I feel like I haven't posted in a very long time, but it really hasn't been that long.
We've just been wrapped in the cocoon of loving on the kids and not having to leave the house. The suitcases weren't unloaded until today...most of them. Our's, yes. Children's, no.
Not that matters now, because we received an email that we are to be back in the country where Alice is on Jan 10th! 12 days from now. To be honest, at first the idea of getting everything done and having to fly for 9+ hours was not what I wanted to do. But, I am so ready now. I haven't gotten anything done, I'm just SO ready to have my family intact.
We will miss daughter #3's ninth birthday while we are away. I said that we should do something just our family of 7, before we become a family of 8. She said, "Mommy, we are already a family of 8." So sweet. Yes, we are a family of 8 and it's time we look like it!
I went to several stores today to get some things we'll need for Alice in country and when we get home. We needed a car seat and some clothes for the sweet thing. I found that according to the weight listed on the clothes at Target, she wears 3-6 month size clothes. She's 14 months. I can't wait to get her home and fatten her up! I bought a diaper bag for the first time. My first baby, someone gave me a diaper bag. After that I made them. It was a lot of fun to buy pink again. We haven't bought anything pink in 6 years. I also bought a pink cloth diaper. She's gonna have to wear what we have, which is a whole lotta blue and neutral. But, I wanted her to have at least one pink one.
We are shopping for a passenger van since we out grew our mini-van. That is such a big purchase. Please pray for Erin to have wisdom as he goes about this. I am no help in this area. I really don't care. Miles, color, etc. This burden falls squarely on his shoulders and I'll drive whatever he decides. The Lord has provided so wonderfully for this. We are beyond grateful for this.
He has given our family so much this year. It has been a year like no other; one we will never forget.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Merry Christmas
I wasn't going to post today...it is Christmas, after all. But, I did want to fill in a few details.
1) We flew home yesterday and surprised the kids. They didn't know we were coming home and it was so sweet to see their faces.
2)The judge did NOT waive the 10 days. The reason for the 10 day wait is to give local residents, family, or the prosecutors the chance to protest the judge's decision to allow us to adopt her. If there is no 10 day wait period, and someone does protest they will then have 30 days to file that protest. And all that time she has to wait in the orphanage. And we have to wait in country, away from the children. So, as much as it breaks our hearts the 10 day period is best within the laws of the land.
3)We came home without our daughter. We had to leave for the 10 days because we have 5 other blessings that need us. AND it may be longer than 10 days. More than likely it will be 3 weeks before we go back. This is because of their holidays. We won't go back until after she has a local passport. That will keep us from being in the country without an end date. When we do go back it will only be for a couple of days before we'll break her out of the orphanage forever. And we'll only be in country for 1 week. We are blessed and excited that our court date happened when it did. But, the timing with the holidays set the return trip back a bit.
4)We are planning a full week. A week full of cuddles. A week full of speaking English all the time. A week full of American movies...granted most will be animated, but we won't be picky.
Merry Christmas everyone. Whether you celebrate the holiday or not, I hope you have a wonderful day with family and friends.
1) We flew home yesterday and surprised the kids. They didn't know we were coming home and it was so sweet to see their faces.
2)The judge did NOT waive the 10 days. The reason for the 10 day wait is to give local residents, family, or the prosecutors the chance to protest the judge's decision to allow us to adopt her. If there is no 10 day wait period, and someone does protest they will then have 30 days to file that protest. And all that time she has to wait in the orphanage. And we have to wait in country, away from the children. So, as much as it breaks our hearts the 10 day period is best within the laws of the land.
3)We came home without our daughter. We had to leave for the 10 days because we have 5 other blessings that need us. AND it may be longer than 10 days. More than likely it will be 3 weeks before we go back. This is because of their holidays. We won't go back until after she has a local passport. That will keep us from being in the country without an end date. When we do go back it will only be for a couple of days before we'll break her out of the orphanage forever. And we'll only be in country for 1 week. We are blessed and excited that our court date happened when it did. But, the timing with the holidays set the return trip back a bit.
4)We are planning a full week. A week full of cuddles. A week full of speaking English all the time. A week full of American movies...granted most will be animated, but we won't be picky.
Merry Christmas everyone. Whether you celebrate the holiday or not, I hope you have a wonderful day with family and friends.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
I would like to announce
our newest blessing...Alice Faith Frye.
Conceived in our hearts in August and officially adopted into our family December 23, 2010 at 3:15 pm local time.
We had court this afternoon. Our driver was late. I tried not to panic. We got to the courthouse and had to wait. Guess we weren't late after all. Our facilitator, M, walked us through the court process. She said a bunch of stuff, but I was too nervous to hear her actual words. She told me not to cross my legs while in the courtroom. I do remember that. She also told us that they made a special appearance for us. The court is not hearing any new cases until after Jan 10th, but that they were here special just for us!
When we got into the court room we sat down until the judge arrived, then we stood for her entrance. There was a lot of legal stuff, state your name, your address, etc. All being translated by M. Then Erin had to stand and answer a bunch of questions. How will you care for a sick child? Will you view her as you do your biological children? What do they think of what you are doing? Then she asked me how would I care for this child with all my other children? She seemed very concerned about me taking on another child when I "have so many already." I told her that I love my children and when Alice is adopted she will be just like my bio children. There will be no difference. My daughters are a big help to me and we have family living close by. (I personally am grateful for any help we get, but I am Alice's mother and I will take care of her.) We told the judge about my parents and that they are foster parents for 6 special needs kids and that Erin's sister had a son with special needs. That helped too.
She looked through our family album. The orphanage doctor stood up and said that we knew Alice's medical condition. She said that it appeared that Alice was growing closer to us. A social worker stood and said that from our reaction at our first meeting with Alice she could tell there was an emotional bond with her. They all said they agreed with us that we should adopt her.
The judge said that Alice needed a new birth certificate with the name, Alice Faith Frye. Then we all stood and the judge left. I looked at M. She said, "Congratulations, you are parents for the 6th time." I just stood there. That was it? Where was the balloons and ticker tape? Where was the shouting? It was plain and simple.
She is ours.
Erin hugged M. I hugged M. I told the doctor and social worker, "Thank you" over and over. M translated it each time. Then we gathered our coats and headed out. I was shaking and had tears such that I couldn't see.
We went from there to buy diapers! Then to the orphanage to see the newest small Frye. She, of course, had no idea that her world had just changed.
I told her that an amazing thing had just happened. Her old self had passed away. Valeria was no more. She was no longer an orphan with no family. She was Alice Faith Frye. With 2 parents, 3 sisters, 2 brothers, 2 grandmothers, 2 grandfathers, 6 uncles, 7 aunts, 15 cousins all waiting to love on her. I'm not counting church family here, too many arms waiting to hold her to count them.
She is very, very much wanted.
Conceived in our hearts in August and officially adopted into our family December 23, 2010 at 3:15 pm local time.
We had court this afternoon. Our driver was late. I tried not to panic. We got to the courthouse and had to wait. Guess we weren't late after all. Our facilitator, M, walked us through the court process. She said a bunch of stuff, but I was too nervous to hear her actual words. She told me not to cross my legs while in the courtroom. I do remember that. She also told us that they made a special appearance for us. The court is not hearing any new cases until after Jan 10th, but that they were here special just for us!
When we got into the court room we sat down until the judge arrived, then we stood for her entrance. There was a lot of legal stuff, state your name, your address, etc. All being translated by M. Then Erin had to stand and answer a bunch of questions. How will you care for a sick child? Will you view her as you do your biological children? What do they think of what you are doing? Then she asked me how would I care for this child with all my other children? She seemed very concerned about me taking on another child when I "have so many already." I told her that I love my children and when Alice is adopted she will be just like my bio children. There will be no difference. My daughters are a big help to me and we have family living close by. (I personally am grateful for any help we get, but I am Alice's mother and I will take care of her.) We told the judge about my parents and that they are foster parents for 6 special needs kids and that Erin's sister had a son with special needs. That helped too.
She looked through our family album. The orphanage doctor stood up and said that we knew Alice's medical condition. She said that it appeared that Alice was growing closer to us. A social worker stood and said that from our reaction at our first meeting with Alice she could tell there was an emotional bond with her. They all said they agreed with us that we should adopt her.
The judge said that Alice needed a new birth certificate with the name, Alice Faith Frye. Then we all stood and the judge left. I looked at M. She said, "Congratulations, you are parents for the 6th time." I just stood there. That was it? Where was the balloons and ticker tape? Where was the shouting? It was plain and simple.
She is ours.
Erin hugged M. I hugged M. I told the doctor and social worker, "Thank you" over and over. M translated it each time. Then we gathered our coats and headed out. I was shaking and had tears such that I couldn't see.
We went from there to buy diapers! Then to the orphanage to see the newest small Frye. She, of course, had no idea that her world had just changed.
I told her that an amazing thing had just happened. Her old self had passed away. Valeria was no more. She was no longer an orphan with no family. She was Alice Faith Frye. With 2 parents, 3 sisters, 2 brothers, 2 grandmothers, 2 grandfathers, 6 uncles, 7 aunts, 15 cousins all waiting to love on her. I'm not counting church family here, too many arms waiting to hold her to count them.
She is very, very much wanted.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
I'm a bit jealous
We were able to visit Alice twice today. The days are beginning to feel a bit like the movie "Groundhog Day". The days all start out the same with just a few changes to each day. We get up, check the email, eat breakfast, have devotional time, leave for orphanage. Come back to the apt, eat lunch, leave for orphanage. Come back, eat dinner, clean up, read books (I knit), go to bed.
At this afternoon's visit, Alice did the thing that I have been dying for her to do. She fell asleep while we were walking around...but in Erin's arms!
Yep, she fell asleep on Erin. Although I love that she did, I have to admit I'm a bit jealous. I wouldn't take that away from him for anything. But, I would have liked for it to be me, too. She fought going to sleep the whole time I was holding her. I guess Erin is a more soothing walker than I am.
I did make her that hat, though. I finished it this afternoon before our 2nd visit. The nannies at the orphanage loved it. I think. They kept giving me the thumbs up sign and talking really fast.
We heard from our facilitator, M, that The Vote was postponed yet again. They don't know when they'll reschedule it. So, it doesn't appear that it will derail our adoption. And hopefully more orphans will be found by their families. We haven't heard this officially from Reece's Rainbow, however.
Court is tomorrow at 2 pm local time. I'm nervous, but not. I know that God is in control and He has a plan for us and for Alice. Court is the last hurdle before she'll legally be ours. I'll update as soon as I can.
At this afternoon's visit, Alice did the thing that I have been dying for her to do. She fell asleep while we were walking around...but in Erin's arms!
Yep, she fell asleep on Erin. Although I love that she did, I have to admit I'm a bit jealous. I wouldn't take that away from him for anything. But, I would have liked for it to be me, too. She fought going to sleep the whole time I was holding her. I guess Erin is a more soothing walker than I am.
I did make her that hat, though. I finished it this afternoon before our 2nd visit. The nannies at the orphanage loved it. I think. They kept giving me the thumbs up sign and talking really fast.
We heard from our facilitator, M, that The Vote was postponed yet again. They don't know when they'll reschedule it. So, it doesn't appear that it will derail our adoption. And hopefully more orphans will be found by their families. We haven't heard this officially from Reece's Rainbow, however.
Court is tomorrow at 2 pm local time. I'm nervous, but not. I know that God is in control and He has a plan for us and for Alice. Court is the last hurdle before she'll legally be ours. I'll update as soon as I can.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Get a load of this hat!
Everyday they bring Alice to me in the most amazing layers. I am either laughing about it or irritated, because this is just silly. Anyway, today, they brought her to me with this hat. It's a traditional hat for this region, but, well, um...
We got to see our girl 2 times today. The visit in the morning she is usually a little sleepy and very cuddly. I have no problem with that. She will sit with Erin for a little while, then she squirms to get down. Then, she works her way to me. I pick her up and rock her. I do my humming thing and she settles right down. Erin commented on how much she enjoys being rocked.
I must admit, I am quite smitten. I will sit and rock for almost the entire time we are allowed to be there. I kiss her over and over. I have 14 months of kissing to make up for after all. I tell her, "You're name is Alice and I'm your mama." Today, I got a little teary. Thinking that this is the only home she's ever known. She was left at the hospital. She had surgery and then went to the orphanage. She's never known family. Boy, is she in for a treat because she's about to know family, baby.
After our morning visit we went to what has to be the craziest, coolest, weirdest outdoor market I've ever seen! It goes on and on and on. I don't think the picture does it justice. There had to be at least 1000 booths. We walked for 30 minutes and covered maybe 1/5th of it. They sold everything from panties to pots and pans. Children's clothes to tires. Everything!
Our afternoon visit is longer. So, we've started walking the hallways with Alice. Today when we asked if we could do that the nanny went and got an extra coat and a blanket! No lie.
So, we walk for an hour and a half. We take turns holding her. Erin gets 2 laps; I get one. Seems fair since I hold her most of our morning visit. We show her outside. We let her get some sun...when it's out...which as been one day out of 9.
Our court date is Thursday at 2 pm local time. At that appointment the judge will either approve or disapprove of us adopting Alice. If he approves then he will then either uphold the 10 day waiting period or waive it. We, of course, are praying he waives it and we get to bring her home sooner. Please be praying for us on Thursday, or Wednesday night depending on your time. We will probably not be updating until Friday at some point. Sorry for the delay, just keep praying!
Tomorrow morning is The Vote. Our facilitator told us that we should be ok. That we need to have had court before the president signs it into law which won't be until after New Year's. It's hard not to worry about it though. If our adoption is not effected, other's will be. We met a family in the capitol city last week. Their sons' orphanage is not as nice as Alice's. They need to get those boys out NOW! But, their court date isn't until Jan. 5. We have prayed for this family daily. Please join us in this. Their blog is http://www.noknots.blogspot.com/ They are fellow Texans and more importantly, fellow believers. I have no idea how we'll know how, if anything, this will effect us. We can't exactly watch the news. I hope some fellow Reece's Rainbow people will leave a comment or email me the news.
I made an amazing discovery today. All along this journey I have said I won't adopt again. I felt the work was too hard, the journey too rough. But, I realized today when holding her; it was worth it. Rocking her; the paperwork seems small. Kissing her sweet, little cheeks; the scary seemed long ago. Looking into her eyes; knowing what life has been like for her and what it will be like is honey to my soul. She is worth it.
I must admit, I am quite smitten. I will sit and rock for almost the entire time we are allowed to be there. I kiss her over and over. I have 14 months of kissing to make up for after all. I tell her, "You're name is Alice and I'm your mama." Today, I got a little teary. Thinking that this is the only home she's ever known. She was left at the hospital. She had surgery and then went to the orphanage. She's never known family. Boy, is she in for a treat because she's about to know family, baby.
After our morning visit we went to what has to be the craziest, coolest, weirdest outdoor market I've ever seen! It goes on and on and on. I don't think the picture does it justice. There had to be at least 1000 booths. We walked for 30 minutes and covered maybe 1/5th of it. They sold everything from panties to pots and pans. Children's clothes to tires. Everything!
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| The hat Erin got at the outdoor market. We're in front of the orphanage. |
So, we walk for an hour and a half. We take turns holding her. Erin gets 2 laps; I get one. Seems fair since I hold her most of our morning visit. We show her outside. We let her get some sun...when it's out...which as been one day out of 9.
Our court date is Thursday at 2 pm local time. At that appointment the judge will either approve or disapprove of us adopting Alice. If he approves then he will then either uphold the 10 day waiting period or waive it. We, of course, are praying he waives it and we get to bring her home sooner. Please be praying for us on Thursday, or Wednesday night depending on your time. We will probably not be updating until Friday at some point. Sorry for the delay, just keep praying!
Tomorrow morning is The Vote. Our facilitator told us that we should be ok. That we need to have had court before the president signs it into law which won't be until after New Year's. It's hard not to worry about it though. If our adoption is not effected, other's will be. We met a family in the capitol city last week. Their sons' orphanage is not as nice as Alice's. They need to get those boys out NOW! But, their court date isn't until Jan. 5. We have prayed for this family daily. Please join us in this. Their blog is http://www.noknots.blogspot.com/ They are fellow Texans and more importantly, fellow believers. I have no idea how we'll know how, if anything, this will effect us. We can't exactly watch the news. I hope some fellow Reece's Rainbow people will leave a comment or email me the news.
I made an amazing discovery today. All along this journey I have said I won't adopt again. I felt the work was too hard, the journey too rough. But, I realized today when holding her; it was worth it. Rocking her; the paperwork seems small. Kissing her sweet, little cheeks; the scary seemed long ago. Looking into her eyes; knowing what life has been like for her and what it will be like is honey to my soul. She is worth it.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Erin's Observations...Day 8
Well, here goes my crack at blogging…it’s my first attempt. Day 8, I believe, and it has been a good day. Just got off the videophone with my family back home. They’re in good hands with my sister’s family…thanks, Sis. Henry is at my mom’s, and is probably living high on the hog knowing my mom.
We saw the sun today. It felt good on our faces. Alice got to the see the sun today, also. The nurses in the baby room at the orphanage let us walk with Alice around the halls; it was probably one of the few times in her 14-month old life she has been out of the baby room. There is one nurse in particular who has been quite kind. She tries hard to communicate with us. We are able to get a few words understood between the two of us in the spoken form. The rest of the communication is on paper. Emily and I think about what we want to ask the night before we visit, then I go to Google Translate and get the proper translation. I write the translation down and that’s it. Problem is that very few conversations naturally end without the person that you are speaking to not speaking something back. At which point I kind of shrug my shoulders and the conversation is over. But, at least I was able to get my question across.
I’ve been keeping a tally of things I wish I had brought with me.
· A good English → Russian dictionary with phonetics,
· A power converter for my electronics,
· A few DVDs,
· Peanut butter,
· and black pepper (if I’ve seen it, I haven’t recognized it).
The people here are not much different than anywhere else. They’re not especially kind, nor overly rude. They mind their own business. I did expect that more people would speak English since it is the international language of business, but not so. This would probably be a little more enjoyable if we could speak the language. As it is we feel a bit helpless, even trapped at times in the apartment.
Our apartment, in the region, is quite nice. Much better than what we had in the big city. It reminds us of a Las Vegas lounge with all the levels in the flooring and the accents (not that either of us have ever been to Vegas). It has plenty of room and pretty much all the amenities we could ask for minus a clothes dryer.
I’ve tried to get some understanding of their sense of religion. They have religion, everyone does, but to be fair, I haven’t ventured far enough out among the people to gain an understanding. How much do they fear God? Sex is a big seller here, even more than our malls in the U.S. (believe it or not). I’d have to be covering my son’s eyes often when just driving in the car. Not a surprise has been the abundance of alcohol made available. One of the grocery stores we visited frequently, which was small – about six or seven aisles, had one of their aisles dedicated to just alcohol. Our driver told us that drinking is entertainment for them. After writing all this, I realize that, sadly, the U.S. mission field has just as much harvesting to be done as here.
Got to go, bye.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Sweetness--Day 7
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| This smile was on her own...no tickles this time! What a thing of beauty! |
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| Me, waiting for them to bring me Alice. I stand looking out the doorway that leads to her groupa until they arrive. |
Today was pure sweetness. She let us hold her. I mean really hold her. The times before she would squirm and want to get down after a few seconds. Yesterday, she would make her way to me. But, today, she let us just hold her. Cuddle with her. Rock her.
In my family we have a little melody of hums that I remember my grandmother humming. My mom hummed that song with me and all my siblings. I hummed it with my children. I've been humming it with Alice. I want her to remember me. So, today when I started that song, she got very still. She remembered me!
We sit in this little room on the floor with the toys we brought with us...for an hour. Today, she liked the toys, but really just wanted us to hold her. We've seen her 5 times total and I believe she's starting to recognize us. What a blessing.
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| Erin's holding her, but I'm holding her hand...see how tiny she is? |
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| She loves to hold our fingers. |
Alice also received two Christmas gifts before we left.
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| Sock Monkeys are a big deal in my family. This one is from her Grandma Beckie. I'm not sure Alice is as into it yet. She did chew on his face and arms. |
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| She received this doll from Grandma Frye for Christmas. Alice liked the hair. I know this because she, well, chewed on it. |
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| Holding Monkey's hand |
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| Sunsets are a big deal to my dad and me. So, Dad, here's the sunset from our apt window. By the way, it's 3:30 in the afternoon. |
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