One year!

I am so sorry for not sharing my journey with Sophia for the last year.  Let me tell you when the orphanage told me she was active they weren't kidding.  She is not stop movement, curious, smart, funny and rough and tumble.  I love her to bits.

Well it has been a year and she started transitional kindergarten at the end of last school year for about 6 weeks.  She returns on Wednesday.  She loves school and she gets to ride the bus and loves that too!

We took a 2 week vacation just she and I to visit our friend MeriBeth and family in Indiana and Kim and her family in Wisconsin at the end of June and beginning of July.  Sophia got to see her first fireworks and as long as I held my hands over her ears she loved them if not they were much to loud.  She got to ride a small horse at an animal sanctuary, eat frozen custard (my first time too), take some more plane rides (she is a great plane traveler), and lots of other fun things.

This by no means covers the last year but let me just show you with pictures how much she has grown and matured since coming home along with having her First 5th birthday party this past Saturday!
Here we go: (note: she does own clothes but doesn't like them if they get wet or it's hot or she has them on LOL Just kidding about that last one)

About a month home

 

 

 

 

 

Multitasking

                                                 Already for Church                                                                                

 

Mother's Day photoshoot

 

 

Hanging with friends

 

It's my 5th birthday

 

It's my First 5th birthday party

 

 

 

 

Darn it!  It won't load the cake photo.  Well Curious Cupcakes did an awesome job on the Abby Cadabby cake!

 

 

 

Kisses!

 

Hopefully I will be better at keeping in touch.  <3

 

 



Can someone tell me what day it is LOL

So today's adventure of sight seeing didn't go as expected.  It was an adventure and we saw sights but not the ones we had hoped.

So that past two days I haven't felt tip top.  WARNING THIS MAY BE TMI (to much information) FOR SOME sorry you know this is my travel log...

Ok so I have felt like throwing up was eminent now I do get motion sick and fell nausea but not like throwing up was eminent and I don't throw up I think the last time I threw up was 10+ years ago. So that gives you a reference. So I just figured it was all the excitement and stress of really becoming a mommy (good stress but stress anyway) and traveling not eating my usual meals.  Now I really haven't eaten the traditional foods here. I kept to what I know and well honestly this trip haven't eaten much.  Just do to being busy.  I brought some Gerber toddler dinners for Sophia.  Let me just say they are good.  Yes I had one the night well day we slept away LOL.  I also had one last night with Sophia since we didn't get a chance to get to the store.  I also had scrambled eggs while she was napping LOL. 

This morning we were heading out to find McDonald's pancakes for breakfast and I was looking forward to them.  Sophia and I started out pretty confidently until she stumbled and bit her tongue.  She was fine but as you all pretty much know your face and tongue like to bleed with the smallest of wounds.  So cleaned her up along the way and continued on our way.  Made it to Old Arbat street where I thought McDonald's was.  I saw Baskin Robbins, Dunkin Donuts, and Chili's along the way.  When we got to Old Arbat street things started to go very badly for me.  I had a huge pit in my stomach and my fingers on both hands were tingly intensely.  I also felt light headed, like I was going to black out and throw up all at once.  So I grabbed (lovingly) and sat down in front of Starbucks and thought I need to eat or at least get some milk in me until we find McDonald's.  We had to sit for a good few minutes before I felt stable enough to walk.  There was another Dunkin Donuts in front of us and thought they must have milk.  I didn't want donuts and didn't want Sophia's breakfast to be sugar.  So we went in of course the menu was all in Russian and I didn't see milk in the case. I did see OJ so I ordered a bottle and a cup for Sophia and sat down to drink.  I did but still didn't feel better so I ordered another and a bottle of water.  As I sat not feeling any better thought maybe I should get a taxi to go home.  Honestly I didn't think I could walk out to the street to hail one. So I called Boris.  Please help.  I had to hand the phone to the worker at Dunkin Donuts to tell him where I was.  He said I am coming soon.  As I am know in tears, and closed the phone, turned to go back to my table 3 feet away I threw up in my hands YUCK! made it to the table in time to throw up three more times in a cup I filled the cup (coffee cup size).  TMI ALERT  empty stomach just OJ and bile so I figure not food poisoning.  Good times.  So I clean up my mess best I could and head to the bathroom down stairs.  Sophia poor think just wants to run around but I still thought I was going to faint so she had to sit with me and she was vocal about her unhappiness.  It took Boris and Irina about 45 min to get to me from their homes.  I was in tears with a crying loudly Sophia on my lap when Irina came around the corner what a glorious site.  I told her Sophia was fine but I was not.  Boris came and took my arm as standing was difficult.  (I am crying as I type this).  He got us to the car and said he could take me to the American medical center.  I said ok.  Of course they didn't take my insurance but I don't know about you but when I am sick I don't care the cost just make me feel better. ;)  So Irina tended to Sophia.  I was taken back and had a normal temp.  But was still tingling in my hands and shaking with chills and light headed. Not good times.  The Dr. gave me an exam (yep had to go topless but I was banking on all being professional and again when I am sick since it doesn't happen often...just make me feel better)  He didn't come up with anything obvious.  So he wanted to do a blood panel and glucose level.  Ok Luckily just a prick of the finger no real blood draw.  COOL.  Ok wait for results.  He asked me to drink some tea with sugar.  I don't like tea but I did as I was directed.  I also held my baby I wasn't feeling as bed but still not good.  

I got called back a short time later.  Glucose was normal the blood panel did show an elevated white blood count  He had listened to my chest and back and seemed to focus on my right side prior to the blood work.  So he said I would like to do a chest x-ray to rule out pneumonia eek.  Ok better safe then sorry.  So again got naked from the waist up (all professional lol)  the tech came out after reviewing the film and said it looked clear.  So back to the doctor he agreed.  So no reason for any of this mess.  My hands are still tingling even as I type this.  He did say maybe the blood diagnosis machine was off LOL.  I asked for a copy of the results I will take to my doctor when I get home just to be safe.  He thought maybe I had a little indigestion or bug and then add all the stress and BAM this is what you get.  He said could happen to any of us.  

Boris then took us to the store to get some "neutral" foods.  Oatmeal, soup, bread, rice and yogurt (for Sophia).  We should be good until we go home. I am hoping to feel 100% there are friends I have met online here adopting I am hoping to meet tomorrow for dinner.  Keep your fingers crossed and maybe say a little prayer for us.  Thank you.

I still don't feel great my hands are tingling still I have a pit in my stomach but I don't feel like I'm going to pass out so that is good!  Oh and it only cost me $600+ dollars that I hope my insurance will reimburse me for LOL.  Just grateful I had it to pay.  :)  

Hopefully tomorrow at the Embassy will go better.  

Catching up. Day 5 & 6 I think LOL

Since Friday there isn't much to tell I will combine Friday and Saturday in this post.

Friday we got up before the chickens at 3:00am and left the hotel around 4am to head to Moscow well that is how it was supposed to go.  Instead it went like this slept for 2 hours got out of bed at 2:30am to start packing (Sophia stayed asleep).  3:30am Sophia is awake so I changed her out of her PJs into normal clothes (by the way found the missing PJs mentioned in last post).  Boris' car got blocked in and they couldn't find the owner at 4am darn Russian drivers seriously it's park where you want.  So about 4:30am head to Moscow.

Arrive in Moscow about an hour and 45 min early for Sophia's physical appointment.  We stopped at McDonald's for breakfast. I was still not feeling well so I ordered my usual egg McMuffin and pancakes for Sophia. I ate about a 1/2 of one of her pancakes and about 2 bites of my McMuffin.  All I could stomach.  Went to her appointment we were the only ones so we got right in to see Dr. Boris.  Nice man, good with Sophia.  His official diagnosis "Buddha Belly" LOL  He said "She eats good"  yes she does.  I will need to get her 24 mos tops I think to cover the "Buddha Belly" 18 mos can't contain her LOL.  

So we got to the hotel very early check in was at 2pm we were there at 10:30am.  Anyone who knows me well knows I am very cranky when tired and only sleeping 2 hours I was tired.  Boris only slept 1 hour so he was cranky too.  LOL  Anyway I was left with over 3 hours to kill with an overstuffed diaper bag (which I intended to leave in the hotel with my bag until my room was ready but Boris had other thoughts) and a tired toddler and tired mommy.  We went to the play yard and hung out there until 1:40 when they called that my room was ready.  

I gave Sophia a bath which she liked she already figured out how fun splashing is. :)  So I tucked her in summer PJs since I couldn't find the footie ones (they were in the bag I left in the car) that was around 2:30pm  I thought I better lie down too so I did.  I honestly expected her to wake up after her naps normal time.  Nope. I didn't wake up until 10pm she woke up at around 3am and then we went back to bed around 5am until 10am LOL  I think we are exhausted.  

So we checked out of out hotel at noon and sat in the dining room until 1:00 for Boris to come and take us to the apartment.  Our home in Moscow.  What a nice apartment.  We are on the 16th floor and have an amazing view of the city!  We are going to venture out tomorrow to check out Old Arbat street. It is a walking street which I saw on my first visit but now I get to really see it.  I am staying on New Arbat street.    

I have free calling so I will get to call home soon.  That will be nice to say hi to grandma (my mom)!

Ok so that catches me up!  

Here are some pics to keep you coming back for more.  :)

This is how good she looks at 4am :)

Mom seriously no more pictures *giggles*

This is a fun rocker!

I swing mom will let me sit in all by myself.

Note:mom is standing in front for when she decides to climb out mid swing..

Yep put on mom's shoes and walked across the room.  She has amazing balance.  Except when she is tired then she looks drunk LOL  

Best moment...next to her giving me a huge hug when she woke up and not letting go right away Friday morning.  <3

View from the apartment

Current status showcasing the "Buddha Belly" :)

Ok I am a day behind

Here is what happened on GOTCHA day!  It was a lot of hurry up and wait.  So I didn't have to be anywhere until 11am, then I got a call that said found some mistakes, the office is closed today but I got them to open for us not to worry.  Ok stress diverted.  It took about an hour to have them come and get me.  Just before they came I got a call on my hotel room phone a female saying something in Russian and me saying "Hello" LOL  Oh well. 

Off to the closed office to make the corrections. I was not feeling well that day.  Felt like I had the flu and really wanted to throw-up  Glad to report I did NOT throw-up.  Form corrected then to the Passport office.  Russian Passport in hand.  Now to the police station to give chocolates to the person who fined me LOL.  She let us in when it was cold.  **Side note: it's warmed up here still not hot but not freezing**  Waiting on the paperwork.  As is protocol for government work it wasn't ready and we waited and waited.  We got lunch at the Chicken House (written in English and Russian)  filled out all the Visa information.  Then we find out someone else was working on our paperwork while the Social Worker was in meetings and the paperwork was ready and had been.  LOL  So off to pick up the said paperwork and deliver it to the proper officials.  Made it just in time.  Whew!  

Now to pick up Sophia.  It was close to 8pm her bed time.  No one told the night crew we were coming to take her.  So she was in bed.  They called the director and she gave the ok.  So the pictures I wanted with the nannies and the doctor on Gotcha day didn't happen. Boris was great about taking photos though.  I got her changed into her Gotcha outfit.  A blue and white striped shirt over a long sleeved white shirt and jean capries didn't know it was so cold and a jacket shoes and socks.  The shirt said I <3 U.

Off to the hotel to take a shower and get into PJs for bed.  She did pretty well no meltdowns.  I put her in the other bed. and she pretty much fell asleep I was afraid she would roll out.  I watched and she was fine.  At one point though she sat straight up and so I just put her in bed with me on the inside by the wall so I wouldn't have to worry.  She was all over the place but slept well.  Me not so much. I got about 2 hours.  Lots of time on the internet since I wasn't sleeping.  We got up super early to head to Moscow.

Now for the good stuff:

Let's try agian

Let's try downloading the pictures again....WOO HOO it worked!

Beautiful fall day in Russia

My normal breakfast actually the bread was a bonus (but kinds of dry)

My baby sporting a slick back 'do still damp

Always smiling!

My little Michelin girl! Sporting her lion harness.  She is quick :)

Giggle giggle giggles!

Day 3 (I think) Wednesday I'm pretty sure...

 Ok so I have totally lost track on my days.  I think it's Wednesday and I think it's day 3.  So they day started with me waking up and playing on the computer at 11:45pm  then I went back to sleep about 3am and got up just before 8am.  Jet lag is a you know what....  UGH.  Anyway I got up and washed my hair and let me just say I clean up right nice if I do say so myself. I was a mess for 3 days due to traveling and the first hotel room didn't have a blow dryer like it did the last trip... Oh well.  If only my hair dried decently naturally but it doesn't LOL.

I went and met with Sophia for a short period of time to get her schedule and eating menu.  Then off to the grocery store.  Which for the first time I had them drop me off and I walked back to my hotel. Now it's not far in fact I can see it from my hotel room however you do have to cross a very large street.  I think I mentioned on another trip's post how scary the drivers are here.  So this was an adventure all by itself.  But I did it!  I also bought some baby food for Sophia probably too young for her but it will serve it's purpose until I can get her home and trying new foods.  

I was late meeting Boris and Irina... I fell asleep oops. No big deal though the person we were going to see the lady at the police station who let us in early because it was cold so I could be cited and pay my fine.  I was bringing her chocolate wasn't in until 4 and it was 3:30.  I wish people would bring me chocolate for helping them at work...  lol.

From there we went back to visit Sophia. I was with her for 2 hours and she looked so cute all bundled up.  She looked like a red Michelin Man. Hee hee.  Pictures are coming.... I did bash my head on the playground rushing to grab a 1/2 eaten apple somebody left on the ground that Sophia thought might still be good.  OUCH.  But I made it in time and disposed of the apple. :)

We will be leaving for Moscow early, like 4am early on Friday.  There is a fair chance I might be coming home Thursday instead of Friday depending on cost and ability.  Stay tuned for updates. I should know Tuesday.

Sorry the pictures won't load but I will try again.... :(

Day 2

Up and ready to go. We left for Sophia's region.  I fell asleep for about an hour in the car.  Seriously jet lag is an understatement this trip.  UGH.  Dropped off paperwork with the social worker checked into the hotel.  I had hoped they booked the same type of room that I had upgraded to before (It had a massive tub) but they didn't they did save me some money though. It is a double standard room so it is bigger then the standard I had before but no tub :(  

It is COLD here now.  The last two trips HOT and humid.  It was 46 degrees yesterday.  I didn't bring a coat (I didn't think I would need it weather.com said in the high 50's /60's HA! wrong. plus I didn't think I had room, had I known I would have made room or wore it hee hee) I did bring Sophia one, thanks Shauna!  

Then we went to pick up Sophia to get her photo taken for her passport and visa.  She did as well as I expected she took it all in and was fascinated with everything.  Funny thing though Boris was adamant that I bring a car seat this trip and yet he left it in the trunk when we picked her up and put a pillow in front of us for an "airbag" LOL  All was fine though.  I will use the car seat when we go to Moscow.  

We had her photo taken and then returned her to the orphanage :(  She got into the nannies arms and promptly turned and latched on to me :)  I felt badly having to leave her there.  This is the reason I don't want to go visit and then leave visit and then leave. I think that is harder on her at this point then just waiting until I can take her permenately which I think might be tonight or tomorrow morning!  I hope that doesn't make me a bad mom.  I just think it is easier on her and me while we run around doing official paperwork.  

So off to the passport office to turn in official paperwork.  Meeting got moved to a later time.  Off to the police station so I could get cited for having a tourist visa and not an adoption visa (which the consulate here, USA, wouldn't give LOL) No biggie I knew about the fee, about $70.  Paid for Sophia's fee for her visa check or something.  Of course like this whole trip when we got there today they were closed from 1-4 and it was 3:15 when we got there LOL.  So we waited.  No big deal.  Off to the Passport office again.  Went nice and smooth and then said it should be ready tomorrow (Wednesday) after 2pm!  Yippee!

To the market and back to my room.  Took a hot shower, I was so cold.  Those that know me in real life know I hate cold.  LOL  Ate some dinner and tried to blog...fell asleep again didn't fight it just went with it.  I woke up at 11:45 pm and got all caught up on my blogging.  It is now 12:55 am and you are all up to date!  

Now maybe to try and sleep some more since I don't have to be ready until 11am for Day 3!  

Thanks for coming with me on my journey! I am still fundraising as I go. So if you are led there is a chip in (not tax deductible) on the top right or use the Reece's Rainbow link here to make a tax deductible donation

Russia take 2

So this time, now Sunday morning off to the airport again.  Checked in (with a notice that one or more of my flights maybe overbooked am I willing to take a $200 credit....NOPE get me to Russia please LOL)  and made it to the terminal with an hour to wait.  And wait I did. Another full flight before an agent even got to the counter the sign on the board said "Flight full, No seat changes"  WOW I don't think I have seen that before.  Also 40 people on the stand-by list!  Hmmmm now that I think about it I wonder if any of those were from my flight the day before... Oh well I had a seat and I wasn't giving it up (by the way I had gotten word to Boris and Irina so all was good).  I would be getting in at the same time a day later (Monday).  

I had a window seat on this flight.  Not my favorite but since it was only 3 1/2 hours I was ok plus I couldn't change anyway lol.  I had two nice guys in my row one was a pilot for another airline.  The plane was an oldie but a goodie they actually had the tv monitors hanging form the middle.  Most planes have individual monitors now. LOL  Movie for the flight "What to expect when you are expecting" I apparently had watched half that movie on a previous trip but this time I got to see the whole thing.  The adoption story line brought tears to my eyes LOL

When we get to Houston (I'm only two rows from the exit door yippee!  they line up the Jetway and start to open the door which doesn't open since it isn't lined up right.  Everyone is up and by the half opened door. They end up having to re-align the plane with the door partially open people standing in the aisles and I'm sure phones on. LOL  The pilot in my row said "I can't believe how many rules they just broke! I can't believe it."  All was good though.

Off to find my terminal.  Found and now a 3 hour wait.  I wanted to make sure I had an aisle seat so I went to the agent and he changed my seat.  I liked me seat. The plane had a left center right configuration. I was in the center on the right aisle and there was someone on the left aisle and no one in the middle. (although they said it was a full flight there were open seats)  I was happy though.  I actually slept for a bit on this flight not sure how long but some.  This was a Singapore airline flight which the pilot from my previous flight said he heard was nice.  It was they were very nice.

I arrive in Russia an hour early which I thought was fine since I had to collect my bags go through passport control and customs.  Which all were a breeze.  I found Irina and off to meet Boris we went.

Got checked in to my hotel and then I went to the market.  Got some food ate and fell promptly asleep as I tried to type my post.  So I was asleep by 7:45 pm.  I was supposed to be up and ready by 5:45 at 9:15pm Boris called me to make sure I didn't need anything (very nice) but he scared me to death I though my alarm didn't go off and I was late LOL.  No worries fell right back to sleep.  Oh they also worked it so I didn't have to pay for the room I wasn't in due to the flight delay/cancellation. :)

Day 2 next post.....

Final trip Day 1

     Well I was supposed to leave on Saturday but for some unknown reason that wasn't meant to be. I checked my bag and car seat and then proceeded to security.  I decided to stop at the bathroom before and good thing I did.  I had brought with me a lightweight stroller I bought.  As it hung on the door I noticed one of the tires was coming of the wheel.  I thought I can just pop it back on, boy did I think wrong.  So I called my mom back to claim.  I didn't want to throw it away even if it was only $14.  My mom, sweet as she is turned around after driving 20+ miles away from the airport to pick up the stroller.  I then got to go through priority security...awesome.  I got to my terminal and settled in to wait.  A little ole lady came up on an airport tram with her son.  Turns out   she was 90 and going to live with her other son.  Her son asked if she wanted a bagel, I thought I didn't see any bagels.  So I said "I think I will follow you to the bagels."  He asked the tram driver for a lift and I got to go too.  Unfortunately thy closed the Starbucks in that terminal and the one place that sold bagels wouldn't have any for at least 15 min. Lupe the tram driver, said she would take us to terminal 7 and then bring us back.  We well I he was just escorting his mother to the gate.  We got there and there was long line.  I got in the La Brea Bakery line and was told there was bagel.  SCORE.  We finally get up to the register and the gentleman orders his mom a plain bagel. I ordered and paid and then was told they were sold out.  :( Oh well it was a fun ride.

      I boarded the plane and with the awesome ticket I had I was in first class I guess.  I was the first row window seat.  I sat next to a very nice lady on her way to San Antonio to visit her daughter and grand kids.  She reminded me of Laura Bush.  Anyway so as I sipped my OJ and waited to taxi we chatted. The captain took us by the Endeavor and the plane that flew it in.  That was very cool.  Of course I didn't have my camera out since I don't usually need it on the plane.  We were 3rd in line to take off.  LAX was down to 2 runways for both in coming and out going.  I started to doze when the captain came on and said there was a pressurization and issue and was returning to the terminal to have the mechanics take a look.  Oh boy...  It was warm but not hot on the plane of course I was sitting way up front.  So I headed to the back to use the restroom.  It was warmer back there. 

 Some young adults were in the back of the plane.  One guy asked me if I knew the show Dharma and Greg.  I said I did and he said Greg in on the plane in the front.  REALLY I thought.   So when I returned to my seat, I took a peak.  Oh my goodness there is the guy from Criminal Minds!!  It finally occurred to me Thomas Gibson is the same actor on both shows!  How cool he was two rows back and across from me.  <3  I wanted to snap a pic. But didn't want to bother him on his time.  He wasn't at a premiere or on set or anything so I didn't.  

They decided to have us all exit the plane.  Mr. Gibson was in the terminal kneeling down texting.  One of the guys from the back of the plane approached and  said "Aren't you the guy from that show?"  Mr Gibson looked up and I swear his face said "Sigh, no you have me confused with someone else" (my thoughts not his words) but instead he said "What show?"  the guy "um Greg and someone? Hey what was that show (to his buddy)"  buddy " Dharma and Greg" Mr. Gibson  said "Yes that's me" so now the buddy approaches him.  Keep in mind he is still kneeling texting.  Mr Gibson looks up holds up his index finger and says "Just a minute guys"  I was thinking seriously you ask him about a show from 20 years ago when we all have all just exited from our flight knowing people are waiting or connections aren't going to be made etc.  I mean really if you are going to approach a star at least do it at a more appropriate time.  Oh well back to the story of how I got to Russia.

So I realized I wasn't going to make my connection in San Antonio to Houston which meant I would most likely miss my connection to Moscow.  So I asked the agent and she said they wouldn't know anything for another 30 minutes and showed go to customer service and try to reschedule.  Off I went.  Luckily there was only one person in front of me in line.  So he was trying to get to a wedding that evening yikes!  He was telling me there was a flight to Houston at 11:40am.  The customer service agent sent him away and said they aren't canceling your flight go back. Turns out he was pretty annoyed with the customer for being a know it all and telling me to basically demand to get on the 11:40 to Houston (which by the way may not have made it in time for my connection anyway) So he was nice to me and said yes there is a flight but there aren't any seats.  He did at one point while trying to get me to Moscow say he was going to "Force a seat for me on that flight" but then realized I still wouldn't catch my connection.  So they (another agent tried too) tried every which way to get me out with no luck.  They called United and I talked to an agent there who tried as well.  She said I could get you in at 3am (nope not going to work, especially since I didn't have direct contact with Boris or Irina) or I could spend the night in Germany (nope didn't plan for a hotel in Germany...plus fun but a little scary) so it was decided to try again the next day.  This time straight to Houston and then Moscow.  

I called mom... "Guess what you did such a great job today you get to do it tomorrow!  Will you come get me?"  Mom "Now? " Me "Well yea, I am hanging out in the airport." LOL  I also texted my friend Jodi and semi jokingly said "Wanna come get me?"  She thought I was in Texas LOL She was so sweet and offered to come get me, let me hang with her and crash at her place and then take me back in the morning.  WOO HOO!  "Mom, you are off the hook!"  She was happy hee hee.  So I got to watch the UFC fight with friends (Jodi was a trooper she is not a UFC fight fan) lol

Russia take 2 next post....
  

Quilting Bee

Shauna is putting together a Quilting Bee Biltz!  That is 48 hours of fundraising!  Her words are more articulate than mine so click on the Quilting Bee Blitz link and if we all do a little GREAT things will happen

Crunch Time

799 more people needed to donate $5.00. Thank you to the person who started the fundraising! That's right I needed 800 people to donate $5.00 and someone started the ball rolling. Let's keep it going please. I need to go raise the funds to bring Sophia home next week! That's right she is finally coming home. Can you spare the cost of a Starbucks drink or value lunch? Please share with your friends. www.reecesrainbow.org/sponsormeier Donations are TAX DEDUCTIBLE!

Bows, Bows, Bows

A fellow adopting mom has gernerously offered to do a bow fundraiser for Sophia's GOTCHA trip (yes I meant to yell that.  I seem to only find the the appropriate way to write GOTCHA when it is related to bringing my daughter home! LOL)  Priscilla made ALL the bows and has set up the auction on her Kenzi's Kraft Korner Facebook page.

Please click the link above and check out these darling bows and then share the link with your friends and families.  With all the holidays coming up who couldn't use a little something pretty for your 'do.  Some are even sassy enough for the over 5 crowd! 

Stay tuned for GOTCHA day news!

Rainbow

I was sitting this morning at my desk (at work) and I have the picture of the rainbow that came out after court last Thursday in Russia.  Somethings came to mind and struck me.  I would like to share them with you. 

1)  One I came to adopt because of  Reece's RAINBOW

2)  A few months back a friend and I got Chinese food.  I picked up and brought it to the office.  So I distributed the forutne cookies.  We ate separtely at our desks.  I read my fortune it didn't relate much to me.  My friend, Karen came to my desk and said "I got your fortune"  I thought "Hmmm ok"  she handed it to me and it read "The RAINBOW'S treasures will soon belong to you"  I kept it on my desk. 

3)  The RAINBOW in the picture I took appears to touch the ground in the direction of where Sophia's orphanage was. 

I had said that day the it was the Heaven's shinning down.  I love that God always let you know he is here.  You just have to be open and willing to hear and see.  His words and love come in many different forms.  Little "signs" everywhere.

Would you be willing to put a little gold in the bucket at the end of the rainbow?  If 1,281 people just put in $3.90 I will have the money I need to bring Sophia home. I go pick her up in less than a month!  God bless xoxo

Day 5 - Court part 2

What an amazing day.  Today I not only became a mom but a mom to Sophia! After a year a half labor it was all worth it!

Here is a little bit about yesterday's court.  It was held in a small room the judge sat in front in her black judge's robe.  The court secretary was to my right, the prosecutor (person protecting Sophia's rights and well being) was to my left, Tamara, the social worker was nearest me and to my right and behind me was the director of the orphanage (I think I'm still not quite sure who she is LOL but she is always pleasant and kind).  Olga my translator for both my trips was seated next to me on bench seats.  Yesterday was just about reviewing the documents.  There were very few questions asked of me.  Just some minor clarifications.  It was basically a preliminary hearing to see if all my documents were in order and they were!

Ok today... Court was set for 11am  we were on time.  However there were proceedings still in session.  The orphanage neurologist was waiting outside as well.  Irina introduced me and the neurologist (I don't remember her name.  I'm lucky to recoginize my name when said with a Russian accent LOL)  She said she knew me (saw me with Sophia)  She told us (I didn't see Sophia in the afternoon yesterday since it was somewhat late after court.  The orphanage director said politely no.  Also the reports were made with me seeing her so many times before court) that Sophia was sad/upset I didn't come and sat in the chair by the door waiting.  A grandmother came to take one of the children out for a walk and Sophia cried because I wasn't there to take her.  She said Sophia understands and has started to bond with me.  

So around 11:20 the doors opened and they left and we entered.  It was the judges chambers (office).  Again she was in front dressed professionally (no robe). Her desk is set like a T so she sits at the top and the prosecutor on the left side of the table and the secretary on the right.  Olga and I sat at the bottom   (like an I) Tamara, and the neurologist sat to the left side of us.  

I was asked to stand and the judge proceeded to ask questions.  "Why" is what she started with.  I kept my composure but did start to cry but didn't lose it and was able to answer all her questions.  Then the neurologist gave her report.  Like she stated above.  She also told the court that since her first visits with me she has started saying full Russian words not just parts.  (She did tell us before the Sophia had no reason to talk since she didn't really have anyone to talk to.)  (If you know me (I'm a talker) she does now LOL).  She stated Sophia knows how to undress herself but not dress.  She likes to put everything a way.  She knows which shoes are hers out of all the children's shoes.  She know's the other children by name. She understands.  She says her skills are at about a 2 year old level.    She recommended to allow me to adopt her.

Tamara was next and gave her report.  She stated when she met me she wasn't sure so she asked lots of questions and she now knew I was ready, willing, and able to provide a good home for Sophia.  She also recommended to allow me to adopt.

The prosecutor (as you will recall, I think I wrote about it yesterday that since Sophia had been offered to so many and refused she must have been waiting for me) stated everything she wanted to cover had been covered.  She did tell a short story of another proceeding where the decision to allow the parents to adopt was difficult and she felt that the decision for me to be allowed to adopt would be easy for the judge.  She was all smiles.  

We were asked to step out for the judge to deliberate.  We were out for maybe 5 minutes and that is being generous. LOL  We went back in the judge was in her robe.  I stood (feeling like I was waiting for my sentence LOL) and she read her decision.  That I was allowed to be Sophia's mother!

I was in tears and there were smiles all around.  I was hugged twice by the prosecutor, Tamara and the neurologist.  They all wished me well. Believe I know God answered mine and all those who prayed for me today.  My prayer for months has been that the court would hear my heart and the Heavenly Father would speak for me.  And all those things happened today!  They all said I was sincere and was honest with my answers.  They felt confident that I was ready to be Sophia's mom.  We walked out I can't say it seemed long but I hadn't looked at my watch.  It had been less than an hour!  Irina said it was record time (I'm sure especially since I am a single mother and I know there was some reservations by the court.)   I had a speech all written up I was ready to give and never had to do it.  I spoke slowly (well at least slowly for me) so the interrupter could interrupt accurately.  That is a feat in itself for me LOL

What an amazing day!  I'm in shock. I knew in my heart that God had a plan and he hadn't gotten me this far to tell me no but still those nerves creep in on you. :)   I'm almost not sure it's real.  :) 

OOOH that is where you keep the 

yummy blueberry puffs!

Such a cute face tongue and all

It poured this afternoon after I was done visiting Sophia and out came this beautiful rainbow (picture doesn't do the colors justice.  It was bright and not faint.  Boris let me know it was out my window and said it was for the success of the day.  I would say the heavens shown down on us!

  

Day 4 First day of court

Day one done!  All went smooth.  Thank you for the prayers.  They were all answered.  Now Tomorrow is when they question me I really need prayers then please!!

I only saw Sophia once this morning.  She, for the first time seemed to know me and why I was there.  She is starting to say some starts of words in Russian they tell me.  She sounded like she was saying mama (I'm going to believe it is what I heard.) She wanted me to hold her and she would direct me to what she wanted. She would either point or when walking walk me to what she wanted.  She liked the swing.  She actually fell asleep in my arms for about 30 minutes.  It was pure Heaven.  I do so love that little girl.  I believe she has been waiting for me and that is why no one else has accepted her referral.  

She enjoyed the toddler blueberry puffs I brought her today.  She kept pulling them out of the bag or handing them to me and then climbing onto the bench to eat them LOL

Here are some pics from today:

Yummy!

Silly girl

Just a sweet face

She sleeps.

 Angelically I might add

Day 3 - I get to see Sophia

Today we drove to Sophia's region and I got to visit with her this morning first thing.  I was also evaluated by the social worker.  It seemed to go well.  Sophia seemed to remember me and was happy to see me!  She has really grown.  It has only been 7 weeks and she looks less baby like and more toddler like.  Can you imagine the change once she is home!  I will be in court tomorrow afternoon (asking for prayers and good thoughts. It will be around 4am your time)  I then go back for lack of a better word questioning on Thursday.  Wednesday is the review of the paperwork.

So that was pretty much my day which did include passing out between visits LOL

OH I forgot they added multiple playgrounds at the orphanage for every covered sitting area there is a playground. WOO HOO.

Sophia loved the swing, slide and climbing the stairs.  I also tried clothes on her from her Aunt Kim which fit great (Little long but otherwise great) 18 mos woo hoo! 

Now for what  you have all been waiting for.....pictures!  I loved the outfit they had here in today very cute.

Even Sophia is saying "Mom,  you can't take self portraits."

These pics don't do them justice. They are really nice for all ages

I can go down the slide all by myself by propelling myself with my hands!

 Love the high top ponytail!

My favorite of the day

Or maybe this is my favorite look at those tippy toes.

Thanks Aunt Kim for my new outfit.  It fits!

This is my rocker look

Nope I don't smile in every picture.  But darn I'm cute