Update...or lack thereof...

I've been asked the following question a lot lately: "So, how much longer before you bring K home?" I only wish I had the answer.

I sent a message to our Agency on Wednesday wishing them a "Happy Thanksgiving, and oh, btw...what's new with our dossier?" I learned that it arrived safely in region about 2 weeks ago and our rep there reviewed it thoroughly. All looked in order. (whew...) The dossier (all 4 lbs. of paper or so) is still in the translation stage. As soon as the translation is complete, our rep will review the translation to ensure it truly represents what is stated in the dossier. The next step will be that our rep will make an appointment with the Judge to present the dossier. We're hoping this will be within the next 2 weeks.

Then??? We wait. Will the judge glance at it, put it on the bottom under all the other Ekat dossiers that have been sitting there for awhile? Who knows. Some families have had "short" waits in Ekat (i.e. 14 weeks between trips #1 & #2) but most have long waits. We were so thorough in our p/w that we can only pray that the judge doesn't find lots of reasons to reject and ask for do-overs over and over again.

In the meantime, we have already had to request for updated certifications of our 2 Social Workers, get another round of 8-doctor medicals ready to send to our agency so it's ready to go when we get the request from the judge (they expire in December...already been 3 months since we saw the multitude of specialists!), and re-do our fingerprints and FBI clearance this weekend since they expire in 4 weeks.

It's a lot of work but we know it will all be worth it in the end...without stretch marks and morning sickness to boot!

Only 32 days until Christmas!

Wow...where has this year gone to? When I realized that Christmas is about a month away, a sudden feeling of panic set in. Have to shop, write out cards, decorate for the holidays, and somehow fit in all the events that are starting to creep up onto the calendar.

I was shopping the other day and found some small children's blankets each rolled up with a bow. They are so soft (fleece) and really cute. So I bought some...15 to be exact. I'm starting to think about a care package to send to the Orphanage. When I was in FL, mom ordered a blanket with K's name imprinted on it in both English and Russian. I figure when I send it, I'd like to include something for the other kiddles in her Grupa. ;)

Just found out yesterday from Trish, another PAP (prospective adoptive parent) who was in Ekat a few weeks ago, that our little one has changed Grupas (same orphanage, tho'). Trish and her husband were there to meet their referral -- at the same orphanage as K. We are blessed - Tony was allowed to take a few pics of K. (Thank you!!) They are more like mugshots but precious none the less, and priceless. When I saw the number "2" on her dress, I questioned it and Trish said K changed Grupas because of her age. K is now 22 months old and I wonder how many more times she'll change Grupas before coming home. **sigh**

Sidenote: Thank you

I want to thank all of you who have either posted comments here or sent me a personal e-mail of sympathy about Lynn. I want to respond back personally to everyone but it will take some time. When I finished up last night, I collapsed into bed and slept until 11:30am today. I don't even think I moved all night! I will get back to each of you in time but for now, please accept a heartfelt thanks. Now go hug your loved ones and friends --- and tell them you love them! :)

Gifts from Above

It's been a tough day. It's never easy saying farewell but I guess sometimes we have to in order to move on. Today we disbursed Lynn's ashes in the sea in San Pedro. It really was a beautiful service on board a large charter boat and we had about 75 close friends and family members present.

Even tho' Lynn now overlooks us from above, she still never ceases to amaze me... Kendra found some wrapped gifts in the closet all ready for Christmas ~ for K. Unless a miracle occurs, we won't be celebrating Christmas with K for months down the road. I've asked Lynn to be our guardian angel on this journey and to put a good word in for us. So we'll see. In the meantime, the gifts from above await K in her room, and I thank Lynn from the bottom of my heart.

Rest in Peace, dear Lynn.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

A Special Angel in Heaven

There is nothing I wish more for K than to have a happy life, a loving home, a supportive family and a few best friends to go through life with. I've been blessed with all and don't take a day for granted.

A few hours ago, I lost one of my best friends. All of a sudden, God figured it was time to take her to Heaven. Lynn was the very first person I met when I attended a new High School here in CA after moving from Ohio at the age of 16. She asked me to sit with her and her friends at lunch and we've never been apart since (except for her "brief" move to Ohio while I was in college...). She was my first friend to have a baby and that beautiful baby is my Goddaughter, Kendra Grace. Lynn supported me through the trials of infertility and now our journey to adopt -- as she, too, had been adopted. I know she loved me. She never ceased in telling me so.

God bless you, my friend, and may you rest in peace. I may shed tears now but I am comforted in knowing that you are with Him and I have another Angel in Heaven looking over us.

My Goddaughter, Kendra Grace, (left) and Lynn (right)

Showered with Love

Dearest K:

When in FL this past week visiting Grammy, Poppy, Uncle Jim, Auntie Erin, Cousins Jimmy and Andrew, and Nana Jo, we went to the Ranch (just north of Orlando) for 7 days and had such a relaxing time. The "Brandon/Tampa" crew (made up of lots of cousins and aunts and uncles) also came up for two days ~ so the house was full ~ 20 of us, total! It would be an understatement to say that everyone can't wait to meet you. Papa and I couldn't show off your pictures enough.

Everyone on my side of the family lives in FL, and we won't be seeing each other until our family cruise next June to celebrate Grammy and Poppy's 50th wedding anniversary. We hope and pray that you will be settled in with us by then so we can show you what our family vacations are like.

This past Saturday night, we were surprised with a family baby shower to honor YOU! As we sat on the couch, suddenly all these cards and gifts started pouring in. You are one blessed little girl. We have fun toys waiting for you and some beautiful girlie clothes --- without the number "5" stitched into them signifying "Grupa 5"!

Here's a few pictures. I'm having problems downloading some photos but I'll try again tomorrow...so more to come!

Papa and I starting to open some gifts.

And that's Finnegan who slept through the entire shower on Papa's lap!

Grammy and me afterwards.

Lots of wonderful gifts...not shown: a carseat and a dresser that we' ll have fun picking out soon. Oh, and good thing papa works for FedEx!

The next day, they had a special cake for us. The night before at the shower, we had just finished "birthday" cake before being surprised. Diet??? What diet???

So, as you can see, you are loved already so very much. Oh, and don't think we've forgotten...we know you turned 22 months today and we pray that not many more months pass before we can hold you and bring you home. We love you, K.

xoxo, mama and papa