To Russia - With Love

Wing and a Prayer

2012-01-27T21:56:00.002-05:00

Around the anniversary of Alex's court date, the kidlets and I are going on a special trip. We're cruising with some other adoptive families and close friends. I literally can't wait! I think I am worse than the young school child, almost counting down the days til we depart! Our destination is Mexico. We're hoping to even take a dip with some dolphins and generally enjoy some time away, relaxing.

Because we're headed out of the country, it's time to get Alex's passport. Tatiana has had hers since our summer '09 trip to Niagara Falls, Canada. Besides we live 30 minutes from Canada, so a spur of the moment trip there is not out of the question -- and now, you need a passport.

Most adoptive parents can relate to my stress over sending away for the passport. All the passport application documents state that for adoptive children who were not born in the US, you need to send their adoption certificate, country of birth-birth certificate and certificate of citizenship. Oh yeah, and they need to be the ORIGINALS. You know, the ones you only have 1 copy of and would be very, very difficult to replace. So yes, just a wee bit of stress sending those off to an unknown office somewhere in never, never land.

But alas, it must be done, so this week -- it was. Documents are in the mail and we're now on the clock. I did spring for the expedited process (meaning RUSH, double meaning pay more) as I have heard this is a good way to not only obviously speed things up, but have a tracking #... so hopefully next week Alex's brand spankin new passport will arrive, along with my sacred originals.

His passport picture cracks me up, but then again so does Tatiana's. In T's -- she looks SO young to me. And it is apparently Murphy's Law that the photo must capture a child's best expression of.... "huh, what?". So therefore, without further ado, here is Alex's passport picture. We'll chock the constant mouth open pose of late to cutting molars.

Mama Guilt

2012-01-22T21:55:00.000-05:00

A couple days ago, another IA mama had posted on Facebook that one of the talk shows (I think Anderson Cooper) had a discussion topic that day of working moms vs. stay at home moms. I didn't see the show -- because I fall into that category of working mom. And add to that working mom of 2 young children who somehow seem to dominate most of the TV viewing choices in the house. Needless to say, the original posting received a LOT of comments - a majority of them very positive.

That post stuck in my head. It's a topic very near and dear to my heart. Not specifically the stay at home mom VS the working mom topic, but more for me the working mom topic. I haven't had the ability to try out the stay at home mom job. During both adoptions I received 1 week "parental leave" and that's it. The rest of leave is to be covered by vacation or FMLA. Well, vacation had been used up with travel for trips 1 & 2 (and in Alex's case, #3 as well) and with the expense of adoption, FMLA just wasn't an option. My company sees maternity leave as medical leave -- and with an adoption you don't qualify for medical leave. I can't complain too much however, they are progressive enough to provide a $5K adoption grant - which is very nice. Some may choose to supplement FMLA with that $5K, but for me as a single, with the cost of adoption, again it wasn't an option. I am NOT complaining. This was all my choice. So, my stay at home mom life has been limited to about 1 week.

I personally believe that EITHER choice: stay at home or working mom, is HARD work. Let's face, parenting in general is the hardest, best job ever. This isn't a post on one choice being better than the other. This is however, a post on my own personal working mama's guilt. And I'll be straight up honest there is a LOT of it. Guilt that is.

My job is demanding and yet at the same time, I laugh posting that. I. Sell. Chocolate. Milk. How can it be so demanding? Working for the world's largest food company, it's all about more. Sell more, grow more. More than last year. Combine that with the fact that my territory is a whole state - demanding. I have 6 distributors - and a good part of my time is meant to be spent with those distributors: getting them to (you guessed it) sell more. Obviously that means windshield time -- travel. Many times day trips, sometimes over nights. Day trips are long days -- usually because I am pushing it to go home to see my kids vs. staying in a hotel some where. Weekdays are a blur: we're always in a hurry and I never feel like I get any quality time with Tati & Alex, because it's always rush, rush. Rush out the door in the am, rush in at night, hurry and eat and get a bath completed before bed. I always say mama is crabby Tuesday - Thursday nights.

I am unique in my region for work. On my sales team there are now 3 females -- myself and two others. Of the two others, 1 is younger and single (no kids); and the other is married and has no kids. The rest of the team is all men - all of which, minus one, have stay at home wives. And therefore most of them (including my boss) have NO clue what it entails to be a working mom in our environment. If I leave the house for 2 nights, I not only have to pack all my clothes and work items, but their clothes/school items. I have to remember - is gym day at school falling during this time? Did I pack the tennis shoes? Is it trash day? Who will haul my garbage to the curb? What happens if one of them gets sick? On and on and on...

As they get older, more and more of the guilt sets in. What do I do about the kids choir at church? (They practice after school on Wednesdays - a busy day for me usually - and are done by 4pm. Who picks Tati up?) What about softball or soccer? Practice and then games are many times @ 5:30pm. I can't always be home by then.

I am VERY lucky to have a wonderful support system with my mom. However, with the amount of travel I do, I am very conscious how much I have to lean on her. I personally don't think it's fair to ask her: "Hey, can you pick up my kids and schlep Tati out to T-ball practice, sit there and oh yeah make sure Alex sits patiently too". Because 2 year old are known for sitting patiently, you know. It's just not a fair request on ANY of them.

And as lucky as I am to have a great mom/support system, I will also admit that I KNOW that I am lucky, in this crazy economy, to have a job. A good job. I know it's a good job, even though I don't personally like it some days. I have a great salary and a lot a great benefits. And there lies the source of my guilt - lucky to have a good job, but missing my kids and wanting to provide something better for them. Sometimes I describe it as STUCK.

What does this have to do with that original Facebook posting I referenced? Simple -- stay at home mom or working mom: we all have our issues and guilt. The grass always seems greener on the other side...

It's A Small World...

2012-01-14T20:03:00.001-05:00

During Tatiana's adoption I became horribly addicted to blogs. They were my lifeline. I read and scoured everyone I could get my hands on! I lived vicariously through those who were traveling before me. I was experiencing my own emotional roller coaster with lots of my new "friends".

Over time Facebook moved into first place and blogging took a backseat. Now many of my bloggy land friends are Facebook friends and I thoroughly enjoy keeping up with them on Facebook AND blogs. The International Adoption community is a small one, and it never ceases to amaze me the new families that I "meet" through this crazy, wonderful network.

Another one of my friends is stepping back into the IA pool. Yvonne is one of the funniest, sweetest, most helpful friends I have ever met. She and her son, Connor, welcomed sister Elina into their hearts and family a couple years ago. Elina is from Bulgaria and has a dual leg limb difference. I have LOVED watching Elina blossom and grow in her new family. Yvonne is a FABULOUS mom and that should help the two boys she's hoping to bring home. You can read all about Yvonne and her boys on Reese's Rainbow. If you have the ability and feel compelled, please help her cause!

http://reecesrainbow.org/Villemure

Like the 147 million orphans in the world, Danny and Dante just want a loving home and a mom who loves them. They'll hit the jackpot with Yvonne, Connor and Elina!!

Post Holiday Wrap Up

2012-01-01T16:18:00.002-05:00

I had planned on catching up sooner, but due to some odd, un-named (as of yet) sickness, it's now January 1, 2012 and I have lost all of my vacation! Argh!

Thankfully, I managed to stay semi-healthy through December 25th pm. We had a fabulous Christmas with family. Alex's first Christmas at home was a blast! I am not sure he understood it all -- and probably thinks: "weird trees in house, extra lights here and there, open presents, wait a few days, open more presents, eat lot of foods".

We hosted Christmas Eve here at my house for my mom's family. This used to be a long standing tradition that was never missed. However, for the last few years it's been rather on again, off again. I guess that's what happens as we all get older, but I am thankful my kids to got experience one of my most treasured childhood memories.

Christmas Day the kids slept until 8:30am! Even when they did wake up, there was no rush to open presents -- Tatiana knew what the day was, but she was content to look at her stocking and ease into things. Yes, mama is VERY spoiled by such good little kids! Gramma Darlin joined us and we opened mama presents, and Santa presents and finally had a late breakfast. After some down time, we were off to Great Gramma's for more merriment. And that's when I started feeling sick....

Alex opening presents, Christmas morning

Tatiana opens a Karaoke machine!

After a long Christmas Day

Tatiana and BFF, cousin Mary, on Christmas Eve -- striking poses

Christmas Eve - ready for bed

My kids have been awesome this week. Sick, crabby, mama didn't have the energy to do half the projects we had planned, but they were still very well behaved. Now, if we can just find space for the new things. Tatiana managed to stay up until mid-night with me last night to watch the ball drop. Her comments: "Mama, did it break"?? I just worship that girl. She was the best date I have EVER had on a New Year's Eve.

Next weekend is the Russian Orthodox Christmas and 8 months home for Alex! It's hard to believe that just last year at this time I was waiting, not so patiently, for travel dates to head to Russia to meet the little guy. The past 8 months have flown by, yet in most ways, it feels like he's been here forever. I can't wait for the days when Alex can stay up til midnight too!

Echo, Echo, Echo

2011-12-20T08:26:00.001-05:00

Man! It’s sure quiet around here. I guess it’s been quiet around here because our lives have been exactly the opposite! I can’t believe the last time I posted was just after Tatiana’s birthday. Oops!

So what have we been up to that is keeping us so busy, you ask? (Or maybe you didn’t, but if you’re here and still reading, you’re going to find out anyway!) Let’s see. First, for all 3 of us, there was Halloween and a tale of Red Riding Hood. Then, I got buried at work with back to back to back trips. Ugh. Suddenly, it was Thanksgiving and shortly thereafter we took a quick trip to Florida to see Grampa and Gramma. Then this week, Alex had his latest Rite of Boyhood Passage. Whew. All caught up? Ok good.

Alex’s first Halloween was a huge hit! He LOVED dressing up. This year Tatiana was “Little Red Riding Hood” – a costume that mama smartly purchased last year 1/2 off. Sadly, I think that was my last year to be able to get away with that as she really started to get opinions on what costume she wanted to be as the year went on. I was able to convince her that “Red” was cool though, because it had a really cool cape and dress. I found a “wolf” costume for Alex, which was a double bonus because up here in the north, you never know what type of weather you’ll get on October 31st. In my lifetime, I have seen snow and I have seen 70 degrees. Crazy. However, more typically than not, it’s COLD at that time of year, so the wolf costume was the perfect fuzzy warmth for a little guy. Plus it also hid the sweatshirt, sweatpants combo underneath! Having two social butterfly children on Halloween, we weren’t able to cover TOO much ground, but trust me when I say there was more than enough candy to go around.

Halloween Festivities

I wish I could say that I had the type of job that got quiet near the end of the year. Not so much. Not only was there the day to day business to maintain, a year end number to achieve, but add to the mix 2012 planning with a whole mess of customers. I logged a lot of miles in late October and November! And even though I am home MOST nights, after a long day of go go go, and get ready for tomorrow’s go go go, I pretty much just want to go go go to bed bed bed. Thankfully, I can report that as of last week, I made the revised number that I committed to back in September. HUGE weight off my shoulders.

Continuing in the line of Alex’s “firsts” – next up was Thanksgiving. I LOVE Thanksgiving. Always have. Always will. In my family we have a GIANT, massive Thanksgiving. My grandfather was 1 of 7 boys and all 7 families still get together each year for the gathering. An average year for us is 75-80 people. The adults all talk and catch up (where do you start with that many family members to catch up with!) and the kids literally run around and whoop it up. I did it when I was young and now it’s my kids turn! This year in attendance were 3 Kindergartners – all from the same school and obviously, from the same family! Tatiana, her cousin Riley (MY cousin’s daughter) and their cousin Jayden (my Great Uncle Lyle’s great grandson) all go to the same school. You have got to love a small town. And even at two years old and only home for just over 6 months, Alex figured out his role, and ran around with the rest of the kids like he had been doing it his whole life. Tatiana with cousin, Mary, at Thanksgiving

WOW! Almost caught up to present! Last week, to escape the cold and snow, we hopped a plane and headed to Florida to see my dad. It’s always good, even for just a couple days, to get away. I will admit that I wasn’t looking forward to hauling all the belongings of 3 people to the airport, and flying alone with two kids 5 and under. I used an off site parking service – so I had an extra set of hands with luggage – relief! To my amazement, both kids were EXTREMELY well behaved on both flights. In fact, both times the people next to me/behind me said “your kids were SOOO good”. SHOCK and AWE! While in Florida, we saw Santa (Tati LOVED him, Alex – not so much); saw my Aunt Kay/Uncle Dick; went to a bouncy house – big hit; and Tatiana rode her bike (with training wheels) EVERY night – and if I may add, got really good at it! Loads of fun.

Seeing Santa: Tatiana (the old pro) and Alex (somewhat hesitant!)

Fun at Bounce U

Riding bikes in Florida!!

Back in reality this week, Alex completed another rite of passage for boys… STITCHES. Long story short (who me? never!), his eyebrow area collided with the lip of the car door. He couldn’t achieve this feat again if he tried, but yesterday, he did it perfectly. 4 stitches and 3 ER hours later, we were home and he was acting like nothing ever happened. He’ll probably have a small scar on his eyebrow area to taunt future bullies with, but mama will have a huge lasting scar on her heart having to hold a normally happy go lucky two year old down while someone puts needles in his eyebrow over and over again. YUCK!

Who cried more, Alex or mom?

We’re in the final countdown to Christmas, here. School sing is done, parties are underway and presents are pretty much a WRAP. (Sorry, couldn’t resist!)

School Sing

I promise not to be away this long again. I may have said that in the past… but I really do THINK that I mean it! We’re engrossed in Christmas festivities now, so bring on the fun! A couple more firsts on the horizon for Mr. Alex!

High Five!

2011-10-27T23:55:00.000-04:00

My beautiful girl is 5!

I have been writing this post in my head for a few weeks now. Part of me really wanted to write a letter to the woman who gave birth to Tatiana and give her an update. As marvelous as that sounds, from what I know about her birth mother, I highly doubt she's internet surfing.

I have debated the birth mother search for a couple years now. My final vote is still out on that one. Maybe some day. When I think about what I DO know about Tatiana's first month or so, it makes me furious. I won't share all the details here, because I do believe it's a personal thing - but suffice it to say, my protective mama bear claws come out thinking about her life in October and November of 2006. The first months were rough for her and it breaks my heart to think of how rough things were. I think as parents our constant thoughts go to how we can love our children MORE and protect them and keep them safe. To know that I couldn't do that for her then makes me sad.

If her mother WAS searching the internet and if I COULD talk to her to update her without wanting to punch her in the face, I would say THANK YOU. Thank you for creating the most wonderfully sweet, smart, sensitive, snuggly, sassy, silly 5 year old I have ever met.

Taken each year on her birthday...

Because her birthday week is also the anniversary of our "meeting", I can't help but think of how she's changed over these past few years. Physically you can't help but see her growing and thriving. Mentally and emotionally, she's a different girl. The girl who barely knew any words - Russian included, when I met her now talks NON-STOP! The girl who only smiled occasionally has been replaced by a girl who lights up any room she's in with her beaming smiles. While it's easy for me to be caught under her spell, I had to laugh last Friday during her first Kindergarten parent-teacher conference when her teacher told me, "I just adore her". Yup. She's really hard NOT to adore. Then she told me the news that floored me. Her teacher said, "developmentally she's the age of someone who is just turning 5". WHAT? My little learning sponge is basically caught up to her same age peers.

During Alex's adoption earlier this year, on one of the many days that my friend Sara and I roamed the streets of St. Petersburg, we talked about Russia. I can't help but think of what either of their lives would have been like had adoption not entered their life stories. Who knows where live would lead them and where they'd be. I do know that MY life if better with both of them in it!

Putting all this nostalgia behind us, we had a FABULOUS birthday weekend. Tatiana loves all things princess -- and Tangled (aka Rapunzel) is one of her favorites. We had a combination Tangled/Bowling party. Odd combination, yes, but when you live in a small town, your options are narrow! The princess and her friends had a BLAST. There were NO meltdowns (ok, Alex had 1 or 2... but the girls didn't!), no fighting over whose turn it was to bowl and no fits about being tired. Tati and her friends cheered each other on and generally had a great time. 3 thumbs up! Happy birthday girl makes for a happy mama!

The "Tangled Cake" - Celebration Day 1!

Making a wish - Celebration Day 2!

She's 5!

Happy 5th Birthday my gorgeous girl!

Worst Became Best

2011-10-21T10:44:00.001-04:00

I will never forget October 21, 2008. In some ways, I can’t believe it was ONLY 3 years ago as it seems like so much longer than that; and in other ways, I remember it as if it were just yesterday.

My traveling BFF, Rhonda and I (she’s off soon on another adventure to Cambodia – but I digress, typical me!) landed in Vladivostok, Russia the night before, October 20th. I was traveling to meet my son! We were greeted at the airport by a translator, Kate and a driver – who spoke no English – Sergei, to meet my long awaited Russian referral – we’ll call him “Baby V”. I had waited for this moment for months, buying boy clothes, decorating his bedroom – and for the past 3 weeks staring at his picture, imagining HIM in my life.

In the car on the way to the hotel, Kate translates Sergei’s half of our conversation. And then I hear those horrible words, “The boy is not good”. I don’t know if I ever shared here on the blog exactly what was said to me in the car that day – but there it is. The boy is not good.

I freaked. I remember wanting to get out of the car to vomit. Panic set in. Wait. What did you say? I just traveled for what feel like a week, spent how much money on airfares and burned a very valuable week of vacation time and THE BOY IS NOT GOOD?

Between jet lag and “the boy is not good” I was a stress MONSTER that night. I took a Tylenol PM to help me sleep and fell asleep with Rhonda still awake in her bed skyping with her family back at home. A little while later – in my jet lag, stress induced, Tylenol PM haze, I heard what I can only describe as someone breaking into the room. I remember yelling at Rhonda “WHAT IS THAT?”. Ummm that would be her going into the bathroom, and it’s creaky door. Stress and lack of sleep are NOT a great combination. She still reminds me of that evening often – HA!

You can read the details of the morning of October 21st here. As you obviously know by now, HE became a SHE that day. My fears of the evening before were confirmed, however in the end – I met THIS face.

Taken 10/21 – Vladivostok, Russia – One of the 3 pictures I sent home to “Gramma Darlin” who was freaking out for me at home!

And the rest, they say, is history. Or in this case HERstory! The worst day of my became the best of my life. I cannot imagine life without Tatiana. She makes me laugh everyday. That shy little girl I met 3 year ago today in Russia is now a gregarious, loving, sweet girl who keeps me in stitches and teaches me as much about life as I do her. Rough day, but in the end, I wouldn’t change a thank. Happy Metcha Day, Tatiana!

Before school 10/21/11

And tonight, we say a prayer for “Baby V” – who is still listed on the database today. Bless you, “Baby V”.

Quick Catch Up

2011-10-02T16:27:00.001-04:00

Between work, two kids, kindergarten, birthdays, and shortening days… it seems like there is never enough time to get everything done. Alas, blogging sometimes apparently falls later in line than I hope. Looking back over the past few weeks, I’ve missed a couple things – they made facebook, sure; but not the blog. So here’s a quick catch up review.

Kindergarten? Yup. You read correctly. How did I miss posting about Tatiana’s big step toward Kindergarten? Seriously – someone tell me, because I can’t believe it myself. When we left school last spring, the plan was for T to enter Young 5’s – however with cut backs in the state, Young 5’s was one of the first things to go. Don’t get me started on that… so alas, come September it was off to Kindergarten. The only other option was back to preschool – which really wasn’t an option. Intellectually, T is ready for Kindergarten – but socially she’s not quite there yet. Putting her back with kids as young as 2 1/2 would be fun, but she’d probably be bored. And bored kids at school… well, we all know what happens there. So Kindergarten it is.

We’ve had some struggles this year – which is new. Last year she LOVED going to school. This year parents aren’t allowed to go IN to the school beyond the office in the morning. This seems to be causing some heartburn for Tatiana. Some mornings we have tears, some mornings it’s only stalling and feet dragging. Either way, it’s hard on us both – not sure who it’s harder on though! (Including Mrs. Armbruster – the secretary!) She’s also had some issues following directions – which doesn’t surprise me. Tatiana has always had her own agenda in life.

Here’s the princess on her first day:

Ready for school! And yes, my backpack is still almost as big as me!

Last Friday, as you probably remember, was Alex’s 2nd birthday. 2nd Birthday – 1st party. All in all – he was a total trooper. We had the party on Friday evening at the restaurant we always go to – and Alex did well. It was just family and some close friends. He didn’t seem to care much about the cake – which is a shocker because UNLIKE his sister, he LOVES sweets. The older kids were a little slap happy after a long week – and there was lots of running around. Alex so badly wanted to be one of the big kids – and just wanted to run around too, so cake wasn’t his priority. Here’s some shots of the evening:

Hey everybody! I’m 2!

Finally, in other “anniversaries” of sort – 3 years ago yesterday I received a call and subsequent email matching me with a child in Vladivostok, Russia. That day I wrote this post. Most of you know the history – in the end that referral was not meant to be. I’ll always remember Baby V though, he was a crucial step on path to meet Tatiana.

I think we’re all caught up now. At least to the best of my memory! I am sure there is SOMETHING I forgot… and if there is – I’ll fill you all in later!

Two Years Ago…

2011-09-23T10:11:00.001-04:00

According to my Outlook Calendar, two years ago today I was meeting with retailers in the Central Michigan area, planning some promotions on Chocolate Milk. Exciting times.

Far, far away, in St. Petersburg, Russia, a young woman went into labor on the street. It was a rainy, 60 degree day at the start of fall – not too unlike the weather we’re having here today. She walked into Maternity Hospital #17 without identification. No passport was provided, only a name, and likely a false one at that. She was 18. She was alone and she was probably scared. There were no parents called, no friends to help her through the delivery. She was by herself, about to give birth.

Who was this girl? That remains a good question. We’ll call her Miss “D”. All signs point to the fact that she was a transplant to St. Petersburg, the 2^nd largest Russian city. A city known for it’s beautiful sights and opulent Cathedrals. And tourism. With all of this comes jobs – and people that want them. Along the way, there was a man, or a boy perhaps. Likely a Russian. NOTHING is known about him. Zilch, zip, nada. There are many scenarios that could have played out here, but I like to think of the happier ones. Maybe she found love on the streets of St. Petersburg. It’s a gorgeous, romantic city, so who could blame her?

But at 18, and possibly homeless in a country over-run with poverty, what was a girl to do?

In this beautiful city, on this cool, rainy day, an equally beautiful boy was born. And so began the life of the little boy that we now know as Alexander Thomas Repp. Quietly, without permission, Miss “D” slipped out of the hospital. A few months later, the Ministry of Education would petition the court to remove her from the original birth certificate. Without this step, Alex would never be. He would have remained an orphan until he was somewhere between 16 and 17 and then he would have been put on the streets. And I wouldn’t have known THIS smile.

Breakfast on my 2nd Birthday

A lot of things in the world aligned to bring little Alex home to Michigan. I am thankful for each step along this path. I’ll probably never find her, but if I could, I’d like to hug Miss “D”. I’d like to let her know that Alex is good. He’s better than good. He’s the sweetest little snuggle boy I’ve ever met. I have a better chance, though, of tracking down the staff that went to court for him. And I may do just that. Someone should know how much their actions are appreciated.

Lucky

2011-09-18T22:22:00.003-04:00

Sometimes it takes hearing REALLY bad adoption stories to make me realize how smooth my ride(s) were. Yes, we have our rough days: days when the kids whine too much or mama yells too much; nights with bad dreams, and crying babies. However, all in all, I am forever thankful for my experiences. Mostly that my experiences are BEHIND me.

Please take a moment and read the following blog:
http://www.altynailegacyfund.blogspot.com/

I can only read for so long. It breaks my heart over and over again. I CANNOT fathom what these families are going through. My thoughts and prayers continually go out to these families and the CHILDREN who just need a family.

I Hope the Russians Love Their Children Too

2011-09-11T11:26:00.001-04:00

10 years ago today the world changed in 102 minutes. I’d like to say that I don’t remember the events of that dreadful day, but they will be forever burned into my mind. For my generation, this is the new day that will also live in infamy. I’ve been to Pearl Harbor and it touched me in ways that I never could begin to describe, but I wasn’t alive and didn’t live through it, live on TV, over and over again.
I am about to date myself here, but when I was growing up, we were SCARED of the “Russians”. The USSR was the big bad country that was out to get us. Even though I was a young teen ager in the 80’s, I distinctly remember going to bed afraid that the Russian’s would start a nuclear war. What would happen? Would it be as bad as the movies and TV say it would be? Why did they hate us so much? Did Russian teenagers have the same questions? I can still sing every word of The Police’s song, “Russians”. As Sting wrote, …”we share the same biology, regardless of ideology. I hope the Russians love their children too”.
But things changed. The Soviet Union fell and suddenly the super power was not as large and looming as it once was.
The 80’s came to a close and during most of the 90’s I was living in the metro Detroit area. If you lived in Detroit in the 90’s – you watched hockey, specifically the Red Wings. During the late 90’s, the Red Wings – featuring a line of all 5 former Soviet players, known as “the Russian 5”, were constantly battling their conference foe, the Colorado Avalanche. During one particular year’s hockey playoffs, I happened to be flying to Denver for work. I was seated next to a Denver couple – who were also hockey fans. There was a game that night, and since 90% of the flight were interested in these playoffs, the pilot would updated us periodically with a score. That night, the Red Wings were victorious. The female portion of the Denver couple next to me loudly proclaimed that she could never support a team that employed “Russians”. It was in this moment that I realized how ridiculous judging an entire country by a few political issues really was.
The morning of September 11, 2001, I was in my bosses (Ava’s) car traveling to a meeting. We had the radio off because we were talking and planning for a big upcoming promotion. The office called Ava’s cell phone and told us what was going on. For the next week I was glued to any media source I could get my hands on.
We were at war – and the Russians, who scared me all my life, weren’t involved. Just like back in the 80’s, and again in the 90’s, it was difficult for me to understand why someone would hate an entire country. I don’t know if I will ever truly understand that.
This morning I sit here with my two Russians, who are currently arguing over coloring books in the kitchen. I am thankful that they don't know yet the sadness of this day or what it means. I have been to Russia 5 times and would love to see so much more of the beautiful country that is my children’s homeland. I am thankful that our 80’s issues never became more than lingering lyrics to a song. I wish I could say the same for September 11th.

To Snip or Not to Snip?

2011-08-24T22:07:00.004-04:00

24 hours after being home from Alex's circumcision surgery, I thought I'd expound a little more on our experience and thoughts. I share this not to be overly morbid, but I know from experience that a circumcision is a big decision for many adoptive families.

To snip or not to snip... that is the question.

When I first started back with my first adoption for Tatiana, if you remember SHE was going to be a HE. Once I made the decision to adopt, I wanted my child home yesterday. The wait for girls is typically longer than for boys, so sure -- I'd sign up for a son. During what seemed like my endless wait through paperwork and then for a referral (looking back, it was no where NEAR endless, but it's always worse in the thick of things), I remember reading that little boys are not circumcised in Russia and that families must choose when they get home if they want to proceed down this road or not. I remember reading the posts of my friends who were adopting little boys, their decisions and then surgery days.

Obviously the path to my first adoption changed quickly, and I could put this decision out of my head. For the time. Then along came Alex. When I started proceeding with adoption #2, the thought jumped back into my head, briefly. It wasn't until our first night together at the hotel that it became REAL. Whoa!! Nelly!! Decision time.

I talked with friends on both sides of this debate. I also spoke with some friends who are nurses. In the end, while everyone had great opinions and - honestly, it was my medical friends who helped the decision for me. They weren't telling me what to do by ANY means. Decision made.

First, we had to get a referral for a Pediatric Urologist from Alex's doctor. UGH. I hate the red tape of the medical world. Imagine my surprise that the closest one was over an hour away. Double UGH. We met with Dr R back in June. More surprises were in store when I heard that the wait for surgery was 6 to 8 weeks! Triple UGH. But, scheduled we did - and the date was set for yesterday, August 23rd. And to make it even more interesting, we had 2 hospital choices -- and yes, also over an hour away. If you're keeping count... that's a fourth UGH. Sometimes, it's a pain living in the sticks.

Lots of my parental friends, adoptive or not, have faced surgeries for their kids. And I always hear it's harder on mom and dad than it is the child. This is quite possibly true!

The challenge started with our surgery time. I had requested MULTIPLE times not to be first in the morning since we were facing a drive. Well, they heard me loud and clear because they didn't schedule Alex until after 1pm! They told us to arrive at 1pm -- so that means surgery was scheduled for AFTER that. Great, right? Well... in theory. However, try explaining to a 23 month old child that he can't eat ALL morning or lunch. After midnight the night before, no food. Because of the late hour of surgery, I woke him up @ 11:15 and gave him some Greek yogurt, strawberries and a bottle of Pediasure. His tummy was FULL! He was also allowed to have clear liquids until 9am, so when he woke up he had a small glass of apple juice. Tatiana was whisked off to daycare so she could eat without torturing her brother, and I put him in his crib in the guise of a "nap" so I could sneak off and have some toast and yogurt of my own.

We found the hospital with no issues - in fact we were early. They brought us in pretty quickly and all of a sudden Alex was in his gown and admitted. The Anesthesiologist came in and asked a bunch of questions and it seemed like he'd be taken any minute. And then the waiting started... after she left, we saw no one for a hour and a half! (another huge UGH) The little guy's procedure before Alex with the Urologist went MUCH longer than expected. Got it. But please, people, for the sake of a mama's sanity, COMMUNICATE! It was hard to keep a very hungry 23 month old entertained in a pre-op room for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Honestly, Alex was a total trooper and the hardest thing I had to deal with was keeping him relatively quiet from his giggling!

Finally, it was go time. Because of all the hurry up and wait, I really had no time to get nervous. Suddenly my little boy was being wheeled away. He started to pout and cry, but a very sweet nurse got him babbling about something (literally, since he has so few words!) and he was distracted enough.

Between finding a place for mama to get something to eat, updating some family and friends, and catching up on the news of an east coast earth quake (what? really?), the hour passed by pretty quickly and soon Dr R was out to provide an update. By the time I finally got let in to see Alex, I was the lone waiting room occupant.

He was wheeled back in and basically looked like he was still waking up from a nap. One of the nurses called Alex a "her". Really? HE looks nothing like a girl, and aside from being surprised, I have issues with caretakers in a hospital who don't know their patients gender (especially when the patient just had surgery on his obviously male genitals!!). Alex was a little groggy and just wanted to snuggle. He fussed now and then, but was mostly just tired and hungry. Around 4:15 the poor boy finally got some snacks and milk. The pharmacy brought up his prescription and started calling out for "Thomas Repp" (Alex's middle name) and I swear in all my tiredness etc. I literally looked around for my dad (Alex's middle name is after my dad).

We were on the road near 6pm and headed for home. Gramma Darlin brought sister home and I had to send Alex packing for bed soon after that because the little stinker wouldn't settle down! He was SO excited to see sister and Gramma that he got VERY wound up! I guess he felt just fine!

Dr R had explained that he had (sorry for the men reading this...) an injection in his penis before they woke up him up to help fend off the pain. It would last about 8 hours - and sure enough, around 1am Alex woke up with some tears. He had a dosage of some medicine and brought to mama's bed. When he woke up this AM, no more tears -- he's been all smiles, all day. The tape bandage was supposed to fall off in the first tub soaking, but when I took off his diaper to get ready for the bath tonight -- it had already fallen off in his diaper. Huge relief for mama! I didn't want to have to pull that off!!

So all in all, a relatively painless couple days. A bunch of stress for not much of a deal. For those of you who have this choice to make in the future -- I hope this helped out.

Snip Snip Here, Snip Snip There...

2011-08-23T21:45:00.004-04:00

That's how we laugh the day away in the merry old land of Oz...

Sorry, couldn't resist. And after you hear what we've been up to - you'll think that was crass and completely inappropriate. However... it describes what we did this week! Well at least some of it... probably the biggest part.

But first, on the fun side, Gramma Darlin and I took the chance to escape Michigan before summer officially came to an end and Tatiana has to go back to school. In Michigan it's a state law that public schools cannot start until AFTER Labor Day - so technically we have a couple more weeks, but the clock was ticking. Gramma Darlin had to go to Sandusky, Ohio for a project she's working on, so we took the opportunity to take the kids to Kalahari - the largest indoor water park. Surprise -- Tatiana LOVED it. Surprise again, Alex - not so much. He finally loosened up a little on day #2, outside when he found the water sprays. With a safari theme, they also have some animals there -- so we took the time (and spent the $$) to feed the giraffes, zebras, lemurs and birds. Tatiana and I have firmly agreed that we need a giraffe for our backyard.

Alex gets into the fun at Kalahari...

Water baby as ever -- Tatiana @ Kalahari

Alex feeds the parakeets

I think there is a giraffe stalking me...

Alex had a BLAST feeding the animals!

Now on to the not so fun side... today was Alex's big boy surgery. Yup... we did it. The circumcision. I know this can be a debate for some parents, but at the end of the day, the pros FOR circumcision outweighed the odds. Alex was a trooper during the whole procedure and in true Alex fashion... he charmed the nurses and staff with his flirting. He was totally back to his normal self by the time we got home - so much so that I had to send him to bed promptly at 8pm so he didn't get too wild and crazy while playing with his sister. His pain injection lasts until 11 or 12 tonight, so hopefully he'll sleep through the night with no issues and I can continue the pain meds in the morning.

Waiting for them to come take me...

Playing peek a boo with mama... anything to kill time!

After surgery - pouty boy!

Hopefully your week is uneventful and painless!

Fate and an Anniversary...

2011-08-13T21:29:00.004-04:00

It's Saturday night. Alex, Tatiana and I are in a hotel, celebrating a weekend of adoption with the annual Lighthouse Adoptions picnic. I LOVE this gathering. Wouldn't miss it for the world. And this weekend, it's even more of a celebration for Tatiana and I. Tomorrow marks the EQUAL point of days spent IN the baby home/hospital and days with mama. This is always milestone in adoption as it's nice to think that time can heal some of the wounds that were opened in those early days, alone without a mama.

I can't believe how time has flown by. It seems like just yesterday I was just making contact with Lighthouse. Just yesterday I was thinking about the little one I'd bring home. And tonight? I am getting ready to celebrate my daughter's equal time out of the baby home mark. Hard to fathom!

The road to this moment wasn't always smooth, and it wasn't always picture perfect. However, I truly believe that fate took a hand in putting Tati and I together. Three years ago this summer, I was waiting for a little boy referral from Moscow. In my heart I always wanted a little girl, but I also have the patience of a gnat. When first speaking with Lighthouse, the wait for a little girl was long. Russia was just slowly getting back up to speed with adoptions after the "Great Re-accrediation" of 2008, and there were LOTS of families in line for little girls. For little boys? Not so much. So knowing that I couldn't control gender if I was giving birth, I figured, sure, why not! A little boy would be dandy.

Suddenly that summer Moscow City closed to singles -- and another door opened. Vladivostok. FAR, far away from Moscow. Heck -- I couldn't even pronounce it correctly for about the first 3 weeks. While out to dinner one night, my mom brought me a magazine she received in the mail. The magazine had NOTHING to do with adoption or travel, but had a map inside with 1 major city highlighted - VLADIVOSTOK. Surely, it was a sign.

So off to Vlad it was. My referral for a little guy came in and I traveled in October of 2008. All the gorey details are in the blog from during that time -- and I don't hide anything that happened, but suffice it to say, the sweet face that came in my referral was not meant to be. The IA doc who analyzed his file pointed out a "yellow flag" that could turn into a "red flag" but unfortunately more information was needed to judge that. The kind of information that you'd likely need to find out in person. And I did. Heartsick, I was told there was another child at the same baby home that I could see if I was willing to consider a girl. Willing? Ummm sure! Before I knew who she was, I saw her on the playground and fell in love instantly. When I was told that was her, I think my friend Rhonda cried harder than I did, but I knew instantly that we were a match. Without that sweet "yellow flag" referral, I never would have gotten to Vladivostok to meet my little T. Some say circumstance. I say fate.

While we've our bumps and bruises along the way, I wouldn't change a thing. Thank you fate!

The "house" (or family) that Lighthouse built!!

Tatiana - playing at the Lighthouse picnic

Party in the hotel! New jammies from Gramma and Grampa!!

When the Livin is Easy...

2011-07-31T20:32:00.006-04:00

We've had a busy couple weeks... so much so that I'll use this as my excuse as to why once again I am behind on updates. Yup! That works. Busy!

I LOVE summer. The weather has been divine: hot, hot and more hot. The perfect weather for days at the pool. My daughter the fish seems to have picked up my love for summer as well. She could live in the pool, so I guess that would lend itself to a passion for the heat! It's not that I don't like fall, spring and winter; I really enjoy living where we have 4 distinct seasons. I am not sure that I could have it any other way. Life without a white Christmas? I think NOT!

So other than hanging out at the pool, we've enjoyed Saturday mornings at the library for story time, grilling out and now the onslaught of fabulous fresh fruits and veggies that have started pouring into the Farmers Market. Summer life is GOOD!

July was a busy month - specifically for Alex and mama. Alex got his 2nd haircut, applied for and received his social security number, opened a bank account and got MORE vaccinations. We also took his Russian Birth Certificate and Adoption Certificate to the County Courthouse and filed a "Delayed Registration of Foreign Birth". This is Michigan's version of re-adoption, in a way. Translation: After a 15 minute court appearance with a very nice judge (the same that did Tatiana's!) on his FINAL day of work before retirement, we have the paperwork to send to the state to get his US Birth Certificate. Necessary? Not 100%... however, when you show people a Russian Birth Certificate they tend to look at you like you have 5 heads. This will make things like Little League and school registration a little easier. Additionally, if it's ever lost... I don't have to wonder how I'll get back to St. Petersburg, Russia to replace it.

The last step will be to apply for his US Passport. Does an almost 2 year old need a US Passport right now? When you live 30 minutes from Canada -- pretty much! Plus... it WILL be necessary when we go on our CRUISE next spring from Tampa to Cozumel! You read that right! Mama and the two kidlets will be cruising next spring! We're going with my friend Yvonne and her two kids, Rhonda and possibly Rhonda's daughter and ANYONE else that wants to cruise with us! We got a GREAT deal for the week after Easter (Thursday - Monday) on a Jr Suite on Carnival - who is known for their kids club. My friend Sara's daughter ranks her cruise HIGHER on the vacation scale than Disney. Seriously! So a cruising we will go!

Tomorrow is Gramma Darlin's Birthday. If you ask Tatiana, she'll tell you how old Gramma is -- because she'll ask ANYONE she meets, "how old are you?". It's her question of the past few months - replacing, "What's your name". This question came to a slow when we started discussing not talking to strangers. However, the challenge now is that she'll announce to someone, "You're a stranger". Makes for interesting conversation in the grocery line... let me tell you.

That wraps up our July. Now for the part you've been waiting for... pictures!!

Spaghetti!!!

Waiting to go to court for "Delayed Registration of Foreign Birth"

Tatiana came up with this outfit all by herself... we call it Cinderella Easter Bunny

Guess who is 22 months now? Yup! Alex!

Ashley, Riley & Tatiana at the Lexington, MI Harbor

When the tub is too scary... the sink might work!

Music in the Park: Ashley and Tatiana waiting for the ABBA Tribute band

Little Miss Fish - in the pool as usual!

Alex's first cake -- Gramma's birthday cake!

Like Grandfather.... Like Grandson?

2011-07-13T22:00:00.002-04:00

I shared this recently on facebook... on the left (obviously) is Alex and on the right is my dad. See any resemblance?

First Fourth & Fabulous Fun

2011-07-08T22:06:00.005-04:00

As usual, I am way behind in posting. And as usual, I have written and rewritten this post 10 times in my head. In my head, I am much more eloquent, by the way.

We had a FABULOUS first Fourth of July for Alex. Technically, I prefer the words "Independence Day", but it was much more fun sounding with a bunch of "f's". I LOVE Independence Day. Next to Christmas, it's one of my favorite holidays. There's SO much to do! The trouble with Independence Day is that there is TOO much to do. We had to pass up a couple of invites that I would have liked to have participated in, but alas there is only so much time in the day. Additionally, I just wasn't ready for the full on road trip with Alex. Even though it seems like he's been here forever, yesterday was only the marking of the end of month #2. Hard to believe!

We: watched a great parade, swam a ton in the pool, watched some nice fireworks, grilled steaks on the grill, played with cousins and friends and generally wore ourselves out. Alex made HUGE strides at the pool this weekend, Gramma Darlin got him to sit by the side and splash his feet around without crying!

Post Independence Day, I seem to have caught a lovely summer cold/sinus troubles. I woke up Tuesday morning feeling literally like a truck ran over me. M-I-S-E-R-A-B-L-E. Thankfully Alex and Tati seem to be avoiding mama's germ path.

Also, like many of you, I have been following the Casey Anthony trial, closely. I have always been fascinated by "true crime" and the "whodunits". However, this case hit a little closer to home. Three years ago, when little Caylee Anthony went missing and the story first unfolded into the press, I was waiting for Tatiana to come home. It was so hard for me to watch, knowing I was fighting to bring this beautiful girl home from the other side of the world - and here this girl couldn't even report her daughter missing. I am horrified and deeply saddened by this week's outcome. But enough of that...

On to the picture parade... and yes, before you say it: they have WAY too many "Red, White and Blue" outfits. But when you have two non American born citizens, can you ever have too many celebration outfits?

Alex @ his first July 4th Parade...

Two American Citizens, sister & brother

Reading with her "Tag Jr" reader...

Gramma and Grampa sent me this outfit...

Even my cup is Red & Blue, mom! Enough!

Riley and Tati jumping into the pool - two fishy cousins...

Alex's preferred pool position... relaxing in the shade

Queen of the swings

Suddenly this little boy looks like he's getting big!

The Cleavers Wouldn't Be THIS Late...

2011-06-27T21:41:00.004-04:00

As many of my fellow adoptive bloggers know, a few weeks ago, another blogger with a really great name (Amy) had the idea for people to share some of the darker side of adoption -- the stuff you really don't like talking about... the HARD days.

I am really thankful that so far both of my adoptions have had MANY more happy days than the rough days, but I will admit that we're NOT perfect. Far from it. Most of the issues have been MINE vs. theirs. It's not as easy as it looks to suddenly be thrown into parenthood of a 2.5 year old who has never truly known love and affection.

My dear friend Sherry (and my big sister from my sorority!) is currently in Vladivostok, waiting out her "10 day wait". Her blog post today talked a little about the roller coaster of these first few days together. Even though Alex's & my first few days together weren't that long ago, I also remember Tatiana's first few days with me like they were yesterday. They were some of the hardest days of our transition. Looking back, some of it was likely the fishbowl that is the hotel, and lots of it is the overwhelming emotions that sweep over you after FINALLY achieving what you've worked so hard for. For months and months I dreamed of this little girl and our great life together. Suddenly, it was all complete and it wasn't exactly as I planned!

With Alex home now, I was looking back at old blog posts of Tatiana to see how much she's grown. I found this post that talked about those first few days and the ugly truth. If it helps someone now feel like they aren't alone... then I will be overjoyed. For those getting ready to adopt, or those just getting custody... don't get down on yourself when your reality doesn't match up to the "dream"... it rarely does!

And now back to some of the happier moments... another reminder of my first days together with Tatiana came in the form of a visit from Lisa, her mom Boo and adorable son, Sacha. You may remember Lisa from trip #2 to Vlad... she and her husband Andrew and I spent our days passing the time at the Vlad Motor Inn. Out of the pack that was there during our stay, they were the only other family that did NOT have custody during the magic 10 day wait. I almost forgot how much fun she is!! Hopefully our next gathering won't be another 2+ years later.

Tatiana and Sacha - Vladivostok, March 2009

Tatiana and Sacha - June, 2011

One Month Home, Already!!

2011-06-11T22:52:00.006-04:00

Uneventful week... not much to report, so I'll try to keep your interest and not be TOO boring.

This week, Alex crossed the "One Month Home" marker. His adjustment has been so smooth that it's hard to believe that he's only been home for a month. It seems like it's been so much longer!!

Alex's eating still has it's ups and downs. He'll generally eat almost any "snacky" type food (small crackers, etc), all fruits - especially applesauce and bananas, and really likes yogurt. However... any typical source of protein, well... that would be one of the downs I mentioned. I can sometimes get him to eat hotdogs or even hamburger, but usually only if it's drenched in ketchup. Compared to Tatiana, he's such a picky eater!

Speaking of T -- according to the scales at Gramma Darlin's house, she FINALLY crossed the 30 pound marker today! This girl will eat almost ANYTHING. Truly there aren't many foods she honestly doesn't like. However, she could care LESS about food. Combined with that, and the metabolism of a fruit fly, she just doesn't pack on the weight. I suspect she'll look like a Russian gymnast most of her life.

The weather here has been crazy. Tuesday and Wednesday we were in the high 90s, followed by Thursday and Friday with 50s and 60s. Today was in the 70s after an early morning rainstorm, so we went to play at a large playground about 15 minutes from our house. Both kidlets had fun -- as proven below! Enjoy!

Dinner... what will I eat tonight? Your guess is as good as mama's!

Alex thinking he'll climb the playground ladder like sister!

Little Miss Monkey...

Alex found the toddler area!!! Slides are fun!

A picture of them both? No way!

More sliding!! Check out that smile...

In action!!

Climbing at the playground...

Wait for me!

More monkeying around...

Sweet, Sweet Summertime

2011-06-06T21:51:00.008-04:00

First a huge thanks for every one's two cents and thoughts after my last post. Your encouragement/common plight/comments helps more than you know! Funny story, I must have (by accident) turned off the email copies of comments option - because I thought I had no comments, and I thought -- "wow, crickets on that last post, maybe it came across too whiny!". Imagine my surprise when I saw all the comments by random one day!

So far June has brought some wonderful weather! Tatiana, aka water baby, has been enjoying the pool AND any backyard fun that includes water. She invites herself over to our neighbors kiddie pool, and constantly is begging to go to the big pool. It's hard in the evenings though to get to the pool all the time when things like dinner/clean up/baths etc get in the way! I think this girl was made to be in the water... she loves ALL things water related. Tonight's distraction from the big pool: SPRINKLER.

SPRINKLER!!

Alex has gotten MUCH more used to bath time. THANK GOODNESS. Now we're basically down to just whining and fussing when it's time to wash his hair - but the heart of the problem is that he doesn't like to seem to get his face wet. I am trying to show him how to put his head up/back to let the water run down his back vs. his face, but he doesn't seem to want to grasp that concept yet. I did get him into the pool this weekend for the first time -- and... the verdict is still out. Translation -- he screamed bloody murder. HATED it. I'll take him in again in the next week or so, but we'll let him slowly get used to it. I may also invest in a cheap plastic pool for him to help get used to the idea.

Now, I'll hush and get on to the good stuff -- PICTURES!!

Hanging out - covered in chalk!

Water baby - relaxing between sprinkler runs

Tatiana and Alex with Lizzie (our neighbor) - coloring with chalk

The Messy Truth

2011-05-31T21:52:00.003-04:00

When in the course of a mother's events it becomes necessary to tell the messy truth -- I will. And today, it became glaringly obvious. I hold these truths to be evident, and not just to myself.

I AM EXHAUSTED. And my house is a mess. My house will likely be a mess for at least the next 5 years. Or longer. I have never been an "everything in it's place" type person. I know these people. And I admire their skills. However, it's not me. Never will be. And now that I am out numbered, I can't keep up with their messes. As I am cleaning things up, silently they are behind me, making more messes.

The jump from 1 to 2 kids is hard. Being a single mom is hard! Being a single, working mom is hard! Ok - there I said it. Yes, I am back at work. Shortest maternity leave in the history of time -- I know, however, adoption doesn't qualify for "short term disability" in my employers eyes.

So for now, I am getting used to the juggle. Juggling being exhausted and having 4 more things to do before bed (including getting caught up here - no pressure other than from myself, and the desire to record my thoughts/emotions while I have them). Juggling the needs of two kids and balancing some of both of their jealousies (hold me, no hold ME, you get the picture!). Juggling the inevitable work/life/family balance - with one of the least favorable bosses in the history of time. Juggling what I want to do vs. what I HAVE to do.

Enough of the complaining... such is life! I do have to admit, I am terribly blessed. Alex's transition has been, for the most part, VERY smooth. And even in my frantic clean up tonight, as I was purging things - I came across one of Tatiana's preschool folders (from the class that is now done for the school year) - inside was a "journal" picture she made to answer the question of "what will you do this summer". Often, these journal entries are focused around really exciting things in her life (visiting Grampa and Gramma in FL; going somewhere special with Gramma Darlin) - but this time, her response was "I am going to the beach with mama". And suddenly the whole juggle is worth it!

Now on to the basics!

We had a fun weekend - nothing too major, nothing overboard, but a good weekend. We got groceries, planted flowers at the cemetery, went to a family friend's farm to see baby lambs (among other things!), saw two parades, went to a pancake breakfast and finally spent most of Monday at the VERY COLD pool. The heat had not been turned on in the pool yet, so it was a very cool 66 degrees to start with. Tatiana was miserable at first -- but as the pool warmed up, little Miss Zero Body Fat got more comfortable. (And of course was asking to go back tonight!) It was too cold for Alex's first swim, so we'll put that off for another week or so. Plus there was NO way I was going in at that temp and he goes with me! Poor little Russian wasn't used to this heat, though and was a sweaty mess. He and I hung out in the shade... but I still got burnt. Apparently I remembered to put sunscreen on THEM repeatedly, but me? Not so much! Sign of a mama, I guess.

Our weather jumped from 50's/60's to 80's/90's on Monday and today. The rest of the week is supposed to be 70's+, which will be nice, but, of course -- more rain! We may have to make a trip back to the farm to make sure there are twos of each of the animals because the ark can't be far behind at this point...

As I type, here comes the next round of rain... stay dry!!

I Survived…

2011-05-21T21:53:00.001-04:00

No, I am not talking about Rapture… I am talking about the last part of this crazy week.

Wednesday night Aunt “Whonda” came north, “to the sticks”, to visit with Tatiana and Alex. And me, I am sure – but let’s be honest, I know where I rank against those two with her. It’s a hard competition. We had a great time catching up and thankfully the weather was on an upward swing, so we were able to get some good outside time in as well.

She stayed for the dreaded bath time… and as if by magic, Alex actually didn’t mind his bath! I wouldn’t go so far as to say he enjoyed it, but he certainly didn’t mind it and possibly even slightly had a moment or two of fun. I even ran to get my camera to prove it – since I had another set of bathroom eyes. I know Mr Alex isn’t exactly looking at the camera in this shot – but you can tell he’s not sobbing uncontrollably. It even looks like he may have been laughing! Besides – this shot was the best at hiding all their bits and pieces…

After she left, the kids were in bed and I was silently writing this post in my head ready to celebrate the hurdle that was bath time. Hip Hip Hooray! Alas, I was exhausted, so instead, I went to bed.

And then it hit.

The stomach virus from, well, I simply don’t know where.

Tatiana woke up around 2:45am – give or take. I was tired, sue me for the lack of details. She rarely gets out of bed at night but when she does, she open her door (right across from mine) and bounce down the hall to the bathroom. She’ll go potty (her words) or get a quick drink of water and then back to bed – usually without any talking – just maybe some silly giggles. This time was different, she whined and moaned all the way down the hallway. When I got up to check what was going on, she told me she didn’t feel well. In the same whine. I felt her forehead and there it was – the dreaded fever. It was confirmed shortly thereafter by my good friend the ear thermometer.

Before you think – ok, no big deal. The kid’s sick. I challenge you. When is the last time you’ve heard me mention her being sick? A fever, even? Can’t do it. Go ahead – search the blog. I think in the whole time she’s been home, she’s had a total of 3 fevers now. One of them lasted a grand total of 5 hours. Sure, she’s puked before – but honestly, it’s from a seriously high gag reflex. She. Doesn’t. Get. Sick.

And within 1o minutes, the real fun started – puke city 2011. Thankfully 95% of dinner was digested. However, she had just laid back down in her bed, and not feeling well, she didn’t even sit up. I heard the noise in my room and found her, crying, in the same position, with… you guessed it – puke in the hair. A girl’s nightmare. So off to bath #2 we went. Thankfully SHE doesn’t have issues with tub time!

Alex had a doctors appointment – the BIG doctors appointment – first after you get home appointment for the next morning, so after some hanging out with mama time, we woke up and I added her to the itinerary. I turned my back in time for her to down the rest of her water cup – and then promptly puke it up in MY bed. Score – Tatiana = 2; Beds = 0.

She managed to get a 1/2 a piece of toast and a few drinks of apple juice to stay in her stomach from breakfast, while I ran around getting us all ready. During this magical time, my giant beast of a cat (Roo) came forward with a weepy eye (allergies says the vet) and the fluffy one (Casey) joined Tatiana’s fun and projectile vomited a huge furball all over the kitchen floor. I was up to my elbows in sick and puke. I literally walked out the door and put the kids in the car IN MY SLIPPERS. I couldn’t figure out what felt wrong as I ran back in to grab the diaper bag. Uh huh. Nice look.

Basically the doctor said she had what was “going around”; a nice run of the mill stomach virus. Lucky us! The doctor also said that Alex was as healthy as they come – and oh yeah, here’s 4 shots for some added fun tonight. Ye Ha! Stomach Virus AND a baby with 4 shots!

So that was the later part of our week! Tons of fun! T is on the mend and hasn’t had any further problems since late Thursday afternoon (maybe she only got the 24 hour version…) and Alex ran a slight fever after his shots, with a little redness still on one leg, but seems no worse for the wear.

However… we started back at square one with baths this morning. So maybe it’s a good thing I never got to write that post.

Adventures with Alex

2011-05-14T22:25:00.003-04:00

I think I just blinked and missed a week. And yet, a couple of the days seemed to crawl by at a snail's pace. Either way, it's really hard to imagine that we've already been home a week.

Alex continues to settle into his new surroundings. While we have made ZERO progress toward being a champ in the bathtub, he's made some huge progress in other areas! Here's a quick run down...

Car Seat: For a kid who screamed bloody murder during his first car seat experience, he now LOVES the car and the car seat. He gets super excited anytime we start making our way toward the car - as if he thinks there will be some super exciting new adventure just around the corner.

Eating: We're making strides here as well. Alex still seems to prefer breakfast foods over all else, but he's being a little more adventuresome in the food department now. Lots of room to grow here, but big strides this week, for sure.

Sleeping: No real problems in the department. He's always been a decent sleeper - and it continues here at home. After I put him in his crib (for either nap OR bedtime) he'll vocalize his complaint - LOUDLY, but briefly. It's almost as if he's trying to say "I am going on record that I disagree with this decision!" The tears end quickly, usually under a minute.

For the amount of things that were thrown at him in the past week, he's come through like a trooper. We didn't make it to the doctor this week, but we did make it out for his first haircut. Hoping to get to the doctor this next week.

Alex's reaction to his haircut...

Tatiana modeling mama's work brand

Even though he's not smiling -- it's a good picture of the new 'do

Overall, Tatiana is handling life as a big sister with ease. She's informed her teachers and friends at school that "he's stinky". And she does NOT like it when he cries, however, thankfully, the crying is becoming less of an occurrence. She grew up while I was gone. Maybe it was the dutiful job of becoming a big sister, but some of her previous whining has gone by the wayside. I am not saying it's gone -- but she's made some HUGE strides herself.

I am adjusting ok. I've had my own moments this week that I am not proud of. I think I took over some of Tatiana's whining - haha! Why didn't anyone warn me how much work another little body would be. (KIDDING!)

More later -- tired mama needs to go to bed!!

Two tired kids cashed out in mama's car

Be It Ever So Humble

2011-05-08T21:55:00.006-04:00

We're home!

It is beyond words how good it feels to be home. I will always LOVE Russia. It is the country that brought me together with my children. It's their homeland and will always be a special place for me. HOWEVER, if I don't get back to Russia in the next 10 years, it will be just fine!

A little bit of catch up...

Friday morning we all got to sleep in a bit. We weren't due to leave for the Embassy until 11am. It felt like we had TONS of time -and of course, Murphy's Law, it was the one day we all SLEPT late! Suddenly, we were almost running late!

I don't know what I expected of the Embassy, strike that -- I DO know what I expected. I expected a large, grand building with rich wooden walls. I mean, isn't that what ALL Embassy's look like in movies? Totally NOT what the Embassy looks like! There was a HUGE line (Russian's getting, or attempting to get, a VISA to the US??) but thankfully, they make adoption/immigrant appointments for US citizens a priority and literally, you get fast tracked to the front of the line.

In the little seating area, we met the 5 other families who were "graduating" on May 6th. They were some of the coolest people I have met! Ironically 4 of us were ALL staying at the same hotel. So we made a date to go back to Red Square together that afternoon... and we did. It was nice to spend time with some fellow adoptive parents in a magical place.

Red Square

Our flight home (via Amsterdam) was due to leave @ 5:30am. Massively early. However, the bonus part was that we would arrive home in the US before noon on Saturday. We had to get up @ 1:45am to be ready for the ride to the airport. I have to say - if you need to navigate

the streets of Moscow -- 2:45am is NOT a bad time to do it. Aside from the check in (they were extremely bothered and confused that Alex had a lap ticket to Amsterdam and a full seat to Detroit), I was impressed with the Moscow airport. It was nicer than I expected. MUCH nicer.

For the most part, Alex was a trooper on the flights. He slept A LOT. Maybe the 5:30am was the secret. He did his fair share of whining and SCREAMING, but all in all, he was a super boy on the way home. It's just HARD keeping a 19 month old child in a confined area for 11 hours (combined).

My dad picked us up from the airport. With the long immigration time (much longer than Tati's), he was sitting waiting when we arrived. Sharon (his wife) had returned to FL for an emergency with her mom, but thankfully, everything turned out ok and she was able to meet us in Michigan. HER plane arrived about 20 minutes after I emerged from customs! Such timing!

Alex took a big shine to his grampa! A serious shine. Tatiana was leary of men for a while after leaving the orphanage. Alex seems not to have any of these issues. In fact he's very accepting of most people. He seems to have his favorites, but he's not overly scared of people. Which hopefully will be a good path to attachment and bonding and not take the ugly route of indiscriminate affection.

We pulled onto my street around 3:30pm. From the road I could see a darling, curly headed face peering over the couch back. It was my Tati!! Grampa took Alex so I could go see my girl - and the meltdown started. She was so overly excited, and had not napped with my impending arrival (too much excitement!!) - so the tears started flowing. I wasn't sure if she was trying a new death grip on my neck or just squeezing the tar out of me for leaving for so long -- but she got her point across! It was so wonderful to see that face again.

After the meltdown, she finally was ready to see her brother. A jealous streak reared it's head a couple of times but other than that she really took a shine to him. I expected nothing less. She's been the QUEEN in all of our worlds for the last couple years and now there's another throne.

First Breakfast at home...

Overall, Alex is adjusting about as well as he can. After everyone left on Saturday, he had some MAJOR meltdowns. I couldn't leave the room without him panicking that I was gone. Poor guy would scream BLOODY MURDER. On one hand, he's such a charmer and a flirt, and on the other hand, it's also evident (Sara totally called this one, too) that he got his way in the babyhome by screaming and crying. He's perfected the fake cry. Like no other!

Out in the yard...

So now I am officially caught up. We got Tati off to school today and thankfully, she was on time. I can see that it's going to take some adjusting for MAMA to get used to getting two of them ready and not just one! I'll promise to send some updates this way... but likely there will be MUCH less to report on a daily basis!

Paka!

Cathedral of the Protection of Most Holy Theotokos on the Moat

2011-05-06T05:47:00.007-04:00

Did you get all that? In other words, WE WENT TO ST. BASILS!!! To be fair, our trip also included Red Square which for most Russian adoptive families means one thing: you are ALMOST done!! Aside from those who adopt specifically from Moscow, or get to hire a courier to complete the VISA appointment @ the US Embassy, like most families who adopt from Vladivostok - this is typically one of the last steps in your journey and a huge monumental moment.

When we arrived in Moscow on Wednesday night, we were told that the doctor would arrive early to the hotel to complete Alex's medical clearance. This is a step along the way to getting his immigrant VISA -- to show the US that he won't be bringing any huge communicable diseases along with him. The doctor was younger, spoke really good english and was very nice. Marina told us later that he is "famous baby doctor and plastic surgeon" in Moscow. Good to know. He knocked on our door promptly at 6:30am. We had to wake Alex up - as he was still completely zonked from a) not napping much on Wednesday, b) another huge change - leaving St. Pete's and going to Moscow and c) staying up WAY to late on Wednesday night. The doctor was off after about 15 minutes and Marina arrived to take our documents to the Embassy.

We arranged with Marina for her to take us "sightseeing" around town. Our priorities were, of course, Red Square and Arbat street. I had heard that Red Square was within walking distance from the hotel, but not knowing how Alex's attitude would hold up I thought the car driven option MIGHT be better. I am SO glad we had Marina with us! She's lived in Moscow all her life and knows all the little tiny details about every statue, every building and every monument. So, not only did we get to see the beauty and magic that is Red Square, the Kremlin, Lenin's Tomb and St. Basils, but she filled us in on all the specifics.

At the entrance (gates) Red Square there is a (literal) square in the brick tiles. This is considered the central square of Moscow and all of Russia. Marina said that all the roads in Russia (including, she pointed out, even those all the way in Vladivostok) originate RIGHT here. It is customary to stand in the middle of this specific square, make a wish and throw a coin over your shoulder. I feel compelled to note: don't expect your coin back, there are people who will stand here all day and scamper after your thrown coin. EVEN, when you attempt to scamper after it yourself. Sara and I debated standing here for awhile too and trying to raise some college funds for our kids, however, we figured that St. Basil's was probably going to be worth leaving the coins to someone else.

Making a wish...

Someone taking Sara's coin...

Historical Museum

Clock at the top of the Kremlin...

After you leave the little Square, you walk through the Iberian Gate to enter Red Square itself. Maybe it was the build up to seeing Red Square, maybe it was being away from home and missing Tatiana, maybe it was the joy of knowing that it's almost time to bring my son home... whichever, but I'll totally admit that as we walked in and I saw a glimpse of St. Basil's Cathedral down at the opposite end, I started to tear up. Thankfully, Sara was there with a giant, jubilant smile on her face and a "CAN YOU BELIEVE WE'RE REALLY HERE"?? to help me snap out of it, otherwise I would have been a blubbering mess. Crazy Amierikana!

Because Monday is "Victory Day" in Russia (refer back to my post a couple days ago for the details, as I am much too lazy and behind in these postings to go back and link it myself!), the buildings around the Square are all decked out in the most elaborate decorations you can imagine. Flags, banners and huge draperies are hanging everywhere. It's really nice to see, but at the same time there were a couple downfalls to this... some of the things we would have liked to have seen are blocked - like Lenin's Tomb. You can barely see it through the decorations and platform set up for the big parade on Monday.

Red Square today is made up of a bunch of buildings: the Kremlin, St Basil's Cathedral, the GUM shopping mall (think really high end stores in a super old, beautiful building), a historical Museum, Lenin's Tomb, the Kazan Cathedral, and the Iberian Gate. We didn't go into the Kremlin as the tour is approximately 3 hours long and as Marina says "very boring for the babies". The whole Square is amazing. Fantastic. Awe-inspring. And every other adjective that you can imagine to describe beauty!

We slowly crossed the square, taking in all it's glory, and, in the process, 600 pictures. Give or take. St. Basil's was dead ahead and it was more beautiful than I can ever imagine. The only thing I can compare it to, is seeing a picture of something beautiful for so long. So very long -- all your life. Never imagining that you might actually get to see it in person and then doing just that. We took the obligatory photo with me and Alex (and Sara and Alex, and Alex alone and all 3 of us) in front of the Cathedral and then strolled around to admire it's beauty. From every angle! It's really the only way to do it...

St. Basil's Cathedral

Onion domes... so beautiful

Mama & Alex

Sara at St. Basils

Crazy Amerikankas!

We headed back toward the car via a secondary route through the GUM mall. Marina and I enjoyed a fancy flavored soda: think flavored syrups + soda water and Sara grabbed a fancy water (since we were in a fancy mall, that's what you got: fancy soda water). It was good but it would have been 50% better with ICE! So Amerikanka of me... I know.

Souvenir shop at GUM

GUM Mall

When Marina finally peeled us out of Red Square, we headed over to Arbat Street. I have heard so much about Arbat from other adoptive families, so it was one of those things that we were able to check off our mental "to do" list. We hit some souvenir shops for some token gifts (Sara scored a MAJOR find for her husband, Steven -- but I can't tell you what it is, in case he reads this... hehe, sorry Steven! Just know it's beyond cool and you will LOVE it). And finally, we had to have a snack in the Arbat Street McDonald's. Just to say we did. I can't even convey how packed McDonald's is. I get annoyed at home if there are 2 cars ahead of me in the drive through. Patience isn't always my virtue!

McDonald's - Arbat Street

We finally got back to the hotel for some down time and some rest but wandered out again early that evening to check out the neighborhood around the hotel. We walked and talked and suddenly found ourselves -- about 2 blocks from Red Square again! Ok, so it IS really close! The main road (Tverskaya) was closed for a parade rehearsal. According to some nice professional photographers (possibly media), the rehearsal is everything BUT the airplanes. We were really hoping to see it, but nothing was happening. It's a good thing we didn't because we were told this AM that it didn't go down until about 3 hours after we left! We're planning on heading back out later tonight (it's now Friday, mid day) just to take in the beauty of Red Square one more time! It's so close and besides, what else do we have to do?

I am ALMOST caught up! Later I'll post about this morning's trip to the Embassy... and our afternoon adventures! Paka!

Poised to Moscow

2011-05-05T13:07:00.007-04:00

The Russian word for train is "Poi-esed". Which when spelled phonetically kinda looks like I have spelled "poised" wrong.

And if you can't guess, yesterday, Wednesday, we said Paka and Das Vidanya to St. Petersburg and started our journey home, via Moscow. We took the 3:15 "speed train" to Moscow. For the 3 of us, tickets were cheap! It was a smooth, comfortable ride, which was MUCH less of the stress that comes with an airline trip!

We were seated in car #3, at one of the table seats. Which was appreciated having a baby for the whole time. I had asked Svetlana to buy us 3 seats... but nyet -- we got 2 seats and a lap ticket. Thankfully, the trip was only 4 hours. WHEW. And double thankfully, I used Delta points to buy his ticket for the long flight home (Amsterdam to Detroit).

Across the table from us (facing us) were two Russian men. The train left during prime nap time, so Alex's screaming, crying fit at the beginning scared one of them off. I think he went scurrying for the food car. Or the drink car. The other one, Oleg, spoke some English and helped, or tried at least to help us translate things. He told us when the lady was coming to see our tickets, he told us what cities we were passing and helped catch things as Alex through them or knocked them over. Of course, we gave Oleg, early on, our Canadian Alter Ego story, so we'd both like to apologize to Oleg for lying to him! Sorry, dude! Not that he'll ever find this and read it, but our minds can rest a little easier.

Across the aisle from us were two beautiful Russian women and their beautiful daughters, both named Alina. The little Alina's were ages 5 and 6 and very sweet with Alex. They tried to talk to him, play with him and even sang "La Duschki" (I am sure I butchered that spelling!) to him. Oleg informed us that when you are in Russia with two girls of the same name, you are supposed to stand between them and make a wish.

The highlight of the trip was once again entertaining ourselves while entertaining Rhonda. About every half hour we made her a new Flip Video video-conversation. She would have LOVED to come on this trip with us, and even to the last minute debated it, but it was not in the cards. So, we made her feel like she was there. And yes, we looked like idiots. Again. This time with an audience. We have nicknamed ourselves "The Crazy Americankas".

The lowlight of the trip was the BATHROOM. It was putrid. Burn your nose hairs bad. Think strong smelling chemicals and urine. A pool of it. Enough said, moving on...

We made it to Moscow, tired, hungry and a little smelly. We got situated in the hotel and went out to the market for some beverages and snacks. Thanks to Stephanie Ragguci for blazing the trail for me in Moscow -- we not only found the market quickly but we also found the potato restaurant and it was the PERFECT dinner. We got back just in time to get Alex to try to sleep. It was VERY late for him but he was WIDE awake. He fussed for a bit played in the crib and the literally fell asleep in one of his playing positions.

Whew! I am ALMOST caught up! Next post: Thursday Cinqo de Mayo in Moscow. Although we really didn't realize it was Cinqo until later! A little teaser... RED SQUARE!!

the train station, as seen from the car

on the train platform

ok, we're in the right spot!!

the train next to us... wonder we're they're bound for?

Alex and Mama

Alex showing off, he's famous for one shoe on and one shoe off,

so we call him "Diddle Diddle Dumplin" sometimes

Last Day in St Petersburg (I am in a little behind...)

2011-05-05T02:33:00.006-04:00

Technically, we are in Moscow now... if there can be a technically about where you are at. However, for the purposes of this blog posting, let's pretend it's our last day in St. Petersburg. Our last FULL day in St. Petersburg. Man, this pretending is hard, complicated stuff!

The plan for Tuesday was to have the morning free and at some point to pick up Alex's passport from the giant huge passport office that I wrote about previously. When we woke up, I emailed my coordinator (Svetlana) to get an approximate time. Sara and I really wanted to go see the Winter Palace (aka Hermitage) before we left. If you couldn't tell from the pictures from Monday, it's HUGE. Gi-normous, even. So while we didn't have all day, we thought we could at least see a good chunk.

So we waited for Svetlana to reply. And waited. We got bored. Really bored. Slap happy bored. The time change between St. Petersburg/Moscow and home is almost worse than Vladivostok. When we're waking up, you all are going to bed. Late afternoon is when you're waking up - so most of our "day" you're sleeping! Thankfully, Rhonda was working (night shift) so we were able to skype her. And that's where it got silly. Sara had bought a Harry Potter matroyshka and I had bought a Beatles one. The dolls talked (in a really poor English accent, I must say) and sang to Rhonda. I know it sounds ridiculous - and admittedly, it was. But it was hysterical.

Beatles...

Harry Potter...

Alex was getting hungry by this time, and still being picky about what he ate, so we broke out some baby food. Today's menu item was some form of canned meat puree. Gross. Gag. But mama really gets weird about making sure the kidlets get protein. I'll own that one. So canned meat it was. Alex took about 3 bites and NYET. His reaction, thankfully was caught on film. It's must see TV. Or at least blog.

Canned meat...

Alex's reaction to the meat

And the final reaction...

By noon we still had not heard back from Svetlana. So I broke down and called her phone. I hate bugging them, I know how busy they are. I had a big lesson in this last Thursday when we went to apply for his passport - Svetlana was literally on the phone ALL afternoon. When she answered she acted like she had no reason why I would be calling... and then proceeded to tell me that we'd get his passport on WEDNESDAY morning, before we left for the train. UGH. We've now wasted half the day. The prime part of the day for touring with a toddler (as in not nap time).

So our back up plan was St. Peter and Paul Fortress. I've posted pictures of this place in the past couple days. It's on it's own island near Vasilievsky Island - and is the original citadel of St. Petersburg. It's OLD -- built in 1703. Which is part of what I love about European cities -- the RICH history. Essentially, Peter the Great was afraid that the Swedes would attack -- so he had this fortress built to protect St. Petes.

Today it's the burial location of all the Russian Tsars from Peter I to Alexander III. It also includes a mass burial plot for the entire Romanov family and some of their staff that were killed in 1918. To say that it is very cool would be a tragic understatement. Tragic. There is an operational mint, a city museum and some old (I THINK not currently used) bastions aka prisons. We took some serious pictures! All in all, it was a great Plan B!

Until...

When we left the Fortress it was getting late (dinner time), after all we had gotten a late, post nap start. It was cooling down again so we decided we'd be lazy and take a taxi back to the hotel. We had taken one there to make sure we got inside before the Cathedral closed and it only cost 400 rubles (roughly $14). We stood by the taxi stand until Sara pointed out that maybe the guard in the guard shack needs to call us the taxi. We asked the guard and he called a cab. He conveyed in his broken English (a fabulous match to my broken Russian) that it would be 10 minutes. Around the 10 minute mark, a rickety old circa 1960's Fiat type car, held together with bondo showed up. The guard told us NYET - this wasn't our cab. Soon a Mercedes rolled up and the guard told us this was the one.

The Mercedes had curtains on the window and Sara noticed that she couldn't unlock the doors manually. We both started feeling very uneasy at this point. The driver started off - and in the wrong direction. I quickly said NYET. Perhaps he was trying to avoid traffic - but I don't think so. He took us for American SUCKERS and thought he'd make some money. He told us, in HIS broken English that he was "Business Class VIP" taxi, which make me look at the meter. The meter was moving VERY quickly. Already, about 2 blocks later, we were at 800 rubles. And of course, to make things even better - we were suddenly hit traffic. And weren't moving. At all. But the meter was...

Things took a strange turn from there - and the VIP driver started asking us broken English questions. He wanted to know where the "Papa" of Alex was. Our Canadian alter egos came out again and one of us was suddenly married to a "Michael" who was back at the hotel. Then he started eyeing Sara's ring and asking questions about the size of her diamond. CREEP-Y. In turn he had to start showing off his rings. ICK.

When we finally pulled into our hotel, the meter was at just under 2500 rubles. If you're doing the math - that's about $90. Seriously. We were FURIOUS. We were within 2 miles of where we started. We got taken by a Russian JERK! And, he wouldn't unlock the doors until we paid. Of course. So... word to the wise. If you are going to take a taxi in country, make arrangements for the driver to return (or different car) at a specific time!! Lesson learned.

Peter & Paul Fortress

Alex had a great time (in the beginning)

Sara got serious about some pictures (but the Russian's thought she was nuts)

The Romanov's Burial Room

On the top of all the Tsar's tombs

Peter the Great's tomb

Sights and Sounds of St. Petes!

2011-05-02T14:07:00.002-04:00

Apparently touring the city of St. Petersburg is not HIGH on Alex's list, currently. The 3 of us, Alex, Sara and myself, ventured out late this morning in hopes of seeing some of the sights and sounds of Alex's birth city. This city seriously overdoses on history, culture and gorgeous architecture, so why not appreciate some of it!

Compared to most of last week, today and yesterday were YUCK! Cold and windy. In light of this, Sara and I opted to take a cab to start at the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood. I have seen this Cathedral many times (those of you facebook friends know the next part...) and was even able to take a picture outside on the way home from the passport office last Thursday.

The cab ride was worth every 470 of the rubles we paid. The driver appeared to speak no english, but thankfully our friendly hotel concierge had told him where we were going and replied back to us what the set price was ahead of time. Check and check. We started off on our way. Perhaps I should first explain that in NO way will I claim to be an expert on the streets of St. Petersburg, however, after a couple turns, I had NO idea where he was taking us. I knew the route we had taken in the past, and prior to deciding on a cab, I had mapped out a walking route. This didn't look anything like it! I didn't panic. Ok, maybe a little. Remember just 2 hours ago we were watching live coverage of the fact that Bin Laden had been found and killed, and the US State Department has issued a "warning" for all American't traveling abroad. Before we left, Sara and I plotted our cover story - we were Brits! Tally Ho! Alas, we knew there was no way we could pull off the accent without much more practice. So we decided we were Canadians. Yeah - that's it. Canadian's from London, Ontario. We shant forget the Brits, totally, eh?

Finally, like a flash in the sky, I saw the beautiful tops of Spilled Blood. Relief. But then we turned - the OPPOSITE way. Breathe in. Breathe out. No big deal. We're just finding a BETTER route. Then again, tops! Spilled Blood! Relief. And then again - turning the OPPOSITE WAY. By this time, Sara and I are fully talking LOUDLY about hockey and which teams we support (Maple Leafs of course -- since we are Canadians that live near Toronto) and laughing hysterically. You know when someone you're with starts laughing and then suddenly that's even more funny than what you're actually laughing about. THAT'S what happened to us. I think the driver grew tired of our laughter and decided to finally let us out. If we'd have been in NYC, I would have thought we were being taken on long ride to drive up the fare -- but these Russian cabs don't seem to operate like that. Just before we got out Sara asked the driver - who again, we think doesn't speak english - a question. IN ENGLISH. And essentially he answered. I think we both wet our pants a little.

FINALLY we were at the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood. Modeled after St. Basil's in Moscow, this building in UNBELIEVABLE. To say the least. Complete with beautiful onion domes at the top (which scream RUSSIA to me) and the most detailed, delicate hand laid mosaic tile from floor to ceiling, it rivals anything I have ever seen. Everywhere you looked you wanted to take THAT picture.

We both paid an extra 100 rubles to get the "audio tour". We didn't exactly keep up with where we were supposed to be and when (too many crowds, and the aforementioned photo opps slowed us down) but I did actually learn a couple new things about the building. Did you know: the onion domes shape was created to help from not collapsing under the weight of snow? You did now!

I posted the back story of this Cathedral with my picture on facebook the other day, but since many of you are NOT on facebook, here goes. In March of 1881, Tsar ALEXANDER II (appropriate, no?) was riding his carriage near the canal. Someone threw a grenade and it exploded. He was wounded, but not killed. He got out of the carriage, and someone exploded a 2nd grenade, which mortally wounded him. He was taken to the Winter Palace (Hermitage) where he later died. This cathedral was built in his honor where he fell. Literally, the cobblestones he fell on (where his blood spilled... get it?) are still there and exposed, and look stark in comparison to the riches of the cathedral.

I could say it 100 times - it's unbelievable. A MUST see.

We decided to walk it home from Spilled Blood. This way we could see some sights and take advantage of the fact that Alex had fallen asleep in his stroller. (See first picture!) So we headed toward Nevskiy Prospect, one of the main drags of St. Pete's. The sights were amazing. From there it's a quick jaunt to the Winter Palace (aka The Hermitage) which is (of course) closed on Mondays. We knew that going in... so no big deal. We're hoping to go back tomorrow, time permitting (I have a passport to pick up for the kid!! Woot!), but if not, the outside itself is amazing!

We crossed over Palace Bridge back on to Vasilievsky Island and hauled toward the hotel. By this time Alex was up. He was COLD and MAD. And likely hungry too. He refused to ride in the stroller and would scream bloody murder until picked up, upon which he would instantly quiet down. In these moments, I like to compare him to Jeckyll and Hyde. He's a sweet, gorgeous loving snuggle bug one moment and the next a strong willed, screaming crying fit maker! Ahhh the joys of adjustment. I think I forgot about this part. It must be like child birth. My friends who have experienced that say you forget about the pain and suffering and then want to do it all over again. I think I forgot about the pain and suffering of adjustment!

We're settling in for the night - but lastly, a couple quick thank yous: to Gramma Darlin, who is holding down the fort with my greatly missed Tati, words can't even express how lucky I am to have a mom like you! To Grampa & Gramma (Dad & Sharon) - can't wait for you to meet the little man, thanks for picking us up!! To Rhonda & Sara: You two are both godsends. Thanks for getting me through these trips!! So blessed to have you as friends. To Jenni - my sister from another mother/aunt: Thanks for everything, especially helping Gramma Darlin! Rena/Gary: Thanks for making me laugh and thinking of me this weekend at the sale!! And to the rest of my friends - you rock! Thanks for all your support - it means the world to me.

Pouting on the walk...

And finally... SPILLED BLOOD!

Mosaic Tiles... teeny tiny ones! Everywhere...

The Winter Garden (aka The Hermitage)

It's hard to explain how massive it is, but below gives a good idea...

View from across the Island to St Peter and Paul Cathedral... the oldest building in St. Petes

Finally, a picture that sums up Alex's opinion of the day...

Dinnertime Blues

2011-05-01T13:08:00.002-04:00

So far, Alex is a champ at breakfast. We eat almost every morning downstairs here at the Courtyard in their restaurant. They have a great buffet. It's expensive - but it's a good breakfast. Then typically, *I* skip lunch and make do in the room. Alex has been having his lunch up here and eating pretty well. Dinner, however, is a different story although. Until tonight I've mostly been eating at the hotel as well. When Lynda, Lori & Todd were still here, we went out to the mexican restaurant up the street. Sara arrived today so we ventured out to Mama Roma's (or Mama Poma's as one of the signs says). Alex is not usually a happy man at dinner. If I offer him most foods, he'll turn his head and for added effect, cry. This always makes me squirm as I know I am way to over sensitive to what others are thinking/saying. The picture above is his sad dinner eyes. The funny thing is that I can get him to eat somethings if I feed him with my hands and NOT via fork/spoon.

In other daily news, as I mentioned above, Sara arrived today. YEAH! She's super tired from flying for essentially 24 hours so after dinner she crashed before Alex did! He was shy around her at first and now totally has her under his spell. He is SUCH a complete flirt - really knows how to work the ladies! We're hoping to venture out tomorrow morning if the weather holds out for us. It was much cooler today and rainy. Blech!

Here's some various pictures from last night and today...

Pouting from inside my crib... pre-nap

Turning on the charms...

More happy, smiley boy!!

Someone is getting tired...

Milk mustache... at dinner

And for the topper of the day... here's a little something you COULD order at Mama Roma's - pizza with bacon AND egg.

Uh huh. You're seeing it correctly.

We didn't order it, obviously. I said COULD... haha

Quick Post - Answers and Non Alex Updates!

2011-04-30T06:28:00.006-04:00

Poor Alex, already getting slighted and not making it into a blog posting? Well, scratch that -- he just did! While he's napping this afternoon, I am going to squeeze in a shower (my 7th floor neighbors in the Courtyard will thank me) and thought I'd post some quick responses to questions and non Alex pictures...

Cindy & Nikolay: Congrats on the impending #2!! Can you drop me your email? Mine is amysrepp@gmail.com

Michelle: I was PRAYING that his hair wouldn't be buzzed when I arrived! The coordinator in town here says she always asks the baby homes "please no hair cuts after trip #1". LOVE that! He does need a trim... but thankfully he wasn't buzzed!

Heather (& Chad!): Yes! I am back at the Vasilievsky Island Courtyard. I liked both of the Courtyards, but this one is so handy. I LOVE the breakfast -- just getting tired of the price!

Sarah: Alex is from Baby Home #6 -- which is here on Vasilievsky Island. Super close to the hotel. You could walk it! Can you send me your email as well?

Sally: Yes, we're taking the speed train to Moscow on Wednesday. I think we leave around 2pm or so. I am excited -- but have no idea what to expect in the train. Any other tips?

Jeanette: I totally agree with your assessment! I think he looks a LOT like Grace and also Cassie (Holly's little girl). They suspect his mom was from Kaz...

Ok -- I think I got to all the pressing questions. I seriously love hearing from all of you. It helps pass the time and have a heart beat to home!

From my hotel room I can see a three different churches. One is across the nearest bridge, off the island. It's the largest of the near by ones. So this morning, Alex and I set off to check it out. He still didn't love the stroller... oh look! He snuck into this post after all! But more on that later...

*** Update: EDITED*** This is Prince Vladimir's Cathedral - consecrated in 1789, making it one of the oldest churches in St. Petersburg. It's been a working, open Cathedral this entire time, closing only once for a year in 1926 for renovations. It's gorgeous by any standards, but pales in comparison to a lot of the super ornate, grand Cathedrals around town. Seriously, they are a dime a dozen around here - it's awe inspiring to see them all!

Around the outside of the gates to the Cathedral, there were what we'd probably call "Homeless" people sitting. They weren't begging, at least they didn't ask me for anything. However, in my brown and pink Crocs, I surely screamed "AMERICAN".

Conversely, I think I have had too much exposure to Russia. On our way back to the hotel, a guy paused in front of us only to literally blow his nose/snot rocket (think finger to one nostril and blow like heck) against the side of the building. I literally yelled at him. I believe it was a combination of English and Russian... along the lines of "DUDE!? That's disgusting! Nil Za!" Which translates roughly to "Dude!? That's disgusting - don't do that!". Holy crap - I am turning into a crazy babooshka who yells at people on the street! Thankfully my friend Sara will be here to rescue me tomorrow. None to soon, it sounds like!

Lastly, tomorrow is "May Day" here in Russia. In the former USSR, it was a holiday in close relation to our Labor Day. After the creation of the Russian Federation, it was technically dropped, but it's still widely celebrated. May 9th is "Victory Day" - a post WWII holiday. Some people feel the reason "May Day" continues is for some Russians to take a holiday encompassing both. While I am not volunteering to stay longer, I would have loved to seen some of the Victory Day celebrations.

These "signs"/banners are hanging above many of the major streets,

celebrating May Day/Victory Day

Hotel Day 2 - Not Bad!

2011-04-29T12:58:00.003-04:00

Alex slept well last night. He woke up twice and cried out - in a scared, where am I type of cry, but quickly went back to sleep. Mama, on the other hand, had a SUPER hard time going back to sleep after cry #1 (circa 3am), and had just about fallen asleep when cry #2 happened (circa 4:30ish). Alas, the little man made up for it by sleeping until 8:45am! Thank you!!

We woke up on the Wedding side of the pond, to total domination on TV of the Royal Wedding. Basically, 2 of the 4 english speaking channels were on non-stop coverage. Thankfully, I was totally caught up in it - so I was in bliss!

Happy Boy!

After a quick jaunt down to breakfast, in which Alex ate MUCH better (buckwheat type oatmeal; cheese, yogurt and bread) we ran to the small local grocery store to get some chunky baby food. It worked in Vlad with Tati - so I thought it might help the man. According to his baby home, he was a great eater -- and he has the tummy to prove it. So I think it's a matter or things being all new -- including some food tastes.

What's this stroller thing all about?

He had a little of the stew type baby food for lunch - including carrots - OH NO! Something orange! Egads! (According to his doctor he is allergic to "all things orange" - uh huh. riiiight.) And while he didn't love the chunks of chicken, he ate some of it. He gobbled down the apple baby food, which was essentially super smooth applesauce - of course he liked that one, I only bought 1 bottle!!

He was happy 90% of the day. He cried a little in the stroller on the way to the store and then again in the store. He typically pipes down quite quickly. Thankfully. Crying babies make me sad! We did another bath tonight -- in the vain of trying to get him used to it. NO LUCK. It was worse. And now, to make matters worse, he cries anytime he gets near the bathroom! Hopefully, his sister can help him get accustomed to baths when we get home. Again, they told me at the baby home that he LOVES his baths. Riiiight. After that he was just tired, grumpy and mad at mama for making him take his bath.

Grumpy at mama...

We went for a walk around the floor of our hotel - it's like a triangle, so you can do a complete loop. We came back and I tried to lay him down in his crib, but he would have nothing to do with that. He WANTED to be snuggled. He's a total snuggle monster!! So after laying on mama's chest for 30 minutes, he's still awake, but laying peacefully in his crib. Strike that -- after a quick peek -- he's zonked. Night all!!

Sleepy Baby....

Alex is a Free Man!!

2011-04-28T13:26:00.003-04:00

As of 6pm this evening (whatever time zone I am in), Alexander Thomas is a free man! I have to give his baby home some serious props, though - he's such a happy, healthy little guy!

We left the hotel this afternoon at 1:30pm. After a stop at a wanna-be Wal*Mart type Russian store, we made a quick visit to the baby home. We delivered two cakes, some baby treats, some coffee, tea, two kinds of cheeses, what looked like salami and some assorted chocolates. We were supposed to have two appointments today, but the social worker volunteered to do one for us. WHAT? I know, right? How nice is that? So we were off through the horrific traffic to the immigration/get a passport office.

Ok. Not what I expected. The office in Vlad was under construction when I got Tatiana's passport, so I'll admit I am not 100% sure what it looks like for "real" - however, this place was off the hook. BIG. Modern and the lines would rival any Secretary of the State/DMV. Fortunately, Svetlana (my coordinator) is in the know. She's got a contact -- so while we were there for about 30 minutes, it was nothing compared to the 3+ hours most people would wait.

Finally it was back to the baby home. Thankfully, Svetlana is also a smart cookie when it comes to traffic. She's got some super sweet app on her phone that updates traffic in St. Pete's. We weren't THAT far from my hotel (which is close to his baby home), but with all the canals and other waterways, the streets aren't exactly straight. And traffic is, to say the least, a nightmare. However, due to Svetlana's super cool app, we made great time and were able to get back to the baby home in time to spring Alex today. Good thing, I would have been one sad mama!!

There were some tears at the Baby Home. Mind you, this is the FIRST time I have heard the boy cry! He's got a good set of lungs when he wants to use them! We took some token pictures and then I took him from his caretaker. He stopped crying! Mama was so happy! His caretaker even said "oh, she is his mama for sure!" - which I'll admit, made mama very proud.

The car ride was quick - maybe a total of 5 minutes. He was SUPER curious, looking at everything, but not crying. We got to hotel and in our room. He wasn't sure what to think at first, but in usual Alex style, warmed up and calmed down quickly. He snacked on some Gerber Puffs and I realized it was time for dinner.

While the Gerber Puffs and Souscka (I'll have to take a picture of these to fully explain - but imagine a small, round O that is like a pretzel consistency bagel type thing) went down well, Alex would have NO part in most of his dinner. Bread - yes. Milk - yes. Tiny bites of chicken or mashed potatoes? NYET. Ok, so mama ordered a creamy vegetable soup for his "second meal". NYET. We'll figure it out! He does well with a sippy cup, which is great news.

We came back up to the room with a little guy rubbing his eyes. I knew it was close to bed time, but I wanted to get his orphanage smell off him, so I thought tonight was a good bath night. They told me 2 weeks ago on trip #2 that he LOVED his bath. Yeah, well, not so much here tonight. There were some more tears, but we got the deed done. After bath time, there was 1 happy toddler running around this room. He seems to have settled in, and is content for the time being. I am not naive enough to think we won't have more tears or fears!

When bed time came, Alex did NOT want to stop having fun. He cried when I put him in the crib, so we layed in my bed for a bit. His eyes were saying "I am tired", but I am sure his mind was saying -- NOT YET! I tried the crib again, and big tears came back. I rubbed his back and said shhhh quietly and seriously, bam - in went the thumb and he settled down. 10 minutes later while I am typing - he's zonked. Leaving everything you've ever known sure can take a lot out of you! And if you haven't figured it out yet, or I wasn't clear before -- mama is in love!

Look at my chubby little healthy guy! BEST tummy ever!!

Not thrilled with the bath tub... not thrilled at all!

Maybe this isn't so bad...

Getting ready to leave the baby home. Poor Alex!

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

2011-04-27T05:11:00.006-04:00

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!

Still On the Clock

2011-04-21T22:43:00.003-04:00

Today is officially day 7 of my 12 day wait. 12 days because St. Petersburg apparently doesn't count Sundays. The schedule actually works well, because I'll get to spend Easter with Gramma Darlin and Miss Tatiana. While I'd love to get to spend Easter with Soup too, he probably doesn't KNOW it's Easter -- and Tatiana does.

We've kept busy this week - which is great to help the passing time! There was a pool association meeting last Sunday, Kindergarten/Young 5's Round Up for next year on Monday AND my annual female appointment. Such fun in 1 week! It shouldn't be allowed...

Last night T and I decorated eggs with Gramma Darlin. We had regular dye, swirl dye and dab dye. I don't know if it was because she was 1 year older, or if she remembered dying eggs from last year but this year was a BLAST with the resident artist, madam T.

I wrapped up things at work today before my break -- and this weekend I can wrap things up around the house. (Can you say LAUNDRY?) I am back to my jet setting life style on Monday. Looking forward to my LAST trip in this journey!

Parting Is Just Sorrow -- It's Not So Sweet

2011-04-14T14:21:00.002-04:00

Since I have updated everyone after court, I got to go back to Baby Home #6 and visit with Soup one last time before I take off for home again tomorrow morning. It's bittersweet. I can't wait to get home and hug my fabulous girl, who is now a big sister; but yet I hate leaving him behind!

Unfortunately, we did NOT get to play in the medium sized play room off in the maze of rooms his groupa has. I wish we did - but alas, it was back to the nasty old closet sized room with nothing to do. We played silliness and entertained ourselves but, I am not sorry to say goodbye to visits in that room!

I did get a chance to get some pictures of each of the rooms in his groupa -- or at least many of them. Including the room where they sleep. And, I got to pick his caretakers brain on what he likes, doesn't like, etc. They tell me he's got a sweet tooth! Maybe that's where his chubby tummy comes from. Perfect baby tummy!

Before we left for the closet room, it was snack time, so he got to have a snack while hanging with the mama. Like yesterday, he started closing his eyes in a very purposeful manner. I asked my translator to ask the caretaker what this was supposed to mean. The caretaker laughed and said, "oh, he is showing off for his mama". According to her, ever since my first visit back in February, he has been little Mr. Bossy Pants. Mr. Special because I have a mama. This CRACKS ME UP. They told me the SAME thing in Vladivostok during Tatiana's adoption. There it was phrased as "maybe you don't come everyday, when child figures out they are important to someone, they become bossy at baby home". I find it hysterical that even at 18 months, this is the case as well! Doesn't matter, Soup has his mama wrapped around his little finger!

Off to bed, long day of flying ahead of me tomorrow. Paka!

It's a Boy!

2011-04-14T06:01:00.002-04:00

At approximately 4:50am this morning, Eastern Standard Time, April 14th, 2011, I was pronounced the new mama to the sweetest little Russian boy. Soupy's got a mama! Just think, 10 more days and I won't have to tease you with "Baby Soup" anymore. Speaking of that... I have been threatened by my relatives that I will NOT call him Soup. I can't promise that it won't sneak out now and then - in nickname fashion ONLY, but typically, he is referred to by his new name... which shall be released on our about April 26th-ish.

I woke up this morning ready for court. I wish I could say I was bright eyed and bushytailed, alas, that was not to be. I could have slept for a couple more hours. But exciting times lay ahead. I had my traditional Courtyard breakfast (the place was HOPPING this morning!) and came back up to get ready for the day.

Thankfully, Rhonda (aka travel queen extraordinaire) was home working the late shift and was able to entertain me via skype so that my mind didn't wander. And then suddenly, it was time to go. My driver arrived and I was surprised to see the Doctor from the Soup's baby home in the car along with the Social Worker. I don't know why this surprised me -- it was essentially the same in Vlad - we drove the Social Worker to Court (but no doctor), but it did.

We arrived at the very non descript building and in we went. I expected more people, but the place was quiet. There was another family in the court room ahead of us, and a younger girl waiting outside, not so patiently. I was soon informed that she was waiting to be adopted - by the family inside. She danced around in the hallway and often pressed her ear to the door. She looked concerned at one time and the person accompanying her brushed it off. Finally, close to 12pm, the family came out and announced "Das Aftra" - which means, the Judge told them to come back tomorrow. HEART ATTACK. Being the only non-Russian speaker, I didn't get the details. I think they were a Russian family - and the girl was 14 but looked 9. I was piecing together what they said and was quietly asking my coordinator "were they just told to come back tomorrow?" - my heart sank when she confirmed this. I said, "Oh my... I am suddenly MUCH more nervous", to which Anya snorted and said "Why? You have different agency, different coordinator - YOU will be fine". Oddly enough, that semi-reassured me.

The court proceeding was very straight forward. Because it was a "closed" procedure, I am not really at liberty to spell out all the juicy details. I had NO surprises thrown my way and everyone was VERY kind and VERY supportive. The Judge was near my age - possibly a little older (translation - YOUNG! haha) and blond. My speech went well and the questions were all expected - except one... the Judge totally called out the two cats pictured in my homestudy pictures (wandering around the living room in my house photos) and asked what I would do if Soup was allergic. Good eyes, Judge! Color me impressed!

So now, we wait. Again. Hurry up and wait is the theme in adoption. Officially, my 10 day clock has started. Tick tock, Soupy! I get to visit him again this afternoon (camera batteries CHARGED this time) and then tomorrow morning while you are all fast asleep I'll start making my way back home. Das Zaftra! And this time, for me, at least - that's a GOOD statement. (All jokes aside -- prayers to the family before me)

So Happy Together...

2011-04-13T13:37:00.002-04:00

I started to title this blog "Reunited... and it feels so good", and it started to sound familiar to me. More familiar than me being apparently a rampant Peaches and Herb fan, because I used it the day that T and I were back together again!! So... I had to get creative. So now if you're singing "The Turtles" 1967 song all day, it's all my fault. And I'll totally admit, it's now stuck in my head!

After sleeping like a complete log last night, I awoke to the coolest wake up call I've experienced to date. The hotel has their TV system tied into the phone, so my TV turned on with a non-jarring alarm and a screen that very politely told me to wake up. Very cool. Yes, I am easily amused and entertained. After inhaling a great breakfast ( I was STARVING), it was time to get ready to see the Soup! Masha arrived to pick me up and there was a surprise waiting for me in the driver's vehicle... another couple going to the same baby home.

PEOPLE! Real People! Who speak english! And are having the same emotions are me!

I warned you -- I am easily entertained. So Shelly and Wayne are from Western NY and here on their first trip, but 2nd adoption. We instantly hit it off as our eldest children should be married off soon via arranged marriage. We swear they are the same child! My deepest apoligies to Rachel, Kristine and Angela - who's sons I have also promised Tatiana's hand to.

We arrived at the baby home in no time. I could literally walk, if I knew the way. Minor details. The 2nd big surprise of the morning was that I got to go inside his groupa room! Last time I stuck my toe inside - and took a picture. The room was nice - a kitchen area and table/chairs for eating. Man - that was just the TIP of the iceberg. Soupy is living in a mansion! All I saw was room #1. There are at least 4 others. JUST FOR HIS GROUP. Half way into his kitchen room, there is a glass door to a large playroom. And there he was. I instantly spied him. He locked eyes with me and as much as I'd love to say that instantly he remembered me as his MAMA, I am sure it's more like "hey, she looks pretty familiar, I think I know that chick!". Either way, he is a doll.

We wandered through the kitchen room, in through a bathroom, with a raised child sized bath tub (I so need one of those!) into a room of closet type cubbies - one for each of the kidlets, with their name on it. Off that room there was 3 rooms -- two which I did not see, but I suspect one was maybe an office (I could hear someone talking) and one must have been the groupa bedroom. The third was a medium sized playroom with a desk in one corner. Nice, quality toys were placed throughout the room. There was a door here into the larger playroom that I could see him in via the kitchen room (imagine a big U shaped series of rooms). The door opened and in came little Soup. He played shy again for about the first 5 minutes. No tears. Just shyness. We played a little bit and then he turned it on. We were sitting down and he kept closing his eyes like he was tired. So I scooped him up to hold him and he put his little head on my shoulder and snuggled. We sat and I rocked him a little and he was perfectly content like that for probably 15 + minutes. At one point he got down and went over to see Masha, and then came right back to mama and essentially asked to be picked up again. I see a mama's boy in my future! What a great little snuggler he is.

Masha took off for a couple minutes - and not too long after that, he turned into wild, crazy fun boy. He was banging toys and loudly shouting his baby words (da da ba ba) and throwing a ball back and forth with me. So apparently he does everything in BIG fashion - he loves big and plays big!

The only down side of today was that stupid mama forgot to check her camera batteries this morning before I left. Something seems to have killed the batteries in my camera AND my optical mouse. Thankfully, the camera batteries are re-chargable and I have the recharger... but had no camera today. I did take some video, but... I can't post that here. Sorry! No teaser pictures AND no picture of the groupa mansion!

Tomorrow is court. I have been told noon and I have been told 11am. So that's either 3am or 4am eastern time tonight when you sleep. Say a couple prayers for us before bed! When you wake up -- I hope I have fabulous news for you!

Smooth Sailing to St. Pete's

2011-04-12T13:18:00.002-04:00

Deja Vu! I am back in St. Pete's! Much less snow and no visible ice sheets to walk on (thank goodness!) but the rest is about the same.

I left Monday pm from Detroit into Paris on Air France. I somehow pulled the "Coach Plus" seating -- which sounds good in theory (and looks good too). This is the new thing for airlines -- the rows at the start of coach are now premium, and on larger planes are their own section. You get a little pod - and they say 40% more room. I am doubting the 40% - sure, a little more room, yes, but 40% is questionable. You also get a footrest. A useless foot rest - because YOUR SEAT DOES NOT RECLINE. What the? (that's for you, Sara) And the foot rest doesn't even go up all that high or feel all that strong and secure.

I did score a FABULOUS seat mate. His name is Andrew and is a personal trainer from the Ann Arbor area. Possibly the best seat mate you could want on an airplane - personable, friendly, funny but also knows when to be quiet. Seriously, what more could a talker like me want? We dined on some interesting looking chicken, and had our share of Champagne. But the sleeping was in fits and spurts due to the lack of comfort level. Oh. And this Air France flight made Korean Air flights feel COOL. You heard me right, Vlad mommies and daddies. It was a roasting oven on there most of the time. My feet threatened to turn into ham hocks on me at one point, until I rescued them from the socks they were trapped in. Yes. I took my socks off on a flight. Sue me!

The first small hiccup was in Paris. Air France couldn't give me a boarding pass in Detroit for Rossiyana Airlines -- my connection in Paris. So I had to go on a slight scavenger hunt to track down my boarding pass. CDG Airport in Paris is huge -- I can totally see how someone lived there for a while. After some slight language barriers, I finally had my boarding pass in hand and went upstairs to find my plane. And we were off again.

Rossiyana is a different story. Very clean planes - and very nice staff. However, the best way to describe it is sardines. If you ever want to know what a sardine feels like in one of those cans -- fly Rossiyana. I have short legs and my legs are STILL touching the seat ahead of me. Yipes. For our meal, I was offered "lamb" (I think) or "PIG". Yes pig. Poor flight attendant couldn't think of the word pork. And who am I to blame her -- I can't say that I know the Russian word for either to be honest.

Arrival in St. Pete's was on time and smooth. I love how the Russian's clap when they land safe. It makes me smile EVERY time. I know it's cheesey. But I love it. I, of course, choose the slowest passport control line in the airport. (Perhaps the world) Second small hiccup was there was no staff waiting for me with my friendly name sign. Slight panic did set in, I'll admit. However, I have read many times that you need to be patient and some times traffic snarls can cause issues, etc. So I took a couple deep breaths and went outside. I debated a taxi. However, thoughts of being murdered for my lovely stash of cash that I was carrying (adoptive parents totally understand what I am talking about) kept creeping in my head. I literally had just gotten a rate from a taxi driver and was in the process of saying about 5 Hail Mary's in my head -- when I saw the sign. WHEW! Relief!!

Now, I am tucked safely into the Taj Mahal. I mean the Courtyard on Vasilievsky Island. This is the OTHER Courtyard in St. Pete's. Having now stayed at both, I will tell you -- you can't go wrong at EITHER. Both have fabulous staff who speak english. Both have 24/7 currency exchange. Both are gorgeous. However, this one seems to be cheaper -- and it may be because it's not quite tourist season yet. I was upgraded to a King Studio Suite (thank you platinum status!!) and my room is HUGE and wonderful. I even have a towel warmer! I think I could get used to that...

Tomorrow I am off to see Baby Soup again. I can't wait. Thursday is court. Say some prayers for little Soupy and I. We'd appreciate it. And, while you're at it... please throw a couple toward my Great Aunt Greta back at home who apparently suffered a stroke on Saturday night. She is the wife of my Grandfather's brother, who just passed away last spring. Love to you Aunt G!

All Quiet on the Pre Court Front

2011-04-10T21:16:00.003-04:00

I feel like I should have something to say... but I am not sure I do. Ha! There's one for the record books.

Court is this week -- it will be a quick trip in and out, with hopefully no surprises. I am cautiously optimistic. I am trying to think positive! I am trying NOT to freak out and trying NOT to worry about anything. I am trying not to worry about any threatened work stoppages in the government that would close places like Embassy's. I am trying not to think about the Dateline special that was on tonight featuring the story of a Russian adoptee from Moscow. (I

snuck a few peeks at it, but I think it would be best if I watched LATER) I am trying NOT to think about the fact that my friend Tamara warned me that CDG Airport always looses luggage.

Am I ready? You bet! My court speech is written, has been for some time, and has been studied. I'll study more on the plane and in the hotel. I have been prepped - and thankfully, I have been through it once before, so it's not nearly as daunting feeling as it was two years ago.

Loose ends are almost 100% tied up at work. I am missing a big work week in Chicago this week with my team. Each one of the 3 trips I'll be making this time coordinates with a big work meeting or event. I swear I didn't plan it that way! I'll miss hanging out with my counterparts, but really am not too sad to have to miss the rest of it!

Mister Soup's room is almost done! Dressers arrive this week, and clothes are now neatly stowed in drawers instead of stacked in a tub and a box. Just waiting on some art for the walls... and that will be done soon enough. I can't wait to see his little face again this week. While it will be hard to turn around and leave again, this time it will be great to know that I'll be back

SUPER fast!

Lastly, congrats to the Overstreet's, a super cool family of now 6, that I had the benefit of "getting to know" during my first adoption. Their son, Blake, is from the same baby home in Artem (Vladivostok) that Tatiana lived in. They came home with Blake about a month after T and I came home. Oddly enough, we both started adoption #2 around the same time and our timings have been close this whole time. They returned to Vladivostok last month for court for their son and just finished the infamous 10 day wait. Congrats Overstreet Family of 6!!

All the Lonely People

2011-03-31T20:41:00.002-04:00

A confession: I love music; a lot. Second confession: Apparently, I have passed this love on to my daughter. We have an iPod docking station in the kitchen (seriously, one of the best inventions ever... the iPod, not the docking station - although, very handy together!) and when we are eating, we often are listening to some tunes. In fact, if I neglect this step, I am promptly asked, "mama, can I have some songs, please?". She even has her own playlist on my iPod.

Our musical choices are varied. We range from Gummibear to Justin Bieber (she loves "Baby", what can I say?) to the Beatles. A few months ago, during one of my frequent Beatles moods, I got Tatiana hooked on the music from the Cirque de Soleil show "LOVE". She's a big "I am the Walrus" fan, can you blame her?

One of my favorite songs, "Eleanor Rigby" comes on before the Walrus -- so we sing about Eleanor a lot. If you're familiar with the song (and if you aren't, we need to talk) you know the line, "... all the lonely people, where do they all come from?". Tatiana looked at me tonight during this part of the song, and says, "who are the lonely people, mama?". So we started talking about why someone could be lonely, if they were missing someone, if they were alone, or if they were sad among other reasons. Then I told her that before she came home, I was lonely and missing her.

Then my beautiful and smart girl says to me... "we're not lonely anymore, mama, because now we're together". Cue the tears. Happy-sad tears. She's right. Before her, I was lonely. And she was all alone. Now, thankfully we're together. And soon we'll be 3.

Yes Virginia! We’ve Got a Court Date!

2011-03-29T15:47:00.001-04:00

Ok, so that title may have been a bit of a stretch, however… it feels like Christmas in March! For those of you I am not connected to on Facebook, this news is a day old. Regardless… WE’VE GOT A COURT DATE! (And by we, I really mean me…)

I am super excited. I’d likely be more excited, but this crud I’ve caught (oh yeah, I am sick!) is really being a pain! I guess better now than in two weeks… since that’s when I’ll be leaving! Yup! It’s fast.

Here’s the itinerary so far…

4/11 – Leave DTW

4/12 – Arrive St. Petersburg (via Paris)

4/13 – Visit with Baby Soup

4/14 – COURT

4/15 – Home!

I’ll go BACK again (yes, one last time) 10 days later to pick him up! Then, this hand will be home for good!

(And I’ll be able to show you the rest of him! WOOT!)

“Half-sies”

2011-03-24T16:34:00.001-04:00

Yesterday, in a baby home in a cold city in Russia, this little man turned 18 months! He probably had no big celebration. No kisses and hugs from a special mama. There was probably no cupcake purchased at the store to mark his 1/2 birthday. No tummy tickles or zerberts to mark the passing of time.

Does this make me sad? Nope. I can’t let it. To him, it was another day. And there will be plenty of birthdays/occasions to be shared when he gets home. Does it make me anxious? You bet!

So today marks 4 weeks from leaving him. I have been BUSY. The office has moved; the crib is up; dressers have been purchased (waiting on delivery); Artist Tina is hard at work on some art work; clothes have been bought… but still, I am anxious to get back. His wait will (HOPEFULLY) be nothing like Tatiana’s wait… but, still, I. AM. ANXIOUS.

The estimate was 6 weeks; 4 on the low side 8 on the high side. My paperwork has been in for weeks. Let’s get this show on the road!! Either way, 1/2’s are good – and if it’s the high side, then I am 1/2 way there! Too bad I can’t play a “1/2” in the lotto, I am sensing a theme!

Time Keeps on Ticking… (Ticking, Ticking) Into the Future

2011-03-22T11:51:00.001-04:00

Two years?! On Sunday, we celebrated our “Tatiana Day”. Two years ago, on Friday, March 20th, Tatiana walked out of the Artem baby home for good! She may have technically been carried, but you get the picture.

I think back to what she was like. In ways, it’s hard for ME to see her change. I see her everyday. But looking back at pictures, it’s AMAZING.

Two years ago she was a scared, small, pale girl with a bad haircut who wasn’t talking much. Even then, though, she picked up on things quickly. Within a day she was saying “bye bye” and “night night”. She was a fast learner then and now.

I didn’t pack a “dress” outfit to take her out of the baby home with. I had two dresses with me, one was her denim jumper with red/white and blue stars on it to celebrate becoming a US citizen and one was a blue sailor dress that my friend Yvonne gave to me the morning I left. I *thought* she would have grown a bit between trip 1 when I left her (end of October) and my return for court (early March). Nope. So, the size 2 that Yvonne kindly gave me was way to big. Oddly enough, the mom across the hall asks me a couple days before I am getting ready to spring Miss T from the baby home if I wanted a beautiful dress she bought for her daughter but didn’t fit. I wanted to say no. It was a gorgeous dress – that obviously was VERY expensive. But as most adoptive families are, she was so kind and giving – and insisted… so I took the dress for Tatiana to wear home from the baby home. It was perfect. It was a size 18 month and a little big but it worked.

And a trend was started.

Last year we put on the same dress to see the difference. This year, we did the same. It’s a bit “mini” dress now, but miss skinny waist can still wear it well. (Dresses are a lot easier in that regard than pants!) I have debated having it “altered” in the future, to wear one year as a skirt… but not sure I want it to be torn up.

Other than the dress, she’s changed in so many ways. The quiet, scared girl is now a confident, VERY talkative motor mouth. She’s still as smart as a whip and catches on to things very quickly. And… she’s got great hair!

She does have some lingering “baby home” issues… she’s easily startled by loud noises (ask her about the loud car she heard at Gramma’s house; or a siren parade) and still can get over whelmed in a group setting. Thankfully, with her late birthday, we have an extra year of preschool (Young 5’s next year) before Kindergarten.

This year’s Tatiana Day, also brought the completion of my office move to the basement to make way for Baby Soup’s bedroom. While it would have been nice to celebrate all day long, we did lot of celebrating on Saturday too! The good news is the office is moved (man! my basement is COLD!!) and the room is progressing nicely. Now… bring on the court date!!

Can It Really Be Two Years Ago?

2011-03-10T20:58:00.002-05:00

Two years ago yesterday, the picture above was taken. The next morning in a small Vladivostok court room, a judge named me the mother of one little spitfire of a girl. The last two years have been AMAZING. Sure, we've had some bad days along with the good but she is hands down the best thing that ever happened to this mama!!

The picture was taken and used for her passport picture. I look back and she has changed SO much. And not just in looks. The quiet scared girl from the duck room in the Artem baby home is now a talkative, smart, silly 4 ("and a third") year old sweetheart. Give her two minutes and she'll have you wrapped around her finger.

Now, two years later, we wait for a court date for T's little brother. Hopefully another 4 weeks or so... keep us in your thoughts.

Home on the Range…

2011-02-26T20:58:00.001-05:00

It’s good to be home again! Rhonda and I touched down in Detroit on Thursday late afternoon. Since you can’t turn on cell phones until AFTER completely clearing customs, I couldn’t call my mom to tell her we had landed and I had no idea what her arrival time was. As Rhonda and I exited the “secure” area of customs into the greeting/arrival area, I heard my mom telling Tatiana “over here, Tatiana, here’s the bathroom”. And then she saw me – and I got the BIGGEST hug! Man, did I miss that girl! Perfect timing!

I can’t tell you how many times I have been asked “don’t you wish you could have brought him home on this trip?” in the last couple days. Well, not to be rude, but DUH! Of course I wish that! However, I can honestly say, when you know going in what the program is, it’s easier to accept going home and waiting. Waiting is NEVER easy, but it seems to be more understandable when that is the plan from the get go.

So now we wait.

Thankfully, the wait this time around SHOULD not be nearly as long and painful as two years ago. (I am knocking on every piece of wood in my eye sight right now!!) The average turn around time for court is 6 weeks in St. Petersburg. Compared to Vladivostok, where the average is 3 months (with some families waiting as long as 6 months or more!) – this will be a walk in the park. Plus this time I have nothing done. And I have a Tatiana to help keep me busy and preoccupied.

Speaking of Tatiana, she’s SUPER excited to be a big sister. She saw pictures of Baby Soup and proclaimed her love already. She’s been picking out movies for him to watch. I realize that approximately two days after his arrival she’ll be ready for him to leave again, but for now we’ll settle for excited!

I made good progress on the pre-move office clean up today. I don’t think my office has been this clean since I moved here. I may try to talk Gramma Darlin into heading down to Art Van (furniture store, for those of you non-Michiganders) tomorrow to check out some dresser options. Even though I feel like I have lots of time – 6 weeks will fly by before I know it.

Another teaser for the day – sorry that’s all you get for now!

Last Night in St. Pete's (for now)

2011-02-23T11:43:00.002-05:00

It's Defender of the Fatherland Day in Russia - a holiday. It marks the day in 1918 during the Russian Civial War, when the Red Army had it's first major draft. I seriously would like to read a really good book on Russian history. (Next stop: Amazon) Even though it was "Defender's Day", we still got to visit. Yea!

Another fabulous day with the Soup Master. He's seriously such a good, calm boy. One of the calmest babies I have ever seen. (Everyone, quick, drop what you're doing and please knock on wood for me - that was a serious jinx move I just pulled) I think he's cutting some teeth - from evidence of the teeth just poking through in his mouth in the back and sides, and the runny nose occasionally. Today he seemed a little sleepy. But instead of showing the sleepy side in cranky, whiny baby-hood, he was really cuddley and lovey. He rested his head on my shoulder and sucked his thumb. And... to be EVEN MORE CUTE, when he sucks his thumb, he rubs his nose with his fingers. So beyond precious.

They have had him the same outfit all 3 days, I know - totally shocking, right? It's a 6 to 9 months, but it's a little small. I suspect he's in 9 months or 12 months. So that's my shopping plan. The challenge may be a winter coat. Even though there is still snow on the ground at home, most of the stores have moved into bathing suits already. Even the clearance is well picked over. But... I love a challenge!

We said good-bye for now and while it was bittersweet, I really wasn't sad. It's time to get busy at home. I am NOT ready for him. I have MUCH to do. This time around, the bedroom was put on hold. During Tatiana's adoption, EVERYTHING was done before she came home. And I mean everything. Some of my friends will witness this as they received BOXES of boy clothes (hand me overs -- not downs, really). With nothing to do between trips #1 and #2, I was restless (translation = CRAZY). It was hard staring into that empty room. It needed a little one. This time around, I have made minor preparations. However, it seemed like everything I did jinxed the road to "Soup". When I received referral #1, I bought a car seat during a super sale. Rhonda now refers to it as the "Cursed Car Seat". Well, now we can call it the "Formerly Cursed Car Seat", cause it's here to stay! The office needs to move to the basement (ooooohhhh Jenni.... I have a project for you!) and the office needs to turn into a bedroom (here's where you come in Tina... I need a couple more custom canvases. Think blocks.). And SHOPPING. Yes, we'll be busy. 4 to 6 weeks will FLY by.

After we left baby home #6 today we convinced Nadia to take us shopping. She took us to a Department Store that also has Russian souveniers on the main floor. We scored some great finds but alas, no updated Russian dresses (sorry Tamara, next time!). When we got home we wandered out again on the icy streets to a local store and restaurant. Exciting last night, haha!

Tomorrow we head home and we'll arrive before most of you are home from work! Paka from Russia.

Morning Musings from St Petersburg

2011-02-23T03:03:00.002-05:00

It's Wednesday morning in St Pete's. We are heading out in 30 minutes to go to baby home #6 and see the Soup Monster for the last time. Before we leave, here's some general thoughts from the city.

Isn't She Lovely? St. Pete's is beautiful! I haven't had much time to go out and see the sights that I wanted to. But the architecture is amazing. I saw lots of beautiful cathedrals in Vladivostok, but here they are on every street corner! Rhonda was able to do a private tour (@ $50/hr!) yesterday and I am drooling at some of her pictures. Amazing. The history here is so rich.

Ice Ice Baby! Vanilla Ice has nothing on this town. Not only is it cold, but since it's Russia and their snow removal outside is sketchy at best. The streets are clean but the sidewalks are another story. Those of you who live in the north can attest to what happens when you don't shovel and then walk on it. Snow gets beaten down. And turns to ice. Nasty, fall on your butt ice. The ice here is 3 inches thick on the sidewalk. Or thicker. I can tell from the few cut away spots. Walking on it is taking your life into your own hands. Rhonda and I have wandered out a couple times and even when we are out with the in country team, every time there is a near miss.

More musings later. I think jet lag still has a hold of my brain. I seem to have 100 ideas, but putting them on paper (or computer screen) is another topic. Ahhh... story of my life! Finally, excuse any typos or mis-spellings. The spell check here thinks we're in Russia (oh right, we are!) so EVERY word is a mis-spelled word.

Paka!

Look Ma!! No TB!

2011-02-22T07:57:00.003-05:00

Baby Home #6

Happy Tuesday from St. Petersburg, Russia. It's almost 4pm and I have returned from a busy day. Here's a quick run down on the daily events, because you know that you want to hear all the nitty gritty!

Today was the BIG day - Medical Test Day. I have silently, sub-consciously stressed about this day for the past 9 months, since starting adoption #2. Most regions are requiring this lovely step now, so I knew I probably wouldn't be able to dodge it. I didn't WANT to stress about it, and I told myself it was no big deal. But let's face it. Seeing 8 doctors that don't speak your language - not on your list of top things to do. If it is, we need to talk.

I was picked up promptly at 7am and off to the medical clinic we went. I left Rhonda in the hotel to sleep - *I* didn't want to go to the medical so I can't imagine her wanting to follow me around. She's touring the city with a tour company right now (highly jealous!!) It was quite a drive, I don't think we arrived until 7:45am or so. It was a very non-descript building that was very clean inside. Seriously, with the amount of snow and ice they get here, their floors are remarkably clean. The folks in Michigan could take some serious lessons from them. We proceeded down to the super secret big lady in charge's office that apparently only American families get to go in. I came to this conclusion after witnessing the icy stares of some of the other "patients" as we came and went as we pleased many times. That or wait, I *am* in Russia.

There was another family waiting inside the super secret office. The same family that I ran into on the elevator in the hotel last night. They had bags of McDonalds in their hands, weren't dressed in 100% black AND had welcoming smiles on their faces! So yes, I stalked them. However, I am a poor stalker because after that elevator meeting AND spending almost 3 hours (off and on, mostly off though in my defense) I still don't know their names. They're from Colorado though, if that helps. So we'll commence calling them Mr and Mrs Colorado. For now. Until I see them again and can stalk them further!

First stop for me - blood tests. ICK! I hate giving blood. I honestly had the choice of having all the blood tests run in the US and a chest x-ray as well. Then you have to carry them over and have them examined. So am I nuts for not doing this? Possibly - however, here was my logic. It was approximately $50 more to do it all here. The # of tests they run is comical. Between that and explaining to my insurance company why I needed a TUBERCULOSIS test, an HIV test, and every other communicable disease under the sun and then expecting said insurance agency to pay for it, and finding the TIME for all those aforementioned tests in the week and a half before I left -- wasn't going to happen. I was assured it was all clean and safe - and it was. Other than the 5 minutes it took the nurse to find a vein that she wanted to attack, it was about as easy as blood draws go. I'll give her props, once she liked what she saw, it was a tiny little pinch and then I felt nothing. And no, that doesn't mean I passed out! I didn't look at the 6 vials of blood being taken. Yes, I said 6. I know.

After the blood test, it was back to the super secret office. We were offered coffee, tea and a variety of chocolatey dessert type items. Not exactly what I'd expect in a medical clinic. I sampled one of the cookie type items, and I'll give it two thumbs up! My Nestle friends will be happy to hear that she of course served Nescafe. And she was highly impressed to hear that I worked for Nestle.

Step 2 was the an older female doctor who did two roles, infectious diseases and neurologist. Because those two so often go hand in hand? I didn't ask, it saved a step. Lots of questions, nothing major. She was very nice.

Step 3 was a chest x-ray for my new friend in infectious diseases. Shirt off, bra off, stand against a cold machine and hold your breath. Done. No TB. Yahoo.

Step 4 was upstairs for an EKG. Weird little suction cup stickers all over my chest, with shirt pulled up and bra un-done. The details are not to gross you out, but for those who may have to endure this in the semi-near future. Also, odd clamps on feet and wrists. Done in like 10 seconds. "Relax and breathe". Un-huh, sure. Whatever you say.

Step 5 was Psychologist - in the basement. I wonder if this was on purpose. No jumping out of windows, perhaps? My translator friend (who has now seen me shirtless essentially twice, poor girl!) provided him a copy of my homestudy and I had to answer 70 questions (true/false) about a variety of different things. Mostly how you feel. (Do you wake up rested, etc.) Some questions I openly laughed out loud when I was filling out the form. Thankfully he didn't see this part! Apparently, in Russia, I am sane. Thankfully!

Step 6 was 3 more doctors. I don't know why these 3 poor ladies all got lumped together. They were the "general doctor" (really? then why do I need the rest?), the dermatologist and the onocologist. Yes, I got felt up. By a chick. In Russia. Shirt off, bra off - stand up. Then down. Very typical breast exam. Blood pressure taken. Lots of questions asked.

DONE! We said our good-byes in the super secret office with the bigwig lady and we were out the door by 10:30am. Really, all in all not too shabby. And... if that weren't enough, I get a copy of my x-ray that's "good for two years". In case I want to adopt again. WHAT? No thanks, two is good!

We got to the baby home around 11:45am. Traffic stunk. Yet another big surprise for those of you who have been here before. Another difference between St Pete and Vlad? St Pete actually has traffic lights! Seriously!

Baby Soup came teetering again and was shy for about 2 minutes. My translator friend went off to make some phone calls (and clear her mind from seeing the breast exam, I am sure) and left Soupy and I to play. Same outfit today, with an added hoodie. Super cute, smiley boy again today. Not a single tear. At the end of our play date, I got to take him back to his room and see inside. VERY cute little room. He pouted when I had to leave, which of course, made mama happy. And sad.

From there we went off to the notary to sign the official paperwork to send into the court. Yahoo!!

Tomorrow is a Russian Holiday - Defenders Day. Thankfully, we received special clearance to go see the Soupmaster tomorrow. One more visit and then it's time to hit the road Thursday morning. Lots to do to get ready for a little boy who puts EVERYTHING in his mouth! And shopping. He's a chunkochunko, so with his weight, I assumed he'd be in a bigger size, but not so much. Mama needs to get her shopping on! Who wants to meet me @ Birch Run?

Little Boy - Take 2

2011-02-21T10:51:00.003-05:00

Where do I start? What an AMAZING day. Day "1" in St. Petersburg (thankfully) went DRASTICALLY different than Day "1" in Vladivostok. Even though Day "1" in Vladivostok ended well - I am happy to say that everything about Day "1" St. Petersburg was fabulous. Perfect, even.

Rhonda and I both slept like ROCKS last night. I remember waking up around 5am and thinking, "I really hope I can go back to sleep". NO issues. She woke up around 6:30am and I woke up about 7:30am. We were told to be ready @ 11:00am, and yes, knowing me I thought "Really? That late? Let's get this show on the road". Thankfully we were ready early, because at 10:20am our phone rang and the front desk told us they were here for us.

Off we went to the Ministry of Education (aka "The Committee"). Completely different. No 6 flights of stairs to climb, and NO scary Tatiana. Instead, Nataylia met us with a smile, provided us with lots of information about the little man (including his birthday which is dangerously close to mine!!) and then sent us on our way. No scary questions. And no blue eyeshadow - an inside joke for those of you who have been through Vlad.

Next stop: Baby home #6 in the city of St. Petersburg. What? No hour plus drive out on scary country roads? Nope! Score! A short drive through the heart of the city. Baby home #6 is very cute outside with a great playground hidden under mounds and mounds of snow. We went inside and eventually proceeded up to the greeting room. We arrived around lunch time and I'll let you imagine the smells. If you can't imagine, you'll have to ask Rhonda for some specifics. She'll explain it much more colorfully than I ever could. I almost lost her at one point. I literally had to wave my hand sanitizer under her nose for a diversion. Disaster averted.

After the longest 5 minutes of the day, in walked "Baby Soup". Teetered/walked. Same difference. Actually for his age (not quite 18 months) he walks REALLY well. He is BEAUTIFUL, as gorgeous in person than in the pictures I got. No tears, but some shyness for the first 5 minutes. I brought out some toys, a small ball, a car and stacking cups. Score one for mama. The toys were a huge hit. Within 10 minutes we were laughing, giggling and having a great time. We spent over two hours with him.

I don't need two days - although thankfully, I've got them. I am ready to sign now. He's perfect, he's amazing and I am super lucky!

Most of you know the drill. I can't post any pictures of him, but I will leave you with a teaser. Of course. How could I not? I can't wait to show his adorable face to everyone, but for now, this will have to do.

We found a cute little "bar" (I think it's really a restaurant that serves alcohol, but they called it a bar) that had pretty good food, so after a walk around the neighborhood, we had some pizza and pasta.