Our last night in Moscow and it was Roman's first night out in a restaurant. We met the Denise, David and Ivan for dinner at the TGI Friday's a few blocks from the hotel. Roman's eyes were immediately drawn to the ornaments decking the walls. He and Ivan sat in high chairs, another first--at least for us, and he did very well.
Roman ordered his favorite.....Mashed Potatoes and a glass of milk to wash it down. Since we forgot his spoon and his sippy cup (rookie mistakes) he ate from the tail end of a fork, which worked very well and he sipped from a straw which also worked very well. In fact, Daddy had to pinch off the straw to cut his intake as he tried to inhale the entire glass in one sip.
It was fun watching Roman and Ivan interact and we now wish our friends the Godwin's the best of luck as they will be extending their trip another week, due to the mistake in the paperwork. We are sure it will all work out in the end and just add to their amazing journey.
Tomorrow morning we will head to the airport and cross our fingers that Roman will be well behaved on the 10+ hour flight....wishfull thinking I'm sure. At least it's a morning flight so most of the passengers will not be trying to sleep. Of course we will pack lots of Cheerios for the long journey.
Looking forward to sleeping in our own bed tomorrow and seeing "the Boys".
Love, Carl & Vicki
Friday, January 19, 2007
Thursday, January 18, 2007
HOORAY!!!!!
Today we completed the final steps of the adoption and passport/visa process. Our morning started with a trip back to the passport photo store because they lost the photos from our last trip. But it only took a few minutes and a few more rubles and we were on our way.
The next stop was the US Embassy where Philipp took our adoption certificate and Roman's passport into the embassy to start the processing. Vicki and I would return later in the afternoon to finish the processing.....We were very happy to hear that we didn't have to wait there and we could go back to the hotel for a nap!
Of course there was a diaper change needed and a quick snack before putting Roman into his crib. The little guy cries for a few minutes and when he figures out that no ones coming back he drifts off into lala land...
When we returned to the embassy there were 9 other couples mostly with little boys the same age as Roman. All the boys and girls walked around the waiting room and played while we waited for our exit interview. Roman was in his glory with a room full of comrades.
We were also very thankful that Roman's orphanage was right here in Moscow as we listened to the travel requirements of several of the other couples. Many of them flew 8-12 hours from the states to Russia and then another 8 hours to the Eastern boarder of Russia, almost to Japan. One of the couples flew a totatl of 26 hours and another flew 9 hours and then took a train for 13 hours. All of a sudden, our 10 hours in the air didn't sound so bad. In addition, we, of course hit the jackpot in Moscow with Roman and we would have flown around the world and swam the Atlantic to find him. The orphanage facilitator actually told us that they hid Roman and doctored up his medical records to make his records appear worse then they were (mild rickets and dermetitus from lack of good nutrition and sunshine) in order to keep him available to US citizens where they know they will have a better life. Whatever they did to keep Roman hidden we couldn't be more appreciative and happy that they saved him for us.
Along the nutrional front, Roman is already making up for lost ground. He loves his formula and as we found out all week, he ate everything we gave him. In addition, sunshine won't be a problem and we already have a trip planned to Captiva Island in the spring.
Back to the American Embassy...After a short wait in the waiting room we were called to window #1 for a brief series of questions and a quick review of Roman's medical info to ensure the accuracy of the report. In addition, we were given a sealed envelope which will be turned over at JFK to a US Immigration Officer. The Immigration Officer will then process the documents in the packet which will officially grant Roman his US Citizenship. We are told he is a US citizen the moment the wheels on the plane touch the runway but the paperwork needs to be completed to vefiry and validate the process.
After we returned from the Embassy we all took a much needed nap. About an hour later, Roman let us know he was hungry. After a meal of country veggies and chicken, we stuffed Roman into his blue michelin man like snow suit and took him for a stroller ride a few blocks down and back.
Later in the evening we discovered Roman's favorite food is mashed potatoes. We were astonished at how much he ate and how much he enjoyed them. Now we know what will make him happy at meal time.
Following his mashed potatoes, Mommy changed his diaper and Daddy put him to bed with a sippy cup of formula. He always cries for a minute or two and then, either falls fast asleep or talks to himself for a while and then nods off.
Since we have finally completed our long process, tomorrow we are planning to take a trip to the Gum (pronounced Goom) and Red Square for pictures. The Gum is an enourmous mall like structure that boarders Red Square. What was once a giant thrift like store that now rivals any mall in the states. Think of King of Prussia but stacked into four stories instead of all spread out. We are sure Roman will be well stimulated by all the new sites. Hopefully the weather will be decent and we can take some good photos of him in Red Square with the Kremlin in the backdrop.
With less then 48 hours until we will be back in our home with our baby boy, we are relieved and overjoyed that our family now has a new member. We are also looking forward to introducing Roman to the rest of the family, especially Pop, who Carol tells us is climbing the walls with anticipation.
I am looking forward to my first Sunday afternoon of watching football with my son. Thank you to all our family and friends who have supported us throughout this process and have helped us keep our spirits up when it seemed like we were constantly waiting for word from Moscow. A special thank you to Aunt Debbie who house sat and took care of Oliver and JoJo, among many other things, for each of our three trips to Moscow. Another special thank you to Uncle Joe -- the Apostile, who notarized about a hundred documents for us along the way....By the way Joe, just when we thought we were done with the paperwork we were given a small stack today which are follow up documents and you guessed it........need to be notarized. Finally, a special thank you to Elena/Mom who made the first trip to Russia with us, as our offical translater, photographer and support group, and helped Vicki with every step along the way.
We are looking forward to coming home and introducing Roman to all of you....With Love, Carl & Vicki
The next stop was the US Embassy where Philipp took our adoption certificate and Roman's passport into the embassy to start the processing. Vicki and I would return later in the afternoon to finish the processing.....We were very happy to hear that we didn't have to wait there and we could go back to the hotel for a nap!
Of course there was a diaper change needed and a quick snack before putting Roman into his crib. The little guy cries for a few minutes and when he figures out that no ones coming back he drifts off into lala land...
When we returned to the embassy there were 9 other couples mostly with little boys the same age as Roman. All the boys and girls walked around the waiting room and played while we waited for our exit interview. Roman was in his glory with a room full of comrades.
We were also very thankful that Roman's orphanage was right here in Moscow as we listened to the travel requirements of several of the other couples. Many of them flew 8-12 hours from the states to Russia and then another 8 hours to the Eastern boarder of Russia, almost to Japan. One of the couples flew a totatl of 26 hours and another flew 9 hours and then took a train for 13 hours. All of a sudden, our 10 hours in the air didn't sound so bad. In addition, we, of course hit the jackpot in Moscow with Roman and we would have flown around the world and swam the Atlantic to find him. The orphanage facilitator actually told us that they hid Roman and doctored up his medical records to make his records appear worse then they were (mild rickets and dermetitus from lack of good nutrition and sunshine) in order to keep him available to US citizens where they know they will have a better life. Whatever they did to keep Roman hidden we couldn't be more appreciative and happy that they saved him for us.
Along the nutrional front, Roman is already making up for lost ground. He loves his formula and as we found out all week, he ate everything we gave him. In addition, sunshine won't be a problem and we already have a trip planned to Captiva Island in the spring.
Back to the American Embassy...After a short wait in the waiting room we were called to window #1 for a brief series of questions and a quick review of Roman's medical info to ensure the accuracy of the report. In addition, we were given a sealed envelope which will be turned over at JFK to a US Immigration Officer. The Immigration Officer will then process the documents in the packet which will officially grant Roman his US Citizenship. We are told he is a US citizen the moment the wheels on the plane touch the runway but the paperwork needs to be completed to vefiry and validate the process.
After we returned from the Embassy we all took a much needed nap. About an hour later, Roman let us know he was hungry. After a meal of country veggies and chicken, we stuffed Roman into his blue michelin man like snow suit and took him for a stroller ride a few blocks down and back.
Later in the evening we discovered Roman's favorite food is mashed potatoes. We were astonished at how much he ate and how much he enjoyed them. Now we know what will make him happy at meal time.
Following his mashed potatoes, Mommy changed his diaper and Daddy put him to bed with a sippy cup of formula. He always cries for a minute or two and then, either falls fast asleep or talks to himself for a while and then nods off.
Since we have finally completed our long process, tomorrow we are planning to take a trip to the Gum (pronounced Goom) and Red Square for pictures. The Gum is an enourmous mall like structure that boarders Red Square. What was once a giant thrift like store that now rivals any mall in the states. Think of King of Prussia but stacked into four stories instead of all spread out. We are sure Roman will be well stimulated by all the new sites. Hopefully the weather will be decent and we can take some good photos of him in Red Square with the Kremlin in the backdrop.
With less then 48 hours until we will be back in our home with our baby boy, we are relieved and overjoyed that our family now has a new member. We are also looking forward to introducing Roman to the rest of the family, especially Pop, who Carol tells us is climbing the walls with anticipation.
I am looking forward to my first Sunday afternoon of watching football with my son. Thank you to all our family and friends who have supported us throughout this process and have helped us keep our spirits up when it seemed like we were constantly waiting for word from Moscow. A special thank you to Aunt Debbie who house sat and took care of Oliver and JoJo, among many other things, for each of our three trips to Moscow. Another special thank you to Uncle Joe -- the Apostile, who notarized about a hundred documents for us along the way....By the way Joe, just when we thought we were done with the paperwork we were given a small stack today which are follow up documents and you guessed it........need to be notarized. Finally, a special thank you to Elena/Mom who made the first trip to Russia with us, as our offical translater, photographer and support group, and helped Vicki with every step along the way.
We are looking forward to coming home and introducing Roman to all of you....With Love, Carl & Vicki
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Challenges and Blessings
Today started out with a WHALING Roman at 5:30am....Vicki and I generally don't fall asleep (due to the jet lag and the 8 hour time difference) until about 4am so we were both exhausted and startled and jumped up to greet our baby boy.
We fed him breakfast and changed his diaper and life was good.....Except now there was no going back to sleep. I went to the lounge for a quick breakfast (I delived Vicki a plate and a cup of coffee first) and drank two cups of coffee and a double espresso to wake me up. I then brought Vicki a double espresso. We both at least were now awake and energized (temporarily).
First it was my turn to venture out with Vlad to take care of some paperwork while Vicki stayed with Roman. After a 15 minute walk, two metro (subway) rides, another 5 minute walk and a short car ride, we arrived at a tiny office tucked away in a back alley somewhere in Moscow. I later discovered the purpose of the trip was to turn over (donate) to the orphage a small grant given by the Russian Government to all adoptive parents. After a few signatures we were on our way to the bank. Reminescent of the fabled bread lines, the experience at the bank gave me some insight as to why this process has been so unorganized and long. After standing in one line pushing and shoving, mostly old Babshuka's (old grandma's), I had my turn at the front. Multiple forms and 20 minutes later I was the proud owner of a token. What preytell do I do with a token. Aha, another line. Luckily this one was much shorter and after just a few more minutes I had my cash (from the grant) in hand. After counting the ruples I discovered that I had ventured out on a cold, gray, and windy Moscow winter day (and they said it was pretty nice for this time of year) for a grant of approximately $55o.00 US Greenbacks! So, I left my wife and son for 3 1/2 hours walking miles, taking metros and standing in bread lines for $550!!! I would have paid Vlad the $550 or more, just to stay at the hotel and spend the time with my son!
Anyway, after reversing the journey (actually Vlad got off one stop before me but left me with directions to find my way out of the Metro and back to the main road which leads to my hotel. Luckily, it wasn't too diffcult and I actually made it back.
When I returned to the hotel the lights were out and all was calm.....or so I thought. I managed to nap for about an hour when Roman began to cry and it was close to the time for Vicki to begin her adventure (more paperwork).
Yesterday, we experienced our first poopie diaper (which actually came as a relief because it was his first since we picked him up on Sunday morning. So feeling relieved, together we hapilly changed our son's messy diaper....Well, today we had the experience that all new Father's dread....A real mess (aka blow out!).....We picked up Roman out of his crib and immediately smelled his wonderful gift. Warning: This is not for the faint hearted. He had it everywhere. Up and down his legs, soaked through his t-shirt and his footed onesy, up his back and down his legs. When I pulled off his clothes and saw the mess....I told Vicki "that I will pay you ANYHTING to clean this up. (As I type this we are now sitting in our new upgraded suite--more on that later). So, I stood close by, but not too close, and stuffed the wipes and dirty diaper into a plastic trash bag. We also did what any self-respecting and proud new parents would do...We threw out everything he was wearing. We both agreed it would be much easier, and cleaner, to go to the store and purchase more clothes then to deal with that mess.
So long story short, our son was clean and changed and I gave him a snack of cheerios ( I now LOVE cheerios for what they can accomplish) while Vicki got ready to leave.
I thought well son, here is our first chance to bond as Father and Son and how bad could it be, she'll only be gone a couple of hours....Or so I thought. Things started out just great. Some Cheerios and a mixture of half apple juice and half water to wash it down and we were in business. Next came a game of blocks and I'm thinking that I don't know why Vicki seemed so frazzled from this morning as this is nothing less then fantastic......And then the real fun began. Soon the blocks, the rings, the squeeky toy, the Baby Einstien video, and the Nickalodeon Channel were all exhausted....and I was only 3o MINUTES into my tour of duty. I thought no problem we'll go for a walk around the halls of the hotel. Well two hours later we were still walking. Everytime I put him down or tried to go back to the room he began to scream. Where was Mommy?? Voila, I'll just give him more Cherrios! Well that worked briefly but he only wanted a few. Well, nothing washes down Cheerios like some milk in a sippy cup so away we go....I was begining to think I had this little bugger all figured out but everytime the milk ran out, the crying and screaming began. I knew I could only give him so much milk or he would surely have stomach and or other complications....Oh no, not another blow out.
It was about this time that Roman developed some gas. I thought oh no, not on Daddy's watch. But then I remembered how nice the young concierge (mother of 3--youngest 10 mos. old--aha) had been during my endless laps around the preferred guests floor. I figured I could offer to pay her to change the messy diaper but then I just couldn't live with that...or could I? Well, just when I had resolved to suck it up and do my duty (I first gathered towels--Actually every towel in the room--and wipes and plastic bags and air freshener and began to unbutton my son's outfit. Boy was I relieved to find out it was just gas and a wet diaper. So, I know under my belt my very first solo diaper changing......And couting the minutes until Mommy comes home.
Little did I know that Vicki's adventure was not to disimilar from my own earlier this day. While I continued my marathon around the halls of the hotel, Vicki was sitting in the waiting room of the district Police Office that housed Roman's orphanage. It seems there was a memo that came out just today that changed some of the laws regarding the adoption procedures and the very piece of paper we needed to have signed today. In fact, we were very fortunate that our paperwork was completed today as the other couple we have been taking this journey side by side with were not so fortunate. Their paperwork had a mistake and the Police Boss would not sign it. They may have to extend their trip anywhere from a day or two to a week. Hopefully, Vlad will be able to "lubricate" as he calls it the proper parties and they will expedite the corrected papers and not be too delayed. Vicki also told me that she offered Vlad more "lubricaton" funds somewhere around the two hour mark in the police station waiting room. It seems that only some of the parties accept "donations" and she had to wait another hour.
Vicki later filled me in on her morning with Roman and funny enough, it was a lot like mine. Wondering if our son was really sick, or just scared, or teething, or "training" his new parents, or all of the above. Vicki will have to fill in the details later, so back to my afternoon).
Continued from above: The reply to "I'll pay you anything to clean this up" was that we would trade in our smallish Jr. Suite for a bi-level two bedroom suite where we could have some Roman space and some Mommy & Daddy space. So, while I was waiting for Vicki to come home I packed up our suite and called the concierge to arrange for the moving of our bags.
It was while I was working on the packing that the bonding truly kicked in. I would put some of Roman's clothes and toys into a suit case and he would pull them back out. Well, that continued for quite some time until we both began to laugh and the whiny little bugger smiled at Daddy and held his arms up to be picked up. when I went to put him back down a little later, he began to cry. I no sooner picked up his sippy cup of milk and he turned it off. I thought I would try a little experiment. Sippy cup, quite...no sippy cup, whaling.....sippy cup, quite....no sippy cup, whaling. It was then I discovered that while my son was teeting, had a mild fever and a little congestion, he was just fine! So, I decided to go with a little tough love and let him cry for a little while. In fact, every time he cried I picked him up and held him in front of the mirror and made a crying face myself. Interestly enough he didn't like that and the smiles began once again. I figured that I had given him quite a bit of milk or milk & water mixture that I should change his diaper again before finishing the packing and the move....Now where was Mommy?
I surmised that Vicki's trip was probably similar to my own and decided not to worry just yet (even though she was about an hour or so late). So Roman and I finished the packing together and we started our move accross the floor. When we were just about moved in to our new suite, in came Mommy. Well needless to say Mommy was happy to see Roman and Daddy and Roman and Daddy where happy to see Mommy.
I told my wife that I was worn out and that I needed a break. She laughed at me and simply said "I know".
We then settled in to our new spacious suite and ordered room service for a late dinner. Before settling in I had to run to the 24 hour market a few blocks away for you guessed, MILK! I may be a bit slow on the "parental training" from my son...but I'm no dummy! Whatever works is Daddy's new motto.
Honestly, I wouldn't trade today in for any other day in my life. I learned a few things about being a parent, I bonded with my son, and I successfully bribed Mommy. All in all, while exhausted Daddy did OK....Roman and I had a new understanding and closeness, Mommy was happy, and Daddy had earned some big credits with Mommy.
There is also a relief at the end of today becuase not only did we complete the paperwork today that had the most potential for delay, as our good friends found out, but we have a visit with an American Dr. first thing in the morning and we can make sure that Roman gets any medication that he needs (althogh it may be Mommy and Daddy that leave with the prescriptions).
After the Dr's visit we will stop at Childrens' World (a very large department store for childrens items) Remember we need a new t-shirt, onsey, socks, and bib.....And then we will make a stop to have Roman's passport completed. As we get closer and closer to FINALLY bringing our son home, we are truly counting our blessings and understanding just how lucky we are to have taken this journey.
With Love, Carl & Vicki
We fed him breakfast and changed his diaper and life was good.....Except now there was no going back to sleep. I went to the lounge for a quick breakfast (I delived Vicki a plate and a cup of coffee first) and drank two cups of coffee and a double espresso to wake me up. I then brought Vicki a double espresso. We both at least were now awake and energized (temporarily).
First it was my turn to venture out with Vlad to take care of some paperwork while Vicki stayed with Roman. After a 15 minute walk, two metro (subway) rides, another 5 minute walk and a short car ride, we arrived at a tiny office tucked away in a back alley somewhere in Moscow. I later discovered the purpose of the trip was to turn over (donate) to the orphage a small grant given by the Russian Government to all adoptive parents. After a few signatures we were on our way to the bank. Reminescent of the fabled bread lines, the experience at the bank gave me some insight as to why this process has been so unorganized and long. After standing in one line pushing and shoving, mostly old Babshuka's (old grandma's), I had my turn at the front. Multiple forms and 20 minutes later I was the proud owner of a token. What preytell do I do with a token. Aha, another line. Luckily this one was much shorter and after just a few more minutes I had my cash (from the grant) in hand. After counting the ruples I discovered that I had ventured out on a cold, gray, and windy Moscow winter day (and they said it was pretty nice for this time of year) for a grant of approximately $55o.00 US Greenbacks! So, I left my wife and son for 3 1/2 hours walking miles, taking metros and standing in bread lines for $550!!! I would have paid Vlad the $550 or more, just to stay at the hotel and spend the time with my son!
Anyway, after reversing the journey (actually Vlad got off one stop before me but left me with directions to find my way out of the Metro and back to the main road which leads to my hotel. Luckily, it wasn't too diffcult and I actually made it back.
When I returned to the hotel the lights were out and all was calm.....or so I thought. I managed to nap for about an hour when Roman began to cry and it was close to the time for Vicki to begin her adventure (more paperwork).
Yesterday, we experienced our first poopie diaper (which actually came as a relief because it was his first since we picked him up on Sunday morning. So feeling relieved, together we hapilly changed our son's messy diaper....Well, today we had the experience that all new Father's dread....A real mess (aka blow out!).....We picked up Roman out of his crib and immediately smelled his wonderful gift. Warning: This is not for the faint hearted. He had it everywhere. Up and down his legs, soaked through his t-shirt and his footed onesy, up his back and down his legs. When I pulled off his clothes and saw the mess....I told Vicki "that I will pay you ANYHTING to clean this up. (As I type this we are now sitting in our new upgraded suite--more on that later). So, I stood close by, but not too close, and stuffed the wipes and dirty diaper into a plastic trash bag. We also did what any self-respecting and proud new parents would do...We threw out everything he was wearing. We both agreed it would be much easier, and cleaner, to go to the store and purchase more clothes then to deal with that mess.
So long story short, our son was clean and changed and I gave him a snack of cheerios ( I now LOVE cheerios for what they can accomplish) while Vicki got ready to leave.
I thought well son, here is our first chance to bond as Father and Son and how bad could it be, she'll only be gone a couple of hours....Or so I thought. Things started out just great. Some Cheerios and a mixture of half apple juice and half water to wash it down and we were in business. Next came a game of blocks and I'm thinking that I don't know why Vicki seemed so frazzled from this morning as this is nothing less then fantastic......And then the real fun began. Soon the blocks, the rings, the squeeky toy, the Baby Einstien video, and the Nickalodeon Channel were all exhausted....and I was only 3o MINUTES into my tour of duty. I thought no problem we'll go for a walk around the halls of the hotel. Well two hours later we were still walking. Everytime I put him down or tried to go back to the room he began to scream. Where was Mommy?? Voila, I'll just give him more Cherrios! Well that worked briefly but he only wanted a few. Well, nothing washes down Cheerios like some milk in a sippy cup so away we go....I was begining to think I had this little bugger all figured out but everytime the milk ran out, the crying and screaming began. I knew I could only give him so much milk or he would surely have stomach and or other complications....Oh no, not another blow out.
It was about this time that Roman developed some gas. I thought oh no, not on Daddy's watch. But then I remembered how nice the young concierge (mother of 3--youngest 10 mos. old--aha) had been during my endless laps around the preferred guests floor. I figured I could offer to pay her to change the messy diaper but then I just couldn't live with that...or could I? Well, just when I had resolved to suck it up and do my duty (I first gathered towels--Actually every towel in the room--and wipes and plastic bags and air freshener and began to unbutton my son's outfit. Boy was I relieved to find out it was just gas and a wet diaper. So, I know under my belt my very first solo diaper changing......And couting the minutes until Mommy comes home.
Little did I know that Vicki's adventure was not to disimilar from my own earlier this day. While I continued my marathon around the halls of the hotel, Vicki was sitting in the waiting room of the district Police Office that housed Roman's orphanage. It seems there was a memo that came out just today that changed some of the laws regarding the adoption procedures and the very piece of paper we needed to have signed today. In fact, we were very fortunate that our paperwork was completed today as the other couple we have been taking this journey side by side with were not so fortunate. Their paperwork had a mistake and the Police Boss would not sign it. They may have to extend their trip anywhere from a day or two to a week. Hopefully, Vlad will be able to "lubricate" as he calls it the proper parties and they will expedite the corrected papers and not be too delayed. Vicki also told me that she offered Vlad more "lubricaton" funds somewhere around the two hour mark in the police station waiting room. It seems that only some of the parties accept "donations" and she had to wait another hour.
Vicki later filled me in on her morning with Roman and funny enough, it was a lot like mine. Wondering if our son was really sick, or just scared, or teething, or "training" his new parents, or all of the above. Vicki will have to fill in the details later, so back to my afternoon).
Continued from above: The reply to "I'll pay you anything to clean this up" was that we would trade in our smallish Jr. Suite for a bi-level two bedroom suite where we could have some Roman space and some Mommy & Daddy space. So, while I was waiting for Vicki to come home I packed up our suite and called the concierge to arrange for the moving of our bags.
It was while I was working on the packing that the bonding truly kicked in. I would put some of Roman's clothes and toys into a suit case and he would pull them back out. Well, that continued for quite some time until we both began to laugh and the whiny little bugger smiled at Daddy and held his arms up to be picked up. when I went to put him back down a little later, he began to cry. I no sooner picked up his sippy cup of milk and he turned it off. I thought I would try a little experiment. Sippy cup, quite...no sippy cup, whaling.....sippy cup, quite....no sippy cup, whaling. It was then I discovered that while my son was teeting, had a mild fever and a little congestion, he was just fine! So, I decided to go with a little tough love and let him cry for a little while. In fact, every time he cried I picked him up and held him in front of the mirror and made a crying face myself. Interestly enough he didn't like that and the smiles began once again. I figured that I had given him quite a bit of milk or milk & water mixture that I should change his diaper again before finishing the packing and the move....Now where was Mommy?
I surmised that Vicki's trip was probably similar to my own and decided not to worry just yet (even though she was about an hour or so late). So Roman and I finished the packing together and we started our move accross the floor. When we were just about moved in to our new suite, in came Mommy. Well needless to say Mommy was happy to see Roman and Daddy and Roman and Daddy where happy to see Mommy.
I told my wife that I was worn out and that I needed a break. She laughed at me and simply said "I know".
We then settled in to our new spacious suite and ordered room service for a late dinner. Before settling in I had to run to the 24 hour market a few blocks away for you guessed, MILK! I may be a bit slow on the "parental training" from my son...but I'm no dummy! Whatever works is Daddy's new motto.
Honestly, I wouldn't trade today in for any other day in my life. I learned a few things about being a parent, I bonded with my son, and I successfully bribed Mommy. All in all, while exhausted Daddy did OK....Roman and I had a new understanding and closeness, Mommy was happy, and Daddy had earned some big credits with Mommy.
There is also a relief at the end of today becuase not only did we complete the paperwork today that had the most potential for delay, as our good friends found out, but we have a visit with an American Dr. first thing in the morning and we can make sure that Roman gets any medication that he needs (althogh it may be Mommy and Daddy that leave with the prescriptions).
After the Dr's visit we will stop at Childrens' World (a very large department store for childrens items) Remember we need a new t-shirt, onsey, socks, and bib.....And then we will make a stop to have Roman's passport completed. As we get closer and closer to FINALLY bringing our son home, we are truly counting our blessings and understanding just how lucky we are to have taken this journey.
With Love, Carl & Vicki
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Hi...It's Vicki here....Yep...another sleepless night (it seems that I only get to write in the middle of the night. Now mind you, I am not sleeping NOT b/c of Roman (he hasn't barely moved since he fell asleep! It's good ole jetlag. So here it is...4:30 am....But at least it is nice and quiet! :)
Yesterday was very nice. Once we got Roman back to our hotel room, we tried to let him check out his new surroundings. The little guy is QUICK! He is going to keep us on our toes!
Our first nap: As scheduled, he was to nap at 2:00 - 4:00 so we put him in the crib as we saw them do at the orphanage without and problems. Well, this ain't the orphanage! "WWWWHHHHAAAAA!" That was the very first time I ever heard him cry! UGH....Poor guy! So, we did what we probably shouldn't have, but it just felt like the right thing to do at the time, we put him in our bed and laid down with him. No more crying, a little fidgiting, but soon he feel asleep and slept until 4:00 on the nose! We all kinda woke up around the same time. So cute!
After our nap, we decided to go for a little walk before dinner so we bundled him up like a little Michelien Man and headed out on Tverskaya Blvd for a little stroll. Unfortunately, prior to the trip, there was a little disagreement as to wheather or not we should have brought our travel stroller to Moscow. We didn't and we now wish we did. Carrying 28 pounds after 15 minutes begins to feel like 50! More on that later. :)
Our First Dinner: Roman had milk and lasagna. We ate in the lounge area and Roman behaved really well! GOOD BOY! He ate A LOT! :)
Today I am going with Vlad to get Roman's Passport, It will be a Russian passport which is why we have to go to the American Embassy later to get his permanent Visa for the US. Then he will eventually get an American passport, as well.
Then the fun begins! There is large section here in Moscow called "Children's Row" where we are going to do some serious damamge (SHOPPING)! Well, as much as we can carry back with us. Oh....and we are also getting a stroller there. :)
Thank you all for posting such warm comments and writing such nice emails full of support! We really love getting them! :)
I am going to try to hook up a link that will be able to show pics....wish me luck!
Love, V
Yesterday was very nice. Once we got Roman back to our hotel room, we tried to let him check out his new surroundings. The little guy is QUICK! He is going to keep us on our toes!
Our first nap: As scheduled, he was to nap at 2:00 - 4:00 so we put him in the crib as we saw them do at the orphanage without and problems. Well, this ain't the orphanage! "WWWWHHHHAAAAA!" That was the very first time I ever heard him cry! UGH....Poor guy! So, we did what we probably shouldn't have, but it just felt like the right thing to do at the time, we put him in our bed and laid down with him. No more crying, a little fidgiting, but soon he feel asleep and slept until 4:00 on the nose! We all kinda woke up around the same time. So cute!
After our nap, we decided to go for a little walk before dinner so we bundled him up like a little Michelien Man and headed out on Tverskaya Blvd for a little stroll. Unfortunately, prior to the trip, there was a little disagreement as to wheather or not we should have brought our travel stroller to Moscow. We didn't and we now wish we did. Carrying 28 pounds after 15 minutes begins to feel like 50! More on that later. :)
Our First Dinner: Roman had milk and lasagna. We ate in the lounge area and Roman behaved really well! GOOD BOY! He ate A LOT! :)
Today I am going with Vlad to get Roman's Passport, It will be a Russian passport which is why we have to go to the American Embassy later to get his permanent Visa for the US. Then he will eventually get an American passport, as well.
Then the fun begins! There is large section here in Moscow called "Children's Row" where we are going to do some serious damamge (SHOPPING)! Well, as much as we can carry back with us. Oh....and we are also getting a stroller there. :)
Thank you all for posting such warm comments and writing such nice emails full of support! We really love getting them! :)
I am going to try to hook up a link that will be able to show pics....wish me luck!
Love, V
Roman has landed!
We have our son!!!! We picked up Roman today at noon and brought him back to our hotel room where he is now taking his first nap with his new proud parents.
Before Roman's nap time we played and he ran around the room exploring every nook and cranny. He especially likes looking in the mirror at himself (sounds a lot like Mommy and Daddy)
We are overjoyed and can't begin to express our emotions. We look forward to all the "firsts" with our son and our new family.
We'll keep everyone posted as we progress down this new journey together as Mommy, Daddy and son.
Thanks to all for your thoughts, well wishes and prayers.
Love, Carl & Vicki
Before Roman's nap time we played and he ran around the room exploring every nook and cranny. He especially likes looking in the mirror at himself (sounds a lot like Mommy and Daddy)
We are overjoyed and can't begin to express our emotions. We look forward to all the "firsts" with our son and our new family.
We'll keep everyone posted as we progress down this new journey together as Mommy, Daddy and son.
Thanks to all for your thoughts, well wishes and prayers.
Love, Carl & Vicki
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Who can sleep?
It's 4:00 in the morning and I have been up since 1:00. I probably won't go back to sleep b/c I am WAY too excited!
Today is the day we go get Roman! I can't believe it is finally here! I have to figure out what outfit take with us to the orphanage -- after all, it's his special day! I think I might even celebrate this day each year -- January 14... :)
I also have to pack his diaper bag! OH boy! What to pack? Knowing me, I will overpact and then inevitably forget something important. :)
Check in later today for an update....I am hoping to write more about this special day when Roman takes a nap. :)
Today is the day we go get Roman! I can't believe it is finally here! I have to figure out what outfit take with us to the orphanage -- after all, it's his special day! I think I might even celebrate this day each year -- January 14... :)
I also have to pack his diaper bag! OH boy! What to pack? Knowing me, I will overpact and then inevitably forget something important. :)
Check in later today for an update....I am hoping to write more about this special day when Roman takes a nap. :)
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