Leaving to come home empty handed

Today was our last visit with Daniel Alexander L. It was very hard to leave him, but knowing that we have alot to do might pass the time. We are very aware of some attachment problems, hes already showing. I know its early. But the one thing that concerns me is, when you pick him up, hes ok for like a minute, then he throws his head, and arches his back, backwards. Most of the time, Im looking out for the head made of concrete. He has a big head, little body. Still is sick with a cold, you can hear him weezing, and all congested. Still reading my attachment book. Now that we have met him we can get a feel for what we are in store for. He is a big boy too! He can drink out of a big boy cup. Loves to try and figure things out on his own. David and I watched him today, Just to see what he would do. If we didnt pay any attention to him, he went into the next room where our driver/transluater was. Just to get him to play with him. I also want to say, that one of his caregivers, walked in the room while I was video recording him, and she waved, like she didnt want to have her picture taken. Later on when we were leaving she came up to me,and said something with gestures. I had no clue. But I think she wanted to make sure I didnt take her pic. Which i didnt. But Since I had no clue what she was saying she just left. Then I asked my driver, and he talked to her, and I asked him about it, and he said no big deal. So just to let anyone else know, they are alittle (alot) reserved.

Thats all tonight, getting some sleep before we leave for NJ 10-31. I have tons of videos and Pics. Cant wait to show the family. We have our window open to our flat, and pigeons out side next to it. I hear the never ending honk of horns, and busy foot traffic. Its different here, but I still love the USA

Glad we got on that plane!

So, I knew that we would move past that horrible experience. And with love for our son, we did it. We have visited with him 3 times. A total of 7.5 hours. Today on our 2nd trip to see him, he came in running toward us. We knew he could be withdrawn, scared, and confused. But he is EXTREMELY energetic! Was a little over stimulated with all the toys in the meeting room. Things he had never played with. He LOVED the beach ball. He can eat all by himself. For the most part potty trained (yay!) Understands russian commands. But only says some words, no sentences. He can easly pick up english, due to the fact he is still young. He points and nods for yes or no. Loves to be tickled. He doesnt respond to his name, so that is good for us, since we are of course changing his name. I'll keep everyone in suspense for another day until we put his new name on legal documents. All in all, he wants alot of attention. Which who wouldnt, if you sat in a room all day with other kids, and only got personal time while you were getting dressed, or bathed. I can not even believe I am still up. I have not recieved more than 5 hours of sleep in 4 days. What we are doing tomorrow is, going to see him again for the last time. Fill out the application to get a court date. We were told in 10days we should get word of our court date. So looks like we will be here again, in 1 month! Crazy! To see him and have him home by his 2nd birthday! Looks like our 2nd trip will be 21 days. Yikes! Moscow is not cheap by all means. We went to tgi fridays today for lunch, and also took home a to-go dinner. It was $112.00! Yeas thats US money. It was like $2,250 rubles.
SO on that note i leave you this pic.
What one do you think is Milk? I have heard that shopping for milk in Russia is a trick. You see the green carton, has 1% on it, so you think Milk. nope its like a cream, like cheese. In a liquid form. I found that out after it curded in my coffee!

So to all who will be going to Russia, Milk is the one with the M in blue!

Almost backed out!

Well as you can read from that title, we almost did not get on the plane again. We left JFK on 10-25, to Moscow, were 3 hours into our flight, and had problems with the plane so they turned back to JFK. David and I were completely terrified. And thats an understatement! With pep talk from our agency, and our deariest family. We told our selfs we could not live with that regret. So Davids aunt, Laura (shout out) Was able to be our brain and help us above and beyond, to get us in the air. But yesterday, we just got in the car to make it to the next flight. And missed it. I thought it was over. But Aunt Laura, stepped in like an angel, and worked magic, to get us to ATL, Atlanta, GA last night. Today we leave for Moscow. After we told ourselves, we were never getting on a plane, and could not do it. The love for this little on rises above our fears. Since we will be landing on the same day as our DOE. appt. Its a complete leap of faith the we can even still meet them. David and I are so tired. Lack of sleep, just some how makes just say, Hey god do whatever. We done have the energy to be scared, happy, nervous. So I still have some time to catch up on some sleep. I will repost soon!

We Love you Aunt Laura, Aunt Jackie, Grandma, Mom, Dad, and Dave!
We hope this chapter of our life's, will end on a high note. And the stars will line up so we can see our little one!

Love PAtti& David

Tick - Tock!

Counting down the days until we leave for NJ! I know I should be counting down the days for Russia, but NJ is sooner. It makes it feel like its going faster. But as of today......

7-days until NJ
9-days until we go to Moscow
11-day till we see our Russian Czar

So no you can see why I count this way!

Still looking for other families that are traveling to Moscow when we are. Still searching for other families visiting the same time we are!

Travel Dates!

Most of you already know we have recieved our travel dates. I would have posted sooner, but getting the flights and apartment rentals was such a hassle. We are leaving SC and flying to NJ on 10/23. Staying to visit family, then flying out of JKF to Moscow on 10/25. Arrive in Moscow @ 9:15 am on 10/26. Our First visit to the orphange is on 10/28. We get to go back on 10/29 and spend most of they day with him. Then we leave on 10/31 and fly back to JFK. We fly back to SC on 11/2! So trying to get things together, but of course David has other plans.