Momma loves her A B C's...

It's a Wonderful Life :)

2009-01-04T15:37:00.000-08:00

I know, long time no writey! Life is sooooo busy around here raising a three year old...and my darn internet 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)

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. Yes, I a blond again :) She loves Santa and gifts, her brothers and Snoopy. As a family gift this year we took all the kids to Knott's Berry Farm. Of course in good old Patterson fashion nothing 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 the 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 Knott's 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!

Kaydee is a well adjusted child, loving and might I add BRILLIANT! She copies all that she sees, never seeming to forget anything. She likes to pretend she is a kitty and paws, meows, and rubs her face on us. So sweet. She loves her brothers, and 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!

In other areas, she is doing very well in preschool, and likes to beat up on the poor unsuspecting little boys. No one takes toys from her anymore...wonder why? I tell her that is no way for a Princess to act, but she just smiles and purrrr's her way into my lap. A couple of acknowledging nods and all is forgiven.

Is it even possible year ago I was losing it because the state messed up my Dossier Apostilling??? It all seems so long ago....

I will try to up load other pictures...they are still on my camera.

Love to all!
K~

2008-10-20T21:31:00.000-07:00

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

I cannot believe it has been so long since I posted a full thought entry...at the same moment!

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...Sheesh! I guess later is better than never. But this does really go to show that once the adoption process is put waaaay 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 pain, and relish in the new life you have been entrusted with.

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 :)

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!

So here is what I started in October, added to in November, and will finish in March...:)

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Life with Kaydee 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 thoroughly wrapped around her little finger!

After about the 50th 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 Kaydee’s blog. I promise to make a better effort.

So, since I have A LOT of ground to cover, let’s get to writing, shall we?

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 hee hee....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!

In three short months we have reached so many mile stones. Kaydee’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. Kaydee 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 ‘Ruglish” – a nice combination English words and a whole lot of Russian – as if it is sooo 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…

AND, we are growing! Even though she still wears a size 2T, Kaydee 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 luvin. 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 Kaydee 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 Kaydee’s daily planner.

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. Kaydee 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.

Kaydee did okay in the trailer, was easy to watch at play, did VERY good shopping in old downtown San Luis Obispo, 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 Bubby’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.

Dress up is fun with a little girl. She likes to wear her Bubby’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 undee’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 Kaydee 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 Kaydia’s hat”(She pronounces her name Kay’deea’. She cannot get the EE ending down yet) Too funny…it’s so Kaydee! 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 Kaydee she bruises! Her skin is turning the prettiest shade of light olive and losing the paleness, but she is not nearly as dark as Carrington - although I really think she will turn darker like Carrington did. I’m quite jealous…

I tell myself I will not forget these moments.

November:

The holidays are so much fun with a little girl. Kaydee loves to shop. She sees a pile of big leaves and gets lost in them. The 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. Rosey cheeks. Pink polka dotted boots as she follows her daddy out the the fields. A beautiful pink coat reminiscent of the days of old, complete with hand muffs.

Could it possibly be this little Princess is all mine???

February:

A new adventure. We left Kaydee and the boys with our dear friends in Fresno last weekend. More than the loneliness that I felt while driving away from our drop off point, I was worried as Kaydee had a very bad cold and fever. She was in good hands and loved to pieces, but it was still not the normal thing for me to do - leave my child while ill.

The reason for our trip was my companies top performers trip. It is on their timeline - not mine. So when the plane tickets are bought, you go...

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!

I enjoyed jyself immensly, but in the end I was truly ready to go home to my babies.

Unfortunately Kaydee faired only 'okay' while I was gone, and we came home to a VERY unhappy little Princess. She cried nightly for her 'Steffafie' 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 separation issues that I WAS not expecting. I really thought she would 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 time line you are running on. So, there goes our 25th anniversary trip :) I will not be leaving her behind for a loooong time. At least not until I am sure she will be okay.

Good news was a week later we did get our lovely little Princess back, and we are back on track.

Here are a few more pictures of our dear little Princess Kaydee. Take care my family and friends

And thank you God for my little blessing…

2008-08-24T23:36:00.000-07:00

I am back to work full-time and that means Kaydee is now in Preschool…

*SIGH*

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.

Kaydee in front of her class calender board on her first full day of Preshool -

nervous and working that thumb!

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:

First we put in her shoes…’whimper’

Then we put her lunch in her back pack…’whimper’
Then we leave the house…’whimper’ and a VERY slow walk to the car

Kaydee and her backpack slowly making her way to the car...

Open the car door, and a long ‘whimper’, but she gets up in the car any way
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.’
When I make the left turn to the front street, and then the drive way of her school, I get more “Hummm’s”

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”.

When we go through the doorway, I set her down to sign her in. Again with “Hummm”, Just a bit louder now…

Putting away her backpack

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.”

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.’

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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!”)

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.

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.

Kaydee and her favorite baby Nanny gave her...

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.

After her bath Kaydee likes the blanket her Nanny made her.

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.

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!”

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.

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!

Here is Kaydee dressed as a knight where she sword fought with Carrington and Aidan...

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.

Another moment to remember forever…Thank you God!

2008-08-12T23:55:00.001-07:00

Kaydee is THREE!

Kaydee's actual birthday 'day' started out pretty normal. 8/8/08...What a great set if numbers! I woke her up and said "Happy Birthday Princess! It's YOUR day!" 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 balloons which were a hit with her. I love the first "OHHHHH!" 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 proceeded 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...

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 Kaydee didn't know what was going on...but she went with the flow and was the best little Princess ever.

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' LOL...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 nieces, although she still doesn't want them to touch her :) First we served hamburgers and hot dogs. Kaydee was more inclined to indulge herself in sliced tomato's, cheese, and a few slices of hot dogs.Here is 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 Kaydee'. 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 party store for 99 cents each...I so love a party on a budget! AND, it was exactly what I wanted!

Of course next came the cake and the Happy Birthday song. Kaydee 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. Carrington tried to explain to blow them out, but to no avail. 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!

Then we 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 :)

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 that she seems to love the most.

Brother Chris followed her around the house and protected my walls thank goodness!
The hat and wand didn't go to waste, Carrington - ever the 'family comedian' - decided it fit him fine!
After a tiring day, Princess Kaydee 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 soooo 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?

So, that was Kaydee's 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....

Thank you Lord!

And more pictures....

2008-08-05T09:45:00.000-07:00

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...First, what day would not be complete without the tumbling and tormenting of the bigger Bro Carrington? Kaydee loves nothing more than to ride the shoulders of her brothers, and rough house around with them...

My niece had her birthday party at our home last weekend. Here is Kaydee 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....LOL!

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...

Look who got caught red handed with her brothers Lego's - Again!

Kaydee's 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 :)

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!

Note the Nerf gun - again....LOL! I have had several touching 'firsts' with Kaydee 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 our voices and her name are pretty important. She has shyly snuggled with me, and allowed me the privilege 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 actually stayed in the nursery during VBS (Carrington was there too to help her) which was a big thing because that was the first time she has been without either mom or dad. She did great!

Kaydee 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 with 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 and see her, and it will be hard 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!

So that's all for now. Birthday party is next...

A Cheerful Queen Bee :)

Adoption costs

2008-08-01T00:14:00.000-07:00

I have received 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...

2008-07-28T23:36:00.001-07:00

Has it really been three weeks?

It seems like Kaydee has been here forever. She is such a joy!

Here are some fun pictures that show the true nature of our dear little Princess Kaydee. 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.

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!"

Kaydee caught on film in mid air...absolutely no fear!

The Kaydee 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.

She had her first hair trimming by the fantastic hair guru Martha. Daddy gladly reported she sat there like a little lady and was as good as gold. Isn't she darling?
Here she is with another favorite past times...riding the horses. Can you say "Giddy up?" She can! LOL! Except it comes out more like "Gee ah!"

She runs through the house giggling and 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 Spiderman pillow from brothers room and away we go...running all through the house. It was funny when one time Carrington put his hands on his hips and stated "Now SOMEONE is going to get HURT running through the house like that! Take it outside!"

Hmmm, wonder where he got THAT from? LOL! Yeah, I about peed my pants I laughed so hard after that comment :) Hmmmm...I wonder who has been in her brothers room?

I got to talk to V today, giving her a quick report on Kaydee’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 Kaydee 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 :)

Kaydee’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!

That's all I have time for now!

Till later...

Queen Bee

2008-07-20T23:25:00.002-07:00

Ahhhhh, the life of a Princess.

Kaydee in her dress up princess skirt and crown from my office friends...

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 whisked 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!

BUT, I REALLY like my baths!

One more minute Mommy, PLEEEEEASE???

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 jammies! Mirror, mirror....

I have become a shadow for my bigger brothers. They all love me soooo 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 closed, but as soon as I see it open I make a break for it and get the LEGOS! Yahoo! Luv them Legos!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 :)

Whatever my brothers do, I have to do also. It is, of course, a little Princesses prerogative. 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!!!

Jumping on the trampoline with brothers Chris and Aidan

They eat on dinner trays to watch the newest showing of Avatar - Yep! I'm game! Let's EAT!

After a morning of playing and reading with Mommy. I watch her get ready for work. I even have a pearl necklace that matches hers I put on. We sary on perfume, and the occasional sented lotion, mmmmmmm.

Then we load into the car to drive and meet Daddy in front of Mommy's office.

Kaydee's first meal with the family...

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!

After that is when the REAL fun begins! I help feed the chickens, mow the lawn (Have you ever ridden 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 torment the cats. Someone has t0 keep them in line!

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? :)

To keep cool we play in the sprinklers. Now that's what I call fun!

There goes my hair!

I play in my room alot. I like to play dress up and when I am not stealing brothers Legos, 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, and I will stand at the door and cry until someone takes me outside.

My room is lovely. I have a garden all around me, and a picket fence bed - neato! My dresser and walls are pink, and I have flowers everywhere! Butterflies adorn my walls and bed, and Mommy tells me they mean 'New Life'. Hmmmm, what ever that means :) 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 pretty pillows, and soft blankets I refuse to use...

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!

So, that is my day...exhausting huh?

Kaydee's dedication

2008-07-20T23:12:00.003-07:00

The best pictures we could get of Kaydee in her traditional Russian dress.....

We presented our Princess Kaydee to our church last Sunday in her beautiful Russian dress. It is a time of celebration and commitment on the part of us and our Church 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!!!)

It felt so right to dedicate this little angel to the Lord, seeing as after all He delivered her to us!

Finally home!

2008-07-16T20:39:00.000-07:00

Okay, okay, I hear you all! I know it has been too long!!!!!

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.

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 :)

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!

Kaydee in front of the airport at drop off...at the lovely hour of 3:30 in the morning - YAWN!

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 evil ‘fasten seat belt’ sign. Kaydee absolutely HATED (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 - THAT has changed since getting home and having a better environment for NEW training) The plane was not the perfect place to challenge her.

Kaydee liked looking out the window and was fascinated with the other planes on the tarmac.

Running through the play area and burning up some energy!

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. Seat belts again. 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.

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.

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!

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.

Princess Kaydee is home! Note the true 'Russian expression' with no smile...

Upon pulling up to our drive we sighed in relief, took showers and a bath (Kaydee) and then were all in bed.

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.

Kaydee with Uncle Mike ...

And Nan... ... And Uncle Kevin with Clayton

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 .

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!

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 :)

Watching a video in the trailer with big brother Carrington

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.

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 :)

All in all, we have been blessed with a very beautiful little ‘Princess’. It feels like she has been here longer than 2 weeks.

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.

Hmmmm, and right now I would say the Queen Bee is very happy!

Chao...more later.....:)

2008-07-04T11:00:00.000-07:00

Yahoo! We are going home TOMORROW!

Some how, some way, three seats opened up on British Airways and we are not staying till Tuesday!

See ya all REAL soon!!!!

A day on Arbat Street

2008-07-04T05:56:00.001-07:00

Okay classs, today we will have a lesson on construction site safety - Russian style:)

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...:)

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!

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!

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.

As planned we took Kaydee to get her picture done by an artist in black oils.

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.

Daddy took off a bit and returned with two red long stemmed roses for his ladies…

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?

We also went to lunch at My My’s (pronounced moo moo’s) with Joanna and Zoey.

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!

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!

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! 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.

My Dream has come true...And My Rose is a Kaydee!

2008-07-03T11:20:00.000-07:00

Dear family and friends…We are happy to introduce to you our daughter
Kaydence MacKenzie Patterson

Otherwise to be known as

‘Princess Kaydee.’

At 2:55 today her visa was issued and as soon as her feet hit US soil she will officially be an American citizen!

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 deafening 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 didn’t care about the delays, as long as I got to my final destination – and I did!

Daddy and Kaydee going home....

I arrived to our apartment as John was putting Kaydee 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!

First thing EARLY (Yawn!) this morning the Dr. came to our apartment and gave Kaydee her physical.

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...:)

The orphanage she was at really does seem to take very good care of the children, and although I am pleased for Kaydee, 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 much poverty and neglect that these small angels are forced to survive in. Truly saddening…I will forever remember these children.

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 Kaydee is TOTALLY worth it!

We then rushed through an early lunch where I am pleased to announce Kaydee will eat food when put in front of her, and seems to have a BIG appreciation for any type of fruit snacks :)

Not her best picture, but totally funny munchin away...

After which we walked the 25 minutes to the American Embassy and waited for our appointment.

The American Embassy…it’s pretty cool!

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 ‘wanded’ at the door, we had to punch the ‘button’ for our number in line and go to the waiting area for adoptees. 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.

Waiting outside the Embassy

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 FRUA, and as always it is super great to meet a fellow FRUA’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!

Once they called our name and gave us Kaydee’s visa, they handed us our documents, said “congratulations” and we were official!

We waited for Jolene and her little one Zoey (another sweet baby from the same orphanage as Kaydee) to finish up and had our driver take us to the Kremlin where we took the official picture with Kaydee and ourselves in front of St. Basils Cathedral. It is so mind numbing to remember we were just there in the 12th 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.

I never thought this day would come...
I will forever feel warmth in my heart when I see a
picture of St. Basils

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? Sabarro’s of COURSE! A safe little slice of the good US of A just waiting for my taste buds to come a callin! I had cheese pizza and the LARGEST Pepsi WITH ICE I could get me hands on…and it tasted soooo great! Kaydee didn’t care for the pizza though, and I told her that will have to change soon ‘cause the Patterson’s are a pizza lovin family. Since she cannot understand me she just looked at me…and shoved another Ritz cracker in her mouth - LOL - such a moment...

We walked the 20 minutes back home and after a bath, and a warm cup of Pediasure, Kaydee was fast asleep...it was a big day!

And here I sit now…finally having a chance to type away. Tomorrow is the fourth of July. We are going to Arbat St. to have Kaydee's 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...

We will search for the right region color of dress for A. Clobes and then take Kaydee to the small playground at our apartment.

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…

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.

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 poem of mine: A child was grew under another woman's 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?

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 makes 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.

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 bureaucracy 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:

Thank you God! You are so great!

A VERY GREATFUL Queen Bee!

We are now in Post Delivery...and it feels wonderful!

2008-06-30T13:23:00.000-07:00

I know! I know…updates, Updates!

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 :)

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.

Life has busy for the Patterson household. We returned home last Sunday and hit the ground running! So much to do, so little time.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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, I think NOT!)

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.

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…

AND, soon we will be able to share soooo much more! Until then, I need to buzzzz off and get some stuff done!
Queen Bee….

She's OURS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-06-20T12:33:00.000-07:00

AS of 11:55 am on Friday June 20th - We have a new daughter!

(Of course a soon as we return to pick her up and sign off all connections with
Russia we will post her full picture and new name. Until then she will continue to be referred to as ‘Rose’ - sorry :)

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!

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.

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.

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 Yahoo and hugged each other. Everyone laughed and applauded. It was great!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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...

Good night!

Queen Bee

The return to our little 'Rose'

2008-06-19T14:44:00.000-07:00

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...

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.

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!

And at that moment it happened…I fell totally in love!

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.

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)

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…

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…

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.

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.

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*

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.

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.

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…

One last hurdle to handle, then we are in the 10 day waiting period. Yeah! Bring on the LABOR!
Here is a great ‘ultrasound’ picture for you to see….

2008-06-19T14:26:00.000-07:00

Today we will explore the fun lessons in Russian home security systems :)

I feel incredibly 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, and has a beautiful garden area right across the way.

This is the outside - and first door- you need to go through before entering the apartment building. It is solid steel and ahas a security code panel to the left.

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 this 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.

THEN, you let yourself into the next door - which is also steel metal and framed - locking from the inside with previously stated skeleton key.

In a nutshell, we are totally safe :)

'Roses' ever expanding wardrobe...

2008-06-18T20:27:00.000-07:00

Or, as John puts it...."Johns ever shrinking wallet :)"

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?

This is the traditional Russian dress we have purchased for Rose.

Hooray! By the grace of God we ARE HERE!

2008-06-18T16:06:00.000-07:00

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.

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!

Actually, in the adoption world, just what would be the equivalent for an epidural??? Anyone know??? ‘Cause I WANT ONE NOW!!!!

So, where to start? Well, first of all, how do you combat S-T-R-E-S-S? Give it up to G-O-D!

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).

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.”

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.”

Hmm, we’ll see about that!

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.”

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

Thank you God! And thank you to all you who have been prayer warriors for us. We really feel it!

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!)

We will see Rose tomorrow…I will show you more ‘ultrasound’ pictures when I can tee hee hee…

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.

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!

Steph and Greg, thank you again for taking care of the boys!

Debra…How ‘bout that Grand baby??? Email me!

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.

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.

Tamara – So awesome too be here with you!!!! Mia is beautiful!

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.

Will write more tomorrow…

Queen Bee :)

Looks like God has made sure we are going to Russia!

2008-06-16T17:48:00.000-07:00

Well...thanks to R standing at the counter of the Russian embassy with POA in hand, we have our VISA'S!

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???

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 DIDN'T go wrong, and we are right where God wants us to be!

My stomache has been in knots!!!! I can finally breath now. It has been a VERY trying 5 days.

Thank you GOD...and for all of those who prayed for us.

Russia here we come...

BIG Bump!

2008-06-11T23:19:00.000-07:00

I am so irritated I could SCREAM!!!!!!!!!!!

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…

Well, as far as I’m concerned, she needs to be waiting on their door step with a POA and
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.

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.

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.

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.

God help us. You are great and mighty and can fix this with the wave of your hand.

Friends, please pray for us. I don’t like being this angry.

Woo Hooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-06-06T19:39:00.000-07:00

Finger print cards came in yesterday...Hallelujah!!!!!They and the apostilled paperwork on on the way to the wonderful Tamara to be hand delivered to Russia on the 19th (Thank you Tamara! And THANK YOU Steph!!!!!!)

Paperwork in - Check!
Flights are booked - check check!We leave on the 17th.
Visa applications are off -Check check and again Check!
Work load is wrapped up and desk is clear. No checks here, just one BIG *sigh*

Now, on to church camp. No packing done yet, trailer still not ready to go...lessons? Well, that has been turned over to Steph - the Ubber awesome teacher...I will be the second place teacher this year!

S is here from the Ukraine. He is awesome and we cannot wait to see him have fun at camp. Carrington has decided his Russian is okay to speak now, and I love to hear it. It sounds so beautiful!

That's all for now....I'm gonna go pack!

We have a court date!!!!!!

2008-06-04T20:05:00.001-07:00

Simply, UNBELIEVABLE! In four short weeks from tip to stern we will be going before a judge to gather our daughter!

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:

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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? :)

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.

So, family and friends, that will put ‘Roses’ arrival home somewhere around the 10th or 11th of July. I have butterflies…BIG butterflies.

Thank you God!

From the desk of Queen Bee...

2008-05-21T15:28:00.000-07:00

One week, down, now into week two...

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…

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?

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.

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!

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!

And Myself? I have been performing the ultimate in therapy…SHOPPING! (on a budget
) 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!”

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...

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!

Buzz Buzz…
The Busy Queen Bee

Princess Patterson

2008-05-14T13:17:00.000-07:00

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 Princess 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.

Snuggling with mommy...
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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

We leave tomorrow at 1:20 and I cannot wait to get home. Enough said.

See you all soon!

Queen Bee

Our day with 'Rose'...

2008-05-13T11:47:00.000-07:00

OMG friends and family - we have met our daughter, and what a thrill it was to finally lay eyes on her. ‘Rose’ is beautiful.

I’m telling you there is no mistaking this child, she is definitely a Patterson!

So, here is how the day went:
We were picked up at 1 pm by our driver and taken to the MOE. Traffic was terrible and like the Ukraine you take your life in your hands driving ANYWHERE in this city. There was also another nice family there from Texas to receive their referral. They happen to be going to the same orphanage. We walked in the room after being informed of the questions they may ask us (what is our annual income, who will stay home with the child, etc…) and guess what? They didn’t ask us ANYTHING! They sat us down, read us the referral information, and away we went to meet her. I think we got off easy…

We drove about 20 minutes to orphanage #3 (which, by the way, although it was old, was very neat and colorful, located among a grove of beautiful white birch trees and a park.) We proceeded to the office area and sat down to meet with the Director. They read over her medicals, why she was removed from her family, how long she had been there, and commented that she was baptized (she had a little dress and cross pendant in her file – cute) and then THERE SHE WAS. She was brought to the door holding the hand of her caregiver. Very shy, a little leery, but not looking too overly scared, just unsure. She took a few little steps and I was able to get her easily on to my lap. She kept looking at John – I don’t think they see a lot of men around there.

After they finished reading her file, I told John to take her hand and we walked with her to the play room and sat on the floor with her. I took out the green ball and the monkey I got her that played music was a hit, and she hung on to it most of the time we were there. John had her sit on his leg, and she decided this was going to be her seat. She refused to move from then on…coming back to sit there every time she left to get the ball. I walked over to the toy shelf and took down some stacking cups. I wanted to see how she would do with them. She stacked them back in order, and we even got to see her complete some trouble shooting when they did not match up right. This child is VERY smart!

Oh yeah, and SHE IS POTTY TRAINED…Yahoo! My childcare was just cut in half! LOL

We are so thrilled at this child. She has a great personality, and John engaged her to the point of her giggling and laughing out loud – and I got it all on tape! At one point the other families little girl came crawling over and was pulling up on Johns legs. Rose pointed to the other parents and said something in Russian that we can only assume was “Go over there and stay away from may family” She hugged me tight and was happy to stay that way for a while. I think the team there was a bit surprised at how quickly she took to us. Their faces were a bit shocked when they walked in the room and saw her giggling. At 6 pm they came to take her back to her groupa and she waived goodbye…with monkey and ball in hand. We will see her again first thing tomorrow morning.

I cannot post her face on a public page, as her adoption is not finalized, but here is a sneak peak at ‘Rose’ playing with her daddy…

Playing on the floor with daddy...

Were here!

2008-05-12T10:19:00.000-07:00

Warm wishes from Moscow. We have arrived!

First…I have been reminded of two things I had forgotten: People are rude and everything smells like an armpit. If you remember from my time in the Ukraine, I wrote about how people do not forms lines, they crowd and shove, men DO NOT open doors for women, and never seem to use deodorant. Um humm. Welcome back to the Soviet Union Kym….Ya know that Coke commercial where they would like to buy the world a Coke and teach it harmony? Well, I’d like to by them deodorant, and teach them to shower. Yuck.

Moving on….

We arrived late in Sunday, after missing our connecting flight in London. A word to the wise for those traveling through Heathrow. It is one of the most disorganized airports I have ever experienced. Give at least 2 hours minimum in between flights because they drive you in and it takes way too long to get you to the gate you need to leave from.

We were met by our driver and taken the Cosmos hotel. It’s I okay for a Russian hotel. The hotel itself was built in the 1980’s for the Olympics and had 1770 rooms. We have had some major hiccups concerning our reservations and we sent the better part of the morning trying to connect with anyone who could help figure it out. When we arrived they stated we only had reservations for two nights instead of four. It took an email to the person who made the reservations and me standing at the travel agents desk and refusing to move to get it taken care of. We now are definitely here for four nights. (Next go round we will contact Peace Travel and rent an apartment.) Our room includes breakfast and WOW! Now that they’ve got a hold on. Good stuff Maynard!
So, what next? John and I braved the Metro and low and behold we managed to get ourselves to Red Square. What and awesome and overwhelming moment to stand in the middle of one of the most well known locations in the world. The buildings are beautiful, and St. Basil’s cathedral is breathtaking with its colors and design. We also visited the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. John took some really good pictures of the Veterans placing flowers the tomb while a flame burns from inside. VERY beautiful gardens and pristine lawns. I mentioned to John as we stood on the center of the red bricked street that I just cannot believe I am here. What a monumental moment in out lives. 25 years ago we in the throws of a cold war with this great nation, now I will be mothering two of its children. Amazing, simply amazing…

Tomorrow we will meet with the MOE (Ministry of Education) and receive our referral.
We have limited internet access, but will post as soon as it is possible.

Till then…

2008-05-04T22:34:00.001-07:00

*Edit to the trip travel posting...we are flying LAX to London non-stop, then to Moscow. Yeah!!! I so much prefer a one shot international over a two legged domestic flight!

It is getting soooo crazy around here! Countdown to meeting Rose has commenced! I have a 'To do" list a mile long. Will I remember everything????

We have our hotel booked. Check. Packing will commence tomorrow. Check, check. I have secured my wonderful friend Steph to take care of my kids. BIG check! Tomorrow morning I will order the nice crisp $100 bills we will need to travel with. Tomorrow evening will entail making sure all the laundry is caught up (kids have got to have clean underwear while I'm gone, right?) Also need to work on stocking of food in the pantry. Let's see, have I missed anything?

Life is crazy, but life is good....:)

It is well...

2008-05-04T01:56:00.001-07:00

Today was what I often describe as an “It is well day”.

With our departure less 7 days away, there are many things left to accomplish and so little extra hours to get them done in. But, I warn ya, sooo many sappy tears of joy. John is about done with me.

After working on my memory picture books till noon, (my current project that holds about 6 years worth of photos begging to go into picture books - and I am now almost done, yeah!) I finally graduated from jammies to shorts and went out with Aidan to accomplish crossing off as many things as I could…

First stop, Party store. I took Aidan to the Party Works store to buy invitations for his most anticipated birthday party that will take place the Sunday after we return. All the way over he was adamant to the fact that his party was going to be Spiderman themed. Anything else was just plain incomprehensible. But wouldn’t you know that when he saw all the different types of party stuff – walls and walls as far as the little eyes can see - all it took was the lure of army party hats and all the previous ideas went flying out the window. So, for his seventh birthday Master Aidan and seven of his closest buddies will be enjoying an army themed birthday complete with the camouflaged hats, souvenir cups and goodie bags. We also completed ordering cupcakes with little Army men on them, and have reserved the bowling lanes for a fantastic ‘Army Hero’ bowling birthday party. He is sooo stoked. We even bought little medals that say ‘Hero’ on them. All I have to do now is located some camouflage paint for their faces and away they will go…bowling down the enemies with their bright colored green balls…Such fun!

Then, it was off to the Dollar store to find these baby dolls a friend told me about. I moseyed on down the toy isle and sure enough there they were. The cutest little soft bodied baby dolls with eye lids that go up or down, depending on the position of the baby. Now of course you know I have never had cause to pay attention to dolls before. At least not since I was 8 or so. This was all pretty neat. I started to get misty eyed, but caught myself before things got out of hand (it’s those darn third trimester adoptive hormones again, I tell ya!) I then saw a neat little green rubber ball…took that too. So, we now have a few extra toys to take to our referral.

Next stop Home Depot. Did you just hear the Angels sing when you read that? LOL. That is TOTALLY my store. Ahhhh, the joys of home improvement! I need a screen door for the front of the house, but darn it if after finding one of those invisible type ones that retract when you don’t need it the darn thing won’t work. John said “I’m sorry honey, we done have a open front door jam, just brick” and now I’ve gotta take I back. I will figure something out…I really want to be able to open that darn door. I also bought the Ohhhhhh so perfect shades of yellow and pink paint to cover the walls in our soon to be daughters room. And of course as the guy behind the counter was opening them to dab and check the color on the lid and I just couldn’t believe I was painting MY DAUGHTERS room. I have decorate many a friends baby rooms, but this was MINE. I started to cry – again. He asked me “You okay ma’am”. I wiped my eyes and before I could say anything Aidan piped up “Yeah, She’s all right. Were gonna have a baby sister” and walked off. The guy then proceeds to kind look down at where an expectant mommies belly should be. Poor guy, he looked a little confused and I didn’t bother to explain. By that time Aidan had moved on to the other side of the paint area ooing and awing over a pirate room he saw on a paint brochure.

Then, we went to Walgreens to fill a prescription, and finally the last leg of the trip, the all mighty Sam’s Club. I ran into one of my clients from work. I showed him the picture of our referral. He said “Well Kym, she looks like YOU!” I beamed of course. If something should happen where this referral does not work out I’m sunk I tell ya.

I happened across the new little kid summer clothes. I allowed myself to look over the land of pink…"Ohhhhhh, ahhhhhh..." Aidan was patiently standing close by and I was not really paying much attention to how I must have sounded. Next thing I know he is asking “Mommy, you feeling all right?” I said “Yes, why?” “Cause you’re making a lot of noises like" and then proceeded into a pretty good rendition of the noises. I lughed so hard! I told him of course I was okay; I was just looking at the little girls clothes. “Well, you still sound funny Mommy” was all he said.

I found and bought (God help me, I could not STOP myself) the cutest ever swim suit and terry cloth cover up. It was a set and I took the 2T…I figure she's gotta have a swim suit, right? Now there’s one thing I can fudge a bit on concerning the size. Again - More tears. I cannot believe I am doing this. I cannot believe I am BUYING little girl stuff for MY soon to be daughter.

Pinch me.

I called my friend as soon as I left the store. I was sooo excited!

So, I now have a dozen material covered (pink of course) hangers and one darrrrling swim suit hanging in what will soon be my daughters closet.

Life is sooooo good.

Thank you God!

Trip one airfare...Check!

2008-04-29T23:38:00.000-07:00

We leave on Saturday the 10th. Flying Lax to JFK (yuck!) then on to Moscow. Return flight is on Lufstansa (hooray!) from Munich Germany then non stop LAX. That is may favorite route - little time waisted in descending and re boarding, etc. I flew it last trip to the Ukraine. Lufstansa is the best in my book. Now we are trying to find a hotel room. Can you say $$$?T from FRUA did a data bank search for me. (THANKS SOOOOO MUCH!)If it is the little girl we found that fits her description, then our possible daughter appears to be older than we originally thought. Closer to 2.5 yrs old. Matters not to John and I as long as her health is decent. We were fine with a toddler. V is checking into it for me to see if we can get a little more info. I'm not holding my breath :)

What's in a name?

2008-04-27T07:48:00.000-07:00

I’m feeling kinda melancholy, so bare with me…It is 4 am and my back is killing me, so no more sleep. Yep, once again I have managed to over do it outside and I am paying for it dearly. (Yes Deb, I went to the Dr’s last week.) So, I have decided to take advantage of my lack of sleep and write.

BOY what a difference 3 extra hours in your day can mean though...

Sooo, I sit here typing to you as my thoughts wander to: What is in a name?

According to Webster’s Dictionary it is he following:—Synonyms 1. Name, title both refer to the label by which a person is known. Name is the simpler and more general word for appellation: The name is John. A title is an official or honorary term bestowed on a person or the specific designation of a book, article, etc.: He now has the title of Doctor. Treasure Island is the title of a book. 4. repute, character, credit. 5. note, distinction, renown, eminence. 6. personality. 14. nickname, dub, denominate. 16. choose. 17. mention.

John and I spent the better part of early yesterday looking at girl names. We researched Scottish, Celtic and Irish. Why??? Because heritage is very important to us. My husband is of Scottish decent. We also have a lot of Irish mixed in there...”But Kym, your daughter is Russian” you say. Uh Huh. EXACTLY. Now you see the beginning of my dilemma.

Come along and walk with me down the name memory lane…

I always knew from the time I read Winnie the Pooh my first boy would be named Christopher. Strong Irish name. And although he prefers to go by Chris, yet I refuse and call him Christopher – much to his chagrin. Tee hee hee, O how I love the power of the being the Mom.

Bryce was supposed to be Brittany (No longer a name I wish to choose) I just KNEW I was having a girl the second go round. Imagine my surprise when John told me it was a boy. Yep, I was one of those poor moms who did not have a name for her child picked out before giving birth. As we sat in the hospital we looked at baby name books and were not having any luck. I wanted something original. I was watching TV and when I saw the name ‘Brice Beckham’ from the show Mr. Belvedere. We had it! Bryceton was created using the ‘Y’ from my name, and we threw a ‘TON’ on the end to make it flow with Scott which John picked out. And voila! The name Bryceton Scott was created. Now that was some piece of work. I would say his name and people literally would stop and say “That is a neat name!” I must confess I thought so too and still love it to this day.

Aidan’s name came out of nowhere. It literally popped into my head while reading a book. We looked it up and found that it was of old Scott/Irish/Celtic origin. I had never heard of it before. (I often say God whispered it to me. I’ll have to remember to ask Him about that some day) that is why I liked it so much. Now it is a very common for me to hear it now and again.

When we named Carrington we expected it to be a middle name. After all he was 12 and had lived with his name for many years. In the end it was he who chose to change it around and make Oleg his middle name. We presented him with four different names and he chose Carrington. I was so pleased! Why? Because from the time we started trying to have another child biologically I had said if I had a daughter I would name her Karrigan and call her Reagan. Carrington was a version of that name. And at the time I thought “This is it, this is my last chance”. I got to use it! Yeah!

*Funny thought* In my mind I am seeing myself in a room of parents holding small bundles of joy. They have the same confused look as I do. I stand. “Hello” I say. “My name is Kym". "Hello ooo Kym!" - "I name my children. And when naming my children I must confess, I only like unique!” Applauding from agreeing parents fills the room. Total silliness, I know. But you get the point.

We all like unique names that mean SOMETHING to US. Whether is after someone special in our life, or tradition. Imagine if you were to give birth to a child and the nurse handed him/her to you and said “Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. So and So. Here is your new baby. His/Her name is John/Jane Doe”. You’d be like “What? Who said you get to name the child?”

Now, on to why I posted this thought…My daughter has a Russian name. I want her to connected to her ancestry, no doubt. Unless something changes in the near future (this is Russia, trust me, it can happen) 'Rose' has a Russian heritage. Carrington asked me “Why not let her keep her Russian name?” Hmmm, good thought son. I smiled and told him nothing is definite yet. He in turn muttered about how we should keep it Russian. Grumble, grumble, grumble. Blah, blah, blah. (Boy those adolescent hormones are kickin in! LOL) Now remember, this is the same little boy who changed HIS first name by CHOICE. We did not make him do it. I chose not to bring that up to him at that time.

It’s not that I am against her having a Russian name; it is just that I want her to have my name. It’s almost like a right of passage – so to speak. See definition #16: CHOOSE.

So, my thoughts are scattered. In all honesty if I was to complete my dream, I would be naming my child a name I PICKED OUT. – Not someone else.

We have written down these names as possible choices. We have also come to the conclusion that we intend on waiting until we meet her to decide which we feel will fit her best.

Alyvia (pronounced like Olivia – with the A sound instead. John’s not too keen on this one, but I love it!)
Aislynn
Ashling – Not my favorite, but John likes its uniqueness.
Cassidy – A favorite of us both. Strong Irish name
Reagan – Yep, we have decided to keep it in the running. Whether or not it derives from Karrigan is yet to be determined.

We are sill looking…

Decisions, decisions.

Travel dates!

2008-04-22T10:54:00.001-07:00

Dear friends and family, update!

We have FINALLY been confirmed via V that we will meet our daughter on May 13th. The Russian Holidays this coming week and next are just getting in the way. This gives us a little more time to prepare - thank goodness - but you all know that we would have been on that flight no matter what!

So, I can now get a better price on our flight, and line up my work schedule. Our travel visa's are here, and we are ready to role!

So exciting! So EXCITING!!!!!

A Picture!!!

2008-04-21T17:09:00.000-07:00

I came into work today excited at the waiting information concerning our actually travel dates. We were just wrapping up our morning status meeting when I got a call from V. I did not hear what I thought I would. Instead I heard V say "Kym, I have pictures". "WHAT????" V said she had just emailed them to me and wanted to be on the phone with me what I saw them. They were emailed to me and as I opened the email my hands were shaking. I clicked on the attachments and the DARN THINGS WOULD NOT OPEN! Uhg! Three time V tried to send them and I was stuck. Thank goodness my co-worker Jen is a whiz with computers. I forwarded the email to her and voila! There she was! The child that will quite possibly be my daughter!!!! I can tell you I was so overwhelmed at the little girl who appeared to be around 2 yrs old sitting in a plush little chair with a mop of brown hair and dark brown eyes. Darling, she was absolutely DARLING! OMG! IS THIS MY DAUGHTER???? I am trying to be practical as we know nothing about her. It may change. It may not. V worded it "your potential referral", but she would not have sent it to me if it was not as close to a sure thing as we could get.

With a chuckle V said to me "I think she looks like John". How strange is it that there is a little girl out there who really does look like my hubby? Mind boggling. Simply Surreal. And believe it or not, SHE DOES!

The person who would tell us what day to travel was out - darn! We will know first thing tomorrow morning. We are working on getting flights held for 24 hours to we can have the better rates, and waiting on pins and needles to see just when we will stand face to face with this cutie pie of a little girl!

Come on Tuesday!

It's the third trimester for sure!

2008-04-21T00:20:00.000-07:00

It occurred to me today while at church that I am indeed in what could only be my third trimester...in the comparative sense of course!

The last few days I have been emotional, have a knot the size of a watermelon in my stomach, and I tear up at sappy commercials...sigh...it could only be the result of an adoption pregnancy.

John and I went to the store to buy a blanket for 'Rose' (pink of course), some Pediasure, a sippy cup, a few toys, and a new converter to replace the one that blew up on John's last trip to the Ukraine. I washed the blanket and will sleep with it until I meet my daughter, at which time I plan on leaving it with her (A tip several of my adoptive parent friends passed on to me.) We will see if it works. Carrington smelt the blanket and said "It smells like Downey." Hmmmm, I just might be defeating my purpose with that? John, always the practical thinker, told me "No worries. Just rub a fabric sheet all over yourself and it will be just fine." Now why ever didn't I think of that? You can always rely on my sensible husband to figure out the tough stuff...LOL...BTW, I know John is excited 'cause he actually WENT into the store with me tonight...

We should know our exact date tomorrow...sleep eludes me. I think I'll go throw up now....Good night.

REFERRAL!!!!!!!

2008-04-17T16:43:00.000-07:00

OMG!!!!!

If I haven't reached you by phone yet, WE HAVE A REFERRAL!

We will be traveling to Russia to meet our referral on either April 28th or 29th!

I was speaking with V and she relayed her conversation with me...It went a bit like this: "When would the Patterson's like to travel?" they asked. V called me and of course I told her the sooner the better! The closer we get to summer the harder it will be for us. Already we are sweating YBC and with John being the Camp Director we CANNOT travel the second week of June for court. (Do you like that 'positive' thinking?)

So, on Monday the 21st. we will know exactly which day and can start making plane and hotel reservations. We will also know a little more about the child we are to be meeting.

My friends and family, I am completely overwhelmed by all of this. Please remember us in your prayers. Please remember to pray for our family and our soon to be daughter.

I will update regularly as info comes in.
Luv to you all!

Time for an update, hmmm?

2008-04-10T21:44:00.000-07:00

Well, I know from a lot of emails I have been a bit behind on my updates. So sorry!
John and I were fortunate enough to be treated an all expense paid trip to Las Vegas by my fantastic company. And, well, time has just gotten away from me. There are so only so many hours in the day!

We had a great time in Vegas, and the highlight for me was taking John to Bass Pro (yes guys out there, the all wonderful, testosterone laden BASS PRO) and shop like a crazed person. In addition to our stay at the fantastic Treasure Island, a cabaña by the pool, and fantastic formal dinner affairs, they gave me $300 to do with what I will…so we bought John clothes and all three guys (John, Aidan and Carrington) fishing poles. We are actually slated to get a Bass Pro here in Bako soon, so for those of you coming on out to visit, fun times are a comin! (Personally, I am not sure what the lure is, I’d rather go to Nordstrom’s…now THERE'S some real fun!) Oh yeah, and YES! I did win $$$ I made $125 on Roulette. Yahoo! And, no, I didn’t donate it back. This girlie knows when to walk away…Add it to my $300 and we came home with $225…enough to pay the baby sitter $100 and save the rest. Okay, so I may be boring, put I am a boring person who came home with more than I left with! I am, after all, adopting a child and $$$ are $$$!

As for the adoption front, as usual I had a hiccup. I was informed I had to complete 12 units of adoption related classes in keeping with the new Hague Convention laws. No one in Russia really cares that I have two fully grown children, a domestically adopted 6 yr old and an internationally adopted 13 year old. So yawn! Away I went on to the internet for 24 hours of training to answer a bunch of questions…And the good news is I passed. Then we had to redo our local police clearances ‘cause they were more than 3 months old and that is always a challenge. If you remember, I mentioned way back when that our city doesn’t normally do this…that is why we have the finger print clearances. I swear, if there is not a 'hit one button on the computer' program already in place, God help a county employee if they have to - dare I say - make up a letter? (I don't think we have any county employee's among our family and friends, but just in case - no offense. You just have to be in my frustrated shoes to understand. Please refer to my previous post in what the state dept. did with my apostilles!) So, we marched down again to the Sheriff Department and had nice letters made up that state the obvious – we do not have any felonies or arrest records. Yawn again! This is getting soooo old…and we are not in the clear yet. I can almost bet they will need to be done several more times before we are through. Good news though. The clerks at the county office now know me by name, and the Sheriff’s office doesn’t look at me like I’m crazy when I ask for the clearance.

So, with that being said, we did manage – once again with the help pf my friend Steph - (Thanks Steph!!!) to get them apostilled, scanned, and sent to V. My dossier should NOW finally be ready for submission the MOE. V tells me to be prepared for a referral in the next four weeks. As I understand it, two other families have already received their referral…very quickly…in the area where we are adopting from. All in all, we are playing by the rules - and the rules say we have to wait - so we do - just not patiently.

On a family note, John has been quite busy with re-doing the lawn. For those of you who do not know, we live on several acres of land. What led up to this new project was we recently had to have a new leech it put in for our septic tank. There was hole the size of a whale by the time they were done. So, with that happening my husbands thought pattern went something like this:
1. The lawn is already torn up, and he wanted to re-grade it anyhow, so he decided to get out the tractor and move all the dirt into strategic landscaping areas.
2. He needed to run new electrical and gas lines from the house to the barn, so he might as well so that before he put in the new lawn and had to trench it
3. So, he rented a trencher and trenched over 100 yards to lay the pipe in for the wires and gas lines
4. Because he re-graded the lawn, he had to redo the sprinklers.
5. Since he was re-working the sprinklers, he might as well figure in the new front porch that is going in, so he knew where to relocate them
6. I now have the area for the new front porch…
7. The electrical for the barn and the well needed to be rewired to suit the new sub panel, so all new wiring was placed under ground (Through said trenched pipes) and that meant a new electrical panel by the well
8. The new panel was built and placed in a new location by the well
9. Since the old panel is now gone, and the new one is shorter, he was then able to reduce the size of the fence around the well. The well fence (yes, the 6 ft high one that I hated so much) is now 3 feet in height and will have roses around it
10. I now have 1 acre of dirt that cannot be re-sodded until it is hot enough for the Bermuda to grow. Sigh….
Welcome to my life…

So, I will close with the last new addition to our family…chickens. Yep, John decided to override me objections and buy baby chicks. 5 of ‘em. At least I will have organic brown eggs – someday. I figure he will spend more on feed than I ever would on the eggs, so we should break even in about 10 years. That is given they don’t get ate by the wild dogs that run around here, or an owl, or a hawk…LOL!

See ya!

2008-03-06T17:22:00.000-08:00

We have accreditation!

Hmmm...Looks like we in RUSSIA! At least on Paper anyway...

2008-02-26T19:29:00.000-08:00

Our documents were over-nighted to O in Russia and we are officially on the waiting list for referrals. Hooray! V was kind enough to take my call after hours and we chatted a bit about Carrington and other child related things. She filled me in as much as she could on where we are in the ‘line up’.

So, barring any of the unknowns that can arise out of the blue during an international adoption, here is what should be happening. (Just typing that ‘out loud’ makes me laugh! There are no certainties with international adoption!)

February – Lest you forget, we ARE IN February right now - Our agency finally receives its accreditation. They are next in line for the upcoming batch to be approved. Oh please, let’s humor me here…At the present writing we’ll not even consider the possible thousands of other waiting parents that have been on a list for months, even years waiting to adopt. (It does come down to the region you are working in though…this can make ALL the difference)

April – There are three dossiers total waiting for referrals of little girls. We are one of them. If all goes according to plan and we follow the same time line as in the previous referrals of a little girls, (as independents, during the re-accreditation process; before they were this close to completing the process) we should receive a referral for out little girl in April. I will graciously give or take a 30-day cushion. Hee hee hee…

HAH! I will BELIEVE that when I SEE IT!

I will always remember Trey’s Words: All things happen in God’s good timing, so we shall see…we shall see…

Way to go Steph...

2008-02-19T17:16:00.000-08:00

So, here is the note from my good friend Steph in Fresno:

Ok here you go......its in the mail. Tracking #(edited)

AND I counted and looked 4 times. THERE ARE...15 Apostilles and 15 certifications in this fed ex envelope.

I had quite a conversation with the man behind the counter and there was no way in !@#$%^&* that he would EVER admit that his office did an error. He said it is all automated....I told him it would be interesting to really find out where those fancy $20 apostiles went because we paid for them and they were not there. So I had him stand there at the counter when he finished his job, and we counted every one together. I took alot of his time and I'm positive I was a pain in the behind.

Sooooo keep me posted on whats next.....I like this adventure. Except when things get messed up.
love ya,
Stephanie

Way to go Steph...Way to go!

And to all of those with SWEETHEARTS...Hope you had a terrific Valentines Day!

Paperwork is on it's way...Again...

2008-02-18T13:22:00.000-08:00

So, here we go again! I find venting to be an acceptable form of therapy. (Buying shoes is good too, but I am currently on a budget.)

My freshly notarized and certificate clad paperwork is on its way to Fresno. My friend Stephanie will be standing toe to toe with the girl (and I do mean girl) at the counter and we will see if she is able to pull off getting them to correct their mistake (or let’s just say it true for what it was – lack of knowledge and bad judgment) and Apostille four forms that they we suppose to complete the first time.

If you remember, they charged me for the Apostilles, but only attached one sheet to them. (After they bundled them together of course) After further investigation of my paperwork, this is what we (hubby and myself, with the play by play account from Stephanie) figured out they did. (For entertainment purposes I will re-enact the scene)

My friend Stephanie: “I need all of these forms Apostilled for a Russian adoption. We need one for each notarized paper in this folder."

Girl behind the counter: “Okay, there is a charge for each one of $20.” She goes through each one and checks to make sure there are Certificates of notary attached to each one. She counts them twice. “I’ll be right back” she says and exits the counter to go into a back room.

Ten minutes later she returns. Okay, that will be $$$$$…cash check or credit card? Stephanie writes them a check and after collecting the receipt places the finished documents in the Fed EX envelope to V and calls me to say the deed is done.

Here is what took place behind scenes: The girl that obviously did not know WHAT she was doing looked at the forms. Saw that there was the same notary and date on three of them. Sooooooo, she removed the certificates, stapled them together, then attached the to one cert and applied an Apostilled paper to it, separated the forms a bit on the side and marked it with a nice red stamp. She looked at the other papers; saw the same notary that had different dates, then did the same. The certificates that I had to pay $$$ for, the went IN THE TRASH. She did this THREE different times. Dummy. She charged me for each one of the Apostilles then only attached papers to the ones that had the one certificate on it.

So…this time tomorrow Stephanie will stand at the counter. She will calmly yet firmly EXPLAIN to girl behind the counter that EACH one has to be APOSTILLED SEPERATELY, and will not leave unless is done RIGHT. Hopefully after presenting the receipt of transaction they will NOT charge me for six I am having redone. Barring no additional problems, they should be in the mail to V and received the next day. Only time will tell what happens from there.

I feel better now.

Folks, these are our tax dollars at work. Doesn’t it just make ya proud?

Happy Birthday!

2008-01-27T11:59:00.000-08:00

I turned 42 on the 24th...Good thing I usually feel about 32!

Given tthe recent chain of events, I think I need a little bit more energy...

WHERE is my coffee??????

Frustrated...

2008-01-27T11:21:00.000-08:00

I could just SCREAM, but I sat down and cried instead…

You know, I have TOTALLY taken my time with the Dossier stuff. I got in my mind to really start the ball rolling on 1/1/08…so I have been fine with most of the progress so far. BUT, I should have known…obviously things were going too smoothly. All I knew was my Dossier was in Russia and the ball was rolling...HA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To make a long story short I came home to ½ of my Dossier documents in a Fed Ex envelope. No notice, no email, no call from my agency warning me they were coming back, nada. Apparently the Secretary if State office decided to ‘bundle’ John and my health documents together for Apostilling, along with several others, and therefore they were rejected. (My fault in part because I did not clearly communicate this to my friend who took care of it for me in Fresno that there had to be one Apostille for each individual notary). And, since she put them in the mail from there, I never saw them. HOWEVER, why in the HECK didn’t my agency catch this BEFORE they sent them to the team in Russia??? I am shaking my head because V has a proven track record with me and stuff like this just hasn’t happened before. So a big warning for those Apostilling….NO BUNDLING OF DOCUMENTS!

So, I now have to separate all these documents, take them the county clerks office for notary cert for each #@$&*(! one, then drive to Fresno to have them Apostilled. Oh yeah, and they now want three separate power of attorneys done along with a financial statement and the stupidest thing I have EVER heard of…a document filled out by a licensed real estate agent stating the size of my home, # of rooms, etc. along with a copy of his license. Isn’t this why I ran like a mad woman during my lunch hour to get a copy of my Deed of Trust to my home??? Good thing I have a co-worker with a real estate license…and he is so nice to help me out with it. And OF COURSE, it all has to be authenticated and apostilled….God help me these people are NUTS! What in the world did I pay all that money for a home study for if they were going to want the same stupid information outside of it…I just cannot figure this all out…And of course don’t forget the $$$ I will spend again on Fed Ex, gas and the paperwork.

I also just figured out I am missing my copy of my home study…I sure hope my agency got it because I think my friend sent it along with all the other paper work (They sent the certified copies straight to her and not me).

I asked V the other night in the phone, are you SURE we can’t consider the Ukraine for a healthy baby girl? I am so comfortable with the Ukraine! She stated again ‘No”…Sigh, sigh, SIGH! I am already sick of Russia and I haven’t even received a referral and traveled yet.

Happy New Year!

2008-01-15T13:00:00.000-08:00

Aidan with Santa

It will be a GREAT 2008!

I CANNOT BELIEVE HOW QUICKLY TIME HAS FLOWN! Christmas was wonderful, our third with Carrington! What a difference time makes. He was disappointed to not receive a X-BOX, however he was for-warned it would not happen. I refuse to buy anything that puts him in front of the TV anymore than he already is! But, he enjoyed his day just the same. Aidan was a hoot – loving everything. He is so easy to please! Just give him anything Power Rangers and he is charmed to the core.

Chris slept over as usual to greet Christmas morning with us, and we had a yummy breakfast at the Ihop, then we slept. Dinner at Uncle Russell’s and then we slept…a lot! All in a wonderful, wonderful day!

As you recall my gift was my pantry, which turned out fabulous. John really did a wonderful job and I couldn’t be happier. I was able to move all the food off the big shelves in the garage, and out of the kitchen into it…making for plenty of room! Life is now so sweeeeeeet! I have my dishes all organized and I am still moving things around to my satisfaction. The draw back is that the men in my house are creatures of habit, and now they can’t find anything! Hee hee hee. They will figure it out soon enough, as I have faith in ‘em!

Our dossier is in Russia! We are waiting on the fate of re-accreditation of the agency our team works with. I was not aware this was happening as I was informed that we would be going independent. However, it would appear the agency our team works with is so close to being re-accredited, that we may have to wait until that is done. They are supposedly in the last batch that will happen at the end of this month. Anyone involved in this current situation would say "I'll believe it when I see it!" Any way, as Trey reminded me with Carrington, God’s timing is always perfect. I am calm at the moment and secure in the fact that it will happen when it is suppose to happen.

I leave you with this great writing my co-worker sent today. Very touching…Happy New Year to ALL!

One Flaw In Women

Women have strengths that amaze men.

They bear hardships and they carry burdens,

but they hold happiness, love and joy.

They smile when they want to scream.

They sing when they want to cry.

They cry when they are happy

and laugh when they are nervous.

They fight for what they believe in.

They stand up to injustice.

They don't take "no" for an answer

when they believe there is a better solution.

They go without, so their family can have.

They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.

They love unconditionally.

They cry when their children excel

and cheer when their friends get awards.

They are happy when they hear about

a birth or a wedding.

Their hearts break when a friend dies.

They grieve at the loss of a family member,

yet they are strong when they

think there is no strength left.

They know that a hug and a kiss

can heal a broken heart.

Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.

They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you

to show how much they care about you

The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.

They bring joy, hope and love.

They have the compassion and ideas.

They give moral support to their

family and friends.

Women have vital things to say

and everything to give.

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,

IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

Christmas countdown....

2007-12-20T14:52:00.000-08:00

Only three more shopping days till Christmas…are you done???

Well, I am sorry to say that for me the answer’s “No”. I have been successful in most items, including the boys buying for the boys and other family members. But, as far as my #2 sweetness (Bryce) we are still looking for the right gift.

My husband has been working diligently at my requested gift this year…a new pantry. Given the current expenses associated with an International adoption, I have asked for the gift that keeps on giving…and nothing keeps giving more for me than an addition/upgrade to my home.

We have a coat closet off our dining room that is really serving no purpose other than wasted space…so I have asked John to turn it into a pantry for (thanks to many good eaters and Sam’s Club – LOVE my Sam’s Club!) the gob’s of groceries that need to be stored. As it is we have two Gorilla storage shelves full of food out in our garage. Being a neat freak, I am happy to have the larger, less used items out of the kitchen cabinets where they take up precious storage space. (Ya know – Wok, bread maker, pressure cooker, Seal-a-Meal, food processor, etc.)

The most expensive part of this closet transformation is the special ordered pantry door the actually reads “Pantry” in etched glass. My brother owns a door and window store, so I was fortunate to have it ordered at a very good price. The good ones aren’t cheap! This item John was priming last night. His goal is to have this project finished by Christmas. Carrington said “You are not suppose to see your gifts until Christmas morning, mom!” John explained that it is not like he can put it under the tree, now can he? Too funny!

Another interesting event is Carrington and his gift shopping. That child had a list of people a foot long. It included such gifts as Xbox games, Super big Nerf guns, etc…We needed to have a eye opening talk about spending someone else’s money (like MINE). All was well when he thought it was coming out of my pockets, but when I suggested he buy the times for his 29 friends he had listed…that was another story. With this new found information that mom was NOT going to finance his gift giving adventures he cut WAAAY back on his list and shopped a little more frugal. All in all, he did very well.

Carrington was showered with gifts when he first visited us, then was showered again last year when he came home. He just thinks this is the way it should be with everyone. Money, of course, does not grow on trees. A child who grew up with basically nothing, and came to lot’s of everything, has no former teaching in the ways of income and money. So, to improvise, Carrington has decided to make very large amounts of Borsch to give to those he cares about…and I will be more than happy to help. We may even bake some yummy cookies too…

Three more days till Christmas…are you ready????

The "W" in Christmas

2007-12-13T10:36:00.000-08:00

My friend sent me this heart warming story...hope it speaks to you the way it speaks it me...

The "W" in Christmas

Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience. I had cut back on nonessential obligations -- extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending. Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas.
My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six-year-old. For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's Winter Pageant.
I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher. She assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation. All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then. Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise.
So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats. As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song.
Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as Christmas, I didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment - songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer. So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was slightly taken aback by its bold title.
Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads. Those in the front row - center stage -- held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song. As the class would sing C is for Christmas, a child would hold up the letter C. Then, H is for Happy, and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message, "Christmas Love."
The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her; a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W." The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one's mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her W. Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together. A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen. In that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities. For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear:

"C H R I S T W A S L O V E"

And, I believe, He still IS! Amazed in His presence... Humbled by His love.

May each of you have a Merry Christmas as you reflect on His Amazing Love!

"Submission to God's will is the softest pillow upon which to rest"

Dossier IS IN ROUTE TO RUSSIA!

2007-12-13T01:45:00.000-08:00

Houston, we have lift off!

My friend Stephanie {{ Hugs and more hugs!}} was able to get that last document Apostilled (what a blasted headache that was!) and my Dossier arrived at the door step of my agency yesterday. It is being sent to Russia as I type for translation and on to the place it is suppose to land in Moscow City. Then we get to hurry up and WAIT....It is - after all - the holidays and as I have learned from my experience with the Ukraine, those Russian's really like their holiday time off! As a matter of fact, they close down most EVERYTHING off and on until mid January. I think my employer should look into that :) *wink*

Sooooo....it would appear I am now in what would appear to be my, hmmmm - second trimester?

As we wait for this portion of our adoption to get underway, I find myself in a sort of 'Dr. Jekyll, Mr. Hyde' kind of mood. At one moment I am all butterflies full of anticipation and excitement; and the next anxiety and fear. I ask myself quite often if I am doing the right thing by adoption my daughter so late in life (note I did not say the word 'OLD', but just late in life...'40' is by the way the new '30' is it not???) Either way, it is gonna happen...and all in God's timing - which I have witnessed first hand is always perfect. Rose will arrived pre-picked by God, and I will be estatic!

Aidan and Carrington cannot wait for the arrival of their little sister. Carrington proudly stated at our party last week "I'm gonna have a baby sister!" Very heartwarming. Then Aidan pipes up and says "I am tooooo! Not just YOU Carrington!" Touching....

For the guests who have dropped in and posted some thoughts, thanks! It is always great to hear from others who have gone before me...and to have cheerleaders and prayer warriors by your side...even if it is in cyberspace :)

For those of you family members out there, thanks so much for the fun emails and keeping up! We love you all! This works so well, don't ya think? I know it was a life line with Carrington's adoption! And yes, I know I should post more, and I promise I will when there is movement in Russia. It just takes so much time out of my already busy day. As I type now it is 2 am...no time like night time for a gal to get things done :)

Toot a loo for now!
K~

Arrrg! WHY can't people get things done right????

2007-12-04T16:12:00.000-08:00

My Dossier is in Fresno right now safe in the hands of my good friend Stephanie. She took everything to the Secretary of States office yesterday to be apostilled and wouldn't you know that the clerk in our county office DID NOT sign one of the certificates! WHAT?! HOW do you NOT sign a certificate when you have created 16 of them and they are in front of you in a nice neat pile and you are attaching each one individually to each notarized document. Huh???

So, I had to go home, create a new copy and declaration for my passport, race against the clock to meet 'M' the notary, then share todays lunch hour with a can of Slim Fast waiting for the clerk to call my name and fix her mishap. And would you believe after all this trouble she wanted to charge me???? I DON'T THINK SO!

Needless to say I left the county clerks office today with a newly notarized and authenticated passport - at no charge - and it is in the mail to Fresno today...The only piece left to be apostilled.

A big {{{hug}}} to my friend Steph for all of her help!

I am so ready for a drink....

On to CHRISTMAS!!!!

2007-11-24T02:01:00.000-08:00

For me Christmas truly is the most wonderful time of the year. I love the spirit of giving, the decorations, the music, the fun and the friends. But most of all I love the fact that I have a wonderful family to share it with. Here is our 2008 Family picture.

A Time For Giving Thanks!

2007-11-24T01:28:00.000-08:00

POST EDIT!
Adoption costs...Yes we are VERY thankful for our little Princess, but that Princess came at a price:) Hopefully these numbers will be of assistance to the others adopting:

We just completed out adoption and here is the lump of our costs:

Travel in May through July (Most expensive time of the year. But if course!)
Moscow City region (so no additional flying) Thank goodness but would have added MANY $$$
Agency - About a Child - $2500 (including returning family discount)
Lighthouse and team fee $21,500
Home study update $1800
Pre post placement fees and deposits $2800
Airfare trip 1: $3100, hotel $894, Driver/translator $400
Airfare trip #2 $2700, Apartment $696, Driver/translator $380
Airfare trip #3 $4000 (including child's fare home), Apartment $1000, Driver/translator $420 Embassy $400
Child's physical $200
Passport $400
Visas $1550 (Don't EVEN get me started on this one!)
Notaries and apostilles around $600
Food/groceries/souvenirs $1000ish We shopped and cooked our own meals all but a few times (We also brought MANY items from home) and breakfast was included in our first trip.

We totally watched our budget on this adoption. It could have very easily cost $5000 - $10000 more in upgraded plane seats, expensive hotel lodging and eating out alone. Hotel prices have more than tripled since early 2007.

All together the running total is at around $47,900 with 1600A and 171H and FedEx and registration expenses, etc...The the only thing we had to update was our physicals and fingerprint cards Twice.

We worked with a fantastic agency that I turn works with THE BEST TEAM in Russia. They are professional and efficient. Many are not as fortunate as we were to come home with a beautiful and healthy little girl under 3...we are truly very blessed.

Good luck to you!

As Thanksgiving Eve rolled around, I came home to my 171H form in the mail! Hubby and I hot tailed it to the immigration office a half hour before closing and wouldn’t you know there was no one waiting! We walked right on in and were done in less than 15 minutes! What was a real coincidence was this was exactly what happened with Carrington. The letter came on Valentine’s Day and we went straight to the office and it was empty! Living in California I can guarentee you this is not normally the case :)

We were preparing to send off our Dossier without it and submit it later, but it is good that we can send it all together now.

So, along with all the other things we were thankful for, this was just one more to throw on the pile.

And Thanksgiving day…mmmmm…yum! As usual our family sat around a table spread of food that was mind-boggling! Bryce made his famous whole spiral sliced ham slathered with a sauce that is Oh! So dreamy, and I attempted and was successful with a creamy green bean casserole and all the other usual trimmings. This is NOT good for my on going weight battle. Then we all laid around basking in our contentment and gluttony. We are so fortunate to live in a land where we have an abundance of food and comforts. We should remember daily how wonderful our opportunities are here in America…

We have so much to be thankful for! Our life, our family, our health and our God. Life is GOOD!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Just when I thought life was easy...

2007-11-12T13:24:00.000-08:00

Surprise surprise, just when all is going according to plan, God throws ya a curve ball!

The day before we received our fingerprint cards in the mail, and the day after Halloween, I was approached by a friend who knew of two small girls that needed a family. Ages 10 and 22 months. Blond hair, blue eyes...sweet as can be. No fuss, no mess...they just sign over legal guardianship and that's that. (I'll leave out the long story as to why, just that they do.) There is a lot of their other family involved, bio siblings, etc...but doable...definitely doable.

After a lot of prayer - and trying desperately to wrap my mind around what was happening - we asked ourselves whether we really wanted to adopt two children - both under two. What was most important was what God wanted for us. Ya know - His will, no ours...My will wanted one wonderful daughter to be spoiled by four terrific boys...not two. Sigh, sigh, SIGH!

I met with the beautiful children, spoke with the grandmother, and all the while dreamed of my husband holding a blond curly haired little girl (not GIRLS). *SIGH*! What do I do, God??? What do I do???

The advantages were plenty...no spending up to 50K on adoption fees...being able instead to complete our home addition, no waiting...But the nagging continued...I had no clear voice telling me what to do.

In the midst of the confusion surrounding my heart, I watched a video clip posted on FRUA from a web site called Kristina's Hope (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reTJ_28J6K0) As I watched it I was sobbing and remembering the children still there...left behind...needing a home. The reasons why we decided to adopt from Russia instead of pursuing a domestic adoption kept coming to the fore front of my mind. There are more families than children available here in the USA...that is why we had decided NOT to adopt domestically. For each child not given a forever family, that is another child with no opportunity...Once again I am praying "God, what do I do???"

To make a longer version short, we decided to pass these children on to another waiting family here locally...and pursue our Russian adoption. Once decided...it all felt so right. God willing, we are once again on our way...

I am now gathering my newly acquired finger print cards and making plans to head off to Fresno for apostilling. Then off it will go to our agency.

Life, when you least expect it, sometimes can become complicated.
But your heart - when you least expect it,
Can move mountains of emotion;
And give you a clear path to what and where you are suppose to be.

This time around, I am suppose to be in Russia.

Fall is here!

2007-10-28T23:18:00.001-07:00

Now where is that little girl????

It that time of year again…Fall! I love the cool mornings and the sunny warm days. But this year it is different for me. A year ago yesterday I arrived home to my three sons after spending three weeks in the Ukraine. John was left behind to wait out the ten day period imposed by the Ukrainian Government, and I received the ‘Get out of jail free card!” and I boarded a plane in Kiev and headed home…

There’s no place like home! There’s no place like home!

Suffering from jet lag, and missing both John and Carrington, I set out to find Aidan’s Halloween costume and play the single parent for three weeks. We decorated the house, bought candy, and I slept…a lot.

So, we have celebrated Carrington “Gotcha Day” with little fan fare, but a whole lotta love. We all are so glad to have him here in our lives. We have sent off his first placement report, found the first Halloween costume, and attended his first official festivities at our church. The yearly Harvest Festival was a lot of fun. In the end Carrington had so much candy that he had to make a trip to the car to dump the loot. We will be going to Uncle Mikes house on Halloween night where he will eagerly attack the neighborhood in search of more treats. Ah, but isn’t life grand? Can ya say cavities???? Bring on the flouride toothpaste!

In other worlds where my life evolves around the quest to bring home my Rose, my homestudy is done…and wrong. They reversed some figures and sent it off to the state with the wrong info concerning my home value, and mortgage. Hopefully we won’t have any issues. The changes are being made, and a new report will be here for the dossier, but not for the state of California.

One of the perks of working for a staffing agency is the ability to pull a notary out from the list of applicants we have in the system. I was fortunate enough to find M available and willing to come on down to my work on my lunch hour and notarize my Branch Managers ‘Jane Hancock’, as well as that of John and myself. It was fast and painless. Thank you M!

I am waiting for the FBI finger print clearance cards to come back (a new feature they have so nicely added to the forever changing Russian dossier document list for our region) and then I will be able to get ‘em Apostilled, and shoot my dossier off for translation. Yeah!

We are moving soooo slow compared to Carrington’s adoption, but we knew it would be that way. It will happen when and how it is suppose to happen. God is in control…

I am looking on the internet and swooning over little girl room décor.

And so it goes….all is well in my adoption world…for now :)

Moving right along...

2007-10-02T13:45:00.000-07:00

Well, it is now October and things are moving along. For those family members in other states, thanks for the kind words and loving wishes. We too are so excited!

So, here is the current update: I have managed to get a number of items checked off my list this past week…After TWICE submitting our children’s school reports, the third set was finally received. Reports and other paperwork into Adoption Options…Check! Carrington had his first ever American birthday party at age 13 and had a blast! Check Check! Cleaned up the house after the birthday party, Triple Check (what a mess!) and last but not least complete a very complex staffing project at work...BIG check!

Believe it or not, our biggest worry at present time is getting a referral too early. To many that would sound strange, but to us it is real. Normally it can takes years to complete this process, especially for those waiitng for little girls. The holidays are fast approaching, and last year I arrived home in just enough time to take Aidan trick or treating while John remained in the Ukraine with Carrington. As a matter of fact, it was one year ago today that John and I boarded the flight to the Ukraine to go get Carrington! Time sure does fly!

Anyway, it was tough to get myself motivated to do holiday stuff last year with all the jet lag and catching up that had to happen. Throw in the fact that the Russian government has a lot of closers during the holidays, the weather is terrible (I DON’T DO SNOW WELL AT ALL) and it becomes complicated and lengthy to stay there. Something we don’t have time to do…

Another aspect to this all is the FANTASTIC efficiency at which our agency is working. They have been getting referrals for babies in as little as month after they Dossier has been submitted. Three children have found families in the last 6 months in record time. This seems like a WOW To those who have been waiting for years and find themselves currently stalled with the accreditation issues…but it really comeS down to who you are working with and what region they are in. Not all agencies are created equal, nor do they have the same connection or facilitators. I have EVERY faith in my agency as they have come through for me before with Carrington in record time (when other had been waiting years for a appoinmant at the NAC and SDA) and I trust the team will do the same again. So, given all that, and being the optimistic person I am, we have decided to submit the dossier now, but will not accept any referrals (should we receive one) until the spring. It is what is best for our family, our jobs and our lives.

With that being said, oh my but do I see pink everywhere! I was in Kohl’s the other day and saw the sweetest pink and leopard dress! I was itching to buy it, but decided that was extremely impractical, as I have no idea what age my daughter will be! Still, it is something I have never had to do before…and it felt good to just think about buying something pinkJ

TB tests and catching up...

2007-09-23T22:39:00.000-07:00

As you wind your way through stacks and stacks of forms and paperwork associated with International adoption, you really do wonder if there is any end in sight. It seems just when you think you've got it handled, something else pops up that needs to be done. And even though this is our second International adoption, John did all the Dossier and home study papers before, so now it is my turn...and BOY! Am I overwhelmed at times!

As was the case last week. I thought I was home free with the home study, but while looking over our paper work there was a snag. It would appear that mine and Aidan's TB tests are older than a year, so we have to repeat them. I tell ya, if it isn't one thing it's another. My arm is now bruised, and I am steeling myself for the emotional outburst that will surely come as Aidan has to hold still to have a needle poked in his arm tomorrow...I AM NOT looking forward to that...

Anyway, we are moving forward at a good pace. Since I needed to be there anyway to have my TB test read, I decided to kill two birds with one stone and I dragged my Notary with me to notarize the Dr.'s licenses. It took longer than necessary, but they are finally done. Actually I (thought) was finished with all my dossier paper work until V called me and added a few more recently added 'necessaries' from our region. Now I have to have copies of my Dr.'s licenses (two, as John and I have physicals from each of our Dr.'s) finger print clearances, and a local police clearance that does not exist. My city simply does not do these...so I am on the war path to find SOMEONE who will type up a letter on Sheriff's letterhead stating that John and I have no arrests or criminal records. You would think that would be easy, but nooooo. Not in good old Bakersfield.

I wanted to take time to write a little bit on the home study as I noticed it is missing from my time line. A while back the social worker had came to our home to meet with us and the kids again. We all thought this was rather funny as we had had a home study completed in March of 2006 for Carrington's adoption. The agency stated that because it was a different country and over a year we would have to have a new one done. Even the social worker was scratching her head. She had to drive quite a distance to get here, and brought along her hubby and dear little girl Olivia who was 15 months old. TOO CUTE! (Apparently she was expecting the last time she came out and we did not know). Anyway, it was a nice visit. After we sat outside sipping lemonade and gave her our family updates, she said a few words to Carrington and Aidan, checked out the house and said "Congratulations" as as she left. Everything was pretty much the same as the last time she came, so I'm pretty sure that meant we were fine. This was all old 'Been there, done that" stuff for us...just glad it was over with. Whew! One more item checked off.

So, here we sit, several weeks down the road, realizing we are very close to submitting out dossier. This is all very exciting!

I600A Received

2007-09-06T21:37:00.000-07:00

Hooray! It's here!

Faithfully submitted July 24th before the deadlined price increase...and it was in my hands on August 23rd!

I was a bit worried as I had checked the web site to check on the status and it said they were currently processing forms received on April 27th.

Driving down our road after checking the mail, I was rustling through the letters while the boys were riding along chatting in my car. I saw the return address "Dept. of Homeland Security" and hit the brakes! I recognized that address! The kids were asking "whats wrong?"...I just ripped open the letter and there it was! I told Carrington and Aidan "This is permission from the USA to adopt a baby sister!" They both started hoopin and hollaring and I had to cover my ears they were so loud. Excitement was everywhere as the boys told John when he returned home...we are on our way!!!

Terrific link

2007-08-13T19:18:00.000-07:00

For those of you who are interested in different blogs of those adopting around the world, check out this site: http://internationaladoptsites.blogspot.com/search/label/Russia

Interesting reading

2007-08-10T10:55:00.000-07:00

A fellow blogger on FRUA posted this terrific link. It is about a book containing pictures of Russian culture and lifestyle. Please take a moment to view its pages.

http://www.motherlandbook.com/

I have often said that the pictures John and I took while in the Ukraine do not do justice to what you are looking at. In truth, the pictures acually make it look better. The people we met in Ukraine we warm and friendly. The experience was a good and one I will never forget it. I look forward to the day when John and I are in the position to live over there abroad for a few months each year to work with the children.

I find it strange to think that just 23 years ago when I was in Highschool the US and Russia were involved in a 'cold war'. So much has happened throught the years. The fall of the wall, the change in Governments. Look at the relationship we have with them today. AND, I have the blessing of mothering one of their children, and hopefully soon another...life is unique at times. Very unique.

The great paper chase...

2007-08-09T20:36:00.000-07:00

Paper work, paper work, and more paper work.

The homestudy is underway. To our favor they have most of our documents from Carrington's adoption, so we only need to add new background checks, finger print clearances, physicals, and updates of our financial information.

The Dossier is a different story. I need to gather all of the documents necessary and then drive them all to Sacramento for be Apostilled. A long trip. Maybe I can take the train...that would be fun. That is a little farther down the road, but I a deffinately in the process of making it happen.

In other areas of my life, John is still in the Ukraine running the RU4Children's summer leadership camp. I heard from him for the first time since he and Carrington left last week. All is well and they are having a great time. Carrington is a celebrity of sorts. He is an American now - the kids are curious.

As with my last international adoption I am learning a lot about Russian adoption from posters in FRUA. I was well prepared for Ukraine due to the knowledge of others that had gone on before me. It is the best place to get the info you need. So, I am researching, gathering, and bookmarking the information that will assist me on my our new journey to our daughter.

Oh yeah, and I was bestowed a new title today: "Mrs. Baby on the Brain"...LOL!

*SMILE*

I feel like I have had my first ultrasound...and seen a heart beat!

"Everything's coming up Roses"

2007-08-08T00:35:00.000-07:00

When the night has been too lonely,

and road has been to long.

When you think that love is only

for the lucky and the strong.

Just remember, in the winter;

Far beneath the bitter snow;

Lies the seed,

that with the sun's warmth,

in the spring, becomes the rose...

The words to the song "The Rose" have always touched my heart. The rose is my favorite flower. I think it is one of God's greatest creations. It is strong, yet delicate. It is beautiful. Timeless. It has long been the symbol of love. Every woman I know wants flowers, or more appropriately - roses! So I have chosen to write those lyrics here along with my thoughts of our second journey into International Adoption. Because I have started the search for my own 'Rose'. My hearts desire. My daughter.

For as long as I can remember I have dreamt of having a daughter. Thoroughly seduced by the color pink, frilly panties and white patent leather shoes, I always assumed I would have a least one little girl to call me own. After all, my family was made up of mostly girls anyway, so the odds were running in my favor (5 girls, 1 boy - and he was in the middle so to speak. My poor brother!) As a young child I tried to imagine my future children and dreamed of blond pigtails and blue eyes. And one of each. A boy and a girl. But, it would appear that God had other plans in mind for me.

So, here is the story about Kym & John...and our ABC's

My husband John and I were married 23 years ago at ages 18 & 19. I know, I know. 'Young' you say...BELIEVE ME when I say we know now that we are the exception the the rule! All the odds were against us. But were young, had each other and our God, and we were in love.

* After a wonderful first year together, we found out we were expecting. We were blessed with our first son Christopher 9 months later. My wonderful 10 lb. bouncing baby boy! We just loved being parents, and quickly fell into a routine of diapers and night time nursings. As things progressively became easier taking care of a new born, I remember saying jokingly to John "Let's have another one". Chris was only six months old but I knew then as I do now that we were meant to be parents. It is a job we take seriously and love thoroughly.
*

Well, low and behold came a surprise! A few months later our second child Bryce came along (yes, he was not planned) and although I had said "Let's have another baby" I really hadn't planned on it being so soon. God had given me two beautiful boys - 17 months apart in age - and I had forgotten about having a daughter. We were happy, and we were done.
*

Looking back now, I say "Yeah right! Famous last words..."
*
When Bryce was 4 I decided that I was not willing to give up on my dreams of having a daughter. However, one tubal reversal and 13 miscarrages later, I found myself spiraling down the road of infertility. This road was lonely, expensive and hard to travel. Very few understood my desire the have another child. By now Chris and Bryce were 12 and 11. Friends would ask "Why on earth would you want more now?" I didn't know why - But I just did.
*
Soon there after came Aidan. A gift from God through a domestic
adoption. To make the story short, an aquaintance and soon to be mother approached us and asked us to take her unborn child and raise him as our own. She was not prepared to be a mother. A selfless act that to this day I am forever grateful to her for. We admire her for her strength, love, and the sacrifice she made to ensure her child was part of a family. Aidan has been the light if many lives. He is full of spirit and happiness. And I often say he keeps us young. I didn't think I needed anything more...'Cause now we had three wonderful boys...
*

When Aidan was 5 we hosted a child from the Ukraine through a program called URGEX. It started out as a simple 'Hey, wouldn't it be fun to bring a child here to the US and show him a great time' kinda idea. International adoption was not on our hearts...but once again God had other plans. We fell in love with and adopted Carrington (Oleg) and he came home in November of 2006.
*
You can read all about of trip here at http://www.kympatterson.blogspot.com/
*
And sooooo... one more makes 4!
*

So, as you can see I now have four fantastic children. Chris 21, (He works for the County Fire Dept. Has long ago flown to nest to be on his own:) Bryce 19, (Currently in the Sherriff's Acadamy and will be leaving the nest soon) Carringon 12, and Aidan 6. My ABC's...and I luv, luv, luv 'em!

But it was bound to happen. I think my hubby was just counting the days before I came to realize what he knew all along...The all to familiar need had returned. A daughter. A little girl. Pink bows and frilly panties....It was still there, overwhelming me, and I can't deny it! I really never had a chance as it is just meant to be...
*

John and I have officially returned the the adoption roller coaster for one last go round. We have started our paper work for an adoption in Russia. We will have our daughter, just not in the way we had thought. It has became abundently clear that this was Gods plan all along. We just didn't know it until now. Funny how He works sometimes...
*
I enjoyed blogging our trip to the Ukraine and the process of adopting Carrington. I started the blog late in the game, hoping to keep in touch with our many family member's scattered in other states. This time around I can start from the beginning, and look forward to the journey to finding my Rose. Please be prayer warriors for us. Remember our family to God. We rely on them so much!
*
My own ending to the song is this...
*

When the seeds of dreams, planted so long ago,

in the blessed sunshine of Gods love,

finally becomes my Rose...