Our Russian Adoptions...Life Before and After

Humanitarian Trip 2009- Sovietsk Russia

2009-12-23T22:59:00.002-06:00

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IN LOVE WITH RUSSIA

2009-09-23T13:42:00.005-06:00

I NOW HAVE A NEW FOUND LOVE FOR RUSSIA, THE PEOPLE, THE HOSPITALITY...BASICALLY EVERYTHING!
DON'T GET ME WRONG, I LOVE MY SPOILED LIFE HERE, BUT THE TRIP/ADVENTURE THAT I JUST TOOK...THERE ARE JUST NO WORDS TO EXPRESS HOW IT COMPLETELY CHANGED MY LIFE!

I'M STILL ABOUT 50% STILL IN SOVIETSK AND 50% HERE.

IT HELPS MY LITTLE ONES ARE HERE! I MISSED THEM SOOOOO MUCH.
A BIG THANKS TO EVERYONE INVOLVED FROM SARAH AND BEN TO TRANSLATORS TO THE BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN, TO KATHERINE...MY TRAVEL BFF. ;-)
I WILL POST SOON WITH SPECIFIC DETAILS AND LOTS OF PICS, BUT UNTIL THEN, JUST KNOW THAT I AM REALLY AT PEACE WITH LIFE...THANKS TO THIS EXPERIENCE.

JEN

Russia Bound

2009-09-07T20:22:00.001-06:00

Yep, that's right! Russia bound in T-4 days...ahhhhh! I'm so nervous to leave the kiddos, but know that this humanitarian trip that i am taking will be well worth it.
I will post on this blog and update as much as possible.
;-) Wish me luck!!!!!!!!!!!

Jen

Way Too Long- updated June '09

2009-02-23T14:23:00.021-06:00

SO MANY NEW THINGS!

1st we have a new dog in the family...Snips. She's a Cairen Terrier and very energetic! The kids have a love/hate relationship with her. Mostly due to the fact that they continue to tease her and she "Snips" at them. I am hoping that our Chihuahua's relationship with Snips changes. They DO NOT get along at all!

2nd, SCHOOL IS OUT. And believe you me it's just as exciting for a teacher! BUT...after over 10 years of teaching, I've decided to go part-time for next school year. I am job-sharing with another teacher in ESL (English as a second language). It's a "regular" teaching position, but we will pull-out students and pre-teach lessons, vocabulary, etc...
I am soooo excited about this. I will be teaching 2.5 days a week and GUESS WHAT THAT MEANS? 2.5 days with the kiddos. I will be home with CQ for 1 of the days, and be able to volunteer in Buddah's classroom regularly! Yeah!!!

3rd, we've been "Regulars" at the ortho and dentist offices lately.
Buddah has an expander in his mouth now, and has been a real Trooper about the whole thing. We have been visiting once a week for the past month. I have had 3 root canals, 2 on-lays, 2 fillings, and 2 crowns. Jason still needs 6 fillings. We are kind of falling apart in the teeth department.

4th, My baby, CQ, turned 4. I just can't believe it!

5th, We are continuing to grow as a family. These last few months have been hard, but we are getting through. Family means everything to me!

6th, I AM GOING BACK TO RUSSIA! No, not to adopt, boo hoo, but on a Mission Trip to Kirov. You can go to the site: http://sovietsksupporters.blogspot.com/
to see the orphanage that I will be working in. I cannot wait. I am leaving Sept. 10 and will return home on the 19th.
I'm sure that I will be blogging the entire trip!

7th, I hope that everyone is loving life! I still visit blogs, the old ones AND some new, just to see the kiddos. I hope that you'll continue to check us out too! I still enjoy the "every now and then" comments from some of the "old gang".

с новым годом (Happy New Year)

2009-01-12T13:43:00.011-06:00

Our adoption agency had a celebration for Russian New Year. The Russian Ballet did dances for the kids. AND the kids got to dance too!

CQ is in this pic

We EVEN SAW FATHER FROST!!!!!

Cute idea...and a fun day!

These images are from the IndyStar News!

CQ's a celebrity!!!!!

CQ's Gotcha Day #2 (December 20th)

2008-12-19T19:41:00.005-06:00

December 2006

AMAZING. Amazing is the one word that comes to my mind when I think about my baby girl being ALL ours for 2 years. My life is fuller, better, crazier, but most of, complete...because of you.

I love you CQ. You are my little princess. AND I am so lucky to be your Mommy!

December 2008

Buddah is 6...I HAVE A SIX YEAR OLD!

2008-12-19T19:20:00.008-06:00

(HE WANTED THE CAKE TO SAY: "MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU, -----")

My baby is

I just can't believe it.

Here are some cute photos of his Birthday at IMAX theatre in Noblesville...where all 16 kiddos got to see the 3D Movie BOLT...and have their very own Popcorn and snack pack ;-)

CQ invited one of her bestest friends...TORI http://www.mytoribug.blogspot.com/ to enjoy Big Brother's special day!

We love you soooo much Buddah Bean. We can't believe you are such a BIG BOY already!!!!

Something I read

2008-11-10T20:09:00.003-06:00

Have any of you read this before?

I love it.

Mommie, How much did I cost?
The moment every adoptive parent dreads….right over the fish sticks, French fries and peas….the question I had been waiting to hear, just not so soon.
Annelise (adopted from China four years ago, now age 6), coming up for air from the ketchup pool on her plate, looks at me with her dark eyes and asks “Mommie, how much did I cost?”
Me: “Cost? You didn’t cost a penny! Now eat your peas!” Situation handled. At least for now.
But let me think about this again. We are standing, Dave and I, on the shores of another “new” adventure. We are embarking on our 6th international adoption, bringing home another five year old boy from Taiwan. So, besides the obvious monetary cost of the process, how much did you cost? There is no mystery where the question came from. It came from four years of you absorbing our frenetic paperwork gathering, fingerprint getting, notary signing, and budget deficit spending for the four other children that followed on your heels from China. Or, it might have come from Kindergarten, where the children are so worldly they know more about where babies come from than they do about Bob the Builder. Annelise, your question briefly halted me in my onward rush for total enlightenment, acquired by getting 5 kids fed and bathed before 8 p.m. bedtime. Your question has simmered and bubbled in the back of my mind ever since. Together, you and I have gone through “you are adopted”, “you didn’t grow you in mommie's tummy”, “not all babies are born in China”, “yes, airplanes are to used for other things than getting babies from China” and “no, you can’t have more cookies before bed”.So, Annelise, here is how much you cost:

A feeling of willingly jumping off the top of a tall building with no clue on how to land safely. I think it’s called a Leap of Faith. I’ll let you know when I land.
1.5 pounds of paperwork

Three vials of blood, one physical, 15 visits to the doctor’s office because the notary screwed up... again.

Multiple social worker visits…are we there yet?

At least 5 headaches from thinking up creative answers to questions there are no good answers to, such as: what will I do when I return home after work to a totally wrecked house, a husband snoring on the couch, walls decorated in rainbow patterns from glitter crayons, cat vomit in a connect-the-dots pattern from the kitchen to the living room, and a 16 month old in the middle of the kitchen making dinner out of a Oreo cookies).

Two 14 hr plane rides.

An overnight stay in Tokyo when we missed the connecting flight to Beijing

A sleepless night in Tokyo brought on by really reading all the earthquake warnings on the back of the hotel room door.

My first mommie moment when I learned what a being a mommie was all about after you threw up all the food I overfed you on the airplane (after bouncing you on my knee), after stripping you down to your diaper, after learning the airline blanket had not escaped the projectile vomiting, and after getting ready to rip the throat out of two smarmy airline hostesses who tried to ignore me asking for a blanket, while my child turned blue from the cold.

At least two weeks of feeling like someone dropped off their child with me and forgot to come back and get her

Two months of singing every rendition of “Rock-a-bye Baby” I could imagine for at least 2 hrs every night while I suffered from a terrible virus received from my trip to China, in the middle of the hottest summer on record in Northern Michigan

The cartilage in my knees as I learning to crawl out of your nursery with out making any of the floor boards creak, knowing full well you were still awake, but going hoarse from all that singing.

Learning how to stop dead in my tracks and pretend I was still laying on the floor sleeping next to your crib when you popped your head up because I missed one lousy, noisy, damn floor board.

Experiencing the joy of eating a whole quart of strawberries by the side of the road with my 18 month old daughter, because you didn’t know when to stop eating, and I was having too much fun to know any better.

Finding out there was only one true color and that was pink, pink, nothing but pink, so help me God.

Finally understanding that dresses are better than pants, with tights please, the ones with the frilly bottoms, and what do you mean they don’t come in 5T?

The realization that no matter how many children I adopt, no matter how old I get, you and your brothers and sisters will never, ever fill the hole created by the two babies that I gave birth to who died because they were too young to live. And while you can never replace them, they can never replace you either.

Annelise, you cost me everything I never knew I had inside me to give.
You cost me the wall I built around my heart when my babies died, the patience I so sorely hoarded because it was in such short supply, the personal space I thought I required, and my unceasing quest for answers from God who finally just plunked you down in my lap and told me “Look! This is all you need to know!”

That, Annelise, is how much you cost. Now, go tell your Kindergarten class that Bob the Builder doesn’t hold a candle to your mother

Sometimes I still need a little "Pick me up" from our miscarriage last Aug. I still get sad from time to time, and think about it often.
BUT, I'm really working on that #3 with Jason...he might almost be there. (?)
What would we do? WHO KNOWS (but adoption is a definite...I can't repeat what happened over last summer! )

Ninja and the Princess

2008-11-10T20:04:00.003-06:00

These photos were a part of our Fall picture portfolio. There are many many good ones, but the ones in their Halloween costumes are priceless! (more to come)

Everything is going very well right now, we are just really really busy.

I've also gotten kind of addicted to FACEBOOK. If you have a page, let me know!

2008-10-30T16:45:00.003-06:00

MANY FUN THINGS AND FIRSTS

2008-09-11T13:55:00.013-06:00

First Indiana Jones MOVIE!

First Day of Kindergarten for Buddah!

First Game (EVER) at Lucas Oil Stadium!

CQ's first day of Preschool!

Healing

2008-08-13T19:53:00.002-06:00

We are healing from all of this. It's amazing how truly hard it has been. I am still so sad sometimes when I think about how far along I would be, or how the baby would be developing, or what stage it would be in now.
I did have a visit to the Dr. today, but still no real answers. I was far enough along for there to be some extensive chromosome testing done and that won't be back for a few more weeks.
I did have a bit of a scare last week when I began bleeding/clotting and it wouldn't stop. My GOD! That was pretty awful. That's finally better!
Anyway, after several days on medicine for that issue, I have now began to start coming to terms with things and I think my hormones are starting to balance out and I feel like alittle bit more like "A REAL PERSON" again.
School began today, and it was bitter sweet for me. I really had no summer at all. I spent (basically) the entire month of July in bed, and the 1st 2 weeks of Aug. recovering from surgery, so I am a bit bitter about that.
I wanted to thank all of you again for your kind words and I am really glad that I had a small outlet to vent and talk about what went on...because we really only told a few people.

I PROMISE PROMISE to post pictures soon. I don't have my disk here with me tonight.

Jen

Recovering

2008-08-01T22:46:00.003-06:00

Recovery after the D-n-C has been ok. It comes and goes. Sometimes I'm fine, other times I still feel very pregnant because my hormone levels are still pretty high. It's just uncomfortable. Lots of cramping, lots of tears.
Seems like this has been such a blur...such a whirlwind.
We are strong. I know we'll get through this and we'll be just fine.
I am the kind of person who will always wonder WHY, but I'm sure that too will reveal itself at some point.

I'll try and update next time with pics of the kiddos...they are getting soooooo BIG.
Buddah begins Kindergarten in just 2 weeks...OMG!!!

I'm hanging in there. Thanks for all the warm wishes and cyber hugs...they mean so much.

Jen

A Sad Day

2008-07-28T13:13:00.003-06:00

Wow. This was my ultra-sound today.
I went to my ultrasound appt. and found out that within the last 24-48 hours the baby's heart beat stopped. I was so wierd. The baby had arms and legs, and looked very perfect...just no heart beat. They worked on finding one for awhile, and then said... "I'm so sorry".
I can't believe it. This whole experience feels like a sick joke. How can a little miracle so unexpected turn out this way. Why?
I have my DNC Wednesday morning.
I have been guarded, but it's never ever easy. I actually forgot just how much these things can hurt.
It's so sad that this is the only picture I will ever see of this baby. ;-(

I am so thankful for Buddah and CQ.
I'll keep you updated.

Jen

2008-07-19T10:42:00.005-06:00

Everything is still going.
I meet with a wonderful doctor last Tuesday and we went over lots of paperwork and after careful consideration, she wants me to do Luvenox shots daily and wants me to also take a baby asprin daily...throughout the pregnancy.
This should help thin the blood and Hopefully keep the anti-bodies from attacking my little blueberry. :-)

I'm officially 11 weeks and 1 day...I think. I am so sick that I can barely get out of bed. I do have some mild cramping, but it comes and goes just every now and then that freaks me out.
i just can't get over how sick I am. For several days, I have been able to avoid the whole throwing up thing...not anymore. It hit me 2 days ago and I am constantly sick. It feels like I'm dying...truly.
OK...and I've already gone up a bra size. THEY ARE HUGE...I know probably way too much information, but it's amazing! They hurt/burn/tingle...it's even hard to shower with these new puppies!

The very very few people who know keep telling me that this is a good sign to be so sick.

It just makes me crazy.

I'm trying to keep calm, but of course I'm still really worried. Will this all work out?

Another funny story:

The financial office sat me down on Tuesday to review the costs and what insurance will/will not pay. OMG! We are responsible for $178.00 of the fees....FOR ALL OF YOU WHO HAVE ADOPTED, THAT'S A DEAL RIGHT. I LAUGHED INSIDE. I think that was a one night stay at the airport hotel in Russia with no heat.

The doctor's secretary has a son who just brought a baby home from Guatemala...I felt much more in touch with her than the other women in the entire office. :-)

I go back to the doctor on the 28th. Please keep us in your thoughts. This is one of those things that is a true miracle and we don't exactly get do-over's on this one.

A Shocking Surprise

2008-07-14T13:23:00.005-06:00

I am really confused as to how to really put into words how I am feeling right now.
So, I'm going to make a list....
1. I am excited
2. I am scared to death
3. I am confused...actually quite bewildered
4. Mad because I don't want to be that statistic
5. Happy because I am that statistic
6. Guarded
7. Proud
8. Like I could throw up any second.
9. I want everything to be normal so bad

I am 7.5 weeks pregnant...now we all know how this happens, but how did it happen to me...now?
I have no idea.
It's been 6 years since we even saw a fertility specialist.
About 6 years since our last miscarrage.
We know that to get pregnant I have to take heprin and asprin because my husband and I have a very very strong immunological issue.
I am on no medication
We saw and heard a little heart beat today and everything looks normal...WHAT???????????
I talk to the doctor tomorrow

Our feelings are Not too High and Not too Low...
WOW are we in shock.

We know that so much can happen

This was not AT ALL PLANNED!

Please keep us in your prayers

WAY TOO LONG

2008-06-10T15:12:00.009-06:00

I've probably lost most of my HUGE BLOG following, he he he, but it has seriously been so busy that blogging was the 10,000th thing on my life list to do for the past month and a half.
BUT
Soooo much has happened.
The school year has ended, so that means I have the summer off from teaching. (YEAH!!!) They say that the best 3 things about teaching are JUNE, JULY, and AUGUST. I do love my job, but I was really ready to be home with my two little rugrats for a while.

CQ turned 3 at the end of May. She is now TOTALLY potty trained and...

we are in the "Thinking" stages of a big girl bed.

Isn't this cute?

We have remodeled some rooms in our house...wood floors over 1600 sq. ft. on the entire first floor, we changed our countertops and now they are granite, we installed cubbies in the laundry room to make it a true MUDROOM. Good Work Daddy!

I got a new SUV and even though it's big, I love it. I'll be sure to be GREEN in other ways...promise!

Best of all, the relationship with my son, has always (actually instantly) been wonderful.
The relationship with my daughter has been so hard b/c of all of the attachment and behavioral issues that she has had. I am pleased to report that she is doing amazing. I mean amazing. I know that she will still have her moments here and there, but it's truly unbelievable what research, soul searching, structure, and support will help you through. It's not even like she is the same kid. I can't even put into words how much happier I AM and I'm sure she is now that we've turned this corner. I also think it's amazing that at 1 and 2 years of age a child can work to make these changes as well. I always say that CQ has been the very hardest job of my entire life. Really no words to describe my emotions...just love. More hard work on the way I'm sure, but right now I'm lov'in it.

I have finally been able to check up on so many bloggers that I haven't seen or heard from in a while. So many babies coming home right now and that makes me happy. Of course summer is always very slow Russia.

I hope all is well with everyone.

I also hope to keep updates coming regularly this summer! :)

Jen

2008-04-14T17:24:00.001-06:00

Why do I like Target Super-Center sooo much?

2008-04-14T14:44:00.031-06:00

Target

The store that I can spend hours upon hours just roaming around.

They now carry Bumble and Bumble Hair products.

My new found L-O-V-E... and all No7 Products. Very good and inexpensive!

I can buy my kids play clothes, shoes, and school supplies for a very cheap price and they are really durable AND cute...that's important.

Toys are very reasonably priced. CQ prefers anything pink...no matter what it is. She's easy to please. BUT, for those of you who have sons that are Jedi Knights (like my Buddah), it's important to keep up with all of the action figures, lego models, and collectables. It just comes with the territory, and Target's got them!

They have a ton of great variety in their organic food choices, cleaning supplies, etc...

I can get everything I need ALL at one time...which can also be overwhelming at times.

Their "Archer Brand" is drastically cheaper than the name brand items and it is usually much better!

The kids get a FREE chocolate chip cookie when you visit the bakery. It's a wonderful calmness for 5-10 minutes before they are begging for a drink.

Their White Cherry Slushy is THE BEST! Just ask these 2 very satisfied customers.

They've got me hooked!
What do you LOVE about Target?

Spring Break 2008

2008-04-08T11:52:00.002-06:00

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FAILURE ON THE PHOTO FRONT AND JUMPING EASTER FUN

2008-03-24T10:27:00.016-06:00

EASTER WEEKEND 2008

NOW FOR THE BEHIND THE SCENES TO GET THE PICTURES ABOVE...
THANK GOODNESS I DIDN'T WANT PICTURES OF THEM TOGETHER, OH! I DID. :-)

OUR FAMILY WENT TO VISIT PAPA RICK, NANA CHERI, AND AUNT MARIN EASTER WEEKEND. BUDDAH GOT TO DO THIS FUN "JUMPING THING" AT THE ST. LOUIS MALL.
HOW FUN WAS THIS! HE JUST STARTED DOING FLIPS OUT OF NOWHERE!

33 and some random thoughts

2008-03-16T13:27:00.010-06:00

March 13th was my 33rd birthday.
I worked from 7am-10pm because we had open house at my school. Kind of a Bummer!

THIS IS THE BANNER MY STUDENTS MADE FOR ME...VERY CUTE!
When I got home, Jason had kept the kids awake and they surprised me when I walked in the door. Balloons and Streamers and CQ picked out a Barbie Birthday Cake and it was REALLY GOOD!
It's really like someone else talking when I say I'm 33, but NOP it's me!
As I reflect on my life, I can honestly say that it's pretty great. Of course there are those stressful/frustrating/not so good moments now and then, but for the most part, I can say I'm Happy and Healthy.
I don't know if I would be so Happy and Healthy if I didn't have my "other half", Jason. We've been married for almost 9 years and I am so happy that he is in my life. We have been through so many ups and downs, in so many relms. He makes me happy and he really is my best friend. He is a fabulous Dad and so supportive in every way. There's nothing I couldn't count on him for. I'm lucky to have that.

My kids are my heart.
Buddah truly saved my life. I wanted him so badly. I often think that I dreamed him into our lives. He's an emotional little guy that is very intense and complex. Jason and I think that he wanted to be an only child. Even though CQ has been home from Russia for 1 year home, he still competes with her, and is overly possessive with "his things", and is sometimes overly aggressive with her. I know it's probably a brother/sister thing, but it drives me crazy.
We are hoping that he will protect and be consistently kind to his sister someday...and I will continue to hang on to that thought and wish!

If I thought my life was tough before, I was wrong. CQ is the hardest job of my life, in a positive way though. She has not only helped me see myself in a whole new light, but has made me grow into the person and mother that I am today. I love her so much.
I continue to tell Jason that she knows she's the "middle" child...hint hint...but he says "not yet"! That's not a NO, right? :)

My job- wonderful. Being a teacher to 2nd and 3rd graders is very rewarding...I sometimes think they like me much better than my own 2 at home. :)

It's so hard to balance work and home for me though. It can be very frustrating at times, but my parents stay with my kids so the relationship that they have built with them is wonderful as well.

What does all this mean? What am I trying to say?

I have no idea, I guess these are just random thoughts.

Busy Times

2008-02-19T08:51:00.008-06:00

So much "BUSY STUFF" going on these days. I wish I could post more often!
Still no re-schedule date for the Russia Mission

Trip to Kirov...I hope to here something soon.

The kiddos are doing great! CQ had another appointment about her foot and we found that she doesn't have to have her tendon-transfer surgery until at least August...which is great b/c she will be casted for 8-12 weeks after surgery and I want her to swim ALL SUMMER! :). Her foot continues to "catch-up" in size. There is now only a 1 size difference between her right and left foot, which is a HUGE improvement from the 2.5 difference when we brought her home last year. (CQ was born with a very severe club-foot and in Russia they did surgery on her foot...pretty much a horrible surgery, so we still have to get it fixed correctly. She is very lucky to be walking so well!)

Buddah is STAR STUDENT this week at school...which is a very important ordeal!

Miss CQ got her ears pierced at Libby Lu

2 week-ends ago. She cried for about 3

minutes and then she was fine. She looks in the mirror and

tells me that she is soooooo pretty. She does look awfully cute!

I will try and post more soon. :)

PICTURE WALK of What We've Been Up To..........

2008-01-21T21:04:00.000-06:00

I guess I will start with X-mas pictures...going back to Buddah's X-mas program at pre-school.

Handsome...isn't he?

This tantrum is still under
investigation as to why it even
happened in the 1st place.

30 minutes after the tantrum...At Santa's house, we were just fine.

The kids really enjoy movies now!

Lately, we've been to see The Water Horse and Alvin and the Chipmunks.

Buddah at hockey/skating lessons...he continues to get better and better! McDonald's Playland for when it's -6 degrees

Buddah's 5th Birthday Party

Christmas Eve and Morning

2007-12-24T15:14:00.000-06:00

We Wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

This picture is from the same photographer that did our "Celebrating Adoption" photos.
http://kristihibbetts.com

2007-12-20T15:19:00.001-06:00

CQ'S GOTCHA DAY!
Happy Gotcha Day Baby!
It's flown by, and I just can't believe it! It has been a year.
1 year ago, Daddy and Mommy were in Russia getting ready to bring you to your new home.

It was a whirlwind trip.
Look at you before... And now Look at you!

Words cannot describe how you have changed our lives in so many wonderful ways.
When we first saw a video of you, we didn't want to get too excited because we had already been to Russia for another referral and it fell through.

We didn't want to get too attached...but we were really hoping it would be you!

After 1 long week of waiting to confirm our trip, our trip got postponed another week. Then, we finally got the word that we could go and meet you the week after.

Going to Borovichi was very emotional because your brother was from Borovichi too, so it was like we were re-living his adoption.

When we arrived, we were greeted with smiles and hugs and kisses because all of the caregivers remembered your brother and really enjoyed seeing his pictures.

Every other parent (who was there to adopt too) was sitting around the table listening to the medical/history reports from the orphanage doctor/chief director. We were last to hear about you, but the social workers whispered in our ears to get up and leave the room because they were just too excited for us to meet you.

Before we even got to the music room, one of the social workers was walking with you down the hall and you were all dressed up with a hat on ready to see us...or were you?

You began to cry because you were so painfully shy and held on for dear life to the care-giver, but mommy came up and kissed you on the check and picked you up. I told you that everything was going to be alright! I said, "Mommy is here now...shhh shhh" and finally you calmed down, but still wanted nothing to do with Daddy(yet).

We played with you for about an hour, then the music teacher came into the room and waived at you. Your eyes lit up! She brought out a CD player and began to play a song and you began to dance! It was so cute! When the music went off, you, again, went to the shy little one from before. Would barely even look at us.

Daddy and I noticed that care-givers kept coming in and out of the room...we think that they were checking on their little lady to make sure all was well...which it was.

Next, you were ready to eat. Boy did you eat. When we walked into the room, it was full of all boys...about 12 of them(all blonde hair blue eyes) and then...there was you. Curly BLACK hair, olive coloring and in a bright red dress. OUR GIRL!

I can honestly say that they spoiled you there. We could tell that they were pretty much willing to do ANYTHING for you! Hummmmm a sign for the future? :)

Anyway, it was time to leave and FINALLY you waived, blew kisses, and smiled at Daddy and Mommy. We were already missing our little girl!

On the second trip, you were alittle more social, but still pretty shy.

We played for awhile with you and then left for Veliky Novogord for court.

In court they talked about how special you were and that they were so happy that you were going to live with a special little boy...your brother.

The judge and prosector were so nice.

We picked you up the next day...the orphanage van met us 1/2 way and we took you

from the orphanage van to ours. You were all smiles and giggles.

Like you had known us forever! We sang Christmas Carols and

you danced.

No shy girl to be found!

Mommy got sick, again, in Moscow, but felt better before returning home.

Here you are getting ready to see Dr. Boris...I don't even remember this because I was soooo sick. Can you tell?

Your adoption story is so special because we almost didn't get you. We had to go through heartache before we had the chance to get you. I know that they were waiting for a couple and a boy who were just perfect for you...and we are so lucky it was us.

We love you forever and ever and ever!!!!!

Daddy and Mommy (and Aiden too!)

You are a happy little girl who is so loved and so wanted in this world!

HAPPY 5th BIRTHDAY!

2007-12-15T21:45:00.000-06:00

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

This little guy is so special to me because he truly saved me. I had gone through so much to have a baby and to finally have him in my life was just a miracle. I find it amazing that at just the right time, we surrendered our infertility and decided to adopt. AND at just the right time we signed up at our agency. AND at just the right time our little guy was available for us, a world away, and was chosen for us.
It's all a wonderful miracle.

We adopted Buddah at 9 months and he has been with us for every birthday. I am thankful for this. His sister, was not with us for her 1st birthday, but she has more information about her history and pictures of when she was an infant, and he does not. So, this is something special for him.
As a tribute to his 5 amazing years, I am going to post his MONTAGE, which is of his adoption story and beyond. He has changed so much, though even in his first referral video his personality is evident.
He is a very loving child, though very very emotional. Spoiled, and Strong-willed are other words to describe him. :) Aren't they all?
He is so very bright, and I know as a teacher that everyone thinks that their kids are the brightest in the sky, but there is some kind of spark about him. He is a calm, very calm child. He is a thinker. He forgets nothing. Remembers things very specifically even things that happened when he was 2. He never forgets a place. He even knows directions to get most places. He questions, argues to get his point across, can manipulate anyone or anything, and he is so funny. Again, at a very young age he "got" humor.
He is even sarcastic at times...a trait his daddy has mastered!
He is also a perfectionist.
He is WAY smarter than I ever was.

His birthday was the 14th, and we celebrated as a family. Next weekend, his party will be at the Bounce Zone...such a cool place!
What an amazing little guy, and growing up so fast. Happy Birthday Buddy. You know you're our world!
Mommy ( and daddy too)

In a Parallel World

2007-12-10T00:05:00.000-06:00

Right before leaving for FedEx

and the Airport

This is a picture of me after we got home from FedEx. This was pretty much me until about 8pm that night. Very frusterating!

Since I wasn't able to go to Russia this week, I somehow felt like I was in a parallel world...kind of "out of it" all week. Like I was suppose to be somewhere else.

I am currently working with FedEx and Russian-American Consulting to see what reimbursements they will consider doing. I have to admit that things/stress has gotten much better. I know that the trip will happen eventually, but it will hopefully be a time when I can go. I will go again.

On a better note, this week, CQ has really been clingy to me. That's good for me...and her. She keeps telling me that she loves me and won't let me put her down. When other people, even Daddy, hold her, she says..."I want Mommy" This has been going on all week and I am loving it!! My goodness she has come so far. God love her, she is trying! It will be 1 year home in just a few weeks.

Buddah, my little guy, will be 5 on Friday.

Oh my! He has grown

so fast.

It's truly amazing how he's grown. I just can't seem to keep up with him. I am so proud of him. He is a miracle child! He had a very difficult beginning of his life (in Russia) and today, you'd never ever guess that at all. He is a thriving almost 5 year old with the whole world at his feet. Isn't he so handsome?

I continue to keep up with most blogs and it looks pretty good out there in bloggerland. I think we are all just enjoying our kiddos so much that it's hard to find the time and stuff to write about to keep people interested.

I still love to do it though, so I'm hanging in there.

I'll be posting our x-mas cards very soon.

OUR PASSPORTS/VISAS WERE A NO SHOW FOR THE TRIP :(

2007-12-02T21:15:00.000-06:00

Our passports were lost by FedEx on Saturday morning.
All that I could think of was...THANK GOD WE WEREN'T LEAVING FOR OUR COURTDATE!

After 6 hours of waiting, our passports were finally found and shipped to the closest FedEx Hub. Just 3 hours shy of our plane tickets being able to be switched to a Sunday departure.
I talked to several people at FedEx and begged, pleaded, and cried for help. We waited one time, 1 hour for a call back and when we got it, it was a manager saying that it was lost....somewhere in Tennessee with no tracking at all to be found.
I can't tell you how much $ and time we've lost, but it's alot!

I have to say that I'm pretty upset at our travel agency Russian-American Consulting, which I've never used before. They made the plane and visa arrangements. They told me to send it on date "X" and that the visas would arrive Nov. 30th. Knowing that we were leaving on the 1st (because they also made our flight arrangements), they failed to send the passports/visas out on time, but assured me that a 9:30am pick-up at the FedEx Hub was fine (on the 1st just 3.5 hours before our flight)..."People have to do it all the time!" I actually had a very funny feeling about it once I heard that the visa's weren't sent on time.
I also can't tell you what a big emotional toll this has taken on me. It took so much for me to get up the courage to take this trip...without my family. I was totally packed and on my way to the airport, totally prepared to go to Russia.
I actually had a mini-panic attack that morning at about 4am. It's just so hard to leave, but I knew in my heart that this was a good thing for me to do. AND I was excited to do it!

Anyway, I don't really know where to go from here. I could tell that the person who planned the trip was very upset that we wouldn't re-buy tickets...$2800.00 last minute tickets. (granted our original tickets were just $900.00). I know alot was riding on us going and helping, but we just couldn't justify spending this kind of $ to volunteer...volunteer ourselves to this cause. We had already put our jobs, family, lots of $, and ourselves on the line for the cause. It was asking just too much.
I guess I'm venting a little, but at the same time I guess I would love to hear some feedback. What would you do in this situation...?
Plan to go on another date.
Cut our loses and move on.
Do you think the Travel Agency and the Fed Ex people need to held accountable?
I just need to hear what you all think.
We do have a phone conference with FedEx tomorrow morning.
Jen

THE DAY BEFORE

2007-11-30T08:48:00.000-06:00

YES, IT'S OFFICIAL...IF MY VISA ARRIVES AT THE FEX EX HUB TOMORROW MORNING.
I'M GOING TO RUSSIA ON A MISSION TRIP THROUGH A FOUNDATION AFFILLIATED WITH OUR ADOPTION AGENCY.
I SWARE THAT THIS ENTIRE TRAVEL/PLANNING PROCESS WAS JUST SHY OF THE STRESS OF AN ADOPTION!
I LEAVE TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AND WILL ARRIVE IN MOSCOW ON THE 2ND. THE 3RD WILL BE A FULL DAY OF SIGHT-SEEING ADVENTURES AND THEN WILL GO TO THE TRAIN STATION THE NIGHT OF THE 3RD.
TRAIN RIDE TO KIROV.
SPENDING 2 FULL DAYS AT 2 DIFFERENT ORPANAGES.
COME BACK TO MOSCOW FOR ANOTHER FULL DAY AND LEAVE THE MORNING OF THE 7TH.
SAY A PRAYER FOR ME AND MY KIDDOS THAT ARE GOING TO BE AT HOME WITH DADDY.
I MADE OUT THE SCHEDULE FOR THE WEEK AND FOUND THAT...BASICALLY I DO JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING, SO IT SHOULD BE INTERESTING, BUT VERY FUN FOR THEM.
I HAVE SO MANY DIFFERENT/MIXED EMOTIONS ABOUT DOING THIS, BUT MY HEART KNOWS THAT THIS IS AN AMAZING OPPORTUNITY TO GO TO RUSSIA AND SEE THINGS WITH "DIFFERENT EYES" THE "NON-ADOPTION EYES".
I'LL POST IN RUSSIA TO KEEP YOU UPDATED.

JEN

2007-11-24T22:44:00.000-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

Russia in December

2007-11-09T19:51:00.000-06:00

Well, word came today that I could go to Kirov on the 2nd of December-to about the 7th of December.

What would I do?

HELP.

Help the orphanage and orphanage school with supplies, extra hands, and buy many needed items for the orphanage. Do I know where Kirov is, no, not really.

(BUT I do have a very close friend that adopted V from Kirov.)

Pretty amazing, I could be in Russia, for the 6th time, in less than a month.

For those Kirovian Experts out there, how is the train ride? :)

2007-11-08T21:52:00.000-06:00

BUDDAH AS WOLVERINE -AND- CQ AS A VAMPIRESS

HALLOWEEN IS TAKEN VERY SERIOUSLY AT OUR HOUSE! IT MUST BE VERY, VERY SCARY!

CANDY LOVERS...EXPERTS AT TRICK-OR-TREATING!

NOVEMBER IS ADOPTION AWARENESS MONTH!

2007-11-02T12:41:00.001-06:00

FALL FUN

2007-10-23T13:26:00.001-06:00

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

2007-10-22T10:37:00.001-06:00

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

2007-10-06T08:09:00.000-06:00

Thanks for the responses! The trip date has been moved to the middle of November, so I'm going to give myself another week to sort out everything to see if I can go. I'm such a coward when it comes to traveling by myself, so it's a HUGE step for me.

Many of you said that you just couldn't leave yet, and although I feel the same, I still have that sense of longing to go and help if only just a bit. If I didn't have my husband staying here, it would be much harder! I'll keep you updated...

Last weekend we went to a Fundraiser for the KidFirst Foundation...a Russian Dinner. It was a amazing time! Next year it would be VERY cool for people to make this a get together type of function, and it's all for a wonderful cause...helping Russian orphans. Russian food, music, dancers, etc... in Indianapolis. Thanks for pushing for us to go, Cara. We had so much fun.

ME, Cari (mom to Kate...from Kirov and waiting on #2), Cara(mom to Victoria...from Kirov)

Mark my word...No Traditional Toasts (with Russian Vodka) next year! ! :)
What a picture to capture the awesome atmosphere of the evening!

Josh and Cara (proud parents of Victoria Marie...Kirov)

It's been so quiet in Bloggerland! Almost too quiet. We are all so busy now. All of our kids are getting so big, and I am so bias when it comes to how cute all of our Internationally Adopted children are. It is quite amazing that they all look totally different from those scared little faces at the very beginning. They have all gained weight, have totally different coloring, and look so happy and full of life. Quite different from the stark orphanage photos of little-no emotion.

Hope all is well with all of you!

JEN

NEWS UPDATE

2007-09-23T13:47:00.000-06:00

Ok, remember how I said my EXCITING NEWS UPDATE would be revealed soon? Well, I would have revealed it sooner if I had known the details. I STILL DON'T HAVE THE DETAILS, BUT the hint that it dealt with Russia shouldn't surprise anyone that I don't have the details to reveal!
WITH THAT BEING SAID...it is a mission trip to RUSSIA!
I am waiting on details to find out where and when we would be leaving...that's when I'll make my final decision if I'm going to go or not.
(MIGHT BE THE WEEK OF OCT. 15TH)
I'm getting some negative feedback from my hubby and parents about me going. It's only going to be for a week, (maybe only 5 days) but I'm getting the sense that people think I'm crazy for leaving my kiddos and job to do this. Am I being selfish...even though I am going to deliver thousands of dollars that will specifically help orphans? Am I abandoning my kids for my own selfish passion to help other children in need? I can't wrap that around my brain, but maybe you all can give me a better insight about this.
I understand that any travel is a risk...even driving to work each day is a risk. I understand that being in a foreign country heightens some kind of a risk, but so does being at an ATM machine at night. It would be ONLY me going, not my husband or parents (whom have already said they "have it covered" to be with the kids). Jason, my husband travels with his job for weeks at a time. I actually think that 5 days with the kids, alone, would be wonderful for him...as long as he had some support from the nanas and papas.
I kind of think I need to hear from you all. What do you think?

WHAT COLOR ARE YOU?

2007-09-23T13:44:00.001-06:00

i REALLY LIKED DOING THIS! IT WAS SHORT AND FUN...ENJOY

You Are Olive Green

You are the most real of all the green shades. You're always true to yourself.
For you, authenticity and honesty are very important... both in others and yourself.
You are grounded and secure. It takes a lot to shake you.
People see you as dependable, probably the most dependable person they know.

What Color Green Are You?

Buddah's 1st Day of Preschool, CQ reads, and Exciting News UPDATE...not yet revealed, but some hints. :)

2007-09-09T15:33:00.000-06:00

Buddah really enjoyed his first days of school. When he was dropped off, in the classroom, CQ screamed and cried for him. She was so upset that he was leaving her. Poor baby. The second day was much better. She was still slightly sad, but once she found out that Nana was going to take her to McDonalds, she was ALL smiles. She really is much more ready for school than Buddah was at 2years, but I have decided to keep her home, with Nana, for 1 more year. Due to some of the attachment issues that we have had, it's just better for her to work on those things for a little while longer. She will have FOREVER to go to school! Here is a very short video of her reading...she gets mad when my sister gets up, she tells her to "sit down, sit down" to listen to her read. It's so funny and cute!
Buddah also started his 2nd session of ICE HOCKEY/beginning skating, and he loves it. Here is a very small clip of his 1st skating lesson. He's the one with the CCCP jersey...we got that in Moscow last Dec.

Well, I would share my exciting news if I really knew that it was "a go"...but it's not yet. NO, it's NOT another baby (yet :)), but IT DOES have to do with Russia. I promise I will let you all know really soon! BUT in the meantime, I would like to ask everyone a few questions.
1. If you had the chance to go to Russia again, to visit, or adopt, would you?
2. How ready/serious are some of you thinking of going to Russia to adopt again?
3. Would it be worth going back to Russia to help other children and/or orphanages as well as learn more about the culture, even if it meant leaving your kiddos at home (with family)for a week or so?
*Just a few thoughts... (big hint too!)

Thank you

2007-09-02T22:05:00.000-06:00

Thanks to all of you for the kind words about my dog. We are all slowly healing, and getting better each day. It really helps to heal by remembering all the good times that we all shared together.
I am now back teaching full time, and our 4.5 year old, Buddah, is getting ready to begin pre-school next week...4 days a week! Kills me how big he is getting! I am totally in denial that he is growing up. Maybe it will sink in sometime soon, but He'll always be my baby. I admit that we do have that special "mommy/son relationship" that some speak of. It's hard to explain, but there is definitely a difference and I'm lucky to experience the girl and boy relationship and all of the differences!
CQ continues to grow and improve with attachment. She is getting more and more beautiful each day.
When I first went back to work, things got crazy for a while, but now they are beginning to calm down. I am slowly regaining some energy for my own kids when I return home. I teach a 2nd and 3rd grade multi-age class this year. It's fun, but it's challenging with so many different ability levels.
Anyway, Some excited news is on the way...so stay tuned.

Letting Turtle Go

2007-08-22T18:55:00.001-06:00

I think that my heart is aching more than ever before in my entire life!!! Just a few hours ago we had to put Turtle (our dog) to sleep. She had been sick for some time, off and on. This sickness was so bad. She couldn't move. We had been trying to get her sugar levels down, through IV, for two days and it did go down, but today they realized that she had a parasite that was eating her insides (due to her failure to fight off flies b/c she was so weak and when she would go outside to potty the flies would attack her) and I couldn't bare to make her go through the pain that she was in. We had asked the Dr. to tell us if he thought her quality of life was at stake, and he told us today that there was barely even a slim chance, and that the state that she was in currently, would be the best shape that she could be in, which was weak, and in pain.
When I walked into the room she was staring at me with her white (from old age) face and gave me the saddess look. Jason and I both were crying so hard. She started REALLY crying when I started kissing her, like she was saying "Mom I don't feel good". We made the HORRIBLE decision to let her go and I have to say that it was the hardest thing I've ever done. I cannot even begin to explain how much emotional pain I'm in, and it's totally unexpected. My heart just aches.
I feel so awful for doing what I had to do, and I miss her already sooooo much!
I knows she's in a better place where she can run, jump, eat all the treats she wants and is the fastest dog EVER...! Wow, this is some intense emotional trama!

Turtle, you were the best and you'll always be in our hearts...forever and ever!

MONDAY IS ALMOST HERE!

2007-08-12T21:23:00.000-06:00

I have a love/hate relationship with my job. I'm a elementary school teacher (the best job ever) and every end of summer I have such a love/hate relationship about going back to school...work. I enjoy the summers so much! This summer was EXTRA special b/c of CQ finally being a part of our family and Buddah's relationship with his sister is finally getting better. He has matured so much, I just cannot believe it. What a BIG change from 4 yrs. old to 4 and a half yrs. old...huge! He began taking Hockey lessons this summer. So cute. He wore his CCCP Hockey Jersey (one that we purchased in Russia last Dec.) to every practice. He was so proud of himself. He is a great listener now. He even shares alittle! Trust me that's a big one for him. This pic was taken of us the first day I met him...

And this pic was taken of Buddah this summer...

CQ has also made huge strides. First, her walking. As you may have remembered me talking about it before, CQ was born with a club foot and in Russia they did the surgery to correct it. Unfortunately, the job that they did was not the best, so we are going to have to go through another surgery (a tenden transfer) when she turns 3. She is walking, running, jumping, etc... but is still having some issues with leg fatigue and strength every now and then. I know that her leg and foot will be just fine.
She is so loving now, she doesn't long to go to strangers anymore (although she still shows off and is EXTRA friendly to strangers), makes wonderful eye-contact, listens even though she's 2 :), is communicating/speaking amazingly well, is still potty trained for the most part, she doesn't rock herself to sleep anymore...she is truly an amazing little girl.
This is a picture of the first day I saw my beautiful little girl...

And this is a picture of beauty now...

I am thankful everyday for my kiddos. Don't know what I'd do without them. I know that I won't be there every waking moment for the next 181 school days, but I'll be thinking about them all the time...:)
Tomorrow is the first day back to work and I will cry all the way there. :( Wish me luck!!! Thanks to Nana for coming everyday to keep my munchkins safe and happy!

Fun in the Sun!!!

2007-07-24T20:28:00.001-06:00

The kiddos and I went on our 1st vacation. We went to St. Petersburg/Clearwater area in Florida. We visited with Nana C. and Papa R. for a couple of days and then they went home and Daddy came from his business meeting in Orlando, and met us at the beach house. CQ got to see the Gulf for the very first time, and Buddah was a fish in the pool and in the ocean. We had a very, very, very relaxing time, but the kids both got really homesick after just 3 days. Buddah just started crying in the pool, totally out of the blue, talking about how he missed his Nana and Papa at home, dogs, and all of his friends. It was so cute, but he was really homesick! He kept asking me, "Hey mom, are you sad here? Do you want to go home?" I remember those days. He is so much like I was at that age...loves schedules, his own things, and familiar places and people. There is nothing wrong with that, right?
I had only 2 rules, no cell phone, and no computer for 6 straight days. I think I did pretty good.
Hope all is well with everyone, I'll post some of my favorite pics...enjoy:-)

2007-07-08T09:54:00.001-06:00

Summer fun at the pool...

First Pony Tail...

:) Happy Sunday Everyone!

HAPPY 4TH...HAPPY ACCREDIATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-07-01T16:09:00.000-06:00

What a wonderful way to celebrate...accredidation news!
I've heard that several accrediations are getting their MOE Accredidations. If anyone is waiting, my thoughts are with you AS WELL AS all of the waiting children that this has affected. I feel good about this news! KidsFirstAdoptions(Frank Foundation),that we used, DID GET THEIR ACCREDIDATION...IT'S NOW OFFICIALLY ON THEIR WEB-SITE. I'M SO EXCITED FOR THEM. SUCH A WONDERFUL ORGANIZATION!!!! WOULD HIGHLY SUGGEST USING THEM!!! I ALREADY WANT TO GO BACK....AGAIN! CALL ME CRAZY!!!
I hope that the process starts very soon and that we see these beautiful children get homes! Good luck to all of you.
ARE ANY OF YOU GETTING "THE ITCH" TO GO BACK IF IF IF IF IF THIS ACCREDIDATION STUFF HELPS THINGS START RUNNING SMOOTHLY?
Pics from July 3rd...and 4th.

This is Buddah Bean and CQ going to the 4th of July Parade in our neighborhood. It's a record turn out for the firework display at our street party. This is actually just 50% of the people watching fireworks on our driveway. :)

Father's Day

2007-06-18T13:06:00.000-06:00

We love you so much! Thanks for being a loving husband and father, you make life so much fun!

Family Weekend

2007-06-18T08:36:00.001-06:00

We went to see Jason's parents (AKA Nana and PopPop) this last weekend. Buddah Bean and his Nana and PopPop and Aunt Mare Mare went to a Butterfly house. Just by the looking at the pictures, you can tell he loves the one-on-one attention that he got that day. AND of course loved learning about Butterflies. What a fabulous idea Nana. He still hasn't stopped talking about it! Awesome pics aunt Mare Mare. CQ and Buddah miss you all already!

Here are some more weekend pics...
>

CQ and her friend V + PLUM TREE STUDIO

2007-06-08T21:30:00.000-06:00

YOU JUST CAN'T GET ANY CUTER THAN THIS!
This is CQ with her friend V. V is from Kirov, Russia and is an amazing little girl. Her mom has been a great friend of mine for quite sometime. Actually her mom worked for the agency that we adopted our kids from and she played a very important role in getting our little guy home 3.5 years ago. Little did she know that she would get to experience the wonderful world of adoption, but she did and I am so happy for her and her husband. Creating your family through adoption is a rocky road, but all worth it in the end. I didn't ask for permission to use her photo, so Miss C. if you read this, give me the ok and I'll post the other REALLY cute one of the two. :)
UPDATE: PERMISSION GRANTED!!! :)
MORE CUTE PICTURES FROM KF PICNIC:

On another note, with some relavance, V's aunt is a designer of FABULOUS t-shirts (in California) and has sent CQ 2...THANKS! example of 1 of the shirts

Her blog is: http://plumtreestudio.blogspot.com/
Get on this blog and check her out. She works very hard and is sooooo talented so maybe some of you could give her alittle business....remember....she's the aunt of a Russian Princess, need I say ANYMORE? You all will love her stuff, so just check it out!

2007-06-07T10:41:00.000-06:00

BAHAMA TRIP, PASSPORT BLUES, AND OUR ANNUAL KF PICNIC
Ahhhh!
What a great time that Jason and I had in the Bahamas.

The kiddos would have gone w/us, but Budda's citizenship papers for his passport didn't arrive in time. Actually, they haven't arrived at all. It's amazing how long and difficult the process can be. So, IF YOU DIDN'T GET YOUR CHILD'S CITIZENSHIP PAPERS, b/c they didn't give them out before 2003, you will need to apply to get them OR you will not be able to get a passport for your child AND for those of you who have not had the pleasure of dealing with what a HUGE mess the passport agencies are going through right now...good luck. We paid over $200 to expedite CQ's passport and we still waited 5 WEEKS!!!! I was very sad seeing other kids w/their parents there, b/c our little guy didn't get a chance to get his passport and they did. HE IS A CITIZEN TOO! I can't get myself started again.
The day we got home, they announced that they are waiving the passport rule for now. OF COURSE THEY ARE! My luck.
Anyway,
if anyone is interested in getting citizenship papers AND/OR passports, e-mail me and let me know how I can help. Trust me, I'm an expert now. Remember, if your child has just come home in the past 2 years, or so, you automatically get their citizenship papers.
FYI: Citizenship Form for Adopted Child: http://www.rapidimmigration.com/usa/
(FORM N-600)
We did, however, enjoy ourselves. I have never left CQ, and only left Budda when we went to Russia to get CQ, so that was difficult. Thanks to my mom and dad who stayed at our house and kept things consistent. It's going to be a tough few weeks getting CQ back on our interventions that we were trying. We had come so far with bonding and just overall behavior, so the guilt is definitely there. The eye contact with me was almost non-existent for the 1st day back, but the second day, things have gotten alittle better.
Last week when we went to our Adoption Agencies Annual picnic, CQ did great. Didn't beg to go to others, actually wanted me to hold her alot! It was just absolutely incredible to see what beautiful children our Agency has brought home. All of them so vibrant and full of life. That's what it is all about.

More Birthday Pics + 1st Haircut for CQ + Attachment Stuff

2007-06-02T09:29:00.000-06:00

On CQ's birthday, I decided to trim up her locks. It was time!

Brother got a haircut too! The finished product looks fabulous! After, we went to the toystore and bought a Dollhouse for CQ...a huge dollhouse. Very exciting. Now BROTHER has another toy. She could care less! :) That's just how she is. She would rather play with shoes and socks anyday.
Here are a few more pics of her b-day...Dinner at Mankeo Neko (our fav.Japanese rest.) and cake with just us.

We decided against a party after listening to our own common sense that told us..."she's just not ready for that yet".

On another quick note, I went to a seminar of Dr. Federici yesterday. He specializes in attachment issues and internationally adopted children. A-MAZING! I took down some notes on my laptop and will try and write an overview very soon. Everyone that internationally adopts should hear this guy. Really, it's a must for everyone!!! Maybe in the meantime some of you could look his info. up on-line at: http://www.drfederici.com/
It's soooo worth it!!!

2007-05-23T12:02:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday CurlyQ!

I can't believe you are 2 already! It makes me so sad that I didn't get spend your 1st birthday together, but Mommy and Daddy WILL MAKE UP FOR THAT!
As your mommy, I want to tell you how much I love you. You are the sweetest little girl and such a trooper for making the adjustment of your life these past 5 months.

I LOVE YOU...
I love when you hug me, I love that you are independent, I love that you are emotional about everything, I love that you are potty trained,
I love that you like to shop, I love that you like to take walks, I love it when you jabber about nothing I understand, I love that you think you are beautiful, I love that we brought you home from Russia on Christmas Eve,I love that you are such a good sleeper, I love that you are caring to other babies, I love when you pretend that you are talking on the phone like mommy, I love it that you like having hair brushed and putting clippies in your hair, I love it that you love to wear sunglasses, I love that you were born for me, I love that you are spunky, I love it that bathtime is sooo much fun, I love that you love all 3 of our doggies, I love that you tolerate your brother when he isn't being so nice and/or sharing, I love that you light up a room when you enter, I love your breath...even in the morning after sucking your finger for about 12 hours, I love that everyone says that you look like your daddy, I love that you love your daddy and that everything and anything you do melts his heart, I love it when you dance to any and all music, I love it that you are so smart, I love that your smile is infectious, I love that you try me with your hard-headed attitude, I love it that you make me work so hard to the be the best mom for you, I love it that you are mine forever and ever, I love that you showed me that loving another after your brother was EASY, I love it that you are happy, I love it that I found you, and my love for you grows each and every day. Happy 2nd Birthday!

Mother's Day

2007-05-23T11:50:00.000-06:00

On Mother's Day, I spent some time with my children, and spent time with my own mother. I am so happy to be a mom. It was so hard getting to this point, but in the end, I thank my lucky stars every day for my beautiful children. I know that all of you feel the same way! :)

The Amazing Dream...a must read!!!

2007-05-07T14:49:00.000-06:00

Two weeks ago I had a crazy dream.
Dream:
I was talking with one of my friends, and we were having a discussion about our kids. Then, we started looking at pictures of Russia. These pictures were from a trip that a Humanitarian Group (affiliated with our agency) took in August of '05. There were pictures of many beautiful children and then all of the sudden we flip to a picture and there is Curly Q. I say, look that's CQ!!! That's all I remember of the dream.
Rewind back almost 2 years ago.
Reality:
I was getting ready to submit my dossier and couldn't wait to look at the pics that the Humanitarian Group had taken of children from the region that we got our son from. When they got back we viewed the pictures and looked at all of the wonderful pics of items purchased for the Orphanage and only a few pics of kids were shown on the slide show presentation. Our agency is always very very careful not to show pictures and to respect the laws of not showing photos of the children. So, before I finished the slide show there was a picture of a really little one in a baby-bouncer-seat. She was sooo cute. I was momentarily drawn to the pictures, but had forgotten about it b/c I knew that I couldn't look at a picture and immediately ask the agency for THAT child. Also, I was told that she was very young and it would be too long before she was off the registry...since I thought we would be done with our adoption in 6-8 months(ha, ha, ha!!!)
My brain MUST HAVE processed that picture and I actually had a dream about it a few nights ago. WHY? Who knows.
So, just on a whim, I called a friend (the one in my dream) that knew where the photos were from the humanitarian trip of '05, and I and asked if she remembered the picture and she did.
She was able to locate that picture and GUESS WHAT?

It's her! Curly Q at 3.5 months.

I couldn't believe my eyes and certainly can't believe that a dream would lead me to an early picture of my daughter. I am so excited, but at the same time kind of freaked out about how this transpired. Wow!
Anyone else have some amazing dream stories? Or at least some that have come true like this one?

Sleep Behavior

2007-05-01T21:38:00.000-06:00

I posted something on the Borovichi group tonight about our little CQ and her thrashing and head banging in her sleep. I have read soooo many articles and discussed with international specialists as well as our pediatrician about her sleep behavior, but everyone seems to be in agreement that this is a normal behavior.
On the Borovichi site there was a post to update on children adopted from Borovichi through the years and it's sooo amazing to hear how well most of these children are doing, but one post caught my attention when she said that her daughter, brought home at 2, thrashes in her sleep and she is now 6 years old. Could this really last forever????
I know many of you have experience with this, what kind of research have you heard on this? What have your doctors told you about it? Are there any strategies to get them away from this behavior? Is it wrong to try and stop it?
It breaks my heart to see her doing this. I always rock her before bedtime and if I go in and she is thrashing, I pick her up and rock her back to sleep, but just minutes later she is doing it again. It seems to be more in her sleep than getting to sleep now so I know that there is some improvement, and I have to remember that she's only been home for 4 months. But the poor child has worn a bald spot on the back of her head and just the other night I awoke to her hitting her head and SHE BROKE THE SKIN ON THE BACK OF HER HEAD!!! YIKES!! She didn't seem phased by that, but take away her play cell phone and she is throwing a HUGE tantrum. :) But really, is there anything that anyone has done to help this behavior? I would love to know.

YAHOO!!!!!!!!

2007-04-28T17:46:00.000-06:00

This is it...
How much fun does this look like? This is what we did today...bought the play set I never had. It's a tree house and play set for Budda Bean and Curly Q. It is going to be in our backyard in 2 weeks!
Am I more excited than they are??? This is one of those times that I've lived vicariously through my children...OK, I ADMIT IT!

PASSPORT NIGHTMARE

2007-04-25T10:04:00.000-06:00

Case: Getting Passport to travel to Bahamas
Person: Our 4 year old
**CQ got Citizenship Papers...Budda Bean didn't**
Frusterated: Mommy
Crazy: Our Government Regulations
We are (were) so excited. Jason got an ALL EXPENSE PAID vacation to the BAHAMAS for being on the top of his salesgoal for the year. Why would I bring my kids do you ask....because I want to.:) Anyway, 2 months ago when Curley Q got her Citizenship Papers I realized that this was not the same thing that Budda Bean got. Instead, he got a Permanent Resident Card. So, after checking w/INS we realized that when he came home in '03, the rules/laws were alittle different. You had to "apply" to get Citizenship Papers. So, a couple of weeks ago, I made an appointment with INS and filled out all of the necessary paperwork for him to get his Citizenship Papers. (After we get his Citizenship Papers in, he must be re-coded by Social Security even though he IS a Citizen!!!)
This is where the tricky part comes in...we want to get a passport for Budda Bean, but his Citizenship Papers have to be sent in for Citizenship Varification with his passport info.
No: his Permanent Resident Card doesn't work, AND no the I-551 stamp in his Russian passport that verifies his Immediate Citizenship doesn't work either.
No: he can't travel w/his Russian Passport and PR card because when you are a Citizen of the USA, you can't travel w/any other passport b/c in the US they do not recognize dual Citizenship...so I was told by INS.
Yes: I've called everyone stemming from the Bahamian Embassy to INS to Passport Officers to Government Supervisors of Homeland Security...NOP we are out of luck until that Citizenship Certificate comes in...in about 60 days(they say). Can we expedite that? We tried and were denied b/c needing the papers for "Passport Purposes" isn't a valid enough reason.
Yes: I am sooooo sad and frusterated!!!!
Any advice?

Thanks for some of the advice...and other stuff

2007-04-11T13:39:00.000-06:00

I appreciate all of the comments and some of the e-mails that I received about my last post. It is slowly gettng better, but 95% is not ok...I won't stop working with her until she's 100%!!!! It seems that this is not so uncommon, but man can it get frusterating!!!
Our Easter was so great. The kiddos looked so cute.

I was sad to come back to work after having a "teaser" week for Spring Break, but a woman's gotta do what she's gotta do. :) I have a great little 1st grade class. I also have an incredible passion to teach children. If I didn't, I wouldn't be doing it! The students that I have love learning, so I am in the best enviornment (second to that of being at home). The peace of mind that I have is that my mom comes to my house each day to care for both children. Budda Bean is in pre-school a few days a week so that helps too. My mom is so wonderful! I know that they are safe...SPOILED, but safe and having a great time. My hours are great too. CQ goes down for her afternoon nap, and POOF...I'm home giving hugs and kisses when I wake her up. I think we both look forward to that!

I NEED Advice from others

2007-04-06T19:02:00.000-06:00

Ok. Several of you have been lurking on my blog. Thank you. Thank you.
So far, though, I've have basically just shown pics of my cute kiddos and maybe a journal entry about our day.
Now, I need some advice from others on attachment.
I am having some trouble with Curley Q. She's 22 months and has progressed amazingly in most all areas. She's been home 3.5 months. I have one MAJOR area of concern. She is sooo friendly w/strangers, often wants to go to them, or if another mom is tending to their child, she wants THAT MOM's attention so that they won't pay attention to their own child. She is extra friendly w/men. Ok. She might just be a social butterfly, Right? The only problem is she is not wanting to come back to me. She chooses just about everyone, but me, to go to.
It kills me as her mother, but I've tried to take the approach..."My job is to love her, her job is not to love me." BUT it still hurts sometimes. Often, my confidence slips and those feelings of failure take over.
I never ever had this problem with my son. He is sooo shy.
Don't get me wrong, she is a sweetheart. She does show love to me, but again, it's always on her terms.
IS THIS NORMAL/NOT NORMAL...ANY ADVICE WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.
LURKERS, COME OUT AND GIVE ME SOME ADVICE, PLEASE. THANKS.

WHAT'S UP W/THE WEATHER????

2007-04-04T20:50:00.000-06:00

What? Snow? You have to be kidding me. Weren't we just in our shorts playing in the yard

going on walks,

playing at the park?

This is what I get for not going somewhere on Spring Break! Teachers really should go on Spring Break, right? Well, my husband tells me that we took 3 Spring Breaks, but they were all in Russia. :)

So, now this is what it looks like in my house...PJ days and WWF is back!

No outside play, McDonald's Playland and Chucky Cheeze is totally out of the question not only b/c it's Spring Break and 5,000 kids will be there, but being a teacher, I need a break from a large quantity of children at one time. My two is perfect for the week.
I will, however, officially be on a countdown as of next Monday. Approx. 40 school days remaining until summer!!! Love my class, 1st graders are awesome, but this will be my first summer w/Budda and CQ. So excited for that!!!!

ZOO DAY

2007-04-02T14:51:00.000-06:00

Yeah!!!! A beautiful day to enjoy the zoo...wait a minute. Did everyone else in the entire state get the SAME IDEA? OMG...so many people, so many lines, so many bees!!!! Yes, the kiddos enjoyed every second of it. (thanks for the help Kathy and Pat :))
I asked Budda Bean what his favorite part was. He said "Riding the train to see the elephants and donkeys" (I don't think there were any donkeys) Great buddy!
Miss CQ's favorite part was the food, I think.
That was when she was most happy.

I had forgotten that she had never been to a zoo, had never battled lines (except at Moscow/JFK airport), never had a coney dog, never seen dolphins swimming, or a big pool or tank, never fed a duck, seen large animals, AND had never even seen a BEE! I love being part of her firsts. She is so special.
Budda Bean has experienced just about everything. I think that we overloaded his brain his first year b/c we had wanted to share those types of things with a child for so long that when we finally got the chance, it was...the zoo, museums, parks, beaches, Disney Live etc.... Kids are so much fun, now for my nap. :)

Work, Kids, and HIP HOP ABS

2007-03-25T20:30:00.000-06:00

Work was great this week. I teach 1st grade and all of the kiddos in my class were happy that I was back. I REALLY missed my babies at home though. I think that- I know that they are fine, I just miss the little things that I know I am missing. I do, however, feel that my attention is much more focused on them instead of the little daily things that come up. I am motivated to spend quality time with them. I don't waste any time at all worrying about the little things, but focus on time time time.
I have also continued with HIP HOP ABS.
OK, no laughing. Seriously, it is amazing!!!! 4 weeks into the exercise program and I have lost almost 3 inches around my waist and weight is back down to about 147, from 162 in December. I feel great! It was well worth the $$!!!!! It's really fun and almost addicting....no I do not work for them, but I am a satisfied customer.
:)
1 more week till Spring Break. No, I'm not going anywhere, but home sweet home...and maybe the zoo????

SPRING IS IN THE AIR

2007-03-18T17:48:00.000-06:00

Finally a semi-warm day. Just right before I go back to work...tomorrow. Here are some pics of CQ and I at a covered bridge/park by our house.
Brother was at pre-school and we were just passing the time before we had to pick him up. It was really the first time that we were able to play and be together outside. It was an absolutely beautiful day. Spring is in the air!
Curley Q has been home for almost 3 months. She first gained about 6 pounds in 4 weeks, now she has actually lost two pounds now that she actually stops eating when she's full, AND is finally walking. She has grown nearly 2 inches. She is talking up a storm and understands many many words now. I am so impressed with how well she has adapted.

Great Advice on Attachment

2007-03-18T11:02:00.000-06:00

I don't know how many of you have children with major or minor attachment issues, but here are some powerful words of advice that have been complied by many adoptees and experts alike. I am so impressed by these comments and feel a sense of relief that I am doing some of these things, and I AM NOT CRAZY! I think that the one about having a friend that has adopted and understands attachment needs is the most important of all. I am thankful to have a few in my life, as well as everyone that visits that gives me peace of mind. I've just taken what has been relavent to me...

WHAT CAN YOU DO!!!??? READ ON!!!!!! 
1) YOU, AND ONLY YOU, WEAR YOUR BABY!! Carry them with you wherever you go, and whatever you do. (unless dangerous) Attach them to your bodies. A great baby carrier is one that the baby can have skin to skin contact with you – Baby Trekker (1-800-665-3957) is a great one, and DHS bought mine! (Tank tops are great to encourage skin to skin contact). Carry the baby on your hip; tie to your body under a sweatshirt, front carrier, or in your arms. The more contact the better. These babies were not held enough. Hold Them!!!! ALOT!!! ALL THE TIME!!!! For the rare times the baby is not in your arms, have them in the same room as you are in.
2) YOU ARE THE ONLY CAREGIVER!! You always bottle, feed, bath, dress, change and most of the play. If friends and family want to help let them walk the dog or clean your house, wash bottles or do laundry, bring food or make you tea. No baby-sitters and no sending the baby away for respite.
Until your baby is firmly emotionally attached to you, NO ONE the baby doesn't see daily should hold or even touch them, and even those that the baby sees daily should hold them at a very minimum. Only YOU rock them, Only YOU feed them, Only YOU rock them and put them to bed, Only you play with them for an extended period of time. If someone else plays with them, make sure that you are in the room, too.
3) KEEP THE BOTTLE AS LONG AS POSSIBLE –EVEN LONGER! You, not the baby, hold the bottle. I hold the bottle with my chin so I have two hands to snuggle my baby close to me. Hold them the way a nursing mother does – chest to chest, close to you with as much skin to skin contact as possible. Always insist your baby look in your eyes and when they do, instantly put the bottle in their mouth and tell them good job!! Keep looking at their eyes so when they are ready for eye contact, you don't miss it. Rub them gently, rock, sing.
4) EXPECT A DIRTY HOUSE, soup out of the can and sandwiches for supper and piles of laundry. Know that you are not super mom, and that baby can't wait until all is in order to get on with their lives. Here is where all those well meaning friends that want to hold that precious baby come in!! Let them work!!!
5) EXPECT TO BE CRITICIZED AND ACCUSED as over possessive, or controlling, and making more than you should out of the baby's problems. You WILL be told all babies do that. This is by well meaning grandparents, friends, neighbors, relatives, doctors, and social workers. Stick to what YOU KNOW the baby needs, and fight to get that for them. Remember YOU know that baby more than anyone else!
6) HAVE A GREAT SUPPORT SYSTEM. Have a trusted friend (hopefully someone who has had experience in attachment disorder) that you can call without being told you are making too much of it, or that does something beyond your hopes and wishes. Read books on attachment disorder. Know what dangers await that baby if they are not helped. Working with an infant or toddler has such a HUGE chance for success!! Not one act of kindness is wasted.
7) Keep on keeping on. Listen to your gut and don’t let anyone tell you any different. You are the child's parent and you will do what is best for you. No one else's wants and needs (relatives/friends) override the importance of your child's understanding of the meaning of FAMILY.

What are your thoughts about these things? Do any of you have stories of others JUST NOT GETTING IT with things they do to your child?

Thoughts for Today

2007-03-07T13:09:00.000-06:00

Words can never describe the emotional roller coaster that you go through when you adopt Internationally, from Russia in our case. After researching and going on the MOE every single day, checking blogs, making phone calls, doing the paperwork chase, and then...it all just ends. Of course now you have a child to raise, but It's almost like you don't know how to live "normally" anymore. I sware that I lost brain cells during our 1st failed trip in October. I still do not think that my body/mind has totally recovered. I wonder is there is such thing as Post Tramatic Adoption Syndrome, or something like that? Hummmmm
Yes, my adoption leave is coming to a close. I have been off since Dec. 13th from my 1st grade teaching position. So, I have had a long time off, not only to bond with my new daughter, but to emotionally heal. Do I feel like it's enough time? No. It will never be enough time, but the show must go on. I love my teaching job and am a passionate teacher.
I will miss the little things, especially the "PJ days".

My "start day" is March 19th and it's sneaking up on me way too quick. The only thing that keeps my peace of mind is that my mom comes to my house to stay with both children. She takes Budda Bean to preschool 2 days a week, and they do fun things all of the time. I love the bond that he has with her, and I know that Curly Q will be just as happy. They will be happy and safe. I know, I know.

Brother and Sister

2007-03-04T23:08:00.000-06:00

Budda Bean and Curly Q are finally starting to get along. I knew that Budda would come around. She is totally in love with her brother. They really do everything together. Budda now says that he loves the baby and rarely leaves her out of any conversations. Good Job Big Brother! I love you so much!!!
I think they are even beginning to look more like each other.

Our 2nd Adoption Experience-LONG (and complicated)

2007-02-18T15:26:00.000-06:00

About 3 months after bringing our son home from Russia, the pain of the process and traveling had worn off. In the back of my mind I knew that we were going to go back to Russia and adopt again, but financially we had to recover first. At the time my husband and I were both teachers and our salaries wouldn't support another go around. So, not even a year after being home with our son, my husband switched professions and $$$ was much better. His 1st year bonus supported our next adoption, but the $ wouldn't come for a while. So, we waited. When we finally received word on the amount that he would get, we knew that Russia was changing rapidly and we needed to start our paperwork immediately. It was alittle after 2 years when we finally started the process again. It was Oct. 2005, and our INS approval came in in Dec. Although we knew the $$$ wouldn't be available until March of '05, we knew that the wait was much longer than the 1st time we adopted, especially since we had specified for a girl. We were told 7-11 months. So, we were officially in, and comfortably waiting. ALL of the sudden, we get a call from our agency. Our paperwork was in the office and everyone else's paperwork was already in different regions tied up. They had gotten a referral for an 8 month old little girl in a region where no other paperwork was. So, the day after Christmas we could go on 1st trip.
WAIT A MINUTE...we thought it would be 7-11 months. We had no funds to travel again...yet. We were not ready. So, sadly we had to turn down this referral. I felt so horrible. I knew for a fact that someone would get this referral. It could have been the easiest 2nd adoption ever...too! I was emotionally sick for awhile after that. I kept thinking that it was a huge mistake that we made, but I tried to stay confident that our daughter was out there, and that was not our daughter in Tver.
4 months after we turned down that referral, we were informed that our agency lost accrediation and that a new accrediation process was taking place. Now, I really thought that we had made a huge mistake by passing up the Dec. referral. Trying to stay strong, and enjoy our son every single day, it became hard to go through even an hour without thinking about what was happening in Russia. I was constantly on line, looking at blogs, on-line info....etc.... Then, the ever so popular question kept coming up..."Don't you have your baby yet?". I literally couldn't go through one day without someone asking me about when we were going. OR...have you heard anything today? That was my favorite. It was ok though, I was thinking the same thing.
So, about 11 months after waiting, we get a telephone call from our agency. They asked if we would be interested in a blind referral. I asked my husband, because before, the blind referral thing scared us to death. He was 100% ready to go. GREAT.
Me too. The only information that we got was that the referral was for a baby girl around 12 months old. We didn't care what she looked like, we just wanted a baby with minor correctable conditions under 18 months. We were ready. With alittle paperwork updating we were ready to go.
So, the next weekend we set out for our 1st trip to Orenburg. Alittle nervous, we were calmed by our agency telling us that in the past, if something was wrong with the referral (sick child with major correctable conditions) they were always presented another baby that same day. We were also taking a doctor with us to check her out. That was another stressor kind of "out of the way". Leaving our son, with both grandmas, was the hardest thing that I have ever had to do in my life. BUT he was fine and excited for us to leave and come back SOON.
We hopped on our little flight to JFK, and then our big Aeroflot flight to Moscow, Russia. We ended up traveling with another couple that lived only 15 minutes away from us. That was really nice. When we arrived in Moscow, we were picked up and taken to our hotel in Moscow...the Marriott Grand.

A place very familiar to us from our first adoption. When we arrived, there was a Halloween celebration going on, it was kind of cool.
We got to our rooms and placed our items in there and headed down to the lobby to take a Tour of Moscow. It was an unbelieveable tour.

Well worth the $, since we split it with the other couple. Our translator/tour guide, Tonya, was amazing. We took tons of pictures and got to see beautiful sites that we didn't get to see on our 1st adoption trip. I knew in my mind the things that I wanted to do that I didn't get to do the first time, and we did many of them. We were not getting picked up until the next day, so we went back to the hotel, ordered room service (cheese pizza and choc.covered strawberries) and feel fast asleep. The next day, we shopped at Arabat Street and then had lunch at TGI Fridays. It was fun. When we got back to the hotel, we were met by our translator, and left to go to the Domodo..airport to fly to Orenburg. The ride was going the opposite way that we had gone on our other adoption, so the sights were definitely different this time. Once we got to the airport, we were met by our coordinator and he flew with us to Orenburg.
The flight was smooth and painless. They fed us the entire flight. :)
Once we got to Orenburg, we drove only about 10 minutes to our hotel. In the morning, we would go to the MOE for an interview and if they liked us, we could adopt.
Well, the MOE was a breeze. They liked us. So, off to the orphanage we went. It was a three hour 90mph car ride to Orenburg through the Ural Mountains.
When we got to the orphanage we were escorted to a separate little room and soon a caregiver came into the room with a tiny tiny tiny baby. Nearly only 12 pounds at 12 months of age. Initially, we held the baby and tried playing with her. They kept asking if we liked the baby and we said yes, but we had some health concerns and wanted to wait for our Dr. before making any decisions. Our Dr. didn't arrive for about 3 hours. It was a nightmare. We started noticing MAJOR health concerns. Arms that were bent and wouldn't straighten, legs that stuck out like the splits and wouldn't come together, clear infections all over the child's body, and facial features clearly of Asian descent, but they denied that she was of any Asian descent, so what was that.
I could feel the walls begin to close in and I began to get really really upset. When our doctor finally arrived to evaluate the child, she conducted some basic tests, all of which the baby failed. She looked at us and said that she didn't have a good feeling about this child. She went to the Orphanage Director's office and began to get other medical information that our interpreter left out. Her birth history was not good either. After talking to us, our coordinator called her into the hallway and loudly talked to her. About 10 minutes later all the people, interpreter, coordinator, and doctor walked into the room. Our doctor informed us that she thought that we should adopt the child because she was healthy. We looked at her in amazement. "What? What about all of the things that you have told us about her health." She still thought that she was a healthy child, so she said in front of the coordinator, that I feel pressured her in the first place. At that point we didn't know who to believe, but we knew that our gut told us that something wasn't right. Even the most obvious detail, her Asian descent, they were lying about. We went back to the hotel only to find out that they were not going to help us find another child. Our agency at home worked around the clock to try and find another referral for us and about 15 minutes before we were suppose to leave for Orenburg airport our agency came through with another "possible" referral. The agency couldn't tell us the health of the child, but they would know in a day or so. ONLY we had to stay in Orenburg and trust all of the people who just totally lied to us, to help us out. Our brains were mush and we just wanted to get home. We knew that this could mean that losing the referral, but we were too emotional to make any other major decisions and went home empty handed and completely heart broken. We only had one thing to grasp onto and cherish, the education and experience with our wonderful/easy first adoption. Thank GOD we had that to compare it to!
We arrived home and we were so emtional, but just glad to be with our son. The next morning we get a call from our agency. They have info. on another referral, in the exact same region that our son was adopted from. I was skeptical about Russia in general, but when our agency told us that they had medical and video, we felt alittle more comfortable. Only, this little one was already 17 months, much older than we thought we were going to get, but once that video was on, we knew immediately that she was ours.
I didn't want to get my hopes up, but she was so healthy and beautiful. She was recovering from surgery because Russia had done corrective surgery on her for a club foot. We felt that was a MINOR correctible condition, something we were very comfortable with.
2 weeks later we left for Russia yet again.

To complete this adoption, it was going to take us going to Russia 2 more times. BUT, it was all worth it in the end.:)
We knew that we were going to the Novgorod Region, but not until our van picked us up at 1:30 am to make the 8-9 hour drive did we know that we were going to Borovichi...the same EXACT orphanage in which my son is from. I couldn't believe it! That doesn't happen very often, hardly at all. So, already I felt comfortable because we knew the driver, coordinator, and kind of knew what this trip would be like. We rode with a couple who were going to be first time parents to a 10 month old baby boy. Our translator, Marsha, was sweet and very knowledgable. Natasha our coordinator, was wonderful, kind, and HONEST.
When we arrived, almost at sunrise, about 9am, I couldn't believe that I was in the same place again.
About 20 minutes before we arrived I started seeing sights that I remembered on our adoption trip 3.5 years ago. It was the most surreal feeling in the entire world. Chills ran up my spine as we entered the gate up to the orphanage. We were back.
The smells were the same. My memories of a place that I never thought I would visit again, were right in front of me. After entering the office, the Orphanage director immediately remembered us and we were able to share many pictures of our son to her and she, in turn, showed them to many caregivers. There were some tears of joy. Off they sent us, to meet our daughter.
As we walked down the hall, right behind us was a lady, the same lady that we first saw our son with, holding our daughter walking behind us. Can you believe that!

She was in a hat, and a red dress with a doggy on the front with a cream sweater and red tights. (and a little cast on her little foot) Intitially she began to cry out of fear, and she was pretty much shy and reserve the entire visit. Only after she got some food in her belly did we see a smile.

BUT she blew us kisses and down she went for a nap. We went back to the office and learned of her medical history, which was almost perfect, except for the club foot, so we signed and got the paperwork rolling.
That was it for that trip.

Back to the airport, and home again. 4 days total. We were wiped out!
4 weeks later we were back in Russia for the 3rd and final trip. We visited our daughter before court and she was, again, very shy, but warmed up to us alittle more.
We drove to Novgorod for court and they, too, remembered us. So, it was easy. They saw how good our son was doing and BOOM, done. We were parents again!

The pick up of our daughter, was again, on the side of the road.
She was a perfect angel on the ride back to Moscow (in her too cute VERY pink snowsuit). I don't think she cried once. Once we were in Moscow, she fell right to sleep AND once again I began to get sicker and sicker and sicker. YUCK!! The embassy and doctor visit are a total blurr. She only wanted me, not daddy yet, and I was so, so, so sick. We did make it though. She was really a great baby and transitioned very well. When our flight left Moscow, I began to feel better and we finally arrived to JFK only to find out that our flight home had been cancelled. We had to spend the night in New York and our luggage was??? So depressing. I think that my husband and I truly lost brain cells. The next morning we had to drive to Lagurdia and catch a flight to Atlanta, home. We made it home on Christmas Eve. We were happy, but exhausted.

What a story. It's so special to have that wonderful bond between our children. They are both from Borovichi. Borovichi is near and dear to my heart.

Our Son in Review :)

2007-02-17T15:49:00.000-06:00

In Russia (9 months)
12 months
16 months
18 months
The 2's
The 3's

The 4's

Our 1st Russian Adoption experience

2007-02-16T16:08:00.000-06:00

We fell in love with our son, then only 8 months old. We viewed him on a video, and couldn't believe how cute he was. He melted our hearts...and stll does.

Nervous, Nervous, Nervous...we flew to Moscow Russia and then rode in a van for 8 hours to the orphanage.
His orphanage was in Borovichi. It was a stark, fall day in September. I will never forget seeing the building and my eyes welling up with tears because I could feel him in my heart already. I kind of felt a sense of pain, from all of the other parentless children residing in that worn down, white brick building. When we entered the side door, we walked up stairs and smelling lunch cooking. It was the smell or poridge and cooked meat. We were led into an office, by our coordinator, Natasha and translator Yuri. They provided us with snack and tea. BUT, Before we could sit down and talk about our child to the director...in walked a caregiver with little "Budda Bean" in her arms. She quickly handed him to me. It was a surreal feeling seeing this child on a video and now I was holding him in my arms.

He giggled and laughed and hugged me so tight. He went crazy when I kissed him. He started belly laughing. Our visit was short, but we feed him, and took him on a long walk in a stroller around the orphanage. His medical history was outstanding. So, we signed to get the process going.
We handed him off, got back in the van, and drove to the airport and BAM we were back in the US. Crazy. Only one week later we got a call that said our court date was just a week away, so we prepared as best as we could, for 1st time parents. Before court, we visited him again. I will never forget when we walked in the room, he was sitting in this huge playpin. He was wearing aqua overhauls and the caregivers had just washed his hair and slicked it to the side. Again, he laughed and smiled as we played with him for the last time before he was ours forever. It was as if he truly remembered us and knew we were coming to get him. When we left the orphanage in Borovichi, we drove about 3 hours to Veliky Novgorod.
That's where court took place. We were soooo nervous, but everything went smoothly.
When you adopt from this particular region, you get to pick your child up on the side of the road...literally. The orphanage van, with babies and children, meet you at a crossroads about 8 hours outside of Moscow.
The caregivers packed bottles and snacks for the ride to Moscow. It's surreal. It sounds kind of wierd, but it's our delivery room and we wouldn't have it any other way. :)
The ride to Moscow is bumpy and LONG. The children and babies in the van have to sit on your lap the entire ride to Moscow because they do not typically use carseats.
"Budda Bean" was perfect the entire ride to Moscow, although he didn't sleep. When we arrived to the Marriott Grand, we saw it as an oasis...food, comfort...etc.... BUT baby was totally out of sorts and cried most of the time we were there. Once we got on the airplane to fly home, perfect again. I ended up getting very sick before we left Moscow and Daddy had to step up and quickly take the leap into fatherhood.

When we arrived home, we couldn't believe what a gift we had brought home. That's our 1st adoption experience. Sounds easy doesn't it? Well, it was. BUT Russia was very different just 3 years ago. Budda Bean was the missing link in our lives and I can't believe how great he adapted to everything. He is healthy and loved beyond imagination! After our financial revitalization, we began the process again in October 2005. That's another day. :)
BTW: "Budda Bean" is a nickname for our son, don't ask me how, it just fit. :)

Introduction

2007-02-16T14:28:00.000-06:00

This is my husband and I on our 7th wedding anniversary. 7 years sounds like such a small amount of time...doesn't it? My husband sells textbooks, and I am a teacher. We met each other on an ATA flight in 1997. (St. Pete Airport) We were married in Florida, but although Hubby has moved around alot, I have always lived in this small Midwestern Town where we live now. It's rated the top 10 most wonderful small towns to raise a family in. We have had our ups and downs, but my husband is my very best friend. We have 3 crazy dogs and 2 silly kiddos.

I love my life...most days anyway.
We were both teachers at one point, and love children and animals.
When we got married in 1999, we were hoping to start a family relatively quick, but it didn't happen. Over $20,000 dollars of fertility meds/procedures and still...not pregnant. Then, a miracle happened...I got pregnant without any medication. We were overwhelmed with excitment, and fear. Sadly, just 8 weeks later, I miscarried.
Adoption was something that we had talked about for a while, but got serious about after finding out that we have an immunology issue and I will have trouble keeping a pregnancy to term.
We went to a few domestic adoption agencies to check them out, but I was not ready to wait years. I wanted a baby NOW!!! So, we went to a meeting at another agency, and they said that if we could get our paperwork done quickly, we would have a baby very soon. So, we began our homestudy process and ended our last homestudy meeting, signed our dossier, and reviewed our referral tape all in the same day. Amazing!!!
The rest is history. We are now a family of four and couldn't be happier.

Google

2007-02-16T09:09:00.000-06:00

Google

2007-02-16T00:03:00.000-06:00

Welcome

2007-02-15T23:56:00.001-06:00

Today I broke down and decided to create a blog. I have my own Yahoo Group, but after Lurking on so many other blogs over the past several months, I felt the need to create my own.
My husband and I are proud parents of two adopted children from Russia. Our son, "Budda Bean", was adopted from Novgorod Region(Borovichi) in 2003. At the time, he was only 9 months old, which is pretty rare these days. Our daughter, "Curly Q" was also adopted from the Novgorod Region(Borovichi) in December 2006. At the time of adoption she was 18 months old.
From the easiest of adoptions with our son, to the heartbreak and hurdles with our daughter, we are finally home and beginning to live semi-normal again. We consider ourselves very lucky.
I will try very hard to post as much as I can. Tomorrow I will do my best to introduce my wonderful/crazy family. :)