First night with Mama and Grandma

Home

Well we have all been home over a week now. We are starting to finally settle down in to a routine. We arrived home November 12th after midnight sometime and we had several long nights. Maks has had a difficult time adjusting to the time change, but that is to be expected. He did not understand. Now we are up around 8am, nap between 2-4pm and to bed between 8-9pm. It is fun to watch him explore everything. It is all so new to him, it is not as if he has grown up around all the tiny things in my house so he has to check them out. This has been a learning experience for me and him. He has learned to say "hi" and "bye" in English though not consistantly, calls me Mama sometimes. He says give and take in Russian still. He is having such a great time learning about everything. He is starting to be gentle with the cats. They have been so patient with Maks. He likes to just lay on top of Sam and Sam just tolerates it. Hopefully I can write more later, I just wanted to say hello we are home and post a picture, now that I can.

Sorry it has been awhile since I last posted while here in Russia. Things have been pretty busy with a toddler running around and I got very sick. Lets just say I got some stomach bug or food poisening and could not keep anything down for about 48 hours. I was to the point of wanting IV fluids. I am all better now, and feeling stronger everyday. I am very grateful my mother was here to help. I was absolutely useless for about a day and a half. Poor Maks, I am sure he got confused why all of a sudden this other woman was doing everything, and where was mama. No worries though, Maks is doing great. Paperwork continues to get processed and gathered and hopefully departing home soon. My mother and I cannot wait to sleep in our own bed. I have to say that is probably the one comfort of home I miss the most. I also cannot wait for Maks to see his new home, bedroom, and toys.

Also, I just want to give a big shout out to all my friends and of course my father and say thanks, you all have been great helping get some extra things ready before we come home that I did not anticipate needing. Well need to get some rest for an early day tomorrow. (having problems posting also so have not posted so often)

Day of Firsts

I tried to post last night but was not working, so try again today. Also today he stuck his hand on his poopy bottom, and it was everywhere. He also now knows how to use the trash can....

Nothing too exciting going on. Getting into a routine of eating, dressing, napping, and playing in between. Today he went poop on the little potty chair for the first time with me. Not really pushing the issue but my coordinator thought we should continue what they were doing at the baby hospital. Then this afternoon we were at the playground at the hotel and he teeter tottered for the first time with some other children his same age. Finally for the first time we reviewed body parts in English and Russian and he copied me the first time. He is such a smart child, copying everything he sees.

Well not much else, mom is counting down the days, not a whole lot to do today. Mom went with the coordinator today to go to the grocery store and the baby store. No Wal-Mart here, you have to go to separate stores, but at least they are next to each other.

So far so good.

On Friday I had court, which is very interesting. Very official, nerve racking, interesting questions and a formality. But all went well and they felt I would be a good mother to Maksim. So once back to the hotel we tried to eat lunch, and then we played, he slept some on the way home so I did not try for an afternoon nap with him. Maks is use to a nap around 10 am and around 2pm. Then in the evening around 7 pm we started to get ready for bed. One thing is definate he shows very clear signs of being ready for bed.

He slept through the night, did have a blazing temperature, but he woke enough and took his medicine like a champ. Then he woke again aroudn 730 am after I started making some noise to wake him up. We messed with breakfast some, first porrige with bananas, did not really like, then we mixed with applesause, which was the way to go. He took a nap at 1030 am and then awoke for lunch. For lunch we mixed some baby food(meat and veggie) with some water and bread. Maks loves bread. We forwent the afternoon nap b/c he did not really seem ready for one. Tonight mom cooked some chicken with veggies and potatoes with some bread. Went well for a little bit but then started spitting it out. So who finished it? Me. Is this what I have gotten myself into finishing my child's food? That is okay. Then we topped it off with some pears and cream, and then later some crackers and then later a cookie.

So this is my second night with Maks. So far so good. Last night he went down pretty easily, tonight I had him down a littler early, and then the phone rang and so I had to start all over. I did not think he would be too picky with food b/c of the way he loves to eat, but I was wrong about that. He definately has his moments and drinking fluids has been hard too. He is sick right now, occasionally having a fever, last night up to 102.5 axillary thank goodness takes his medicine like a champ.

I will be taking it one day and one night at a time. Unfortunately there is not a lot to do around here. But we have everything we absolutely need. Today we did laundry in Russian...haha.. the words on the machine were in Russian but we figured it out. Thank goodness my mother is here with me, she has been so helpful, and thank goodness my father is helping at home with the house and cats.

Well the time changes here tonight, so for a week will only be 15 hours ahead of you all. So right now it is 8:50pm Saturday here, and currently 4:50 am Saturday in mid MO. So tomorrow it will still be today in US. Sorry just love having fun with the time difference. Okay better get some rest myself.

Gooodnight.
Ginger

He seems to remember.

Today I saw Maksim for the first time since leaving in August. It was so great, he saw me, got a huge smile on his face and then came to me and gave me a hug. He seems like the same little boy I met, maybe he can say a few more words. He continues to be very smart, very inquisitive, and very interested in everything that is going on. Lots of energy, and he just responded with very flirtatious looks to the caregivers when they spoke to him in Russian. I think he is going to be a little flirt. I so look forward to the changes he makes in life. Well need to get some rest. Thanks for your support.

Ginger

Greetings from Russia

Well we made it to Russia yesterday barely I think, which is today in the US. We had some major turbulence on the way to LA and then from LA to Seoul for about an hour or more the gigantic plane we were on was all over the place. I really thought that was it at times, I have never felt such turbulence before. But we made it, all is well. Today we will go see Maks for few hours, go to the the grocery store and baby store, and finally prepare for court tomorrow. Just think in one more day they are really going to entrust me with Maks's care. Kind of cool. Okay, talk to you all later.

Ginger

So much going on.

I know it has been awhile since I have posted, but so much to do. Maksim's room is pretty much done, except for maybe pictures I want to hang on the wall. The world is painted and looks awesome, there are planes on the other walls that I painted on, and the dresser is painted. Oh and he now has a cute little toddler bed I think he will love.

Also my very special friend, Alla, threw me an adoption shower October 3rd and my friends were so generous in all they gave. I was just overwhelmed by how much great stuff I received, my head was spinning by the end of the day. I am very fortunate to have such good friends.

Soon after the shower I received travel dates to go to court in Russia and bring Maksim home. I am very excited, but at the same time very guarded and nervous due to the failed first trip still haunting me occasionally. I just have to remember things happen for a reason. Now I get to be off with Maks all through the holidays. I am so very blessed.

I just want to thank all of you for your support and prayers. I know I have some really true friends out there that will last a lifetime.

Ginger

Maks and mama

So this is a picture of me and Maks walking together outside. He is such a sweet boy, but very independent, hmmm sounds like me. When I first arrived yesterday he had a big poopy diaper they changed, I went with the caregiver and once done I reached out for Maks and he reached for me to pick him up. I asked my coordinator what she had heard from the caregivers about me, she said I got their seal of approval b/c he came to me like I am his mama. It was a short visit b/c we had to get some paperwork done in the late morning, then when we arrived it was time for lunch and he then takes a nap after lunch. Today I will see him this morning briefly then I head back home. The caregivers are very loving to the children, at least as much as they can be with so many children and some look very sick. This baby hospital is in much need of so many things, it is just such a different world here.

So on a lighter note, wanted to share a story of Maks. On my first visit he did two very cute things. He saw me blowing up the beach ball and then about an hour later he grabbed the ball and tried to blow air in it. It was so cute. Also I had been wiping his nose with the kleenex, later he found the kleenex in my bag and grabbed a peice of one and put to his nose. Oh, he is such a smart boy. I cannot wait to bring him home and start our life together.

Thanks so much for everyones support and prayers. It is so appreciated.

See ya soon.

Maks and Ginger

Pictures!

The first picture was taken August 24th 2009 as I prepare to leave St. Louis to meet my son. The second picture is the view from my room.

I met my son today

Today, August 27th 2009 in Russia I met my son. It was not quiet how I imagined, and did not have all the feelings I thought I might in the beginning, but it was a great day. I found him in a little room playing with other kids, but he looked like he just got done crying so it definately was not a good time for him. Then we went out to play and it took a little while for him to warm up to me, thank goodness for cereal. What a lifesaver. I was afraid of spoiling his lunch, but he wolfed that down very quickly. He pretty much feeds himself with just a little help for guidance and he drinks out of a regular cup. Of course at that age his aim is a little off. So not everything quite made it into his mouth. He had soup, smelt like vegetable, had potatoes, bread and I am not sure what else.





After eating we played some more. He is a very smart boy, remembered where I put things, would try to repeat some words, and has a lot of his own jibber that sounds like he is just trying to have a regular conversation. Then soon I could tell he was becoming very tired. We would walk down the hallway and then he would just sit down and cry. So he let me pick him up and rocked him to sleep. I hummed a couple of songs, so I am surprised he went to sleep with my terrible voice, but it was such a wonderful feeling to have him fall asleep in my arms. Then we sat on the couch for awhile and he slept until my coordinator came back for me. I carried Maks to his room and laid him down in his crib, he went down so well, did not cry when I left.





Once back to the hotel, after crazy traffice, I have to say I thought Moscow driving was bad, here it is crazy in a different way, I took off for a strole down to the bay where there are a couple of military ships, naval memorial from 1941, and just walked around. Tried to buy a watch but the watch was bad, but able to communicate with clerks between my poor Russian and my Russian dictionary. They did not try to sale me the bad watch, they said is was Valentino. Hmmm, it cost 1700 Rub, which is about $55. Doubt it was real.





So I was going to attach a couple of pics, one is of me leaving St. Louis, and the other is the view from my room here. Unfortunatly I am unable to figure out how to do it and I am getting sleepy, so until tomorrow. See you all soon!

I am going to Russia!

So I should of posted sooner, but on August 7th, 2009 I received the call I will be traveling to Russia. I arrive Wed August 26th and will meet my son August 27th! I cannot wait, I am so ready to leave now, but they always say good things come to those who wait.

Here we go again!

Good news! July 27th, 2009 I received a referral for a healthy boy from Russia and officially accepted him on July 28th. He is absolutely gorgeous, blond hair and blue eyes. He seems very patient. He is 17months old and developmentally seems to be right on track. He is probably a little small for his age, but not much and that is pretty normal for children in the orphanages in Russia. I am so excited, he is just everything I have ever imagined, and even looks like the child in my dreams. I am unsure yet of when I will travel on trip 1 to meet my son, but probably the end of August sometime. This has been such a roller coaster of a journey, but I know that everything happens for a reason. I appreciate the support and hope to have more good news soon. Thanks to everyone for their continued support.

Still waiting...

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Well it has been a year since my dossier was sent to Russia, one failed trip, and some referrals I could not except later I am still waiting. I know this is what I want. So Wednesday, June 24ht I am heading back to Kansas City to get finger printed again. Okay, do they think they have changed? So not much else to discusse, I continue to work on his room a little at a time, but afraid of getting it completely done and him still not being here. Not sure I could bare that. I do appreciate everyones support.

Coming home empty handed

I am headed home tomorrow with no good news. They were unable to find a suitable referral for me. So I don't know what the future holds, just have to wait and see. Bye for now.

Rough time here

Well I am sure you are wondering why nothing has been written yet. Yesterday we got to the Department of Education for brief interview and found out my referral was no longer available. I guess I am not surprised. I cannot go into great detail right now. Anyhow waiting on new referral, saw two others but could not accept. Might go to different region to see an older child, still waiting to hear if I can. I feel like I am talking in short brief sentences like when talking to everyone here. We have met up with some friends of one of my friends, Larisa and her sons Ivan and Igor. They have been a great help, nice distraction from all the bad things. I hope they can come to US and visit someday. Well that is it, I sit and wait. Thanks again for everyones prayers and support.

Here we go!!!!

Well, my mom and I are in St. Louis tonight and leaving for Moscow in the morning. It seems we got all the paperwork together in time. Everytime the adoption agency called me today I was afraid they were going to tell me the trip is cancelled, but so far that has not happened. So lets pray all goes well tomorrow and we make it to Moscow without too much trouble. It looks like the weather is going to be about what it has been here the last couple of days, cold and rainy. So we have packed lots of warm clothes. We will catch up with you from the other side of the world soon.

Exciting News

Today I received travel dates to go see Maks. I leave April 7th and will meet him on April 10th! YEA! I am so excited, nervous, and scared. I am sure all normal reactions. I have been busy trying to work all day, find airline tickets, and get my visa application sent off. Mom and I spent a couple hours tonight going over visa information and hopefully get it sent off in morning. I plan on getting up early so I have plenty of time to get everything done tomorrow. So I better get to bed. I will try to follow up with a longer update soon.

Filling my time

So here are two pictures of what I have been doing for the past 4-5 weeks on the weekends trying to fill my time while I am waiting on travel dates for my first trip. So as you can see I am pretty much done with Asia and Africa, I started working on South America last weekend, and also have North America to do which will not be too difficult, Australia and then Europe. Europe is going to be very difficult d/t all the tiny countries. I am learning a lot. Did you know there is a small country between France and Spain named Andorra? Not me, but I do now.
I tried to stick with primary colors, and to help save me money my very supportive neighbor Paula gave me her green paint to use. At times it is challenging to make sure the same colors are not touching, but so far so good. I have developed a plan when painting, I first label several countries with the color I am going to use, this way I can paint more then one country at a time. I also like to paint all the yellow ones first b/c yellow is easier to cover up then say red. This has seemed to help really speed things along. Also I have been comparing my map to google maps so I can make sure I am not missing anything important. So occasionally I am drawing in countries free hand.
As I have said previously I am so excited for Maks to see his room. While I am painting I imagine sitting with Maks and talking about the different countries, where he is from, and where we should plan our next trip so we can mark it on his map. If I ever move, I think I am going to have to cut out the wall and take it with me. Well I am really looking forward to my first trip, when it comes.

Ginger

Good news!!!!

I have an update for everyone. On February 12th, 2009 I received a referral for a beautiful little boy, 13months old. After reviewing with my international adoption physician I accepted the referral on February 19th, 2008. I was very excited and anticipated traveling in March, then on February 23rd I found out that my region's judge is postponing all first and second trips for 6 weeks. So not sure when I will be going to see my little boy. In the mean time I have started working more on his bedroom. A while back I had painted the ceiling a very very light blue, and the walls another shade of light blue. Now I have drawn a map of the world on one wall and have started painting it. What a project I started. I cannot wait until it is done so I can post pictures of it. It looks so incredible, I cannot wait to have many discussions with 'Maks' (I am intending to name him Maksim) about different places in the world we have been and can go. Today mom came over and helped me clean out his closet so there would be room for his things. I love it when mom helps me on a project, she is such a good motivator. Also it has been great how she has stepped up and is asking great questions, and helping me with paperwork that needs to be mailed, or whatever. She is really giving me the support I need right now.

So in the mean time keep your fingers crossed things will happen sooner then later, pray for Maks health and safety, and hope that I get everything done in time for his arrival.

Sorry I cannot post any pictures yet, but know Maks is darling, has big brown eyes and looks very healthy. Thanks to all for your support.

Ginger