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!
Monday, September 10, 2012
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Friday, September 7, 2012
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!
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!
Thursday, August 16, 2012
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
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
Thursday, August 9, 2012
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. :)
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!
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
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:
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
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
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.
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
Monday, August 6, 2012
Day 2 - Physicals
I was once again up at 4am and today I didn't have to be anywhere until 12:20 but I did sleep for an hour after breakfast. It is now 6:10 and I can hardly keep my eyes open. I almost fell asleep at the restaurant. Oh yea that's right I ventured out alone to go get dinner (early bird special LOL) and do some shopping. I wanted to buy a talking (Russian) storybook for Sophia but all the one's I liked had dead batteries (before you say it. "Yes the tab was removed from the battery compartment.)
The restaurant I went to was nice had a very chill atmosphere with a Europe air. Any way it was good I had a watermellon lemonade (yummy) 1/2 a chicken and a plate of fruit. Visualize a standard dinner plate covered in Oranges, pineapple, apples (both red and green), grapes, plums, kiwis, strawberries and a banana. Note to self never go anywhere with out my phone (which has a calculator) math and I aren't friends on the best of days but add being more than half asleep and....well let's just say it was an expensive dinner for one person. Luckily I only spent $5 in the last 2 days and had planned for $90(for two days) so I'm still ahead of the game (by $45 eeek). I did bring home two good size containers of fruit which will at the very least be breakfast tomorrow so still ahead.
I stopped at the hardware store to buy a plug for the tub. I asked at the reception desk last night and was told they didn't have one. Who has a long deep tub and no plug?? what is the point of having a tub at all if you can't use it for what it is designed for. LOL I spent less than a $1 for it. So I am hopig it fits (they only had one size) so I can take a nice hot soaking bath tonight.
I should tell you about the physical LOL So I admit I was a bit nervous I mean really who wouldn't be. It's 8 doctors or so I heard. So we get there there is one Dr there and then another comes in. It's one big room with typical Dr privacy screen and Dr. table at one end and a big conference table in the middle with xray light box on the other wall and sofas on under the windows.
They was a couple there who I assume was there for the same thing since it sounded like they spoke Spanish I'm guessing from Spain. So they ask me simple questions like "No bio kids, any surgeries, first adoption etc? I had all the answers to those questions LOL The one Dr. who was there originally didn't have any questions. The other Dr. I'm guessing was the neurologist.. She took me to the Dr table and checked my reflexes and then had me do the (what I call the DUI test) feet together, arms out, eyes closed, now touch your finger to your nose! I passed!
Then in traditional fashion we waited for the next Dr. She was the psychiatrist I'm guessing again asked about bio kids, first adoption, am I ready?. Boris pretty much answered those for me and then had me confirm with "No, yes, yes" LOL She smiled and said "Ok:
The last Dr (yep no need to scan back up only 4 actual Dr's the others rely on your previous documentation to make their determinations. :) So the last one I guess was the general practitioner. She asked about my blood pressure. I told her I didn't know what the reading were but I was always told it was very good. I had even joked with her it was very good except when I was nervous. She took it and said "They didn't lie. It is very good" 110/60 So even with nerves it was good! Woo hoo. Clean bill of health in two countries!
No at 6:44pm I'm debating taking a nap and going to bed later or trying (very hard) to stay awake until a reasonable bed time. The problem is that I will probably wake up at 4am if I do that and I leave at 6am to go to Sophia's region. I get to visit her twice tomorrow. I am told that she remembers me I'm guessing from the pictures I left and that she misses me. I can't wait to hug and kiss my girl. I missed her so much.
If you all could say a little prayer, I had a hiccup with some documents that need to be picked up by a guardian angels and then taken to LA for apostilling and then sent expedited int'l FedEx to get here by Wednesday (sounds impossible but I know God and his angels can make it happen) Also I will be in court on Tuesday and Wednesday night your time. If you could pray for peace for me and favor from the court and judge I would really appreciate it.
Ok that is all for now.
The restaurant I went to was nice had a very chill atmosphere with a Europe air. Any way it was good I had a watermellon lemonade (yummy) 1/2 a chicken and a plate of fruit. Visualize a standard dinner plate covered in Oranges, pineapple, apples (both red and green), grapes, plums, kiwis, strawberries and a banana. Note to self never go anywhere with out my phone (which has a calculator) math and I aren't friends on the best of days but add being more than half asleep and....well let's just say it was an expensive dinner for one person. Luckily I only spent $5 in the last 2 days and had planned for $90(for two days) so I'm still ahead of the game (by $45 eeek). I did bring home two good size containers of fruit which will at the very least be breakfast tomorrow so still ahead.
I stopped at the hardware store to buy a plug for the tub. I asked at the reception desk last night and was told they didn't have one. Who has a long deep tub and no plug?? what is the point of having a tub at all if you can't use it for what it is designed for. LOL I spent less than a $1 for it. So I am hopig it fits (they only had one size) so I can take a nice hot soaking bath tonight.
I should tell you about the physical LOL So I admit I was a bit nervous I mean really who wouldn't be. It's 8 doctors or so I heard. So we get there there is one Dr there and then another comes in. It's one big room with typical Dr privacy screen and Dr. table at one end and a big conference table in the middle with xray light box on the other wall and sofas on under the windows.
They was a couple there who I assume was there for the same thing since it sounded like they spoke Spanish I'm guessing from Spain. So they ask me simple questions like "No bio kids, any surgeries, first adoption etc? I had all the answers to those questions LOL The one Dr. who was there originally didn't have any questions. The other Dr. I'm guessing was the neurologist.. She took me to the Dr table and checked my reflexes and then had me do the (what I call the DUI test) feet together, arms out, eyes closed, now touch your finger to your nose! I passed!
Then in traditional fashion we waited for the next Dr. She was the psychiatrist I'm guessing again asked about bio kids, first adoption, am I ready?. Boris pretty much answered those for me and then had me confirm with "No, yes, yes" LOL She smiled and said "Ok:
The last Dr (yep no need to scan back up only 4 actual Dr's the others rely on your previous documentation to make their determinations. :) So the last one I guess was the general practitioner. She asked about my blood pressure. I told her I didn't know what the reading were but I was always told it was very good. I had even joked with her it was very good except when I was nervous. She took it and said "They didn't lie. It is very good" 110/60 So even with nerves it was good! Woo hoo. Clean bill of health in two countries!
No at 6:44pm I'm debating taking a nap and going to bed later or trying (very hard) to stay awake until a reasonable bed time. The problem is that I will probably wake up at 4am if I do that and I leave at 6am to go to Sophia's region. I get to visit her twice tomorrow. I am told that she remembers me I'm guessing from the pictures I left and that she misses me. I can't wait to hug and kiss my girl. I missed her so much.
If you all could say a little prayer, I had a hiccup with some documents that need to be picked up by a guardian angels and then taken to LA for apostilling and then sent expedited int'l FedEx to get here by Wednesday (sounds impossible but I know God and his angels can make it happen) Also I will be in court on Tuesday and Wednesday night your time. If you could pray for peace for me and favor from the court and judge I would really appreciate it.
Ok that is all for now.
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