Our Adoption Journey Complete~ Life begins

Bad blogger!

2009-11-19T14:10:00.003-05:00

I have neglected this thing! Its been too crazy to post anything. Daniel just got over his first ever illness. He had a viral infection with just a fever of 102.2! It was terrible we felt so bad for him. But he bounced back with in 3 days. Tonight going to penny's to get his Christmas and birthday pics done. Then next week leaving for Louisiana to see Davids sister and her fiance fro Thanksgiving. Its going to be a good one! On the 24th will be our 1 year since it was legal that we adopted Daniel from Moscow. We ate Ramon noodle and broccoli for thanks giving, so I'm making up for it this year! Its so crazy to thing it has been a year! On Dec 4th is our Gotcha day! We left baby home #22 and never looked back! But those 10days of waiting were terrible. Thank God we met April and Dan and got out of that apartment and explored! It helped pass the time!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

We love Fall!

2009-10-08T08:25:00.002-04:00

Finally the weather is changing, and the leaves are changing colors! Warms up a bit still in the day but its getting cool at night. New things Daniel has done, would be that he can finally drive that Jeep power wheels, and steer it. SO when the weathers right we take it around the neighborhood, or to the pond to feed the ducks. I'm sure that him peddling his bike full time is not far away. Doing the whole potty training thing, but unfortunately I am not 100% committed, so its here and there. He can pull his pants down and pulls likes to sit on the potty but has yet to do anything in there. I do notice when he is running around the house half naked, that we still leave the light and door open for the potty and he is going in there to pee but falls short of the toilet. SO the floor has been catching it all. He is holding his pee, because his diapers have been staying dry for longer periods of time. Also his #2 pattern has changed. No more in the am, just at night now and more uniformed in shape, no more flat pancakes. So I definitely have some stories on naked in his room peeing on the floor already! Its going well so far, not pushing him. He'll get it soon. As we are getting closer to his 3rd b-day I will have to step up and do more to encourage him.

We also have upgraded to a twin bed for him. And he got his own bean bag chair that he loves. He sits in it looking at his books and puts it in front of his tv and watches Mickey sometimes. So to my suprise when he went down for a nap, and I went in to make sure his blankets were on him, found him sleeping in his chair. Hes so darn cute, and it really was like he was made for us! That adoption was our saving grace to have such a wonderful, smart, courious, ENERGETIC, and hansome little man!

Can't believe that on Oct 28th will be a year since our very first time meeting him. (also that horrible plan scare) Makes it all worth it!

Hoping to go pumpkin picking and hay rides this Sat. It Daniels first Halloween, and Thanksgiving this year, and ours as parents David and I can't wait!

Home from NJ

2009-08-17T07:39:00.008-04:00

I have been neglecting my blog and using more of my facebook. But since some of you don't have a Myspace or facebook, I wanted to put some pics on here. Daniel did great for the wedding he did not make it all the way down the isle, got a little side tracked. I had a dress blow out after the wedding. It was great to see all of my family that I haven't kept in touch with or seen in 10+ years. My cousin Kim and her hubby Justin had a beautiful wedding, there such a cute couple. When we went to NJ after spent time with Davids brother and his Fiance. Had a great time visiting my parents and Davids Aunts and Grandmother.

Unfortunately, I'm afraid nap time has gotten a whole lot harder around here. I'm afraid the might be coming to an end. Or I need to spend more time in putting him down. As we try to get back into a schedule. I have increased Daniels speech therapy from 2xs a month to 3. She doesn't see a whole lot of progress, but we all here do. I can see where he was to where he is now. So I know david and I are going to have to talk soon about preschool, even though we really dont want him to go in. But if its for like 2xs a week, that might be do able. We just dont want him to go full time. David doesn't want him to go at all. Hes afraid of him getting sick all the time. For the most part we haven't had any illness's with him. We are planning on getting his Tonsils next month. So leaving this post with pic from our recent trip!

First Ball Game

2009-07-22T14:39:00.003-04:00

Last Saturday one of David's friends invited us to go to a Myrtle Beach Pelicans game. Daniel had a good time, I think he was a little too young hard to keep him interested in the game. But as soon as he saw the mascots he was so excited. We only stayed half way through the game because it was getting late. So here is some pics from that outing!

Happy 4th!

2009-07-05T10:33:00.006-04:00

I hope everyone had a great 4th of July. We spent most of the day hanging around the house. Until about 5 we went to grandpa's house and Daniel went swimming with grandpa. We had some hotdogs and left to go and see fireworks @ the beach. The beach was packed full of people. I almost didnt think I could get David out to watch them since there was so many people. But we sat on the beach and all watched the many displays of fireworks. We had a visit last week from my mom, grandmother, sister and brother. We had alot of fun! David and I were thinking about what we did lastyear about this time, we were finishing up our pictures to send over with our dossier. This week we sent it over to Russia. Very happy to home with daniel than where we were last year. So heres ome random pics of our visit with grandma and the 4th!

Transition bed success, and 2.5 years old today!

2009-06-14T12:51:00.006-04:00

Well, dont know where to start, the weather has changed. Its so hot and humid to do anything out side unless it involves water. Its been over 2 weeks since davids mother has past away. We had about 5 family members sleeping at our house, not to mention the 6 at my father in laws house. Very sad, she never got to meet her first grandson. Even though we were together for such a sad reason. It was the first time Davids sister and her fiance got to meet Daniel as well as Davids old brother Jeff. It felt really good to all be together again. Davids dad came over everynight and everyone just sat out on the porch looking thorough pics, and telling stories. So stories and pics are all we have to tell Daniel about his grandmother. Atleast she has her brother and parents in heaven with her. Plus her hands full with our 4 little babies. She will be missed and loved.

Davids trying to keep busy, hes been fishing alot. I used to be his first mate, but with daniel still not ready to go on a boat hes been going with friends. Finally caught some spot tails and we had some for dinner last night. It was good.

Also, we have made the jump to put daniel in a toddler bed. First I was dreading it. No sleep, he can rome the house, get into things. But Im such a light sleeper theres not a chance I wouldnt hear him. Also I was sad to see him jump right into the bed and get the idea of night~night. I guess I think crib=baby. Now Toddler bed= big boy. Hes growing so big and fast that it makes me sad to see him as a big boy. ANd its only been 6 months home. Now if I can only master the potty training!

Crab Fest was a blast~

2009-05-20T07:36:00.008-04:00

We left the house around 12pm, of course no nap for daniel. It was hot out, I got sunburn, but we all had a great time. They estimate about 40,000 people again this year. It sure felt like half of them were there on Sat.

Here he is not liking his corn dog!

Daniel in this Jump swing, he cant really jump yet, so he really just went back and forth like swing!

Daniel with Grandpa Lesko Getting his Harley tattoo. I think he kept thinking it was a boo-boo, cause he kept wanting someone to kiss it!David and Daniel waiting in line for the jump swing

When we got home we ended the day with letting daniel play outside. Its was so hot that day that we just let him play in the sprinkler, he loved it! Cant wait to see him in the pool and when we go out on the boat. David bought him his own spider man fishing pole. It even has a fake rubber fish attached to it! How cute!
Still unsure about this weekend what we are going to do?

Happy Memorial Day!

Enjoying the Weather

2009-05-16T08:01:00.007-04:00

Been doing just that! Daniel and I are enjoying our new neighborhood. We live near a nice lake, not swim able, but it has loads of duck and geese in it. We go on walks to it and its really fun!

This Picture is from lat weekend we went to check out the Conway arts and Jazz Festive. We didn't stay long nothing really for kids to do. Just walked around and looked.

Ok Last pic. This was just yesterday afternoon. He would not lay down for a nap until he got his soccer ball with him. So I put the ball in his crib and he still didnt sleep, but yesterday was a crazy day, we had to make a trip to James Island,SC to get out boat registered so we can use it. Its about a 2.5 hour drive and I had to get him up and feed him, so he had no nap.

As far as my update on my cousin, he is doing better they took him out of his coma, hes is slowly moving his legs, cant move his left arm yet, and hasn't spoke yet. Its been pretty scary he was touch and go, battling fevers, infections, another surgery to his brain. So we are hopeful that with rehab, he will come back strong.

Today is very exciting. Its the Little River Crab Festivle. David and I go every year. Each year we always say how much fun it would be to go with our kids. And Now we will find out. Tons of food venders, arts, local stuff, pony rides, fire trucks, games. Its really the only big event here that is fun. I mean its always packed. So hope o post some pics up of todays events. I always have my camera in my purse so I'll get a good bit of pics!

Praying for Matt.

2009-05-06T09:17:00.004-04:00

Just wanted everyone to keep my 15 year old cousin in there prayers. He is in an induced coma, from a skate boarding accident. They had to go in and cut a window through his skull to drain the blood and fluid. Its been 3 days and he is now battling a fever. We are praying he can make it through these next couple days and they can take him out of his coma, and get him started with rehab in a couple weeks. I can't even imagine how my aunt is dealing.

Daniel is doing well his first speech therapy visit is today. So I'm excited to see how Daniel handles it. I'll post a pic and video up of Daniel I took yesterday. He received some good puzzles to help with his hand coordination and colors and shapes. He can pretty much master it, but as soon as I turn the camera on he gets alittle goofy. His aunt Kristy and Uncle Joe got it for him at christmas time, but since his room was so small I never left it out for him to play with by himself. Just played together with them. Now he has mastered them, and going to pick up some alphabet and numbers puzzles. In the video he is saying no. Now he can say no, and open doors! UGH!

I didnt post yet about the Judge from Moscow coming in to visit our agency and they wanted to meet a family. Since we are the closest family, she can to visit us. It was our judge from our adoption. She remembered us! Asked questions, was very pleased to here that we have already registerd him with the Russian consulate and have completed our first PPR. I was very surprised to see Daniel be so shy. He brought out his toys and made a B-line past everyone and can right to me. The judge noticed how well he was bonding with us, and welcomed us to come back any time. Her words were we were "young, come back anytime". I told her we did want to come back for a little girl. But dont know if that is ever in our future. If not , happy with Daniel he is an amazing little boy.

Still praying for Joy and Ann, for their smooth and speedy adoption.

Having a blast!

2009-04-29T17:01:00.002-04:00

Its such a long time in between posts I know. But keeping busy. Our Social worker came over to do our PPR(Post placement Report) She was so happy to meet Daniel and gave us some good references for Daniel so we could get him in with speech therapy. They consider him boarder line. They lady told me she didn't think he need it but she would offer it too me. I said I do want it. Just to take advantage of it. Because they only offer it til hes 3. So He only has 7 months left. We have been still been getting the new house together, lots of davids wrenching buddies stop by, and he can work out in his own garage and I dont have to wait until midnight worrying until he home. I love it, I can put the dogs out side most of the day in there pen or on the porch, daniel can play in his room and I dont have to worry that he is getting into something hes not supposed to. David and I are working on our veggie garden. About to plant our seedlings of cucumber, bell peppers, sweet peppers, and squash. SO cross your fingers, I really do not have a green thumb. We did do tomatos last year and got alot from them, but since david cant eat them because of the acid, I got out of those this year. David spends most of his time out side around the house, I work on the inside. All I can say is thank god for herculies hooks!

I took this video this morning, we were leaving to go to the craft store and he was brushing his teeth. One of many things he like to do on his own. But mommy does first to make sure he gets all those chompers!

So I hope that can hold some of you over until I can get more good pics up!

To Ann and Joy, these days for your are not so far away safe travels Russia should be alot warmer now than when we went!

Moving in progress~

2009-04-08T22:32:00.002-04:00

Got the computer set up, the new house is still a work in progress. Will post pics soon. Trying to get the old house cleaned and back on the market. We might have to replace the carpet, because our dogs destroyed it. David and his dad built the fence for the dogs, and I just leave them out there alot, and so far( fingers and toes crossed) no accidents. We stayed at davids' dads house right before we moved so we could clear out the old house, and left our dogs there the first night we were here, and our dog Lacey ran away for 3 hours. It was late and We all looked for her for about1.5 hours. Finally I left to put daniel to bed and finish packing up the kitchen. She finally came back. My dad came down from NJ to help us move. We had a lot of help, very greatful. As soon as I can find the cord to the camera i can load up some pics!

Fun in the Mud!

2009-03-29T09:33:00.007-04:00

Well As you can see from the pictures we had another Coastal Carlina Offroad event. It was a Mud Pit Challange. Davids Dad went it almost made it out, but had to winch himself out. It was raining all day, so Daniel was bound to get dirty. I took his shoes off and let him play in the mudd. But then Daddy was watching him and he found a huge puddle and that was the end of that. Needless to say I did not bring a change of clothes. And he left in his diaper, and his jacket I brought. Luckly it was 73 degree's out. So some where on here I will post the video of my little pig in the mudd and he loved it! Good fun, since we are closing on our new home next monday. So it will be some hard work moving in.

Sick as a dog!

2009-03-20T12:49:00.004-04:00

So, on Wednesday David, Daniel and I went and got our 1st family portraits done. They look great! I was so impressed with what she could get from a hyper 2year old. Hes so darn cute! After that David wanted to get him his power wheels. Since we never had one and always said our kid would get one, we finally got him his own Jeep power wheels. Now he has a jeep just like his daddy. But we had to wait until Thursday to pick it up. We went out for dinner, put Daniel to bed, and by 3am I felt awful! Woke up with diarrhea, vomiting, body aches. I felt like I was dying! When David woke up I told him to take care of daniel, I was going to sleep it off, but thank god I listen to david. He had grandpa, came and get our little guy and David took me to the hospital. They gave me some fluids and some meds to help the nausua and diarrhea. I came home and slept all day. Had a fever of 101.8! But just as soon as it came it was gone. My fever boke last night and I woke up with just a headache today. Worst of all I missed seeing Daneil on his power wheels :(. But Grandpa was able to take pics so here are some!

I assure you we are still alive!

2009-03-12T12:55:00.007-04:00

Daniel meeting his Uncle Dennis

Daniel Meeting Uncle Joe

Loving his monkey from Cousin Jack

Daniel&Ashley

Aww! I had to pst this! How cute! Shes such a sweetheart!

Its been pretty crazy here. Just got back from NJ to visit our family. Went well, Daniel did have some attachment issues, he wanted to be held and passed around to everyone. But at night he rather sleep with us in the bed, instead of his crib. Glad to be home and back into our normal routine. Although our first night home Daniel had some sleeping issues, he woke up 3 times crying. I'm sure he was scared and confused from what had just gone on. But he slept with us until midnight, then wated back into his crib. Happy to report hes sleeping through the night.

We are now in the final stages of our new home. Having the seller agree on fixing some things first. Since the weather is going to be rainy all week, It will be a good time for us to do some packing. We hope to be closing on 4-3-09 But keeping my fingers crossed ya never know~!

Daniel is becoming more vocal, expressing himself when hes mad or angry. Becoming more picky with food. making new sounds, in attmepting to say different things.

I'll leave you with some random pics. He also had his first play date with my friends daughter and my other friends son. He did well!

QUICK POST

2009-02-15T12:02:00.002-05:00

Daniel had his visit on Friday at the Cardio Doctor. They could not see anything wrong with his heart so the Open Oval Window he had that was first potted over a year ago has closed. His heart murmur, is innocent. Most likely he will grow out of it as he ages. So, fo now we are so happy. In the doctors words, hes "perfectly perfect". He still has some choking problems, but now, he attempts to resolve it on his own, trying to get it down. And he has. We havent had to help him with our fingers or a pat on the back in a while. We used the numby that the pedi- doctor reccomended. He only likes apples in it. We still kind of stress out when we go out for dinner wondering what they have that he can eat. But there always seems to be something. I started giving him cottage cheese, he loves it. David loves it as well, but Im not to fond of it. Well Daniels down for a nap, and I need a shower. Happy Valentines day!

One year passes, what a change

2009-02-03T09:28:00.002-05:00

Well on February 5th will be a year since our last pregnancy ended. We lost our conjoined twin girls Hope & Faith. It was on this day we made our decision on adoption. Its wasn't a hard choice, it brought us through our own journey, that is ours alone to this little cutie. My fear of never having my own family is long gone. I am now a mother, to a child that is alive and thriving. He depends on David and I and we both could not have been more happier with our choice one year ago, in the hospital. I know I have hear this phrase a zillion time " happens for a reason". Well now I can be at peace with why our losses happened. But as each dreadful year passes. I can have validation with Daniel here. Because each year he will be growing and doing things, making his mark in our lives that we are forever grateful for. So today's post is in honor of Hope & Faith. Our little angels together with Aubrey and Ryan, keeping our family under there tiny wings. Mommy and Daddy Miss you!

Listed our Home~Put an Offer in on another!

2009-01-18T13:03:00.004-05:00

I know we are crazy! But we really need more room. Since Mobile homes are selling, better than single family homes right now,A. cheaper B. less taxes. We decided since our adoption was our main prioroty, and thats over and Daniels here. We would search for a larger home. David did alot of reasearch, and we decided what we could afford and still pay the morgage on this until it sells. We put an offer in yesterday, so we will see what happens next. If Daniel wasnt here, I would be terrified to move and do this. But I know this is the best decesion now, while we can get out of our Moblie home. I will miss it! If it wasnt for this house we would not be able to have affored our IVF loan, all our pregnacey loss expenses', Two 2.2 acre lots we intended on building a house out in the country, but sold to help us with our Adoption funds. We have paid cheap morgage, and were able to save, save, save. Now we have our family, we need more space to run, to store things, and have more then 3 people in our livingroom, to watch tv!

Dont want to get my hopes up on this house, but I am happy with putting our current home on the market!

Daniel update:

He is giving us kisses on the lips. Its never ending. We caught him kissing, Davids wood ducks and kissing a wooden bear on the fireplace. Every night and morning I'd watch him give lip kisses to his stuffed animals. I guess practicing. Now he is more than comforable with giving them to us all day long~

Love it!

uhhh he also tinkled alittle on his potty! Yay!

pic and videos included

Pic- Him puckering up

Video- pretending to be a dog!

Daniels report

2009-01-09T19:45:00.002-05:00

Well as most of you know, Daniels appointment at MUSC childrens IA clinic went well. There has been some really good progress. In his development, social and gross motor skills he is at 22-24months. Which is great. His speech is behind at an 18 month level. Not too concerned. Hes picking some news works or sounds up everyday. I am looking into early intervention for speech therapy. He has gained weight about 3lbs in 2.5 weeks. They check his stool for a parasite, he had some bloating and gas, and has had loose stool the last 4 days. But it came back negitive. So running some more tests, and cutting back the juice to just water, milk, and the pedialite. They detected a heart murmur. Kinda scary, but we wont know how it is affecting him with the open valve untilm his appointment in febuary. His allergist appointment went well, he only had a reaction to the carrots in the controlled test. The doctor gave up a rx for the eppi pen. This way if he come in contact with it, we are prepared. So since no peanut allergy, guess who got PP&J for lunch? He loved it!
Some words he can say are:
pup-pup (puppy)
mama
up ( or sometimes up-up)
hi
hey
hello
bye- bye
has half of uh oh saying uh, but making the oh with his mouth, but cant quite get it out

He can make barking noise's
likes to point his finger an shake it at the dogs
try's to pick up the dogs, or if he is stilling on the couch, he'll tap the couch to motion for the dogs to come up.

I set up the potty trainer today. As soon as I put it in the bathroom he started to pull his pants down and sit on it. It was too cute! Since it might be alittle hard to to the pee pee part. I know he has a bowel movement after breakfast so I'll try then. Its been forever since I have been on here. When I get time, I try to get caught up with work, then getting papers together for tax season, ugh~! When get time to have mommy time, its reading a book in bed, or watching tv ( favorite Man vr. Wild) or my guilty pleasure is reality TV on VH1. I just think those people are so crazy, its almost too funny to watch! By far is a really good book. So i'm going to end this to get into my book by my night stand.

will post pics soon!

Happy New Year!

2008-12-31T22:49:00.003-05:00

I know I'm about an hour early but this is the most that I can handle! I'm happy that 2008 is over! Now every year from here on after will be filled with memories that David and I have been dreaming about almost our whole time together. Everyday he learns a little more, lets us give him more love, and he shows us more love. He played with our friends little 5 year old daughter tonight, even though he is behind with his speech. He did not skip a beat in play and wearing him self out. We left 2 hours after his bed time, and as soon as he hit his car seat he was counting sheep! I was afraid that when I picked him up from the car seat he would start freaking out, but he put his head on my shoulder and kept sleeping until i had to put him down to get him into his pj's. I really dont feel and major red flags yet with attachment. Only and orange flag with food. I say orange, because each day hes slowing down when eating having fun, and willing to mimic mommy while eating. ANd Be silly. When he does get upset or mad, and starts crying we pick him up and put him on the couch, and let him cry it out. And dont pay attention to him, by giving in. He comes off the couch when hes done crying and then its like it never happened. Its working for now.

Happy New Year Again!
Be safe
Patti

Long time since last post

2008-12-30T08:50:00.003-05:00

Its been about 10 days since my last post. Christmas this year was great. It took all day with Daniel opening his gifts from everyone. We took him to the park the other day for the first time, to let him get out some energy. He had a good time. There was a little 3 year old girl there that was talking to him, and he just looked at her, with wonder. But still followed her up to the slide ( with me tailing behind him). David and I are looking for things in our area for him to get out, and thats age related for him. Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year! Daniel is not giving me the time to post. But hes full of energy and loves to check everything out.

All of us are adjusting well!

2008-12-19T12:30:00.002-05:00

Tommorow we will be home for a week. Everything is going well. Its been hard to get on here and post, about how wonderful Daniel is doing. He is adjusting well. Each day is getting better. Today we went out to the supermarket, and he was so alert, and happy. Smiling and laughing, while mommy zipped him around in the cart. Everyone is asking how hes is doing with our 3 dogs. Daniel is doing well. Alot better than the dogs. He finds them funny. Our male dog is the one we thought we would have a problem with, but he loves daniel. So no dog worries!

It's getting hard to get on here and update. I was able to catch up with most of the work that I left behind. Sent out the forms to have Daniel registered to the Russian Consulate. Now, I have to look over some forms on getting his Social Sec. # and an American passport. Also have to update my spending budget sheet for taxes this year. No more down time. While he's napping its laundry, work and Daniels paperwork. I did manage to read a little of my book yesterday while I was at the doctors. David stayed home to watch him, I think we have a sinus infection. I could not wait for Daniel to go to bed last night, this way I could! But feeling better today. Daniels day is as follows;
6:30-7:30am- wake's up
8am- breakfast
9am-12 play time
12pm- light lunch
12:30-2pm - nap
2pm- light snack
3pm-6 play time
6- dinner
7-8 clean up room ( hes and excellent helper)
8pm bed time!

Below I posted a video of Daniel meeting our dogs when they come home from Grandpa Leskos House. Hes so funny! The other day I was watching TV on the couch, but really watching him, he was rubbing his eyes, so he took a pillow off the couch, and grabbed a place mat to use as a blankey, and started to fall asleep on the kitchen floor. Of course as soon as I got the video camera, he woke up!

If I don't post before Christmas, I hope everyone has a Happy Holiday!

Last day in Moscow!

2008-12-12T02:27:00.002-05:00

Things I will miss:

the city life
the electric trolleys
The Kremlin, and its beautiful cathedral's
New Arbat st
Staring at he Russian White house from my Apartment
the time we have spent here with Daniel
exploring with April and Dan and little Ava

This I will not miss:

The sounds of police cars out our window all the time
the maintenance man coming to fix leaks (and shutting off the water while I was in the shower)
The constant running out to get water, for drinking and cooking
Not understanding russian when someone comes up and talks to. (I truly wonder what they are saying)
The cold gloomy weather. I saw the sun twice while we were here.
the uncomfortable bed and couch
the tiny shower
the smelly bathroom from sewer gas, yuk!
the tiny washer and no dryer ( note: line drying your bathroom towels become stiff and like sand paper with no fabric softener)

I cant wait to sleep in my own bed, see my doggies. Eat some chinease food, (not sushi). Be able to let Daniel go out side and play, and get out all his energy. Be able to take a drive, and watch Grey's Anatomy. Catch up on some work, I hate leaving stuff lagging behind. But most of all be able to see family and talk to family in the same time zone (and Amy 1 hour behind) Enjoy christmas. Last year I was preggo with Hope and Faith our conjoined twin girls. Glad to not be preggo and worry about their little lives. Now its just giving and enjoying the life and Daniel who is here living and breathing, and tons of energy.

Next post should be when we are home! I miss South Carolina! I posted a Picture Of Murrells Inlet SC

2008-12-10T13:56:00.003-05:00

Since we can't send videos, having such a hard time downloading I wanted to try it here in my blog! So hopefully everyone can view this. David showed Daniel how to turn lights on and off, so when he turns it off and on he claps his hands sooo cute. If this works I know I can send some more! I know most of our family has been to see some video. Also want to say Congrats to my parents for finally closing on there new home! Its still going to be a little weird coming to a new house when we have lived in that little shoe box for so long. But a New house can mark new memories with a new grandson! So 2009 should be a better year for all of us. I no longer have to pray that the new year we will have a baby. Because we finally got our wish!

Our final week in Moscow

2008-12-07T08:41:00.002-05:00

Here is our itinerary for our last week here to finalize our exit out of Russia with Daniel-
Monday- 11am Marsha will come and we will fill out US embassy documents
Tuesday- 7:30am Medical doctor will come and check Daniel out, this report is needed my the US embassy. In the afternoon David and Vlad will go pick up Daniels Russian passport.
Wen.-Marsha will pick up Daniels passport and medical report here at the apartment and file our paper work at the embassy to get our appointment for his visa.
Thursday- We all go to the embassy to finalize our exit and get his visa.
Friday- Pack. Pack. Pack. nap then pack some more.
Saturday- Max will pick us up and take us to the airport and we go HOME!
If all goes to plan this is it. The weather is going to get colder this week, so not much going out. Cant wait to come home!

Much better day

2008-12-07T04:23:00.002-05:00

He came to me with his lips to mine for kisses! he played more with me today. But when it was bed time, he woke up at 3am tugging on both his ears. took me and david about an hour to get him to go back to bed. Now its 12 in the afternoon, and hes clearly tired but will not tap a nap. So going to have to try something else. but wanted to post about our 3 little kisses that he wanted. His head hitting the ground, yesterday was minimal, and not so hard when he landed. So thats also a positive. David and Daniel are starting to get a little congested. So its in doors for us today

Bath time last night went great!

Getting better each day

2008-12-05T13:30:00.002-05:00

Its an adjustment for us all. Daniel learning about being in a family, and his parents. Us learning him, and what triggers his powerful emotions of the word no! I dont know how many times I have said it about his head pounding the ground when he cant have something.Its soo hard to watch him do it. I knew it was coming today when David left to meet Vlad, and go get the passport stuff done. Hes very playful with David but not me. I think it might be due to the caregivers. Usually men, they are afraid of, so we heard. But since I do the cooking and changing, I'm afraid he see's me as them. So when he left it was of course tears, and head hitting the floor, and arching his back. I could not hold him to soothe him let him know it was ok. I put him in his playpen, to cushion the head trauma. Let him cry it out. And ask him if he wanted up with my hands out and he did. Went looking for David, and I took his mind off, by playing with all our shoes. He would pick each one up give it to me, them put them back. Occupied him for about an hour. Then fed him some applesauce. And was about to put him down for a nap and daddy came home. Let daddy play with him, and tried again with the nap, but he was just not tired. The couple that is here staying the next building over, whom adopted the cutiest little girl, April, Dan and Ava called and they were going out for dinner on Arbat. I really wanted to take him out and get out of this shoe box myslef, but wasnt sure david was up for it. But he was ate some really good pizza. Daniel just sat in his stroller, quite most of the time looking at everything. Then pointing, I think even checking out some girls! We put him down for bed at 8. Hes sleeping like a baby. Hes out almost all night.

Tomorrow maybe the medical doctor will come and check daniel for the embassy. And the passport should be ready on monday or tues. Then then Embassy stuff should be done I pray by thursday. Friday we pack, Saturday we leave to go home! YAY! God I cant wait to be home!

Leaving a picture if my favorite time! Its when he looks so peaceful and safe!

Our Gotcha Day is here!

2008-12-04T14:14:00.000-05:00

Its 11pm now, and just put him down finally bed. Its been a day. Our first nap time didnt go so well. When he gets cranky and tried he throws him self on the floor With his little head hitting the ground. I'm afraid he already has a little bump. Our little monkey can also climb right out of his playpen. David is much better with him. Hes more at ease with david. I guess Hes good cop! But reality has set in, the work to put into him being at ease with both of us, is going to be hard. But we are up for it. I just wanted to post something quick, I also need some sleep. I wonder how long he will sleep for tonight. David is leaving tomorrow @ 1:30 to do some passport stuff. Daniel and I will have some time to bond. Im going to let david get on and check his mail just wanted to update!

ps. changed my first stinky diaper in almost 14 years. Somethings you just dont forget!

Love Patti

Tomorrow is our the big day

2008-12-03T10:40:00.006-05:00

We just got the call from our driver saying tomorrow we can pick Daniel up! I didn't think I could make it these last 3 days. But we got out and visited the Kremlin, and went to the underground Mall ( very $$$$) Today went out and found a book store that old American books. Stocked up on food, and just walked until our legs hurt! Just ate dinner and making the phone calls to our family to tell them the good news. So soon we will have much more pics up. I'll leave some pictures from inside the Kremlin, with some beautiful church's!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T01:41:00.004-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. Although we will miss out on turkey, green bean casseroles, yummy desserts. We Are going to visit Daniel again today. We were aloud to take him out of the home yesterday to get his passport photos taken. I put some pics up of David and I, out with him. He was so amazed with everything. He was very quite, but took the time to really look at everything. Once we got to the picture studio, I had to put him on my lap in order to get the picture taken. Easier said than done. He was looking all around and was very hard for the lady to get a picture of him facing her and sitting still. But she did and we waited the 10 mins to get them developed. Once back into the car Daniel sat on my lap on the way back. For the 2nd time we heard him cry. I think because it was dark out and all he could hear was horns and see lights but nothing else, he got scared. So I faced him around towards me and just rubbed his little back and rocked him alittle, and was able to get him to calm down.

Once back at the baby home,we still had an hour visit with him left. So as our driver brought him back to get changed, we sat and waited. Well our driver came back with him and we could hear someone talking on the loud speaker. I thought that was weird never heard that before. Well shortly after that, Max came in and said we only had 5 mins left. That we had to leave many police coming. I started to get really scared. You think oh no police, in russia. Your and American. Might not be good. SO since his english is not the best. He put our other translator on the phone to let us know whats going on. She said that someone opened a door, that is to be remained shut. So to make sure nobody stole something or a child, or left a bomb ( her example that really freaked me out) they had to put the baby home on lock down. Many police were coming, and all visitors had to leave now, or else I guess explain why we were there. So I said well when can we take him, will he be safe here. She said yes, its just a precaution. But we are allowed to pick him up on Monday. So we will visit with him today, and again on Sat. Then pick him up for good on Monday. I cant wait! Its starting to get stressful, with visiting him at the home. Way too many toys there. Hes over stimulated, and its hard to make that personal contact with him when theres a million toys there. When we took him out of the home yesterday. I he was just in amazement, but still scared and squeezing our fingers when a horn honked, it felt good that he was able to share his fear with us, and in return let us soothe him.

Since sleep is not easy here because the bed SUCKS! We take our turns with cat naps. As soon as we get back making an appointment with the chiro! I never thought I would say this, but the plane seats are more comforting than this bed and couch!

again Happy thanksgiving. I know we are extremely thankful.

Patti & David

We are legally Daniels parents!

2008-11-24T14:20:00.008-05:00

Just had court. Went extremely well. Of course we were terrified, but our translator,went over everything, and it was cake. After court we came back to the apartment and took a nap, then met up with Mak's our other driver. He took us to see Daniel. We are still calling him Sasha, until we bring him home. We can see him everyday, but since its so$$$ to drive that far everyday. We will go back on Thursday, and take him to get his passport photo done. We hope to have him with us by the end of the week. If not most likely Wend.. Then just bonding with him, and doing some Embassy stuff. More info to come, loosing Wi-Fi signal. So here are some pics from our 1st visit with him.

Enjoy!

He Remembers Us!

2008-11-23T07:23:00.002-05:00

So our flight was good. We got in to Moscow @11:20am, with all our luggage. Vlad met us again, took us to get photo copies, for our visa registration, also took me to exchange currency. It felt so good to be back knowing this time we were leaving with our little man. After we checked into our apartment, we walked down the street, near the Arbat tourist shopping section. Stopped at a corner store to get milk, butter(it took a REALLY good guess for that it was right next to the cheese) bread, eggs and water. Also some deli meats. Not a big place more like a quick stop. Then got back to our apartment and started to unpack our clothes and get settled in. But once I tried the internet it wasnt working. So I tried the phone as well and I couldnt make international calls. Since I had to call the manager any way and let her know we were here so they could pick up our copies to register our visa's I told her about the problems. Well I think she just thought I couldnt read directions ( sometimes i cant) So turns out they mixed up the wrong instructions page and internet page with the apartment they also rent down stairs. So long story short I can spread my love and joy with all my family and friends!

Now on to Daniel!

When our driver, went in to go get Daniel and bring him out to us, I could here his little feet RUNNING! We saw him down the hall way, and he remembered us! Let us pick him up right away, give him kisses. he came back to us when we put him down. We played in the room, David picked him up, and went right towards the window, and he just stared making all kinds of sounds. Pointing at the pigeons, saying awww! Loud too. We made the most connection with him today then any other day. He was very active. But I made sure there were only a few toys he could get his hands on to. This way it wasnt too much stimulation, and we could focus, on the 3 of us and 3 toys. Its so hard to describe our meeting with him today. But it couldn't have been more perfect! I just can't believe how much he came to us, and let us pick him up, and the kisses, were bittersweet. He so much wanted our attention. And we were more than willing to give it too him.

Court is tomorrow. The judge will decide our fate. If she wants this child to have a home and a family life, like a child should then there is no reason to worry. Tomorrow will be alot of firsts for everyone in our family. We will become Parents, our parents will become grandparents. Davids grandmother will be a great grandmother. Sisters, aunts -brothers, uncles. Aunts will be come great aunts. (sorry aunt Jackie, great aunt means wonderfull not old!) Not only does it change our life, but everyone in our family, that prayed for us through all the IVF process, the miscarriages, and this adoption process. I know that i have many friends, family and other Adopters, and adoptees out there reading this. My message to those who have do this adoption process, thank you for all of your prayers, and helpful information on what you went through. It got us to where we are now,with your knowledge. .....

And to those in waiting....
It hurts me to know that you are still waiting to feel this joy, happiness that I have right now. But when you are, remember have far you have come. Because once that child is in your arms and giving you kisses, it makes that wait just a distant memory. We're still praying for you.

I pray the court goes well, and I can plaster his face all over this blog!

FBI Nightmare

2008-11-19T07:48:00.003-05:00

Well the title should say it all! Long story short, the FBI clearances were not coming on Tuesday. They were "still being processed" is what they told me everytime! So I put an S.O.S. message on FRUA. They said to call my Senator. I did I called Lindsay Graham's office and a nice staff member (Bill) helped me, even at 6pm! He made calls that night to the FBI, and again yesterday morning. So When I called the FBI, they said they were pulling it and processing it, and will TRY to send it out yesterday if not today. Well even my father in law called, and he didn't even have to say my name and they told him the same thing. So I'm sure they heard alot of me, the senators office, and my FIL. As my FIL was going to the FEDEX location to talk to a supervisor there to ask if thwy could hold it off the truck and we would pick it up, so we could drive it to Columbia, SC to be apostilled. The FBI called me, said they just fedex it out and gave me the tracking number! As I write this I am tracking it and it is in West Columbia heading to Myrtle Beach!

The very 2 last important items I need in order to get into Russia, My passports, and our Court documents should be in my hand in a few short hours. I was a wreck on Monday, just upset that this trip might be canceled because of a damn FBI clearance! We have no record, plus when I got them done in July it took less than a week to get back! Go figure!

This adoption is a family affair! Everyone help and played their part in order to get us to him, and to get him to us. The weight will be completely lifted once we get off that final plane in Myrtle Beach on 12-13-08. No more planes, no more paper work, no more distance between us and our son. Just having him home and getting him adjusted to us, his new life and his new home. We will finally have the family we have waited almost 6 years for!

This is a picture from our wedding day! Our anniversary is on the day we fly out to Russia
Happy anniversary David 6 years of marriage but 10years of love!

~SICK DAYS~

2008-11-16T17:40:00.002-05:00

Well David and I are starting to get sick, on of my worse fears. Went to the doctor yesterday and got on some antibiotics. David and I are sharing them. Right now its just a throat made of sandpaper, and some mucus. The medications seem to be helping. We are still waiting on our FBI Clearances! I just have a feeling that as soon as they get here, David and I will be making the 3 hour drive to Columbia, SC to have them apostilled. Which is fine, but its going to take all day. So I better have some other things done as well. Like packing! We are packing only what we have too. So 2 large suite cases. 1 for mommy and daddy, the other for Daniel and his toys. Plus mommies extra overflow. A smaller suite case, filled with food. Mostly coffee, oatmeal, peanut butter, crackers, dry milk, easy mac and cheese. We will check the stroller in, and have 2 backpacks filled with our carry on items and the laptop. I might need another suite case. Once I really start packing, so for now it seems light.

I still have nightmares every night about the passports getting lost, or the FBI clearances not coming at all! Its crazy! David is sure everything will be fine. In fact he predicts that the FBI clearances will be here on Tuesday! I pray hes right!

Off to wake up sleeping beauty. Today we just hung around the house sick in our pJ's!
Maybe we will get back on track tomorrow!

Manic Madness!

2008-11-09T12:13:00.004-05:00

Well we finally found sandals in SC that the baby home was requesting. After lots of looking in NJ. We got almost 20+ pairs of nike sandals. We told the manager what we were doing and she marked them down for us! So they were orginally 21.95 a pair (insane) then marked to 17.00 a pair( crazy) then marked to 9.00 a pair ( what?) We found some for 5 dollars, in the sizes we needed, but most were still 9 bucks. So she gave us all the sizes we needed all for 5 bucks! I really had no idea how $$$$ baby shoes could be! So we still need to get the gummy baby vitamins they asked for. We ask our family for help on that. But we did get our driver, requested wrinkle cream for his wife. Also a purse for our one translator. David got a deal at TJ Maxx. He got a $120 Samsonite Luggage for 20bucks. For Daniel we picked up a potty toilet, a booster seat for the kitchen chair, a used stroller for travel, a new Jacket, hat, gloves. Also 2 pairs of shoes for him. Trying to get all our paperwork needed for court sent out this week. But I think today we are just going to get our Pic's printed of our 1st visit for court. And dump some things in the babys room in storage.

Oh, my mom called and said she is shipping out the Rocking horse he loved so much at the baby home. She found one online and is sending it to my Father in laws house! Yay!

Home in SC with good news

2008-11-07T08:36:00.002-05:00

As we were leaving yesterday, I told David I cant wait to get home, and start the paperwork we need to do while we are getting ready for court. Well we got a call from our agency saying that we have our court date for 11-25-08. So we are now in manic mode again. I have to reapply for the visas and do medical and police clearences, ect. Go through our sons room, baby proof the house. Also my poor father in law has been stuck with our 3 dogs for 2 weeks. So he will get a 2 week break before they are with him for another 2.5 weeks . Poor guy! They are a handful, or pain in the ass, whatever you want to call them. So its almost 9am. Davids sleeping , because hes sick. Father in law, is sleeping. Mostly because he doesnt have to get up and let the dogs out. And I just wanted to update this blog, because it has been awhile. So I think since they are still sleeping and I have all this manic energy. I might sneek the dogs back to our house and give them a bath and lock them up and come back for our luggage. Let those 2 princess's sleep!

Leaving to come home empty handed

2008-10-30T14:41:00.001-04:00

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!

2008-10-29T14:50:00.002-04:00

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!

2008-10-27T09:19:00.002-04:00

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!

2008-10-16T16:32:00.002-04:00

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!

2008-10-11T14:07:00.002-04:00

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.

I've been tagged

2008-09-30T13:26:00.002-04:00

6 random things about me, ummm

Well I have stupid amount of t-shirt collections. When ever we go on vacation or a concert I buy a t-shirt. Because a t-shirt and pj pants or jeans or draw string pants are what I lounge in at home, I wear my t-shirts. I even have a system one side of the draw is long sleeve nice t-shirts, like my LBI logo tees, my NYG tee's, and my Reel Tree outdoors tee's. Then theres the shirts where if I want to go out and do yard work, or anything messy. I wear them. But my favorite tee to wear is Davids middle school t-shirt I found a couple years ago in one of his boxes, that we were throwing out. It was his middle school gym shirt with his name on it. So I wear it to bed!

NO matter how hard I try, I do not have a green thumb. It will just never happen. So every season when the flowers are out at walmart or Lowes, I cant help myself. Then after weeks of heat, and little rain (also because I forget to water) they die :( So I give up! I might start to do what my great grandmother did, put the fakies out!

I hate when the stove is not wiped down after cooking. David always forgets. Then the next time I go to use it theres a ring of, grease, soup, or sauce around the burner. But thats really all I can say about him, hes pretty neat. He does have his own collection of water bottles on his night stand. Its his habit to go to bed, and grab his water, get in bed and forget about the other 3 that he has not finished. As of this morning there was 5.

I enjoy shopping more for other people. I hate shopping for myself. I guess because I dont need anything. I dont want anything. So its much funner to shop for someone else, knowing that you took time to find a gift, might not be the perfect gift, but a gift of thought. It makes me feel good about myself.

When I clean the house sometimes I secretly, "loose" some of davids crap! Like a fish that he had in the deep freezer for 3years! Kept saying "I'm saving it I want to get it mounted". Well if after 3 years and its still in there, he forgot about it, so I chucked it! shhhhh! Only this year he asked if I remember it. Nope:)

Lastly I check my phone, my email, and my mail box like 100xs. Waiting for something about this adoption to kick in gear. I hate this waiting, it never ends! So I fill my time with reading, doing things in the office to get ready for the end of the year taxes , ugh! And watch the lifetime movie network or the soapnetwork. I watched the whole first season of Dirty Sexy Money. It was ok. I think the new season airs on Wend. night. But I'm so happy Greys is back on. I stopped watching the election debates, after the dirt came out on John Edwards, I thought he was a real good person. But no they are all liars! It doesnt matter who wins, I think its all lies anyway. Im still undecided. There is no clear line to me who is better than the other. They both have their faults.

If I tag you, here are the rules!!!
1. Link to the person that tagged you.
2. Post the rules on the blog.
3. Write six random facts about yourself.
4. Tag six people at the end of your post.
5. Let each person know they have been tagged.
6. Let the taggers know when your entry is up.

1. Joy
2.Carla
3.Michele
4.Kris
5. Dawn
6. Tanya

Still waiting for travel dates :(

2008-09-29T11:48:00.002-04:00

So it has been over 2 weeks since we got our referral. Yes, still waiting for dates. We were told hopefully this week or next. So the main goal is to see him, by the end of the month. Then, have to wait again for a court date. We wish he could be here for the holidays, but I'm sure he wont. Hearing that everything closes for the holidays, and a different times, so our chances are slim. But who knows, maybe this will be easier, than we think. Our agency has given us info, as far as what to do when we get there, who we'll meet, what to do during check-in, getting our US dollars exchanged to rubles (24-25 rubles= $1 us dollar) I think.
I have got great info from the IVFC group, and FRUA. So I know their is a supermarket near our hotel, TGI fridays, ect. Also less than a mile walk to the circle, where we can see the Red Square, and the Kremlin Since we wont have much time on the first trip, those might be the only things we go and see. I have spoken to our IA(international adoption) doctor @ MUSC. She received the pics we sent her that we already have, and so far so good. No severe signs of FAS. She instructed me, what she was looking for in pictures and a video. David and I went and picked out some things to help, like soft toys, stacking cups, crayons, to see how his coordination is. Also have got good tips from other AP's (adoptive parents) I have been getting tons of feedback, that bubbles are a huge hit. The main, things she wants to know, are his measurements (height, weight, head circumference), what words are in his vocab, how many, does he point to things he wants of verbally communicate. Also does he turn to you if calling is name from behind ( hearing issues). So some things and tips to help us get an idea of where he is. Most likely he will be behind, since hes 21months, he can be developmentally in the range of 14-18 months. I know sounds bad, but I was assured by the IA doctor that once home, with proper medical care, right nutrition, positive attachment bonds that we will be amazed at how fast he is growing.

So as we are awaiting dates, we are trying our hand at the Russia language. We sound terrible! And thats just being nice! Also picked up a book on Attachment in Adoption. I really need to do a whole house clean, but can't seem to get in the mood. But since we really are all set with packing, and travel items, I guess I have no choice.

P.S> I think i might have to link the IA doctor my video we take on too my blog. Not really sure on how to send it. I know if I email it I will have gray hair by the time it gets done. So I might slap it on here, just for the day so they can see it, then I have to delete it. Or I'm looking into youtube, I know if I set up an account, I can make it private, and send them the email link. This way it wont come up in the search. Still working on that idea.

Finally the good stuff!

2008-09-12T23:24:00.002-04:00

Ok well, I have been able to collect some, not all of my thoughts today. Its almost midnight, and I'm spent. I'm afraid to sleep, like this is all a dream. I have a picture of this little man on my computer, and I stare at it. Wondering, what kind of life he has had. Whats the story with his birth parents..ect. So far. I stare at a picture of a brown eyed little man, who has a smile on his face. Looks content playing in his oversized play pen. In the back of the picture far off in the corner, their is another little boy peeking out from under a box. Just another day in an Orphanage. So I'm thinking of him, and he doesn't even know I exist. Funny how that works.

David and I are going to TRY and keep some normalcy around here. Keep focus of work and things that still have to get done around here. Like another organization weekend, more cleaning, and yard work. But the bonus is that we get to think of what we are going to bring our little guy. So of course I made another list :)

A blanket that we will sleep with so it smells like us,(and 3 wet dogs I'm sure after all this rain)
A disposable camera to leave so the caregivers care take pics if the between trips is longer then expected
Some stacking blocks, to leave and let him play with, when we first met ( no stuffed animals)
A mini photo book, of us, and his new family. ( that is going to be a big book)

Thats all I can think of now. But I did get advice to take a measuring tape with me to help with clothing. And also trace his foot to help with shoe size. Im still holding back on the shopping thing. After the last 2 pregnancy's, I will wait. Its no fun to shop for something (someone) who is not here yet!

Ok got to sleep not, cant think anymore!

The best News Yet!

2008-09-12T13:57:00.001-04:00

We got a REFERRAL! He is soo cute! 19 months, brown hair and eyes. I will write so much more soon, but right now on a high that is like no other!

Dossier in Russia!

2008-09-03T10:46:00.002-04:00

Ok not alot of info here. I replied to and email my agency sent saying Our Dossier has been forwarded to Russian and is in translation. So I asked them a million more questions and I am waiting for more info. Now that we know it is in Moscow, we are starting to feel so unprepared. So I am getting many lists together on what we need to bring on first trip. I know it won't be long maybe 4-7 days. So we will pack light. We just want to be one step ahead! Deciding i we are going to use a IA ( International Adoption Doctor) I got good research from my IVFC girls, but am still unsure. I think once we get close to a referral I will make a decision . Nothing more to add, until i get more answers! Also Praying Hurricane Hanna stays away!

List of Items Needed to Leave Russia!

2008-08-23T18:00:00.002-04:00

So I have recieved and email today with some information about what we need to bring in order to exit the Country and Embassy Costs. INFO as Followed:
I-600A
Copy of passports
I-171H
Employment Letters
Pay stubs

Embassy Costs:
$400 for childs visa
$545 for processing visa of adopted child
$150-250, childs exit medical exam by U.S. Embassy Physician
$100 childs foreign passport and visa photos
$75 to Register child with the Russian Consulate

Then just info on where we can stay in Moscow. It might be the Marriott. It says theres a TGI Fridays there and an American Diner , also a fried chicken place. Yay!
So not the referral we were looking for, but information is better then nothing at all. Will post when more is known!

I-171H

2008-08-10T12:27:00.002-04:00

Finally the main immigration form we were waiting on, to let us travel to Russia (when the time comes) is here! So now we are just waiting for a referral. Who knows how long it will be. But I will soon contact our agency about who they recommend as far as and International Adoption doctor. So David and I can get all the info we need to prepare ourself's on what to look for, as far as understanding our future child's health. So he can give us insight on what to look for, whats normal. Our main issue is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Also malnutrition and under - development. So I will try and do my research, also get input from my adoption - girls on IVFC. But I hate that I don't get towrite much on here. I wish there was more going on.

I can say that David, my younger brother Dennis, my FIL- Dave, and I went out for a joy ride in the jeeps yesterday. It was alot of fun. Then late last night, it was nice and cool out so we took our jeep out for a ride to Wal-Mart. I think the most fun David and I have is when we take the jeep out to our favorite seafood place, and go to the beach at low tide as the sun goes down, and just walk in the water with our shoes off, or look for sea shells. If we make that a regular thing, we just might pass this waiting time, with little thought and stress!

Just a little update!

2008-07-24T21:14:00.004-04:00

1999 2008
So, just a quick update:
David's Staph, cleared up!
Waiting to hear, that all documents are A-OK!
Had dinner at F.I.L.'s tonight, said good bye to Davids Grandmother. Shes Leaving to go back to NJ. We sat around and looked at pictures. It's so fun looking and pictures from back in the day. SO funny in fact my Father in Law, had a picture of David and I just one month after we started dating. in 1999. We just couldn't believe it! ( I know some of you are like OMG! 1999, you two look like kids) Yes we were, David was 20, and I was 17. This November we will be together 9 years. Sounds really long to us, but it really has just gone by so fast. Maybe tooo fast! So I thought I would share it, maybe do a past and present.

Here's to 1999, when gas was cheaper, when we just worked to have fun, and lesson's learned. To look back and think all that we have been through.........I hope the next 10 years take it easy on these ol' hearts!

Finished: Document Round 1 Complete!

2008-07-13T11:40:00.002-04:00

So I finished our last set of Dossier documents. Dont think that its the end. I'm sure more will pop up. But at least there is an end for now. David and I have our fingerprinting for immigration on the 18th. And thats all the news we have for now. Waiting for our FBI clearances to come back. David has another Staph infection. So I hope it clears up soon. And doesn't become full blown!

Shout out to Carl and Matt! Congrats on your adoption with Nick being finalized. I hope your journey back to the U.S.A. is a smooth one!

Struck Gold in the Mail!

2008-07-04T10:26:00.002-04:00

Yesterday we received 4 positive pieces of mail.
1. A letter from DSS, that they accepted our adenment of our godparents selection.
2. Our UCIS Appointment for our fingerprints....again
3. Half of our Apostilled documents, the other half im waiting to send out when we get our medical reports done.
4. A letter from our mortgage Company, stating the status of our account.

So thats our good news for the forth. I hope everyone has a safe holiday. Be careful with those fireworks!

First set!

2008-07-01T14:29:00.002-04:00

Today I sent out my first 27 documents that had to be apostilled by South Carolina's Secretary of state. Yay! We sent off our FBI clearances and I'am going tomorrow to pick up a letter my mortgage company wrote for us about our loan status. Still have medical reports to do and get his medical license, and I think thats it for now. We shall see!

OK just an Update from our meeting yesterday.

2008-06-28T07:04:00.000-04:00

We signed the contract, and showed them so far what we got notarized, to send of to me apostilled. Everything was fine except the cover letters I had to change. There might me an issue with our house STILL! Because we own a mobile home, we only get a title of vehicle, WFT! NOt a deed. So I have to get a letter from my mortgage Company, saying we have a loan with them on this title number, and we owe such and such, and are in good standing. We also got finger printed for our FBI clearences. AND I sent that off. I had to have our social worker add an addenement because they said Moscow wants something saying our chosen god parents, are financially stable, and in good health and what their ages and careers are. Other than that I will start sending out a set of stuff to be apostilled. Yeah, the agency say's that if we get it all done and finalized, and sent off to Russia by mid July, we could travel in September. Crazy right? I dont believe until it happens. But they sugguested that we stay with a host family the first trip. DH is alittle scared about that, but the told us that some of those apartments are far from where we need to be. I would do it if it saved us money. But for our final I would spend the money to be alone with our child. So Im getting ahead of my self now, so i'll stop.

Paper work done, needs Notarized

2008-06-07T16:42:00.004-04:00

In my recent email from the agency, The following documents need to be filled out using an exact form. All need to be notarized and sent to the state to be apostilled. The tricky thing is some forms we need 2- to go into the Russian referral. Some need a cover letter, like our medical report and the doctors medical license. The cover letter to is say that we swear the following documents are true copy's. And the cover letter is what we get notarized and apostilled. So I spent 5hours today making rough copy's of the following (filled out but not final)

Residence Address Verification
Certificate of Approval Assurance for Post Placement Services & Consulate Registration (2copys)
Petition to conduct a Search for Children Available for Adoption
Consulate Registration Covenant
Post-Placement Covenant-Parents
Prospective Adoptive Parents Registration Form
Adoptive Parents Medical Evaluation Form (2-one for each of us)
Power of Attorney -Vicktorovna in Moscow (2 copy's)
Power of Attorney-Borisovich in Moscow (2 copy's)
Power of Attorney-Georgievna in Moscow (2 copy's)
Financial Statment

I have also filled out our I-600A that will be sent to USCIS (immigration) But I called our office here in SC. They told me they are currently working on applications from February. Thats a 4 month wait! But I'm hoping that we don't need it on our first trip. Only by our final trip. So thats it so far. Seems easy enough. But ya never know what else they are going to want. So out of all those documents I have to have a total of 3 sets of documents notarized and apostilled. Then 2 photo copy's for us. Luckily in our state, its free at the bank to get them notarized and the state only charges $2 bucks a document. SO not bad! I heard that some states charge up to $20 a document. YIKES!

Ok going to lay down, and try to finish up my book!

GOoD NEWS!

2008-06-01T11:43:00.002-04:00

I got an email today from our Home study agent. She let me know that DSS, need her updated license and then they would approve us. So she sent them the info that they need of her, and we should receive a letter and certificate to adopt. YAY! Some good news in our wait. I still have 7 more chapters of Hague training home work :( I cant seem to get them done. Maybe because its titled home work! But im going to try and get a couple chapters done today. Then organize my Dossier documents, so I know what im doing.
David and I went on the boat yesterday. its was HOT!!! But some how I got so tired and so did David, So we came home about three hours later. Had a BBQ at my FIL's house. Came home and went to bed. Today we are just vegging out!

Dossier Packet!

2008-05-30T16:59:00.002-04:00

Well the agency has sent my a list of forms that have to be filled out. Still waiting for SC-DSS to send final approval of home study. (tick-tock-tick-tock) So I'am going to organize all the information in a binder and figure out how many of each I need. I need two copy's notarized and Apostilled. One for the agency, one to go over to Russia for Translation. Then I just need a photo copy for me too keep when we go over there. As much as I want to spend hours on the paper work, so it is done. I wont. We are going to take our time and make sure everything is 110%. Otherwise Russia will send it back and have us do it over again. :( Some good news today! David and I were about to spend $750 on a new clutch for our Jeep, but realized it just needed clutch fluid. Good that $750 in our adoption fund! I'll post In big hudge letter when we get our approval from DSS

In Memory OF our May Angels

2008-05-15T18:12:00.002-04:00

This month has been difficult, on the 28th and 29th is our one year anniversary, from our first b/g twin loss. We are still doing the Russian adoption. Taking our time. It was our best decision to do. Our goal is family. SO what ever it takes. My personal goal in this IF (infertility battle) was when I started at 21. I told myself and David when I hit 30 I'm done. I will adopt. But after 2 twin miscarriages due to IC (incompetent cervix). And one of those sets were conjoined at the belly button. I cant go through another loss. Not yet. I'll flip my lid.

So we decided to Adopt now. And let that love we want to give to a child heal us. I still have two more frozen eggs. I still have one more try in me. But in time. I think the hurt wont be so bad, if I lost another pregnancy when there was a child home waiting for me, needs OUR love and guidance. So what, not blood, but it all comes down to love. Giving and receiving. We have spent thousands of $. Just like most IVF's do. But I want to be a mom NOW! SO that is what made our decision on adoption. I know its not for everyone. But it is right for David and I. I hope all us infertile's can find the happiness and peace we're looking for. If you have the will to fight, and go through it for 6,7,10+ years then do it! I don't anymore. I need a break from the death. Its too much on this heart. So at 26 I hope this process can bring a baby in our arms!

Patti & David
Parents of angels
Ryan & Aubrey 5/28+29/2007
Hope and Faith 2/5/2008

Home Study was a Breeze~!

2008-05-03T14:27:00.000-04:00

ALL that worrying, there was no need for. I was under the assumption that we would have more then one meeting, but I guess not. She asked us the standered questions, on how we met, our family support, and about our parenting style. She was sooo nice. It was a very relaxing. She toured our house. I was even joking with her, about how lucky she was too see our bed made. She joked back. It was like talking to a friend. She was very helpful, she has 2 adopted children from Russia also, and a set of twin daughters. We showed her our nursery, and she made a comment on how beauitful it would be for our son. Can you believe it, she said, "our son" . It made me think, yeah shes right OUR SON! Up until now we have been referring to"our son" as "the child". I guess for emotional reasons. But it felt good.

Next I'm going to email her pictures of us, the house, nursery, the dogs...ect. Then the only challenging thing now is choosing a set of god parents. Because Russia requires us to pick another guardian just in case anything were to happen to David or I. Then she'll send it all into DSS, and then we wait for them to finalize it. And We start the rest of our Dossier.

Here are two pics of the nursery!

2008-04-21T09:41:00.000-04:00

We'll our sled clearances came back- all clear! David and I bought a boat. We spent some days out on the Inlet and river. Had a great time! We are now preparing for our social worker to contact us for our "first" official Homestudy!

SLED & DSS Background mail off!

2008-04-07T15:37:00.000-04:00

Well David and I have got almost 75% of the forms filled out. Asked my references to send out there letters, and now waiting for our social worker to come back from vacation, to start our homestudy. Today is the first day in a week that it hasn't rained. So the landscaper is here mowing the grass. So I guess today would be a good day to take the pictures of our house. Well atleast the outside. Still have to set up nursery to take a pic of that. Nothing else for now. Just everyday is different. One day we are in a rhythm, and the next we are second guessing our self's. So everyday our moods are different, and this journey is going to be a leap of faith!

Let the paper work ambush begin!

2008-04-01T17:28:00.000-04:00

Well we received a call from our home study agent. She has sent us a packet of forms to fill out. Most need to be notarized, so here are the following forms so far that we are in the process of completing:

A D.S.S. form

A SLED background check and clearences

Personal background info for the both of us
3 names and address and phone #s with 3 reference Letters ( non- family)
Complete medical forms filled out
List of all previous address
6-8 pictures of our house and family
Financial statement
Copys of Birth records, marriage certificate, and tax returns

So we are getting started and are setting up a date to meet with the social work to start the home study. On top off all of the paper work, am going to get my lip checked out! Its has been going numb for a month now, kinda scared. Dont really want to know whats causing it, but David is making me go :(

Finding our Little Russian son!

2008-03-29T15:18:00.000-04:00

David and I have begun our adoption journey! Not quite sure if we can maintain our emotions, sanity and excitement. We started this journey and next chapter of our lifes, because we want a family. After years of infertility issues, we decided to do IVF- invetro fertilization. It worked, we got pregnant with twins and life was good.....but only for a moment. We miscarried our boy/girl (Ryan & Aubrey) twins at 19 weeks. So we of course we very upset, lost and angry. So we made a goal of trying again. Maybe too soon for David but I was ready. My thoughts were there is now way it can happen again! So we used 2 of our 4 frozen eggs. We got pregnant again! With 3! So in that pregnancy fear set in, and constant worrying. At 11weeks we lost one of the triplets, and I had a cerclage put in place. Thing were on a steady path, no bumps......until our 19th week mark. Went in for an anatomy scan. Then we got a mountain of a bump, the twins ( girls) were conjoined at the belly button. As the drama unfolded in the next couple weeks of "what should we do", and "we will get through this", I started having contractions and by the time we got to the hospital I was 3 cm. So our journey wasn't meant to be. I had a c-section at 21weeks and named our extremely premature twins Hope&Faith. Those names mean alot because we will now live not only for those names but by them!

Hope and Faith are what we are hanging onto. We are excited that the road doesn't end for us and adoption is still an option. David and I choose Russia, because the country just appealed to us! We are using an agency that seems to have alot experience not only professionally, but personally with Russia. They are a non-profit agency group of mothers them self that each have adopted children. Some from Russia and also from Guatemala. David and I feel good with them. We gave them our "first" application. So its pretty big for us to really get the ball rolling on this. Even though the ball doesn't always stay rolling in this process. We are just trying to stay positive, but realistic! This process isn't any easier than a pregnancy. But I think the chances of a beautiful baby at the end, has a higher % then a pregnancy....at least for me!

So keep up on our Adoption Journey, sure to be a wild ride!

Our Adoption Journey! intro

2008-03-29T12:24:00.001-04:00