This has been the most frequently asked question since we have come home. How does it feel? People ask both Mike and I all the time. Neither of us really knows how to answer.
I'm not sure I can say how it feels. I'm not sure the right words are there. Not one for words, unless written on paper, I can't usually answer anyone. Often they find it strange when I simply say, "I don't really know." I'm not sure if the feeling of mommyhood and daddyhood has trully settled in yet.
We have been home a week. Amazing. I never thought I'd see us home with Colby. It seemed such an unreachable dream. But here we are. Both my little men are taking naps and Mommy gets her time on the computer as she watches UCONN Men play against Notre Dame. The Women play later tonight. That's who I really like to watch. Aren't the tournaments starting soon? Anyway, a little reflection. Mommyhood seems unreal, amazing, tiring, thrilling, daunting, exciting, yet frustrating. It feels like every emotion I have ever felt has boiled up to the surface and is struggling to come out. There are moments of pure joy and moments of pure frustration. There are moments when everything feels just perfect and others when I question if Colby will ever learn to love us. So many new things to experience and watching my son, makes every experience a new one for me. The simplest of pleasures today, watching my son smile as he ate chicken nuggets and french fries at Wendy's. A new joy.
What will tomorrow bring?
Russia
We went to Yekaterinburg
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Having Some Fun
Well, we have been home now for a couple days. We are slowly getting into a routine although both Mike and I ended up getting sick with pretty bad colds. I was up all night last night coughing and Mike could barely talk yesterday. I think we are getting better. The little man is still coughing too but we think it is from teething. He has a few teeth coming in that weren't there when we left Kamensk on the 17th.
We went to the doctor yesterday and he thinks Colby looks great. He said not to worry about Colby's eyesight yet. There is a question of him being nearsighted, that was one of his diagnoses from the doctors in Russia. We can check it later. The doctor did refer us to an adoption clinic at UCONN Health Center. I think it will be a good idea to have them check him out just to make sure we are on track. I will have to call them this week.
Other than that we have enjoyed getting used to the house and the dog. Both Colby and Misha show some jealousy so we have to make sure to give both plenty of attention. Overall, they are doing well together. I was a little worried considering Misha is 80 pounds of pure Black Lab muscle. But so far, so good.
I know everyone wants to see more photos. Here are a couple. I love the one of Colby in his toolbelt. His cousin Corbin gave it to him. Now Colby carries around a screwdriver everywhere. Maybe he will take after Daddy and become a carpenter. I've tried getting a photo of him as he dances to CMT, country music videos but he keeps stopping to smile at the camera. I'll be sure to add more soon.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
We're Home!!!!!
We did it! We are home. I never knew just how comfortable our own bed felt. Boy did we sleep well last night.
We arrived in NYC around 7:30PM and made it through customs fairly well. Everyone was tired and ready to see all grandmas and grandpas. However, we did have to wait a little while getting Colby through customs. The guy who stamped our passports brought us and all of Colby's paperwork into a separate waiting room is order to pass immigration. There were at least 2 dozen people in there waiting to get through. We just had to wait. Luckily, it was a little confusing in there and a new person came in to help out. She picked up one set of papers and put them down only to pick up Colby's. Maybe she noticed it was for an adoption of a baby. Perhaps that is easier to deal with or she just felt sorry for us but she picked his up and we were out of there within 10-15 minutes. Both Mike and I were ready to run out of there. Then we had to pick up our luggage, 3 big bags and the 2 carry-ons plus a tired, squirmy, little one is not easy to carry. I had Colby in my arms and Mike was stuck dragging the 3 suitcases. The line through security was a little long but we got through. We had called my mom to make sure everyone was waiting for us. They were!
As we rounded the corner there they were. After such a long trip, seeing my mom's face was the most beautiful sight ever. I went around the barrier and just burried my face in her arms hugging both her and Colby. We were both crying. The journey was finally over. What a relief!!! We hugged and cried and laughed and all grandparents were beaming. They were so happy to see their grandson.
As we walked out of the airport I stopped and said, "This is it kid. You belong here," and I put him down placing his feet on the sidewalk outside the airport. Colby was, then and there, a U.S. Citizen. We did it! My mom was laughing. Colby did really well with meeting his grandparents. He let my mom hold him for a little while and was eventually smiling at everyone. Then he fell asleep on the car ride home.
When we got home, everyone helped us bring our bags inside and then watched as Colby explored his home and especially his room. He played with a few toys and then everyone left. I was worried that he wouldn't sleep last night since his routine was goofed up and the time change was so drastic, 10 hours ahead in Ekat, 8 hours ahead in Moscow. However, after a little fussing he snuggled in my arms as I rocked him to sleep. He was in bed and so were we by midnight. We all slept soundly until 6:00AM this morning.
I must say, that through all the changes and upheaval that we have put him through, Colby is doing very well. He seems to really like Mike and I. He falls asleep snuggling with me and looks for me in the morning when he wakes up. He loves playing with Mike and has a great big belly laugh. We trully are very lucky to have this little guy home, safe and sound. He even likes his dog, Misha. We picked her up from Mike's parents today after going grocery shopping. There was a little crying since Misha does get overly excited but now they seem to be friends. Misha has quickly learned that a high chair = food dropped for her. I took a really cute photo of them which I'll have to post soon.
Well, great-grandma, Mamie, is coming over for a visit. Naptime is almost over. Mommy needs to check the laundry. Too much to do. When is Mommy's naptime?
We arrived in NYC around 7:30PM and made it through customs fairly well. Everyone was tired and ready to see all grandmas and grandpas. However, we did have to wait a little while getting Colby through customs. The guy who stamped our passports brought us and all of Colby's paperwork into a separate waiting room is order to pass immigration. There were at least 2 dozen people in there waiting to get through. We just had to wait. Luckily, it was a little confusing in there and a new person came in to help out. She picked up one set of papers and put them down only to pick up Colby's. Maybe she noticed it was for an adoption of a baby. Perhaps that is easier to deal with or she just felt sorry for us but she picked his up and we were out of there within 10-15 minutes. Both Mike and I were ready to run out of there. Then we had to pick up our luggage, 3 big bags and the 2 carry-ons plus a tired, squirmy, little one is not easy to carry. I had Colby in my arms and Mike was stuck dragging the 3 suitcases. The line through security was a little long but we got through. We had called my mom to make sure everyone was waiting for us. They were!
As we rounded the corner there they were. After such a long trip, seeing my mom's face was the most beautiful sight ever. I went around the barrier and just burried my face in her arms hugging both her and Colby. We were both crying. The journey was finally over. What a relief!!! We hugged and cried and laughed and all grandparents were beaming. They were so happy to see their grandson.
As we walked out of the airport I stopped and said, "This is it kid. You belong here," and I put him down placing his feet on the sidewalk outside the airport. Colby was, then and there, a U.S. Citizen. We did it! My mom was laughing. Colby did really well with meeting his grandparents. He let my mom hold him for a little while and was eventually smiling at everyone. Then he fell asleep on the car ride home.
When we got home, everyone helped us bring our bags inside and then watched as Colby explored his home and especially his room. He played with a few toys and then everyone left. I was worried that he wouldn't sleep last night since his routine was goofed up and the time change was so drastic, 10 hours ahead in Ekat, 8 hours ahead in Moscow. However, after a little fussing he snuggled in my arms as I rocked him to sleep. He was in bed and so were we by midnight. We all slept soundly until 6:00AM this morning.
I must say, that through all the changes and upheaval that we have put him through, Colby is doing very well. He seems to really like Mike and I. He falls asleep snuggling with me and looks for me in the morning when he wakes up. He loves playing with Mike and has a great big belly laugh. We trully are very lucky to have this little guy home, safe and sound. He even likes his dog, Misha. We picked her up from Mike's parents today after going grocery shopping. There was a little crying since Misha does get overly excited but now they seem to be friends. Misha has quickly learned that a high chair = food dropped for her. I took a really cute photo of them which I'll have to post soon.
Well, great-grandma, Mamie, is coming over for a visit. Naptime is almost over. Mommy needs to check the laundry. Too much to do. When is Mommy's naptime?
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Ok...The Wait is Over
Well, we finally made it. I sit here is Moscow and my little man is taking his nap. I can't believe it. We were a little nervous about the plane ride and Colby possibly getting sick but he did really well. He enjoyed looking out the window until we were ready to take off and then he fell asleep. Yup, you read that right. He actually fell asleep on take-off and didn't wake up until we had to wake him up to get off of the plane. Amazing!
So, everyone has enjoyed reading my blog but I know what you all have been waiting for so here they are!
Welcome Colby Michael!
And yes, we enjoyed our French Fries at McDonald's in Moscow. The picture to the left is right as we were leaving the baby home is Moscow. Doesn't he look adorable?
Amazing! We finally did it! We meet with the U.S. Embassy tomorrow at 2 PM. Then we start the journey home at 2PM on Saturday. I hope once my guys wake from their naps that we will head across the street to Red Square.
So, everyone has enjoyed reading my blog but I know what you all have been waiting for so here they are!
Welcome Colby Michael!
And yes, we enjoyed our French Fries at McDonald's in Moscow. The picture to the left is right as we were leaving the baby home is Moscow. Doesn't he look adorable?
Amazing! We finally did it! We meet with the U.S. Embassy tomorrow at 2 PM. Then we start the journey home at 2PM on Saturday. I hope once my guys wake from their naps that we will head across the street to Red Square.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Nap Time
Well, we have made it. We made it through the paperwork, the courtroom, and the wait and Colby is ours. We brought him "home" with us yesterday. Not quite home, but home for the moment.
Yesterday was a whirlwind of activity and emotions. We had to get the adoption and birth certificates in the morning and then we went to get Colby. Yes, another crazy ride to Kamensk. I am thrilled that is all over. We dressed him up in his snowpants and winter coat, both a bit big but they will keep him very warm. He looked so cute in his hat and mittens too. Then we were off. One last ride back to Ekat and then Svetlana needs to start the paperwork for Colby's Russian passport. We will get that on Wed.
It was a sleepless night for both Mike and I. We both didn't want to shut our eyes, we were enjoying watching our little man sleep. But boy does he flop around in his sleep. I will be thrilled to have him in his crib. The three of us cannot share the same bed. Someone is likely to get kicked or headbutted out of bed.
Right now it is 2:30 PM on Wed 2/18. Mike is headed with Svetlana soon to get Colby's passport and the little man finally relaxed enough and fell asleep in my arms for his nap around 1:30. He's bound to wake up soon. I promise to write more soon, with the details everyone is dying for and yes, the photos too. It is hard to download photos using dial-up. In Moscow we should be high-speed. But for everyone reading, thank you for all the well wishes and warm thoughts. He is finally ours. Now 2 is 3!
Yesterday was a whirlwind of activity and emotions. We had to get the adoption and birth certificates in the morning and then we went to get Colby. Yes, another crazy ride to Kamensk. I am thrilled that is all over. We dressed him up in his snowpants and winter coat, both a bit big but they will keep him very warm. He looked so cute in his hat and mittens too. Then we were off. One last ride back to Ekat and then Svetlana needs to start the paperwork for Colby's Russian passport. We will get that on Wed.
It was a sleepless night for both Mike and I. We both didn't want to shut our eyes, we were enjoying watching our little man sleep. But boy does he flop around in his sleep. I will be thrilled to have him in his crib. The three of us cannot share the same bed. Someone is likely to get kicked or headbutted out of bed.
Right now it is 2:30 PM on Wed 2/18. Mike is headed with Svetlana soon to get Colby's passport and the little man finally relaxed enough and fell asleep in my arms for his nap around 1:30. He's bound to wake up soon. I promise to write more soon, with the details everyone is dying for and yes, the photos too. It is hard to download photos using dial-up. In Moscow we should be high-speed. But for everyone reading, thank you for all the well wishes and warm thoughts. He is finally ours. Now 2 is 3!
Monday, February 16, 2009
This Is It!
Well, it is 8:30AM here on Feb 17th. We are having our last breakfast together and then we are off. Svetlana is picking us up in an hour after she goes to get the final adoption decree from the judge at the court house. I can't believe this is finally happening.
I'm not sure what today or tomorrow will bring. I hope to update the blog with the much awaited photos in Moscow. HOpefully we will be high-speed then, not dial-up. So, to all at home, enjoy your sleep. We're off on this amazing journey!
I'm not sure what today or tomorrow will bring. I hope to update the blog with the much awaited photos in Moscow. HOpefully we will be high-speed then, not dial-up. So, to all at home, enjoy your sleep. We're off on this amazing journey!
One More Night
Well, tomorrow is the day. We are leaving here in about 12 hours to start the mad paperwork dash for Colby's Russian Passport and the plane tickets to Moscow. And we should be at the baby home in Kamensk around 1:30PM to get Colby. I can't wait. Finally this is coming to an end.
I am not sure what I am feeling right now. Excited, nervous, anxious. Every emotion rolled up into one. I doubt Mike nor I will sleep much tonight. Mike barely has lately. Sleep isn't much fun anyway. The bed is a platform bed, very hard with NO bounce and the pillows are terrible. Mike got stuck with a feather pillow which seems to have lost its fluffiness. We are more than ready to head to Moscow and then home.
The total unknown is how Colby will react when we take him out of the baby home. He hasn't really been out of there at all in his life. Certainly a car ride and then a plane ride on Wed will be new experiences for him. Svetlana is worried about him getting car sick. I guess many of the kids do. I don't think he will, but we will see.
So many new experiences to go through, I am more than ready to start this portion of our lives but also a little nervous too. I only hope that I can be as good of a mom as my mom is.
I am not sure what I am feeling right now. Excited, nervous, anxious. Every emotion rolled up into one. I doubt Mike nor I will sleep much tonight. Mike barely has lately. Sleep isn't much fun anyway. The bed is a platform bed, very hard with NO bounce and the pillows are terrible. Mike got stuck with a feather pillow which seems to have lost its fluffiness. We are more than ready to head to Moscow and then home.
The total unknown is how Colby will react when we take him out of the baby home. He hasn't really been out of there at all in his life. Certainly a car ride and then a plane ride on Wed will be new experiences for him. Svetlana is worried about him getting car sick. I guess many of the kids do. I don't think he will, but we will see.
So many new experiences to go through, I am more than ready to start this portion of our lives but also a little nervous too. I only hope that I can be as good of a mom as my mom is.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Almost There
Well, it is Sunday. The weekend is almost over. We are slowly getting ready to pick up Colby. Yesterday we went to the larger grocery store and bought him some juice, food, and diapers. Svetlana suggested buying baby food for him for now. So we bought some but I am sure Colby will enjoy whatever we put in front of him. He is already eating most solid foods, especially soup. But the baby food will come in handy for Wed while we are still in Ekat.
Today I started some laundry and we took a walk around the city. Nothing else much to do. Tomorrow we need to get the apartment cleaned and get most everything packed and ready to go. I don't want to have too much to do on Wed.
Yesterday was our last Valentine's Day as just us. We didn't do too much except get ready for Colby. We did go back to Doctor Scotch's Pub which is right on the river. Mike had pork and I had beef with mashed potatoes. It was a really good meal. We sat at a table looking right over the river. I guess it was fairly romantic.
So we count the days and are down to 2. Yeah! Almost there! Thank goodness, Mike is going a little stir crazy and keeps pacing around the apartment. At least he finally found where the garbage goes so he won't keep obsessing about that.
Today I started some laundry and we took a walk around the city. Nothing else much to do. Tomorrow we need to get the apartment cleaned and get most everything packed and ready to go. I don't want to have too much to do on Wed.
Yesterday was our last Valentine's Day as just us. We didn't do too much except get ready for Colby. We did go back to Doctor Scotch's Pub which is right on the river. Mike had pork and I had beef with mashed potatoes. It was a really good meal. We sat at a table looking right over the river. I guess it was fairly romantic.
So we count the days and are down to 2. Yeah! Almost there! Thank goodness, Mike is going a little stir crazy and keeps pacing around the apartment. At least he finally found where the garbage goes so he won't keep obsessing about that.
Friday, February 13, 2009
The Long Wait
Ok, I thought that waiting for a referral or waiting for a court date was long, but this wait seems much longer. I am glad that we stayed in Russia for the 10 day waiting period but now it's time to go home. Our 10 day period is actually up tomorrow, Valentine's Day but that is a Saturday. We will actually pick Colby up on Tues to get all the documents we need for his passport and the plane tickets to Moscow. We will fly out to Moscow on Wed night once his Russian passport is ready. I guess it takes a day for that to go through.
Luckily it is much warmer now. Not Springlike but not frigid cold either. Above freezing! The past few days Mike and I have spent just walking around the city enjoying the warmer fresh air. The apartment gets very stuffy since there is no way to control the heat. We did go see Colby on Monday and had hoped to go today but I don't think we will. Svetlana is busy with chasing our paperwork and paperwork for 2 other couples. They arrive on Monday and have their court dates on Friday.
Some good news, Laura has heard that her paperwork is almost set and she should be coming to Ekat to get her little girl in March. Hang in there Laura! You're almost here!
Other fun facts: Mike and I saw a variety of animals at the city zoo. We saw the typical lions and tigers and bears (on my). Even a Siberian tiger. We also saw mallard ducks. To go to the zoo to see ducks! And yesterday we got to watch the UCONN men's basketball game. They beat Syracuse. No girls games, but they did show the end of the game when Pat Summit's girls got her 1000 win. Good job Pat. Not that I am a Tenn fan at all. Don't worry mom. I have been lucky enough to find ESPN America so I have gotten to watch a lot of men's college basketball and NHL hockey.
Imagine going all the way to Siberia to see mallard ducks, UCONN men play basketball and Boston play hockey. Oh well, what a trip...
Luckily it is much warmer now. Not Springlike but not frigid cold either. Above freezing! The past few days Mike and I have spent just walking around the city enjoying the warmer fresh air. The apartment gets very stuffy since there is no way to control the heat. We did go see Colby on Monday and had hoped to go today but I don't think we will. Svetlana is busy with chasing our paperwork and paperwork for 2 other couples. They arrive on Monday and have their court dates on Friday.
Some good news, Laura has heard that her paperwork is almost set and she should be coming to Ekat to get her little girl in March. Hang in there Laura! You're almost here!
Other fun facts: Mike and I saw a variety of animals at the city zoo. We saw the typical lions and tigers and bears (on my). Even a Siberian tiger. We also saw mallard ducks. To go to the zoo to see ducks! And yesterday we got to watch the UCONN men's basketball game. They beat Syracuse. No girls games, but they did show the end of the game when Pat Summit's girls got her 1000 win. Good job Pat. Not that I am a Tenn fan at all. Don't worry mom. I have been lucky enough to find ESPN America so I have gotten to watch a lot of men's college basketball and NHL hockey.
Imagine going all the way to Siberia to see mallard ducks, UCONN men play basketball and Boston play hockey. Oh well, what a trip...
Monday, February 9, 2009
Driving in Russia
I'm not sure if I can accurately portray our driving trips in Russia. I know I have mentioned them to a few people but it is one of those things you just need to experience. Try to picture driving on a rural 2 lane road at varying speeds of 30-50 miles an hour. The road is rather bumpy and goes in and out of small villages. Along the way there are open areas in which all drivers speed up. However, be forewarned, there are MANY policemen along the way just waiting to stop anyone and everyone. That is our typical experience on our treks to Kamensk from Yekaterinburg. Top it all off, it is about an hour and a half trip one way on a good day.
Our first such experience happened last June on our very first drive to see Colby. We were alreaady nervous and unsure of what was going to happen. The drive could make anyone sick to their stomach the way we were feeling. Luckily it was a bright sunny day, unlike our trips now. Well, we made a game out of counting the police cars along the way. I think they were about every 5-8 miles apart or so. It was funny until we actually got pulled over. Svetlana had to get out of the car and the next thing we know she is in the front of the police car. Come to find out this is a common occurrance but the way we were feeling, I almost fell apart. After about 15 minutes she came back and we continued our trip to the baby home. What a first trip that was.
Well, fast forward to this trip. No longer sunny and warm. We went back to see Colby yesterday. When we left Ekat it had begun to snow. Just light flurries so no big deal. We left around 1:45 in the afternoon and the snow kept coming. Light flurries but the windshield wipers weren't working that great. Thankfully it was still light out. We arrived at the baby home around 4 and played with Colby for about an hour and a half. We then left and we brought Tatiana with us. She had some errands to do for the baby home. The ride back was terrible. Mike and I hadn't eaten since lunch at 12:30 and we were hungry and thirsty. The snow was really coming down and the wipers weren't working much at all. I closed my eyes for most of the ride because you couldn't see much anyway. It was a typical winter storm advisory type of day when Dr. Mel tells you to just stay inside. Here they are used to this weather so everyone was still out doing their typical day routine. It got dark fast and I'm not sure how but we finally arrived back home after dropping Tatiana off around 8PM. What an adventure. Luckily this time we didn't get stopped by any police but they were out there stopping others. Oh yeah, we did get stopped by them when we left Kamensk to go to Ekat to stay in the apartment. Just another adventure and story to tell. What a journey.
Our first such experience happened last June on our very first drive to see Colby. We were alreaady nervous and unsure of what was going to happen. The drive could make anyone sick to their stomach the way we were feeling. Luckily it was a bright sunny day, unlike our trips now. Well, we made a game out of counting the police cars along the way. I think they were about every 5-8 miles apart or so. It was funny until we actually got pulled over. Svetlana had to get out of the car and the next thing we know she is in the front of the police car. Come to find out this is a common occurrance but the way we were feeling, I almost fell apart. After about 15 minutes she came back and we continued our trip to the baby home. What a first trip that was.
Well, fast forward to this trip. No longer sunny and warm. We went back to see Colby yesterday. When we left Ekat it had begun to snow. Just light flurries so no big deal. We left around 1:45 in the afternoon and the snow kept coming. Light flurries but the windshield wipers weren't working that great. Thankfully it was still light out. We arrived at the baby home around 4 and played with Colby for about an hour and a half. We then left and we brought Tatiana with us. She had some errands to do for the baby home. The ride back was terrible. Mike and I hadn't eaten since lunch at 12:30 and we were hungry and thirsty. The snow was really coming down and the wipers weren't working much at all. I closed my eyes for most of the ride because you couldn't see much anyway. It was a typical winter storm advisory type of day when Dr. Mel tells you to just stay inside. Here they are used to this weather so everyone was still out doing their typical day routine. It got dark fast and I'm not sure how but we finally arrived back home after dropping Tatiana off around 8PM. What an adventure. Luckily this time we didn't get stopped by any police but they were out there stopping others. Oh yeah, we did get stopped by them when we left Kamensk to go to Ekat to stay in the apartment. Just another adventure and story to tell. What a journey.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Too Cold!
Ok, for anyone who was curious. Yes, we are in Russia in the middle of winter and yes it is cold. How cold you ask? Well, last night it reached -30 degrees celcius. I don't know my conversions but I do know this
-30 celcius = -30 farenheit
Cold enough for you?
TOO COLD!
-30 celcius = -30 farenheit
Cold enough for you?
TOO COLD!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Meeting Colby Again
Meeting Colby the second time was an emotional experience. I'm not sure Mike or I knew what to expect. Would he remember us? Had he changed a lot? Would he cry? What would happen? So many thoughts and emotions ran through me.
That Friday we were so tired but I was so excited to see Colby again. When we got to the baby home we went up to Tatiana's office first. They gave us the updated medical reports on Colby. In order to be adopted by us, he had to be seen by a lot of different doctors. The findings were very typical of children in baby homes. There is a finding of speech delay and physical development delay, very typical. Also the eye doctor found a slight near-sightedness that we will have to check up on. We also were told a little about his family background. Svetlana mentioned meeting his family and having pictures for us to see later. That should be interesting to look at. Then Tatiana left and brought Colby in.
At first he seemed shocked. I think he didn't know what was going on. He seemed to really like Tatiana though. He came in and just looked at us. Eventually he let me hold his hand and we walked to the small room that we would play in. When Tatiana left us alone, he cried. I was a little surprised only because when we first met him in June he didn't cry at all. Colby cried and cried for about 20 minutes or so but he did let me hold him. He seemed to want my comfort. That was a good sign. Soon he stopped crying and let Mike hold him too. Then we played together. He really liked his stacking cups. Mike and I would build the tower and he would knock it down. Soon he was "saying" 'boom' with us as it crashed down. He also liked his trucks and cars that we brought. He liked throwing them anyway. We'll have to work on the pushing action at home. All too soon it was time to go and Colby waved goodbye to us and went back into his wing of the baby home. I guess it was a good visit overall.
In the afternoon we went back around 3:00 to visit Colby again. He cried again but for a little less time. He loved being held by both Mike and I. He was much more active in the afternoon, something that we noticed everyday. The small room we were in had a mirror next to a changing table. Colby loved looking in the mirror and having Mike "fly" him towards it. He also liked playing peek-a-boo with me in the mirror. But, just like in June, Colby loved the camera. He really is a ham. We would try to take an action shot but Colby would always stop and look up at the camera with that smile of his. So, we always took 2 shots. The second showed the big toothy smile. And his laugh is contagious. I quickly found his ticklish spot and he would just laugh and laugh.
So, our first visits went well. Although a long and tiring day, it was a really good one. I am so happy to have Colby back. We really did miss him. He certainly has changed since June but he still is my little guy.
That Friday we were so tired but I was so excited to see Colby again. When we got to the baby home we went up to Tatiana's office first. They gave us the updated medical reports on Colby. In order to be adopted by us, he had to be seen by a lot of different doctors. The findings were very typical of children in baby homes. There is a finding of speech delay and physical development delay, very typical. Also the eye doctor found a slight near-sightedness that we will have to check up on. We also were told a little about his family background. Svetlana mentioned meeting his family and having pictures for us to see later. That should be interesting to look at. Then Tatiana left and brought Colby in.
At first he seemed shocked. I think he didn't know what was going on. He seemed to really like Tatiana though. He came in and just looked at us. Eventually he let me hold his hand and we walked to the small room that we would play in. When Tatiana left us alone, he cried. I was a little surprised only because when we first met him in June he didn't cry at all. Colby cried and cried for about 20 minutes or so but he did let me hold him. He seemed to want my comfort. That was a good sign. Soon he stopped crying and let Mike hold him too. Then we played together. He really liked his stacking cups. Mike and I would build the tower and he would knock it down. Soon he was "saying" 'boom' with us as it crashed down. He also liked his trucks and cars that we brought. He liked throwing them anyway. We'll have to work on the pushing action at home. All too soon it was time to go and Colby waved goodbye to us and went back into his wing of the baby home. I guess it was a good visit overall.
In the afternoon we went back around 3:00 to visit Colby again. He cried again but for a little less time. He loved being held by both Mike and I. He was much more active in the afternoon, something that we noticed everyday. The small room we were in had a mirror next to a changing table. Colby loved looking in the mirror and having Mike "fly" him towards it. He also liked playing peek-a-boo with me in the mirror. But, just like in June, Colby loved the camera. He really is a ham. We would try to take an action shot but Colby would always stop and look up at the camera with that smile of his. So, we always took 2 shots. The second showed the big toothy smile. And his laugh is contagious. I quickly found his ticklish spot and he would just laugh and laugh.
So, our first visits went well. Although a long and tiring day, it was a really good one. I am so happy to have Colby back. We really did miss him. He certainly has changed since June but he still is my little guy.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
The Kamensk Journey
Well, the excitement of court is over. We have reunited with our son. And now we wait some more. At least we are in a nice apartment in downtown Ekat. I enjoyed our stay in Kamensk simply because we were so close to Colby but I'm glad we aren't staying there. There is so much to tell about our stay in Kamensk, I'm not sure where to start. Here goes.
We finally arrived in Ekat at 4:30AM local time on Friday 1/30 (around 6:30 PM Thurs 1/29 in CT). What a long trip we had. We both slept some on the plane but it was an off and on sleep. Not much help. We had hoped to get some rest when we got wherever we were going to stay. No luck there. Svetlana drove us right to Kamensk and we brought our stuff into the small house we were going to stay in. Then we headed right to the baby home to see Colby. Hungry and tired but thrilled to see him again. That will be a different blog I think. So, the house.
The house is rather cute on the outside. It looks like a small log cabin. I always wanted to stay in one, now I don't. Well, I still do, just not this one. I think the owners rent it out mostly in the summer. It seems more like a summer cottage. It really belongs on the beaches of Lake Winnepesaukee. Anyway, rather cute inside but freezing cold inside. Being Russia, you would think they have great heating, but not there. Only a few small electric heaters and one portable one. The downstairs was one big room with the bathroom off to the one side. Upstairs was 2 small bedrooms. At least they got warm. Mike and I stayed in the bedroom most of the time watching movies on the laptop or reading, wrapped up in the blankets.
The first day in Russia it was -27 degrees celcius, not sure of the conversion. Let's just say TOO COLD! The house wouldn't warm up. Luckily we spent most of our time in the baby home, but that was too warm and stuffy. So, cold in our house, freezing on our walks to the baby home, then sweltering hot in the baby home. No wonder I got sick.
To top off the heating situation, when we finally got back to the house on Friday night around 7 to try and heat up something little to eat and take a shower, we couldn't. Frozen water pipes. You must be joking, right? Nope! No water. So we hadn't had a decent shower since we left home, we were frozen and we were hungry. Great start to our journey. Ugh! Luckily Mike was able to go get someone in the office and describe the situation. They weren't happy to come out in the cold but we sorted it out and finally had water around 9 PM. Finally, a nice hot shower. Then bed! You would think we would really have a great night's sleep right? Nope! No sleep. I guess we were all worked up about seeing Colby and the time change and everything. We kept waking up almost every 2 hours. And the pipes froze one more time around 3AM. What fun...
Ok. So the start wasn't great. And there is more to tell. But we did have 5 great days with Colby seeing him almost 6 hours every day. We made it through. Now we just wait to bring him home.
More to come on our adventure. Keep checking!
We finally arrived in Ekat at 4:30AM local time on Friday 1/30 (around 6:30 PM Thurs 1/29 in CT). What a long trip we had. We both slept some on the plane but it was an off and on sleep. Not much help. We had hoped to get some rest when we got wherever we were going to stay. No luck there. Svetlana drove us right to Kamensk and we brought our stuff into the small house we were going to stay in. Then we headed right to the baby home to see Colby. Hungry and tired but thrilled to see him again. That will be a different blog I think. So, the house.
The house is rather cute on the outside. It looks like a small log cabin. I always wanted to stay in one, now I don't. Well, I still do, just not this one. I think the owners rent it out mostly in the summer. It seems more like a summer cottage. It really belongs on the beaches of Lake Winnepesaukee. Anyway, rather cute inside but freezing cold inside. Being Russia, you would think they have great heating, but not there. Only a few small electric heaters and one portable one. The downstairs was one big room with the bathroom off to the one side. Upstairs was 2 small bedrooms. At least they got warm. Mike and I stayed in the bedroom most of the time watching movies on the laptop or reading, wrapped up in the blankets.
The first day in Russia it was -27 degrees celcius, not sure of the conversion. Let's just say TOO COLD! The house wouldn't warm up. Luckily we spent most of our time in the baby home, but that was too warm and stuffy. So, cold in our house, freezing on our walks to the baby home, then sweltering hot in the baby home. No wonder I got sick.
To top off the heating situation, when we finally got back to the house on Friday night around 7 to try and heat up something little to eat and take a shower, we couldn't. Frozen water pipes. You must be joking, right? Nope! No water. So we hadn't had a decent shower since we left home, we were frozen and we were hungry. Great start to our journey. Ugh! Luckily Mike was able to go get someone in the office and describe the situation. They weren't happy to come out in the cold but we sorted it out and finally had water around 9 PM. Finally, a nice hot shower. Then bed! You would think we would really have a great night's sleep right? Nope! No sleep. I guess we were all worked up about seeing Colby and the time change and everything. We kept waking up almost every 2 hours. And the pipes froze one more time around 3AM. What fun...
Ok. So the start wasn't great. And there is more to tell. But we did have 5 great days with Colby seeing him almost 6 hours every day. We made it through. Now we just wait to bring him home.
More to come on our adventure. Keep checking!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
We Did It!
Well, it has been a few days since we left. And boy, have they been full of action. Mike and I were staying in a small house in Kamensk right near the baby home. The judge had requested that we see Colby everyday before court. Since Kamensk is about 2 hours from Ekat, we stayed there. The small house was nice but cold. I think it is more of a summer cottage that they rent for camping. Not sure. More to come in another blog I think. But we didn't have internet access so this is the first time I am on the computer. About a week away is really tough. I have so much to get caught up on. But for the good news.
Today we went to court. We were there for court at 11:00 but started at 11:30. It wasn't too bad I guess. Mike had to do most of the talking. A lot of translating later and we had the decision. Colby is ours! Finally after over a year of paperwork and traveling, he's ours. I was so nervous in court, I think my emotions took over. I was ready to cry. But we got through and now we just wait. I think we will visit Colby 2-3 times while we wait out the 10 day court stay. We are told that we will pick Colby up on Tues 2/17 and get all the paperwork set for his Visa and passport so we can fly to Moscow.
So, the journey continues. I will fill in the details of the last 5 days soon. Right now we need to just relax. I even found ESPN on the TV so I will go watch Purdue vs Ohio State men's basketball. Too bad it isn't UCONN or the girls.
So, Colby is ours! YEAH! Photos to come, I promise.
Today we went to court. We were there for court at 11:00 but started at 11:30. It wasn't too bad I guess. Mike had to do most of the talking. A lot of translating later and we had the decision. Colby is ours! Finally after over a year of paperwork and traveling, he's ours. I was so nervous in court, I think my emotions took over. I was ready to cry. But we got through and now we just wait. I think we will visit Colby 2-3 times while we wait out the 10 day court stay. We are told that we will pick Colby up on Tues 2/17 and get all the paperwork set for his Visa and passport so we can fly to Moscow.
So, the journey continues. I will fill in the details of the last 5 days soon. Right now we need to just relax. I even found ESPN on the TV so I will go watch Purdue vs Ohio State men's basketball. Too bad it isn't UCONN or the girls.
So, Colby is ours! YEAH! Photos to come, I promise.
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