We leave for court in about an hour... I'm not really nervous. More like just anxious to get it over with. I'm SO hoping we get to pick up Alivia today and don't have to wait until tomorrow. Hopefully I'll be able to post on here about that shortly. In the meantime, keep us in your prayers!
~ Jeana
Friday, July 07, 2006
Thursday, July 06, 2006
The Wheels on the Bus...
It's been a busy couple days here in Tver! Yesterday Mom and I got up early and visited another grocery store. We're enjoying picking up a fresh loaf of bread every day for lunch. We have some cheese, some cucumbers and tomatoes, radishes and fruit--makes for a very nice meal! After lunch Alexey and Luba picked us up and it was time to go to the orphange. The theme on this trip seems to be travel delays, however, and the orphanage trip was no exception! We ran into not one, not two, but three separate traffic jams on the way there (this in a country where most people don't have cars!!!) We finally made it to the orphanage at around 4 pm, though, and got to spend a delightful 45 minutes with Alivia.
She was in a terrific mood--cheerful and just as pretty as I remembered. We sang Happy Birthday to her and she returned the favor, singing to us a little bit. The song didn't have any words and the melody was quite interesting, but it was obvious what she was trying to do. It was very cute! Unfortunately the visit was very brief and it was interupted quite a bit by the doctor and various care takers who needed to share information with me, so it felt very rushed. I would have loved to spend a lot more time there.
On our way back we encountered another traffic jam before we managed to get out of Vishney Volochek, but we were able to get back on the road eventually and made it back to Tver by about 6 pm. On the way we had quite the experience, though. Mom and I both needed to use the bathroom, so we asked Alexey to stop at a gas station. He stopped at a small roadside cafe instead. I waited outside while Mom went in and I remember hearing her say "Oh my lord," or something like that and I figured it must be pretty dirty. When she came out and it was my turn, I found out the real reason. The "toilet" was literally just a hole in the ground with a constant trickle of water that ran down to keep it flowing. There were two slightly raised tiles on either side of the hole for you to stand on and there was a small shelf on the wall where the roll of toilet tissue sat. It was quite the "experience"!
After we returned to the hotel we met up with another family who was here on their first trip and had a nice dinner in the hotel restaurant. After dinner I went for a walk with the couple to show them where the big shopping mall and a couple good, but inexpensive restaurants are located. Mom and I both went to bed early--it had been a long day!
This morning I had a couple doctors visits to take care of--the psychiatrist and the narcologist (drug abuse doctor.) It was amazingly inexpensive--only 200 rubles (a little less than $8) for the psychiatrist and 320 rubles (about $12) for the narcologist. All the other doctors (I had to get approved by 8 doctors in all) were a combined total of 200 rubles. I'm glad I was assigned to Tver and not to Moscow! I've heard that in Moscow the medical exams cost about $1500!
After we finished with the doctors, Luba took Mom and I out shopping for souvenirs and things for the baby. We bought a cute little stroller which proved very useful for transporting all the other things we also bought back to the hotel. We stopped at another grocery store (I think we've been to 4 different ones now!) and picked up a few jars of baby food for Alivia and some fresh fruit and veggies for us. I also picked up a couple interesting bags of potato chips. One is crab flavored (it's actually very good!) and the other is caviar flavored (we haven't tasted that one yet.) There are so many interesting new tastes to try here!
Tomorrow morning is court and then we hope to drive to Vishney Volochek to pick up Alivia. It will be so wonderful to finally have her with us! As soon as we get back and I get a chance to slip down to the computer I'll post some pictures. She's such a little cutie! I can't wait to be able to share her with all my friends!
~ Jeana
She was in a terrific mood--cheerful and just as pretty as I remembered. We sang Happy Birthday to her and she returned the favor, singing to us a little bit. The song didn't have any words and the melody was quite interesting, but it was obvious what she was trying to do. It was very cute! Unfortunately the visit was very brief and it was interupted quite a bit by the doctor and various care takers who needed to share information with me, so it felt very rushed. I would have loved to spend a lot more time there.
On our way back we encountered another traffic jam before we managed to get out of Vishney Volochek, but we were able to get back on the road eventually and made it back to Tver by about 6 pm. On the way we had quite the experience, though. Mom and I both needed to use the bathroom, so we asked Alexey to stop at a gas station. He stopped at a small roadside cafe instead. I waited outside while Mom went in and I remember hearing her say "Oh my lord," or something like that and I figured it must be pretty dirty. When she came out and it was my turn, I found out the real reason. The "toilet" was literally just a hole in the ground with a constant trickle of water that ran down to keep it flowing. There were two slightly raised tiles on either side of the hole for you to stand on and there was a small shelf on the wall where the roll of toilet tissue sat. It was quite the "experience"!
After we returned to the hotel we met up with another family who was here on their first trip and had a nice dinner in the hotel restaurant. After dinner I went for a walk with the couple to show them where the big shopping mall and a couple good, but inexpensive restaurants are located. Mom and I both went to bed early--it had been a long day!
This morning I had a couple doctors visits to take care of--the psychiatrist and the narcologist (drug abuse doctor.) It was amazingly inexpensive--only 200 rubles (a little less than $8) for the psychiatrist and 320 rubles (about $12) for the narcologist. All the other doctors (I had to get approved by 8 doctors in all) were a combined total of 200 rubles. I'm glad I was assigned to Tver and not to Moscow! I've heard that in Moscow the medical exams cost about $1500!
After we finished with the doctors, Luba took Mom and I out shopping for souvenirs and things for the baby. We bought a cute little stroller which proved very useful for transporting all the other things we also bought back to the hotel. We stopped at another grocery store (I think we've been to 4 different ones now!) and picked up a few jars of baby food for Alivia and some fresh fruit and veggies for us. I also picked up a couple interesting bags of potato chips. One is crab flavored (it's actually very good!) and the other is caviar flavored (we haven't tasted that one yet.) There are so many interesting new tastes to try here!
Tomorrow morning is court and then we hope to drive to Vishney Volochek to pick up Alivia. It will be so wonderful to finally have her with us! As soon as we get back and I get a chance to slip down to the computer I'll post some pictures. She's such a little cutie! I can't wait to be able to share her with all my friends!
~ Jeana
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
The Long and Winding Road...
Well, mom and I had a quite the adventure on the trip over here. Our flight out of NY was delayed and we missed our connection in London. By the time we arrived in London we ended up with a 3.5 hour layover there and so we didn't arrive in Moscow until 8pm. Then the driver who was supposed to pick us up broke down and they had to find another driver. We didn't get picked up at the airport until about 1:15 in the morning and arrived at the hotel at 3:30 am (7:30 pm EST.) Needless to say, after more than 36 hours straight travelling we were exhausted. We collapsed into bed and didn't get up till almost noon today.
On the plus side, we did manage to discover some great airport food while we were waiting in various cities. In NY there was a terrific Italian place with some fabulous pizza! In London we found a little place called the Giraffe and it had some of the tastiest rice I have ever had. The salmon filet with it was just kind of ordinary, but the rice had slivers of carrots, green beens and other orientalish veggies and an absolutely delicious sauce on it. In Moscow, there was a nifty little asian cafe that did pretty fair sushi and another nice rice dish. Not bad at all for airport food!
Other than the travel delays everything is going well. We have a suite at the hotel which is very comfortable and will be nice when we have Alivia with us. TWe went out for a little exploratory walk this afternoon and bought some bread, cheese and fruit to do lunch in our room. I'm hoping to meet up with another adoption family in a little while to make dinner plans and maybe do a little more city exploration this evening. It stays light out until close to midnight, so it's nice to take an evening stroll.
Tomorrow we go to the orphanage to see Alivia. It's also her first birthday tomorrow so we're doubly excited about seeing her. I'm so excited about mom finally getting to meet her tomorrow, too! Then Thursday is medical appointments and shopping, Friday will be court and then--she's OURS!
~ Jeana
On the plus side, we did manage to discover some great airport food while we were waiting in various cities. In NY there was a terrific Italian place with some fabulous pizza! In London we found a little place called the Giraffe and it had some of the tastiest rice I have ever had. The salmon filet with it was just kind of ordinary, but the rice had slivers of carrots, green beens and other orientalish veggies and an absolutely delicious sauce on it. In Moscow, there was a nifty little asian cafe that did pretty fair sushi and another nice rice dish. Not bad at all for airport food!
Other than the travel delays everything is going well. We have a suite at the hotel which is very comfortable and will be nice when we have Alivia with us. TWe went out for a little exploratory walk this afternoon and bought some bread, cheese and fruit to do lunch in our room. I'm hoping to meet up with another adoption family in a little while to make dinner plans and maybe do a little more city exploration this evening. It stays light out until close to midnight, so it's nice to take an evening stroll.
Tomorrow we go to the orphanage to see Alivia. It's also her first birthday tomorrow so we're doubly excited about seeing her. I'm so excited about mom finally getting to meet her tomorrow, too! Then Thursday is medical appointments and shopping, Friday will be court and then--she's OURS!
~ Jeana
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Two More Days and Counting...
Just two more days here and I'm off to Tver, Russia again. I can't wait to see my little darling! My mom is going with me on this trip and we've had so much fun going over packing lists and trying to plan for everything we think we'll need. I managed to get most of the last minute errands done last night and today was my last day at work until the middle of October. All that's left is a trip to the bank, a trip to the bookstore and packing those suitcases!
It will be interesting to see my mom's reaction to everything in Russia. Having been there before (way back in the 1990's) I had a good idea of what to expect when I was over there last month. Yes, many things had changed, but so many things were still the same.
I'm also looking forward to finally being able to post some pictures here of Alivia. She's such a cutie and I hate not being able to share that with all my friends. Stay tuned to this spot on July 7 though! I plan on uploading a boatload of pics!
So--what am I going to do these last two days at home without the baby? I had planned on driving down to Port Canaveral to watch the shuttle launch, but between the launch and a race in Daytona, they are predicting the interstate will feel more like a parking lot. That also nixed the alternate plan of going to Disney. Instead I think some friends and I will be checking out the new Superman movie at the IMAX theater. Should be interesting to watch it in 3D.
Here's wishing everyone a terrific 4th of July weekend!
~ Jeana
It will be interesting to see my mom's reaction to everything in Russia. Having been there before (way back in the 1990's) I had a good idea of what to expect when I was over there last month. Yes, many things had changed, but so many things were still the same.
I'm also looking forward to finally being able to post some pictures here of Alivia. She's such a cutie and I hate not being able to share that with all my friends. Stay tuned to this spot on July 7 though! I plan on uploading a boatload of pics!
So--what am I going to do these last two days at home without the baby? I had planned on driving down to Port Canaveral to watch the shuttle launch, but between the launch and a race in Daytona, they are predicting the interstate will feel more like a parking lot. That also nixed the alternate plan of going to Disney. Instead I think some friends and I will be checking out the new Superman movie at the IMAX theater. Should be interesting to watch it in 3D.
Here's wishing everyone a terrific 4th of July weekend!
~ Jeana
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Almost Ready...
I managed to gather the last of my Trip 2 documents today and made the round trip drive to Tallahassee to get them all apostilled. Everything's been faxed to the agency as well, so unless there are any last minute things that pop up I'm ready for Trip 2!
Next comes the packing... always a chore! For this trip I will need to take things for Alivia, too. Thank goodness the city we'll be in has a nice shopping mall--I know I'll end up forgetting something!
It's hard to believe that in just a little over a week I'll be on my way back to Russia to get my daughter!
~ Jeana
Next comes the packing... always a chore! For this trip I will need to take things for Alivia, too. Thank goodness the city we'll be in has a nice shopping mall--I know I'll end up forgetting something!
It's hard to believe that in just a little over a week I'll be on my way back to Russia to get my daughter!
~ Jeana
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
The IA Doctor
One of the hardest things for most families adopting a child internationally is trying to determine the medical status of their prospective child. In Russia we have particularly significant problems to face with high incidences of fetal alcohol syndrome, attachment disorder and related issues. Like most adoptive parents I did a ton of research beforehand to familiarize myself with the symptoms and problems associated with these common problems. Some of it can be quite scary and some is totally unpredictable in a child as young as my daughter-to-be. There is a lot that can be gleaned from photos and video, but there is also a lot that might not reveal itself until much later. How do you decide whether or not the risk is acceptable to your family?
One of the ways is through the use of an international adoption doctor--a specialist who knows what to look for and how to interpret it. I'm fortunate to have a doctor in my area who treats many other adopted children and who, having adopted from eastern europe himself, knows the ins and outs of the system and the conditions that the children live in before being adopted. He listened to all my concerns, reviewed the medical information provided by the Russian doctors, studied the photos of Alivia and watched the video. Then we talked. While he did stress that there's always the risk of problems showing up later that we don't have any indication of now, he was able to reassure me that the behaviors and developmental delays exhibited in the video are consistent with those of an otherwise healthy instutionalized child. He also said that he saw nothing to indicate any untreatable problems.
A friend of mine is so worried that I might be biting off more than I can chew with this adoption and I admit that I allowed her worries to upset me. After speaking with the doctor, though, I am much more at ease about the situation and even more certain that I'm making the right decision. Yes, there is the possibility that Alivia will have some tough problems for us to deal with, but that possibility exists with every child--adopted or bio. You never know what God is going to give you until it happens. What I do know is that God has brought me and this child together for a reason. We each have something that the other needs. I know this with every fiber of my being.
I strongly believe that it's in every family's best interest to consult with an IA doctor and to do the research and educate themselves about the risks involved in international adoption. Ultimately, though, the decision to adopt belongs to the family and has to be a matter of faith. Either it feels right or it doesn't and either you're ready to take the risk or you aren't. Alivia and I feel right and I'm ready to take the risk. And court is just 16 days and counting...
~ Jeana
One of the ways is through the use of an international adoption doctor--a specialist who knows what to look for and how to interpret it. I'm fortunate to have a doctor in my area who treats many other adopted children and who, having adopted from eastern europe himself, knows the ins and outs of the system and the conditions that the children live in before being adopted. He listened to all my concerns, reviewed the medical information provided by the Russian doctors, studied the photos of Alivia and watched the video. Then we talked. While he did stress that there's always the risk of problems showing up later that we don't have any indication of now, he was able to reassure me that the behaviors and developmental delays exhibited in the video are consistent with those of an otherwise healthy instutionalized child. He also said that he saw nothing to indicate any untreatable problems.
A friend of mine is so worried that I might be biting off more than I can chew with this adoption and I admit that I allowed her worries to upset me. After speaking with the doctor, though, I am much more at ease about the situation and even more certain that I'm making the right decision. Yes, there is the possibility that Alivia will have some tough problems for us to deal with, but that possibility exists with every child--adopted or bio. You never know what God is going to give you until it happens. What I do know is that God has brought me and this child together for a reason. We each have something that the other needs. I know this with every fiber of my being.
I strongly believe that it's in every family's best interest to consult with an IA doctor and to do the research and educate themselves about the risks involved in international adoption. Ultimately, though, the decision to adopt belongs to the family and has to be a matter of faith. Either it feels right or it doesn't and either you're ready to take the risk or you aren't. Alivia and I feel right and I'm ready to take the risk. And court is just 16 days and counting...
~ Jeana
Monday, June 19, 2006
The forecast: a cold and showers!
It's been a busy week and a half since I returned home and the next week and a half promise to be the same. I've had the nastiest cold ever since I got back... nothing seems to touch it! It's finally down to just a bit of congestion and sneezing, but I'm ready for it to be gone! On the adoption side of things, I've seen the psychiatrist to update his letter certifying me sane enough to parent an adopted child, and I've gotten my drug tests done. I've also made all the arrangements for trip two--July 2nd is when Mom and I fly off to Russia. Thankfully, the agency confirmed travel dates today for the dates I had booked. I wasn't looking forward to change fees, but didn't want to risk fare increases, either.
The rest of this week shapes up with a visit to the pediatrician to get a letter requesting they Russian government waive the 10-day waiting period and a trip to Tallahassee to get everything apostilled. The fun just never ends...
Speaking of fun, though--my family and friends held a shower for me this past weekend. What a great time! The gifts were wonderful--and all very needed--but the best part was being surrounded by so many supportive people. The ladies I work with are hosting another shower for me next week, too, so I'll get a second little energy boost right before I leave for Russia. It's easy to forget as we go through each day, but when I sit back and think about it I am so amazed at the wonderful people I know!
~ Jeana
The rest of this week shapes up with a visit to the pediatrician to get a letter requesting they Russian government waive the 10-day waiting period and a trip to Tallahassee to get everything apostilled. The fun just never ends...
Speaking of fun, though--my family and friends held a shower for me this past weekend. What a great time! The gifts were wonderful--and all very needed--but the best part was being surrounded by so many supportive people. The ladies I work with are hosting another shower for me next week, too, so I'll get a second little energy boost right before I leave for Russia. It's easy to forget as we go through each day, but when I sit back and think about it I am so amazed at the wonderful people I know!
~ Jeana
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