Wednesday, April 27, 2011

No (More) "Soup" For You...

The BIG day has finally arrived!! My 10 day wait was officially over yesterday - a court decree was picked up on my behalf and a new birth certificate and an adoption certificate were requested from the Vital Statistics office. I can now finally introduce you to the main man in my life...

Introducing & Presenting...

Alexander Thomas Repp
Born September 23, 2009 - Vasilievsky Island, Russia

Tomorrow we will do something with for his passport - I am a little sketchy on the details, as it was a little garbelled when it was explained to me but either way, I'll show up, sign what I have to sign and do what they say. Then after a quick stop at the store for diapers, flowers and 2 cakes (great combination, eh?) we'll be off to spring Alex from the Baby Home. I cannot wait!

I am sure some of you are asking yourselves "why doesn't she have him yet if the 10 days are up"? Trust me -- this was an issue for me earlier as well. However, we have a couple more "public buildings"/offices to visit tomorrow, and I am sure he'll be out of his element and scared... so I am 100% in agreement that it was best to wait until after most of it is done before springing him. Some of the visits he will need to be on -- but, if I can spare him some stress up front - and it was really only 1 more night, than it is for the best.

While I am typing, the hotel has delivered and set up his crib (think large pack and play) and I have the rest of the day free for exploring and getting ready to bring an 18 month old little man home. I haven't even really unpacked yet, so there is much to do!

My arrival last night was uneventful, which is by far, the best way to arrive! The flights from Detroit to Amsterdam and Amsterdam to St. Petersburg were smooth and on time. Early in fact. We were so early into Amsterdam that my 5 hour layover suddenly became a 6 hour layover. Compared to Paris (CDG), I MUCH prefer Amsterdam. The layout is much better and it's easy to see where you are going. They are a little lacking in seating near gates however, the only major downfall I have seen so far. I killed time during my 6 hours by taking advantage of the free hour internet session, getting a bit to eat and snoozing in the lounge chair section - it was VERY hard for me to let go and do this, but I succeeded! There is something a little unsettling about having all your valuable travel items on you and falling asleep in public. Maybe it's the old college girl in me, but doesn't that just scream "come on! mess with me!"?? I was also super paranoid that I would fall asleep and miss my plane, so I set an alarm on my iPod and probably got a good 2 hour snooze fest in.

After arriving at the hotel last night, I met up with another single woman, Lynda, who is on her first trip for her second adoption. We had emailed back and forth before, while she was waiting to travel - so it was nice to meet in person. I will admit, it's SO much nicer to have someone to talk with - certainly helps pass the time, and especially with adoptive families -- you connect with this instant bond of shared experiences. Our dinner lasted 4 hours! I also bumped into Lynda and another couple, Laurie & Todd (also here on their first trip), at the notary today. Such a small (adoption) world! Laurie and Todd are also staying that same hotel as Lynda and I. I'll be bummed when they all leave tomorrow -- but thankfully my friend Sara arrives on Sunday. Sara and I actually met in Vladivostok during my last adoption - her son, Max, is also from Vlad. Sara is the southern version of me - we swear we were separated at birth! So yes, in other words - she rocks! Haha!

More tomorrow after Alex's big departure. Go check out his pictures again - you know you want to!

27 comments:

Wendi and Terry said...

I'm in love with the Soup!!! Congratulations on another beautiful child! So happy for your family of three!!

Sherry said...

Evan says, "Wow! Congratulations for her! Then he proceeded to tell me all about the character "Alexander" in the Veggie Tales movie, "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything." "
We all think he's sooooooo cute. Congratulations, Amy!

Mamapierce said...

Alex is adorable! Call me crazy, but he looks like your daughter, Tatiana! SO excited for you to bring your boy home! :D

Tracey and Chuck said...

What a beautiful little boy!!! Congratulations!!!

Kellie said...

I am so excited for you!! I really think the 3rd pic of Alexander looks so much like Tati's database pic! Just adorable!!

When you get settled, send me a FB message so I can get you Tati's bows. ;-) Yes, I said, Bows! I may have made her more than one! ;-)

Many prayers for safe travels.
Kellie

Carolynn and Steve said...

So VERY happy for all of you---prayers that getting all the paperwork done and getting home with this cutie goes as smoothly as possible! Huge hugs from here!

Barb said...

HE is SO freakin' cute! I'm so excited for you!!!!

gayle said...

He is beautiful!!! Congratulations! I'm very happy for you.

Sherri & Tim said...

What a beautiful little guy! Congratulations!

Troy and Rachel said...

What a doll! We're so thrilled for you!!! Glad everything went smoothly and I agree that saving him the stress of all those visits was best!!

Stacey said...

The Russian's do love their soup and so now do you (and us from a distance)!!! How could you not love those cheeks! Congrats Amy - enjoy the rest of your time in Russia and dream of being welcomed home by Tati! Can you imagine their first hug??

Anonymous said...

YAY! So excited for you!

Heather & Chad said...

He is my new favorite soup (haha!)! He is so cute!!!!!!! A huge congratulations and hoping that all continues to go well!!!

www.adventureswithaidan.org said...

ADORABLE!!! I know you have a beautiful daughter, but being a mama of a boy is soooo awesome!! You'll love it.

Lindsay said...

Congratulations on your little heartbreaker. What a gorgeous little lad he is.

Sarah said...

Congratulations! He is so gorgeous! If you don't mind what BH is he in? I have one from #3 and one from #12 both in St Pete.

Debbie said...

Congrats to your new family of three. He is a doll. Morgans forever family day was today too (although two years ago). Enjoy your time. As you well know the wait is much longer than when they are in your arms! Time flies! On another note I've been requesting you as a friend on fb. I had to close it and get a new one.

Anonymous said...

We both rock! Love you girly!! Can't wait to meet my new little buddy, Alex "Soup" Repp. I'm already in love. ♥

Ashley said...

man, is he cute!!! Congratulations on your handsome little man!

Becky and Keith said...

So handsome! Love the dark hair.... Reminds me of my little guy! Contgrats and good luck tomorrow!

Mike and Heidi Lee said...

Absolutely precious!!! What a beautiful family you have!! Congratulations! We are so excited for you! Tell Sara hello for us, too!

Anonymous said...

Congrats Amy. He's got an awesome Momma...

Jeanette said...

He's beautiful!!!!! Congratulations!!!! Looking forward to seeing pics of Alexander with his big sister :)

Heather said...

What a doll! You and T are gonna have fun spoiling him rotten!

Nichole said...

Congratulations! He is gorgeous!

Bill and Michelle Curran said...

He is PERFECT Amy! Congrats! What a beauty! When I asked Jackson if he wanted a little brother, he said "this one" and pointed at Alex :)

Laura said...

Oh, Amy --- I just want to cry seeing his little face! He is absolutely beautiful and I'm sooooo happy for you.

Congrats!!

~Laura :)