Three months ago today, we came home as a family. And it has been a blessing to be able to be home every single day for the last three months with Kristina. I am forever grateful for FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act) and my job for allowing me the time off. I cannot imagine what the bonding process would have been like had we not had this time. I enjoyed every second and didn't take a moment for granted.
Work
As for my job, I'm returning to work on Tuesday but with shortened hours. I'll continue with my Tuesday-Saturday schedule but work 6 hours per day (9am-3pm) Tuesday-Friday and a full 8 hours on Saturday. I used to start work at 7am but since I can't drop Kristina off at school until 7am, I'm giving myself some padding for the notorious Los Angeles traffic. I thank my Supervisor and Manager for making this change possible. :)
Big Brother Knows....
When we were in Court, we had to testify to the judge that we would Register Kristina with the Russian Consulate within 3 months of her arrival in the United States. Up until Kristina is 18 years old, we will have to contact the Russian Consulate each time her address changes. Not exactly sure of the reasoning but since Kristina holds dual citizenship in both the United States and Russia, the Russian authorities probably want to know where their citizens are residing outside of their country. Last week, we received the official paperwork that Kristina is indeed Registered and her Russian Passport was returned to us. When I look at her passport picture, I can't believe that it is the same little girl! I'll have to see if I can scan the picture and post it on the blog.
To commemorate our 3 months as family, we went out to dinner with friends to our favorite BBQ restaurant, The Bear Pit. We had our wedding rehearsal dinner there 15 1/2 years ago, celebrated Jon's surprise 40th birthday party there, and had many "what are we going to do next" discussions at this restaurant. It's a joy to finally share our favorite place with our daughter. :)
9 comments:
Wow! Time flies! I cannot believe it has been three months already. She has changed so much since the first pictures you posted - it is really amazing what love and care can do for children.
Really ... 3 months has passed already? I can hardly believe it but I am so happy for all of you!! Kristina looks so happy and well adjusted!!! How the time has flown ... if only the waiting to bring them home time flew just as quick!
Good luck on Tuesday!!
3 months! Wow! We're at 6 months! I can't believe it! And she is growing and looking more beautiful everyday. We are quite lucky to have our little ones. Congrats!
Melissa
Laura - I just have to how happy you look in every picture I've seen of you since becoming a mommy. If you could bottle that up and sell it, you would be rich!! You just glow and look so pretty. John looks so much younger too. It's so cool to see you guys as parents.
Yes, it does go by fast! But, you've got so many wonderful events to come. (Can you even imagine what she'll think of Christmas??) I know you will enjoy and treasure every moment.
gina
I love the picture of the 3 of you. Really it has been three months since I had dinner with you in Ekat, where does the time go. Good luck on Tuesday and enjoy the hugs and kisses from your daughter when you get home from work they are the best!!!!!!
Precious! I miss you! Love, Donna
3 months -- it is incredible, really isn't it?? she really is just blooming - each new picture she looks more grown up and so very happy and loved!!! we got our PP back for LM, as well, and yes, it is incredible. I feel like a different child is now staring back at me compared to that picture!!! 3 months ago since we had celebrations together in Moscow just seems so hard to believe! KUDDOS to work for all that amazing support!! I hope the first week back wasn't too hard on you!!
Happy three months!!!
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