home and he is adjusting wonderfully!

In Moscow and loving it!!!!!!!!

Just a quick update b/c Nikolay is sleeping. He is doing great and had a fantastic day!!! We just LOVED Moscow--my favorite city so far, even beats Rome, I think!! The Kremlin with all the churches is just breathtaking as is Red Square. Nikolay is getting cuter every day and really enjoyed walking around today. We leave day after tomorrow. Can't wait to see everybody on Friday!

First hospital visit and last day in Kras

Yesterday, Nikolay wasn't feeling well. He was very hot when he woke up, so I have him baby tylenol, which seemed to help. By the afternoon, he was inconsolable. The coordinator and translator came over and they also thought he should see a doctor, so they had one come to the hotel. She examined him, but thought that he should go to an ENT and also to have his stomach checked out. The ENT gave him nose drops and told me to wipe him down with spirits if he gets a fever. We left there and went to the children's clinic to have his stomach looked at. After they examined him, they wanted to xray his belly, which was awful b/c he screamed bloody murder. They looked at the xray and said there was something wrong with his bowels and that he would have to stay overnight. That was like getting kicked in the stomach b/c there hospitals are not like what we have. They even kept apologizing for the poor conditions when they found out I was American. I told them that I didn't want to stay overnight, if possible, so they arranged for a barium xray to make sure there was no blockage. I was there for about 4 hours waiting for the barium to make its way through Nikolay's body. He was really good there and loved interacting with the little girl in the room. He would scream and shake his hands to get her attention and clap when she would turn around. About 3 hours into this I was exhausted, and the woman with the little girl asked me in Russian if it was time for him to go to sleep. I knew what she was saying and just shook my head yes. He did finally fall asleep and they came in around 10:30pm to take the xray. It turns out that everything was OK and it was an intestinal problem b/c of change in diet from the orphanage. They told me to just feed him formula and cereal until I get home. They thought the fruit in particular caused too much gas. The barium stuff seemed to clean out his system, which was good!

The upside of all this is that he definitely knows now how I am and feels safe with me. He was screaming when they took the xray and would turn his head and look at me. As soon as they were done and I held him he would stop crying and put his head on my shoulder.

He slept well last night, but woke up at 5am starving since he hadn't eaten since 2pm the day before, so he had a bottle and a half and slept then until 9am. He had two more bottle this am and felt back asleep around 11:30 and 2 hours later is still sleeping.

We have finished packing for tomorrow and have one last appt at the passport office--had a bit of a stressful day on friday. They needed my passport to get Nikolay's and asked for my immigration sheet. I didn't think I need it b/c I had never needed it before and had thrown out--not good! Luckily, the hotel had made a copy when I checked in, so that was a BIG relief! It is amazing that no one tells you that you need these tiny little pieces of paper, especially when you are carry so many other important documents. I just hope that will be the last hiccup before I get home. It is really feeling close now--we fly out very early tomorrow and will be in Moscow Tues, Wed, Thurs and then leave friday morning for JFK! Cannot wait to get home and for everyone to seem him! He is a very happy and playful baby.

Our first day

just a quick update--Nikolay did great last night. We didn't get home until 10pm--he seemed a little apprehensive when we first go to the hotel, but when we got to the room and saw the toys on the ground, he was fine. He loved crawling around and playing with everything. I rocked him to sleep around 11pm and put him in the crib and he was fine. He did wake up crying once and I took him out of the crib and rocked him and let him sleep with me until he was sound asleep and then put him back in the crib.

When he woke up this am, his eyes got huge when he saw me and then he smiled. It was so cute. He was also very happy to see the frog blanket and was smiling at that.

He is doing so well! He smiles and talks so much more here than at the orphanage. He is perfectly happy just to be on the ground playing with the toys. He has liked all the food I have given him and loves the bottle. He likes to play with my hair and put his fingers in my mouth when he has his bottle and he curls his legs and feet around my arms. It is unbelievable how happy and comfortable he seems.

He took a long nap this morning and I took a short one. I couldn't fall asleep last night b/c I was worried that he would wake up and be scared. I fell asleep for a short time this morning. Hopefully, I will sleep better tonight.

I will post more later--we are going to take him outside now.

Today is THE day!!

Today is the day I am going to change Vladimir's life and he is going to change mine. He will learn what it means to have a mom and I will learn what it is to have a child. After waiting a lifetime for this day, I cannot believe it is finally here. It is really a dream come true!

First car ride and final visit

I had my final visit today --the next time I go to the orphanage will be to pick him up and take him home. I cannot believe it is finally happening and now feels very close. We got to take him out of the orphanage and take him to the photographer to get his picture taken. It was very exciting to take him in the car because it was the first time he was ever in the car. We kept saying we wonder what he was thinking. He was fascinated with everything--looking all around inside the car and watching as things went by. He also really enjoyed looking at everything in the photographer's office. I didn't seem the least bit scared or nervous--just very interested! When we were in the car, I remember thinking to myself that I wish that we could just keep driving and not return--I was ready to kidnap him!

When we got back to orphanage we went back inside to play with toys and he was going nuts crawling from one toys to the next to play with them. He just loves the toys! He really enjoyed the stuffed animal that sang Russian song and would bang his head against the stuffed animal's when he got excited. When the worker came to pick him up, I just thought to myself that this will be the last time that I will ever have to give him back and am so happy about that. The whole drive home, I was thinking that the next time I drive home, he will be will us--a very strange feeling--I just can't believe it and cannot wait to go get him.

one more day until my next visit

I get to go back to the orphanage tomorrow--finally! It is not easy being here for so long without seeing the baby. We will be in Russia two weeks tomorrow with another week and a half until we are home. The hotel has a cat that comes to breakfast every morning and it makes me miss Max and Ruby. It is a long time to be away from my pets and a long time for them too.

We are going on a 5 hour hike today--I hope I will do OK since I have been doing nothing but sitting around and reading. I have a new appreciation for John Grisham! I am sure that by the time this hike is over, I will be thrilled to get back to the hotel room and just sit and read! I am hoping that in 4 days that I will have no time to read as I will be hopefully entertaining the baby!

Thanks to all who posted comments--I really appreciate it b/c it makes me feel like others are here with me. Dan--loved your comment! Cindy

feeling better

It is Sunday morning and I am feeling much better--no fever or sore throat. It is now only 3 days until Wednesday--have been doing a lot of reading and try to go out a couple of times a day for a walk and something to eat. I am looking forward to Wednesday and even more to Friday.

miserable in Kras

I woke up with a fever again today. It is not high, but it is still making me feel MISERABLE! My throat is still killing me. I brought antibiotics which I started taking yesterday--hopefully that will help.

I found out yesterday that I won't be going back until the orphanage until WEDNESDAY--that is such a long time to be here and not see him and not have anything else to do. I was very upset when I found that out. I was hoping that if I was feeling better we could go mon, wed and p/c on friday. atleast it fills your time here. 5 days with nothing to do here is torture. the ballet and opera house is closed, so we can't do that in the evening. rain is predicted for the whole next week, so that doesn't present too many opportunities. I have had it here and am definitely ready to come home. I don't know how I will make it through this next week.

If anyone has spare time, post a comment or send an email--it is literally the only thing I have to do here.

sick today

I wasn't feeling well all day yesterday and my throat has been sore--I am definitely sick. I have a low fever, my throat is really sore and feeling generally ill. This is so upsetting b/c there is no way I can visit the baby today! I am so upset. There is a doctor in the hotel that I may go to see. What a bummer being sick in a foreign country and the day I am supposed to go to the orphanage!

I'm a mom

Today was the most stressful day that I have ever lived through. Even though my coordinator and translator said court went very well, it was very difficult to go through. I am just so relieved that it is over and look forward to seeing the baby on Thursday knowing that the next time I see him, I will be seeing my son--pretty unbelievable!

Today is the day

Court is today at 2pm. It is kind of funny--all during the wait, you cannot wait to get your court date, but now that it is here, I am dreading it and just can't wait for it to be over. Of course, I am exhausted right now b/c I was up at 4am--I may have to take a nap later this morning, so I am not so tired. I am just hoping that the court appearance will not be too long and grueling. It is very stressful knowing that so much rides on this appearance.

Visit back to orphanage

I saw Vladimir yesterday--we went to orphanage about an hour after we landed. Even though I was tired, I was happy that I was going to see him. He smiled right away when he saw me and it was the biggest, sweetest smile and even the orphanage worker commented on it. I was happy to see that he still is small and looks like a baby, but he does seem older b/c he can sit up on his own. One of the orphange workers came in to update me on his progress and told me that he loves that picture cube that I left for him and plays with it all the time. He did say his first word when I was there--it was baby talk and so cute. He also giggled really loud when I tickled him.
His legs are much stronger b/c when I pull him up he can stand. He is not walking yet, but I am very glad about that. I want him to crawl for a few more months b/c I think that is so cute.

I just cannot wait until I can leave the orphanage with him--that will be the most exciting day! I have court tomorrow at 2pm and if all goes well than 10 days from tomorrow he will really be mine. Say a prayer that all goes well.

Arrived in St. Pete's

It is 4 am on Friday morning. We arrived in St. Pete's late yesterday afternoon. Our first flight over was great. We got bulk head seats, which made a huge difference, the food was delicious ( thanks to Air France), wine with the meal was free, and a 7 and a half hour flight only took 6 hours. It could not have been better! The second flight was not so good--we were supposed to get an aisle and window seat in same row--hoping no one would take the middle seat--and we ended up with two window seats. The food was awful and the final straw was that my seat did not recline. We decided to move and got two aisle seats in rows with only 1 person. That 3 hours flight seemed longer than the 6 hour one!

We were too tired do sightseeing yesterday, so napped and then went to dinner. Had a great meal and met a guy whose English was very good--he helped us order, which was nice. The food was delicious, but by 9pm I was ready for bed. We will be touring the city today, which I am looking forward to. The hotel is in the city but several miles from historic sites. There are boat tours of the city that we are going to try to take tonight, which are supposed to be very beautiful.

I am looking forward to seeing the city, but really cannot wait until Monday to see the baby and see if he recognizes me to see how he is--if he looks much bigger and still makes those cute faces.

I still can't believe that I am here and will be coming home with a child--it still isn't entirely real yet.

GOT THE DATE!!

I just got my court date--July 14th!! I am so happy that I am shaking. I will leave in 2 weeks! We will be celebrating his first birthday in Moscow and will be home 2 days later to celebrate here! I am just so happy that I will be seeing him soon and no more time will be wasted!

on pins and needles

This had been the longest week of my life and it is only Wednesday morning. I am hoping to hear something today--if my papers arrived yesterday, they were to be submitted to judge today. I am so worried that they didn't make it and then I have to wait another torturous week and miss out on another week of Vladimir's life. That is the hardest part and the part that bothers me the most and that others don't seem to really get--how awful it is to miss out on all the days of your baby's life. People will say that it will happen soon and I want to scream at them! Don't they understand that every day goes by, is another day of his life that I didn't get to experience. Every day he is getting bigger and I am missing out on enjoying his babyhood. I am getting ready to just book a plane ticket and wait it out in Russia b/c there is no sense to my being here until he is home. People have no idea what adoptive parents go through!

Waiting Again

Well, here I am waiting again. My paperwork is on its way to Russia and now I am just waiting to hear about a court date. I am hoping to hear something in the next few weeks. I am ready to go back. It didn't bother me to be back earlier this week b/c I was so busy getting my paperwork done, but now that it is complete and on its way, I just want to hear something and get my date to go back. Now it feels like last week was a long time ago and it feels like a long time since I saw Vladimir.

Last visit at orphanage

The last couple of days have been rough knowing that Thursday's visit was going to be the last. We did see swan lake which was really beautiful, but hard to enjoy since I cried through half of it. I did pull it together b/c I wanted to enjoy the time I had left with him. He definitely recognizes me and smiles when he sees me. They had to take him away for awhile to change his diaper and he cried when they took him. Actually they had him for awhile b/c there was some doubt whether his diaper was really wet. I had to show my soaked pants to prove this was truly the case . When they finally brought him back, I got to feed him--normally something I really love , but a little stressful when you have 3 people helping you to feed him. I was so relieved when he had finished eating and I could just play with him b/c I seemed to be Ok with that. By the time I left, all the muscles in my back were in knots. It is a sad and upsetting as you might think it is to have to leave him in a place you feel is not the ideal. I was fine until they asked me if it was hard to leave. I am a little concerned b/c his legs are so weak. I am hoping that this is just from not getting enough experiences using them, but am going to be concerned until I can get him home and evaluated. This also doesn't help knowing that this will not happen yet. It was a very long and draining day--the ride over was 3 1/2 hours and 4 on the way back b/c of the rain and traffic. I packed as soon as I got back and now am ready to go b/c the sooner I get home, the sooner I get back. I have one more paper to sign ( Michele, warm up your pen) and then one more trip to county clerk and apostille! Once again, pray for a quick court date and the little Vladimir's legs will be fine.

Stressful day at the notary

We had a stressful day at the notary today. First, I didn't know that I had to bring my passport, so we had to go back to the hotel to get. Then I signed on the wrong line, so the form had to be reprinted, so I could sign again. Then the notary realized that I used black ink and it had to be signed in blue, so another form had to be printed. By the time I got out of there, I was shaking and was ready for one of those $2.00 beers. Now it is naptime until Swan Lake. Tomorrow will be my final visit to the orphanage, which makes me a little sick to think about. I did ask if I could stay and volunteer at the orphanage--I told them I was very good at cleaning and taking care of children, but they very nicely said it wasn't allowed, so I will regretfully be coming home until my court date. I did tell them that I did not want Vladimir reaching any more developmental milestones until I get back--no crawling or walking although I said that creeping and sitting up was fine. Just say a prayer that it will be sooner rather than later!

His nickname

I know people are curious about his adorable nickname, but I can't post any identifying info on line. Jeanne--edit your comment! To be honest, I am sort of enjoying that you are all getting a taste of how torturous it can be to wait for something you want. Welcome to the world of adoption! Waiting is name of the game--hence the title. Sort of a play on the story Waiting for Godot! You are continually in the state of waiting for the next thing--first the paperwork to get complete, then the clearances, then to be registered in region, then a referral, then to travel, then for a court date, then for the 10 day wait to end--and finally if you make it through that, you get your child and the waiting will all be worth it.

Second Visit

We got back several hours ago from the second visit. I am physically and emotionally exhausted when I get back and cannot post anything for a couple of hours. It is really hard to describe in a short post what happens during the visits and how I feel. Partly b/c the visits are more stressful than I had anticipated. I was told as we drove into the town today that we would be picking up the local minister of education to observe the visit as she would be appearing in court to represent Vladimir's interest. Even though everyone has been so nice and the visits have gone well, it is not relaxing knowing you are being observed. As it turned out, the minister could not make it today, so that will happen on the next visit.

Vladimir definitely seemed less scared although he had just woken up when I arrived so was quiet. We took him outside and walked around a bit and then brought him inside back to the room we were in yesterday. He seemed to remember the toys and would look back to where they are.

I will say that I do think he is REALLY smart. I was showing him the pictures on the side of a train and then showed him the pictures on the other side, and he turned the train back over to look at the pictures on the first side. He really concentrates on everything that he is looking at and seems to have quite a good memory. I told them that his concentration is better than half my students in high school--which they thought was funny.

He is very interested in my face and loves to put his fingers in my mouth and grab my hair. Today he noticed my necklace, and was playing with the buttons on my shirt and my watch. (see what I mean GC'ers--far more observant than most of our students). It was so cute b/c I was making sounds and he would watch me and imitate!

As nice as the visit is, the whole experience feels bittersweet b/c I cannot help but feel sad for what he has not had and that he has to go without for several more weeks. Even though he is getting good care, it is not the same as having a parent. We will not be going to the orphanage tomorrow b/c there are papers that I have to sign here, but will go back on Thursday for the final visit. That may be a little heartwrenching, I am sure. I just wish that I could take him with me on Thursday.

Tomorrow we will be going to see Swan Lake with several families. We have met some really nice people here. Each morning I see Jean-Claude from Switzerland who is here on business. There are two other Wyoming families here adopting, so we are all getting together tomorrow to share pictures. We have had great meals here--the restaurants are really nice and of course, you can always just go right outside the hotel for a cold beer and shish kebab! Hope all is well and can't wait to show everyone the pictures and videos. Oh--and he has the cutest little nickname that everyone calls him! Sue--tell Niko he won't have to share his name with anyone. His nickname is totally different!!

Here it is . . . The first meeting . . .

It is 10:10 and we just got in from dinner. Didn't get back from the orphanage until probably 8:30--it was an unbelievable day. First we went to the minister of education. It was very emotional b/c she ask if you have seen pictures of the child and if you can see him as part of your family. Then she asks you to tell about yourself and your family. She also tells me that in Russia today is the day of the child, and that is a very good omen that I will be meeting him on this day. Then she tells me that he is very lucky to have me as a mother and that I am giving him something he doesn't have which is a mother and that she is very grateful. She also says that she can see my father is a very kind man and he is luck to have a grandfather. She also tells us that my father looks very American but I could pass as Ukranian and my look is considered very beautiful here. I then asked her if I might then be able to also find a husband here--she laughed and said that she couldn't promise that,but in Russia anything is possible! I was pleased that the meeting went well and everyone is so nice!

After a three hour car ride,we finally arrived at the orphanage. We went into a room to wait for the director to come in. They were cleaning up from the celebration they had for the children's defense day and the interpreter was going to take me to the bathroom when I turn around and Vladimir was there. It is hard to describe what it is like to see him, but all I can remember was that the room was silent. He looked shell shocked and they said that he had never been in that room before and he was definitely aware of all the strangers around him. You could see he was tense b/c he kept his hands clenched in a fist. It is a little stressful b/c you don't want to scare him, but they are encouraging you to take him. They also told me that he loves music and different sounds. It took him a little bit of time, but he finally warmed up and really was interested in all the toys. When he was concentrating on something, he would suck in his cheeks. I finally got him to smile when I kissed him, which was so cute. Then my father was making these noises and he was laughing a little. When I sat down to speak to the doctor, he was grabbing my hair and putting his fingers in my mouth. He loved the frog blanket I brought him and would put it in his mouth whenever I gave it to him. He knows his name and definitely responds to Russian.

We put him on the floor with several toys in front of him and he pulled himself to the stuffed bear singing Russian songs. He is very healthy and alert and very cute--I am also so happy b/c he still looks very much like a baby. He really enjoyed all the toys and would concentrate on something and then look up at me and then all around at everyone talking.

Then all of a sudden someone shows up and takes him away. It is all a bit surreal and then you realize that you have a three hour car ride home. It was a great day and I am so happy that he seems so happy, alert, and responsive. I can't wait to go back tomorrow and see how he is. We may even be able to take him outside, which would be great.

More tomorrow. Cindy

Waiting to be picked up . . .

It is 10:10 and I am waiting to be picked up to go to the Ministry of Education and on to the orphanage. As exciting as it is, it is also VERY nervewracking!! Of course, I have been up since 6 am--not even a 12 hour time difference is going to help me sleep at this point. Hopefully, that 3 hour car ride will not feel like 3 days. I just can't wait to see him and hope that he is not scared.

First Day in Kras

We had a great day today in Krasnoyarsk. There is a town square right outside the hotel with beautiful fountains, pony rides for kids, cotton candy and popcorn, an outdoor theatre, which had kids singing and dancing, tents to sit under where you can have a drink and something to eat. We had lunch there today and were pretty excited when we realized that a beer for 50 rubles is only about $2!

We just finished dinner in the hotel and for all my fellow cat lovers, the hotel cat practically sat on my lap at dinner! Everyone has been very nice and we are getting tickets to see Swan Lake on Wednesday with another family who recently completed their court date.

I am finally starting to feel a little tired--just hope I can sleep tonight--feels like the night before Christmas!

I will post more tomorrow after my first visit.

We are in Krasnoyarsk!

It is 7 am and we just checked into the hotel. Given the trip was 24 hours, it really wasn't that bad and I am not in the least bit tired and ready to go sightseeing. Right across the street from the hotel is a music house, where we can see a ballet or hear music. I can't believe I am finally here. We get picked up at 10:30 am tomorrow ( which will be 10:30 pm Sunday night in NY) to go to the minister and then on to the orphange. Cindy

Vladimir--see you tomorrow!!!

Top 5 things not to say to an adoptive parent . . .

1. He/she is so lucky.

2. Why did his/her mother give him up?

3. You have to be careful-- a lot of kids in orphanages have problems.

4. Any story about a family you know whose adoption has not gone well or whose child has problems.

5. Any negative comment about your child's birth country.

three days to go!!

The countdown has really begun--only three days to go!! I am excited but also nervous about getting everything done. I will be so happy to get on that plane and just be able to relax.

4 days until take off!

Only four more days until I leave for Kras. I cannot wait! I have been busy getting ready, shopping, packing,etc. I still have some last minutes things to do--and one last trip to the Secretary of State to get my dossier apostilled! I am still waiting for my VISA's--I hope to get them today and still have to go to the bank to pick up my new money. Even though, I know this week will fly, I just cannot wait until Monday to be in that orphanage to see little Vladimir for the first time.

Adoption and "being lucky"

There are many things that people say, though well intentioned, that don't sit well with adoptive parents. #1 among them is "he/she is so lucky" I never realized it was offensive until people started saying it to me. Now I understand why. First, it speaks to that whole idea that adoption saves a life. I think many of us agree that the life being saved is our own. We are not adopting to save a child's life, but for the same reason that others are giving birth, to have a child, so when people say he is so lucky, it just doesn't feel right. It feels like people are forgetting that we are having a child--congratulations seems like the most fitting response to someone who is going to have a child.



The second reason it doesn't feel right is that there are actually more prospective adoptive parents than there are available babies for adoption. During the long, torturous wait, you constantly worry that you will never have a child. So much can happen--countries close down for adoption, restrictions become greater, hurdles become higher. Believe me when I say, when you finally get the call, you feel like the luckiest person on earth to finally have a child!! It is the parent who is the lucky one--whether the child is given to them through birth or adoption--to have their child--not the other way around!



Since no one ever says that to a parent about to give birth, when people say that to an adoptive parent, we don't like that a distinction is being made b/c we are not. We are just simply overjoyed to be having a child and don't care how that gift is given. As one adoptive parent once told me, WE are truly the lucky ones to get experience having a child in this special way.

the story behind the title

For those who don't know, Vladimir is not the baby's name. When I started the adoption process in September, I started referring to the baby as Vladimir. It sort of caught on and everyone in my family started calling him that. I started falling in love with the name especially when my 3 year old nephew would pronounce. When my niece and nephews would ask if Vladimir were here yet, I would just answer that I am still "waiting for Vladimir"

Counting down the days

I am counting down the days until I leave for Kras--16 days left. I fly out on the 29th of May. I am trying to keep busy, so the time goes fast. I have to get started on reordering all my paperwork for the dossier b/c now I need 2 originals of everything. It is hard to get anything done b/c I cannot sleep. I get up every day at 3 am to stare at Vladimir's picture. I cannot wait until the day that I get to see him in person and finally hold him!!!!!!!

"the call"

I cannot believe that I got "the call" yesterday-5/4/09 will always be a day I remember. It is hard to believe that this is finally coming true. I have to wait until tomorrow to get a picture and other information on him. All I know right now is that he is 10 1/2 months, born in July 08 (yeah! I wanted a summer baby), weighs 16 lbs, was born at 36 weeks, and has two teeth! Can't wait to finally see his picture and get my travel dates. Hopefully I will be traveling to Kras at the end of May or beginning of June! I cannot wait for this part of my life to begin!!!!

Waiting for Vladimir

It has now been 4 weeks since my dossiers were officially registered and I am still waiting for the call. I left a message for the agency yesterday to see if there is a possibility that I may travel in April. I haven't heard back yet. Hopefully they will get back to me today.