| Leanna and Larr... 的个人资料3 Journies of the Heart ...照片日志列表 |  工具  帮助 |
When some see a rock...I have been asked why we chose to adopt a "special needs" child when there are others available.
I guess we can sum it up as when some see a rock, others see a diamond needing to be polished.
Let me first mention that I am especially proud of all of those families that have traveled before me that saw past the picture and into the heart of a child. There are so many stories I have heard...
We once met a boy at a reunion without his legs. He was amazing and beautiful and one of the strongest children I had ever seen. I was awed by his abilities and his parents at seeing past a disability and seeing the child inside instead. There are many others with partial limbs that I have watched grow and lead healthy happy lives.
There have been children with heart ailments that get mended once back in the states. There are children with illness such as Hep B or Hep C that are living normal lives with medications. There are families I have known that have adopted terrific kids with Cerebral palsy or muscle degeneration or dwarfism or are deaf.
I have met many beautiful children with cleft repairs and have heard their stories. I never would have imagined when I dreamed of my daughter she would be a cleft baby. Maybe it is the same as having one's own bio child. You cannot predict what might happen. Children come in all different sizes, colors and each with their own "special" needs.
I wanted to add some blog links and I hope the families do not mind.
These are two stories about cleft adoption and I think they are inspirational and worth reading:
Leanna~ A few tidbits I forgot to mentionWell I took two pair of shoes with me and came back with one and half. Somehow while packing my bags in Kramatorsk one of my sneakers fell out. So now it has become the sleeping buddy of one big Rottweiler!
M and I spoke one night about her family history after meeting her dad, who had just moved to Ukraine from Siberia Russia. So to remember that just a few short years ago Ukraine was actually part of the Soviet Union. She told me that her fathers father had been a medical doctor in St Petersburg. When Stalin was in power he took all intellectuals such as doctors (her father's dad for example) engineers, architechs etc... and sent them to live in Siberia in village type camps. This is why her father was in Siberia, because her grandfather had been a doctor so he was banished. WOW. I asked M if her dad had ever met an American before and she said no I was probably the first one.
This is for those who know my son Vitaly. He is a child who loves how things work and is full of questions about everything! When I arrived with Oksana instead of being excited to see me or O, Vitaly says "hey where did you get the stroller?" "How much did it cost?" "Can I push it?" LOL just like a six year old boy always on the go!!
When we returned to Kyiv M said the NAC wanted to see Oksana after her surgery. So we went and met with the Director. She gave O a stuffed doggie and an angel. Although the NAC is no longer in operation persay as they are changing departments it was still a kind gesture and a small token for Oksana to keep.
Coming aroundOksana is beginning to really do well. Sleeping is now doing good all through the nite although naps can be a bit rough. She has been a trooper and today went to the doctor/pediatrician. Luckily it is a female pediatrician so she seemed pretty stable with her. She will see a cleft team of specialists in May. It looks like her cleft palate might be worse than we thought. She was in the 45 % for height and 5% for weight so she is coming along,
On the other hand mommy needs a doctor too! I am sick sick sick! I have barely moved in the past two days and it is very disheartening for me since I am off work and wanted to spend quality time with my daughter. I guess the traveling, minimal sleep and exposure to germs did me in.
Today was a breakthrough with Larry. Since I really was immobile he took her outside and bathed her and played and put her to bed. She went along pretty willingly so this is a good sign. As they say things can only be heading in the right direction from here.
I hope to post some new pictures of her at home once I am back on my feet.
home sweet homeApril 22
Sorry for the delay in uploading photos there is an installation problem which I hope to clear up tonite. So please check back.
I have a shadow! Oksana followed me as close as possible as I cleaned up and did laundry and took care of things that have needed to be done over the past month. I received some clothes from a friend and her Aunt which have been livesavers for us, since I only had the outfits from Ukraine. Thank you!
Oksana cried at first at the dogs, than the boys and screamed whenever Larry was around. I am a bit worried about this part. The boys have been troopers. They tried to show her a few things but she prefers to remain near me. I told Larry that perhaps he could take her outside without me. She cried a bit but eventually stopped a bit. But as soon as she came back in she ran to me crying and right away from Larry. I told Larry he will be feeding her as well to get her over this fear she has of him. She still cried but did eat. We put her down early and she fell asleep right away. I too was exhausted and headed to bed very early. But unfortunately sometime during the nite she began to cry again. I thought I will just let her cry it out, when it began to thunderstorm. My boys hate the storms so they both climbed into our bed. So I went into their room where it was tough for me to sleep. Early in the am I told Larry to switch with me and he could take Oksana out and sleep with her for some bonding time. But by this time the boys were awake so I got up to feed them.
And what happened next....Sorry for the delay in posts. Internet cafes are sometimes few and far between. I will backtrack.
April 17th continued:
So I headed back to the orphanage determined to regain my daughters confidence. When they brought her out she saw me and shook her head NO. I shook my head yes and said come to mama. She shook a harder NO. The caregivers prodded with her and she refused to come to me. Sigh. So anyway after we all played for a bit than they left me alone. We ate some food and played. Luckily no other couples were there to distract so I felt we had a better time to interact without distraction, especially knowing we would be leaving together the next evening.
April 18th. Lots of paperwork to complete to finalize the adoption needed. We had to stop by the orphanage for some paperwork finalization and they stated she was ill and running a temperature and thought it might be better to wait until Wednesday to take her. I said okay and I was able to go to her room and play with her for awhile alone. She saw me and again at first shook her head no but after some coaxing she relaxed and we played. I left to finish the paperwork which took most of the day. In the evening we went to the salt lake where there is an old soviet spa. In the heyday it was a resort but now it has three sad run down and mostly unused hotels with a small salt pool/spa. I choose not to particpate since I had not brought a swimsuit to Ukraine in April! It did look pretty fun because everyone floated in the water. We returned to the hotel and ate a small dinner and I packed knowing that in the morning we would be getting Oksana and leaving for Kiev.
April 19th- Oksana's big day
We got up early so that I could buy Oksana some shoes and a stroller before we left for the orphanage. The shoes were very cute and only cost 3-10$ per pair. The stroller on the other hand was very pricey for the condition. During our other adoptions we always brought a used umbrella stroller that if we didnt need due to age of the child we would just leave in Ukraine. Well we always needed it and it was a lifesaver in the airports or during long waits. But since we had left so fast we had forgotten this same stroller. I had to buy a stroller for $40 that had sat outside probably through the winter looking at the dirt and grime it had accumulated. It was a bit disheartening since I already have about five strollers at home. Anyway it will be put to good use I hope in the airports if nothing else.
We went to the orphanage to Get O and she was still ill so they would not let us take her until her temperature dropped after they gave her some medicine. So while we waited we gave them the bananas and cookies and ballons and champagne (for the caregivers) we had brought. The other children in her groupa were listening to some music in a little fenced area. Well Oksana was so excite that she was out of the fenced area, she ran around and danced and had a great time. I have attached some photos of this with pictures of the other children in her groupa. Eventually her temp broke and we said our goodbyes and Oksana left the Odessa Baby House Orphanage number 3 forever.
We got into the car and prepared for a six hour drive without a car seat of course! What amazes me is that they have all of these rules for the kids like snowsuits and wool hats in 50-60 degree weather so they dont catch cold. No berries or orange or red fruit or veggies because they are allergic ( including carrots). No foods for O except pureed baby food (although she has her teeth and molars). But they do not need to be restrained in a car!
Well Oksana did great and we talkedbaby talk and played and she slept. Once when I got out for a brief stop she screamed until I returned. We got to Kiev and headed for the apartment. I headed O immediately for the bathtub. This is always a non-favorite of the little ones the first time or two. She cried a bit but got over it fast. She than proceeded to follow me everywhere. anytime I got out of her sight she cried. She would not let anyone else even touch her cincluding M or her brother. I fed her and put her to bed. She did really well and fell quickly asleep.
April 20
We got up to get to the hospital and get her medical check-up required for the Embassy and her travel visa. There were so many people waiting yet somehow we got to be first. The Doctor who looked a lot like the doctor that did her cleft surgery began to talk to her and she wanted NOTHING to do with him and shook her head NO. Than he tried to coax her and she kept shaking her head no to everything he asked her.
I got to meet another family there and they were the first americans I had talked too since Larry had left. They had just adopted a five year old boy.
We left and headed for the Embassy to finish the paperwork. The odd thing about the Embassy is that there are always so many people standing in line (ukrainians) waiting to get the chance for a visa to the US, and it can take all day. But Americans walk in front of everyone and bypass any lines. It makes sense, but always makes you feel a bit strange. At the Embassy there was a play area, where Oksana had the chance to interact with the couple above and another girl. After completing the process we headed for the market so I could get a traditional UA dress for her. Than we had a bite to eat and O ate some soup noodles and mashed potatoes. We picked up the visa and just like that we were finished with everything!!! I looked at O and said welcome to America! I told her for the rest of her life she was now an American. A title many people throughtout the world only dream about and hope for.
I put her to bed after giving her a bite to eat and a bath. M and A decided they would go to the market for some food and drink to celebrate. We spent the evening eating, drinking and having a great time! When I went to bed O had moved around in a way she almost fell off. So I moved her back and she began to scream. She screamed and cried without anyway to soothe her for at least an hour. Then she whimpered for another hour. I didnt sleep well after this and got up at 4 am to shower and finish packing.
April 21
Goodbye Ukraine
We arrived at the airport a bit early and had to wait for the two hour preload message before we could check- in or go past security. Being one of the first in line at the check-in counter I had hoped Oksana might be able to run around a bit in the preload area before the flight. She began to get fussy and they promptly moved us to the front of the line. Air France was a bit confused I guess by her ticket even though I had purchased her a child's seat to ensure I had a seat overseas, but our actual tickets had been purchased from Delta. They said just a moment they were working on it and asked me to wait out of the line. Well before I knew it everyone had almost checked in and they still couldnt finish my ticket. I guess they finally figured it out and becuase the time was running low bypassed me around security and straight to passport control. So I ended up almost the last person in this line and of course I knew ours might take a bit longer here as well since I had just adopted her. When I got to the window he of course told me to step aside as he had to check something with someone. So when they finally gave me back my passports, the line was almost gone as well. I went through another security area and then could not figure out where my flight gate was. I tried to find someone that was in the Air France line and couldnt. So I began to panic becuase I kept hearing last call for some flight to Paris and just knew this was mine. A kind lady came up and pointed me to some unseen gate. I went and yep the bus was full and I was one of the last ones to board. So of course O was very mad about sitting for almost two hours now in the stroller, so she let me and everyone else know it!!
On the plane the screaming continued and she finally fell asleep in my arms. We arrived in Paris, where I was told my stroller had been checked through to Atlanta (Air France policy). I thought could it get any worse. So now O wanted down but I had to get to a gate all of the way on the other side of the airport, with carry on in hand. By the time I had finally walked the long corridors taken the bus and passed through security I was exhausted. I had also noticed my ticket for O said infant and was a bit worried that maybe she wouldnt have a seat. So I stopped at the customer service window and yep sure enough the Kiev crew had booked her without a seat even though I had paid for one on a sold out flight. The kind lady took one look at me as Oksana ran away and must have seen the strain and said she had given us three seats across (one extra). What incredible generosity. We than were almost the last to load onto the bus to drive us to the plane.
On the plane Oksana was so tired and hungry she began to cry and cry and cry, especially because there was another child doing the same. When we finally got airborne she promptly fell asleep and slept pretty much most of the flight. She also began to run a fever again as well. I talked to the steward and explained she was not feeling well and was there anyway to get me a wheelchair or transport in Atlanta since my stroller was gone. He said sure, but that didnt happen. So I had to carry her to passport control and wait in a huge line while she fussed and tried to lay on the floor. Sigh. Anyway after going to immigration I was able to collect my stroller and luggage (and get some childrens tylenol) to recheck onto Delta. In the Atlanta airport O woke up so I let her walk around and fed her.
When we arrived in Dayton it was midnight, but to my adoring eyes stood my two wide awake sons and Larry and I began to cry. While we waited for my luggage I was giving Nikolai a hug when O walked up and pushed him and than proceeded to stand in front of me with her arms straight out! In other words, she is mine back off buddy. It was funny but not the reaction I had hoped for. She on the other hand wanted NOTHING to do with Larry. He couldnt even look at her without her crying. I have a feeling she still thinks he is a doctor at the hospital in Odessa.
When we got home I decided Oksana would sleep the first night in her crib. Of course I knew this would probably not go over well and it did not. But we were determined not to let her think she always will sleep with me. We closed her door and the screaming continued than I heard a thud and yep she had crawled out and was at the door. I picked her up but her back in and closed the door. Than I heard it again and this time Larry did the same. This continued for awhile. I was completely exhausted and decided enough and brought her into my bed where we finally fell asleep. Back to OdessaI am back in Odessa. The car ride here was something I hope I do not have to do again anytime soon. The potholes have been so bad here so the ride was swerve swerve hit, swerve swerve hit.... I was able to lay down in the back seat but it was so uncomfortable. It took about 11 LONG hours. We checked into a very tiny hotel and headed to the orphanage. When Oksana finally came out (her surgery did great!) she wanted nothing to do with me. She proceeded to want little to do with me no matter how much coaxing or leeway I gave her. I did hold onto her though, so she knew I meant buisness. But anytime she could get away she walked very fast to the exit, than I would grab her and it would all start again. I pulled out all of the objects in my backpack (I forgot to bring some food) and she finally began to sit and look at them with me. There were two new couples there I had not seen previous to our ten day departure. One appeared to be Spanish (adopting a toddler girl) and one perhaps Ukrainian (they had a very tiny baby). There were also two other couples still there from when we had met Oksana. A single Spanish lady (adopting 17 mos boy) and a couple from Israel (adopting a two year old girl). Wow I forgot how determined toddlers can be! I went to the market where I bought some food. At the visit later today I am going to become mommy with the food in order to keep her attention. I walked to McDonalds for some lunch and back to the marketplace waiting for my chance to see Oksana today. Hopefully tomorrow we can complete the rest of the process- passport and new birth certificate. Than I can pick Oksana up from the orphanage. This is still a maybe because there are still some minor details needed which may effect the outcome. Please pray that we can get these documents completed so we may leave Wednesday to Kyiv and hopefully finish at the Embassy and hospital in time to make our flight on Friday! I wish I could post new pictures but it is not possible right now at this internet cafe. Leanna Happy EasterHappy Easter All (and especiallyto my boys!)
Since I have been asked to add some photos of my boys I will attach a few that I had on my digital. The boys had gone rollerskating and had a good time. So please enjoy a view photos of my handsome sons Vitaly adopted December 2000 (15 mos) and Nikolai adopted June 2002 (14 mos).
Saturday
We took Bill for a long walk and M showed me a place where she used to collect chalk. Now the chalk she said she collected was not for writing but rather for eating when she was pregnant!
We than proceeded to do a bit of food and supplies shopping at the marketplace. I love the marketplaces they are so interesting and the food is incredible for some of the produce.
In the afternoon I met with the second group of older students and some returning students as well to speak with them. After a lot of questions we sat down for tea and cookies. By the way I forgot to mention that on Friday the kids all sang Jingle Bells too me- which was sooo cute!
The teachers and students again presented me with some ua gifts and I was very grateful for their generosity.
We came back and I did some laundry and we had a bite to eat.
Sunday
My last day in kramatorsk and for some reason I feel a bit sad. Will I ever return? I feel so much part of the family and have had such a great time. Once four years ago I said take your pics because you probably will never return yet here I am. One never knows where your life stories might take you.
I thought these days would be very hard yet I am very happy and really enjoyed the time. I have met some faces and people who have made my journey one in a million. I will miss M's family and most likely some of the wonderful people I have met I may never see again, but I am glad I had the chance.
We traveled today as women (M her mom, daughter and me) to a beautiful monastary. We covered our heads and although the churcheswere closed we enjoyed the bonding. We than went to a little restaurant for lunch. It was so fun. I was in awe of the landscape here gorgeous land with huge trees and lots of soil. It was beautiful
I hugged her mom goodbye and we packed.
We are leaving for Odessa tonite by car. It will take 10-12 hours. I will see my daughter for the first time tomorrow. I am very excited. I miss her. She has made our family complete and I cannot wait to tell her she is going home very soon to a mommy daddy brothers and dogs and her own room.
A humbling experienceIn the morning, M took me shopping for some clothes for Oksana we found a brand new outfit that was $5.00 for three pieces. We bought some tights, a pair of socks and a hat. So now she has two outfits to travel in.
After lunch we headed for the English school so that I could talk with the kids. When I walked into the school M said the kids screamed "there she is" and ran into the classroom. I walked into a circle of beautiful and vibrant six-nine year old children. M's daughter had been preparing a speech about me in English which she went ahead and gave. Than all of the children began to ask questions in English they had all prepared including things like:
What is your favorite food
What is your surname
What is your favorite fruit
What is your favorite cartoon etc...
We had a blast and the kids were adorable. Than they all stood up again saying their names as they each presented me with a present. I have the most heartwarming pictures and crafts these children all took the time to make for me. We had bought a map so they were able to view where we lived. They asked me where the statue of liberty was so I showed them New York which was much more interesting than Ohio. Than I pointed to Florida and said "Mickey Mouse"--ohhs and ahhs rang out. I pointed to Texas and said "cowboys" more ahhing. Than a few other states. We played a game of charades than the kids all wanted my autograph and phone number. When the teachers pulled out a beautiful bouquet of tulips I was overwhelmed and as I began to leave they gave me a wonderful traditional present which represents wealth. I was completely humbled by this overwhelming appreciation and generosity. They asked if I could do it again for other children on Saturday and I meekly obliged.
When we left I told M I wished they had spent the money they had used for gifts for the children instead of me. She said it was okay, yet I felt overwhelmed and humbled.
I will treasure these gifts and conversation with these wonderful teachers and children for a lifetime.
We later went to the train station where I met M's mother and step father who were returning from her parents 60th wedding anniversary in Russia. It was such a pleasure to meet her mother who I have heard so much about over the past six years. I gave her a big hug!
Last nite her father showed us pictures of his grandparents or M's great great grandparents. Wow I was totally mesmerized. How incredible to view pictures of M's family so many years ago and in a country so far away with so much history.
Leanna A day to pamper myselfM and I decided we would check out the costs of doing a bit of pampering on ourselves while we are here.
She made us some appointments and off we went to the beauty salon. I had a pedicure ($5), french manicure ($3) and had my hair foil highlighted, cut, washed and styled for a total cost of ($12). M had the some of the same. Plus tips are total for the day was around $31.00 for both of us. We even checked into facials but she was booked but the cost was $11.00. They did a magnificent job although I must say I was a bit hesitant about the foil at first.
The other day we also went to the consignment shop to see if we could find some girl clothes. I found some jeans a jacket, jammies and two shirts for $2.00. Not too bad just to have some clothes until Oksana gets back to the states.
Larry has arrived safely and is happy to be home. In celebration the boys and the dogs and Larry all slept together in our bed.
Tomorrow M's daughter is taking me to her school for Show and Tell. Hmmm.... I wish I had my camcorder to record the moment, but Larry took it home when he returned.
Leanna counting down four days to OksanaIt was not so bad today We finally got the computer connected here so unlike Kyiv I can enjoy some time to sit down and type and post some pics Please see our pics from a bit of our weekend.
Today I spent the time as I told M as a stuffed animal along for the ride. Whatever they normally did I said I would do and move me when needed. I was able to talk to Larry and excited to know the dogs are out of doggie jail now. I hope they do forgive us considering they were rescu es to begin with. Waiting to be adopted or never finding a home. I bet he gets a lot of doggie kisses now. Adoption in all forms is the best- animal or children.
Thanks to all that have commented. I am sorry I cannot address everyone personally, but I have read everything and for you bloggers I have read your stories too. Thank you.
So four more days until I get Oksana, and the beginning of a lifetime of memories with our daughte.
Some things I will no longer take for granted:
Seatbelts
Non-smoking sections
public restrooms easily accessible and usable
toilet paper (see above)
trash cans
car seats for children
hot water during certain times of day (regional) or water at all (regional)
my bed
mexican food /hot spicy wings
my favorite tv shows I am missing the final episodes of.... amazing race, survivor, amercan idol, Er etc...
my husband saying good morning or good nite
the laughter of my boys
the barking of my dogs
my friends/family calling to say hello or stopping by
Leanna
KramatorskTuesday
We got up early and finished packing before our driver arrived. We went to the airport so I could make my 10:00 flight. Larry and the driver helped me get situated in the right terminal and than they left for the international terminal. The flight was nicer than I expected and they gave out some yummy chocolate cookies. By the way the chocolate here is so good it has become a favorite snack of mine.
My flight arrived in Donetsk and I asked if we could go see Nikolai's orphanage. I sadly learned the former director of his baby house (aptly named Nickolai) had passed in Sept 2005. He was a kind soul. The new director was a young man who gladly looked at Nikolai's pictures than sent us to the social worker and head nurse who smiled and enjoyed the pictures of this little guy they recalled from four years ago. They invited us for lunch even, but I declined. I gave them some of his pictures and asked that they show them to his nursery caregivers which they obliged and smiled.
We than drove towards Kramatorsk stopping at a restaurant called the stork. Here brides and grooms come to place ribbons in hope for fertile rewards. M and her brother both came here after their weddings.
Once in Kramatorsk we went to M's apartment. She lives here with her father, husband and daughter. There I met her dog- Bill a giant rottweiler! We walked Bill in a very muddy park and promptly brought him back for a doggy bath. We had a nice family dinner and I relaxed, read a book and went to bed very early. Larrys last daySaturday and sunday we have toured the city on our own and it was quite easy and actually pretty fun. The weather has been very nice in the mid fifties and sunny.
Monday
We are finishing getting some souvenirs before Larry leaves tomorrow. Since there will be little space for me to pack he will be taking most of the items with him. I am such a bad packer and now must go from one large suitcase to a small duffle bag for me and oksana. She by the way has no clothes yet or baby type items so I will need to shop later for some things for her including a coat and hat.
I will be flying in the morning to donetsk where M will meet me. I am thinking about trying to visit Nikolai's baby house if they let us and we have a chance. i would like to show them his pictures.
Not much more to tell since every day seems to be like the last.
Will write more once in Kramatorsk.
Home Alone in KievWe got our bearings and a map before M left and now we are on our own. Last nite we went to the grocery and got some food for the next few days. Larry likes the meat dumplings and made some for himself with garlic butter. I on the other hand have had the "Czar's revenge" again and am not eating much. At least it is a good weight loss plan, especially with all of the walking. We watched the Interperter on the DVD player than went to bed. It was a tough night for me as I was up probably every hour.
Today it was snowing! Luckily it didnt stick much. We left the apartment and walked a few miles. We saw some sights and than had lunch at TGI Fridays. I had onion soup and some nachos with jalapenos and salsa- yeah Plus they had iced tea unsweetned what a treat. Larry had chicken alfredo and a tomato basil soup that was really good. It was pricey but a nice reminder of home. We are now at the internet cafe which is huge and filled with young men/boys playing video games online.
We will probably head back and watch another DVD.
Some people have emailed requesting some information: Oksana is in the Odessa Baby Orphanage #3, she is not thin and easily fits into a size 18-24 mons. We are not with her at this time because we had to return to Kiev to get Larry on his flight (which did not happen) and sign necessary paperwork at the embassy here so that he can leave. We needed to be together for this part. It is mandatory. It is not feasible for me to return to Odessa alone at this time, and I will be there again by the end of the week hopefully. She is with caregivers and trusts them. She is eating well and we have fed her all sorts of things like bananas, baby cereal, yogurt, cereal bars and even cookies.
Leanna Court and back to KievWednesday April 5
We had court and it was fast and easy and than she was ours. We have a mandatory waiting period of ten days which means that if a family member or anyone wants to appeal the adoption this is when they need to do it. On the eleventh day (Next sunday) she is officially ours and can leave the orphanage. After Sunday it will take tme to finish paperwork and get her physical and go to the American embassy. We are schediuled to fly out on that Friday. Please prayer that all gets done by Friday so that we may leave than otherwise all off the flights are booked for awhile!!!
After court we went to the hospital. Oksana was doing okay but she was swollen. The nurse got her up and we played some, they then took her and removed some bandages and we saw her face. It looks pretty good- hard to tell with the swelling though. She than saw the nurse preparing her lunch and got very cranky, so the doctor was talking to us and I gave her back to the nurse. She would not go to Larry because she thought he was a Doctor now! We said our good-byes and I wll not see her again until next weekend.
We went back to the apartment and had lunch than left in the car for a five hour drive to Kiev. We arrived in Kiev around 8 pm and the apartment is beautiful. Downtown in Independence Square and very modern. We had a quick snack than got ready for bed.
Thursday April 6
We had an appointment at the embassy for Larry to sign his paperwork so that he can leave before me. We packed all of his stuff and went to change our flight and guess what-- No fliughts available until Tuesday!!! This is very hard for me because I really hoped he could make it home this weekend for the boys.
Well we are probably going to stay here in Kiev until his flight and M and her brother will drive (12 hours) back to Kramatorsk. After Larry leaves I will probably fly to Kramatorsk (praryers here for me the bad flyer) and stay with M until we can return to Odessa.
So today we will tour some in Kiev and relax for awhile.
Leanna
more photos and,,, My thoughtshere are a few more photos of our last few days.
May I add that we have court tomorrow so we have had the fastest adoption in history without the 10 days waived. We left Ohio Tuesday it is now seven days later and Larry may be home thursday or friday.
Sadly I decided to stay behind due to the fast process, I had hoped to travel home and return. It does not make sense for me to leave so I will stay with M in Kramatorsk and return later to Odessa. I am sad for me but happy for my family at home and the boys and dogs that Larry is coming home before the weekend.
We had a nice supper of soup and chicken that her brother cooked which was excellent.
More thoughts
Find a restaurant that you are used too and when you leave just to show you respected them tip a bit more than they expected.
Leave the apartment you stay in with a bit more than you left. Although we brought our own we will leave a new soap toliet tissue and toothpaste etc... just because.
take lots of pictures and video as you go. We have forgotten how important this is and regret we have fallen behind. Take lots and lots in very form digital, still, and video.
Today I gave a beggar with one leg all of our change. So what you might think. He sat there and counted it over and over and that was enough for me to feel better for a moment about the world. Perhaps we can all give a bit back each day in one way or another.
give to www.life2orphans or give to your local charity of your choice. we can all make a small difference and still give a bit back of humanity.
Leanna
Love
Leanna Seaport and observationsMonday April 3
We went to the orphanage and I was amazed by the amount of children playing outside. We never saw any children playing at the boys' orphanages. We even got to interact with a few of them - they were adorable. So many children, it is so sad.
We took Oksana to the hospital. She will have a nurse with her 24 per day. We spoke again with the surgeons and paid a little extra to get her a private room with her own bathroom. She is scheduled for surgery in the morning. We said our good byes. We decided to see some of Odessa history and I was amazed by how beautiful this city structure actually is. They have a beautiful theatre. We walked the steps and went to the seaport to see the ships.
We returned to the apartment and Masha and her brother fixed us a typical ukrainian supper. It was fun and we had some really good food and than played cards.
Tueday April 4
This is one of those days where there is not much to do but wait while some paperwork is taken care of. So I have decided to list some observations we have made since our last two journeys here in 2000 and 2002:
Being the animal lover that I am it is so hard to see the amount of stray dogs and cats. I do not throw any of our leftovers away and always give them to a stray. It is spring so they are even more active and it is obvious there will be many more strays next year as well.
Everyone is wearing jeans. We have always dressed comfortably ourselves but now it is very acceptable, and tennis shoes too!
There is easier access to hot water and washing machines now. It is quite easy to ask for an apartment with these items and actually find them. I would have brought fewer clothes having known this was an option this time.
The train is very hot. It also made me very sick, even though I took dramamine. I would recommend anyone that gets motion sickness easily please get something from your doctor before traveling.
Trash is easily disposable on the sidewalk or park or beach or anywhere where one can drop it.
One can survive on little russian. We always say we are going to learn it than we do not and we travel. I would recommend learning cyrillic alphabet because it is not even close to what you think the word might be.
The first morning I woke up here I thought I was at home and it was time for work. I was completely confused. Jetlag can really cause turmoil on ones mind.
I cry more often than before. I have seen so many homeless children (boys) and everytime I think of my sons andI begin to cry. I cry because this could have been the fate of my children.
Leanna
The Black SeaToday did turn out to be a very nice and warm day, so we took a trip to the Black Sea for lunch. Much to my surprise it really looked more like Lake Erie than a sea. It also seemed void of sea life and that was a bit sad.
We were able to visit the orphanage this morning and spend it outside with Oksana. She loved walking and swinging and touching new things. When we put her into the outside crib she promptly sat down and wailed. She did not like to be in there.
Masha's brother arrived as well, and now we have transportation while we are here.
We were able to visit her this evening and we played inside. There are four other families adopting right now and that is nice so we can all talk and visit wth all of the children.
The children here seem to be very healthy and the orphanage very well kept. That is so great!
We went to an indoor mall for dinner and we are very tired so we are heading to bed.
Till tomorrow..
Leanna and Larry She is all girlWell as we visited Oksana today we found out a few things:
She is not shy
She is very cute
She learns very fast
She likes to test her boundaries
She likes SHOES
We went to visit her and she is doing awesome. Larry now knows all about little girls. She first wanted to take everyones toys than walk with all the boys than eat cookies and bananas than she decided she did not like her shoes. So she took them off. Than she decided she did not like her dress and tried to take it off as well.
We are worried about having a child on the plane with so much will and free spirit.
We are doing better although I am still swollen on one side from some unknown bug bite on my face.
Till tomorrow
Leanna and Larry |
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