Video of our reunion

This is a video of our meeting yesterday. I'm a happy mama! More to come soon.
http://youtu.be/LXXSkj0KLsA

And this one is from outside play time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yQ49aLZzmQ

Day one, Novosibirsk...The road to my Gracie

Well, yesterday was a good day. It was a busy one to be sure. And if it was a good day, then last night was a drop your clothes on the floor, let them lay because you are already asleep and fall into bed kind of night.

Day one....The physical

Well, we (Dan and Amy and I)were instructed to be downstairs waiting for Genrik and Karina at 10:30. So, at 10:25 I made my way down from the 12th floor room I have to the lobby. And we waited and waited and waited some more for them to show up. When they did show, we all packed into the car and headed to our physical appoint. The long dreaded, hard hitting, ever important physical. At none other than the Russian version of the DMV!!! I was a bit taken back by this until it was explained that for someone to get a driver's license here they have to have an evaluation by a psychologist. Well, we got two of them. The first one was fairly easy. Had to do the sesame street "three of these things belong together" game (and don't worry, Amy the other adoptive mama missed the same one as I did lol) but when you see an empty spool, a button, a hook (like hook and eye kind of hook) and a belt buckle, it got a bit challenging to tell why those things are similar and one is not. My answer made sense (the button, the hook and the belt buckle all had jobs to do and the empty spool was done with it's job WRONG ANSWER!!) The correct answer is that you would find them on clothes. But obvious answers aside, I passed that part of the test. Then came the next lady. She asked some very hard questions. I think the hardest one was "What are your plans if she becomes too hard to handle? Do you have plans to bring her back to the baby house?" I wasn't expecting to hear referrence to that event, so it took me off guard. I simply said that my committment to Gracie is a life-long committment and if we encountered problems, we would work them out. That worked apparently because I got her seal of approval too. Then we drove for another 10-15 minutes and stopped at an unknown building. There I went in (I always went first. I guess I got elected to be the guinea pig) and sat down and the lady asked me if I had any history of virus'. Yep, I had chicken pox at age 8. Ok, I passed that one too.WHEW!

Then off to the next place which I found out was a hospital. The kind that doesn't keep patients but just diagnoses them. Their version of a clinic I guess. There I got to see a: Neurologist, Pulmonologist, Infectious disease doctor, Cardiologist, Radiologist and an Oncologist. I did get cautioned about my blood pressure. It was 140/90 and this did not make this doctor happy. She wanted to know what it usually runs Of course it's usually 120/70! Of course lol. But considering the gravity of this appointment combined with no sleep for the last several days, the pain I was in from being a human bobble head in the back seat of my driver's car and the fact that I really did need to eat something, I am just happy it wasn't 190/100 or something like that. WHEW, another test passed.

Several hours after we started, we were done and we have the Russian medical community's seal (all 9 of them) of approval. I also got to teach the Dr and the others involved how to convert inches into cm and LBS to Kg. I thought that should have gotten me at least a couple of brownie points, but it didn't. Then we went on to lunch. It was about a 15 minute drive. It was nice to put some food in my stomach. I was nice and sleepy by the time lunch time came and Genrik looked at me and said something about being tired. I just said "yes....Naptime!" He just laughed and said "Vera won't let you nap!!!" Then he just laughed.

Upon arriving at the baby house, I asked Karina to take video and pictures especially of the moment that Gracie saw me. I really wanted to record her reaction. I knew that she probably would not remember me since it had been so long, but I still wanted to have it on video. My hope were sky high as she ran towards me with her arms reached out. She was excited and between the giggles she was shouting "Mama". Then, she ran straight past me to Karina. I should have expected that. She has seen Karina several times since I was here last. Fortunately, it didn't take long for a good redirection and I am now Mama to my girl. She's grown since I saw her last and seems quite a bit taller. And can you see in the picture? She's lost a tooth. I asked why, and they just said "she is 5, it's time for that to start".

We had a great time playing outside. She is (true to Russian form) bundled in two coats and has her hood up. She's got pony tails sticking out all over her head and her bangs are in her eyes! I didn't get so see much else of her....lol

She loved playing in the sand which there was plenty of, had no problem picking up a stick or any toy or even a piece of trash to use to help her improvise as she played. Then, she spotted Genrik's car. After watching her, I don't think it will be a problem getting her to go for her ride to freedom. She loved it! In fact Genrik had to tell her "You want your mama to take you home?" to which she of course replied "DAAA" "Then get out of my car" LOL, she did it right then and there. :) My girl is pretty smart!

Well, it's time to take an early morning nap. It's 5:30 and I've been up since about 3. I'm starting to get a bit sleepy again. Thank you everyone for all of your prayers and well wishes. Sorry it took me a couple of days to post, but have just been so so tired. I'm catching up though.

Court is tomorrow. I am nervous and at peace all at the same time. I go first (before the MN couple) at 2 pm. Should be done by 3 because that is when they are scheduled. I am told there may be a possibilty the 10 days may be waived. Please pray for that!!

Adoption is "lovingly" referred to as a paper pregnancy.
Well, I think that after this week, we can officially say that I'm in hard labor! Over the last week, I've experienced a myriad of emotions. From elation, to gratefulness to exhaustion to fear to pain. I've run the whole gamut but this time, I can't medicate lol. I would even swear that I'm nesting (although you might not be able to tell it by the looks of my house). I have all of the necessary items for successfully bringing baby girl home (I think...a lot of things have changed in the last 15 years). I've organized and sorted and thrown away or donated excess "stuff" that we don't need. I've gotten some precious help from some great friends and have been blessed by so many well wishes and prayers in this last week that I'm moved to tears at times.

Today I had an unexpected trip down the road after my visa application and passport were lost in the mail. There was only one chance to replace my passport and that was in Aurora, Colorado which is about 6 hours away. At the last minute, I called work and told them I couldn't work today because I had to take a road trip. I think the tears that were flowing prompted the powers that be to mercifully grant me the time to make this trip. All the while people were praying that I wouldn't have to replace my passport and fill out the visa application again but most of all that travel would be allowed to take place as has been planned.

God's got my back!! He heard the prayers. My mom was gracious enough to go with me and she has been and continued to be a great reasoning force for me. Somewhere around 3 hours into our 6 hour drive I got word that my documents had arrived at the visa processing place.
So many people were praying for exactly that to happen, so if you were part of that chorus, I thank you! I thank you! I thank you!
There was one small problem with the application that I sent in, so I spent a bit more time filling out another application but it is now correct and in the right hands. I'm told that there is enough time for it to be processed and mailed back to me. NOW, call me a little bit gun shy, but I'm a bit nervous that the same thing could happen when it comes back to me next week.
Again, I'll ask you for your prayers that my visa will arrive before Saturday, the 6th and that I can put all of the random and furious thoughts that are flying around in my head to use. I have good ideas in there, but they just need to come out sometime other than 2 a.m.. Ha, that's my most productive time these days.

I stopped to get the mail on the way home and inside was the best mail I could have asked for (OK, maybe I would have liked to have seen my visa and passport, but that's going to be next week). Take a look!!!!! Such a sweet sight! It gets more real every day. And my countdown is now at T-9. WOW!

I'm coming for you Gracie

Yep, that's right little girl, your mama is coming to take you home!

It will be 10 months since I saw you last and I wonder about so many things. I wonder if you'll remember me. I wonder if you've grown. I wonder if you'll be excited or scared to go on your new adventure with me. I can't wait to find out.

We have quite an adventure ahead of us you and I. I can see it unfolding before us.....

This is what I know so far: I will fly out of Eppley Airfield in Omaha at 10:30 AM on August 6th. I will catch a connecting flight at Chicago O'Hare at 3:40 PM and fly Lufthansa to Frankfurt, Germany. There is a +7 hour difference between the two cities. That makes this a little over an 8 hour flight. Then I'll leave Frankfurt at 7:50 AM on Sunday, August 7th and arrive in Moscow, Russia at 1:00 PM. Moscow is +2 hours ahead of Frankfurt. That makes this flight a little over 3 hours long. Then on to Novosibirsk, Russia on a flight that leaves Moscow at 10:45 PM and arrives in Novosibirsk at 5:40 AM on Monday, August 8th. There is a +3 hour difference between Moscow and Novosibirsk which makes this flight a little under 4 hours long. WHEW!

Sometime the first couple of days after I arrive in Novosibirsk, I will have my physical which is performed by several Russian medical professionals. I'm hoping to see Gracie on the 8th as well, but I don't know what will happen.

Court will be held on August 10th and God willing, the judge will say yes and so we'll begin our 10 day waiting period. My understanding is that these are 10 business days, so Gracie will be released on the 24th of August. There are a few details that need to be taken care of while we are still in Novosibirsk. She will need her passport made and I'm not sure what all else.

We'll leave Novosibirsk on the evening of the 26th and fly back to Moscow. While we are there, Gracie will have to undergo a physical and then we'll get her Visa so that she can enter her new homeland. :) There are several things I would like to do while we are there. I am really hoping to take Gracie to the zoo. I've heard a lot of great things about the Moscow zoo, but I will have to decide if I have the bravery to make that excursion or not. I also want to tour Red Square and find something small as a keepsake for Gracie to remind her of her heritage.

Then on August 31st, one Miss Grace Clifton will make her first Trans-Atlantic flight. We'll leave at 7:05 AM to arrive in Frankfurt at 8:25 AM. We'll leave Frankfurt at 10:45 AM and arrive in Chicago at 12:40 PM. That makes this an almost 9 hour flight considering the time difference. And then finally from Chicago, IL to Omaha. We'll be landing at 4:48 pm on Wednesday, August 31st. ANYONE who is near enough to come meet us at the airport will be welcomed with open arms and tears of joy. I won't guarantee that either of us will look or smell very good at that point, so be forewarned. You can cancel now for your own protection. For anyone who can't meet us at the airport, hopefully in the coming weeks we can try to meet up with you.

The very next day, we will begin a new month and Gracie will begin a new life. I expect that she will be overwhelmed with all of the changes and other than medical appointments, we'll spend most of our time in the quiet of her new home where she'll learn to be loved and to live as a valued part of a family who fought for her and loves her more than she can comprehend. I will be establishing myself as her mother and so she will not be out of my care during this time. I will however, be more than happy to receive any visitors as I'm sure this mama will want to catch up with everyone but I feel that I need to do what I can to ease Gracie's transition into her new world. I will of course be doing what I can to update this blog frequently to keep you all posted.

God is so good! I'm getting my girl!

A short update...and some hope

Well, I think the ball is beginning an ever so slight, almost imperceptible, suggestion of a roll.

My agency, which is located in Minnesota, contacted me the other day to tell me that the judge would not require any further documents that would slow my progress. She may however require me to hand carry other documents to her when I come, but nothing that will delay a court date. The next step in this long process is a meeting. It's required for any Russian adoption regardless of where the adoption is taking place and must happen prior to setting a court date. The meeting is with the judge, the Minister of Orphans (MOE for short), the orphanage director (whom I never got to meet the first time), and the social worker who observed Gracie and I on our second meeting. I will not have representation during the meeting but I don't believe I will need to. They are strictly discussing the legal aspect of Gracie's adoption to make sure all of the legal requirements have been met and she is truly available for adoption. I never knew about this meeting prior to this call, but it makes some sense to me now.

Well, this meeting is set for July 21st. Next Thursday! Since they are 12 hours ahead, I could wake up on Thursday and receive a court date as soon as my agency checks their emails! If not, then it is likely to come on Friday. I know they will be so happy to give me a court date!!!! This wait has been hard on them too!

And now, here's a prayer request for you all.....

USCIS (Homeland Security) requires all foreign adoptive parents and family members over age 18 to be fingerprinted and background checked. Sydney and I had that done a long time ago. Everything went well and I've had that in place for going on 18 months now. Well, those fingerprints expire for Sydney and I on August 10th. I am fairly certain I will be in Russia at this time. These fingerprints CANNOT expire while I'm over there. The adoption cannot take place on August 11th if they haven't been renewed. I've sent a request for re-fingerprinting about 2-3 weeks ago, but have not heard back from them and well, it's the government, so I've had no luck with contacting them by phone. I've sent an email to the ombudsman, but haven't received a response back for that yet either. Please pray that this is easily accomplished. Pray that Sydney can get the day off so we can go to Omaha for a 10 minute re-fingerprinting. Thank you!

This little girl needs to come home!

This wait

This wait....

Interminable: adjective- monotonously, annoyingly protracted or continued; unceasing

I have known for quite some time that I don't wait very well. I remember eyeing presents under the tree just knowing that somewhere under there was the perfect gift. The one I pined for, the one that got repeated at least once on my list to Santa. And thank goodness I don't remember ALL of the presents I unwrapped and ever so skillfully rewrapped after finding one more stinking box of golf balls (sorry mom). Yes, I was naughty that way.

I will now admit it out loud (or in writing) to anyone who reads this.

I DON'T WAIT VERY WELL

and this is apparently not the time I'll start

You see, I have the best gift waiting for me.

One picked out by God Himself a very long time ago. She's 5 years old and weighs somewhere near 20 lbs or so, has an impish smile and is just a bit bossy.

The anticipation is taking it's toll. Every day gets harder and harder. Every call is eagerly answered only to disappoint when it's not the voice telling me that I need to pack my bags.

I've spoken with the ladies at my agency. They're getting a lot of grumbling from me these days. I know it's not their fault, but I look to them for answers and the truth is that they don't have any either. They have no answers as to why it's taking so long for the judge to issue a court date. I've asked if the facilitator that lives and works in Novosibirsk can go to speak to he judge and petition her to set a date. To express that Gracie has had a mama who is working to get to her as fast as she can for a full 1/3 of her life. To explain that this little girl is on borrowed time and she has so much waiting for her over here where she has a home and family.

So, if I can be so bold as to ask for your prayers. Prayers to help me wait and prayers that I don't have to wait much longer.
I can't wait to get to this gift!

But I will wait as long as it takes.

I'm sorry....And a wedding

Well everyone I'm sorry. I've been horrible about posting lately. Not much to say and I've been unusually busy these days.

I spoke to my agency last week and was told that there has been some activity on my papers. They know that the papers are being viewed by the court system because they've had a request for additional documents. Fortunately they didn't want documents from me as busy as I was, but from the agency itself. Getting documents from the agency means they can be generated within a couple of days time and on their way soon. In fact, I think they are on their way already. There was some talk of my birth certificate apostille expiring, but I believe the agency asked for leniency since well, it hasn't really changed in the last 43 years. They don't expect it to be a problem though. I asked if any more requests were expected and was told there was no way to know if that will happen. So, I have reason to hope that someday soon I will hear from the court system informing me of a court date.

Now on to the good part of my post..... It's about family! Family I haven't seen in years and family I miss every day. We laughed and loved and celebrated the reason for getting together. We missed those who couldn't come and prayed our thanks for those who could and most of all, rejoicing for new family.

My sister-in-law Jennifer, Tyler and my "little" brother Tim.

My Aunt Bev, my mom and me.

My cousin and friend, Melissa and me.

Melissa and her children, Logan, Elora and Noah.

On Saturday, May 28th at 4:30 p.m. my son married his best friend. It's a date we've been anticipating for nearly 8 months and for quite some time felt like it would never ever come and it was a beautiful and enchanting day. Emilie, my new daughter-in-law put in a great deal of planning into this day and every minute of it showed. I wish I was half as organized as she is. Everything was done impeccably. She looked beautiful in her dress and despite all the commotion of the day, seemed to be relaxed.

Tyler looked so handsome in his tuxedo and although he had a bit of difficulty understanding that he couldn't see his fiance prior to the wedding, he seemed to enjoy his day.

Saying their vows.

Exchanging of the rings.

During the song.

Sydney had the honor of being one of the bridesmaids. She was also the soloist and sang beautifully. Her voice cracked a time or two from emotions, but that only lent itself to the poignancy of the song chosen by Tyler and Emilie.

Hugging his little sister.


FINALLY!

Ahhhh!

What a blessing to see my son grow up and begin his life in a God honoring way. A mom couldn't ask for more.