Goodness gracious... jet lag kicked my bootie. Once we got to Russia we were a-ok with regards to jet lag. I'm sure it was the anticipation, nerves and craziness but we were able to just keep on keeping on! It's now Wednesday and this is the first day I've felt normal since coming home. Last night we were in bed at 8:30. Ummmm... it was still light out and I STILL haven't watched the season finale of Grey's Anatomy (and don't you dare tell me about it!).
Being home has been great. We missed our own bed and it was so good to see Alex. It's scary when your 16 year old picks you up from the MARTA station in YOUR car. Keith's mom had a hot meal and clean house waiting for us. It was great! We, of course, watching the millions of video we had - once Friday night, once Saturday during the day and once Saturday night. You would think we'd be sick of it, right??? No way Jose! I actually miss hearing that little belly laugh!
We are still hoping for a quick turn around for court. We're planning on 5 weeks, but know it can be longer or shorter. We have lots and lots to do and buy. We've had to adjust our way of thinking from a 2 year old to an almost 3 year old while also keeping into consideration the language barrier! I'm trying to learn some of the phrases we'll need for our return trip. Thanks to K (our translator) and Carey, I've got a pretty good list!
We have decided to make our pick-up trip one big trip instead of splitting it into 2. Our jet lag coming home sealed the deal and knowing that the Peanut is almost 3, we've decided it's important to visit him more and more before Gotcha Day in order for him to get to know us more. I know it will be so hard for him and he'll be grieving so we want to try to make the transition as easy as possible.
I have a post I typed up while we were in Moscow that I'll finish this week. It is all of the general tips/tricks/packing tips, etc... that Keith and I were able to come up with (we have lots of good thinking/talking time on the way to and from the orphanage!). Before I post that, do y'all have any questions you need answers to? Anything specific to Moscow or the first trip or our experiences meeting our child for the first time? Just let me know and I'll incorporate those answers into my already written post.
This weekend is going to be a busy, busy one! We are going to get the Peanut's room ready! We've already taken the rail off of the crib and turned it into a toddler bed but we've decided to rearrange it a bit differently. I also need to decorate the walls, change the doorknob to a locking knob on the closet (all my scrapbook stuff is in there - we seriously lack closet space in this house), Keith needs to finish the trim on the dormer window and lots of other things. I'm also going to go with my step-mom and update my registry and do some shopping for the little guy. RETAIL THERAPY! Wooohoooo!! At least this time my therapy is for a kid I know!
It was so much fun coming back to work and showing pictures to everyone. I find myself calling him "my kiddo" when in reality he isn't mine yet. I guess in my heart he really is mine, we just need the judge to agree! I'm thankful we have some great photos of both of us with him for court. We are lacking some family photos (some are blurry) but worst case, the judge will have some blurry photos! Hmmm... wonder if I can make a picture out of a piece of video. Anyone know?
A big CONGRATS is in order! Our two Moscow buddies have had their GOTCHA DAYS! Karyn and Norm and Dana and Aaron have picked up their little guys, Ilya and Kaden. We're so very, very happy for these forever families!
Alright - I know you've missed my rambling posts and this definitely constitutes rambling! :-)
Becky
P.S. I'm slowly, but surely, catching up on everyone's blogs! I may not comment on them all but know I'm reading! You guys are the best! :-)
20 comments:
Glad you're feeling better - I've been wondering about you guys the past few days! Can't wait to see pics of the Peanut's room - I'm sure it'll be great!! Go watch Grey's!!!!! :) ...and here's hoping for a quick court date!
Glad to know you made it back safely! Traveling East is always more difficult than traveling West! I'm also glad to know that you are going to stay for all of Trip 2, so you can get to know the Peanut better. Or, if nothing else, immerse yourself in his first culture for a little while!
And yeah, you can freeze a video and get a picture. If you want more details, just shoot me an email. :)
I'm a dork. I meant to say traveling WEST is always more difficult than traveling EAST. Who's got the jet lag?? It seems that my brain does!
That is so funny, because we felt just the opposite- traveling there stunk but coming home was decent. We'll have to chat later and figure out why- we'll arecreate your trip there and mine home for trip #2! hehehe
How exciting is that...fixing up the peanut's room when you FINALLY know WHO the peanut is! I cannot WAIT to have the feeling you are experiencing right now. Did you EVER think this day would come? I pray you get a quick court date. The peanut is going to be a very lucky boy.
your friend,
Renae Nodine
I've always thought traveling east was way worse than traveling west! I think part of it is that the trip is generally overnight going to Europe and Russia. Coming back we always got home late afternoon/early evening.
I think you made a good move staying during the 10 day wait. Your peanut will now you much better and will be less scared when you leave the orphanage.
Welcome back to the land of the living! I was starting to worry about you a little but knew you'd post soon. Glad you guys made it back safely.
We're dropping off a care package for you & Keith at the CSS office today. There's LOTS O' STUFF in there for you guys, so have fun rummaging through everything. Toss what you don't want or leave for the next family or your cleaning lady.
Norm & I loved meeting you & Keith. If you're ever in the DC area you need to let us know so you have free room & board. We're praying for a quick court date/reunion with Peanut. Can't wait to celebrate with you!
Good to see your posts and know you are back home safe and sound. I hear you about watching the videos you took thousands of times. They sure are nice to have while you are waiting. How great to do just one more trip..that will be good on so many levels. I'm keeping my fingers crossed your waiting time is short. It's amazing how fast it will go by with so much to do to get ready. I'm so happy for you Becky and can't wait to see pictures!
Glad you are home! Wish I was going to be around for shopping this weekend! Be sure to check out learning express for some good age appropriate toys. There is one across from Northpoint in the Crate & Barrel shopping center. There may also be one at Mall of GA but I don't know the area as well. Also don't forget the Lego store at Discover Mills! Actually lots of good kids stuff at DM. I only go there for kids stuff and shoes...LOL!!
Glad to read you are back with us! Sorry to hear jet lag got you though. Isn't waiting fun. We hope to go back in early July. Have fun really prepping and shopping.
Becky,
I didn't realize you guys were with CHI first. Lots of CSS folks that switched. I used to work with CHI in the Nashville office, such a small world! :)
Anyway, I hear you on the jet-lag thing. I always have more trouble coming back this way. I attribute it to the fact that coming this way you have to function in real-life, not just single focus mode. I don't know, but it kicks my booty every time! :)
Ondrea
I put some Russian language stuff in the mail to you today. Maybe arriving Saturday but probably early next week. So glad you guys are combining the two trips! What a wonderful opportunity to explore Peanut's birth country! Praying for a speedy court date!
Paka!
Dinia
I was silently laughing because you were not posting. I knew that jet lag was weighing you down! I was the same way! Glad your home and have fun putting his room together. Enjoy~
I just came to your blog from another one I have been reading. Our girls are from Lubertsy but were in the hospital not the baby home. You have probably encountered some of the same people we did nearly 3 years ago.
Good luck with the rest of your journey!
I've been following your journey while I am anxiously awaiting my referral. I was told it should be coming any day. I am very interested in your post regarding general items/what to bring, etc...I am also interested in where you stayed in Moscow. If you can email me any info at jaq2002@yahoo.com I would be very appreciative. Congratulations and best of luck!
Jodi
welcome back and glad to see you are easing back to reality. I remember how crazy things were getting all the add'l paperwork done ASAP so you can go back ASAP. Hang in there, now you have a little face to fixate on during this wait. Watch Grey's its good!!!
Glad you are back home safely. Were praying for a quick turn around for you.
I think it's a good idea to stay in Russia after court, travelling is exhausting so it will hopefully give you a chance to get adjusted. How exciting to be getting his room ready. I am praying for a quick court date for you.
Becky:
That feeling you talk abot in the pit of your stomach is called being a mommy and you are missing your baby. I can hardly believe this is all coming to fruition after talking about babies over scrapbooks for so long. The picture of Keith and the baby's hand brought tears to my eyes. Becky, this sounds like it requires extreme organization. It is a good thing it is you out of our group and not me. It just would not happen. All of the travel plans alone make me dizzy just thinking about them! :0 Where are you registered? You and Keith and Peanut are in my prayers.
Love, Cindy
How fun to be setting up the Peanut's bedroom! So soon he will be resting his sweet little head right there! Will photos of the room be coming to a blog near us soon? :)
Post a Comment