A New Normal

Airport photo









A new normal-that's what we are calling our life now! It's great, it's hard, it's tiring, it's rewarding, it's fun, it's crazy, it's messy, it's unorganized, it's loud and it's home! God blessed our home this fall! He's continuing to bless us everyday. We just need to stop and soak that in sometimes. Thank you for all the prayers, emails, letters, meals, words of encouragement and sometimes being just an ear!

This past year and a half has been a whirlwind. We've been home with Sophie now for 46 days and it seems like a lifetime ago we were in Siberia for our 1st of 3 trips! This time has really flown by and I sometimes need to remind myself that it's only been 46 days! Meaning, Sophie has been in America for only 46 days! See where I'm going here? I'm pumping myself up and willing myself to take it easy on her and myself if things don't go according to MY plan! Ha! That's where I get tangled up in this web...it's not MY plan at all!! Although, I need a lot of reminders that God's plan is to prosper us and give us a hope and a future and not that we are stuck in toddler you-know-what! Seriously, this little spitfire is full of energy and she's going to tell us who's the boss!

In Russia, and even on our first few days at home, Sophie was this sweet little cuddle bug that was showing NO signs of the fact that she is 1) a toddler 2)a girl (I've heard about how little girls show some attitude early...but this early?) and 3) an orphan. Wow! We hit the jackpot, other than a few sleeping issues, we had it made. Then, life happened! I think she realized we weren't going anywhere and she didn't have to put on a show for us to keep her around! I am glad her true personality finally arose! She is so full of energy that Scott and I just get tired watching her. She doesn't sit still for a second...not even in the grocery cart (how many positions can a 20 month old sit in in the cart?) She has personality that makes her cheeks glow, her nose crinkle and her eyes squint and she uses it to her advantage....and it totally works (for her Daddy that is!).

Yes, speaking of Scott, you would think Santa Claus and every famous cartoon character walked in the door when Sophie sees him! It's so cute it's nauseating! Sorry, Bud, but really, how in love can one small person be with someone she's only known for a short period of time? He says it's his turn for the spotlight since all of our boys are momma's boys (I don't think so, but, ok!). Well, he's got it! To the point that when he is home, she is attached at the hip with him. If I'm in the same vicinity of him with her, she completely ignores me and almost gives me this look like, "ha ha, he's mine!" So funny! I can't wait for those teenage years! I tend to be more of the disciplinarian with Sophie since I am with her all day. At first, when I would tell her no, she would put her hands over her face and cry like she was embarrassed. Now, it doesn't phase her when I say no. She does mind me though when I say no, so that's huge! But I told Scott the other day he needs to be more stern with her or she will walk all over us. So after dinner one night, Sophie proceeds to stand on the side table in the living room. I told Bud to tell her no. So he says, "no, no". OH, WHATEVER! Say it like you mean it! So she does it again and he sternly said, "no!" Oh, the flood gates opened and Miss Hollywood made her appearance! The next part is the funniest! So what does Scott say," I'm not doing that again, " and grabbed her and said, "come here baby girl." Oh, ooh, ugh! Yes, he is getting a little more stern with her but in her eyes, Daddy can do no wrong! Me, she's a fair weathered fan (kind of like me and Baylor).

So since we've been home, we've had to test her for EVERYTHING under the sun. So far, every test has come back great except for her TB test. It came back positive which means she's been exposed to it. She had a chest X-ray and it was clear which means she'll have to take this antibiotic everyday for 9 months! Yikes, that's a long time! She'll also most likely have positive TB tests for the rest of her life, poor thing. Not that she has it, but will have to get chest x-rays ever time she gets a TB test just to prove she doesn't have it. Or, it will be negative. The docs are still unsure about this one. All of the rest of her blood work looks good. Poor child, I don't think she has any blood left in her little body. The worst part is collecting the poo! Yep, poo! I have had to do it 4 times now! The last 2 times, the lab did something wrong and not all the tests were run so we had to do it again! I just turned in our last sample yesterday. So help me, if they call and say they messed it up again, I am taking her to the lab and making them do it! I had a tough time not tossing my cookies last time! The more "people" food she eats, the more....well, enough said!

We are taking her for her well check next week and I'm so anxious to see how she's grown. She had gained 5 lbs as of two weeks ago which is great! However, she's still below the 10th percentile in everything!

I do get a lot of people in the grocery store and Target ( our favorite outing...we go at least twice a week just to get out of the house) tell me how much she looks like her mommy! So funny, I'd love to tell them but just laugh! I love taking Sophie new places because every where we go is a first for her. Again, I'm not too sure how much outside time they had in the orphanage, but every time we are out and see a bird or dog, she goes crazy! The other day we all went to YoWay and outside were two dogs. She got so excited she started crying and went a little crazy. It's like one of those Funniest Home Videos when the parents tell the kids they are going to Disney World and they get so excited they start crying! It was hilarious! Some dog show was on TV the other day and she did the same thing. It's so cute!

All in all, Sophie is adjusting beautifully and probably better than we expected. OK,way more than we expected! She sleeps 12 hours or more at night and takes a great 2 hour nap during the day...with hardly any trouble. She finally allowed me to cuddle and rock her to sleep yesterday which is a HUGE praise! She's not big on cuddling but I've read that will come in time. One of the hardest things is when she gets hurt, she won't allow us to hold her and calm her down. She's learned that in the past no one came to her when she cried and got hurt so this is new to her. It's so hard not being able to console her. Believe me though, I try. I squeeze her and just listen to her scream. Sorry baby girl, but momma's gonna hold you!! She has her moments where I'll try and analyze why she is doing this type of behavior. Is it again, 1)she's a toddler 2) she's a girl, or 3) she's an orphan. Sadly to say, a lot of what we see is probably because of #3 but we'll get through it! I need to remember that in her short 20 month span of life, she has gone through more pain and hardship than I can ever imagine!

God gave us this beautiful, I mean, BEAUTIFUL (see, I can say that and not sound conceited because she's not biologically mine) baby girl. How did we get so lucky and blessed! What makes us so special that He gave us this gift? It sometimes baffles me. I am not a Sally-homemaker type of mom. I'm just an average mom with 3 wonderful boys, a wonderful husband and family. God must think we're something because, man, we are so blessed!

Home Sweet Home

Well, it's been well over a week and we are all pretty much settled in. Sophie is doing amazingly well adjusting to her brothers, us and the time change. She really hasn't thrown us any curve balls...yet!

Let's start with the plane ride home. I've had many of you ask how that went. Well, let's see, the first flight from Krasnoyarsk to Moscow was at 10 p.m. and you can imagine what a 1 year old does at 10 pm if they aren't asleep. Yep, scream! It was horrible. Scott had to bounce her in the back of the plane for most of our flight. We had rude stares and snarls from the passengers, especially when we tried to lie her down on the floor to sleep. Luckily, we knew it was only a 5 1/2 hour flight and then we were in Moscow. Once we arrived in Moscow, it was really 2 am (her time) but actually it was about 9:30 pm. The drive to our hotel knocked her out! She was out cold through check in, undressing her in her pj's and lying her down to sleep. She slept all night and woke up once. Thankfully, this was going to be a preview of what was to come. Yes, she is a great sleeper. At first she woke up once at night because she looses her pacifier, but now, she soothes herself back to sleep.

That next morning (at 7:15!!!) the doctor came in a checked her out for her Embassy appointment the following day. In the 10 minutes he was there he said how he knew she was a favorite in the orphanage and she knew how to get people's attention. He also said she needs to move to Hollywood! She is a bit of a drama queen...kind of like her mama:)

We hung out in the hotel that day and just let her roam the halls. We stayed in a very nice Marriot Hotel-Tverskaya! Highly recommend for other families!

The Embassy appointment the following day was a bit of a struggle. It was cold and rainy that day too so we weren't allowed to do any sightseeing (Huge bummer!) We were told Embassy would take about 15-20 minutes total, but there were about 8 or 9 families there which made it last an hour and a half! It was painful! All Sophie wanted to do was fly down some stairs and when she doesn't get her way, you better hold your ears and push the record button on the camera! It does make me laugh a little to see someone so tiny be SO dramatic!

Our flight back to the US left the next day around noon. We were pleased to find 2 other adoptive families on our flight. One who sat right in front of us (yeah!) and another from Arlington who we go to know pretty well and are so thankful we are experiencing this together! Sophie actually did really well on the flight other than she only slept about 1 1/2 hours out of 11! It made for a LONG day. There was a sweet Russian grandmother who sat next to us. She grabbed Sophie from us and rocked her to sleep and continued to hold her for the next hour. SWEET! At first I was a little concerned about the whole thing, but by the end of the flight, that sweet woman put the other 2 babies to sleep as well. She was like the baby whisperer! Oh, we also had a drunk Russian man grab our baby and take her to the back of the plane to visit his buddies. Yes, you heard me right. It was awkward but I guess that's just their culture. They have NO boundaries! Scott's responses was, "where's he going to take her?" OK, I'll trust!

So all in all, she did great with the traveling. The flight from D.C. was a little rough but the entry into the Austin airport made it so worth it! The second my foot hit the escalator I burst into tears seeing our boys, family and friends who have all had a huge part in our journey. I tried as hard as I could to hold back the tears, but it just wasn't workin'! I let it flow!

The boys have taken an immediate liking to Sophie, especially Jake. She really is drawn to Jake and he was the first one she let hug and kiss on her. Tyler's been the sweet sensitive one and alerts us if he thinks Sophie needs our attention and Brady has been such an awesome big brother. A bit of a shock for us, but he has matured SO much. Almost to the point of making me a little sad that he has grown up so quick!

We are having a few power struggles with her, like not allowing her to go in certain rooms, play with knives, you know, the "safety" things, which throw her into a fit, but she bounces back quick! Just distract he with another toy (hello ADD) and she forgets what's she's upset about. We had a little bit of trouble with her falling asleep but know have learned to stay in the room until she falls asleep so she knows we aren't going anywhere!

I sometimes look at her and think does her biological mom have any idea how precious she is! I find myself thanking her a lot throughout the day and also realize I will probably never get to thank her. But this little bundle of giggles and dimples has changed me and my family forever!

So, these first few weeks we were supposed to "nest" with her and allow only Scott and I to feed her put her to sleep, pick her up, etc....however, I was in the ER all day Saturday with a slipped disk in my upper back/neck area! Yes, of all times for this to happen. I can hardly pick my baby up so we are know counting on grandparents and great grandma to help us through this time. I went to the doctor today and am going to get the steroid injections and get in touch with a neuro surgeon to see where to go from here (no surgery...if possible). So if you could keep my in your prayers I'd appreciate it. I'm having a hard time knowing that this special time we should be having bonding with one another is being tainted. Well, tainted isn't the correct word, but you get the idea. I need to let go and let God take control over this situation, because, Lord knows, I have tried! I can't do it alone! Literally!

The Day After...

Crazy baby!!! Who, me?

Well, I'm knocking on wood right now, but I think we have a good baby! She slept this morning until 9 am when I woke her up! I know, never wake a sleeping baby, but we thought it would be best to wake her up instead of her waking up in a strange place, crying! She isn't one of those babies, (or adults, like myself) who are still sleepy and cuddly in the morning. She was ready to go! That girl has more energy than anyone of our boys ever had! It's fun though seeing her explore new things and get so excited. She is such a happy girl. There is a smile on her face pretty much all the time, or that cute little flirty grin where she scrunches up her nose. I know, it's only been 2 days, give it some time! But we really have been lucky so far.
This morning, she ate a jar of peaches and some glue-like porridge (nasty). She's a goood eater, that's for sure. I don't think they exposed her to "real" food in the orphanage because everything we've tried to give her with texture she takes a while to warm up to. She does love the Gerber puffs (who doesn't)! Poor child has acid reflux, just like ALL of my boys so evertime she burps, she spits up! And that nasty porridge and other foods don't smell so nice coming back up. Good think I brought water proof bibs!
After lunch we put her down for a nap and she is still sleeping, despite the jack hammering going on upstairs. We layed her down and left the room and came in the kitchen. She sang for about 10 minutes and put herself to sleep! Have I mentioned how blessed we are yet? Really! I know, I know, it's only the 2nd day!
I'm attaching a few pictures of her last night when we sat her on the potty (they say she is potty trained...W.H.A.T.E.V.E.R!!!! Some other cute pics I took of her around the apartment this morning are pretty cute too. I'm having trouble with the hair, though. I put velcro on all the bows and even tried the baby rubber bands too. Her hair is so baby fine and her long bangs are trying to grow out on top of her short bangs. They really butchered her hair. Can't wait to take her to Tracey!!!
We leave Kranoyarsk tomorrow at 8 pm to fly to Moscow for a few days where we have to take her to Embassy. We're a little worried because basically, we'll be flying during her bedtime and when we get there it will be 9 pm, because of the time change...should be interesting!
Pray for us again tonight. I know we can't get this lucky the 2nd night in a row. Those prayers are really working. God has been so good! Oh, happy day!!!!

Reading People magazine, of course! Outside the orphanage, Baby home #5
Her main caretaker! Poor baby's dressed for a storm. We were told to bring her clothes like this!

Gotcha Day!

We are just getting settled in...and it's almost 10 pm! We ended up getting Sophie later than we anticipatd. Yelena said the judge was really busy today and she finally got the OK for us to go get her around 5. Luckily, I think she remembered us. There were no tears and she walked into my arms, until her careworker turned around to give her a bye hug and kiss. Cue the tears! Fortunatley they lasted about 10 seconds and she really hasn't cried since.

We were told that the care ride usually causes the kids to either cry or vomit! She did neither! She actually laughed at every bump we went over and if you've ever been on the roads in Russia, you know that she laughed a lot! She has such personality! She flirted with me the whole way back. I even taught her her first American word-flower! Really, ask Serge! When Scott and Yelena went into the grocery store to get food for her, she kept pointing at the flowers on her shoes. So I saw this as a lesson and sure enough, she says, "flower"!!!

We've fed and bathed her and she's exploring like any 19 month old does! I forgot how active they are at this age. She's everywhere! We have got to get out of here soon!!! Only 1 1/2 more days, then on to Moscow.

I'll post more pics tomorrow. Need to get some sleep. Hopefully she sleeps. Start praying!

Here she is:

Sophie Marina Boyd
DOB-March 8, 2010

Back in Kras...Again

Well, after 2 days of traveling, we finally arrived in Krasnoyarsk this morning (Sunday). We had a 12 hour layover in Moscow, so we were booked in a hotel near the airport where we got about 6 hours of sleep. I HIGHLY recommend it to other families who might be traveling to Kras. I had read on some blogs about how families chose to stay in the airport the entire time. I honestly don't know how they did it! All that smoke can kill a man!! Even though, there are "designated smoking areas" in the airport, it lingers EVERYWHERE and all of our clothes and bags stink! Anyways, the hotel was a little like the hallway in The Shining! A little creepy, but I'm a little spoiled when it comes to hotels. Just ask Scott! It did serve it's purpose though...

Amazingly, we feel so much more comfortable traveling here now. I guess since this is our 3rd time, it should feel more comfortable. We know where to go and what lines to get into. We haven't gotten lost on this trip! That's huge!

We also haven't smelled B.O. yet! Yippee! I think it's due to the fact that it is freezing temperatures here right now. To top that off, Scott doesn't have a coat. He might have to make a purchase at the Kras mall...hmmmm, a black leather coat, perhaps, since that's ALL the people wear here. Unless you're a woman, and then it's lined with a fur hood! Yes, we are standing out a little more now than the last time we were here. Oh well, I'm just thankfull we aren't here in winter. PTL!!!

Our flight to Kras started off a little frightening. About 10 minutes after take- off, a woman towards the back started screaming and there was a lot of commotion. People started turning around. We couldn't get a good view because we were in front of a divider. I about threw up! I thought there was a terrorist and I was going to die. Really! I did! Here we are, obeying what God has called us to do, and we were about to go out on a plane! I'm so dramatic. But really, something happened because after the flight attendants ran back there, they came back with a large man (I'm not talking about fat, either) up to the front of the plane with an enormous welt on his face and he was bleeding. Then, another elderly woman came and sat down in the front, obviously upset. We never found out what really happened, but when we got off the plane, there were 2 police cars at the bottom of the stairs. When we exited the plane, one of the policemen came onto the plane and the other stayed at the bottom of the stairs. Oddly enough, we never saw the large man! Scary! Nice welcome back!!

We slept for about 7 hours today, went to the "grocery store" and bought some pasta (go figure), water and bread. Thankfully our peanut butter and jelly is still here from last time. Yay, lunch! We are going to aske Yelena to go to the store tomorrow with us to pick out some things that Sophie would eat, since we can't read Russian! I don't want to give her our "American food" cold turkey. I'm hoping to ease her into that transition.

So, tomorrow is the day! We pick up Sophie at 3 pm. Yelena said after we leave, we will go to a passport photo place in Sosnovoborsk afterwards and wait for her picture to develop before leaving. I asked why we don't just do it in Kras and get it the next day and she said that most times the babies are crying by the time they get back to Kras, or they've "thrown out" (funny) from the car ride. Yikes! Makes sense, I guess!

I keep thinking of what Sophie will be feeling tomorrow. It's so strange to me to think that a baby will be leaving her home of the last 7 months of her life with NOTHING! She has no personal items. She will be leaving with the clothes we bring for her and nothing else. So sad. I also am sad for her. She's leaving all of her "family" that she has probably grown so attached to. I wish I could make her understand that we are going to give her a life that the orphanage could not! That she is a child of God and He has a HUGE plan for her life. I wish I could tell her and make her understand how much we love her and have loved her for the first time we saw her picture. Sadly enough, I know it is going to be so hard on her tomorrow, and the next few weeks to come. I know there are going to be many tears. I know there are going to be sleepless nights and hard days to come. It's not going to be all sunshine and butterflies! A girl can dream though, can't she! We love this little girl so much and she will never know how much she has changed our lives...for the better! I think she has already drawn us closer to each other, our family and God!

We covet your prayers and have been so thankful and blessed by all the encouragement from our family and friends. This is going to be a long journey and although it seems like the end, tomorrow is just the beginning! Please pray for little Sophie that her day tomorrow will be as peaceful and it can and all the days to come. Please pray that Scott and I will be able to give her what she needs and comfort her and understand that she is coming from a hard place.

Good night and sweet dreams! I know what I'm going to be dreaming about...if I can even sleep at all! Tomorrow we will have her!!!!!!!!!!!!

In 2 weeks Sophie Will Be Home!

I'm so excited that in just less than a week Scott and I will be flying to Russia and in two weeks from today, Sophie will finally be home! This has been a long time coming and it can't get here fast enough. I can't wait for all of our family and friends to meet her! I know I am a little biased, but she is so stinkin' adorable! I'm afraid she might get away with a lot because of that little dimple and the way her eyes smile!

We are getting the last few things organized around the house this weekend. All of her clothes are washed and put away, just waiting to be packed. Baby gates are getting put back up at the top of the stairs and the bottom of the stairs. I need to purchase diapers, wipes and the other basic essentials that you need for an 18 month old girl! I almost forgot what they need. It's been a few years and a lot of things have changed! I'm blown away at Bye Bye Baby. That place is on steroids! I can't believe some strollers are $500! Crazy!

So our itinerary for the next few weeks is a little crazy. We leave Austin on Friday, the
14th and arrive in Moscow on Saturday morning. We have a 12 hour layover in Moscow so we will get some sleep at a nearby hotel before our dreaded over-night flight to Kras that evening! Why does that flight have to be so terrible? I guess I should be happy it's our last trip there! We arrive in Kras early Sunday morning and have the rest of the day to sleep. The next morning, on Monday, we go to the orphanage and pick her up! I'm so nervous about how that is going to play out! I'm sure having not seen us for a week might cause a few tears. That is my only concern about not staying for the 10 day waiting period to bond with her. I keep telling myself that most countries don't have that waiting period and they pick up their children at the orphanage and are somewhat "strangers" to their child too. Please pray that she will remember us and her departure will be painless for her. It has been her home for half of her life. She will be missing it, I'm sure.

We will be staying in the apartment in Kras through the 19th to wait for her passport to be ready and for all the remaining documents to get signed and ready for us to take with us to Moscow for our Embassy appointment. We leave Kras early that evening and arrive in Moscow I think that same night because of the time difference between the two. We will be staying at the Marriot Tverskaya, which we were told is family friendly, has an "adoption rate" and is only a few short blocks from The Red Square and the Kremlin. A doctor will come to the hotel to look her over and sign some papers that she needs to take to Embassy which is on the 20th. We hopefully pic up her visa on the 21st. Then we will take the lllloooonnnggg flight from Moscow to D.C. Oh, I'm so worried about that flight! Not just for ourselves, but for the people around us! Pray she sleeps most of the trip and doesn't get to ansy!! If I hate that flight, I can't imagine what a 1 1/2 year old will feel. Pray, pray, pray!!!

Once she enters the US in D.C. she automatically becomes a US citizen! Woohoo! When I saw the "Welcome to U.S.A" sign in D.C. my heart leaped! I can't imagine what my reaction will be when we cross that line with our baby girl! So excited for that moment!! She has no idea what is in store for her in America!!! I am so excited we get to give her this opportunity!

On Saturday evening, 9:30, we will land in Austin, TX as the proudest parents in the world! We have been on such a long, hard journey and I can't believe it's finally coming to a close. Actually, it's just the beginning!!!

We more than welcome those of you who want to meet her at the airport that evening! I know it is a late flight and if you aren't able to make it, we completely understand. It was either take that flight, or spend the night in D.C. and fly home the next day. We are so ready to get home! I, in no way, want to spend another night away from home if i don't have to! We are flying United so if you wanted to check with the airlines to make sure our flight will not be delayed, we are coming from Washington D.C.

I'm so happy I have been able to share our journey and document it, so I can one day show this to her! We have been so blessed with family and great friends, encouragement, and tears! God has been good to us!!!

Here is our itinerary:


10/14 Leave US for Russia
10/15 Arrive in Moscow and take overnight flight to Krasnoyarsk
10/16 Arrive in Krasnoyarsk and rest
10/17 “Gotcha” Day!
10/19 Leave Krasnoyarsk AFTER 6PM (they don’t expect to have the passport until about 4PM that day)
10/20 Embassy Appt
10/21 Pick up docs from Embassy
10/22 Leave Moscow for US

The Judge Said, "Dah"!

Us with the rep from the orphanage, the doctor, Yelena and Elena, our interpreter.





So we are now legally a family of 6! Yep, that's right, we are now the proud parents of a baby girl!

Court today went very well! Our time was scheduled for 11:00 am but we sat for over an hour waiting for the case before us to finish. Talk about a nervous wreck! Yikes! My stomach was in knots the whole time. I really had no idea what to expect. So, a little before noon, Scott went outside to listen to the cannon go off (it goes off every day at noon and if you weren't aware of what it was, you'd think you were being bombed!), and as he was gone, of course, our turn was up! So Yelena went out and got him. We weaved all throughout the court building (I still don't think I could find it if you paid me ) and entered a large room with yellow walls and above the judges seat was the Krasnoyarsk seal. The prosecuter, who looked no older than 21 was dressed in a blue suit that looked like a flight attendant, the other side had the orphanage doctor, and the representative of the orphanage, and Scott and I sat next to our interpreter, Elena. The judge came in, we stood up and sat down a bunch of times before it actually started.

So Scott got most of the questions asked to him and he did amazing! We were told that the judge didn't really ask questions but statements so our interpreter had to make what she said into a question so we would just elaborate on it. He was grilled for about an hour and a half and then the judge asked me to stand. The only "tough" question she had for me was why I wanted more children. Seriously, do they ever get someone who says, "I have no idea, i don't like kids". Really, that question makes no sense, but I guess it's something they have to ask.

After our questioning, we went out of the room so the judge can make her ruling. We were in the hall maybe 2 minutes before she called us back in and formally announced us legal parents of....Sophie Marina Boyd! Yep, her name is Sophie! Marina is her given name so we are keeping it as her middle name. I got a little teary eyed when she read her ruling. She gave a good laugh afterwards and wished us luck. Not sure why that's funny, should I be worried!?!? J/K! Bring it!

After pictures, we went to a "business lunch" with Yelena and Serge. It was...interesting! It was supposed to be "American" food. Hmmm....O.K! It was good to visit with them and learn a little about the orphan population in Russia and different facts about it. There was also a little nudge to come back and adopt Sophie's cousin, who is 6 in Kras. Let's not get ahead of ourselves!!! I'll pray she gets placed into a loving home, though!

We were fortunate enough to get to go see Sophie one more time. This time we were allowed to see where she slept, ate, and played. Oh, it was so sad seeing all those kids grab at our legs. They really liked Scott and kept calling him, Dada. I don't know what I was picturing, but not that. The space they live their little lives is so small. The bathroom where they each have lockers, their changing room, is so small. We got to see her crib. The 3rd one in a row of about 5 cribs. No fluff about it. Just a white fitted sheet. There were about 10 cribs in that room. There are 3 other areas just like that one.

We were also able to go outside and take pictures of the grounds and other children. They saw Scott coming and all ran up to him. It broke my heart and you can just see in their sad little eyes they want you to take them away. It's so hard leaving there with just one. I can't get those little faces out of my head. There are so many children who need good homes and a loving family to just hold them. I'm so glad God gave us little Sophie. She is such a blessing to or family already. The process we have gone through to get her (and we don't have her yet) has really made us re-think our priorities in life.

So we are headed back home tomorrow, without her, because she judge puts a 10 day waiting period before you can take her. We just can't be gone that long from our boys and Scott's work. I am going to hate leaving her here after it has already taken 3 days to get her used to us and recognize us. We'll have to start all over again when we come back.

We will return here in Kras on the 16th and gotcha day is the 17th! Then after we go back to Moscow for Embassy, we will bring Sophie home for good on the 22nd! Not soon enough, if you ask me!

Thank you for your prayers so far! We are almost home!


Scott and me in front of the courthouse.


Scott with Yelena and Elena


Her locker


The everyday playroom

Beds

Her playgroup on one of the 4 play areas

Day 5

PTL that M was in a good mood today! She was happy and wild and playful and interactive, just what we needed. Not that we need reassurance or anything that this is what we are supposed to do, we ARE doing it! But her being so darn adorable doesn't hurt!

Serge and Yelena, and Elena (our translator) all drove to the orphanage this afternoon. The plan was to meet with the doctor first so we could ask some questions and she could give us the latest updates, medically, on M. However, she was with another family so we were able to get into the playroom and wait for them to bring us M. I was so nervous because of her crying yesterday when we took her. That didn't happen today. You could tell she remembered us! She lit up! Especially when she saw Scott! I think this girl likes her daddy...a lot!
She has a bit of a cold so her nose was a little goopy and you could hear the congestion when she breathed! I wanted to grab her away, give he some saline nose spray, some benadryl and a humidifier! In due time, though!

During our two hours with her we were allowed to feed her snack again. Well, us feeding her isn't how that went down. This girl is so self sufficient it's almost sad. Scott went to break the cookie in half (it was a big cookie) and they told us no, she could eat it by herself...and she did!! Durng that time she also figured out how to flirt, with food inside her mouth and spray it all over my jeans! Cute, real cute, Scott! The translator in the room was correcting her, which I thought was amusing, seeing as how we were the ones encouraging it! It really was too cute! Now when she gets home, that might not fly! Then she decides to "play" with her teacup full of milk! Once again, all over my jeans. It's ok though, she was having a great time! So our translator thought it'd be best to take the last cookie away since she wasn't "behaving properly". Funny, again!

I brought some 12 month clothes and 18 month clothes to try on her to see what sizes of clothes I should bring back. I wasn't sure if that was allowed, but our translator acted like, she was OUR property and we could look her over head to toe if we wanted. Well, ok then! Take off the clothes and OH. MY. Pinkness...she is so cute!!! Soft white pinkish skin,like a baby's bottom! She thought it was "getting dressed" time and helped me. This is when i found out that she basically dresses and undresses herself. We were told they take their own clothes off every night and place them on a chair. I sort of let her take the reins a little bit and low and behold, she dresses herself better than my boys do! She stuck each leg into the leggings, helped pull the shirt over her head and helped pull up her pants. For a moment I thought it was so cute, and then it hit me that she has missed out on so much of her "babyhood" that I began to feel so sad for her. All those rockings, and diaper changing songs, sippy cups and babyforks-she never had! It's almost like she had to grow up at age 1.

Thankfully, we can baby her all we want in just a few short weeks. I know many doctors will frown upon this, but i fully intend to put back on the diaper, give her sippy cups, a pacifier, lovie, sing diaper changing songs to her, feed her myself and probably much more! I don't care she can do all these things for herself! I am a mother, and it's my JOB to do for her what she can't do...or shouldn't be able to do, right? There, I'm off my soap box.

So tomorrow is court! Our appointment is at 11:00 am (that's 10:00pm Austin time). So if you are awake during that time, please say an extra prayer for us, especially Scott since he will be doing most of the talking. Next time I make and entry, we will officially be a family of 6 (assuming the judge says, dah! )!!

Night, night!

Kras-Day 4

I had forgotten how much I LOVED driving on the roads in Krasnoyarsk! Seriously, I think they win the award for worst roads in the world. To top off the condition of the road, they speed and dodge cars like it's a video game. I'll never understand it, but it's something that goes along with this process, so I'll take it in stride...and take my Dramamine!

We got to the orphanage this morning and it was like a ghost town. It seemed like no one was there. We saw a few caretakers pushing a stroller but there were no other signs of life anywhere...and they have supposedly 180 children there! Amazing, and so very sad!

They brought Sophie out to us and for the first time, we heard her cry. It was the saddest thing-like a puppy whimpering for her mamma. She had no idea we were there to love on her, she really looked like she had no idea where she was either! We were in the big open room that the front door leads into. We've never seen anyone in there but it has toys EVERYWHERE! I took her from Scott thinking it would calm her down, it didn't, so Yelena suggested we go upstairs to the playroom to distract her. It was like a sauna! I'd cry to if someone made me go in there! J/K, well, kinda!

She warmed up quickly once we got in the "Gymboree-like" room, (who wouldn't), and we got right back into the comfortable swing of things: sliding, rolling balls, peek a boo, and her favorite-wrestling! She's one tough cookie! And yet she can still melt your heart with her smile, crinkled up nose and dimple! Oh, she's got Scott wrapped around her finger all ready! Watch out boys!

We were also able to feed her lunch and boy, the girl can eat! They brought in a tray with a large soup bowl with what we figured was rice and chicken put in a blender, but it was soupy, a plate full of processed meatballs and cabbage. N.A.S.T.Y. I can't wait to find out what that smells like in the diaper!!!! She gobbled it down in minutes and then was given a teacup with some sort of boiled fruits mixed with water. I said, "Oh, apple juice." "NO. NOT JUICE." was the answer I was quickly given! O.K.! Anyways, I picked up the cup and held it to her mouth and Yelena said that she could do it herself! Ha! I didn't really believe it so I grabbed a cloth and held it under her while she CHUGGED the cup without a single drop spilling on her clothes! She drinks out of a cup better than our 7 year old! Sorry, Snaggers, but it's true! It was down the hatch in seconds....and oh. so. cute!

The rest of the day was uneventful. We ate our peanut butter and jelly sandwhiches (which I brought from home...good call), watched part of season 1 of The Big Bang Theory, ventured out to the market to buy some more water, played cards, ate dinner (pasta, of course) skyped with the boys and are headed to bed.

Tomorrow we are headed back to Sosnovoborsk to visit M and talk with the orphanage doc, get some questions answered and prepare for court on Tuesday! Ah, just get us to Tuesday already, say dah, and let us have her so we can start lovin' on her already!!!

Night, Night!

Back in Kras-Day3

Our plane ride from Moscow to Krasnoyarsk landed at about 9:00 am (however, we lost 5 more hours so we had been up for about 25 hours before we caught some sleep in the apartment! So tired. How can just sitting make you that sleepy?

So we were told no visiting the orphanage on the weekend...bummer! However, Yelena and Serge came and told us that they will allow us to go see her tomorrow!!!! Yay! Can't wait to see her again. When I get so frustrated at this whole process and the pushy people and the smells, I just think of her smiling face and ALL of this is for her! We have lots of stories to tell her when she gets older. Particularly the one about Scott at the doctors office. Sorry, had to laugh about that again!!

Thanks for the prayers, we felt them on the plane ride. I don't know if there are some sort of funky air pockets between here and Kras but the plane ride was very bumpy. However, neither Scott nor I felt sick. Actually a funny peace came over me. I did, however, have to listen to a lot of Jeremy Camp!! Praise music usually calms me down. Quick story about how God speaks to us: It was during one of the bumpy times and I was getting a little nervous (Scott was sound asleep, thanks to his new drugs:)),and I was listening to a song about asking God to "speak to me" and no lie, I saw 2 HUGE shooting stars out the airplane window. I actually started laughing to myself! He does speak to us, we just need to be willing to listen. I am a nervous flyer for those of you who don't know me well, and well, let's just say, I get a little crazy when I realize I'm thousands of feet in the air, able to touch the clouds. All my limbs go numb and I feel nauseous! Yuck, actually! However, I was able to hear God "speak to me" through something as brilliant as a shooting star! I know I might be stretching a little here but knowing I'm in the "darkness" and able to see a little "light" brings me back to place where faith takes control over me, rather than fear.

It's a lot like this whole adoption journey. We are going into this whole heartedly by faith alone! We know we are not alone in this journey and when the paperwork and the smelly b.o. and the language barrier get in the way, it's easy to forgot you are not alone. God is paving this way for us to become closer to Him-I really believe that! I don't know how people get through life without the help and love of God, really! God is MY refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble!!! I just foret sometimes...which I hate!

We just finished our dinner of pasta and about to go back to sleep again!

Can't wait to share stories of little M tomorrow!

Day 2 in Moscow

Overlooking Downtown Moscow


So we had a fun-filled day with some Russian "expert" doctors!

We started out the day with about 12 hours sleep...which neither of us had done in years!

Then we went down to the buffet breakfast, which was amazing (no horse meat!)

We ventured out onto the Moscow streets, which in itself is a death defying adventure! Surprisingly it only took us about 20 minutes to get there (not like the 3 hour car ride back to the airport...ehhh!)

So we get to the docotor's offices and it has a typical old soviet "mental hospital" feel to it! Even the "dr's" look like doctors out of a russian movie. We had 8 "specialist". The only specialists I thought were "legit" were the general practitioner, dermatologist and psychologist. The others were a bit sketchy. For example ( Scott's going to kill me for saying this) but he had to drop his drawers in front of the 70 year old woman dermatologist. Why she needed to feel around down there is beyond me! I got a good laugh out of it. No, we weren't in the same room during our visits but he had our translator in the room at the time! Even more funny! I did feel it a bit odd that the "surgeon" asked me to take off everything above the waist (and there was no paper gown...you can just use your imagination!! STRANGE!

We ended up paying the head doctor outside in a courtyard. It's a little scary throwing around that kind of cash in a courtyard!

After our 3 hour death defying drive we are sitting in a cafe in the MONSTROUS Moscow airport awaiting our 10:55 flight to Kras. Hopefully it goes better than the last one. Scott was able to choose our seats so we got the seats in the first exit row...yay! Pray for no B.O. Well, that's not gonna happen but you can pray anyways!!


Dr. Offices in Moscow




Dr. Offices in Moscow

Day 1-I think?

Well we made it to Moscow at about 10:30 am (Moscow time) with a fairly uneventful plain ride...which is a good thing! You definitely know you are in Russia, or getting near Russia when the aroma of b.o. permeates the nasal passage!! Ugh! Scott and I really don't understand how they can't smell themselves. I mean, why even shower??? What's the purpose?

We got about 7 hours sleep and just ate dinner (yes, we ATE...club sandwich) and it was actually good! Pray we don't get sick.

We are staying at the Marriot Renaissance Moscow for the night and will leave here tomorrow at noon to get our physicals done. Should be interesting!

Then our plane leaves tomorrow night at 9:45 for our dreaded "overnight" flight to Kras. Have to say, I can't get there soon enough!!!

Next time I complain about the traffic in Austin, just say, "Moscow", and I will be chill! Seriously, I have never seen traffic like this. Take I35 and put stoplights on it during rush hour. It took us an hour and a half to go about 30 miles. Unreal!

So, I am greatful and blessed to live in Austin with such glorious traffic:)

Anyways, we are off to sleep, again!

Tomorrow!!!!-Trip 2 begins

I can't believe we leave tomorrow to start our adventure again for the second time!


This time, however, will be played out a little differently because we will be spending a day in Moscow visiting 8 different doctors!


We leave Wednesday around noon and get to Moscow, with just one layover , on Thursday. We have the rest of that day to sleep and rest up for our physicals on Friday morning. Yes, we will be having 8 physicals each! I am trying to think of what the 8 different doctors' specialties are, but can't get past 5! The one thing Johnna told us, which I should find comfort it, but still freaks me out, is DO NOT let them take blood!! O...K....! We did labs here with our doctor so we are supposed to give them our results, but I found it discomforting when she said, "do NOT let them poke you!!"


So Scott and I will be split up and taken to 8 different doctors with a translator on the other side of the curtain. Having a hard time picturing all this but I think I will have a hard time controlling my giggles!!!


So after that fun day (not), we take the dreaded overnight flight to Kras! It HAS to be better than the last one. It. Can.Not.Get. Much.Worse!!!


We'll have a day to rest and on Monday we go to see miss M! Yay!! I wonder if she will have changed at all? Will she remember us? Will we all still feel the connection we had last time? And of course, my most daunting question-will they have cut her hair??? I know, sounds silly, but that bowl haircut is just plain mean! Although, she's so cute, she could rock any hairdo!


On Tuesday we will go to court where Scott will be asked the most questions. It will supposedly last 2 hours. Geez, 2 hours, what all do they want to know?


We travel back home on Wednesday because we just can't stay gone from our boys for a month and Scott can't leave work that long. We'll come home for about 10 days and then go back and get her. So, she will be touching down in Austin on October 22nd! Praying that all goes according to plan!


So, we'd love your prayers again for safe, smooth flights, stay healthy, keep our kids and parents at home SANE, and for God to be glorified in EVERYTHING we do! He already knows what's in my heart and knows what I need Him to help me with! Pray I agree with His plan and just be joyful about everything that happens! Good or bad!

Love to everyone!!!

We Have A Court Date!!! October 4th!

We get to see this cute bottom in just a few weeks!!!



Yesterday we received an email from our family coordinator at AW telling us that Yelena went to court in Kras on Wednesday and received our court date for October 4th! Unbelievable! This is all happening so fast! Most families wait months before they get their court date and when we left we received a "tentative" court date for October 4, maybe October 11th. We didn't hold our breath because I have NEVER read a blog or heard of a family receiving a court date so quickly! God must really want this little girl to hurry home! And we are more than happy to bring her home that quickly!

With having the majority of my paperwork done on our first trip and delivering it to our facilitator when we got there, they were able to "fast track" us because they believed we would get the remaining paperwork done quickly and efficiently! No pressure!

So most of the morning, yesterday, was spent begging nurses at our doctor's office and our pediatrician's office to squeeze us in for our "physicals", blood work, chest x-ray's, doctor's license, etc. As of right now, we are only lacking the results to our blood work (which obviously takes a few days to get the results back). It pays to be a little persistent when your back is up against a wall! At the start of our day yesterday, the quickest time they could get us in was September 16, and October 6 for our kids. Uh, not possible for us! This is where the persistence pays off! "Can I please speak to your supervisor?" Bingo! Got Scott and I in yesterday, and the boys this morning! Check, please!!!

Now, for the harder part-getting many forms from our social worker! Ugh! I don't think she realizes the time crunch we are in! We informed her a week ago of all the forms we need to get moving. So, what email did I get from her today? " I haven't had time to look at it. I'll start this weekend." What????? I needed it YESTERDAY! We need her to amend our home study with a few facts on how we would "care" for the child if problems would arise, her updated medicals and a few other forms. She has to get them notarized and mailed to me. Then I have to get them apostilled, mailed to AW, sent to Russia for translations, all in two weeks! Do I think this is going to happen? No! Do I believe I can stay calm until I receive them? No! Is God in control? YES! OK, just BREATHE........

So, our itinerary that we received yesterday was a "rough draft," so to speak. It has us leaving Wednesday, the 28th of September, arriving in Moscow that Thursday evening, physicals done in Moscow that Friday morning, fly to Krasnoyarsk that Friday evening, arriving in Kras Saturday morning, rest Sunday, prep for court on Monday and visit miss M, court on Tuesday the 4th, travel home Wednesday (because we can't stay the 10 business days they make you wait until you have your "gotcha day"....no clue why they do this?). Whew! That's busy! I will have my hands on her in 25 days!!!!

Our 3rd trip hopefully will look something like this: travel back to Kras leaving Austin on Saturday or Sunday-the 16th, arrive in Kras on Monday-visit M, pick her up on Tuesday the 18th for good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We will stay in Kras 1 night and have to take her to Moscow for a physical the next day, go to Embassy on the 20, receive her visa on the 21st, and return home the 22nd!

Here's the tentative itinerary. It probably will change due to us taking 2 trips and this is just our itinerary for 1 more trip! We will receive that tomorrow.

ITINERARY:
9/28 - Leave US for Moscow
9/29 - Arrive to Moscow
9/30AM - Moscow Medicals
9/30PM - Leave Moscow for Krasnoyarsk
10/1 - Arrive in Krasnoyarsk
10/3 - Visit orphanage
10/4 – Court Appointment!
*10 day waiting period*
10/19PM – Leave Krasnoyarsk for Moscow (take the evening flight from Kras to Moscow and not the morning flight)
10/20 –child’s medical exam and submit documents to U.S. Embassy
10/21 - Receive child’s visa
10/22 - Return to the U.S.*


Wanted to share and thank all of you for your prayers. God heard them and is sending His child to us to care for and love on!! It will not be hard because she is so stinkin' adorable. Seriously! Just wait until you meet her!!

Keep the prayers coming. Especially for our boys and grandparents when we are gone for these two weeks. Pray for smooth transition, good health and anything else you can think of:)

Love to you all!!

Days 2 and 3

Yum!

Yesterday, before our visit, we had an adventure! We went to Cinabon and the Mall. We were having so much fun eating our cinamon rolls,(the only resemblance of home) until the giagantic bees came! No lie, Russia has HUGE bees! So in true Boyd form, we ran! We then went to the "mall"... Let's just say, it's no Barton Creek! Didn't stay long because it was so HOT and we were feeling yuck (a constant on this trip, we think it's the lack of food).

The view driving into Sosnovoborsk.


Later we took our hour car ride to Sosnovoborsk. Let me explain about the driving and roads here. For those of you who have driven on City Park Road, think of that, but covered in potholes riding in a car with no shocks, driving about 70, multiply that by 100 and add dodging cars coming from all sides! It's almost comical! It is a death-defying journey and Scott should never complain about my driving or honking the horn again. They use the horn here like a blinker! Scott and I die laughing and our driver, Serge and facilitator, Yelena, don't even crack a smile because it's so normal to them! We love them though!


Our day at the orphanage yesterday was awesome, to say the least! We had the whole room to ourselves for the majority of the time. We were able to feed her her snack and watch her chug a teacup of milk. Seriously, chug! She grabbed it from me and started slurping like a cow until it was all gone! She is a good eater too! Her snack, I thought was cinamon oatmeal, was microwaved cottage cheese. It did NOT look like the cottage cheese I am used to. But, she gobbled it all up!

She was happy and playful the enitre time. And boy, she is one tough cookie! She took tumbles and falls and never made a peep. We thought it was probably because she's learned that crying doesn't get her attention. I grabbed her up though, like a typical mother and cared for her boo boos!

Last night was uneventful here, pretty much like every other night we've had. We cook our pasta and I found canned corn. That's about as adventurous as we get! We watched about the 10th movie. Thank goodness we are in the apartment though. They have an American DVD player! Yippee!!

This morning, Serge, picked us up at 9:00 and was sporting a TEXAS sweatshirt! We LOVED it! Made us feel right at home. Although, later today we notice Texas was spelled, "Taxes" on one of our forms and we had to redo it. We joked at Serge that he should have just looked down on his shirt. It got a good laugh.


View of the room in orphanage. Baby home #5

Today we shared the visiting room with a French couple and a Spanish couple. Scott and I were so elated that we finally found someone who we could understand...Spanish! His specialty!



THE BOW!!

M's caregivers decided to "doll" her up today and tied an enourmous yellow bow on the top of her head! Holy cow, it was funny! It's bigger than her head! She kept tugging at it but it NEVER came out. I think it was weaved into her scalp. Poor thing!

M acted a little tired today but she was still the light of the room! That girl is the cutest thing EVER! She is such a little flirt too! She has this nose crinkle thing that she does when she's wanting you to play with her. It's precious. She melts my heart every time I look at her! She is so happy and is such a busy body. She's intereted in everything and allows you to grab her up to cuddle too. She has the sweetest smell...like a baby! I can still smell it on my shirt. I am tempted to not wash this shirt untl I come back so I can have a little piece of her.

After we left the orphanage, we went to the notary and officially signed and notarized our petition to court and power of attorney.

Leaving her today was a little difficult, but we were also so happy because we were told we might get an October 4th court date! We had every paper ready (thanks to my obsessiveness) and it has already started the process. Yelena is petitioning court next Wednesday. She will know for sure then, but they are pretty positive we will be back in a month! Yay!

God has been so good to us on this trip and He has shined His face on this little princess! She just glows! His radiance is so evident throughout this whole process. We are faithfull that He will continue to be faithful through the rest of this process.

Please keep us in your prayers. We leave to come home tomorrow (Thursday morning). Pray for safe travels and smoothe plane rides! Please pray that our M stays well and that she knows she is loved! We know that she is in good hands. The orphanage's hands, and the hands of her Father in heaven!!!

Here's a few pics of our trip!


Outside of the orphanage.


Our apartment. We are on the 9th floor!


The stairs leading up to the elevator at our apartment.


Playground outside of our apartment.


Downtown Krasnoyarsk

We Meet At Last!

Be still, my beating heart! Oh my goodness, we met an angel today!

After our MOE appointment, which went really well, we ventured to the orphanage which is an hour away. The drive was beautiful. Once we were outside of Krasnoyarsk, we drove through beautiful countryside with rolling green hills. We passed through a few small towns and eventually came to Sosnovoborsk. The buildings were all run down and I have to admit I was a bit terrified to get out of the car! The driveway to this orphanage was down an alley. But once we stepped inside we were pleasantly surprised! It was really clean and it looked like it had been redone a little bit.



The view on the way to the orphanage.


Once we walked inside, they made us put booties on our shoes. Of course with my heals, I tore a hole in mine within the first few steps. Not sure why they do that because once you get into the "meeting room" you can go barefoot!

We were then led to the orphanage director's office. We were told by our translator that last year the director, Galina, won an award for running one of the nicest orphanages in Russia! Impressive! She was a very nice woman who asked what everyone else had been asking us, "why do we want to adopt if we already have 3 boys?" It's hard to answer those questions because were aren't supposed to talk about God. So we wing it and it gets a big smile and a "da, da." I guess she's happy with our answer!

We were then led to the "meeting room". We aren't allowed any where else in the orphanage yet. The room was a very large (HOT) room with really great toys! It almost looked like Gymboree! I was so surprised!

We were caught off guard and not ready with all the cameras when this little, I mean little, sweet peanut was carried into the room. We didn't know she was coming yet! The caregiver dropped her off in the middle of the room and took off. We didn't know if M was about to cry but she turned around and walked out the door! It was adorable. I chased after he and picked her up, fully expecting her to scream and arch her back like a normal baby would but she just looked up at me and stayed so still and calm while we fussed over her. Ah, words can't express how I felt! I think I had a few tears, but mainly I was so overjoyed that during the entire 2 hours, we never heard her cry or even act like we were strangers. She is PRECIOUS!!!! Hair and skin as white as snow with rosy red lips! Oh, and she has the most adorable teeth!!! Really, adorable!

She followed Scott all around the room. When he went out the door to wash his hands she looked all over for him. At one point, she ran up and hugged his leg! Her favorite thing to do was mimic us and slide! She would get you to try to copy what she did and when you stopped, she would put her hand on yours and get you to do it again. I think she went down the slide 100 times...and out came the laugh! Her giggle is infectious! Did I mention the dimple she has in her left cheek! Oh my goodnes, we are in trouble!



Look at her little feet!!

We couldn't have asked for a more perfect day and ALL of our expectations were met...and then some! I just have one thing to say. THANK YOU, GOD!!!!

We can't show her picture because she isn't legally ours, but today the official court process began (so they said)!

Thank you for all your prayers. We were definitley feeling them!

In front of the orphanage.

Day 1 (well, techinically day 2)

We arrived in Krasnoyarsk yesterday morning about 7:00 am local time. Our flight was, to say the least, HORRIBLE! I've never been so cramped into on space in my life! The aroma of B.O. was enough to make me want to jump our the window! People say I have a very sensitive sense of smell...and I do, which at times like this doesn't benefit me AT ALL!


Scott and me on the plane ride!


Aside from the plane ride, we are trying to get comfortable here in the apartment! From the outside, it looks like a typical run down old communist-era apartment! On the inside it is VERY nice. Scott's pretty impressed with the tile work! Of course, only man I know to notice the tile everywhere we go!




We ventured out yesterday after our 6 hour nap, to Subway! Yay, I thought, something of home! NNNNOOOO!! Scott and I took one bite of our sandwich and began to gag...literally! That was NOT mustard, and I don't think that was ham either! So we ventured over to the "grocery store" and got lost. Luckily, and I think God had a BIG part in this, we received a call from our driver asking us where we were. They just happened to be around the corner (whew!). They led us to the grocery store and helped us pick out a few things. Honestly, I am not sure how people here aren't sick all the time! Everything was either expired, or about to be! We bought some cereal, chips, pasta and bread. Even the pasta tastes different here! It's crazy!

So after that we came back and watched some movies and cooked our "dinner" and tried to sleep! I think Scott slept well. I had a hard time sleeping! I kept thinking about our kids at home and the one we are about to meet!

We leave here at 10:15 this morning to go to the Ministry of Education and formally ask to see M. You can be praying for us then too since we have to answer some questions. Hope we don't offend anyone with any humor we might throw in! (The Russians are very serious people). After that we will drive an hour to the orphanage and meet her! Finally, the moment we have been waiting for for so long is almost here!

Don't get me wrong, I am so happy this day has finally come and that we are about to meet our daughter. We've prayed for this day for a long time. This is what we WANT to do and what we are CALLED to do. To , "care for the orphans...in their distress. " James 1:27. I believe that God has His hand in all of this and when we first got here, I will admit, I had doubts. I doubted God that this is what we were supposed to do! It was such a horrible feeling! I know WHO was putting this in my head! Satan does NOT want us here and does NOT want to see another child go into a loving Christian home! I had my tears and my melt down (and I'm not saying there won't be more) and I think that at times like that it draws you closer to God. I'm asking him to hold us in His arms extra tight today and the rest of our journey. I'm asking him to hold our boys extra tight as well. After skyping them last night and seeing Brady cry when we got off the phone just killed me! I had his sweet face in my head all night. I have never ached more for my boys than I do now! I can take that two ways. 1. That this is the wrong thing to do and that being away from my boys is horrible. Or 2. That God has given us the best family and that we should be honored to have Him loan us such wonderful boys that we DO miss them like crazy and this family is only going to get bigger!

I choose #2!

Please keep us in your prayers. I might blog again later today since there is NOTHING to do here in the rain!


View of Kras on our way in!


Love to all of you!

One More Day!

Attention: PRAYERS NEEDED AND APPRECIATED!!!

The packing is almost done, the kids are almost squared away for next week, the groceries have been bought, the "to-do" list for the grandparents has been typed, the toys have been bought, photo album made, hose have been bought (yes, I have to wear hose...haven't done that in like 10 years), cameras have been charged, fans are fully stocked with batteries (yes, we NEED fans to sleep), every imaginable "travel" trinket is stored in it's rightful spot in our carry on...and here come the tears!

If you don't know my husband and I very well, then you don't know how TERRIFIED airplane travelers we are! To the point of having to fully stock up on Xanax and Dramamine! The nerves have finally settled in the pit of my stomach and tonight I received a sweet email at the most perfect time!

Scott left for work this morning at 3 am because he said his mind was going 90 miles a minute. Then when he arrived at 7 this evening, he felt sick and had to go to bed! So naturally, after I put this kids to bed, I began to cry because I DO NOT function well without Bud! I went to my computer to finish downloading 4 years of photos off our computer (I know, why did I choose now to do this?) An email popped up and it read, "Praying for and loving you and Scott. Just remember, Jesus is walking with you every step of the way. I love the OT references where it talks about God going before us, as well as coming in behind us, and hemming us in! What a picture of His tender care of us. All will be well….live in the moment – remember it all to tell your sweet daughter one day! We are eagerly waiting on this end for you to come home and tell us all about it! "

How did she know I needed that! Instead of freaking out about what shoes to wear when it is raining EVERYDAY we are there and every other worry that is going through my brain! I needed to, "be still, and know that He is God." I have posted this verse before, but lately I have been going nonstop and have forgotten to be still and just listen to what God is telling me!

I'm listening, God!!!!

So, with all that said, we would COVET your prayers right now! We need to be showered with God's crazy peace that only He can give. Please pray for Scott! He is so worried about work and how things will operate while he is away! I know it's in good hands, but when you have a husband that is a bit of a work horse, it leaves doubts in his head. Pray for that little head:)

Also, please pray for our kids and our parents who are caring for them while we are gone. I know everything will be fine, but pray they all stay healthy and there will be no tears from our kids for Mommy and Daddy during the week! That goes for our parents too!

Our plane leaves at 6:45 am Friday morning. We will fly to Atlanta and have a 5 hour layover before we get on a 10 1/2 hour plane ride to Moscow. Once in Moscow, we have a 10 hour layover so we have taken the advice of many other Russian adoptive parents and gotten a hotel room to rest and shower up before our "over night" flight to Krasnoyarsk. Our plane that night (Saturday night, Moscow time) at 9:45 departs for a 4 1/2 hour flight. Since it is a 4 hour time difference, we arrive in Krasnoyarsk Sunday morning at 7:00 am. Yeah, can you say NO sleep!!

Once in Kras, we will have all day Sunday to get our bearings together before we go to the Ministry of Education Monday and hopefully off to see our little princess!

I'm sure I'll blog more once we land in Moscow. I'm hoping to blog all good things!

Oh, and be in prayer for Hurricane Irene to sssllloooowwww down! I'd hate to get delayed in Atlanta!!