FALL FUN

FALL FUN FOR THE FAMILY.

OUR FIRST TRIP TO THE PUMPKIN PATCH(as a family of 4)...STONY CREEK FARMS.
I USE TO PICK MY PUMPKINS, WHEN I WAS LITTLE, FROM THIS VERY PATCH.
THE KIDDOS HAD SO MUCH FUN PLAYING ON THE HAY MOUNTAIN, RIDING THE PUMPKIN TRAIN, TAKING PONY RIDES, AND THE HAYRIDE OUT TO THE PUMPKIN PATCH IS ALWAYS VERY EXCITING. IT WAS A BEAUTIFUL DAY...A WONDERFUL DAY WITH MY WONDERFUL FAMILY. IT'S AMAZING TO THINK THAT LAST YEAR, WE WERE A FAMILY OF 3 AND CQ WAS WAITING IN RUSSIA FOR US. SHE IS SO LOVED! WE ARE THANKFUL EACH DAY FOR OUR WONDERFUL CHILDREN!

Gotcha Day Letter from Oct. 17th

DEAR BUDDAH,
Today is your "Gotcha Day". Do you know what that means?
It means that we "Got You" 4 years ago from Russia.
In Russia, you lived in a small town called Borovichi, until you were about 9 months old. In Borovichi you lived in a HUGE house that was full of women who loved you and lots and lots of baby friends. During the day, you would get up at about 5am and drink a raw egg and eat a cookie. Then you would drink a bottle full of yummy stuff that you loved. You would then play with wonderful caregivers, toys, and your baby friends. Somedays, you even took walks in a stroller around the HUGE house. Then it would be time for another bottle and your morning nap. You loved this time, and the caregivers told us that you loved to sleep and they were right!
Lunchtime was your favorite...meat, potatoes, and tea. After that you would have more playtime, because that's what babies do, (with Caregivers and babies) and then you would go down for another nap. When you awoke, more play-time. Sometimes they even played instruments with you in music class. They said you loved listening to music.
Dinner consisted of vegetables and bread, and of course another bottle.
Every night, before you went to bed, one of the caregivers would tell you a good-night story. It was a story about how one day your Daddy and Mommy would be coming to take you home.
One night, without you even knowing it Mommy and Daddy were flying across the ocean to meet you. After an 11 hour plane ride, and a 10 hour van ride, Mommy and Daddy arrived in Borovichi. At that point you were just waking up from your morning nap. One of the caregivers came to your crib and picked you up. They smiled at you and said, "Your Mamma and Papa have come to meet you." You smiled from ear to ear. As they dressed you, they were telling you what Mommy looked like and that you looked just like your Daddy. You were getting so excited! Once they dressed you, they brought you over to the office room and opened the door. To my surprise you were here...they didn't even tell us that you were coming in! When you saw me for the first time, your smile was huge. I began to cry because I had waited so long for you and I couldn't believe I was finally meeting my son.
You began touching my face and tears of joy streamed down your face...you just couldn't stop belly laughing. Our hearts connected immediately. Daddy didn't quite know what to do, he was trying to video tape our meeting and see you at the same time, but he was crying because he was so happy to see his boy.
We spent about 3 hours playing, feeding, and even taking you for a quick walk around the HUGE house.
I told you that we had to go back home, to America, to get your room ready and for us to wait to hear from the court to see when they would give us permission to adopt you. It was hard leaving you, but our hearts had connected and I was focused on getting back to you already.
A long long long drive back to Moscow, Russia and a long long long flight home was very hard, but we were trying to stay positive. While we waited to go back, I bought tons of toys and clothes for you. I finished your Froggy Nursery, and just 2 weeks later we went back to bring you home.
When you saw me for that second time, it was like I hadn't been away from you at all. You were attached immediately. You even grew 2 new (top 2) teeth while we were away. We played for a while and then it was time for court. I knew that the next time that you saw me, I would officially be your Mommy.
Court was a breeze and we couldn't wait to see you! On a very foggy, cold morning, we left Veliky Novgorod, where court was, and drove to a "meeting point" with the caregivers. You rode in a van to meet us. They handed you to me, from their van, and I put you in our van. The caregivers had packed you 2 warm bottles for the trip back to Moscow. They were sad to see you go, but knew you were with your Mommy and Daddy now, and they could let you spread your wings and fly away.
This was your "Gotcha Day", and I will forever remember how you filled my heart in an instant. I hope that you will know how wanted you were and are. You are so special in every way and I love you so much...you are my heart. Thanks for saving me, being so amazing, and for just being you. Isn't it amazing how we were chosen for one another? Always remember that you and your sister share this amazing bond as well.
love you forever,
MOMMY