tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42715843424465201542024-03-13T10:40:37.568-07:00Momma loves her A B C's...Aidan, Bryceton, Christopher and Carrington. My wonderful boys...
As we travel to Russia to find our daughter, I can't help but wonder - What letter will we add next?Kymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11733219705463523263noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4271584342446520154.post-67179147420949936872009-01-04T15:37:00.000-08:002009-01-04T16:16:18.717-08:00It's a Wonderful Life :)<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SWFJRltLB7I/AAAAAAAAAXc/w1U2ZlhOe54/s1600-h/christmas008.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287588004037855154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 353px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SWFJRltLB7I/AAAAAAAAAXc/w1U2ZlhOe54/s400/christmas008.jpg" border="0" /></a> I know, long time no <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">writey</span>! Life is sooooo busy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">around</span> here raising a three year old...and my darn <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">internet</span> has been a major issue the last four months or so. The Verizon people finally got their acts together and fixed what ever problem they refused to acknowledge was in existance - giving me a blogging voice once more! (I think my comment of "In all of the help you ARE NOT GIVING ME, Please understand I am not only HORMONAL, but I am still feeling the warm fuzzy security of "The Nations most Reliable Network" I heard on TV the other night"... LOL)<br /><br />What a wonderful Christmas we have had. My beautiful daughter (Who still hates to have her picture taken...it took 121 shots to get 11 good ones this year. Poor Picture People!) is posed above. <strong>Yes, I a blond again</strong> :) She loves Santa and gifts, her brothers and Snoopy. As a family gift this year we took all the kids to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Knott's</span> Berry Farm. Of course in good old Patterson fashion <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">nothing</span> went as planned. It decided to snow and we barely made it over the ridge. The park was closed the first day due to rain. (It actually snowed in Malibu..One for the record books here in otherwise sunny Ca.) and the first day found us mostly sitting in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">the</span> hotel room. Later that afternoon we braved pooring rain to take the kids down the road to Downtown Disney and pass the time at Build a Bear and the Logo store. We went the Pirate Dinner Adventure Show where Chris, Bryce and Aidan had somehow become part of the show. The food was great~and we made it to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Knott's</span> the next day. It was beautiful and the air was clear and crisp. All mountains around us were a white as could be. Kaydee loved the Subacca (that's my Russian spelling for dog) named Snoopy, was entrigued with the horse carriage ride, and showed us we can travel with her just about anywhere, and she is an absolute Angel! All in as a very good year. We are so blessed!<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Kaydee</span> is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">a well</span> adjusted child, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">loving</span> and might I add <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">BRILLIANT</span>! She copies all that she sees, never seeming to forget anything. She <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">likes to</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">pretend</span> she is a kitty and paws, meows, and rubs her face on us. So sweet. She loves her brothers, a<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">nd</span> has grown 2" in 6 months. Can you believe that? Our little Princess has gotten a lot of healthy food and it is showing. And boy does she have long legs!<br /><br />In other areas, she is doing very well in preschool, and likes to beat up on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">the </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">poor</span> unsuspecting little boys. No one <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">takes</span> toys <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">from</span> her anymore...wonder why? I tell her that is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">no</span> way for a Princess to act, but she just smiles and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">purrrr's</span> her way into my lap. A couple of acknowledging nods and all is forgiven.<br /><br />Is it even possible year ago I was losing it because the state messed up my Dossier Apostilling??? It all seems so long ago....<br /><br />I will try to up load other pictures...they are still on my camera.<br /><br />Love to all!<br />K~Kymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11733219705463523263noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4271584342446520154.post-54481466043841028672008-10-20T21:31:00.000-07:002009-03-30T20:36:16.318-07:00<div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SWFWfBWAtTI/AAAAAAAAAXk/I6uuykicSdo/s1600-h/DSCN1303.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287602528446362930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SWFWfBWAtTI/AAAAAAAAAXk/I6uuykicSdo/s400/DSCN1303.JPG" border="0" /></a> <em><span style="font-size:78%;"><strong><span style="font-size:85%;">Kaydee with our best friend G. She loves G and when sitting on a chair climbs abioe his head. He said she is like a cat trying to get to the highest point! LOL</span><br /></strong><br /></span></em><br /><div align="justify">I cannot believe it has been so long since I posted a full thought entry...at the same moment! </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Where does time go??? Christmas came and went, spring is in full bloom...and here I sit, typing away to a post saved MONTHS ago...<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Sheesh</span>! I guess later is better than never. But this does really go to show that once the adoption process is put <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">waaaay</span> behind ya life starts zooming ahead at light speed pace and before you know it the daily blogging of celebrations and frustrations becomes a distant memory. Like child birth you forget the p<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ain</span>, and relish in the new life you have been e<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ntrusted</span> with.</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">And since I have received countless emails requesting updates - and I do read them folks, I've just been overwhelmed - and I knew it was past time to put fingers to the keys and get the job done :)</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">A year ago I received word that we had a referral...A REFERRAL! I still remember the shock and pure joy I felt. The tears I cried at work with the photo I saw. And could we travel in a few weeks???? Isn't that just CRAZY???? It has been a YEAR! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT???? I sit in awe when I think about those moments when God showed He was in control...and answered our prayers for the referral of a healthy and darling little girl!</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">So here is what I started in October, added to in November, and will finish in March...:)</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">**********************************************************************************</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Life with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Kaydee</span> has been so much fun and the days fly by. I cannot imagine what my life would be like without my beautiful Princess in it. And those who know me personally will agree that Kaydee IS the PRINCESS. And, regardless if what he says her Daddy is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">thoroughly</span> wrapped around her little finger! </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">After about the 50<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">th</span> email asking why there we no updates I decided perhaps I’d had better get to cracking on some journal entries so you awesome folks and family out there can be brought up to speed. Going back to work full time has busied my days and I run out of time to do the little thing like update <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Kaydee</span>’s blog. I promise to make a better effort.<br /><br />So, since I have A LOT of ground to cover, let’s get to writing, shall we?<br /><br />Is it truly possible that this time last year I was squeezing extra minutes out of my days chasing down finger prints and paperwork? That I had no daughter to come home to. Tee <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">hee</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">hee</span>....and only a dream of mothering one? Amazing! God has blessed us ten fold and now that I look back I can see where it was all in His plan. But the truth of the matter is Oh how hard it is to just TRUST!<br /><br />In three short months we have reached so many mile stones. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Kaydee</span>’s first day at preschool and first play day. Her first time in the pool, having a cold, a birthday party American style, and riding her bike. Then there are the personal things: The first time she hugged me instead of the other way around. The first initiated pucker and kiss on the mouth. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Kaydee</span> running to me with her arms open wide yelling ‘Mommy!” when I come home. Rocking. Holding. Humming. And, my favorite ever; Her running her fingers through my hair, putting her little hands on either side of my face and cupping my cheeks…then whispering in what we fondly refer to as ‘<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Ruglish</span>” – a nice combination English words and a whole lot of Russian – as if it is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">sooo</span> very important that I listen. I catch myself longingly looking at her. Remembering our first look at her picture, looking at her and remembering the first time she stood the door of the orphanage holding her care givers hand. Staring at me and never shedding a tear as she sat in the lap of a stranger. It is emotionally overwhelming at times…This child of mine. I love her so very much…<br /><br />AND, we are growing! Even though she still wears a size 2T, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Kaydee</span> has put on 5 lbs and has grown about ¾ of an inch in 3 months. THAT is from some good old American vittles and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">luvin</span>. She does tend to eat better, but is still just as picky. She still loves to torment the cat, but holds back a little more reserved since our oldest feline friend gave <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Kaydee</span> a piece of her mind, and paw for that matter. The Dogs remain a favorite fascination, as long as they are behind a fence that is, and trailing behind Daddy is still a top notch time in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Kaydee</span>’s daily planner.<br /><br />Our most recent exploits took us the beach Labor Day weekend. It was cold. It was wet. It was overcast – but with home being over 100 degrees, it was awesome! Any excuse to get away and out of the heat is a good one on my book. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Kaydee</span> saw the sand and waves for the first time, although I do believe the moment was pretty lost on her, and way more special for Mom.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Kaydee</span> did okay in the trailer, was easy to watch at play, did VERY good shopping in old downtown San Luis <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Obispo</span>, and loved to watch movies in the trailer with her brothers when it got too cold outside. She ate popcorn with Aidan, and her bigger <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Bubby</span>’s threw her back and forth in the air. That silly girl, she so LOVES that stuff and wanted more and more. She’s not afraid of ANYTHING.<br /><br />Dress up is fun with a little girl. She likes to wear her <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Bubby</span>’s hats, Mommies shoes, Daddy’s shoes, her ballerina skirt, glasses, and basically anything not nailed down. She takes her clothes off and runs around in her <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">undee</span>’s ~ and at times nothing at all. Any towel is an instant cape, and she holds on to the silliest items for dear life as if they are her treasures – like sting and nails and plastic bottle caps. As I am writing this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Kaydee</span> just came around the corner and said ‘Momma’ until I turned around. She has Aidan’s Firefighter hat on. I asked her if she had on Aidan’s hat and of course she said “No. It’s <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Kaydia</span>’s hat”(She pronounces her name Kay’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">deea</span>’. She cannot get the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">EE</span> ending down yet) Too funny…it’s so <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Kaydee</span>! She has so many bruises on her lower legs we joke and name them. She is a rough and tumble girl in a Princesses body. I just hope the Social Worker realizes it is from play. If you look at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Kaydee</span> she bruises! Her skin is turning the prettiest shade of light olive and losing the paleness, but she is not nearly as dark as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Carrington</span> - although I really think she will turn darker like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Carrington</span> did. I’m quite jealous…<br /><br />I tell myself I will not forget these moments.<br /><br />November:</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">The holidays are so much fun with a little girl. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Kaydee</span> loves to shop. She sees a pile of big leaves and gets lost in them. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">The</span> decorations are for fun. The fireplace is a fascination, as is the frost on the car when she runs her fingers through it. Hot chocolate, warm clothes and 'fingers' hand gloves. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Rosey</span> cheeks. Pink polka <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">dotted</span> boots as she follows her daddy out the the fields. A beautiful pink coat reminiscent of the days of old, complete with hand muffs. </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Could it possibly be this little Princess is all mine???</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">February:</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">A new adventure. We left <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">Kaydee</span> and the boys <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">with</span> our dear friends in Fresno last weekend. More than the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">loneliness</span> that I felt while driving away from our drop off point, I was worried as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">Kaydee</span> had a very bad cold and fever. She was in good hands and loved to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">pieces</span>, but it was still not the normal thing for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">me </span>to do - leave m<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">y</span> child while ill. </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">The reason for our trip was my companies top <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">performers</span> trip. It is on their timeline - not mine. So when the plane tickets are bought, you go...</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">This year we were back in New Orleans. We really enjoyed ourselves so much more this time around than the last time we came. We were at the beginning of Mardi Gras, ans there were parades almost every hour on the hour. In one parade I had so many beads my neck ws hurting. We went on a walking tour of the lovely homes in the Garden District, and my highlight was a trip to Oak Alley Plantation. It was the first trip away with my husband that did not involve the stress oif adoption!</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">I enjoyed jyself immensly, but in the end I was truly ready to go home <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">to my</span> babies. </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Unfortunately <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">Kaydee</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">faired</span> only 'okay' while I was gone, and we came home to a VERY unhappy little Princess. She cried nightly for her '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47">Steffafie</span>' and was hitting in preschool, clinging to my leg, and even hitting her teacher. It became clear quite quickly that we were dealing with some <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48">separation</span> issues that I WAS not expecting. I really thought she <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49">would</span> be okay...So, we have now figured out she was not ready to be left behind without us - yet. With an adopted post institutionalized child you just don't know what to expect and what exact <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50">time</span> line you are running on. So, there goes our 25<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_51">th</span> anniversary trip :) I will not be leaving her behind for a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_52">loooong</span> time. At least not until I am sure she will be okay.</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Good news was a week later we did get our lovely little Princess back, and we are back on track. </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Here are a few more pictures of our dear little Princess <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_53">Kaydee</span>. Take care my family and friends</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">And thank you God for my little blessing… </div></div>Kymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11733219705463523263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4271584342446520154.post-52750767414578310822008-08-24T23:36:00.000-07:002008-08-25T00:53:58.233-07:00<div align="center">I am back to work full-time and that means Kaydee is now in Preschool…<br /><br />*SIGH*<br /><br />Kaydee started full time preschool on the 18th. How sad I was to leave my little Princess for the entire day, but it had to happen. I feel comfortable with her attachment to us, and the gals there are very sweet, so it seems the right place for her. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238345531339541538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SLJXgb4_jCI/AAAAAAAAATM/fgOJ9L47YZA/s400/DSCN1313.JPG" border="0" /><em><strong><span style="font-size:85%;"> Kaydee in front of her class calender board on her first full day of Preshool - </span></strong></em></div><div align="center"><em><strong><span style="font-size:85%;">nervous and working that thumb!</span></strong></em><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">John and I had ‘eased’ Kaydee into this transition with a few days here and there at two or more hours or so each time. The first day we just visited. The second we visited again but I left the play area for about 15 minutes and observed Kaydee from behind a window. The third day she stayed for two hours and I picked her up, the fourth the same, but Daddy got her. By Monday we felt she was as ready as she would ever be. The first day was okay, no tears. The second full day though was met with a few more challenges. It’s actually kind of funny the way she goes about making her feelings known, yet still following direction with out arguments. Here is how Kaydee’s drive to preschool progresses…it’s really kinda cute:<br /><br />First we put in her shoes…’whimper’ </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238355209773298082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SLJgTy3asaI/AAAAAAAAATs/VuvMesTplHg/s400/kaydee+027.jpg" border="0" /><br />Then we put her lunch in her back pack…’whimper’<br />Then we leave the house…’whimper’ and a VERY slow walk to the car<br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238350401952932626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SLJb78Vt4xI/AAAAAAAAATc/wAfUileyXLc/s400/DSCN1311.JPG" border="0" /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong> Kaydee and her backpack slowly making her way to the car...<br /></strong></span></em><br />Open the car door, and a long ‘whimper’, but she gets up in the car any way<br />We then start driving to school. “Hummm. Hummm.” Those who know Kaydee personally know this is an old habit still lingering of her saying ‘No.’<br />When I make the left turn to the front street, and then the drive way of her school, I get more “Hummm’s”<br /><br />Then I say, ”Okay…We are at Kaydee’s school! You like Kaydee’s school!” I take her out of the car, and as I carry her I tell her “Open the gate Kaydee.” She reaches up for the high knob and turns it, opening the metal gate. All the while still saying “Hummm”.<br /><br />When we go through the doorway, I set her down to sign her in. Again with “Hummm”, Just a bit louder now…<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238352744680894722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SLJeETrlsQI/AAAAAAAAATk/bbFyJstHbLs/s400/DSCN1312.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong><em> Putting away her backpack<br /></em></strong></span></div><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><div align="center">She then takes my hand as we walk to her class and she e-v-e-r so s-l-o-w-l-y puts her back-pack in her cubby, still whimpering and alternately saying “Hummm.”<br /><br />Then we walk to the back door where the early children are playing. She starts to cry. Not full fledged, but with enough tears to let me know she means business. I makes my tummy hurt to hear her cry, but it is a little cry, not a big ‘temper tantrum cry.’<br /><br />She tightens her arms around my neck, and hugs me close. I tell her it is all right and Ms. Jennifer will play with her and Daddy will be there soon. Another “Whimper and Hummm.”<br /><br />She then reluctantly goes to Ms. Jennifer and cries. Once again making my heart hurt. I wave good bye and say “Donstinvonia” (my spelling…”Good bye” in Russian) And I leave the play ground area . I watch her from behind the two way door and she is fine…working the crowd of teachers who just love her to pieces. By the time I am out the door to go to my car I hear no more tears.<br /><br />Upon a check in call, I can hear her laughing in the background, and Ms. Jennifer says she only cried for a little while and has been playing happily ever since. She was the line leader and Ms. Jennifer’s helper. Much to my surprise she does settle down and take a nap. This we did not expect her to do as she hates to sleep. But given her past experience with lots of little beds and other children napping, I think it is in her normal order of things, so she does it. Not without a little bit of protest before hand, I’ve been told.<br /><br />When Daddy shows up at the gate there is a happy little girl playing, and she screams (Really, she screams! ) “DADDA!” and is gathered up and taken home to her castle in the country.<br /><br />When I drive up she sees my car, yells “Mamma!” and we play our little chase and tickle game as soon as I walk in the door. All is well with her world now, and we look at her school work – praising her and telling her “Headashawl!” – (My spelling again - “Very Good!”)<br /><br />Then we start all over again the next day…sigh…I pray she adjusts quickly to the routine of Preschool and actually enjoys her morning routine to her day to play.<br /><br />In other areas Kaydee is doing so very well. It is hard to believe she has only been here for almost 7 weeks. She repeats words, dances, sways and sings to Veggie Tales.<br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238342445543047042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SLJUs0Zxv4I/AAAAAAAAATE/xldXdm0atrw/s400/DSCN1301.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"><em><strong><span style="font-size:85%;">Kaydee and her favorite baby Nanny gave her...<br /><br /></span></strong></em>She loves her doll baby and makes sure it is on a pillow with the blankie Nana made her. She snuggles with us, still loves to be held, and adores her bigger brothers. </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238348228564658642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SLJZ9b1kqdI/AAAAAAAAATU/-fN1jgSwwgU/s400/DSCN1309.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>After her bath Kaydee likes the blanket her Nanny made her.</em><br /></span><br /></strong>Night time still continues to be a struggle. She cries and kicks and wails at all hours. She always looks like she is trying to kick something off of her legs. It is a real tear jerker to watch our otherwise happy Princess go through what ever it is that is affecting her. We have tried everything we can think of but mainly just making sure nothing is touching her and waiting it out seems to be the only thing that works.<br /><br />Attachment is so very important with a PI child. Both John and I feel Kaydee is doing very well in that area. She immediately stops and/or comes back when we call her name, even in a crowd. She takes a whole long while to leave our arms or side even with a close friend or family member. And looks for us all the time. Of course the fact that she would rather be with us than daycare is a good thing too. I stay with her in bible class, and although she doesn’t seem to mind another child sitting on my lap, just try and have Daddy do that. “No way, Jose!”<br /><br />There are so many times during the day when I wish I had my camera ready to catch her fun and special moments forever in time. Like yesterday when she was perched up on the ladder to the pool. Carrington was making water shoot out of his mouth like a fountain, and Kaydee would take her finger and poke his cheek to do so. Then, as their game progressed she started turning Carrington’s head in the direction she wanted the water to shoot. Soon after Carrington decided to turn his head so it shot at her. That girl laughed so hard! It was such fun to sit back and watch the interaction between the two of them.<br /><br />And then last night she was playing with her two cousins and all three of them were holding hands and turning in a circle. The oldest cousin was singing ‘Ring around the Rosies” and although Kaydee had no idea what it was she was doing, she was having a good old time doing it! After a little successful female bonding she finally decided to share her baby dolls with her cousins. Too cute! </p><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238357298926087026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SLJiNZkQa3I/AAAAAAAAAT0/Lv9lLJJbSWo/s400/DSCN1300.JPG" border="0" /><em><strong><span style="font-size:85%;"> Here is Kaydee dressed as a knight where she sword fought with Carrington and Aidan...<br /></span></strong></em><br />I tell myself to remember these times forever. I have missed out on almost three years of my precious Princess’s life and I feel I have so many emotional holes to fill. Tonight before bed she sat in the rocker in her room, and motioned to me to sit with her. I picked her up and sat with her on my lap. As she held her newest bear friend, we read aloud one of her pop-up books with sounds. Carrington sat next to the chair and as we said the words of the pictures in English, he repeated them in Russian. She laughed in glee each time the noises happened. The three of us had the most wonderful time doing this.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Another moment to remember forever…Thank you God!</span></strong> </div>Kymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11733219705463523263noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4271584342446520154.post-1107635339232496252008-08-12T23:55:00.001-07:002008-08-13T22:35:16.554-07:00<div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><em><span style="color:#993399;"><strong><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Kaydee</span> is THREE!<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"></span></strong></span></em></span></span></div><div align="center"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" style="font-family:georgia;color:#993399;"><em><strong></strong></em></span></div><div align="center"><span class="blsp-spelling-error"></span> </div><div align="center"><span class="blsp-spelling-error">Kaydee's</span> actual birthday 'day' started out pretty normal. 8/8/08...What a great set if numbers! I woke her up and said <strong><em>"Happy Birthday Princess! It's YOUR day!"</em></strong> Of course she just looked at me :) Her party was not until Sunday, so the rest of the day was pretty normal. I brought her some <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">balloons</span> which were a hit with her. I love the first <em>"<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">OHHHHH</span>!"</em> we receive when she experiences things for the first time. It was obvious she had not seen balloons up close before. She played with them (supervised of course) for hours. When they would not float any longer, they ended up bunched together and she <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">proceeded</span> to kick them all over. (I finally had to pop them this morning because the darn things refused to deflate!) Here she is after a bath still playing with them...</div><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233893227497561122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SKKGKPlQnCI/AAAAAAAAAR0/HNioXiflCZ0/s400/DSCN1219.JPG" border="0" />Finally Sunday came and after church we had her actual birthday celebration. I ended up with more guests than I had counted on, but in the end it all worked out okay. Obviously <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Kaydee</span> didn't know what was going on...but she went with the flow and was the best little Princess ever. </p><p>We still worry about the effect of big crowds on her, as she still gets overstimulated easily, but she did okay. (Nanny even taught her to 'fall down' <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">LOL</span>...really a fun thing to do if you 'want' to fall down :) She jumped in the bouncy house, and did pretty good with the other children. She is getting use to my sweeter than ever <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">nieces</span>, although she still doesn't want them to touch her :)<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233894711838530034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SKKHgpLuWfI/AAAAAAAAAR8/8mVGRzMKfgI/s400/DSCN1221.JPG" border="0" /> First we served hamburgers and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">hot dogs</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Kaydee</span> was more inclined to indulge herself in sliced tomato's, cheese, and a few slices of hot dogs.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234189853466322722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SKOT8JbQZyI/AAAAAAAAAS8/BFfh8vcefYI/s400/DSCN1261.JPG" border="0" /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Here i</span>s one of her cakes. There is a long story to them but I won't get into it now :) I had already started cutting into the last one when I remembered I hadn't taken a picture yet...so that explains the slice mark....LOL...I says 'Happy 3rd Birthday Princess <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Kaydee</span>'. All of her decorations had butterfly's and flowers on them - and the best part is it was all in a clearance bin at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">party</span> store for 99 cents each...I so love a party on a budget! AND, it was exactly what I wanted!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234186064735956898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SKOQfnTi76I/AAAAAAAAASk/HsXpjejZgqg/s400/DSCN1227.JPG" border="0" /></p><div align="center">Of course next came the cake and the Happy Birthday song. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Kaydee</span> had no idea about candles, and as you can gather from this picture was not in the mood to co-operate in the very least. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Carrington</span> tried to explain to blow them out, but to no <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">avail</span>. So Aidan did it for her. The Princess hat she liked so much before sits on the chair as she refused to put it on. Bummer!<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233895829552317298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SKKIhs_dQ3I/AAAAAAAAASE/lygooHsAVFA/s400/DSCN1234.JPG" border="0" />Then <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">we</span> opened presents. She was gifted with a little of everything, educational toys, dress up shoes, a blanket, clothes, movies and three dolls. Her play time is all set now :)<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234188722699887778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SKOS6U_h5KI/AAAAAAAAAS0/2dUD_ROsbTk/s400/DSCN1256.JPG" border="0" />And then her big brothers brought out their surprise....A new BIKE! She jumped up off my lap and was on it in a flash! She rode it all through the house until we managed to move it outside. She has played on it every day since. This was the present <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">that</span> she seems to love the most.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SKKLw6zna-I/AAAAAAAAASc/j0Z3etHs48I/s1600-h/DSCN1286.JPG"></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233897919435105794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SKKKbWaV5gI/AAAAAAAAASU/Fu1bFL0kj4s/s400/DSCN1259.JPG" border="0" />Brother Chris followed her around the house and protected my walls thank goodness!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233896949696725906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SKKJi52sg5I/AAAAAAAAASM/iVjoQ0JCQac/s400/DSCN1262.JPG" border="0" />The hat and wand didn't go to waste, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Carrington</span> - ever the 'family comedian' - decided it fit him fine!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234187408273189682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SKORt0XyKzI/AAAAAAAAASs/V3TwT-2Ur2w/s400/kaydee+071.jpg" border="0" />After a tiring day, Princess <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Kaydee</span> had enough. She fell asleep in my lap at 5 pm. And since this little girl HATES to go to bed, you know she was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">soooo</span> tired. I had to take this picture...Isn't she a dear? Is it any wonder we are so very much in love with this child so full of life?<br /><br /><br />So, that was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Kaydee's</span> first birthday celebration as an American. I took the time to pray extra long to God and thank him for this special day...the day that belongs to my daughter. It is the day He gave her life, and we will have the honor of celebrating it as a completed family for as long as he will allow us....<br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Thank you Lord!<br /><br /></span></strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Kymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11733219705463523263noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4271584342446520154.post-21189068558657715652008-08-05T09:45:00.000-07:002008-08-12T23:50:53.295-07:00And more pictures....<div align="center">So, history has repeated its self and once again I am having a love/hate relationship with Blogger. Try as I might it seems to take days for me to find a spot in time where my pictures will actually upload and not get cut off. So, FINALLY here are some pictures of our Princess being herself...<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SKJ3HlRdmZI/AAAAAAAAARc/PMhJ1Mn6wdM/s1600-h/kaydee+060.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233876689106082194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SKJ3HlRdmZI/AAAAAAAAARc/PMhJ1Mn6wdM/s400/kaydee+060.jpg" border="0" /></a>First, what day would not be complete without the tumbling and tormenting of the bigger Bro <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Carrington</span>? <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Kaydee</span> loves nothing more than to ride the shoulders of her brothers, and rough house around with them...<br /></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233875372158565090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SKJ167QtOuI/AAAAAAAAARU/-FjPJYYjGcI/s400/kaydee+085.jpg" border="0" />My niece had her birthday party at our home last weekend. Here is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Kaydee</span> eating a few bites of cake. And that was pretty much her limit. She really does not like anything too sweet or with flour in it. Her hips will thank her around age 30....<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">LOL</span>!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SKJzeO4bS4I/AAAAAAAAARM/_7i26wZOQUI/s1600-h/kaydee+065.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233872680185973634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SKJzeO4bS4I/AAAAAAAAARM/_7i26wZOQUI/s400/kaydee+065.jpg" border="0" /></a>I just HAD to share the Princess potty picture...Look at that face! Oh yeah, and note she is holding her brothers Nerf gun she stole out of their room. I tell the gal is a female Rambo...<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232746322423691570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SJ5zDlPLuTI/AAAAAAAAARE/S-IzVmOmBFo/s400/kaydee+098.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">Look who got caught red handed with her brothers Lego's - Again!<br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232726454378958130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SJ5g_HAMDTI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/offWnYpY11s/s400/kaydee+105.jpg" border="0" /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Kaydee's</span> favorite chair....this is where she loves to sit and read her books. I couldn't choose between the two pictures, so here are both! What a sweet little Princess! She is getting a little bit better with the camera...it only took about 15 shots to get these two :)<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232712539810077122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SJ5UVLMcmcI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/94XfTp5l4mA/s400/kaydee+104.jpg" border="0" /> Where were my red shoes??? I found them on one little Princess walking around her room. I pulled down her boa and we had ourselves a fun time with that!</div><div><strong><em>Note the Nerf gun - again....<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">LOL</span>! </em></strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233886974424421282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SKKAeREck6I/AAAAAAAAARs/EWkRTi2AbLY/s400/kaydee+066.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233883655598195858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SKJ9dFenRJI/AAAAAAAAARk/p4Oi7Trp9wM/s400/kaydee+070.jpg" border="0" />I have had several touching 'firsts' with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Kaydee</span> these last few weeks. While out of the house I called her name in a crowd and she turned - that was a great thing as wanting her to recognize <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">our</span> voices and her name are pretty important. She has shyly snuggled with me, and allowed me the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">privilege</span> of real kisses. She as started shaking her head yes - one little nod - and saying her brothers names. We have made it through three Sunday school classes (mom sitting next to her, of course) and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">actually</span> stayed in the nursery during <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">VBS</span> (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Carrington</span> was there too to help her) which was a big thing <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">because</span> that was the first time she has been without either mom or dad. She did great!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Kaydee</span> rarely throws herself at men anymore, being a little more reserved and stays close to her mommy or daddy. Daddy is the one man in her life at present. She still prefers Men and will smile and flirt <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">with</span> them, but she knows they are not Daddy. Both John and I feel her bonding is coming along well and attachment seems to be in place. I can't wait to get home from work a<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">nd</span> see her, and it will be <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">hard</span> returning back full time. Even John is saying he will miss her when he, too, returns to work full time. It will be so tough!</div><div></div><div> </div><div>So that's all for now. Birthday party is next...</div><div></div><div> </div><div>A Cheerful Queen Bee :)<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Kymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11733219705463523263noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4271584342446520154.post-63809282740821528572008-08-01T00:14:00.000-07:002008-08-01T00:18:51.488-07:00Adoption costsI have <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">received</span> several enquiries as to the cost of our adoption due to being in Moscow City. Trust me, what we didn't pay in additional travel to another region was ate up by staying in the most expensive city in the world! For those of you researching adoption, I have outlined our costs in the November 07 section of my blog. Hope it helps you. Feel free to email me if you have any questions...Kymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11733219705463523263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4271584342446520154.post-84678536878727914772008-07-28T23:36:00.001-07:002008-07-29T00:13:33.722-07:00Has it <strong>really</strong> been three weeks?<br /><br />It seems like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Kaydee</span> has been here forever. She is such a joy!<br /><br />Here are some fun pictures that show the true nature of our dear little Princess <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Kaydee</span>. At one moment she is a girl, loving her bows and frilly socks. The next she is a rough and tumbling tomboy following her Daddy around and playing in the dirt.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228325252125936450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SI6-Ha8ry0I/AAAAAAAAAP8/CslkL0WUxmA/s400/kaydee+028.jpg" border="0" /> <div><div><br /><div>She loves the trampoline and spends quite a bit of time there with Daddy and brothers. Note the pretty dress..."Who cares Mommy? I'm having F-U-N!" </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228322316676368386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SI67cji-CAI/AAAAAAAAAPs/bMZaVju-GAU/s400/kaydee+030.jpg" border="0" /><em><strong><span style="font-size:85%;"> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Kaydee</span> caught on film in mid air...absolutely no fear!</span></strong></em><br /><br />The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Kaydee</span> we first met who had no smile, now does so constantly. She is opening up to other people, realizing they are all okay. She is charming and engaging, making friends easily. </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228326047982638674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SI6-1vvtVlI/AAAAAAAAAQE/MGg9wAAm3gw/s400/kaydee+037.jpg" border="0" />She had her first hair trimming by the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">fantastic</span> hair guru Martha. Daddy gladly reported she sat there like a little lady and was as good as gold. Isn't she darling? <br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228326979160446242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SI6_r8pzFSI/AAAAAAAAAQM/JYATbruqi98/s400/kaydee+044.jpg" border="0" />Here she is with another favorite past times...riding the horses. Can you say "Giddy up?" She can! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">LOL</span>! Except it comes out more like "Gee ah!"<br /><div> </div><div>She runs through the house giggling <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">and</span> loving to be tickled. As a matter of fact, that has become my ritual with her as soon as I walk in the door from work. She runs up and tags me and I have to chase her down...as she giggles away. Sometimes she will hit me with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Spiderman</span> pillow from brothers room and away we go...running all through the house. It was funny when one time <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Carrington</span> put his hands on his hips and stated "Now SOMEONE is going to get HURT running through the house like that! Take it outside!"</div><div> </div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Hmmm</span>, wonder where he got THAT from? <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">LOL</span>! Yeah, I about peed my pants I laughed so hard after that comment :)<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228323726323682226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SI68um5FC7I/AAAAAAAAAP0/SSjBWUWD78U/s400/kaydee+034.jpg" border="0" /><em><strong><span style="font-size:85%;"> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Hmmmm</span>...I wonder who has been in her brothers room?<br /></span></strong></em><br />I got to talk to V today, giving her a quick report on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Kaydee</span>’s progress in our family. It is so hard to put into words how wonderful this child is…But I do try. In the beginning, while V was apologizing for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Kaydee</span> being older than what we had originally asked for, and as the roller coaster ride continued its course in Moscow, we were being given the daughter we were suppose to have. She was everything I asked God for: Healthy, engaging, girlie - girlie, loved to be held and rocked...just in a bigger package :)<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Kaydee</span>’s 3rd birthday is coming up, and we already made the pilgrimage to the party store for her invites. The theme is princess of course, and her invite was a tiara. Too cute! She has her own Princess hat and wand. Sooooo sweet!</div><div> </div><div>That's all I have time for now!</div><div> </div><div>Till later...</div><div>Queen Bee<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div></div>Kymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11733219705463523263noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4271584342446520154.post-58664826552866252202008-07-20T23:25:00.002-07:002008-07-23T21:59:41.741-07:00<div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color:#663366;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ahhhhh</span>, the life of a Princess.</span></span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226429368235622242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SIgB0dFaf2I/AAAAAAAAAPU/soAdzKNkQaQ/s400/DSCN1086.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="justify"><em><strong><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Kaydee</span> in her dress up princess skirt and crown from my office friends...<br /><br /></span></strong></em></p>My day begins with a my Mommy picking me up and giving me lots of hugs and kisses. Then it a quick trip to my pink 'Princess Potty' and it is off to breakfast. Over all I prefer yogurt, but occasionally wander into cereals or fresh fruit. After a glass of milk I am <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">whisked</span> away to my bath and then an awesome bedroom where Mommy dresses me in for my day - not forgetting the appropriate bow for my outfit and then I am ready to face the gruelling task of being cute!<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /><div align="justify">BUT, I REALLY like my baths!</div><br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225666608019276754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 491px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 355px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="339" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SIVMF92cA9I/AAAAAAAAAOE/YSqBxhwXohs/s400/kaydee+010.jpg" width="500" border="0" /><em><strong><span style="font-size:85%;"> One more minute Mommy, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">PLEEEEEASE</span>???<br /><br /></span></strong></em>They are fun 'cause I get to play with the two nice light up duckies and Princess wand my Mommy's office gave me. I have my own butterfly wash cloth and towel to dry off with...also from my Mommy's friends. I think I like those folks a whole lot. Oh yeah, and if I get really dirty playing with Daddy and brothers, then I get another bath at night... Then I get dressed in my nifty - What else? - Princess <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">jammies</span>!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226428277890682978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SIgA0_O7EGI/AAAAAAAAAPM/lydHe2eXQrk/s400/DSCN1094.JPG" border="0" /><em><strong><span style="font-size:85%;"> Mirror, mirror....<br /></span></strong></em></div><div> </div><div>I have become a shadow for my bigger brothers. They all love me <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">soooo</span> much! I am their Princess too! Each treats me very well, and although I have bitten and pinched Aidan, he still loves me too! He chases me through the house and tickles me. I follow them around and like to get into their stuff. That darn door to their room remains <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">closed</span>, but as soon as I see it open I make a break for it and get the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">LEGOS</span></span>! Yahoo! Luv them L<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">egos!</span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225680002105588418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SIVYRmtdusI/AAAAAAAAAOU/X2e49gt6U78/s400/kaydee+004.jpg" border="0" />Big brother Chris comes by our house just in time to rescue me from the owners of the toys I like to get into...and he plays with me - with no pesky little brothers allowed :)<br /><div><br /><div>Whatever my brothers do, I have to do also. It is, of course, a little Princesses <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">prerogative</span>. They jump on the trampoline, I jump too. I especially like it when Chris turns me upside down. That Mommy keeps saying be careful, but I don't care...Faster, faster! Higher higher! Giggle giggle!!!</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225683815674470050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SIVbvlXI3qI/AAAAAAAAAOk/1j75UjOrc24/s400/kaydee+002.jpg" border="0" /><em><strong><span style="font-size:85%;"> Jumping on the trampoline with brothers Chris and Aidan<br /><br /></span></strong></em><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225682067041488738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SIVaJzMjD2I/AAAAAAAAAOc/tAckxr1hZtc/s400/kaydee+001.jpg" border="0" /><strong><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> They eat on dinner trays to watch the newest showing of Avatar - Yep! I'm game! Let's EAT!<br /></span></em><br /></strong>After a morning of playing and reading with Mommy. I watch her get ready for work. I even have a pearl necklace that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">matches</span> hers I put on. We sary on perfume, and the occasional sented lotion, mmmmmmm.</div><div> </div><div>Then we load into <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">the</span> car to drive and meet Daddy in front of Mommy's office. </div><div><br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226427474453441762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SIgAGOMjrOI/AAAAAAAAAPE/OrWI0pYQagE/s400/DSCN1047.JPG" border="0" /><em><strong><span style="font-size:85%;"> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Kaydee's</span> first meal with the family...</span></strong></em><br /><br /><div>Daddy takes me home, feeds me and my brothers lunch, and then it off my my mid-day Princess beauty sleep. Sometimes my big brother Chris comes to visit when he is not on duty fighting fires. He is usually tired so we take a nap first - then play. He makes a great pillow!</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225368686137829506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SIQ9IoWx6II/AAAAAAAAAN0/2cFWQ3-r-q0/s400/DSCN1082.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div>After that is when the REAL fun begins! I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">help</span> feed the chickens, mow the lawn (Have you ever <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">ridden</span> on a John Deer? They are the BEST and I like it when daddy turns the corners real fast!) For kicks I chase the roosters and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">torment</span> the cats. Someone has t0 keep them in line!</div><br />I like to help daddy straighten up. Here I am helping put away my clothes'...Kinda...Why can't they hang on the refrigerator any-o-how? Theres a bar isn't there? :)</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225371270973340898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SIQ_fFnlvOI/AAAAAAAAAN8/rFZSHQ6VcFc/s400/DSCN1079.JPG" border="0" /> To keep cool we play in the sprinklers. Now that's what I call fun!</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225367497358893410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SIQ8Dbzy4WI/AAAAAAAAANs/R7VWVGqTmJM/s400/DSCN1077.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225692390548096578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SIVjitQUxkI/AAAAAAAAAOs/Qd8vUSLCRcI/s400/DSCN1076.JPG" border="0" /> <em><strong><span style="font-size:85%;">There goes my hair!<br /></span></strong></em><br /><div>I play in my room <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">alot</span>. I like to play dress up and when I am not stealing brothers <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Legos</span>, I occupy myself with a crayons and paper (Under Mommy's watchful eye of course) and dolls. Oh yeah, and the occasional book reading. I don't really like TV, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">and</span> I will stand at the door and cry until someone takes me outside.</div><div></div><div> </div><div>My room is lovely. I have a garden all around me, and a picket fence bed - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">neato</span></span>! My dresser and walls are pink, and I have flowers everywhere! Butterflies adorn my walls and bed, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">and</span> Mommy tells me they mean 'New Life'. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Hmmmm</span></span>, what ever that means :) <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225364716692279106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SIQ5hlBNj0I/AAAAAAAAANc/ZEb-GFNwA9I/s400/DSCN1099.JPG" border="0" />I just want to take them down and play with them. Oh yeah, and I have the neatest little chair. It is all mine and I like to sit in it and read books. My bed has a beautiful quilt on it, lots of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">pretty</span> pillows, and soft <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">blankets</span> I refuse to use...</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225696573199377666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SIVnWK2GZQI/AAAAAAAAAO0/rDCdre_Ste4/s400/DSCN1098.JPG" border="0" />On the wall above it there are some letters. Mommy told me is says "Such a big miracle in such a small little girl"...Sounds pretty cool to me! I also have a wall of hair bows...You can never have enough bows...or SHOES!</div><div></div><div>So, that is my day...<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">exhausting</span> huh?</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Kymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11733219705463523263noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4271584342446520154.post-68659949658195061822008-07-20T23:12:00.003-07:002008-07-23T21:46:50.552-07:00Kaydee's dedication<div><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SIgH3wN5blI/AAAAAAAAAPc/ghs2c54_8Go/s1600-h/DSCN1040.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226436021980851794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SIgH3wN5blI/AAAAAAAAAPc/ghs2c54_8Go/s400/DSCN1040.JPG" border="0" /></a><em><strong><span style="font-size:85%;"> The best pictures we could get of Kaydee in her traditional Russian dress.....<br /><br /></span></strong></em><div>We presented our Princess <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Kaydee</span> to our church last Sunday in her <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">beautiful</span> Russian dress. It is a time of celebration and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">commitment</span> on the part of us and our <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Church</span> family in the raising of our sweet girl. Her honorary uncles and aunts were there, along with her brothers (accept Chris, he was on a fire out of town - Yeah! for overtime sweetie!!!)<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226437005108798706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SIgIw-p3ZPI/AAAAAAAAAPk/L6LlIISAZMg/s400/DSCN1055.JPG" border="0" /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225349029808037282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SIQrQe0j3aI/AAAAAAAAANE/0GptHtNJp8k/s400/DSCN1050.JPG" border="0" /> It felt so right to dedicate this little angel to the Lord, seeing as after all He delivered her to us!<br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>Kymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11733219705463523263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4271584342446520154.post-2337321227693899342008-07-16T20:39:00.000-07:002008-07-19T23:47:47.624-07:00Finally home!Okay, okay, I hear you all! I know it has been too long!!!!!<br /><br /><br />I am so sorry it has taken so long to write about Kaydee’s home coming, but we kinda took a detour. (I'll explain down below). I have actually tried to post what I did log off line for 7 days now and for some reason have had nothing but problems with my internet connection. And since the pictures are on our lap top, I have no choice but to access from there, so it has taken longer than necessary.<br /><br />I have tried to post the most relevant pictures of Kaydee and the family, but as I have said before Kaydee does NOT like the camera, so a good happy shot of her is hard to catch. Also, you will note many pictures are with her daddy. That is because #1, I hate my picture taken :) #2, I am usually the one holding the camera, and #3 , over all she prefers him most of the time :)<br /><br />BUT-I am so very in love and in awe with this little Princess who has touched our hearts and lives. Each day is like Christmas morning, and I cannot wait to see her rosy cheeks and hug her tight!<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223849842405957650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 280px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 388px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="188" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SH7XwSiWYBI/AAAAAAAAALg/JWvmW9L_FeA/s400/DSCN0969.JPG" width="256" border="0" /><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong><em> Kaydee in front of the airport at drop off...at the lovely hour of 3:30 in the morning - YAWN!</em></strong><br /></span><br />Okay, so the return home. Many other new adoptive parents have stated this leg of the adoption journey will remain forever blocked out of their minds. I cannot say ours was THAT bad, but I deffinately do not wish to repeat it :) Our flight was L-O-N-G. We decided to approach this part of our post-delivery ‘drug’ free and left out the often mother recommended 'travel sleeping remedy' of Benadryl. Now it is not that I agree or disagree on its usage (Some children don't need the extra emotional trauma that comes with the long trip home - I think it is an individual choice how you decide what is best for your child) we just felt that she would do okay without it. For the most part she did. The only thing that was really a problem was the <strong><span style="font-size:130%;">evil</span></strong> ‘fasten seat belt’ sign. Kaydee absolutely <strong>HATED</strong> (Note BOLD lettering!) the seat belt and would cry at the top of her lungs the whole time she was strapped in. The staying power of this little girl was probably her saving grace in the orphanage as she is like the Energizer Bunny…she keeps going, and going, and going - Till someone either gives in, gives up or does what she wants. (Post note - <strong>THAT</strong> has changed since getting home and having a better environment for <strong>NEW</strong> training) The plane was not the perfect place to challenge her.<br /><br />Kaydee liked looking out the window and was fascinated with the other planes on the tarmac.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224205625239494338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SIAbVk3_XsI/AAAAAAAAAL0/KO4SW4Z3O8c/s400/DSCN0976.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224011237189484674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SH9qis9UAII/AAAAAAAAALs/ePYrdGM4nzo/s400/DSCN0982.JPG" border="0" /><strong><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> Running through the play area and burning up some energy!<br /><br /></span></em></strong><div><div align="justify">During our lay over in London she liked the play area in terminal 5 and did a good job of stretching her legs out. We boarded our plane for the 10 hour leg home with no issues…until take off. <strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Seat belts again.</span></strong> At one point it got so bad that a lady in the back of the plane yelled “Won’t someone do something to help that baby”? Yeah, Kaydee cries like a baby...no high pitch screaming, more like a wailing, wailing, wailing, Thank goodness for that part. She has a throaty cry. It seemed like that evil sign word NEVER go off, but after a while the fasten seat belt sign did go away and we sighed in relief - prematurely. Nope. Now she was REALLY mad and totally inconsolable. The lady next to us thought she was being kind and offered me a Dramamine. O yeah, that will work. Let’s TOTALLY drug her with over the counter drugs for ADULTS into ‘no mans land’ and see what happens. (She must not have children, 'cause no one in their right mind would give a 2 yr old that stuff.) Needless to say the ‘well meaning’ lady in the back started yelling out again to do something about ‘that baby’. Then came the Steward asking if there was anything he could do to help. I told him unless he spoke Russian or had a special way with little girls that kept 'em quite that I was not aware of, then no. He was a very kind guy though. After the folks around us found out the situation at hand they were all very nice and tried to help out anyway they could. Quit giving us dirty looks and moved on with head phones tight to their heads. Kaydee was showered with potato chips, crayons and paper, and a few walks around the plane. By the time we landed 10 hours later I was physically and mentally exhausted. Kaydee had only slept maybe 1 total hour the whole trip. I 'm pretty sure I don’t want to EVER go through that AGAIN.<br /><br />At LAX we went through customs and immigration with no real issues and were on our way home in no time. Alas there was no fan fare to welcome Kaydee as most of our friends were away at Dinky Creek camping, and gas is too expensive to drive two hours away to meet us.<br /><br />So, we stopped by Nanny and Papa’s house which was on the way home and had a nice visit. Kaydee was true to form and went right to her Papa – this girl LOVES men! Unfortunately I could not get my camera out fast enough for a good shot with him, but here she is with her daddy afterwards and that tongue out...which means she is being fiesty!</div><div><br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224931116317581282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SIKvKtv-n-I/AAAAAAAAAMM/8sNXvMThz2A/s400/DSCN0989.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div align="justify">Nanny gave her a sweet cabbage patch doll baby with it's own home made blanket and showed her the 'Nanny playroom'. We took a few pictures and then were once again on our way home. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224937449207184658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SIK07VmhPRI/AAAAAAAAAMU/0YtSc4NjnYA/s400/DSCN0992.JPG" border="0" /></div><strong><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> Princess Kaydee is home! Note the true 'Russian expression' with no smile...<br /><br /></span></em></strong><div align="justify">Upon pulling up to our drive we sighed in relief, took showers and a bath (Kaydee) and then were all in bed.<br /><br />We were excited that the timing allowed us to repack our stuff and head up camping with Bryce, Carrington, Aidan, and our friends - so we left the next morning. It was super to have the boy’s meet their sister, and for Kaydee to meet her extended family. We played in the water, went to the lake, rode on jet skis, roasted marsh mellows, and generally had a terrific time bonding. It was a great move on our part as there were no outside influences to disturb us, and Kaydee got to bond with everyone a little of the time, and us a whole lot of the time. I highly recommend it.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224941827627706034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SIK46MfUZrI/AAAAAAAAAMc/dVKjgMGQSws/s400/DSCN1000.JPG" border="0" /><em><strong><span style="font-size:85%;"> Kaydee with Uncle Mike</span></strong></em> ...<br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em></strong></div><div><strong><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> And Nan...</span></em></strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224949261937632946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SIK_q7c7ZrI/AAAAAAAAAMk/lnYa3r2VyOA/s400/DSCN1013.JPG" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224950177522007474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SILAgORQPbI/AAAAAAAAAMs/XD0JWNVxFyg/s400/DSCN1026.JPG" border="0" /><strong><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> ... And Uncle Kevin with Clayton</span></em></strong><br /><div>All has not been fairy tales for our Princess. A few days into the trip we did get to witness the aggressive and disagreeable Kaydee. She really took the job of pushing the line to see what she could get away with pretty seriously. Nothing major, but little things like not wanting to sit or stand or walk...you get the picture :) Happily it was very short lived .</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">She did a number of fun things like when she got really talkative and pointed to herself and saying “I Tanya-Kaydee’ (Pronounced with out the ‘D’. She hasn’t quite got the hand of that yet) and then to the trailer, ‘Dome”, and the car, “Machina-car!”, and finally to me and in the sweetest voice ever said ‘Mamma”. She is very smart! </div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224950871003819346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SILBIlsM7VI/AAAAAAAAAM0/pnI7QqVGono/s400/DSCN1014.JPG" border="0" /> <em><strong><span style="font-size:85%;">Having fun swinging the ball. Note the camo to please Daddy. Her hair bow, frilly white socks and camo ballerina shoes were to please Momma :)</span></strong></em><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224953239427049618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SILDScwTaJI/AAAAAAAAAM8/tTWFo3g_fWM/s400/DSCN1030.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div align="center"><em><strong><span style="font-size:85%;">Watching a video in the trailer with big brother Carrington</span></strong></em></div><br /><div align="justify">Kaydee is very much a ‘girlie girl’. She likes her hair done, loves bows, and getting dressed in anything. She likes her shoes and lines them up nice and neat. She likes to be rocked and held – constantly holding her arms up to be picked up. Her favorite foods are cucumbers and sliced tomatoes. She has a great appreciation for fruit snacks and they have become quite handy in stopping what would be a fit dead in its tracks. She will go to just about any man, or at least smile cute and hold out her hand. Dd is still #1. She is quite attached to him. Myself? I’m just the Mommy…and when Daddy is in the room no one else exists but him. My turn will come soon enough. In the mornings when he is gone she is Mommy's little girl.<br /><br />Her room is coming along. I still have a few things to do, along with the hand painting on the walls. She seems to like it well enough. She naps easily, yet hates going to bed at night. Go figure. The bed we have is working well, we just need to work the bugs out of the getting her in it :)<br /><br />All in all, we have been blessed with a very beautiful little ‘Princess’. It feels like she has been here longer than 2 weeks.<br /><br />Yes, we have been blessed in deed…Like in real birth I am already forgetting the 'pain' of the labor: The mounds of paperwork, endless document searches, and the frustration. As with the words from Little Wonders from 'Meet the Robinsons". (If you have not already viewed this awesome video, I would encourage you to do so). "Let it go, the hardest part is over. Let your clarity define you. We will only just remember how it feels. In these small hours, these little wonders, twists and turns of faith, I cannot forget the way I feel right now.</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Hmmmm, and right now I would say the Queen Bee is very happy!</div><div align="justify">Chao...more later.....:)</div></div>Kymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11733219705463523263noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4271584342446520154.post-3954037083364754612008-07-04T11:00:00.000-07:002008-07-04T11:01:54.872-07:00<div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;">Yahoo! We are going home TOMORROW!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="color:#cc0000;">Some how, some way, three seats opened up on British Airways and we are not staying till Tuesday! </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="color:#cc0000;">See ya all REAL soon!!!!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span> </div>Kymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11733219705463523263noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4271584342446520154.post-38593404458113125122008-07-04T05:56:00.001-07:002008-07-04T10:58:40.683-07:00A day on Arbat Street<div align="center">Okay classs, today we will have a lesson on construction site safety - Russian style:)</div><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219148243671310610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SG4jrOYh4RI/AAAAAAAAAKo/lssue3gLrO4/s400/DSCN0962.JPG" border="0" />Above is an example of an area of work – in progress. Here there is little use for barricades and safety warnings…You just drive you skip loader through the crowds and dump your stuff where ever. Anyone around to get hurt deserves it. How dare they walk down the sidewalk and get in your way any–o-how? I am not an expert in construction, but I'm pretty sure OSHA would have a problem with this in the states...:)<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219148513272668626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SG4j66ugIdI/AAAAAAAAAKw/AhZuFDbJVqQ/s400/DSCN0963.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><div align="justify">And on the rest rooms (Referred here locally as 'Toilets')Ha! Personal bathrooms are so very under rated. For the equivalent of 25 cents you can have your own private stall on the street. One of the few reasons I will go into a McDonalds. That and iced hazelnut coffee!<br /><br />So, all in all we had an interesting morning on Arbat Street…with or without skip loaders, bathrooms or the on again off again threat of rain!<br /><br />We got a late start today, but I have to say it is nice to take your time and not be rushed. We woke to a hungry daughter and a lot of emails. It is super to hear from family and friends. What ever did we do before email? LOL.<br /><br />As planned we took Kaydee to get her picture done by an artist in black oils.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div align="justify"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219147729143605202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SG4jNRnkJ9I/AAAAAAAAAKY/ywyN1GEvmlQ/s400/DSCN0958.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>Although Kaydee was very good, it took all of her ability to sit still long enough to have the artist catch her likeness. The drawing is good, although she appears a bit older…but sweet just the same.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219210936337303506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SG5csaw4B9I/AAAAAAAAALA/DIPhHIJs7V4/s400/DSCN0949.JPG" border="0" /><br />Daddy took off a bit and returned with two red long stemmed roses for his ladies…<br /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219211327282516690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SG5dDLJektI/AAAAAAAAALI/pdcxPcZ8BMU/s400/DSCN0950.JPG" border="0" /><br />I ohhh’d and aaaw’d over mine, Kaydee decided to see if the flower could detach from the stem…beating it half to death. Hmmm, we are gonna have to teach that gal a little something about flower appreciation. Either way, it seemed appropriate for my little ‘Rose’ to be holding a red rose, dont's ya think?</div><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219208916951553410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SG5a239y1YI/AAAAAAAAAK4/a_1XQ59fVaI/s400/DSCN0957.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify">We also went to lunch at My My’s (pronounced moo moo’s) with Joanna and Zoey.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219147998122848770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SG4jc7pNsgI/AAAAAAAAAKg/V3RFewVHr5M/s400/DSCN0968.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>A good place to eat if you want either a quick little something or a big something. Today we had pork, salad and a tortilla, chicken soup for Kaydee and a little roll filled with apple. It was just enough for all three of us to share and the least expensive meal we have had here. 300 rubles! We enjoyed our time with Joanna and wished them a fond bon voyage as their lane leave tomorrow afternoon (lucky them!) As seems tradition we took Kaydee’s picture on the cow out front, she loved it!<br /><br />For those who have been to Arbat St. recently, you are aware they are resurfacing the foot traffic areas with red brick. (Hence the tractors and skip loaders, half dressed work man and uneven path ways) This work is very labor intensive. We have watched them make a considerable amount of progress, even since the last trip. As I sat there waiting for Kaydee’s picture to be completed, it was starting to drizzle. I was looking at the beautiful buildings and realizing I am half way across the world from my family and friends. I am very much at home in our little apartment in Arbat St. and surprise, surprise I am enjoying my stay. (Although the Body Odor issue still exists – yuck!) Such a huge contrast to my first visit, where I was absolutely miserable. Being locked in your hotel room waiting for a call is not fun! In my comfy little apartment we have international calling, internet, a washer, TV, and would you believe a whirl pool tub and ‘car wash’ shower? There is only room for one person to stand in the bathroom, but oh well!<br /><br />Kaydee is an absolute angel, with or without understanding English. She is calling out ‘Momma’ and ‘Dadda’…and it is amazing that John and I have once again been given such a terrific child to raise. I said "Kaydee, come here" and she walekd right over to me. She is VERY smart! <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219219501632631042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SG5ke--asQI/AAAAAAAAALY/1OcAxEQk2KA/s400/DSCN0716.JPG" border="0" />She is having fun riding on daddy’s shoulders and chasing birds – two of her favorite pastimes. She hates the camera, and it takes a lot of effort to get a good picture of her if she knows you’re pointing one in her general direction. </div><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219212555293083842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SG5eKp2AyMI/AAAAAAAAALQ/a6UgpixAaVo/s400/DSCN0881.JPG" border="0" /> </div></div>Kymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11733219705463523263noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4271584342446520154.post-30578361304528423192008-07-03T11:20:00.000-07:002008-07-03T15:04:21.816-07:00My Dream has come true...And My Rose is a Kaydee!<p align="justify"><br /></p><br /><br /><p align="center">Dear family and friends…We are happy to introduce to you our daughter<br /><em><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#663366;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span style="font-size:180%;">Kaydence</span></span><span style="font-size:180%;"> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">MacKenzie</span> Patterson</span></span></span><span style="font-size:180%;"> </span></strong></em><br /></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><br /></p><br /><br /><p align="justify"><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218855409187677586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SG0ZWA7B5ZI/AAAAAAAAAJA/xu_F0LL1ODI/s400/DSCN0803.JPG" border="0" /><strong><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em></strong><br /><br /><div align="justify"><strong><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Otherwise to be known as </span></span></em></strong></div><br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color:#663366;">‘Princess</span></span><span style="color:#663366;"> <span style="font-size:180%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Kaydee</span>.’</span><br /></span><br /></span></em></strong>At 2:55 today her visa was issued and as soon as her feet hit US soil she will officially be an American citizen!<br /><br />For those of you who are wondering, I ended up leaving two days earlier than planned to meet my little princess and be here to sign off on her visa. After making a mad dash to LAX, and boarding to only have my plane sit on the ground for two more hours as we they reloaded all of the cargo underneath (apparently it was loaded on the wrong plane) I had a matter of minutes to rush from my second flight in London. When we hit Moscow the plane had to circle for an hour due to a thunder storm. WOW! What an awesome sight from the air. Thankfully we were above it, but I got to see it from the ground too. The lightning was right over head and the sound was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">deafening</span> to hear. I figured with all the tall buildings around we were pretty safe down below. When the lightning cracked over head the first time I jumped and made a loud noise just like a girlie ‘girl’ and Max my driver laughed really hard. I watched it for quite a while - Too cool! But I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">didn</span>’t care about the delays, as long as I got to my final destination – and I did!<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218857265239853394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SG0bCDQWiVI/AAAAAAAAAJY/n8jsdzW_WeU/s400/DSCN0863.JPG" border="0" /><strong><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> Daddy and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Kaydee</span> going home....<br /></span></em></strong><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify">I arrived to our apartment as John was putting <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Kaydee</span> down to sleep. He had picked her up from the orphanage at 5:30 and had only been home a short while. He had already given her a bath and she was all fresh in her new nightgown. (I tell ya friends, it is a JOY to finally see her in the clothes we bought for her to wear!) After she hugged me a while she was right back to daddy and off to bed…looking like an Angel!<br /><br />First thing EARLY (Yawn!) this morning the Dr. came to our apartment and gave <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Kaydee</span> her physical.</div><div align="justify"> </div><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218911803939744114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SG1Monvr6XI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/HvaFzp0YIZQ/s400/Dr+pic.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>When he first came in he said something to her and she pointed at herself and said ”I Tanya” (her given name) She was very good and did all she was told. The Dr. told us she is in excellent health and must have been very popular at the orphanage as she is very well adjusted, right on task with her size and motor skills, and already has the ability to turn on the crocodile tears to get what she wants. I thought it was funny when he said we may need to invest in a gun to keep away all the boys, and John stated “I already have one, and a back up…so no boys!” LOL...Granchildren honey, someday Grandchildren...:)<br /><br />The orphanage she was at really does seem to take very good care of the children, and although I am pleased for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Kaydee</span>, it saddens me to think of all the others out there in Russia and Ukraine that need so much more due to low funds and supplies. I have seen them, in the REAL Russia, (Outside of Moscow) and there truly is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">much</span> poverty and neglect that these small angels are forced to survive in. Truly saddening…I will forever remember these children.</p><div align="justify"><br /><br /><div align="justify"><br />The Dr. then left $200 richer for 10 minutes work…(Hmmm, where do I sign up? :) all I see are $$$ signs…MANY $$$ signs *Sigh* But <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Kaydee</span> is TOTALLY worth it!<br /><br />We then rushed through an early lunch where I am pleased to announce <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Kaydee</span> will eat food when put in front of her, and seems to have a BIG appreciation for any type of fruit snacks :)<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218856245099226978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SG0aGq7352I/AAAAAAAAAJI/V9mDuYTMZ0Q/s400/DSCN0834.JPG" border="0" /><br /><em><strong><span style="font-size:85%;">Not her best picture, but totally funny</span></strong></em> <em><strong><span style="font-size:85%;">m</span></strong></em><em><strong><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">unchin</span> away...<br /></span></strong></em><br />After which we walked the 25 minutes to the American Embassy and waited for our appointment.<br /><br />The American Embassy…it’s pretty cool! </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218858787490700850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SG0caqFPHjI/AAAAAAAAAJo/HDkrYOWIB_k/s400/DSCN0878.JPG" border="0" /><br />Totally a slice of America away from home. At the front we met up with our team rep and she told us where to go and what to do. After we were searched and metal ‘<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">wanded</span>’ at the door, we had to punch the ‘button’ for our number in line and go to the waiting area for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">adoptees</span>. Of course we had to shell out the $400 (Did you hear that additional $$$ again?) for her visa at window 4a. (Word to the wise, make sure you have new bills and correct cash!) After a while the room was filling up with all these lovely children, many of which were girls. The lack of girls available in Russia is a huge subject and it caught my attention how many were here today. All very darling! We waited about 30 minutes for them to take the ticket at the window, another 30 or so to be called to the window, then the same for them to hand us her visa. All in all very exciting. Oh yeah, and for the others of you who will be processing your little ones, dress in layers ‘cause it was very stuffy and hot in the building.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218859276275513410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SG0c3G8neEI/AAAAAAAAAJw/RvdkUuO2GIE/s400/DSCN0882.JPG" border="0" /><em><strong><span style="font-size:85%;"> Waiting outside the Embassy</span></strong></em><br /><br />While we were there we met many other families all trying to wrap up their adoptions. The room was filled with lovely children and their new forever families. I could hardly contain my joy for them all! It is a memory I will never forget! Some were there for the second time, some their first. I met a few from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">FRUA</span>, and as always it is super great to meet a fellow <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">FRUA</span>’n! Jules, Tamara, and Diane are all wonderful parents I have had the pleasure of praying for and sharing this great experience with. The support is wonderful, and it makes you realize what a small world it really is! For those of you I met today following my blog, it was a sincere pleasure, and may God bless you each and every one!<br /><br />Once they called our name and gave us <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Kaydee</span>’s visa, they handed us our documents, said “congratulations” and we were official!<br /><br />We waited for Jolene and her little one <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Zoey</span> (another sweet baby from the same orphanage as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Kaydee</span>) to finish up and had our driver take us to the Kremlin where we took the official picture with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Kaydee</span> and ourselves in front of St. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Basils</span> Cathedral. It is so mind numbing to remember we were just there in the 12<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">th</span> of May, the day before we met our little princess, and now she is ours – in record time! She was on her daddy’s shoulders – her favorite place – and smiling.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218859758643854402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 475px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 379px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="347" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SG0dTL6MPEI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/g4AUefl0UaA/s400/DSCN0928.JPG" width="437" border="0" /><strong><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> I never thought this day would come...</span></em></strong><br /><em><strong><span style="font-size:85%;">I will forever feel warmth in my heart when I see a </span></strong></em><br /><em><strong><span style="font-size:85%;">picture of St. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Basils</span></span></strong></em><br /><br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></em></strong>We had dinner (yes one of only two out so far…we were CELEBRATING!) at the underground mall by the Kremlin. So, where does a ‘food gun shy’ all American gal eat when in a mall? <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Sabarro</span>’s of COURSE! A safe little slice of the good US of A just waiting for my taste buds to come a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">callin</span>! I had cheese pizza and the LARGEST Pepsi WITH ICE I could get me hands on…and it tasted <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">soooo</span> great! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Kaydee</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">didn</span>’t care for the pizza though, and I told her that will have to change soon ‘cause the Patterson’s are a pizza <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">lovin</span> family. Since she cannot understand me she just looked at me…and shoved another Ritz cracker in her mouth - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">LOL</span> - such a moment...<br /><br />We walked the 20 minutes back home and after a bath, and a warm cup of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Pediasure, </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Kaydee</span> was fast asleep...it was a big day!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218860463604169474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SG0d8OF0-wI/AAAAAAAAAKA/9_0O2INAAyY/s400/DSCN0938.JPG" border="0" />And here I sit now…finally having a chance to type away. Tomorrow is the fourth of July. We are going to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Arbat</span> St. to have <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Kaydee's</span> picture done in charcoal by an artist who does terrific work. She has a terrific red, white and blue outfit to wear...An American Princess indeed...<br /><br />We will search for the right region color of dress for A. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Clobes</span> and then take <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">Kaydee</span> to the small playground at our apartment.<br /><br />If we don’t hear from our travel agent by later tonight it would appear we won’t be coming home any earlier than Tuesday, but one can hope. We are anxious to return…<br /><br />As I wrap up this blog update, inserting pictures and adding notes, I find myself overcome with tears. Totally tears of joy, but tears just the same. They started off slow, but I soon found myself sobbing as it sank in...we are there! REALLY there! We have a beautiful DAUGHTER. I am confidant that as I write this so many others have experienced the same and will agree it is life altering to bring these little blessings into your heart.<br /><br />As I gave thought to this whole journey we have traveled, I have seen God's hand in every step. I am not always (okay, NEVER) patient, but God has been patient with me...delivering to me me a beautiful daughter and faithfully answering my prayers. I remember a paraphrase from a favorite <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">poem</span> of mine: A child was grew under another <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">woman's</span> heart, but it in turn grew in mine. I think of her birthmother. Does she ever think of Kaydee? Records say she never came to visit her. Does she know what a gift her child is to us?<br /><br />My favorite music plays in the background...The Rose - Whose lyrics paint the picture of my heart and the decisions we make in our lives that in turn alter them forever, and a tribute to my daughter. "Remember Me'...A ballot that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">makes</span> my heart hurt for all the lost children of God, both young and old, and that fact that through His same heart they are truly not forgotten.<br /><br />I have waited so very long for this day, and am so relived it is finally done. In the last 6 weeks I have met my daughter that looks so much like a blend of John and I that I have no wonder what a biological child may have looked like. I have met and played with adorable children left behind in a place where a system tries their best to give them a family, but <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">bureaucracy</span> and $$$ keeps many who would give them a home away. These children walked up to me and took my hand, wanting nothing but a smile and some attention that tells them they are cherished. I picked up those children and told John that if nothing else they would remember a nice lady who smiled at them and played with them. I have met wonderful and caring people who opened their hearts and homes to give a child a chance at living...not just surviving. I have defended my choice in adopting from Russia to many who do not understand; "We have so many children in the US who need homes" they say. True, but the US gives those children something these will never recieve: hope and opportunity. I have prayed, and my heart is right with our decision. So all I can say is: <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218886103877556898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SG01QrjYGqI/AAAAAAAAAKI/RTcVrQ7QFV8/s400/DSCN0908.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><em><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Thank you God! You are so great!<br /></span></strong></em><br /><br />A VERY <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">GREATFUL</span> Queen Bee! </div>Kymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11733219705463523263noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4271584342446520154.post-68817171923665926662008-06-30T13:23:00.000-07:002008-06-30T13:28:15.562-07:00We are now in Post Delivery...and it feels wonderful!I know! I know…updates, Updates!<br /><br />The emails have been received LOUD AND CLEAR! LOL...There just is not much to write about at this stage of the game – SO sorry :)<br /><br />We have had a successful delivery and now are in ‘post delivery’ We are just waiting to bring our lovely daughter home. A few more ‘checks’ and ‘evaluations’ - a bit of paperwork and she will be ours. <br /><br />Life has busy for the Patterson household. We returned home last Sunday and hit the ground running! So much to do, so little time.<br /><br />We said farewell for a short time to our little Princess and left for home before the rain hit last week. The only thing that made it easier was the knowledge that we were coming back to get her very soon.<br /><br />On the home front, Rose’s room is almost finished. One of my co-workers came over to help me out and we made a severe dent in the work at hand. Walls are painted, papar is up, ceiling fan is in, and the ceiling is painted. When it is all said and done I will post a picture for you all to see.<br /><br />The boys will be leaving to travel camping with the Copland’s. They are so very excited! I am happy that Rose’s adoption is not cutting into their summer and all of its promised fun. Carrington as adamant that he will out fish everyone there!<br /><br />John was driven to the airport yesterday by Mike and arrived in Moscow about 3 hours ago. The paln at present is that I will be flying out to meet up with him on the 3rd, and together we will bring Rose home. She has a wonderful Red White and Blue outfit to wear. John was being creative – he made her an appliqué that says ‘Made in Russia’ and attached it to the back of her underwear. Too funny! I also found a pair of camouflaged ballerina shoes so I'm confident that daddy should be pretty happy when he sees those.<br /><br />John has been armed with fleece and cotton blankets for the orphanage, clothes and necessities for Rose, and a strict list of instructions on what to do when he picks her up from the orphanage…we will see how many of them he accomplishes. It was quite hard to let him go without me…I want to be there so badly.<br /><br />I am still in search of a car seat, and any other items to round off our daughters needs. (I mean, seriously. Can you ever have ENOUGH dresses??? Um, <strong>I think NOT!)</strong><br /><br />At present we are still awaiting final word on the passport and visa issue. They may have the visa processed on Thursday, and they may not. Although frustrating…it is not the drama that we have experienced in other areas…all will work out fine.<br /><br />So, I am assuming my husband will be blogging while he is there and we will post them later. I will keep you all updated on our progress at this point…<br /><br />AND, soon we will be able to share soooo much more! Until then, I need to buzzzz off and get some stuff done!<br />Queen Bee….Kymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11733219705463523263noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4271584342446520154.post-64710452988679015242008-06-20T12:33:00.000-07:002008-06-20T12:56:39.055-07:00She's OURS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>AS of 11:55 am on Friday June 20th - We have a new daughter!<br /><br />(Of course a soon as we return to pick her up and sign off all connections with<br />Russia we will post her full picture and new name. Until then she will continue to be referred to as ‘Rose’ - sorry :)<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214051770242161538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 376px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 477px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="418" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SFwIdbXH24I/AAAAAAAAAIo/6AwuUR5X8SQ/s400/DSCN0740.JPG" width="348" border="0" /><br />Court went well and the Judge was very nice. We appointed John as the main question answering person…and I told him he had better NOT forget our anniversary date! She asked John why we chose to adopt in Russia, and he told her he had already started learning the language, so he didn’t want to have to learn another. LOL… He actually did pretty good considering all the questions he had to answer, and only forget Aidan’s birthday, so all in all was not to shabby for a guy!<br /><br />During the rest of the questioning she made a comment that we shouldn’t stop at one daughter…we should just get 2 or 3 while we are here…and then after they all laughed real hard they told our translator not to translate that for us, but it was too late. She stated why not have a football team? I then held up one finger and she laughed again.<br /><br />The Judge appeared to get a big kick out of John and his answers. When they asked John if he ‘liked the child’ he said “Are you kidding? We love her!” and the orphanage director started talking wildly with big smiles and hand gestures. Our translator told us she was stating how great we were with Rose and how she runs to us and holds on tight to her Papa. Then she held up her hand and made the motion of ‘wrapped around her finger’and we didn’t need a translator to help with that one! Vlad stated that the whole orphanage is buzzing about us and Rose. We are the ‘perfect family’. I can’t help but concur and I take that as a great compliment.<br /><br />After the Judge left the court room for about 5 minutes, she came back in and read the verdict. She said a lot of stuff…including her new name and birth date (We kept the original one) But all I heard was ‘Waa waa waa’….like on Snoopy. All I wanted to hear was when she stated we would be her new parents. When she finally said those words John and I both yelled a small <strong><em>Yahoo</em></strong> and hugged each other. Everyone laughed and applauded. It was great!<br /><br />Later on in the elevator the Social Worker from the orphanage said she was so glad the two children at court today were getting such wonderful parents and how lucky they were to find terrific homes. I told her we were the lucky ones.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214052414080376082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SFwJC52HXRI/AAAAAAAAAIw/FYA8vVDeVFQ/s400/DSCN0741.JPG" border="0" /><br />We returned to our apartment to change clothes and went to the orphanage to pick up Rose and take her for her passport picture. When we walked into the yard she was in the covered play area. When she saw us we heard a big OH! And she was trying to get out of the gate and it would not move fast enough. She shook it hard until the care giver assisted in opening it and of course she came running into her daddy’s arms. As we rode in the car she sat in my lap and looked out the window happy as could be. After the pictures were completed we returned to the orphanage to play with her for another hour then we had to leave. She hugged me good bye and let me drop her off at her Groupa.<br /><br />We then met up with Tamara and another family form FRUA for dinner. We were late, but it was fun and Tamara’s daughter Mia is adorable! We had terrific Uzbekistani dish of savory rice with beef and it was very good. We enjoyed the couple there and met a family now living there and they have made a mission of assisting adoptive couples. They gave us their contact info and we can reach them if we ever find ourselves in need. What a blessing! </div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214054932412216706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SFwLVfXNtYI/AAAAAAAAAI4/fAX6jwQAIr4/s400/DSCN0755.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />So, our great day has come to an end. We are both pooped and emotionally spent. We will see Rose one last time tomorrow then we will leave for home Sunday morning – it will be hard to leave her….But we will return in 10 days nad then she will be home for good...signed, sealed , and delivered!<br /><div></div><br /><div>So, guess where I will be spending my 24th wedding anniversary? You got it...Russia! I have been told I have to be here to get my daughter :) And I am thrilled to be able to do so...</div><br /><br /><div>Good night!<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#993399;">Queen Bee</span></em></strong> </div></div>Kymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11733219705463523263noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4271584342446520154.post-2348689323863625882008-06-19T14:44:00.000-07:002008-06-19T15:01:28.494-07:00The return to our little 'Rose'<div><div>How on earth will I ever be able to write the words that will describe the day we had with our return visit with our daughter? I just don’t believe it is possible to give this day any justice at all in writing...<br /><br />As the afternoon approached, I was excited to see Rose, but a bit apprehensive if she would even remember who we were, and definitely unsure of what to expect when we arrived.<br /><br />We were picked up today at 3 pm by Vlad and driven to the orphanage. As we drove up to the gait we saw a little girl in a pink shirt and skirt playing with a toy shovel. I didn’t think it was Rose until we walked up closer to the gate. The little girl turned around, saw John, and ran to him with open arms. This little girl threw herself to her daddy and hugged as tight as she could. Tears instantly sprung into my eyes. She remembered us!<br /><br />And at that moment it happened…I fell totally in love!<br /><br />Since Rose seemed to be totally Daddy’s girl at the moment, I was more than happy to wait my turn. We walked over to the play area and another little girl smiled at me and took my hand. I signaled to one of the caregivers if that was alright and she shook her head yes with a smile. So, while John was walking with our little girl hanging on tight to his neck, I smiled and took pictures of the other children that were playing– showing them in the camera screen. They all laughed and loved it. They would point and speak excitedly in Russian. There are many very cute little Munchkins here…I hope they all find homes soon.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213715217780020274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SFrWXfvTlDI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/JtjEYFgx3u8/s400/DSCN0730.JPG" border="0" /><br />The care givers soon called the kiddo’s back and John and I walked with Rose. One of several observations today were she does not like to share. Her toys or her daddy! She promptly removed another child’s hand from the side of the slide when she was playing. The other child put it back on again and she was gonna whallop that kid! I quietly said “Niet!” and she put her hand down instantly. (The care giver smiled and nodded her head ‘yes’, so I think I passed Mommy 101 at that moment)<br /><br />She also remembered that there were things in my black bag so she looked at us and pointed into it…basically asking if she could look inside. She sought out the Cheerios and Pediasure…along with the cup she drank it out of. I poured some inside and she started drinking out of right away, and refused to put it down. She is very smart! She tried to unscrew the cup lid and pour some in herself. Good thing it was empty…<br /><br />I gave her a doll baby and she immediately started hugging and loving on it. Not wanting to put it down either. I for see a future full of doll babies…<br /><br />She loved it when daddy put her up on his shoulders for a ride. She repeated after John all the names of characters painted in the side of the play area, and has the sweetest little voice. I just loved listening to her talk. I got it all on video! The only thing she said last trip was “A deit” which was ‘Go Away” when the little girl from the other family who had tried to play with Roses toys.<br /><br />Rose chases away the pigeons and would go “Uh ooh” when what appeared to be the orphanage mascot dog barked. This little girl is no longer shy and is very open to staying held in our arms. It is abundantly clear to us that God has given us the child we are suppose to love and raise. She would not let us out of her sight! If one of us walked away, she would come after us with arms wide open and hug so tightly we would just giggle. I have read and studied about attachment issues, but at present I have no fear that Rose will be okay in that area.<br /><br />Vlad stated that the caregivers have been showing her the picture book often so I really believe that has made the difference. It was a surreal moment when one of the caregivers was pointing to John and I and saying ‘Momma/Pappa’ to the other children…*Sigh*<br /><br />All to soon we had to leave as it was approaching 6 pm and getting chilly. We walked her to her care giver and when she held out her arms Rose went right into them with a smile back at us. She is a very loved and looked after little girl.<br /><br />Couple of observations: Most of the little girls have haircuts like little boys. I could only pick them out due to them wearing skirts. Today with this group of kiddo’s Rose appeared to be the only child with longer hair. This group of children were dressed in leggings and decent clothes…no big time bundling with layers and hats, etc…I know this is an issue others are aware of and most of the time they do not like any skin to show in a child regardless of how hot the weather is. This was bout 5 pm and it was about 69 degrees.<br /><br />We go to court tomorrow in the morning. Later in the afternoon we will take Rose for her passport picture. I can’t wait to see her again…<br /><br />One last hurdle to handle, then we are in the 10 day waiting period. Yeah! Bring on the LABOR!<br />Here is a great ‘ultrasound’ picture for you to see…. </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213715853443915074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SFrW8fxY3UI/AAAAAAAAAIY/-hwy8_gM4Qo/s400/DSCN0711.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div>Kymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11733219705463523263noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4271584342446520154.post-2010188285139151412008-06-19T14:26:00.000-07:002008-06-19T14:43:51.685-07:00<div align="center">Today we will explore the fun lessons in Russian home security systems :)</div><br /><br /><div align="center">I feel <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">incredibly</span> safe in and around our apartment. This is strange because in the words of Marie, it looks like a chalk outline of a body should be there in the front. HOWEVER, our apartment is very nice on the inside, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">and</span> has a beautiful garden area right across the way. </div><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213707453664816674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SFrPTkJ_biI/AAAAAAAAAH4/5Z2x5uKQKTc/s400/DSCN0738.JPG" border="0" />This is the outside - and first door- you need to go through before entering the apartment building. It is <span style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffff00">solid </span>steel and ahas a security code panel to the left.</div><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213709551144900034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SFrRNp4NlcI/AAAAAAAAAII/8kmez1OpeS8/s400/DSCN0736.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center">Then, after you take the elevator to the fifth floor (Which has walls 18" thick with brick, and are impossible to climb from the outside) you have key your way through <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">this</span> door (Which uses a skeleton key, and has no inside door lock handle, you must insert the key from the outside to lock it also.<br /></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213708683663288418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SFrQbKQeqGI/AAAAAAAAAIA/HNZObFDpeRw/s400/DSCN0737.JPG" border="0" />THEN, you let yourself into the next door - which is also steel metal and framed - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">locking</span> from the inside with previously stated skeleton key.</p><p align="center">In a nutshell, we are totally safe :)<br /><br /></p>Kymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11733219705463523263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4271584342446520154.post-7489295280182096862008-06-18T20:27:00.000-07:002008-06-19T09:03:26.697-07:00'Roses' ever expanding wardrobe...Or, as John puts it...."Johns ever shrinking wallet :)"<br /><br />I know I said no blue for my daughter, but we decided to make sure she brings some of her heritage home with her. This dress is 100% silk. Can you say Ooooooh, Ahhhh?<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213430071331569170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SFnTBycOvhI/AAAAAAAAAHk/ltlPv54ZSIk/s400/KDDress.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">This is the traditional Russian dress we have purchased for Rose. </span></div>Kymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11733219705463523263noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4271584342446520154.post-39018069302926281192008-06-18T16:06:00.000-07:002008-06-19T09:15:15.774-07:00Hooray! By the grace of God we ARE HERE!Dear friends, we have touched down once again in Russia! This writing is long, but hey, its my blog right? So here we go…Here’s the scoop on our ‘adoption pregnancy’…and believe me, it has been an adventure.<br /><br />At this point in my ‘Adoption Pregnancy’ we are experiencing some really hard Braxton Hick’s contractions…and I am more than ready for the actual labor to begin…enough is enough!<br /><br />Actually, in the adoption world, just what would be the equivalent for an epidural??? Anyone know??? <strong>‘Cause I WANT ONE NOW!!!!<br /></strong><br />So, where to start? Well, first of all, how do you combat S-T-R-E-S-S? Give it up to <strong>G-O-D!<br /></strong><br />Second of all - the VISA situation. As I wrote earlier they we done and found…But it had become clear that there was no way we were going to be able to drive to San Fran to pick up those things. We had no clean clothes, had not yet packed, was still plain old pooped from YBC Camp, and both of us HAD to work on Monday. (Taking that day off was just not an option. Too much work to catch up on and prepare to be gone for).<br /><br />A friend had asked earlier in the week if he could help us in any way. He had also was looking for odd jobs to make money, so we asked him if he would drive there for us. We paid this friend $100 (He drives a Honda – plenty plus some left over) for gas plus $100 to drive to San Fran to pick up the VISA’S passports for us….Basically as a courier service for us. We gave him MapQuest directions and V’s number, and told him he needed to go NOW!!!! He said he was leaving at 2 pm…so we figured he would be there by 6 pm and back to Bako by 11 pm. Well, I’m still not sure what happened, but after a couple of ‘tracking’ phone calls he landed on our door step at 4 am. Okay…we needed to leave, AND LEFT for LAX at 5 am, so you can see that this was too close for my comfort. I was so worried he had gotten in a wreck, but John kept calling him to see where his progress was, and he was on his way. Still not too sure why it took him 14 hours for an 8 hour trip, maybe traffic??? Who knows. I just didn’t have time to find out.<br /><br />Anyway, some how I thirdly managed to work on Monday, do all the laundry, and pack…and by 1:30 am Tuesday morning. We were finally ready to go!<br /><br />So, now we are on our way to LAX. No issues there. Great early morning LA traffic. Made it in less than two hours with a stop along the way. Parked our car in long term parking because it was waaaay cheaper than driving back and forth twice, and pretty darn convenient to boot.<br /><br />We got through check in, baggage and passport control, etc, with no issues. We were feeling pretty at ease, sitting down to wait for our flight and then we hear: American Airlines Flight 1960 to Chicago has been delayed 30 minutes due to a traffic backup from bad weather." THUNK! (BTW, in case you didn’t know, that was my heart dropping to the floor :) Uh ohhhh…..We had just looked over our tickets and knew that once we landed in Chicago we only had only a mere 45 minutes to get on the connecting flight to Moscow. So, I went to the counter, explained our situation, and asked what would happen if we missed the connecting flight. Wouldn’t ya know, there were NO OTHER flights leaving for Moscow from Chicago, including on any other airlines, till the next day. So, my boss will appreciate this part…my ‘GOLD’ personality came out.<br /><br />I asked her, “What are our options?” She stated that since it was weather related, they were not liable…we would have to wait for the next available flight.<br /><br />So, then I ask ”Is there nothing they can do to assist us making this connection?” She stated “Not that I am aware if.” Hmmmmm…You have GOT TO BE KIDDING! Nothing you can do?<br /><br />I then ask (I am calm by the way – BIG Customer Service smiles ) “If they know that by AA’s choice we are late connectors, can they not hold the flight for us?" " She says “No.”<br /><br />So, again…here I go: “Okay, how many other passengers are making this connection?" She tells me 7. “So you are telling me that we can’t ask them to let us and the other 7 people trying to make this connection off first?" I smiled REALLY BIG this time. She smiles back and says “Well, yes, I can ask the Captain to do this. But most of the time passengers do not listen.”<br /><br />Hmm, we’ll see about that!<br /><br />Not satisfied this is enough to get us on that flight I continue “Can you call Chicago and ask for a car to pick us up and take us to the other terminal?” She says “Well, yes, I suppose we can do that also.”<br /><br />By this time I am gritting my teeth. I remind you that these people are getting paid to work at the AA travel desk, and I AM having to create possible solutions enabling John, myself and 7 other passengers a way to get on another connecting flight…this is NOT brain surgery here people! Use the brain God gave you!<br /><br />So, once again being the "GOLD" personality I am, as they finally start boarding the flight and I return back to the counter to find out how far behind we are going to be in landing at Chicago. Get this! The SAME person that I had just had said previous conversation with 30 minutes earlier states to me – and this is NO LIE – “Well, if I had known you only had ‘X’ amount of minutes to make your flight, I would have assigned you seats closer to the front of the plane so you could get off sooner. I must have had the most incredulous and dumbfounded look on my face. For once in my life I was actually speechless. OMG! HELLO MC FLY! Remember me? I’m the one that just figured out how to help you to get us to the other terminal faster…remember? UHHHHG!!!!! She quickly moved us from the 30’s to the 20’s in cabin seats.<br /><br />So, we board the plane (BTW, I am TOTALLY spoiled with Lufthstansa…On AA there was no meal, unless you paid $6 for a chicken wrap - John did, I passed, no thanks. For that kind of money I’ll finish my Cheetos, thank you very much - and the service was mediocre to say the least at this point in the game) and the trip was uneventful. As we were landing the Captain made a statement that if people were not in need of getting to connecting flights ASAP, please stay seated so others could get off quickly. I remember thinking thank goodness the gal remembered to say something to the Captain.<br /><br />Okay, so…the plane stops, we jump up, grab our carry on's, and start moving down the isle…we have exactly 13 minutes to get 3 terminals over and board the other plane. We are moving along and all of a sudden everyone stops. We wait, and wait…2 minutes goes by…1 more, now 4. I am looking at my watch about to freak out…I stand on my tip toes to see what is going on and there is this guy trying to get a big old’ bag out of the top bin. I HAVE HAD ENOUGH! I would never see these folks again so what did I have to lose? I yell as loud as I can: “Sir! Could you PLEASE MOVE! WE HAVE 9 MINUTES TO CATCH OUR NEXT FLIGHT! And thank you Lord the humanity in folks came out! People started saying ‘“Move move!” and the waters parted. They sat down, moved over, and got out of our way. One lady said “Well, they should have told everyone to sit and let you off first!” Yeah, tell me about it!<br /><br />We ran as fast as we could up the causeway. I don’t even know what happened to the other 7 people, ‘cause I had no time to worry about them – I just RAN. We saw the car that would transport us way off stopped in the distance. We knew we could not wait for it. We continued to run as fast as we could…I had to walk after a short time as my back was not going to allow me to run anymore - period. (I am now so sore I can hardly move!) Frustration! I just said “Go! Go!” and John just kept on running. (I tell ya all the hunting and mountain hiking he does pays off gang!) John made it over three terminals in about 6 minutes. He had them hold the door, wait for me, and they closed it right behind us.<br /><br />Praise the Lord we made our flight! Don’t ya know I prayed sooo hard the flight over that it would all work out – and it did. Thank you Lord!<br /><br />That leg of the flight was good. The plane was about half full. John got to move into a bulkhead seat with lots of leg room, and I watched movies on demand the most of the time. BTW, have guys seen Fools Gold? So cute! Loved it!<br /><br />As always the international flight was sooo much better that the domestic one. There were two other adopting families on the flight, one of which was the family we were with the same day at ‘Roses’ orphanage! She sat with me and I shared pictures of Rose and her daughter I had taken and talked for a long time. It was great to see them again. They also rode into Moscow with us so we chatted quite a bit.<br /><br />My dear friends and family. It has become more clear than ever that God wants us here…this He has made abundantly clear to us. He worked through the VISA issue, the flight issue…everything to make sure we were here for a court date that HE had chosen and was given to us in record time.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Thank you God!</span> And thank you to all you who have been prayer warriors for us. We really feel it!<br /><br />So, now that our stress level has dropped a bit, we are settling in. I am emotionally spent. We had dinner, shopped for groceries (no big meals/dinners out for us budget adopters – waaaay to costly here) to eat in our apartment (Andrei’s at Peace Travel. BTW – it is such an awesome apartment! We are right off Arbat Street and the new Starbucks! Okay, so we will be buying a Starbucks each day. I cannot stand Nescafe, YUCK!)<br /><br />We will see Rose tomorrow…I will show you more ‘ultrasound’ pictures when I can tee hee hee…<br /><br />My heart is so full right now. I am at wonder at not only how wonderful of a Savior I have, but also all of those around me who have made this adoption possible.<br /><br />Chris, Bryce, Carrington and Aidan. We love you so much! Thank you for being such sweet and loving children. You will be such AWESOME big brothers!<br /><br />Steph and Greg, thank you again for taking care of the boys!<br /><br />Debra…How ‘bout that Grand baby??? Email me!<br /><br />BJ, Di and my co-workers - Thank you for the bottom of my grateful heart for helping me and allowing me to be here – You all are terrific.<br /><br />My friends at FRUA. THANK you for your prayers and kind words! I remember you and all the other adopting families in my prayers daily.<br /><br />Tamara – So awesome too be here with you!!!! Mia is beautiful!<br /><br />Bobby & Marci, Tom & Myra, Dennis & Marie, and all of those that have gone before us on this tough and more often than not stressful adoption journey…you inspire John and myself. In a word – THANK YOU - for your support.<br /><br />Will write more tomorrow…<br /><br /><em><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#cc33cc;">Queen Bee</span></em> :)Kymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11733219705463523263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4271584342446520154.post-87092408120869992312008-06-16T17:48:00.000-07:002008-06-16T17:59:43.524-07:00Looks like God has made sure we are going to Russia!Well...thanks to R standing at the counter of the Russian embassy with POA in hand, we have our VISA'S!<br /><br />R called me this morning and stated, "This is so strange...the Visa's were preocessed on Wednesday." What??? Hmmmm. Can you say G-O-D???<br /><br />With a little more investigating we found out that the Russian Consulate processed and stamped them the 10th, and the embassy lost them. Yep, they lost them. It took them all day to find them. R got them in hand, and we received a call for V that they were on their way to V's home and will be picked up by our dear friend K for immediate travel home so we can board our flight tomorrow. Anything could have happened. Some would think"Lord knows where you could be right now?" But it <strong>DIDN'T</strong> go wrong, and we are right where <strong>God wants us to be!</strong><br /><br />My stomache has been in knots!!!! I can finally breath now. It has been a VERY trying 5 days.<br /><br />Thank you GOD...and for all of those who prayed for us.<br /><br />Russia here we come...Kymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11733219705463523263noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4271584342446520154.post-57218513718024555222008-06-11T23:19:00.000-07:002008-06-11T23:20:29.449-07:00BIG Bump!I am so irritated I could SCREAM!!!!!!!!!!!<br /><br />We received a call today that due to the Russian Consulate deciding that were going to take 4 days for what would normally be a one day holiday; we at present have no Visas. In case you did not read that …we have NO Visas. The person I paid to take care of this obviously did not bother to check with the consulate for any possible delays in processing. You would think that someone who does this for a living would take the time to check with the consulate just because issues like this can happen. I paid for a 6 day processing, which we should have had plenty of time for. I should have paid for a 2 day processing and been done with it! So, where does that leave me now? Totally furious, without a Visa, and plane tickets that leave LAX at 10:25 on Tuesday morning. Not to mention the person I paid to take care of is not accepting ANY responsibility. “It’s all up to the Consulate” she says. Not “I’m sorry Kym, I should have checked to make sure there was enough time to process,” or “I’m going to do everything I can to get these to you”…Oh no, she stated. ”They are not processing them for me, they are processing them for YOU” they will be sending them to you Express Mail and the best they will do is Monday…” AND, she told my husband that she knew about this all day today…but was waiting to see about ‘something’ or so and so…I can’t even remember what she was trying to do…<br /><br />Well, as far as I’m concerned, she needs to be waiting on their door step with a POA and<br />Driving them to me. That’s how angry I am right now. Even if we can get them from her Monday, we still cannot chance it.<br /><br />John and I have thought this over through and through and we have no choice but to pay to change our tickets. If we wait to see what happens on Monday, and they do not process the Visa’s, we cannot enter the country. Even is they do process them we have to wait for them to be over nighted to us, and they would arrive around the time we are to take off on the plane. If we wait too long, we will pay even more $$$ for a last minute flight.<br /><br />So, as much as we hate this, John will be calling the travel agency that we booked with and will probably be paying $1000 plus the difference for the flight, just so that we can make the court date ON TIME…meaning we will have to leave on Wednesday.<br /><br />V had already emailed me yesterday stating that the judge was asking if we could change from the 19th to the 20th – in the end I guess that helps.<br /><br />God help us. You are great and mighty and can fix this with the wave of your hand.<br /><br />Friends, please pray for us. I don’t like being this angry.Kymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11733219705463523263noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4271584342446520154.post-60013890389444225992008-06-06T19:39:00.000-07:002008-06-06T19:47:45.689-07:00Woo Hooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!Finger print cards came in yesterday...<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Hallelujah</span>!!!!!They and the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">apostilled</span> paperwork on on the way to the wonderful Tamara to be hand delivered to Russia on the 19<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> (Thank you Tamara! And THANK YOU <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Steph</span>!!!!!!)<br /><br />Paperwork in - Check!<br />Flights are booked - check check!We <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">leave on</span> the 17<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">th</span>.<br />Visa applications are off -Check check and again Check!<br />Work load is wrapped up and desk is clear. N<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">o checks here</span>, just one BIG *sigh*<br /><br />Now, on to church camp. No packing done yet, trailer still not ready to go...lessons? Well, that has been turned over to S<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">teph</span> - the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Ubber</span> awesome teacher...I will be the second place teacher this year!<br /><br />S is here from the Ukraine. He is awesome and we cannot wait to see him have fun at camp. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Carrington</span> has decided his Russian is okay to speak now, and I love to hear it. It sounds so beautiful!<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">That's</span> all for now....I'm <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">gonna</span> go pack!Kymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11733219705463523263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4271584342446520154.post-68421676979110489112008-06-04T20:05:00.001-07:002008-06-04T20:34:31.110-07:00We have a court date!!!!!!Simply, UNBELIEVABLE! In four short weeks from tip to stern we will be going before a judge to gather our daughter!<br /><br />Here is the play by play of events leading up to this awesome news…God is SO GREAT! Let me tell ya how great He is:<br /><br />Right before we left to meet ‘Rose’ I sent off our FBI finger print cards to be redone. Well, as you read before, they no longer take checks, so I to resend them again. Sooo, on Friday I called the FBI people and pleaded my case…nope. Do you know they have a division dedicated solely to adoptions? WOW! Word was they would be done sometime late THIS week. UHHHG! The best they could do was have me call back with my FedEx # and put them in the mail overnight when they were finished. I didn’t have the number with me (Helpful hint. Put that number in your wallet…odds are you will need it!) so I called first thing Monday morning to give it to them and they gal stated “Hmmm, well it would look like they were actually moved up a bit. We processed yesterday (Saturday). AND, they went in the mail already. SO, I am now waiting for the snail mail to give me my finger print cards! But they are DONE! Praise the Lord!<br /><br />In addition to that after we came home I started the process of getting the other documents that are older then 3 months updated. V told us that they would not assign my court date until they were in the hands of the team in Moscow. I had two lovely ladies donate their time to notarize documents…one of which was our medicals. Our insurance only covers one physical per year. After worrying about the $$$ it would cost to redo them, One doctor agreed to update them with a follow up instead. AND, we only had to notarize and apostille ONE Doctor’s license. YEAH! Praise the Lord!<br /><br />All of these said forms were then notarized, certified and sent overnight to Steph who apostilled them today. We are just waiting to see if they will travel over with Tamara or go somewhere else. YEAH! Praise the Lord!<br /><br />So, while I was trying to get all of these documents finished, I received an email form V stating we had a firm court date for the 19th of JUNE! OMG! I told V she sure knows how to knock me off my chair. I am sooo not ready – but obviously God thinks we are. So, with the assistance of my hubby we trying to get the pieces together to fly there byt the 18th. SUPER big Praise the Lord!<br /><br />With all of this happening, I am severely s-t-r-e-s-s-e-d. We have a missionary friend who arrived here at 3 am today staying with us for the month. We are trying to create items needed, plan, and pack and get our butts to church camp – leaving THIS Friday. We will return next Saturday, and turn around to fly to Russia on the 17th.<br /><br />Through all of this I am still at work trying my best to catch up at work and get everything taken care of before I leave. And, I still don’t know how I’m going to handle my time off.<br /><br />And of course the costs...Oh Lord, please send that capital! LOL:) We ended up paying $1040 for our Visa's...because the one we prepayed $400 for is needed for the paper portion, but will not get here in time to be used. Only in Russia my friends, only in Russia.....Can you see me shaking my head? :)<br /><br />But the most bitter sweet part of all…John will be returning to get ‘Rose’ on the 2nd of July. We will not be making our annual trip to Dinky Creek as a family. I may go with them boys for a few days, or maybe see if one of our awesome friends will take them. It is just not fair for them to miss out on their summer fun because of ‘Roses’ adoption. We will have to continue to heavy praying in this area.<br /><br />So, family and friends, that will put ‘Roses’ arrival home somewhere around the 10th or 11th of July. I have butterflies…BIG butterflies.<br /><br />Thank you God!Kymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11733219705463523263noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4271584342446520154.post-54880968749348504152008-05-21T15:28:00.000-07:002008-05-21T15:47:18.110-07:00From the desk of Queen Bee...One week, down, now into week two...<br /><br /><br /><br />Hello from Sunny and HOT, HOT, HOT California. The day we left Moscow it was 28 degrees, and now it is 104. My body doesn’t quite know how to handle this! The jet lag is finally gone, and I am back at work full swing. Thanks to all for the wonderful words of encouragement. Our email box is backed up with kind thoughts and well wishes, and we feel the power of your prayers daily. All things happen in Gods timing, and we see it constantly. Court should be in about 5 weeks, give or take one, and I find myself staring at picture of Princess Patterson and longing to see her again. Attachment is forming on my side for sure…<br /><br />On the adoption front, V emailed me yesterday and the great paper update is officially on! We need to update our medicals and finger prints….AGAIN…and put together a bunch of other stuff for the embassy. Soooo, I have called our Dr. to schedule ANOTHER physical, and had to resend the FBI card ‘cause smart ol me, I forgot to put two $18 cashiers check in the envelope. Word to the wise, they NO LONGER take personal checks. So, I wrote a sob story letter about how I cannot wait 6 weeks and could they please complete them as soon as possible?<br /><br />John is preparing for Church Camp. He is busy as can be, and it is good that he works with a terrific team to get this thing off the ground each year. Our dear friend M creates the entire curriculum each year, and K is assisting with staffing.<br /><br />Memorial day is fast approaching and I ask, “Where does the time go????” We will be traveling to Oakhurst, having fun at the lake, and hanging out with friends. I can’t wait!<br /><br />Aidan party went off without a hitch! Thanks goodness we had a bowling party ‘cause the heat was terrible and it was so nice and cool in there. I will post pictures as soon as I get them from my BIL. All the children had camouflage on their faces, wore military party helmets, and bowled their little hearts out. We bought Aidan a trampoline for his present, and he is having a ball. I refuse to buy anything that sticks my children in front of the TV anymore!<br /><br />And Myself? I have been performing the ultimate in therapy…SHOPPING! (on a budget<br />) I have bought several outfits and a few pairs of shoes…and everything is P-I-N-K!!!! No blue on my Princess…at least for now. I am going gaga over cute leather pink and white sneakers, and lacey socks. Sigh….I still need so many things, I believe I will be doing some more shopping this weekend in Oakhurst. Having all boys has not left many hand-me-downs for my little girl. She needs a hairbrush, and shampoo, and a car seat, a booster seat, bibs, jimmies, toothbrush and toothpaste…the list goes on and on. I shopped last night with no tears…I am constantly thinking “Pinch me, Pinch me!”<br /><br />And, I finally managed to get the wall paper off of Bryce's bedroom walls, so we will soon (sometime when I actually FIND TIME) be creating a room fit for a Princess. Complete with her beautiful patch work quilt (thanks Steph) and a country garden theme including butterflies...The sign of new life...<br /><br />So, that’s pretty much the low down for now…John needs me to help him clean out the trailer and put on the new batteries. Gotta run. Take care all!<br /><br />Buzz Buzz…<br />The Busy Queen BeeKymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11733219705463523263noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4271584342446520154.post-14224750971359517282008-05-14T13:17:00.000-07:002008-05-17T23:37:55.841-07:00Princess Patterson<div align="justify"><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div align="justify">Another day with what we have fondly dubbed the ‘Patterson Princess’. What does that mean for me? My friends, I will officially be moving my title to Queen Bee soon…And Deb, I guess I will be needing a new chair? LOL .We cannot wait to get this little one out camping, because although I will ensure she is every bit the <strong>Princess </strong>and remains a frilly little lady to the very end, her daddy has other ideas. He even joked about bringing a camouflaged outfit to bring her home in - Hee hee hee –like I am going to let that happen! She seems to be every bit adventurous and likes to play ball and rough house. As long as she does it in patent leather shoes I am fine.<br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200331141429694274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 188px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 195px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="292" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SCtJnt9Rj0I/AAAAAAAAAGM/IKRFcvUINbE/s400/tandk.jpg" width="308" border="0" /><br /><br /><p align="justify"><em><strong><span style="font-size:78%;">Snuggling with mommy...<br /></span></strong></em>So, we arrived at 9:30 this morning and our little princess was not there. She was at the Doctors having a small hemoglobin removed. They pointed it out to us yesterday, and I was not overly concerned. I am familiar with these as my good friend’s son had one. The can either grow larger or go away over time. Apparently they decided to take care of it and not wait to see which way it would go. Interestingly enough, something like this would keep her from being chosen by a Russian family – that and her brown hair and brown eyes.<br /><br />So, no little girl…now what? We decided to kill time and drove off to the notary to create a document that stated we want to adopt Rose. The other family that met their daughter yesterday brought in an International Adoption Doctor to look over the child’s records and perform a physical. John and I listened to her medical background and we opted out of this choice. Except for the hemoglobin, we could see no other signs that she was healthy enough for us. To us this is the little girl Gods wants us to love and care for, so we are moving forward and completed a statement that said who we are, and that we wanted to petition the court to adopt her.<br /><br />We needed to kill some time so we went to Aribak Street where there are lots of vendors and stores. We spent our lunch at McDonalds and yes, they really do have clean bathrooms! What was really interesting to me was what appeared to be the equivalent of an outside ‘drive up’ window where people were lined up to buy their food….on foot. Too funny. Crowds of people were on the inside, and remember, they aren’t too good on lines here, so you can imagine the frustration in trying to get your food. The Big Mac and fries is still sitting in my tummy like a lead brick. I told John it will be another five years before I do that again!<br /></p><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SC_F8d9Rj3I/AAAAAAAAAGk/PBRd_j9L3Vg/s1600-h/DSCN0511.JPG"></a></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201602142511665090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SC_Nlt9Rj8I/AAAAAAAAAHM/rNkha0Vvw-w/s320/DSCN0511.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201603272088063954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SC_Ond9Rj9I/AAAAAAAAAHU/S21M2RSsWag/s320/DSCN0512.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="justify">At three o’clock we met up with our driver and returned to the orphanage. They brought in Rose and you could tell she was not feeling 100%. She came to me and allowed me to pick her up – and hugged me tight. She just stayed there with her arms around my neck for a while until I passed her off to her daddy for his hug time. She obviously still does not know who we are and is trying to figure us out.<br /><br />Today she engaged us very well. She played with a big ball and even wandered around the room with it. She can pass and kick a ball very well, and is so smart. We took down some stacking rings and she was able to restack them in order. Her motor skills are fantastic.<br /><br />After a few hours they took us the her groupa. She shares her area with what appeared to be around 10 other children. We saw where she sleeps (little beds all in a row – neat as a pin) and plays, her cubbies and the other children. One little boy saw John and said “Hi Daddy!” Hmmmm, that got us thinking because most children fondly call adults Mama and Papa. We are not too sure on his story. A few had obvious signs of FAS, others had downs syndrome. It broke my heart to see them there – and put into prospective just how overall healthy Rose is. Overall this orphanage is in very good shape, very colorful and the children are obviously well cared for. The outside has murals painted on walls, many little brightly painted and covered play areas and lots of bikes and toys. Nature is all around including giant white birch trees and squirrels. Compared to what we saw in the Ukraine, I am quite impressed.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200331699775442786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SCtKIN9Rj2I/AAAAAAAAAGc/hV9k4ktS89U/s400/hut.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200331347588124498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="207" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_hx0kpyRoLT4/SCtJzt9Rj1I/AAAAAAAAAGU/kP3i4fTlmfY/s400/beds.jpg" width="345" border="0" /><br />Rose’s caretakers took her picture book that we assemble with names and titles in Russian (mama, papa, brother, etc) so they could read them to her while we are away. She was paying attention while they read off each page and when we together in the play room she kept looking at the picture, then at John, then back to the book, and so on. I told ya she was smart. My pictures threw her a bit because I am both blond and brunette, but she seemed to get it in the end. They also agreed to take pictures of her for us with the disposable camera that we left. They wrapped her in the pink blanket we brought and V translated for us that they called her ‘The Princess” and of course Mommy concurred!<br /><br />We gave Princess Patterson one last hug and kiss and told her goodbye. We are both smitten with her. Not in love yet, but definitely smitten. All in all we really feel like she is the child for us.<br /><br />We leave tomorrow at 1:20 and I cannot wait to get home. Enough said.<br /><br />See you all soon!<br /><br />Queen BeeKymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11733219705463523263noreply@blogger.com3