The emotional roller coaster has departed!
About an hour (or less!) from my first post today, we got a phone call from Dakota's vet. She had had surgery about 2 weeks ago to remove a small outside growth in her belly area. Well, the lab came back, and it tested positive for skin cancer. She goes in on Tuesday to have a lot of the area around that growth removed, to try to get all the skin cells out, and also to do further testing to see how agressive the cancer is, and what to do next. We were shocked and upset, but will just commit it to prayer, hoping that this surgery on Tuesday gets all the cancer out.
THEN....about an hour after THAT...we get a call from Grand Rapids, it was our agency! We have a court date....on December 8th! That is SO SO soon! And, to top it off, we will be returning home (hopefully...just waiting to here back from the US Embassy that they can process his visa same day, the 23rd) on Christmas Eve, or Christmas Day! What a MIRACLE! Our poor family must have thought we had more bad news to give them when I called back an hour later crying like I was! I was just SO excited!
One last event before the day's end...Greg's mommom, who is 90, fell and hit her head. She has checked out okay, and is returning to her assisted living facility as I type, praise God!
What a DAY!!! We are emotionally tired, but SO SO THANKFUL! We get to see our boy in a little over a week! WOW! I may not have cried the first time I met him, but I know I'll be crying happy tears when I see him next Tuesday!!!
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Friday, November 26, 2010
SO Much To Be Thankful For!
I have to admit, I've been a little on the down side lately, looking at our boy's pictures hanging everywhere in our house, and watching videos we took of us together while we were there, and focusing on what we don't have: our boy home. Shame on me. Yes, those feelings are very real, and just thinking about that does make me cry- I miss him SO much. But, shame on me for allowing my mind and my heart to get discouraged, rather than focusing on how much God has done for us and provided for us. We have SO much- from our salvation, each other, to loving family and friends, to a house, and more material items than we truly need.
In my devotions today, I read two verses that I will be wrapping myself around until we have our boy home- Psalm 27:14- Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart. Wait, I say, on the LORD! and Proverbs 3:5-Trust in the LORD with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. I thought about these verses- "Wait on the Lord" - I have been waiting on our agency, the Russian federation...people...when really, I need to wait on the Lord. And, "Trust in the Lord...lean not unto my own understanding..." that's all I've been doing- trying to figure things out on my own! I am trying, today, to re-focus my waiting, and my trust- rather than focusing on who I do not have right now, I am going to focus on the One I do have on our side, who gave His only son so we could be saved. Honestly, I wouldn't want to give up my son for anything...so that is a very BIG reminder for me of just how much God loves us.
We have SO much to be thankful for!
Here's a few pictures of how we have been keeping busy!
Today, we are getting together with our siblings- it is going to be so much fun! We don't do this nearly as often as we should! And...before that, I am going to try to get started on putting out the Christmas decorations- FUN!
In my devotions today, I read two verses that I will be wrapping myself around until we have our boy home- Psalm 27:14- Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart. Wait, I say, on the LORD! and Proverbs 3:5-Trust in the LORD with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. I thought about these verses- "Wait on the Lord" - I have been waiting on our agency, the Russian federation...people...when really, I need to wait on the Lord. And, "Trust in the Lord...lean not unto my own understanding..." that's all I've been doing- trying to figure things out on my own! I am trying, today, to re-focus my waiting, and my trust- rather than focusing on who I do not have right now, I am going to focus on the One I do have on our side, who gave His only son so we could be saved. Honestly, I wouldn't want to give up my son for anything...so that is a very BIG reminder for me of just how much God loves us.
We have SO much to be thankful for!
Here's a few pictures of how we have been keeping busy!
Grandpop and Daddy- hanging letters up in Landon's room!
I love it!! I can't wait to see his face when he walks into his room!
I can just hear his loud gasp he did a few times when he would see somthing new!
We watched my 3 youngest cousins last weekend overnight! All of Landon's things got tested out-
and they were great! I think he will love his Mickey lounge chair by the looks of how comfy Michaiah was in it!
It's a lot easier to babysit kids when you have a bunch of toys for them to play with! I am so excited to watch my cousins and Landon play together soon!!!! And, this cutie, Michaiah, slept in Landon's crib, and even called me "Landon's Mommy" this past weekend! I LOVED it! So adorable!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
The Letter Has Arrived....now onto that court date!!
We got a call tonight from our social worker. She said that the letter we were waiting on, from the federal database in Russia, has arrived! Now, our agency workers over in Russia will be submitting our complete dossier by next week to the judge in Moscow. He or she then has 10 days to review our documents, and hopefully, grant us a court date! We are really excited to get this news! Please keep praying that the judge sees everything he or she needs, and that we can get a date in before Christmas!!! (well...that's our prayer!)
Speaking of that being our prayer, I neurotically mapped out this future potential travel calendar for us...
If our docs get submitted by next Wed, 10 days after that is Dec. 8th. If they schedule court dates 3-4 weeks in advance, that means we will most likely not get a date before Dec. 25th when they begin their court recess (but, that just means we will need to pray extra hard for a Christmas miracle!). On a good note, I did find out that the court recess is not for the entire month of January- it's just for the first 2 or 3 weeks...so we could maybe get a mid-late January court date if we can't get one before Christmas.
I keep reminding myself of how fast time flies....
Please, Lord, get us back to our boy for Christmas and his birthday!!!
Thank you all for your prayers!!
Speaking of that being our prayer, I neurotically mapped out this future potential travel calendar for us...
If our docs get submitted by next Wed, 10 days after that is Dec. 8th. If they schedule court dates 3-4 weeks in advance, that means we will most likely not get a date before Dec. 25th when they begin their court recess (but, that just means we will need to pray extra hard for a Christmas miracle!). On a good note, I did find out that the court recess is not for the entire month of January- it's just for the first 2 or 3 weeks...so we could maybe get a mid-late January court date if we can't get one before Christmas.
I keep reminding myself of how fast time flies....
Please, Lord, get us back to our boy for Christmas and his birthday!!!
Thank you all for your prayers!!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Waiting for a Specific Letter...
Well, we did get an update today- not the one I was hoping for, but an update nonetheless.
Our agency reps in Russia are awaiting the arrival of a letter from the Russian government that releases our boy from their federal database of orphans. It is AFTER the receipt of this letter that they can submit our entire dossier to the courts for review.
Please pray for 2 things: that the letter arrives SOON! And, that when the judge that we get assigned to receives our paperwork that he or she finds no reason to not give us a court date.
According to our agency, families are usually unaware of this part of the process because this is occurring while the family is getting the remainder of their paperwork together, and sent over. But, because we had it all ready when we came home, we are just waiting on them...instead of them waiting on us.
It is my understanding that court dates are scheduled until before Christmas. After that, the courts shut down for the entire month of January. Obviously, we are praying like crazy to get a court date prior to Christmas. This wait is SO SO hard. I find myself struggling with being down about it all--like will we ever get back? If I just knew a date! But, Lord knows, there are families who have been in this very stage for much longer than us, so I feel convicted everytime that I get sad about this.
Fellow blog friends: does anyone know how long this letter usually takes to arrive?
Please keep praying!
Our agency reps in Russia are awaiting the arrival of a letter from the Russian government that releases our boy from their federal database of orphans. It is AFTER the receipt of this letter that they can submit our entire dossier to the courts for review.
Please pray for 2 things: that the letter arrives SOON! And, that when the judge that we get assigned to receives our paperwork that he or she finds no reason to not give us a court date.
According to our agency, families are usually unaware of this part of the process because this is occurring while the family is getting the remainder of their paperwork together, and sent over. But, because we had it all ready when we came home, we are just waiting on them...instead of them waiting on us.
It is my understanding that court dates are scheduled until before Christmas. After that, the courts shut down for the entire month of January. Obviously, we are praying like crazy to get a court date prior to Christmas. This wait is SO SO hard. I find myself struggling with being down about it all--like will we ever get back? If I just knew a date! But, Lord knows, there are families who have been in this very stage for much longer than us, so I feel convicted everytime that I get sad about this.
Fellow blog friends: does anyone know how long this letter usually takes to arrive?
Please keep praying!
Friday, November 5, 2010
One Month Ago today...
It was a cool, brisk morning, and I was a nervous wreck! Our driver was coming bright and early to pick us up with our translator to go to our MOE appointment! It was at that appointment that we had hoped to be given permission to go meet our son. After about a 20 minute wait in the waiting room, they called us in to sit around a big, intimidating table to discuss our decision to adopt from Russia, and how we had prepared ourselves for the difficulties of adopting internationally, and what our occupations are. It was at that point in the meeting where I felt the tension eased a little. When I said I was a teacher, the whole room erupted in happy talk...none of which I could understsand. Our translator quickly informed us that it was international teacher day, and that it was a very good thing that I was a teacher! The director was very pleased with us, and granted us permission to meet our son- a day we will never forget!
As our car pulled up to the orphanage, I had so may feelings going through my mind- I was taking in my surroundings, and trying to allow myself to be aware of every feeling I was experiencing, and not letting any of it escape my consciousness. The tall stone gated in building with the stone security "building" outside. The fast walking pace of our driver as he walked us around to the back of the building where we entered. The smell of soup as we walked in. As soon as we got through the door, uur translator told us she'd "be right back," as she was going to ask if our boy was ready for us. We were then escorted up the concrete steps to the 3rd floor. We waited there for what seemed like 15 minutes, but it was probably only about 5. We heard a lady speaking in Russian- her voice sounded as though she were speaking to a little child, so we looked down over the stairwell to see a caretaker holding our Landon's hand, while he held onto the railing with the other, walking slowly up the stairs. I can not begin to tell you all the emotions that were going through me at that time.
I thought I would have cried- but, surprisingly, I didn't. I was just so, SO happy! I was just taking in his adorable face- his smooth skin, his brown eyes, and his sweet smile. We almost immediately began waving at him as he was walking up, and we just started saying, HI, HI!!! ...all cutesy,like you would say to a baby. The caretaker lifted him up, and sat him on the leather sofa and just said to him, "Mah-muh, Pah-puh, Pak-uh!" Which literally was her just saying, Here is mommy, daddy, and Bye now! With that, we were left alone with our son. We didn't want to scare him, so we didn't pick him up, we just grabbed a little toy car from our book-bag of toys, and pretended to drive it over his arms and legs to make him smile. It worked- our unplanned ice breaker had our boy laughing at his daddy within minutes of meeting him! It was literally LOVE at first sight!
I look back on our first day meeting our son, and am still in awe. In one sense, it seems almost surreal, but in another sense, it seems very real. I keep telling myself, "We're in the home stretch now, we can make it!" But, my heart is just crying out, saying, "My baby boy- I miss you so so much!" It's like I'm being torn- my head and my heart are telling me two different things.
I had hoped we would have gotten word of a court date this week, but we have not. It is definitely after business hours now at our agency's office, so maybe next week! I believe our paperwork has been submitted to the courts, and so it really shouldn't be too long now before we find out. I've been trying not to drive myself crazy figuring out if we will be home by Christmas, but I can't help it at times. Here's what I've figured out:
If we have court the first week of December/last week of Nov., then we will be taking our 3rd trip to go get Landon the week before Christmas, and getting home literally just days before then. However, if we have court the 2nd week of December, then we will be traveling back for our 3rd trip the week of his birthday, after Christmas. Either way, it's going to be a close call!
I can't wait for the day I can post about a court date! Keep praying!
PS- Here's a link to a song I've tried to put as our blog background music, but I can't figure it out- It's been getting me through this waiting period between trips...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZqDHl95zvM
As our car pulled up to the orphanage, I had so may feelings going through my mind- I was taking in my surroundings, and trying to allow myself to be aware of every feeling I was experiencing, and not letting any of it escape my consciousness. The tall stone gated in building with the stone security "building" outside. The fast walking pace of our driver as he walked us around to the back of the building where we entered. The smell of soup as we walked in. As soon as we got through the door, uur translator told us she'd "be right back," as she was going to ask if our boy was ready for us. We were then escorted up the concrete steps to the 3rd floor. We waited there for what seemed like 15 minutes, but it was probably only about 5. We heard a lady speaking in Russian- her voice sounded as though she were speaking to a little child, so we looked down over the stairwell to see a caretaker holding our Landon's hand, while he held onto the railing with the other, walking slowly up the stairs. I can not begin to tell you all the emotions that were going through me at that time.
I thought I would have cried- but, surprisingly, I didn't. I was just so, SO happy! I was just taking in his adorable face- his smooth skin, his brown eyes, and his sweet smile. We almost immediately began waving at him as he was walking up, and we just started saying, HI, HI!!! ...all cutesy,like you would say to a baby. The caretaker lifted him up, and sat him on the leather sofa and just said to him, "Mah-muh, Pah-puh, Pak-uh!" Which literally was her just saying, Here is mommy, daddy, and Bye now! With that, we were left alone with our son. We didn't want to scare him, so we didn't pick him up, we just grabbed a little toy car from our book-bag of toys, and pretended to drive it over his arms and legs to make him smile. It worked- our unplanned ice breaker had our boy laughing at his daddy within minutes of meeting him! It was literally LOVE at first sight!
I look back on our first day meeting our son, and am still in awe. In one sense, it seems almost surreal, but in another sense, it seems very real. I keep telling myself, "We're in the home stretch now, we can make it!" But, my heart is just crying out, saying, "My baby boy- I miss you so so much!" It's like I'm being torn- my head and my heart are telling me two different things.
I had hoped we would have gotten word of a court date this week, but we have not. It is definitely after business hours now at our agency's office, so maybe next week! I believe our paperwork has been submitted to the courts, and so it really shouldn't be too long now before we find out. I've been trying not to drive myself crazy figuring out if we will be home by Christmas, but I can't help it at times. Here's what I've figured out:
If we have court the first week of December/last week of Nov., then we will be taking our 3rd trip to go get Landon the week before Christmas, and getting home literally just days before then. However, if we have court the 2nd week of December, then we will be traveling back for our 3rd trip the week of his birthday, after Christmas. Either way, it's going to be a close call!
I can't wait for the day I can post about a court date! Keep praying!
PS- Here's a link to a song I've tried to put as our blog background music, but I can't figure it out- It's been getting me through this waiting period between trips...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZqDHl95zvM
Sunday, October 31, 2010
3 Showers in 3 Days...is that POSSIBLE??
Yes, folks, apparantly it is possible to have 3 showers in 3 days! All I can say is - wow! We are blessed and loved!
On Tuesday, my grade level had a shower for me with all the teachers and staff at my school. Then, we had plans later that night (or so I thought) to go to dinner with friends of ours from church. I quickly came home, unpacked all the gifts from the shower, and tried to do what I could to keep our living room from looking like a bomb of toys and clothes had gone off. We headed out to "dinner" and walked up to our friends' door, not expecting a THING! Well, Greg knew the whole time...but I was clueless! We opened the door to a houseful of friends from church- it was awesome! I had been had...AGAIN! :0)
Needless to say, ever since Tuesday, I have been in "nesting" mode. Greg's even said....more than once!...that all I have is Landon on the mind b/c I totally lose track of anything and everything else on my to do list. All I have wanted to do lately is finish his room, and get the house all set up and clean for his arrival! The room doesn't look ALL that different yet- a few more of the accessories to his room theme, but I have started on the basement play area! It's been SO much fun to set up!
Before I paste in some pictures, I wanted to let you all know that we did hear from our agency on Tuesday (just minutes before walking down to the library at school for the meeting...I mean, shower!) They said that our paperwork had arrived, and was "well on it's way to being submitted"- YEAH! We are praying specifically that we can get our court date this week. When we were in Russia, our coordinator estimated that we would get one the first week of November, but that's all it was...an estimate. But, that's what we are praying for! I'm not sure how far out the dates are scheduled, but I am guessing it's at least 3-4 weeks from the scheduled date. So, this week could mean end of November, or beginning of December. Who knows? We could drive ourselves crazy trying to figure it out- so we don't! We are keeping plenty busy getting our house ready!
On Tuesday, my grade level had a shower for me with all the teachers and staff at my school. Then, we had plans later that night (or so I thought) to go to dinner with friends of ours from church. I quickly came home, unpacked all the gifts from the shower, and tried to do what I could to keep our living room from looking like a bomb of toys and clothes had gone off. We headed out to "dinner" and walked up to our friends' door, not expecting a THING! Well, Greg knew the whole time...but I was clueless! We opened the door to a houseful of friends from church- it was awesome! I had been had...AGAIN! :0)
Needless to say, ever since Tuesday, I have been in "nesting" mode. Greg's even said....more than once!...that all I have is Landon on the mind b/c I totally lose track of anything and everything else on my to do list. All I have wanted to do lately is finish his room, and get the house all set up and clean for his arrival! The room doesn't look ALL that different yet- a few more of the accessories to his room theme, but I have started on the basement play area! It's been SO much fun to set up!
Before I paste in some pictures, I wanted to let you all know that we did hear from our agency on Tuesday (just minutes before walking down to the library at school for the meeting...I mean, shower!) They said that our paperwork had arrived, and was "well on it's way to being submitted"- YEAH! We are praying specifically that we can get our court date this week. When we were in Russia, our coordinator estimated that we would get one the first week of November, but that's all it was...an estimate. But, that's what we are praying for! I'm not sure how far out the dates are scheduled, but I am guessing it's at least 3-4 weeks from the scheduled date. So, this week could mean end of November, or beginning of December. Who knows? We could drive ourselves crazy trying to figure it out- so we don't! We are keeping plenty busy getting our house ready!
This is the corner we have organized for Landon in our basement- LOVE the area "rug," Jeannette!!!
(which for those of you who don't know, is where our family room is located)
Landon's crib- the window valances are laying over the edge. His Nana is working on making side panels to go with them from one of the plaid crib sheets they sell to go with the set. I ordered the curain rods today on line- they are so cute! They have a football, baseball, and basketball as the rod-ends! Can't wait for them to come in! Also- we are awaiting a special visit from a close friend of ours- she is going to do a mural of St. Basil's Cathedral over his crib area. We are still undecided on size, exact placement, etc. But, I will definitely post pictures when that is finished!
On the wall area above this dresser, we have big white letters: LANDON We are going to be mounting them soon!
I can't wait to read books to him in the rocker before bed!
We cleaned out our tupperware cabinet today to make room for sippy cups, and little plates and bowls! Cleaning takes on a whole new level of fun when there is such a good reason as Landon's homecoming!
And, lastly, I couldn't resist- here is big sister Dakota, AKA, Squirrelly on Halloween. She has been spending lots of time laying in Landon's room...SO cute!
PS- Daddy made me take this costume back- he said I was toturing her! LOL!
I hope to be posting soon about a court date! We can't WAIT to get back to our little boy! We miss him more than words can say. I must say to Greg, "Hun, I miss him!" at least 10 times a day!
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Landon's room is getting there!!
Well, I was planning on posting today to let you all see some pictures of Landon's room. However, since Greg's family suprised me with a shower today, I have a very FULL room to show you! What a wonderful thing! :) I will get some shower pictures up in the next few days, but for now, here are just a few pictures of his room.
My friend Alicia came over last week to help me paint, and Friday, I did the second coat. Talk about perfect timing to bring home the shower gifts! Not only did we just finish painting Friday night, but literally a half hour before the shower started, Jill helped me wipe down the furniture, and Greg and Chris carried it in, and put it in its place! Couldn't have worked out better! As soon as we have the wall decor done, and the toys organized, I'll update with better pics.
We are almost ready for you, Landon! Please court date, COME SOON!!!
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