From Texas to Russia with Love

We're Still Here, What a Fantastic Ride the Last 9 Months Have Been

2011-01-25T19:18:00.000-08:00

I'm so sorry everyone, it's probably ridiculous for me to even post after so long, but I know some of you still come around and check on us, so I had to give a quick update. I quess I'm really not much of a blogger, but I do still keep up with all of yours. My how things have changed in a year. All your babies are just precious. Anyway, it's been crazy busy, but oh so fun. Nicole has grown and changed so much. She is one of the happiest little girls I've ever seen. She smiles with her whole face with pure joy and excitement. She is so loving, she gives hugs all the time. When the boys come home from school and Eddie comes home from work the first thing she does is run to them and give them a big hug. She's also started to say, "I love you too" after we say I love you. It's so sweet. She has the cutest little voice. I thank God for her every day. She loves her big brothers, playing outside, and dancing. She's a little dancing queen, whenever she hears music, that boody starts shaking. She loves to listen to music in the car and the only thing she'll watch on TV are live concerts. She is so precious to watch, she makes us all laugh when she starts dancing. American Idol is going to be so fun to watch with her this year. Who would believe she was just crawling a year ago. She has made so many huge milestones in her 9 months home. When we arrived home with her, she was 16 months old and crawling. We started her in physical and occupational therapy right away. They evaluated her at 16 months old as being developmentally that of an 11 month old on their charts. By 18 months, she had jumped developmentally to that of a 16 month old and by 19 months she hit all the markers of a 19 month old and continues to be right on track. She's been running around ever since. (Keep in mind, she was very premature, so this is super exciting for us.) She is also so smart, she picks up on things so quickly. Can you tell I'm a proud Mama. She goes to mother's day out 2 times a week and the rest of the days it's mostly me and her. It's so fun. It seems like she's always been here. I can't imagine her not being our daughter. Here are a few pictures of how she's grown over the past few months and that big beautiful smile, and yes those beautiful curls are natural, man am I jealous. She has the best hair, she's just perfect in every way possible. The pics start with the the kids fall picture and ends with a few pictures of Nicole back in May, her announcement pics. It's kind of a journey back in time. I haven't even loaded my Christmas pics into the computer yet, so those might be a while, but hopefully I'll get them up before Easter.

Tyler's PreK Graduation and Program

2010-05-20T13:28:00.000-07:00

I can't believe my baby boy graduated from PreK yesterday. He is an official kindergartener now he says. Today we're going to cut off his long cute bowl hair cut and get him a big boy hair cut. He's been begging me forever to get his hair cut like Austin's and I said he could when he became a kindergartener and his teacher's told him yesterday that he was now, so off we go. I'm attaching some video's and pictures from his program. He had the longest line in the whole show, he said," Sit back in your seats, we're ready to go. Strike up the band, get on with the show." He did such a great job. I'm so proud of him and the sweet boy that he is. He is my little sunshine, always smiling and trying to make everyboday laugh. If he can be on stage and making people smile, then he's happy. Congratulations sweet TyTy, you fill Mommy's heart with joy.
His Best Friend

His Pictures on the Program Slideshow

His Precious Teachers

Getting his PreK Diploma

His Laua Party

I Love the Mornings

2010-05-15T06:58:00.000-07:00

I love the mornings, and I definintely did not use to be a morning person, but this is what I get to wake up to every day. These smiling precious faces are the joy of my life and I thank God for them. Austin is always the first one up. Getting him up and ready for school has never been a problem. He wakes up in the happiest mood every day, refreshed and ready to go. His spirit gets me up and going. Tyler is my sleeper. He doesn't start school until 9am so some mornings he's still asleep after Austin's already gone. He's the one I do have to wake up, but when I do he opens his eyes with the sweetest softest smile and quiet "good morning Mommy." And my sweet baby girl Nicole wakes up with such joy. When I walk in the room she smiles the biggest smile and sometimes laughs with excitement. When I walk to her crib, she lifts her sweet arms and kicks her legs with joy when I pick her up. She is another little Austin, waking up in the best mood. Good sleep must help, she sleeps from 8pm to 7am. And, thank goodness for the baby monitor. She hardly makes a peep when she wakes up. She just plays with her lovey or fingers until I come in. When the boys were little they didn't have the video ones just the audio, but they would talk and talk. She's so quiet, I'd never know she was awake if I didn't have the video. Baby things get cooler, every year.

Mother's Day 2010 - A Dream Fulfilled

2010-05-11T18:41:00.000-07:00

Two years ago, Mother's Day 2008, Eddie gave me the most thoughtful Mother's Day gift. He knew I had wanted to adopt for a while and through that time he was praying about it and searching within himself if that was something he really wanted to do. I collect Willow Tree figurines and on that Mother's Day he gave me a figurine with a Mommy, Daddy and little girl and told me that day that he too felt as strongly as I did about adding a child to our family through adoption and that he was ready to get started on the process. I will never forget the tears of joy I cried that day. Fast foward two years and that figurine has come to life. I use to always say things like, "It would be so great if she were home for Christmas or maybe she'll be home by Easter" but having her home for Mother's Day couldn't have been more perfect. It's full circle from where we started. I'm so thankful God opened our hearts to this journey. I absolutely can not imagine our life without her, she has added such joy and love to our family. It's been so fun to see Tyler as a big brother and Austin as such a sweetheart with a little sister. And Eddie, oh my, what a little precious girl can do to such a big strong man. He is a big marshmellow when it comes to his little girl. I love what she has brought out in him. He was the most amazing Dad before, but seeing him with her, I can hardly put into words. People use to always tell us that we were doing such a wonderful thing adopting and giving a child a life and home. It couldn't be more opposite, she has already given us so much more and we're only four weeks in. We still have a lifetime of blessings to come. Thank you God for this wonderful Mother's Day and for our little angel that could have only been sent directly from You.

Nicole's First Pool Party

2010-05-10T20:56:00.000-07:00

The heat has officially arrived in Houston, reaching into the 90's last week. We kicked off the hot weather with a neighborhood pool party. Nicole loved being in the water, she laughed and splashed and was upset when we had to get out. She'll be a little fish like her big brothers in no time. Tyler stayed in the pool all day, only coming out long enough to eat. He was one big raisin at the end of the day, he reminded me of his Aunt April.

Mischievous Little Thing

2010-05-06T19:18:00.000-07:00

Today was such a fun day and we didn't even leave the house. We have been so busy running around it was nice to be home and boy did she get around. She had a ball with her basket of diapers and then her first spaghetti dinner. These pictures are priceless!

Grandparent Visits

2010-05-04T10:33:00.000-07:00

Over the past few weeks the grandparents have been coming in to meet their sweet grandbaby. It made me cry everytime each one of them held her to see and know the abundance of love outpouring for this little angel. There are so many people that love and adore her. I am so happy for her and this wonderful new life. I am so grateful to be a part of it, thank you God!

We're Home!!

2010-04-17T07:15:00.000-07:00

We are so thankful to be home!! Having all three of my babies in my arms at the same time was better than I could have ever imagined. The boys were so excited!! They have been so great with her, so many hugs and kisses and Austin is just in love with her. He wants to hold her all the time and Ty is being absolutely Ty, trying to make her laugh every chance he gets, our little comedian. God has blessed us with miracles every step of the way up until the moment we were able to board that plane Thursday, with 16,000 flights being canceled we were definitely worried, but again He provided the way home. Seeing this little angel with her new family and the joy and happiness coming from her, it breaks my heart to think joining these Russian children with loving American families could possibly stop, it just can't. My journey continues to be one of prayer for all of you waiting to bring your children home. The positive outcomes so outway the negative ones. I can't imagine what her life or ours would have been like without each other. I'm praying for you all.

One More Day

2010-04-14T06:03:00.000-07:00

Now I can say we're counting down the hours, not days until we are home. We spent the day at the Kremlin and Red Square again. We were there almost all day and she did so great. Even though the stroller and pack-n-play were bulky and a pain, they were so worth it. The stroller has been a life saver and allowed us to really get out and about. We've also had the most amazing weather, sunshine everyday. Eddie hasn't worn a coat the whole time we've been here. It's been great for sight seeing. We hadn't done hardly any souvenir shopping so today was our last chance. We got some really cool hats for the boys. We also found her an authentic Russian dress, a spoon to start her collection, a Faberge Egg jewelry box, and a Nesting Doll, of course. While in Kaliningrad we got her a pretty little dragonfly necklace with four amber stones in it, the four different colors of amber. Kaliningrad produces 90% of the worlds amber because it is right on the Baltic Sea, there is amber everywhere. I bought myself a green amber stone ring and pendant to always remember the special place where she was born. Tonight we'll stay in the hotel for dinner and call it an early night. The packing is almost done and we are ready to be on that plane. 17 hours till boarding!

US Embassy Today

2010-04-13T10:32:00.000-07:00

We went to the US Embassy today to get Nicole's American Visa. Oh how we have been waiting for this day. Needless to say, it's been crazy being over here in the midst of everything that is going on. The news is awful here on Russian television and I can completely understand their anger at this woman and her unforgivable decision. I just pray they don't stop everything due to this terrible case. It breaks my heart to think what this women in Tennesse could have done to waiting families and waiting children, and all the lives she could have ruined with her selfish acts. My heart goes out to the families waiting for their court date. I will be praying for you all. From what I have learned while we've been here, court is still taking place. Adoptions have not been suspended on a whole, but some sort of treaty between the two countries needs to be signed. We know our region has put into place more requirements and restrictions.

Despite all the stares and looks we've been getting, we're still getting out and making the most of our time in Moscow. We've been here since Friday and it really is amazing!! St. Basil's, Red Square and The Kremlin are sights I will never forget. We had a lot of time to sight see, but I am so ready to get home. We saw 5 other families at the embassy today, 4 boys and 2 girls total. The woman at the embassy was so happy to see all of these famiies. She asked us to please fulfill our requirements and keep up our post placement reports because they wanted to see this room filled with adoptive parents for many years to come. It was nice to be there and feel such support. We could come home tomorrow, but of course Wednesday is the only day of the week that Singapore doesn't fly to Houston so we have to stay until Thursday. I miss my boys so much. I can't wait to come through that kitchen door and have all three of my children in my arms at the same time. The journey we all take to make this a reality is not easy, it takes your whole heart, body, mind and soul. I will continue to pray for you all that have worked so hard to bring your babies home, God has and will work miracles.

Gotcha Day!!! In Ours Arms Forever

2010-04-07T09:06:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,
I'm 2 days late, but internet access is limited. We picked up our baby girl, I can now reveal her name, Nicole Yelena Romaka, Tuesday afternoon. She is amazing!! We took cakes, flowers and gifts to the baby home as thank you's for taking such good care of our baby the first year of her life. She was so happy to see us, she smiled the second she saw us. As we were coming down the stairs leaving the baby home, we went into the room she normally plays in to say good-bye to her caregivers and she was grabbing on to Eddie, holding him so tight. I think she thought we were taking her back and going to leave again, like on our visits. Not this time!! It was so wonderful leaving with her in our arms. She was wonderful on the drive back and has been an angel ever since. She did not want to eat anything at all that first day and did not like the formula I bought either. She did great in her bath and fell asleep easily. Around 11:30 she woke up scared and crying. She calmed down and then ate like a champ, baby food, but still no formula. Thank goodness for Jeanette's blog, I read it the day before we left and someone mentioned their little boy would not take formula, but he would take Pediasure. I ran to the store and bought some, thank goodness I brought it with us, she loves it. I'm using half pediasure and half formula for her bottles and it's working great. I had to go with our coordinator for a couple of hours yesterday so Eddie took her for a long walk. They walked around the city for almost 2 hours and she did so good in the stoller. Then we went out for some ice cream. We got up this morning and went down to our favorite cafe for breakfast. Now we're back in the room and Daddy and Nicole are both taking a nap, sleeping like babies. She is our miracle daughter. We should have named our blog, Our Miracle Baby, that's exactly what she is, nothing short of a miracle. Thank you Lord for this precious baby. I know she has been in your hands from the beginning, as have we. The road has not been easy getting to this point, but it is so awsome to see your glory revealed at the end!!
Just thought I would share, some essentials I brought from home have been the pack-n-play, stroller, teething toys, pediasure, baby oatmeal, and playtex drop-in bottles(so easy). The oatmeal wasn't working until I added a packet of sugar. Anything I think of that I can pass along for those coming soon I will. Now for some pics!!

leaving for pick up trip

2010-04-04T14:26:00.000-07:00

We're in the airport now getting ready to board our final plane to Russia. We pick up our sweet baby on Tuesday. I will post pics as soon as I can. We'll be in "Kaliningrad until Friday and then off to Moscow. We'll spend the next 6 days in Moscow and fly home Thursday the 15th. Thank you all for all your thoughts and prayer. Now the fun begins!!

Quick Question

2010-03-31T07:02:00.000-07:00

I was just wandering when I can post pics of our sweet baby. Can I post them as soon as the ten day wait is over and we pick her up in Russia or do I have to wait until we are home? Any answers would be great, of course I want to post them as soon as I can. Thanks guys.

The Waiting

2010-03-29T08:49:00.000-07:00

Oh, why do the days keep dragging? We waited six weeks in between our first trip and the court trip and they seemed to fly by. I guess because I was still running around like a crazy person doing paperwork most of that time. This time it's just waiting. At least we've had some great weather so the boys and I have been able to spend a lot of time outside. One week of waiting down, and one more week to go. I know it will be here soon, just not fast enough. I want her home with her family and the boys can't wait. Poor Tyler, he's been so confused as to why we keep going to Russia and keep coming home without his baby sister. It's just too much for a 5 year old to understand. Today I'm packing up our angel girl's stuff. I have it all layed out in her room. Clothes, shoes (I forgot how precious tiny shoes are), coat, hats, bows, blanket, diapers, bottles, formula, teething toys (oh my is that baby teething), bibs, backpack carrier, medical kit, sippy cup, snacks, and her famous phone. Good thing Eddie and I are light packers, I feel like I take the same thing every trip. We live in Houston, I don't have too many warm things to choose from. I'm amazed at how little I've really needed, and Eddie could probably go somewhere for 2 weeks with just a backpack. I just keep telling myself to keep busy and Sunday will be here before I know it, then I'm never leaving any of my babies again.

We're Home from Trip 2 Court was a Success!!!

2010-03-24T13:00:00.000-07:00

We arrived home yesterday from our court trip. It was a long trip, but the non-stop flights from Houston to Moscow made such a difference, it cut out at least one extra day of travel. We started our week in Moscow getting our medicals done. Then we flew to Kaliningrad and spent five days with our sweet baby. It was so wonderful to hold her again. She grew taller and got heavier. She's still not walking, but I think she's almost there. And as for her hair, it is definitely not longer, in fact they cut it right off. Her little bangs are so short, but she's still the most beautiful little girl I have ever seen.
I can't say enough about how wonderful her caregivers and baby home director were. Everyday we went to visit she was clean, smelled like a doll, and dressed as cute as can be. They hugged her and gave her kisses on the forehead many times. She looked at them with trust and security. She's definitely felt love as much as she can in a baby home. They made us feel so welcome. One day we spent our visit in the director's office and she offered us hot tea and cookies, she was so kind. A few times, during that visit, she would come over and run her fingers through her hair as she talked about her. I'm so thankful she's been in such loving care.
We loved every visit and every minute we got to spend with our little angel. On the first day, I don't think she remembered us because she cried again, but she warmed up quickly. Eddie had such a way of making her smile and laugh. She was fascinated with him and his facial prickleys the day he didn't shave. With each day she became more and more comfortable. By day three, there were no more tears. When they brought her in the very last day, she gave us the sweetest smile when she saw is. It was a happy smile, but at the same time it looked like a smile of relief, like she was saying in her little mind, "oh yeah, it's you, you're here again, you came back." It melted my heart and is an image I will never forget, a sweet innocent smile of hope. I just pray she really has no concept of time and isn't sad that we're not there now. When we were leaving that last day Eddie said, "This is the last time we'll ever have to leave this place without her." She was also fascinated with the dresses they put her in. I think this is the first time she has ever been in dresses, she kept lifting up the hems and looking at them, it was so cute. One of her caregivers told us she knew she liked us because each day they dressed her she would smile, it's like she knew we were coming because they were dressing her up. The baby home director said that our visits were having a positive affect on her. She said she was smiling and lauging more than they had ever seen. I even think she gained weight during the five days we were there.
Monday we went to court. Eddie got most of the questions, then the social worker spoke and the baby home director. Then I got a few questions and then the judge went out to make her ruling. At 12:30pm the judge came in and granted us our application to adopt our sweet baby girl and officially named us her parens. I thought for sure I would cry, but I didn't. I was so overjoyed and thrilled, but no tears. Eddie welled up a bit, he's become a big marshmellow for this little one, I love it! And then it was hugs all around. After court we took our translator, driver and coordinator for a celebration lunch. Almost 2 years after starting this journey we finally have our baby girl, our miracle baby, in so many ways. After all this, I totally forgot to take a picture of us in front of the court building after the hearing. I'm kicking myself.
Yesterday we flew home to wait out the ten day wait. We'll head back a week from Sunday to pick her up. I'm pretty ready, but I know these next few days will fly by with last minute to do's. I wish I could post pictures and as soon as we're home for good I will.

Leaving for Court Trip Tomorrow

2010-03-13T20:05:00.001-08:00

AHHHHHH! I can't believe it's finally here. We are heading to Russia tomorrow and will get to see our little angel again in just 4 days. I can't wait to hold my baby girl again. I wander if she's grown, I wander if she's started walking, I wander if her hair is longer. I hope she remembers us. Finally, finally, finally, she is almost ours forever. We leave tomorrow at 5:45 and have a direct flight to Moscow. We'll be in Moscow for two days getting our medicals done, staying at the Courtyard Marriott, so comfy beds, yeah. Then we're off to Kaliningrad. We'll spend 5 days with our angel girl before court and then court is Monday March 22nd. I don't know how long that will take, but I pray everything goes smooth and easy. We head home the next day to wait out the ten day wait. I already have all of her clothes laid out ready to be packed for that trip. The boys are so excited. They talk about her like she is already here. They are going to be the best big brothers, I am so proud of them and the love they already have for her. I think it made it so real when we were able to come home and show them pictures. Thank you all for all your thoughts and prayers, they are felt and appreciated.

The Olympics

2010-03-01T13:41:00.000-08:00

I'm a little bumbed that the games are over. This year was so fun because the boys really enjoyed watching them with us. They were so cute cheering on our US team. Tyler decided if the US wasn't competing then we all needed to cheer for Russia "because that's where our baby sister is". He was so cute cheering "Go Russia Go Russia" all 2 weeks. We recorded the closing ceremonies last night so the boys could see a little bit about Russia. I can't wait for the next winter olympics in Sochi. Our doctor from St. Pete said her family lives in this part of Russia. It will be so fun to watch with the kids. I can't believe our little girl will be 5 at that time, so actually I can wait. I don't want the next four years to go by fast at all!!

Another Pic

2010-02-19T20:30:00.001-08:00

I was just headed to bed and hand to come look at the pictures of my sweet baby girl on the computer before I did. Very soon I won't just be looking at her pictures, but I'll be saying prayers, singing songs, and tucking her in each night just like I do with the boys. Anyway, in the same set of pics is one of the boys we took when we got home and gave them their much anticipated gifts. Just thought I'd share.

FBI Clearances Are in my Hands...Woo Hoo!!

2010-02-17T14:32:00.000-08:00

The last thing I was waiting on paperwork wise to take to court with us were our FBI clearances and they got dropped off this morning. Yeah!!!! What a stressor that was. They say not to send them off until after your first trip when you get a court date so they won't expire before court. Good, b/c you don't want them to expire, but when the FBI tells you it will take 8-10 weeks for you to get them back and you have court in 4, it turns really bad. So last week I called our congressman and both senators needing help to expidite our clearances and they came through. I've got to say a big thank you to Congressman Ron Paul's office, I know they took care of it. Word to the wise, if in a bind don't be afraid to call for help, they want to help, they want your vote, I know who will be getting mine. Now I can get these last few things sent to Austin to be apostilled and we are almost paperwork done, if that's really possible. One step closer to our baby girl. We'll be holding her again in 3weeks from tomorrow. Oh, little one, we are coming!

Bedroom Redo

2010-02-16T17:59:00.000-08:00

We thought we might need to put up the crib, but wanted to wait until we met our little angel before we put it up for sure. I guess in the back of my mind I never thought we'd be given a referral young enough to need a crib, I'm so glad I was wrong. After meeting our teeny tiny peanut, there was no question we needed to set it up. She's sleeping in a crib right now and I think it will make the transition easier, plus she's way too tiny for a bed. I'm really glad we got to set it up. I've been carrying around this crib bedding for over 7 years. I got it from Pottery Barn when I was pregnant with Austin, just sure he was a girl, ha. Then Tyler came and it stayed packed away. I couldn't let it go, I just knew one day I'd have a little baby girl. Well I finally got to pull it out!! It' doesn't quite go with the stripes I painted, but I still love it. I think it's so sweet.

Had to Share a Pic

2010-02-13T14:53:00.000-08:00

Ok so I had to share two of my favorites, her sweet little hands and tiny little feet. I have to give Eddie credit, he's never been much of a camera man, but he did great! I'm usually the one with the camera around my neck, but not this time. He took pictures of everything and looking back at them now, I'm so glad he did. I'll post a few of the "sights" soon, but just wanted to get these 2 up now. I can't wait to post more, especially the ones of her precious little smile. We think she looks like our Tyler boy.

We're home! GOD IS SO GOOD!!!

2010-02-08T16:52:00.000-08:00

So sorry you guys that it's taken me so long to update, but here we go. We made it home late late late Saturday night after one of the most amazing weeks of our lives. Our little angel girl is an absolute miracle. I adore her to pieces and can't believe I have to wait here for the next 4 weeks without her. She is the most precious little girl I have ever seen in my whole life. I knew the second they carried her in and I got the first glimpse of her sweet face that she was meant to be our daughter. I've never been more sure of anything in my life. They brought her in all bundled up in a hat and snowsuit and it was a moment in time I will treasure in my heart forever. I always heard people say you will know it in your heart, but never understood really what they were talking about until i experienced it myself. Eddie knew immediately as well. We got to spend the week with her and with each day she bacame more and more comfortable with us. She absolutely loves Eddie and I have never seen him like this. It really is different with a girl, I think she could feel his love. At one point she was sitting on his lap and put her nose to his tummy and then just layed her head down on his stomach. She is loving, sweet, content and has the cutest smile. We could tell that she has been loved where she is now. They are taking such good care of her. On Thursday we had to tell her good-bye and it was the hardest thing I have ever done. These next 4 weeks, until we go back for court, can't go fast enough. I also have to say that I just loved our coordinator, translator and driver in our region. They are some of the most thoughtful, caring and compassionate people I have ever met. They will hold a special place in my heart forever. They helped bring us to our little miracle and I will be forever grateful. Please continue to keep us and our little one in your prayers.

We're in the airport

2010-01-29T12:50:00.000-08:00

Okay so I can post write now b/c my phone works here, but unless I find a wireless internet cafe while we're there, this might be it until we get back. I didn't bring my laptop b/c we made it on with carry ons and it just wouldn't fit. The man next to me here at the airport has the best little thing. It's like a mini laptop, like 6X8 inches. I'm going to look into getting one of those for our last 2 trips. Well anyway we're off. Nothing left to remember now, I've either got it or I don't.Now I'm telling myself to just relax, pray and enjoy this wonderful experience God has led us to. Please keep us in your prayers. By for now, as my sweet Grandma use to say.

The Butterflies are Officially Here

2010-01-28T07:07:00.001-08:00

Now that I've got most of the stuff done and most everything crossed off the list, I'm really starting to feel the butterflies. I feel a lot like I did right before I headed to the hospital to have the boys. An excited nervousness, hard to describe. I just can't stop smiling, I feel such a joy and excitement. I can't wait to meet our little girl, the little one I have prayed for for so long now, not knowing her name or age or where she lived. Now I know all that and am just a few days away from seeing her precious face. I have dreamed about that moment for so long and can't believe it's actually going to happen. I can't wait to see her in person for the first time. I'm coming little one, just one more day until I get on that plane and just 4 more days until I can finally hold you in my arms. Then I'll be on the fast track to getting you home!!!

Visas and Packing Check

2010-01-26T20:27:00.000-08:00

I picked up our Visas today from the Russian consulate in Houston. Yeah!!!! I was a little worried until I had them in my hands, we leave in just 3 days. It was getting a little too close for my comfort, but now I can check that worry off the list. I also just finished printing out a list for the grandparents of the boys schedules and pretty much every little detail that could arise while we are gone. I didn't really realize how much we do in a day until I wrote it all out. And biggest of all, I think I'm pretty much packed. I have a backpack of little things to take to the orphanage, snacks, board books, stacking cups, small hand puppets, bubbles, and a doll, lovey and photobook to leave with her while we are gone. I also somehow managed, I can't believe it, to get all my stuff to fit in one carry on. Eddie told me there was no way, but when he came home from work yesterday I had it all done. Rolling the clothes instead of folding them makes all the difference. I'm so thankful we don't have to check anything, it'll make things just that much easier. I think I'm actually beginning to see my list shrink instead of getting longer by the minute. Gotta go now, I've got to fill out TyTy's kinder registration paperwork before I leave. One more thing I can check off the list.

More Exciting News!!

2010-01-23T20:58:00.000-08:00

We have a new baby in our family as of last Wednesday afternoon. My sister had her first baby, a little boy, and he is the most adorable thing. Troy Palmer was born on Jan. 20th and was 8 lbs 0 oz, 20 3/4 inches. He has dark brown hair and the darkest blue eyes I've ever seen. I love you sweet baby boy and I'm so glad you're finally here!! I can't wait to spoil you like crazy, that's what aunts are here for, right?

Preparing Myself for the Cold

2010-01-23T20:49:00.000-08:00

Today I checked our forecast for the first few days of our trip. I was pleasantly surprised that weather.com said it should be nearing the 30's while we're there. I can handle the 30's, no problem. We even had a few days in the 20's this year. The crazy thing is that I checked today's temp and it said it was 9 degrees in Kaliningrad and it was 78 deg today in Houston. What a major difference, yesterday it was 82 here. I am definitely a warm weather girl, but I'm getting exciting to experience the cold and maybe a little snow. I've got my long johns, hat, scarf, gloves, and a warm down coat, I don't think I'm forgetting anything. Ahhhhh, I can't believe it, just 6 more days until we leave!!

Special Friendships

2010-01-21T20:58:00.000-08:00

Well, she's been posting about me on her blog lately so I thought I'd post a little something about her on mine. Isn't it just amazing how God brings the most perfect people into our lives at the most perfect time. I have met two amazing women through this process and know they will be lifelong friends. Even though I have never met either one of them they have both become such special people in my life. One, Missi, I look to as kinda a big sis. One that knows this adoption thing in and out and is, I think, living vicariously through me on my journey now. She's someone I can't wait to share news with because I know she's probably as excited as I am. If she could, she'd go get another baby tomorrow. I love her sweet loving heart. The other, Carrie, has been my go to girl. She adopted her sweet baby from Kaliningrad about a year and a half ago and we met through, I think, the Kgrad yahoo group. The first time we talked on the phone I knew she'd be someone I could just have a ball with. She's so fun and positive and everytime I talk to her I'm more and more excited about what life has in store for me. She's helped me with everything from hotels to doctors to phone cards, you name it, if I've got a question she's my girl. So, thank you God for puting these two wonderful people in my life and thank you Missi and Carrie for being such precious friends!!

Had to Start Shopping

2010-01-19T20:35:00.000-08:00

Well, it didn't take me long after getting our travel dates for me to get busy buying some girly clothes. I looked in her closet and realized I had Houston weather on the brain everytime I picked up a little outfit for her. On the timeline we're on, it looks like we'll get to bring our little angel home the last week of March or first week in April. Maybe dresses and bubble outfits will work in Houston then, but not Russia. I realized I didn't have one cool weather outfit so I went to it. I found her the cutest outfits to wear on our cool days with her in Russia. I found them all on ebay. I'm so glad I found ebay before I have a little girl. I got the cutest things for the best prices, unbelievable prices really. Can you tell I'm loving all this pink!!

Photobook for Russia

2010-01-17T16:23:00.001-08:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

This is the photobook I made on Shutterfly for us to take with us to Russia. I want to leave it with our little girl until we get to take her home so she'll have something to remember us by while we're gone. I've labeled each page in English and printed out the Russian translation from google translator to paste underneath. I love google translate, it's so easy. I hope her caregivers will read it to her during that time. I loved getting to finally make a girly photobook, so fun!!

My Most EXCITING post yet!!!

2010-01-12T12:47:00.000-08:00

Yay, I finally get to write the "we got the call" post!! After a year and a half the day finally came when we learned the name of our precious little girl. We got a call from our agency a week before Christmas that they had a referral of little girl for us to meet. I'll never forget that day. Of course for some reason my cell phone was messing up that day and going straight to voice mail, it wouldn't ring so I was super bummed when I realized I had missed a call from our agency. When I heard the voice mail, it was our director with the sweetest message, but not stating any details, just asking us to call her back. I got a little butterfly in my stomach and thought it had to be "the call" because if it was just a paperwork issue someone from the office would have called. Of course when I heard the message it was too late for me to call back so needless to say I didn't sleep at all that night. The next morning I called and left her a message and then had to wait. In the meantime I got an email from another family using our agency and they said they too got a call from our director, but it was just to say Russia would be shutting down for their upcoming holiday and to not expect to hear anything until around the 15th of Jan. so I thought that must be it. Thankfully that wasn't it at all, she was calling to give us the most wonderful Christmas news we could ever receive. We learned her beautiful name, her birth month and year and some medical information. We took what medical information we had to the doctors at Texas Children's Hospital, who are wonderful by the way, and met with them the following Tuesday. We signed a letter on Christmas Eve day requesting a meeting with the MOE and to meet this little girl. She is our little Christmas Miracle, we couldn't have asked for a better present or a bigger answer to prayer. Now that I know who she is and have seen her sweet face, the days are going so slow. I thought the waiting before was hard, but this is terrible. Now, I know her and know she is suppose to be ours and I just can't wait to meet her and bring her home. Everytime I hear the new song by Carrie Underwood, "Temporary Home", I start to cry. I think of her and see her sweet face in my mind. She's just in her temporary home now and we are going to bring her to her forever home very soon.

The Travel Dates
Since we got our referral so close to the long Russian holiday we had to wait to hear about travel dates until they got back this week. Yesterday we got a call from our agency with an appointment date of February 1st to meet with the MOE. We are using airline miles, thankfully, what a blessing, so we have a kind of crazy flight schedule, but actually a pretty cool one. We fly out of Houston Friday night Jan. 29th and land in Frankfurt, Germany Saturday morning. This was the only route we could take using our miles, which is actually really cool because Germany is the only country in Europe where we have friends. They live about 30 miles from Frankfurt and we will be able to spend the day with them and have a place to stay that night. We haven't seen them in about 9 years so we are super excited about this extra perk!! We fly from Frankfurt to Moscow and then Moscow to Kaliningrad on Sunday the 31st. We get into Kaliningrad at 5:20pm, so we'll have had plenty of time to adjust to the time change over the weekend and get a good dinner and a good nights rest before we meet with the MOE on Monday. On the way home we get to make the whole trip in one day which is a little nicer. I know I'll be missing my angel boys terribly and would hate to have to take 2 days getting home to them. Now I can start the countdown to meeting our Christmas Miracle, our little girl!!

For Waiting Parents Like Us

2009-12-01T12:57:00.001-08:00

I wanted to share something I've been doing that a friend of mine who adopted from China 6 years ago did for her daughter. Of course I pray for the safety and health of our little one every day, but my friend shared with me that she would also pray that her daughter would see her new Mommy and Daddy in her dreams and when the day came for them to finally meet she wouldn't be scared because she would remember them from her dreams. So I added that to my prayer list, that our little girl would know us when we meet her and remember us from her dreams. I also shared this with a family friend who started this process of adopting a little girl around the same time we did. She is in Ethiopia now getting ready to bring home her 8 month old daughter. Her mother texted my Mom today and wrote, "I know our prayers for E to see her mothers face in her dreams were answered." What a blessing!! Just thought I would share, I'm so glad my friend shared it with me.

I Need Some Help,Can't Decide

2009-11-17T10:07:00.000-08:00

On the left side of the blog, under our Easter picture, I've added a poll and would love any one's opinion. I want to put up a wall quote in her room and can't decide which one. I thought this would be a fun way to help me choose, so please vote and help me pick which one to use.

Court Package....Check

2009-11-06T20:20:00.000-08:00

I got our last document back from being apostilled in Austin so our court documents are finally ready!!! I'm so glad our agency had us start on this when they did. It really did take a while to get all the paperwork together. What I thought would take about 2 weeks to put together ended up taking about 6 weeks, but it's ready now. Now we just need our referral, our little girl. I'm praying for you little one, everyday, and will continue to until you are finally safe in our arms. On our way home tonight we were all in the car laughing and singing to the radio and Eddie said, "I think we've got one pretty cool family" and Austin said, "yeah, we're just missing one thing, our baby sister, then it will be really cool." My heart melted. Anyway here's the stack of documents.

2009-11-03T17:04:00.000-08:00

I just got an email from our HS social worker checking in on us. She is always so supportive and helpful. This time she just wrote to say she was so excited we were getting closer and ready to help with whatever the next step may be. We will need a HS addendum for sure. I'm actually glad we have to do that. I so value her advice and opinion, I'm looking forward to that meeting. In this uncertain world of adoption, it's so reassuring to know you have support. I'm thankful God put her in our lives, she is a true blessing.

More Paperwork

2009-10-29T19:34:00.000-07:00

I feel like most of my recent posts have been about paperwork, boring I know, but that's really what I've been doing lately. I received the certified docs back from the state today. I opened the package and thought "yeah paperwork is done for a while". Well not quite, one out of 15 documents couldn't be appostilled because the notary signed it but didn't stamp it. Are you kidding me? I can't believe I missed that, I overlook these things over and over before I send them off, but I missed it. So back to UPS to get a new notary, with a stamp this time, and then back to Pearland Postal Plus to FedEx it back to Austin. Another $30 to send just one document, ahhhh. I do have to be thankful though. In TX once you've met your $100 max for appostilles you're done. You don't have to pay for every single document, I can't imagine what our total would be by now. The FedEx costs more than the actual documents. Even the guy at the Pearland Postal Plus was surprised to see me, he said, "I thought you were done for a while?" I wish, almost. Anyway, it's a family that runs it and they were all so sweet today. Every time we go in Ty asks me to show him on the big map hanging on the wall where our baby sister is. Well today, the whole family, Dad, Grandma, brother and sister of the Pearland Postal Plus all came over to see where exactly in Russia she was. We all stood around this big map and looked at her teeny tiny region half way around the world. It was pretty cool, they can't wait to meet our little angel.

Court Package is Complete

2009-10-23T08:08:00.000-07:00

Wednesday Eddie and I got our last document notarized and now our court package is complete, minus the medical and FBI check which we have to do after our first trip. We have everything we need in order to register with the court on our first trip. We've had to start using the notary at UPS and paying for it now because our bank has three notaries but they all expire within the next couple of months, very helpful. Unfortunately, I realized this after we had waited in line for about an hour to notarize about 10 different documents. I got to my car just to check them over one last time and realized her notary expires in 2 weeks. They'd be expired before I even got them back from Austin much less to Russia. Anyway, it's finally done now. Yesterday I took it to the Pearland Postal Plus and it's now on it's way to Austin to be apostilled, what a relieving feeling that is.

Being A Mommy

2009-10-15T07:42:00.000-07:00

Tyler got a couple of mosquito bites this morning so I put some Benadryl itch cream on them to help the itch. When I was done rubbing on the cream, he looked at me and said in the sweetest voice, "Thanks for helping the itchies. I'm so glad I have a Mommy, if I didn't have a Mommy I'd be scared." I'm so fortunate to be a Mommy and stop the itchies, my Tyler is such a blessing. It made me so happy and at the same time sad to know that our 3rd little one is without a Mommy right now. Whoever our little girl is, she's there waiting day after day without a Mommy. At least she doesn't know she's waiting and it's just regular life for her, but I can't wait for the day when she will get to know what it means to have a Mommy. We're praying for you everyday little girl that it will be very soon.

Hmmmm, I hope it's right.... SOON

2009-10-02T21:23:00.000-07:00

Eddie's not getting home until late tonight from a business trip in Denver, so the boys and I ordered take out. I thought, "wouldn't it be cool if one of those fortune cookies says something about adding a new little one to our family." Well, it didn't say exactly that, but it did say, "Pack your bags, you're bound for an exciting destination". Okay, I don't really believe in these kinds of things, I put my hope in a much higher power, but I'll take this one. I'm ready to pack those bags. I'm holding on to that little piece of paper for her baby book.

Paperwork

2009-10-02T16:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I received all of the apostilled documents from our placing agency. They are so quick and efficient when it comes to paperwork. Now I'm just waiting on the letter from Eddie's boss and the documents from our Homestudy agency and I will have everything we need for our court package in hand ready to go. Now we just need our little girl. I feel like I have everything ready, her room, the paperwork, Eddie's time off from work taken care of, the miles saved up for airfare, the Marriott points saved up for hotel rooms, Grandparents ready and "on call" to come watch the boys, but no little girl. I know it will happen, I know she's waiting for us just as we're waiting for her, I'm just tired of waiting, I'm ready to see our little girl. Okay, now that I've vented, I need to run. I'm headed to the kitchen to make a Power Ranger cake for Austin's 7th birthday party tomorrow, thank goodness for character shaped cake pans is all I can say.

Her Room Is Ready

2009-09-27T09:38:00.000-07:00

Well, I probably jumped the gun a little, but I have her room completely finished. It came together so beautifully, a room fit for our princess and that's exactly what she will be. The boys helped me add the stripes and had so much fun doing it. I ordered the bedding a little at a time over the past few months and the last bit got here just as I finished putting up the ribbon border, perfect timing. I have had so much fun finally decorating a room with pink!!! I pulled all my dolls out of the boxes I've been saving all these years, knowing one day I would have a little girl to share them with. The last thing I have to add are the letters spelling out her name to go over her bed, but we don't know what that is yet so that will have to wait, hopefully not too much longer.

As much as I loved putting the room together and buying all the pink, it also reinforced the real reason we are doing this. I have wanted a girl for so long and buying all the pink has been so much fun, but it's soooo much bigger than that. I'm so thankful God blessed me with boys. If He had given me a girl, we might not be taking this journey we're taking now. Giving a little girl a home that might not otherwise have one, giving her a mommy and daddy to love her everyday of her life, to laugh with her and cry with her and support her and lift her up. That is what it is all about, that's it. I knew all this before I had her room ready, but seeing it done, I thought to myself, "yeah, it's nice, it's pretty, but it means absolutely nothing until she's in it, filling it with love and laughter." I can't wait for the first night we get to tuck her in, in her own room and her own bed. A place she can feel safe and secure and know it means she's a part of a family, a family that loves her and will support her and will always be here for her.

( I know in the picture I have a bed set up, but we also have a crib in there as well, not sure what she will need, 15-36 months is such a wide range, but we'll have both and will be ready for whatever it may be)

2009-09-23T17:41:00.000-07:00

While Tyler was at school, I spent most of the day on the phone making preparations. I spoke with the International Adoption Center at TX Children's Hospital and made arrangements with them to go over and review the information we receive on our referral (when we get one, hopefully soon). I also spoke with our Homestudy agency about the paperwork I need from them for the court package. They really have been wonderful, I can't say enough about how supportive and helpful our social worker has been. They play such an enormous role in this whole process and are just as excited as we are to see things moving. Eddie traveled with his boss today and was able to share with him the paperwork we need verifying Eddie's job and salary. We should hopefully have everything for the court package by next week and I will be able to get it off to Austin to be apostilled (certified by the state). I know things have started to really move in Russia this fall with referrals and I'm just hoping we're one of those families. I just feel like we're close, I have a nervous, excited feeling. I think the whole family is ready for her to be home. Even little Tyler stopped me before I left his room after tucking him in the other night and said with such desperation, "Mommy, wheeeeen is our baby sister going to get here, it's taking forever." If you know Tyler, you can probably read it exactly how he said it. We're all ready sweet boy, hopefully very very soon.

Much Needed Update

2009-09-15T17:46:00.000-07:00

Sorry everyone, I know it's been a while. No worries we're still on track, moving right along. We just had a crazy busy summer. We were gone most of the month of July traveling through TX and OK visiting family and friends. August was filled with days at the beach and the pool, trying to stay as cool as possible in this TX heat. The boys and I were just so busy I haven't had a chance to post. Hopefully now I can get back on track. Austin is back at school, he started 1st grade, and Tyler is going to PreK 2 days a week. He could have done the 4 day program, but Mommy just wasn't ready. I want to get as much TyTy time as I can. This precious time will be over before I know it, kindergarten will be here soon enough. Anyway, that's the reason for being away so long.
On adoption news we're still waiting for a referral. We have heard some hopeful news and we just keep praying that we'll know who our little one is soon. I just started working on getting our court documents together. In Kaliningrad families take their 2nd dossier (court package) with them on their first trip and get a court date before they leave, so I want to be prepared when we get that call. Other than that just waiting and praying. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers, I promise to keep up better in the future.

PINK

2009-07-15T23:36:00.000-07:00

We painted her room yesterday and it IS pink. It all happened so quickly. Eddie called me on our way to VBS and said he spoke with the painters painting the house next door and they could come over around 5 and paint the babies room if I wanted. Short notice, but to good to pass up so the boys and I headed to Home Depot after VBS and bought 3 gallons of pink paint. I love it!! It turned out great, now I just have to add the stripes and polka dot border and it will be ready for our princess.

Girly Things

2009-06-25T07:58:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I went to get a pedicure and they just put in a new chair especially for little girls. It's little and looks like a bunny. There was the cutest little girl sitting there getting little pink flowers painted on her toes. She and her Mom were laughing and talking about how fun the new chair was. I almost started to cry right there in the nail salon. My eyes watered up with joy thinking that one day I'll get to share those special moments with my little girl. I can't wait to have those girly girl times with her and the special relationship that will grow through those times. I think I might have had a few tears of sadness in there because the process is taking sooo long. But I feel comfort in knowing that it will happen, in the perfect time. I'm so thankful that we get to take this journey and all the waiting will be so worth it in the end. I can't even imagine the blessings that will come with a daughter and I can't wait for the day to come when I get to take her for her first little pedicure in the bunny chair.

Father's Day

2009-06-21T13:25:00.001-07:00

I just got off the phone with my sweet Dad and had to thank God for the relationship I have with him and what an awsome Dad he is. He's everything a daughter could ever wish for in a father. I couldn't help but think how this day next year will be so different. Eddie's celebrated six Father's Days now, but next year it will be his first with a daughter. He will be the best Dad in the world for a little girl. I can't wait to see him as a Dad to a daughter, he has no idea the blessings that are in store for him. She will have him wrapped around her little finger in no time.

Eddie and the boys

Me and my Dad

Russian Winters

2009-06-19T08:21:00.000-07:00

After worrying about how I was going to handle the cold in Russia I searched for pictures of Russian winters and all I can say is "Beautiful". We will get to see things we'd never see here in Texas, gorgeous ice and snow sculptures, Moscow lights in Red Square and so much more. The snow sculptures reminded me of the sand sculpture competition they have every year on Galveston Island, but 10 times more beautiful. I'm actually getting excited about traveling in the winter, it's amazing how differently I can view this now. Bring on the coats and gloves and hats and long johns, I'm ready. "Amazing"

St. Basil's covered in snow

Father Frost, Russia's Father Christmas

Snow Sculpture

Ice Sculpture

Shopping Center at Red Square

Sharing the blog with Austin

2009-06-18T17:43:00.000-07:00

I don't know why I haven't started until now, but today I read the blog to Austin. He listened so intently and said things like "I remember that". When I read him the part about how the boys always ask "when is she going to get here" he said, "yeah, when IS she going to get here, how many more years do we have to wait?" I reassured him not years anymore, hopefully down to months. When I read him the post about the cold weather in Russia he said, "Oh Mom, I want to go to Russia, I'd be fine with all that cold. I have like 3 pairs of gloves and probably 20 hats in my drawer upstairs, and my coat is huge, way bigger than Tyler's". I think he's trying anything he can to get to go, but in the dead of winter, at home with Grandparents is a much better place for the boys to be. Plus I want that one on one special time with our little girl, for her bonding and ours. We then went on to read some other adoption blogs together and he could see others experiences and other families in a similar situation as us.

Am I Ready for the Cold???

2009-06-18T15:09:00.000-07:00

The other day, I was reading from a Russian adoption chat board and the title was "How Cold is Cold". My eye went right to it because that is something I've been a little worried about. Odds are we'll be traveling in winter and it can get -30 below in Moscow. I'M GOING TO FREEZE!!! I use to tease Eddie that I could never live any further north than Dallas because of the cold and in the past few years I even changed that to I'd never want to live north of I-10. It was around 95 degrees today and I wasn't even hot. Of all things for me to worry about, I can't believe this is on my list of worries. Of course her health and well being are at the top of my prayer list and then there are so many others, but this is definitely going on the list. I just need to pray God prepares me for the cold and her for our heat. Maybe all my friends from up north can help me with this one. I think Eddie will be fine, he's been to NY for business so many years in the dead of winter. I choose to go with him when the business trips are scheduled in Florida. This will be a hard acclimation for me just like the heat in Houston I'm sure will be for her. I need to start preparing my list of clothes now I'm afraid. This is definitely not something I want to try to figure out in a hurry. So to answer my own question "Am I ready for the cold? No, but I will be, NOTHING especially cold weather, could stop me from going to get our little girl!!"

2009-06-08T08:55:00.001-07:00

Aunt April and Uncle Brock brought our little one her first present the other day, her first pink Cinderella bike. It's a little big , but she'll grow into it in no time. It's the first girly thing in our garage and I love seeing it out there. I can't wait for the day when she is riding around on it ringing the little bell (which Tyler has transfered to his bike for the time being, but promises to put it back when we bring our little sister home), hopefully very soon. Now I can't wait to start painting her pink room.

Visitor Location Map

2009-06-02T09:19:00.000-07:00

I love that I added the visitor location map at the bottom. I know where each one of those location dots are and who they represent. Thanks for checking on us and for all your support. We couldn't be doing this without you. I'll do my best to keep you posted!!

Cute quotes from the boys

2009-05-28T19:52:00.000-07:00

I wrote down some things the boys said a while back to later write in our little girls babybook. I just thought I'd post them here as well. On October 5th, 2oo8 Austin said, "Mommy, when our little sister gets here, I'm going to buy her a doll because I know girls like dolls and I want to give her one." So sweet. On March 3rd, 2009 Tyler was getting out of the car and said, "Mommy, when we get our baby sister, I'm going to help her get out of the car cause there is a big step there and she could fall and I don't want her to fall, so I can hold her hand and help her, and I'm also going to have to help her buckle her car seat cause it's kinda hard." They are both always asking us "when is she going to get here". I am so thankful for how comfortable they both are for her to come and how much love they're already showing for her. They are going to be the best big brothers.

Good News

2009-05-21T09:26:00.000-07:00

We heard some good news yesterday. Our homestudy agency has been on a Russian blacklist for the past couple of months. Any family using an agency on this list would be delayed in getting a referral or a court date, depending on where they were in the process. The agencies would remain on this list until they turned in the appropriate paperwork to the Russian government. Well yesterday we found out our agency had completed all the paperwork and had been removed from this blacklist. Thankfully this didn't affect us at all because we are a ways away from receiving a referral, but if our homestudy agency did not get off the list it could have been a real problem for us in the future. It gives us such peace of mind to know our homestudy agency is now in the clear. Yeah!!

Paperwork

2009-05-20T11:24:00.000-07:00

I sent off more paperwork yesterday, our first document expired. I sent it up to a family from West Virginin traveling next Tuesday to Russia. They will hand carry it over for us. We will most likely be doing the same thing for a family when we go. The people at the Pearland Postal Plus are becoming very familiar faces. I've seen so much of them over the past year. This time when I went in, I told them I'd been in so much and would continue to be due to a Russian adoption. They were so pleased and happy for us. Even the people at the postal plus play a special role in this process. They had a big world map hanging on the wall and I showed them exactly where she was waiting for us. It was neat to see her tiny little region on this huge map, it looks so small. I need to take a picture of that place for her book.

Friends

2009-05-11T09:48:00.000-07:00

I had a friend email me the other day. She simply said, "Hey Honey, has Russia called yet?" Unfortunately, no new news, but it's always so nice to know when friends are thinking of you. She made my day.

Inspiring Story

2009-05-04T09:21:00.000-07:00

I read this story on another blog and had to share it. It describes so well how we can all make a difference in this world, no matter how big or small it may seem.

The Star Thrower Story by Joel Barker
Inspired by the writing of Loren Eiseley

Once upon a time there was a wise man, much like Eiseley himself, who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work. One day he was walking along the shore. As he looked down the beach, he saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself to think of someone who would dance to the day. So he began to walk faster to catch up. As he got closer, he saw that it was a young man and the young man wasn't dancing, but instead he was reaching down to the shore, picking up something and very gently throwing it into the ocean. As he got closer, he called out, "Good morning! What are you doing?" The young man paused, looked up and replied "Throwing starfish into the ocean. " "The sun is up and the tide is going out. And if I don't throw them in they'll die." "But young man, don't you realize that there are miles and miles of beach and starfish all along it. You can't possibly make a difference!" The young man listened politely. Then bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it into the sea, past the breaking waves. "It made a difference for that one!" His response surprised the man. He was upset. He didin't know how to reply. So instead, he turned away and walked back to the cottage to begin his writing. All day long as he wrote, the image of the young man haunted him. He tried to ignore it, but the vision persisted. Finally, late in the afternoon he realized that he the scientist, he the poet, had missed out on the essential nature of the young man's actions. Because he realized that what the young man was doing was choosing not to be an observer in the universe and make a difference. He was embarrassed. That night he went to bed troubled. When the morning came he awoke knowing that he had to do something. So he got up, put on his clothes, went to the beach and found the young man. And with him he spent the rest of the morning throwing starfish into the ocean.

Names

2009-05-01T08:11:00.000-07:00

Austin came down stairs the other day, out of the blue, and said, "Mom I think we should name our little sister Samantha." I had never thought of Samantha before, but actually really like it. Tyler heard this and said, "No Mom, I think we should name her Natasha." Also a name I never thought of but really like, for a couple of reasons. Natasha is a common Russian name and it's also our agency director's name, she is from Moscow. Tyler, being 4 had no idea about either one of these things, so it's really something to think about. I always just thought we'd name her Nicole, after my middle name, since Austin shares a name with his Dad and Papa, and Tyler shares a name with his Gramps, I wanted her to share a family name as well. This is definitely something we'll have to think about and consider. I never thought we'd have such wonderful suggestions from the boys, especially without ever bringing it up to them. Who knows, we might not change her name at all, we haven't decided what to do yet , but I thought it was so sweet of the boys to bring it up. Boy are they ready to have a little sister.

From the beginning until now

2009-04-23T10:54:00.000-07:00

One year ago this month, I can't believe it, we started our journey. It all really began about 4 years ago when some friends from church adopted a little girl from Magadon Russia. From the day I heard their story and saw her pictures after they brought her home, I was hooked. I knew this was the way we would complete our family with a precious little girl. Now I had to pray about it, discuss it with Eddie, and figure out where to go from there.
Fast forward 3 years and we went to those same friends house to learn from them as much as we could and see if this was really something we wanted to do. When we left their home that night, Eddie looked at me and said, "Let's do it!" and that's all it took.
We began researching agencies and countries and we decided on Russia. We signed on with agency #1 in June and began the enormous amount of paperwork for our homestudy and social worker visit. It took about 3 months to get all of this together and in the meantime learned our agency had been suspended from working in Russia, so the search for a new agency began. In November we signed on with agency #2 and couldn't be more happy with them. It really was a blessing in disguess, but it put us back about 5 months. We had to redo paperwork, revise our homestudy and get everything sent to our new agency. We finished up our dossier (this is the stack of paperwork that goes to Russia) and got it to our agency in January. They compiled a few more things and had our dossier in Russia in February.
By the end of March our paperwork had been translated and registered in the Kaliningrad region of Russia. And now we begin the wait for a referral. A referral is a match the Russian officials make with our family and a child in that region available for international adoption.
We are very excited about being in the Kaliningrad region. It is a special place for us because of where it's located. It is actually the only region in Russia not attached to Russia. It is off on it's own bordered by Lithuania, Poland and the Baltic Sea. In reading about this region, I also learned that it was occupied by Germany before WWII and many people still speak German there. We couldn't be searching for our daughter from a more perfect place. Eddie's ancestry is largely Polish and Lithuanian and I'm part German. How perfect!!
Like I said, now we begin the long wait for a referral. I know it will take a while, but as I've heard anyone that's ever done this say, the waiting is the worst. And boy are they right. We've only been registered for a month and I want "the call". But I know it's all in God's time, and goodness knows we have enough to keep us busy, like our two precious boys, while we wait. So the wait begins.....

Starting an Adoption Blog

2009-04-23T10:44:00.000-07:00

Well today I bit the bullet and started an adoption blog. So many of you have been asking what's going on with the adoption and to keep you posted. Well, I thought this would be the best way. I'm definitely behind seeing as we started this process soooo long ago, but we'll go from here. The best things are yet to come anyway!! Hope you all enjoy.