Austin's 15th B-day celebration.....

Just a month and two days early!

Giddy with Excitement!

Okay...I just can't hold still. Typing is even hard!
I've been feeling so guilty about being so happy when other parents are struggling with delays and awful and evil directors. A good friend of mine told me yesterday to just think of these other situations as "bad labor" stories and enjoy and rejoice in your own. So, that's what I'm going to do! (Please note my friends with issues, that does not mean you are not in my thoughts and prayers!)
So today I have a bazillion things to do! I've been weighing my bags and I had no idea how fast a bag can weigh 50 pounds! I think I've got everything sorted out now. Of course there's many things I cannot pack until I get ready Tuesday morning but for the most part, I'm packed.
(Don't worry if you haven't dropped off your package for you child yet, I still have four pounds left in one bag for you to fill!)
James got home a couple of hours ago, so I'm frantically doing laundry. We need to run to the bank, return library books, get James Rx filled, buy Q-tips (what an odd thing to run out of), I need to fill all my fact boxes, get Austin a B-day cake, and I won't bore you with the all the other minute details of my day.
Just got off the phone with my sweet friend Karen wishing me well. It's a good thing I'm surrounded by so many positive and uplifting people. Last night (yet again) a well meaning person told me horror stories of adoptions gone bad, not knowing I was heading out to adopt myself but did he stop his story once my Mom interrupted him to tell him I was adopting from the very same country that he's talking about? No, he continues on. Like I needed that! (Not to mention his own home grown children have had their share of troubles! But I was nice, I didn't bring that up!) If I were surrounded by people like that in my family or circle of friends, this would be very hard. But, I'm not-and thank heavens!
Thank you everyone for your well wishes, for following our blog, for dropping by with cards, books, DVD's, gifts for Alex, and offering to help with kids and dinners. My eyes are tearing up just thinking of the kindness that has been extended to us. We are so very blessed.
I promise to blog, every step of the way. I promise to be very nice and on my best behavior with the director at the orphanage to pave the way for those following me. And I promise to deliver hugs and packages and love to your children. If I can video and take pictures I'll do that too.
Tonight, we're going to have cake and celebrate Austin's upcoming 15th birthday as we'll be away for it. I'll post pictures later!
Well, I'm off! Happy Monday to you one and all!
Love,
Venda The Tough Ukraine Mama!

More of my scattered thoughts....

I feel so torn as I am so happy and excited and so many of my new found friends approaching the same adventure are in turmoil and despair over the situation at their orphanage. It just rips me up. We have friends there now that have gone to the orphanage to adopt their children and the children were afraid of them and wouldn't look up at them and told them "No, we do not want to be adopted outside of Ukraine." What kid says that? I can understand if they said

"No, I changed my mind.", "No, I'm too afraid to go to another country" but what kind of robot brain washed answer is "I do not want to be adopted outside of Ukraine."? Here is a copy of the post from another family planning to adopt out of the same orphanage:

The children had been manipulated and pressured into saying no to being adopted! Once the children say no, it puts an end to it.
In shock, we said, "But Bogdan won't say no. We have upwards of 20 letters asking us when we're coming. He is a strong-willed little boy. He won't say no." (We were told) the orphanage will find another way to block the adoption. By way of background, the regional woman over this orphanage is very anti-international adoption, pro-national adoption. She has been honored for keeping Ukrainian orphans in Ukraine. She has told the director of the Kremenchuk orphanage that if one more orphan leaves with an international family, he (the director) will be fired.

This is so sad. Besides the family currently there, we have three more families trying to adopt out of this orphanage. How very sad. It just breaks my heart for these families and these poor children trapped in Kremenchuk.

I saw these children with these families. I saw the joy and love and the sad goodbyes. I've followed their blogs and communication back and forth. I lunch with the moms & dads and I know of their love for these children. (One mom refuses to wash her children's finger prints off her walls because she misses them so much!)
I KNOW these children want to be adopted. Please pray for these children. Pray that the orphanage director, teachers, regional woman not only soften the hearts but change their hearts about international adoption. Pray that they will do what is best for these children and let go of this pride that will hold these children hostage and not allow them to be placed in loving families.
I have to remind myself that Heavenly Father is so much more powerful then these people. He has legions of angels, He can move mountains. We just need a small mountain moved in Kremchuck. Please pray for them!
As I approach this adventure I feel blessed that my Alex is under the care of a director that loves children and wants what is best for them. Here is a link to the post I wrote about having dinner with Alex's director when she came with the children in the fall. Little did I know she was such a blessing. I know that we may hit hurtles with our adoption, nothing is guaranteed, I of course hope it will be smooth sailing but until he's home here  - on American soil - I will not feel relief or peace. This is scary, to travel half way around the world and work with a system that seems to make up the rules as they see fit, to not speak the language, don't think these thoughts don't run through my mind when I wake up at four in the morning. But I remind myself, six months ago I would have never imagined myself to this point, so many miracles have happened to get us here. Our journey is a testament that God lives and loves his children. All his children. Now, I just need to breath....trust and breath....

Sleepless in Salt Lake

These butterfly feelings are waking me up in the morning. Usually around 4 am. Then I toss and turn and my mind starts running in circles. I don't think I've felt this way since I was a little girl on Christmas Eve.
I try to stay busy but each day feels like three days. Last night my sweet Jan's gave me a Bon-voyage party. It was fun and my friends gave me books, DVD's & some spending money to take on the trip. Ritva sent Ukraine candy and the Lyon's brought Lex matchbox cars that he will love!
While at the party people of course asked about the adoption process and as I'm talking to them telling them about my last phone call with Alex I thought, was that really only yesterday? It felt like so long ago....time is going so slow, yet I know Tuesday will be here before I know it. How can that be?
I'm pretty much packed. I feel like I'm packing for an extended funeral. Every blog I've read says that Ukraine's wear lots of black so I've packed just that.....BLACK! My safety strategy is to keep a low profile, blend in and keep my mouth shut, thus appearing to be a native Ukrainian?
I've been practicing my "bus face" which I read about on another blog. While in public you need a stanch - don't mess with me face. I realized that doesn't come natural for me. I smile at people and wink at babies and walking around with a grumpy, stanch face just isn't in my makeup. HOWEVER, I'm approaching this like an acting job, my character name is "Mama Venda" (Mama Wendy in Ukraine) she is one tough - don't mess with her - clothed in black and heels - Ukraine woman. When I get this character down, I'll post a picture.
Today we've got Austin's basketball tournament, watching my nephew Zach, Ry has a St Patricks Day party and Kambree has Spring Fling.
Last night Kammy brought over ingredients for me to pack so I can make fudge in Ukraine and a few chocolate bars to survive the trip. She then helped me move my living room furniture back in after having the carpets cleaned. What would I do without the love and support of my family and friends? Today I'm hoping to wash walls and load my camera software on the laptop. I'll have to practice posting some pictures.
Yesterday I stocked up on laundry soap, shampoo, things the kids will need while we're gone.

I also put the moose back together in Alex's room. Since he has Austin's old room with it's "forest-y" theme I have this wooden moose that holds a sign in his mouth that said "Austin's Room" so my friend Aleyce made me some vinyl that says "Alex's Room" and I repainted the plaque but in my zest and excitement, I put the vinyl words on upside down! (There are holes drilled at the top where you attached the plague) so I ran down to my Dad's and he drilled me two new holes! Whew! Thanks Dad! Seems like he just keeps bailing me out these days. He also came and fixed my sink yesterday as the garbage disposal had come loose and need new bolts. We had a power outage Thursday night and when putting back the candles I discovered water under the sink. Great. James is out of town so Dad to the rescue!
Anyway, I'm rambling....Seems like lately I start a story and then I ramble into a different subject and can't remember what my original subject was. I think this excitement of leaving and starting this adventure must be going to my brain!
Happy Saturday!

Travel plans & what not....

Today I felt was very productive, not only did I talk to my sweet Lex, I picked up an Ukraine cell phone from Ann C and I even have a phone number!
011-380-509-541-249
It won't work until we're in the Ukraine but I really appreciate this "hand around" phone. All we have to do is buy minutes and there may even be minutes left on it.
I spent some time with Lucinda M today and had a great conversation as she colored my roots and trimmed my ends. I've waited until the last possible moment in hopes that my "silvery" roots won't be too evident by the end of our trip!
I had a great lunch with my friend Amy and then I went shopping for necessity's for our trip.
I actually remembered to go to the elementary for Rylee's SEP.
I've changed and washed all the sheets on all the beds and tomorrow the carpet cleaners come so tonight after Devree's basketball tournament we'll be moving furniture and preparing for that. Whoopee.
I confirmed with our bank that they'll have "new and crisp" money for me to pick up on Monday and I still need to hook up with Jen M to borrow her Ukraine hair dryer.
There are definite benefits to going after others-all these shared appliances will be wonderful! Thanks everyone, I think all I'll need is to pick up a curling iron when I get there.
I also registered our trip with the US Embassy.
Less than five days....

New Pictures of Alex....

Ivan & Snezhana sent these to me via email... isn't he just so dang cute?

Last Phone Call To The Orphanage

I spoke with Alex this morning! I wanted to make sure he was well and back at the orphanage. He showed off his English skills by saying:
"I want to drink"
"I want to eat"
I want to TV"
So his week with Snezhana really paid off! I told him his English was wonderful and he asked how do you say liar in English to the translator and then he told me "Mama liar!" We laughed.
I thanked him for his cards and told him I had never had a National Women's Day card before. He was confused so the translator gave him a quick description of how we celebrate Mothers Day here.
I asked if he was still excited to come to America and before the translator could get the words out I got a very excited & happy "Da...Da....DA!!
I told him I had his room already and he said "YAHOO!" (In a Ukrainian way.)
He said he's very excited but wanted to know how he can stay in touch with his brother. I told him via the computer and telephone. I asked if Ivan was sad about Alex leaving and he said "net". I think Ivan must be a very loving brother to realize that being a member of our family will be best for Alex, even though they will be so far away. I assured Alex he would always be able to stay in contact with Ivan.
Snezhana's parents gave Alex an old cell phone and he gave me his phone number. I told him we'd call when we get into Kiev. He asked for my cell phone number and I gave it to him but explained it won't work when we're in the Ukraine but I'll call him when we get a temporary cell phone and give him our number.
He says he's excited and happy. I told him I love him and this time he said in English "I love Mama!" not "same" like he has in every other telephone call. My heart just soared.
And then building on his new English skills I said "I want to hug Alex!" and after a little help from the translator he told me in English. "I want to hug Mama!"

More Joy In My Mailbox Today!

I have no idea what it say's but it's so dang cute! And it's huge! (As you can see!)
I'll post translation when I get it!

Note from translator:

Dear Wendy,


It came out quite small so when I zoom up it it not clear, but I was able to make sense of most of it. He says


"Me dear mama, papa (and the name in English),


I wish you health and luck in everything.
I got your letter with lots of pictures (drawings?) and congratulations. I am good here, all is fine. You were worried if..... (seems like you asked him about something)
Do not worry, I am fully ..... (maybe something like taken care of?). Our director, Nadia Mihailivna, makes sure that we are warm in winter, eat good food, and we are not bored.
During the recesses and after the classes I play various games with my friends. I feel a bit sad that I will say good bye to all of them soon, but I am also sad that you are not here. You gave me lots of happy memories, and I feel happy that I will see you again.


Kiss, Olexy"

Joy In My Mailbox!

Yesterday, I got a handmade card from Alex. This is the front:

The back side (according to the translator) says:

Mommy, Kambree, Devree, Rylee!
I congratulate you with the 8th of March! [Happy Women’s Day!]

I wish you health, happiness, and the fulfillment of all your desires!


Kisses, Alex

Then he sent a little hand written note that when translated said:

Hi, my dear Dad, Mom, Kambree, Astin, Devree, Rylee!

Always I am joyous by the means of your letters.

Everything is good for me.

I’m studying hard, I play football with my friends on the weekends, occasionally visit the theater, and on holidays, receive presents.

I always reminisce/think about you, waiting for our meeting.

I kiss and hug you all.

Your Alex.

Until we meet…

The timing couldn't have been better as yesterday I received sad and scary news about another family in our group, in Ukraine that had a devastating experience. Apparently the director of their orphanage is very opposed to adopting children to families outside Ukraine and he scared their children and convinced them into saying they did not want to be adopted. And there is nothing the parents can do, they cannot adopt the children if the children will not agree to be adopted. (No, this is not our director or even in our region!) I won't go into much detail but I felt so awful for them as well as for a few more families who love and plan to adopt from the same orphanage. My heart just hurts for the parents and these terrified children who are being told who knows what....
I've also read some concerning news about the political situation in the Ukraine. I won't go into much detail on that either as I'm not exactly sure I understand all that is going on but it sounds like many Ukrainians are dissatisfied with the current government and are demanding change.

Note to Alex: Thanks Alex for your sweet letter, Mama really needed it yesterday! We're coming sweetheart, hang in there!

Accidental Adoption...

I found this humorous story on another blog and just had to share it! (All you fellow adopting parents will get a kick out it!)

Accidental Adoption

Have you ever noticed that you hear all the time about "accidental" pregnancies, but never about couples who experience "accidental" adoptions? Can you imagine:

Honey, sit down. I have some news for you.

What is it?

Well, I don't know how to say this, so I'll just come out with it...I went out to the mailbox today and...well, we got an I171H.

A WHAT?!? An I-171H? As in, we're going to have another child?!?

It looks that way.

But how? We've been so careful! I put away all the blank I600A forms. Didn't you hide our homestudy update?

Of course I did! But don't forget, there was that one night...

What night? (Pauses) Ohhh, that night! But it was only once and we were just messing around. I didn't print clearly. I didn't even use ink! (Pauses again) But it was kind of fun.

(Giggles) It was, wasn't it? I'll never forget how cute you looked getting your fingerprints.

So now we've got our I-171H, eh? But that doesn't mean you'll adopt, does it? I mean, shouldn't you see the agency or something, make sure that everything is okay?

I already did.

...AND?

I'm five documents along.

Five documents! And they're all notarized, certified and authenticated okay?

Just great. There was that one small scare when the agency couldn't see the notary's middle initial, but it showed up just fine under the magnifying glass.

Thank goodness. And you, honey? Are you feeling okay?

I'm feeling fine. As long as I know you are happy about this.

Happy? I'm thrilled! It's always been a shock at first when something like this happens, but of course I'm happy!