The Missing Swerd... is home!

Lona's First Buddy Walk

2011-11-06T15:09:00.000-08:00

We had a great time at our first Buddy Walk and we were honored to help represent Reece's Rainbow.

Lona played a little soccer and baseball.

She had so much fun running the bases!

Lona made some new friends.

You wouldn't believe some of the stories they were telling.

Who is this cute girl?

Hey, it's me?

Lona met a lot of really nice volunteers from the National Charity League.

And had lots of Bounce House fun!!!

Pumpkin Patch Fun!!!

2011-10-24T13:59:00.000-07:00

Lona had her first field trip today to Tanaka Farms! She had such a great time, and enjoyed everything from picking out the perfect pumpkin...

...to the wagon ride...

... to the petting zoo!

Lona was so glad to see her little four-legged friends.

Yes, she is brushing the goat.

Then it was time for picking vegetables (onions, carrots, and radishes),

and a run through the corn maze.

I am so glad she had such a great day today!

See Ya Summer!

2011-08-27T23:24:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the fun!

Lona went to Camp TECHie this summer at TASK (Team of Advocates for Special Kids) and had a great time. The goal of Camp Techie is to help reinforce social skills, academic skills, and gross and fine motor skills with the use of assistive technology (computers, iPads, and Wii), arts and crafts projects, and group activities.

Making new friends.

We went to the San Diego Zoo and unfortunately were only able to see the goats in the petting zoo before we had to leave. We just hate it when one of our backs go out. I'm glad that Lona was able to enjoy her visit, however brief it may have been.

Who knew goats were just the right size to do this?

And this.

And this.

Hey, are you paying attention?

We made up for it with some yummy pizza with Daddy overlooking San Diego Bay.

Lona enjoyed the Orange County Fair and getting to see all kinds of creatures, both big...

... and small

and everyone in between.

They were sharing a moment.

Her first pony ride was a huge hit. Lona loved it and did not want to get off,

and the funnel cake disappeared in record time.

Girls night out. Lona thoroughly enjoyed her first trip to the Hollywood Bowl. Every year we see John Williams conducting the Los Angeles Philharmonic and like a true Swerdfeger, she loved the music.

Wow! So much fun in just one summer! Next up... preschool!!!

It's Picnic Time

2011-07-09T15:57:00.000-07:00

If anyone was wondering, Lona loves picnics. We attended two picnics this summer and she had the BEST TIME EVER!!! The first picnic was the Down Syndrome Association of Orange County's Annual Summer Family Picnic. The other picnic was for Nightlight Christian Adoptions Summer Reunion Picnic. Nightlight had sponsored a group of children ages 9-14 from a detsky dom (children's home) in Ukraine this summer and they performed traditional Ukrainian folk songs and dances at the picnic as well as various local churches and even Disneyland.

Here are a few of the many fun picnic firsts:
- Water balloon toss

- Limbo

- Hula hoops

You start like this.

::: SIGH::: Those big kids made this look so easy!

- Water Games

- Bounce House

Bounce house again... after water games

Whew! That's a lot of fun and we can't wait to do it all again next year!

Beat the Heat

2011-07-06T18:57:00.001-07:00

Last week when we went to the beach the waves were too big and except for getting our feet wet, we were not able to go in the water. Let's just say that Lona was not happy. Today, I decided it we should head over to Newport Dunes and enjoy the bay.

She was so silly. Every time I would hand her a shell, she would immediately throw it into the water.

Lona had a great time.

We also squeezed in a haircut. I can't believe how long her hair has gotten.
Before

After

Let the Swim Lessons Begin

2011-07-05T17:59:00.000-07:00

Lona had her first swim lesson today. I have been taking her to the pool to get her used to it and thankfully she loves the water. I was so excited for her to finally start her lessons.

Meeting Miss Sally

Practicing blowing bubbles.

Trying the noodle out.

Practicing her kicking.

Look at those good little kickers.

Back float (aka starfish)

Happy 4th of July!!!

2011-07-04T13:13:00.000-07:00

Brian and the girls are out of town this week, so Alyona and I celebrated Independence Day with American traditions. Family BBQ last night with Lona's aunt and uncles and her first parade today.

Who knew that there were so many DeLoreans there was enough to form a club?

Lona is convinced my sisters dogs are horses. I guess that is what we get for having a chihuahua. I'm glad we got to see horses in the parade so she could see the difference.

Her first firetruck up close.

I am thankful for the gal who took our picture together.

At the parade a lady came up to me and showed me a picture of her daughter (with a little something extra) when she was Lona's age. They looked like the could be sisters! We had a good long chat talking about the adoption and she gave me lots of practical advice.

My poor girls. They look like the are missing me so very much. I hope they can try to have a little bit of fun without me. Haha!

Lona the Fashion Model?

2011-07-01T23:23:00.000-07:00

Alyona was first spotted outside of Häagen-Dazs in Downtown Disney. She was wearing a cute purple top with denim shorts.

Lona was next spotted waiting in line for Flik's Flyers in a pink and peach floral sundress. Very cute, her pink sunglasses accessorized her outfit nicely.

Lona was then spotted in the Princess Dot Puddle Park. She and the sundress were both completely soaked to the bone (you are going to have to trust me on this one) and due to the heat, I was just a tiny bit jealous.

She was loving on a new friend, Arrow, a psychiatric service dog.

Lona was spotted on the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in outfit number three. The Mickey inspired madras sundress was very cute and a nice way to end the day at the Happiest Place on Earth!

"Three Outfit Kind of Days" happen.

6 MONTHS HOME ! ! !

2011-06-30T21:10:00.000-07:00

It is amazing to think that Alyona has been home with our family for 6 months! It has gone by so quickly and she has learned and experienced so much. Lona is such a sweetheart and she has fit into our family beautifully. It has been fun to be able to watch her and discover some of her favorite things, such as...

The Beach

Water play time

Easter baskets, easter eggs, and yummies.
Yes, that is Christmas wrapping paper in the background.

Bubbles

Just look at that face. Too cute!

Eating out at restaurants. Mmmm, Rockin' Baja.
Lona will have a Baja Bucket, please.

Enjoying a baseball game with Daddy.

... and with her baby.

Watching the fish at the pet store.

and the birds too!

Lona especially loves when I get distracted and she decides to serve herself seconds.

KELSEY'S BACCALAUREATE

During the Baccalaureate, Lona was busy lap-hopping between Grandpa and the uncles and aunts. She didn't want anyone to feel left out.

KELSEY'S GRADUATION
Congratulations Kelsey!

Sisters!

Hanging out with Daddy and Grandpa!

DISNEY'S CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE
It was our first time in A Bug's Land. Lona took me on Heimlich's Chew Chew Train, Flik's Flyers, and Ladybug Boogie, but she had the most fun at Princess Dot Puddle Park. She got completely drenched and loved every minute of it!

FATHER'S DAY
Lona loves Grandpa and going to eat out at Islands. Mmmm, she highly recommends their Hawaiian Burger.

And spending the day swimming with Papa and Kelsey. Lona tried jumping into the pool. Ok, I had to help her, but she loved it! She kept climbing out so she could do it again and again!

Lona really loves the pool.

I know where we will be spending most of our time this summer.

PLAYING IN (WITH) THE SPRINKLERS
I turned on the hose for Lona to play in.

Kelsey decided that Lona needed a lesson on how to run through the sprinklers. What a good big sister.

TECH CENTER AT TASK (Team of Advocates for Special Kids)
Lona was able to try out different computer software...

and different keyboards.

Some keyboards were a lot more fun than others.

Hello, this Lona. How may I help you?

FISHFEST 2011
Our family loves music and we enjoy when we are able to take in a concert where we get to see several of our favorite artists. This year we were looking forward to seeing David Crowder Band, Third Day, and Mercy Me.

In between the performances, Lona would take out the iPad and work on her colors, shapes, and numbers (Preschool Prep Co.).

Lona was so cute! She had such a great time dancing to the music, waving to all of the people, and fist bumping anyone within reach.

I love my girls!!!

I can't wait to see what the next 6 months have in store for us!

First JANA Concert ! ! !

2011-06-17T10:10:00.000-07:00

Oh... my! This face doesn't even begin to tell you how much fun Alyona had at the Jana Alayra concert. We headed out to Temecula to see Jana (and Ella) for a night of music and fun.

The four-year olds were the first group that were able to join Jana up on stage. I must admit, at first Lona wasn't sure what she signed up for.

But once Jana started singing and doing the motions, Lona knew exactly what to do. Lona definitely rocked "Absolutely Nothing!"

Lona was so excited to get to meet Jana after the concert!

When Brian travels I put in Jana's video for her. Lona gets so happy to see her Papa playing guitar. My older girls loved Jana when they were Lona's age and I am so happy that Jana is still going strong. Thanks Jana for all you do!

Thank You Ella...

2011-06-13T22:46:00.000-07:00

For a great day at the beach today!

Alyona had her first play date! Lona and Ella were so cute together.

They were even practicing their synchronized bucket dumping.

These two precious girls were so adorable together.

Thank you Denise (Ella's mama) for the invite, we had such a great time.

Thank you all for your prayers!

2011-05-03T21:29:00.001-07:00

We are happy to have Alyona home.

I'm pretty sure she knew something was up, because last night she was still awake at 11:00pm. This morning she seemed excited, like we were going on an early morning adventure. If she only knew.

At 5:45 in the morning, we pretty much had the place to ourselves. We tried to squeeze in some last minute fun before being admitted and the seriousness began.

We were surprised to have a visitor first thing. Sadie waited very patiently on the chair while Alyona first got an IV.

Sadie was such a sweetheart. I really appreciate all of the volunteers with pet therapy dogs.

After Alyona's procedure, we had the job of keeping her flat and still. Wow, no easy feat. After a couple of hours she was transferred from recovery to her room. The one time I had my back turned, she lifted her leg up and her incision started bleeding heavily. The new nurse had to apply direct pressure for 25 minutes. Lona understandably did not like this one bit. Finally, after four hours of lying flat (aka child torture), she was extremely relieved when she was finally allowed to sit up. Poor little girl was hooked up to more wires than my VCR.

She brought a few souvenirs home. They were not exactly the type of stickers she was hoping for.

She was definitely glad to be home and to get kisses from her puppy.

We would appreciate your prayers for a speedy recovery.

Heading off the Hospital

2011-05-03T05:19:00.000-07:00

... to repair the hole in Alyona's heart. Prayers are greatly appreciated!

Take Me Out to the Ballgame!!!

2011-04-23T23:36:00.000-07:00

Alyona has finally experienced America's favorite pastime. Friday night, our family was able to go to a baseball game and enjoy watching the Padres play. Lona looked so cute in her Padres jersey. Oh, and she really loved the playground they have at Petco Park.

Sisters are very good for teaching Lona all things baseball, such as rooting for the home team (Go Padres!), as well as experiencing yummy things such as peanuts and Cracker Jack.

Lona had such a great time hanging out with her daddy.

Everyone has such busy schedules, it was great to be able to all be together and I can't wait until we can do it again!

Happy Birthday Kelsey!!!

2011-04-18T21:20:00.000-07:00

Alyona has had a few more doctor's appointments recently. The ophthalmologist said that Lona does need glasses, but he will wait until her birthday in September before getting her glasses.

Her pediatrician and the international adoption specialist had both mentioned an innocent heart murmur. Well, we visited the cardiologist and the cardiogram showed a VSD. We have her appointment scheduled at the cath lab at our local children's hospital. If anyone has had any experience, please let me know what to expect.

We had another birthday. Kelsey turned 18 and she also wanted to spend the day at Disneyland.

Lona was so funny! She saw her reflection in the pole of the merry-go-round and started making faces. Too cute!

It was almost 90 degrees and Kelsey thought we needed some ice cream. Lona thought that was a great idea!

Kelsey had waited so long for her special birthday dinner! It was definitely worth the wait.

Happy 18th birthday Kelsey !

We all love getting to spend time with family. Gotta love the aunt and uncles.

Lona

2011-04-05T22:54:00.000-07:00

Look who does not need her pants rolled up anymore!
Alyona has been busy GROWING (she has grown two inches!).

Kira found even more Masha and the Bear videos for Lona on iTunes, so they checked out the new episodes together.

Kira was making a snack and Lona kept cruising by for samples.

Bella noticed Lona was getting lots of yummy treats, so she thought she would give it a try.

We had another birthday in the family. This time it was Brian's birthday...

which only can mean one thing... well two. Chocolate cake and Grandpa!

Brian thought it would be fun to celebrate his birthday by taking Lona on her first trip to Disneyland.

You can tell she is not too sure what to expect on the carousel.

Lona is so funny, she liked it so much she did not want to get off.

Kelsey thought a spin on the Teacups would be a good idea. Again, the face says, "I'm not sure about this".

Oh my, Lona loved the Teacups!

Lona has been to her first real tea party and she was the guest of honor! The young ladies who held a bake sale to help with our fundraising to bring Alyona home, invited her to attend their annual tea party. They loved getting the chance to meet her!

The leader gave Alyona a Busy Bible. It is the cutest thing and she just loves it!

Kelsey decided Lona needed her first visit to Sea World. After looking at the sharks and penguins it was off to the Wild Arctic to see...

polar bears, beluga whales, and walruses.

I couldn't get over how much she LOVED the Shamu show.

After one of her doctor's appointments, we decided to go back to Disneyland. That is the beauty of living only 22 miles away.

Lona loved the carousel.

I love her dimples.

Lona loves spinning on the Teacups more than the carousel!

What a great face!

She was having such a great time I thought it would be a good idea to introduce her to Mickey! I just love how her arm is draped over his hand.

We also had the pleasure of seeing Kelsey sing with her choir. It was nice to finally have Lona get to see her perform since we are driving her to rehearsal all the time.

With the unseasonably warm weather, I thought we should head back to the beach for Lona's first picnic.

You can tell that she was much more excited about getting her feet in the ocean than eating. I can't believe how long her hair is getting.

Needless to say we have been busy, but we are all having a great time!

Beach Baby!

2011-03-09T21:21:00.000-08:00

We have all been having such a great time experiencing the many "firsts" with Alyona. Today was such a beautiful day, I decided her first trip to the beach was in order.

Alyona had a great time in the water and playing in the sand.

I can't wait until I get to take my little beach baby back!

Every Day Should be Park Day!

2011-02-04T14:40:00.000-08:00

Alyona loves going to the park. It has been fun to see her explore the different activities on the playground equipment. She recently discovered that if you rattle the chimes they make noise!

She also loves to discover the different leaves and seedpods that have fallen from the trees. Today's activity was seeing how far she could throw the spiky seed balls.

This evening I look over and Alyona has put her baby's pacifier in her mouth. Curiosity must have gotten the better of her. It didn't stay in long, but it sure did crack me up.

One Month Home!!!

2011-01-30T09:55:00.000-08:00

Alyona has had a lot of fun this past month, but I must say that we have had just as much fun watching her meet new friends and family, learn, and explore her surroundings.

What a cutie!

Playing

Meeting the cousins

Waiting
Not fun, but Alyona dazzled everyone in the waiting room while waiting to get her x-rays taken.

Shopping
Alyona loved that she got to push her own shopping cart at the market.

Splashing in the pool

Eating ice cream
Someone couldn't wait for the picture to be taken before digging in. I'm not naming any names, but...

Helping

Celebrating Kira's 20th birthday

Laughing

Exploring

Visiting the San Diego Zoo

Alyona Goes to NAMM

2011-01-14T22:36:00.000-08:00

Brian has been away at the NAMM Show, a music tradeshow here in southern California, and Alyona has been missing him big time! She will call his name, looking for him at home, even though he is not there. We decided we needed to give that little girl some Papa time so we took her to the show to see him.

It was so cute to see how excited she was to see him!

It was great to see so many of Brian's friends and fellow employees who have been following our story and praying for us, to be able to finally get to meet the little sweetie that had stolen our heart.

We were able to go out to dinner together after the show. When everyone was finished eating I look over and what do I see? Alyona, arms folded, just like her Papa. Too cute!

Alyona is doing amazing!

2011-01-13T19:33:00.000-08:00

We just love being able to see her explore and discover.

She loves being my little helper in the kitchen. She really enjoys helping me add the ingredients and mix everything from waffle batter to cornbread.

Alyona loves Bella and is constantly blowing her kisses. Bella has begun returning the affection.

The very first time Alyona touched Brian's goatee, you should have seen the look on her face. You could tell by her expression that she was definitely not sure about it. Well, now when she touches it, she seems more interested and less disgusted.

Why is it that the packaging is always so much more fun than what was inside.

The weather has been wonderful and we have been taking advantage of it by going to the park as much as possible. I just love Aly in her "Life is good" t-shirt.

We are thrilled that Alyona is doing so well and we are so lucky to have her cheerful smile with us everyday!

Welcome Home, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year Alyona!

2011-01-04T22:26:00.000-08:00

We spent January 1st, watching The Tournament of Roses Parade, opening Christmas presents and being together as a family.

I just love how much she loves her papa and how excited she gets when she is with him!

We noticed that Aly has a tendency to copy what we do. Well, we didn't realize that included what our dog, Bella, did as well. Bella got out of her bed and Aly quickly seized the opportunity to hop right in.

I swiffered the floors in this morning and as soon as I was done, Aly spent the day re-swiffering the floors for me. She even got upset when I put it away so we could go to the park... funny girl!

We are really enjoying getting to learn all about Alyona.

Fun at the Park!

2010-12-31T22:19:00.000-08:00

It is GREAT to be home!
Alyona spent the day exploring our park and had a great time.

And what girl doesn't love taking her dog for a walk?

We are thrilled to be making new memories and are planning on a very Happy New Year! A special thank you to Kira for being our official photographer.

Day 35: Home Sweet Home

2010-12-30T20:17:00.000-08:00

Swerdfeger - party of five!

One year ago today April asked me if I was interested in adoption. Not just any adoption, either. She had on her heart an orphan with special needs, who lived half-a-world away.

As I read the description of a little girl who loved to laugh and read, my heart jumped. For so long we had discussed our desire for a larger family. For so long we had tried. For so long we had prayed, and prayed. Could it be that God's answer was this little one with an extra chromosome who really was half-a-world away?

Yes.

That was my answer to God, and to April.

Yes, we should adopt.

Yes, Alyona was the one.

Yes, I had no idea what we were in for.

It has been the hardest thing we have ever done, and yet the most rewarding. God has stretched us, and blessed us beyond measure. He has grown us, and shown us His grace and mercy.

A year ago we did not have any paperwork started, we did not have the money, we had no experience in adoption.

Today there is one less orphan in the world.

Today Alyona has a family.

Today she and momma arrived home.

If God is speaking to your heart about adoption, today is the day to say yes.

If God is calling you to help finance an adoption, today is the day to give.

If you have prayed for us and Aly, today is the day to praise God and give Him thanks.

What a year it has been!

Day 34: We're in London!

2010-12-29T13:54:00.000-08:00

Alyona is a pretty good traveler. She fell asleep in the car on the way to the airport, so I knew that a mid-flight nap was not going to happen. Oh well. Other than not liking the airline food and having to keep her seatbelt on, she did really well. We started off by reading the book Airport by Byron Barton, which is a favorite in our family.

Aly worked on some coloring projects.

Towards the end of the flight, I noticed she was getting a rash on her face. Poor girl. So many new things, I have no idea what caused it.

We made it to London and she was a bit concerned when she saw our room. I on the other hand was ecstatic! I figured she had to be as hungry as I was, so we were off on a mission. With a little food in her tummy she perked right up.

I turned on the music for Aly and she fell asleep before her head hit the pillow.

I am looking forward to finally being home and with my family. I never could have imagined what the past 34 days being away from home would have been like, but when I look at Aly I know it is all worth it!

Day 33: We Have the Visa!!!

2010-12-28T07:35:00.001-08:00

We are so excited that we finally have Alyona's visa. To celebrate we played a game of volleyball/soccer. Aly won!

While at the embassy, it was great to be able to meet several other families that were adopting. We ran into The Birschbach's (Jill and her friend Debbie). It was great to get to see Elijah! We also got to see The Hansen's (Mark and Melanie) and their beautiful daughter Maia! It would have been such a great photo op, but unfortunately you have to hand over your camera when you enter the embassy.

We are so excited about finally being able to come home. Kelsey was sweet enough to delay her Christmas baking, so we would have fresh Christmas cookies to come home to (such a sweetie!).

Day 32: It's the Final Countdown!!!

2010-12-27T05:49:00.000-08:00

Can we PLEASE go home now? Soon, very soon!

The end is in sight and the final countdown has begun!!!

3 - (Monday) This morning we went to our appointment at the embassy for our document intake and then went to Alyona's medical appointment.

2 - (Tuesday) We have our final appointment at 11:00 at the embassy to pick up Alyona's visa.

1 - (Wednesday) We fly to London.

0 - (Thursday) We arrive home ! ! !

Day 31: Just Hanging Out

2010-12-26T11:21:00.000-08:00

Alyona had a rough night last night, so we decided that we would have a mellow day, just hanging out in the apartment. The fact that it was snowing outside solidified our decision.

We were able to skype with our family last night. It was great to see Brian at home with our girls and Aly was thrilled to see Papa again. My girls looked relieved to finally have him back home and immediately put him to work on flood duty. All of the rain in southern California can stop at anytime. Please!

Well today, Aly spent a good portion of the day listening to music while looking through our photo album, pointing to everyone. I think being able to skype has made these people in the photos finally seem to click with her.

We had a surprise visitor who came bearing gifts. Our facilitator dropped off Aly's passport and birth certificate for us to take to the embassy in the morning. Yay!!! It is such a great feeling to finally have these in my hand. It such an amazing feeling seeing our name on her birth certificate. She was abandoned in the hospital and never had visitors, but yet I wonder if her parents think about her. My heart breaks for her birth mom, who carried her, and loved her, but was probably unable to care for her. I am so thankful for the privilege to be her mom.

I am so excited that we are another day closer to bringing Alyona home!

Day 30: Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T12:51:00.001-08:00

Sorry for the short post, but it is better than no post.

Good news, Alyona's passport is in.

Here is an update on where we stand: Monday 9:00am embassy appointment for document intake and her medical appointment. Tuesday we should receive her visa. Wednesday fly to London. Thurday fly home.

Alyona took me to Mandarin Plaza today so she could burn off some energy and so she would have a good nap.

I actually miss the snow. It's been warm and drizzling and this is all of the snow that is left.

We had the pleasure of having lunch today with Meredith and the newest members of her family, Aleksa and Wesley. She suggested having a Christmas lunch together at TGIFridays and I am so glad that she did. She wrote a post today titled, The 12 Things of Home That I Look Forward To... and it is so true. It is as if I wrote it myself.

This would be Aly's "I just dozed off, how dare you wake me up look." She dozed off for 2 minutes... kiss that nap goodbye! It never happened. Oh well, it's Christmas after all.

We take an elevator to the sixth floor and then have to climb a flight of stairs to our apartment. I am so thankful Aly will sit and wait for me while I carry up her stroller, groceries, etc.

Please pray for Aly. This afternoon I noticed that she is getting sick (coughing, sneezing, and sounding rattly). Poor girl, she sounds miserable.

Day 29

2010-12-24T12:19:00.001-08:00

We have an emergency at home and Brian needs to get home ASAP! He called the US embassy first thing this morning, which we knew was closed for Christmas Eve. Thankfully, he was able to get a hold of someone and explain our situation. They were kind enough to call the person in charge of our visa and that person was thoughtful enough to come in so Brian could sign the documents needed for him to be able to leave. Thank you Lord! They were appreciative that we had our forms already printed out and completed. Brian was able to go straight to the airport and catch his flight to London. Whether he could get a flight home from there was yet to be determined.

Alyona and I decided to break out a new toy we had found for her. Her caretaker at the baby home had told us about it and we were happy we were able to find one. We were both learning our Ukrainian letters and words.

Another first for Aly. We watched Winnie the Pooh together before bedtime. I forgot how much I love that Bear of Very Little Brain.

Brian just called me from London to say he was finally able to get a flight home on Christmas Day!

Your prayers for Brian's back and my daughter, Kira would be greatly appreciated.

Merry Christmas!

Day 28: First Day of Freedom (in Kyiv)

2010-12-23T12:15:00.000-08:00

Today we decided to go for an adventure to find Mandarin Plaza and TGIF / Il Patio. We had a basic map, a stroller, and a brisk 30 degree (F) partly cloudy day, so we bundled up and off we went. The walk was fine, the traffic was nuts, and we found it without any drama or detours!

We scoured the market for something to light the gas stove back at the apartment, but after much charades and limited language skills, we are still without a way to light the burners. We'll deal with that later, because we had our hearts set on some yummy italian food at Il Patio for lunch.

Aly had a great time with her first restaurant experience. She loved looking at the menu, and ate well from every item we ordered. We even had enough left-overs to warm up in the microwave for dinner.

Our apartment in Kyiv is in a different area this stay, and it's located on the sixth floor above this crazy intersection:

Between Aly all over the bed, and the cars honking, April did not get any sleep last night. After we got home from our lunch adventure the girls crashed for a quick nap.

After nap Aly and I watched the Jana Alayra In Concert video, and Aly started to do the hand motions!

After the video it was bath time, then time for dinner. We skyped the girls back at home, and then it was time for all to sleep.

Tomorrow we should receive Aly's passport, and we're scheduled for our Embassy appointment (to apply for travel visa) first thing Monday morning. Please continue to pray for strength as we have been away from home for a month now, for my back (it's really sore and hard to walk), and give God the glory for all He has done to bring us this Christmas miracle!

Day 27: GOTCHA DAY!!!

2010-12-22T14:47:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

I wanted to update you all and let you know that after a busy morning of running errands, my parents went to Aly's baby home for the last time! At approximately noon their time, they dressed Alyona in her very own new clothes, said goodbye to all of her caretakers, and left to begin the next part of their adventure. They stopped by the passport office, and were informed that Aly would be receiving the new, blue passport. The good news is that instead of waiting for 4-5 days, it will be ready on Friday. They are all now in the capital, and will be staying there through Christmas. They received appointments at the U.S. Embassy at the beginning of next week, and so should be home in a week.

Thank you so much for your prayers and words of encouragement throughout this journey. Pictures and more info will be posted once my parents get some much needed rest! By the way... I cannot tell you how excited Kelsey and I were when we got to Skype with them this morning (evening their time) and see Aly live for the first time!

Kira

Day 26: Big sigh – no passport, no gotcha

2010-12-21T11:00:00.000-08:00

First of all, praise God for the prayers of the faithful - we got part of the way done today:

– we recieved the final court decree - Alyona is officially a Swerdfeger!

– we were able to get Alyona's new birth certificate with April and I listed as parents

– we were able to get her tax ID done

– we were able to close out her bank account and donate the funds to the orphanage

– we were able to visit her again this evening

But... no passport. We were told that the office where the passports are issued was without electricity today and had to close. No passport, no gotcha.

So our biggest prayer remains unanswered - and we humbly ask you to continue to pray for the same-day (Red) passport. We will be going to the office around 10am local time on Wednesday the 22nd, and Lord willing He will see fit to bless us with a quick resolution. Once we have it, we will go to the baby house, get Aly dressed in her new clothes, and "gotcha!"

What this means

We had to ask for our Embassy visa appointment to be rescheduled. The embassy will be closed on Friday for Christmas Eve, so we're praying we can get her visa processed before then and we can find room on a flight to London on Friday, and still get home on Christmas Day. Otherwise we will be here another week as the embassy will not be open again until Monday.

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In other news...

Last Thursday, after the first Nickolai program, we were approached by a reporter from the local newspaper. She had heard we were adopting a special needs child and wanted to learn more of our story and family. She returned on Friday and we did a full interview. She remarked how surprised she was to watch us watching Aly in the program - she said we "beamed" just like parents. "Of course, she is our daughter!" we replied. She was amazed by our story, and happy that a "child like this" will have a better life. Tonight (Tuesday 12/21) she came back again to take photos of the three of us together for the article. Please pray God uses this story to touch hearts and bless others, especially the children waiting for forever families!

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Prayer requests:

– same day passport

– embassy appointment and visa before they close for Christmas and the weekend

– pray for our 17 year old (Kelsey) who has a nasty cold (and momma who wishes she could be home to care for her!)

Day 25: Prayer Requests

2010-12-20T11:22:00.000-08:00

Dear friends, tomorrow (Dec 21st) is going to be a crazy day and we need your prayers today/tonight! For those in the adoption world, it is known as "the paperchase" and "Gotcha Day." So many things need to go right tomorrow for us to have a chance to fly home on Christmas Day, so please pray:

1. that all paper work is complete, accurate, and readily available.

2. for the RED (same day) Passport

3. for Alyona as we remove her from the only place she has ever known

4. for strength and travel mercies for April, Aly and myself

5. for God to be praised and glorified in this adventure!

The PASSPORT is the big deal - without the old-style same-day passport it will add another week or more to our journey, and we want to be home!

We have a scheduled appointment with the US Embassy on Wednesday and Thursday, but we need all of the paperwork to be done, and to have Alyona's passport in hand.

IF God through his grace and mercy see's fit to answer these prayers, we would fly to London on Friday, and to home on Christmas Day.

What a Christmas miracle that would be!

Day 24: Brrr!!!

2010-12-19T11:14:00.000-08:00

We are so close, we are finally able to see the end in sight. Only one more day of visits! I can't believe that our paper chase begins on Tuesday (12/21)! We are praying that we will be able to get everything accomplished in one day (our facilitator thinks it's possible) and head back to the capital the same day.

Today, our taxi driver decided to drop us off (kick us out) across the street. Gee, thanks! I am really wishing I had bought boots before our trip. One step and my Dansko's were filled with snow.

When we arrived, all of the children were heading outside. They saw a worker shoveling snow and wanted to try it. Guess who thought it was the greatest fun. Any chance I could get her a shovel and pile of snow for Christmas?

All of the other children went for a walk. Alyona wanted to go four-wheeling. She would get just out of arms reach and crash. She loved it, as she kept doing it over, and over, and over again.

Somebody found a cute little Santa hat lying around. She is so cute, I can't stand it!

On our way to our taxi, I befriended this cute cat. I gave him some lovin' and we became best friends. He followed me like a little puppy. Poor cold kitty.

Alyona could own her own demolition team. She will personally make sure no block (hers or others) are left standing.

I was thrilled to be able to watch our church service online this evening. Kelsey, I saw you singing in the choir!!!

Several RR families are stuck in Germany, unable to make it here, due to the huge storm that rolled in. Two families are to have their paper chase on Tuesday as well (different regions). Please pray that they will be able find a way to get here, so that they two can finish up and not delay their adoption any longer than necessary.

Day 23: Meeting Two of Aly's Friends

2010-12-18T03:54:00.000-08:00

One afternoon, while playing with Aly in the visiting room, she heard music coming from the play room. Immediately she jumped up and started to wave "paka" like she was telling us it was time to go. "But sweetie, it's not time yet" we tried to tell her. But she had other plans.

As it turned out, it was video time in the playroom, and you can see what happens next:

We were pleasantly surprised when we met her friends Masha...

..and the Bear!

Once back in the apartment we started searching for what we had just seen. Here's what we found: Masha and the Bear is a tradional Russian fairy tale that has been turned into modern animation. We've seen 4 or 5 episodes, and they are all simple and fun. Of course, they are in Russian, but easy enough to follow the story line, and Aly loves them! With a little more searching, Kira and Kelsey found the videos on iTunes, and they have English subtitles. Woo Hoo!

If you have a little one from this part of the world, you might like to show them this...

Day 22: Showtime!

2010-12-17T03:30:00.000-08:00

Today we were blessed with a taste of Alyona's culture... pre-school style. No groundhog day today, no siree! Good thing we arrived right on time, as it was a full house - standing room only! We were quickly ushered into the second row. In front of us sat the governor, mayor, another dignitary in a suit, and the orphanage director. Behind us were 30+ benefactors, sponsors, media, and the entourage of government dignitaries - as well as doctors, nurses, and other orphanage staff.

As the music started the cast (groupas) started to arrive, followed by all sorts of staff members in costume. We were in for a treat! It's got to be very rare that adoptive parents ever get to see this once a year event, and we were happy to have such a wonderful diversion from our daily routine.

Alyona was as beautiful as ever in her fancy dress...

The program had singing, dancing, and speaking lines. Of course, we could not understand a single word! It started with the "Dance of the Stuffed Animals"...

Then an invitation for Nickolai to come, "Ni-co-lai, Ni-co-lai." But no, it is not yet time because first we must have the "Dance of the Tinsel Wand"

This was followed by a couple of the kids going up to recite a speaking line they had been given. You can imagine our surprise and joy as Alyona was the last speaker!

I don't care how cold it is outside, that is heartwarming through and through!

Finally, it was time for "Nickolai" to appear. And, just like America where one can see a variety of good and bad Santas, this "Nick" appeared to be more Nicole than yesterday's hero:

The kids danced and sang with Nic, and then it was time for gifts from the orphanage sponsors. All in all, a great way to spend two hours!

Day 21: ...and that's when the commotion started.

2010-12-16T04:30:00.000-08:00

We arrived at the baby house today and found Alyona in a new dress... ooh, how fancy!

We settled into our morning routine of snacks (Cheerios, and some banana), getting ready to read some books...

...and that's when the commotion started.

Actually, it started when one of Aly's caretakers stepped into the closet adjacent to where we visit each day. Minutes later, she pops out dressed to the hilt as well. April and I looked at each other and said, "something's going on, and I bet we're about to find out."

Sure enough, a bunch of foreign language and charades later, we are following all of the kids from the groupa and the gussied-up nanny to the "hall" or performance area. Wait... we were told the winter performance was tomorrow, right? Something is definitely going on!

We arrived to a room full of media reporters, cameramen, and staff (all dressed up for a special event). There were also what seemed to be dignitaries and benefactors, and the orphanage director was getting everyone in place.

Minutes later kids from other groupa's started to arrive, and soon the room was as full as it could be. Then, a crew arrived and built some sort of "set"... oh boy, we are about to get some theater! Little did we know...

... this would be the day "Nickolai" would arrive! Woo Hoo! He rhymes, too. (although we cannot understand a word being said). After his speech, he introduced some friends of his that put on a little show. The program ended with Nickolai's helpers giving each child a new toy to take back to their groupa.

And we thought today was going to be "just another groundhog day" - ha!

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Afternoon Update:

Praise item - we have an Embassy appointment next week!

Prayer Requests:

1. Please pray for the old red passport (get it same day vs. 4-5 for the new one)

2. Pray for God's grace and mercy on the 21st - this is scheduled to be our "paperchase" day and Lord willing "Gotcha Day" and return to the capital city!

3. If these two things happen, it is possible we could be home on Christmas Day! (Please Lord, please!)

Day 20: Ground Hog Day

2010-12-15T05:49:00.000-08:00

Today, we were thankful for the huge bottles of water we have been lugging back from the market... a mile away. Somebody was in the shower this morning, when we not only ran out of hot water, but we ran out of water completely! Thankfully it was back on before we left for the orphanage.

Alyona had it on her schedule to clear the snow off of every horizontal surface in the play area.

Under the snow we found daisies! Yes, there were daisies on the benches, on the rocket, even on the tree stump!

"I love daisies. They're so friendly. Don't you think daisies are the friendliest flower?" - name that movie)

She also made time to chase a dog that had wondered into the play yard. It was so cute hearing her "woof" at the dog. I am so relieved to know that Aly is not afraid of dogs. I have a feeling Bella may be making the same face that this dog is making.

Aly was reading a book to us about colors and she was telling us all about it.

We also found another thing Aly likes to do. Hang upside down!

The caretakers have been very busy decorating their groupa. They even put up the New Years tree. I just had to take advantage and get a picture. It took half a dozen tries and the help of a caretaker but I finally got one.

And now for what very well may be our Christmas card for this year! Think I can photo shop in Kira and Kelsey?

Day 19: Welcome to Our World

2010-12-14T04:34:00.001-08:00

Two times a day, this is where you will find us. This is where we get to visit with Alyona.

These cabinets are where they keep the children's snow clothes. They have the cutest photos of the children above the cabinets.

Here is Alyona's photo when she was little. So cute! I just love those cheeks!

Most of their outfits have their groupa number written in a discreet location. This one, not so much. The number is written right on the chest.

We are having such a great time hanging out with our girl!

We tried on another outfit for size. She looks so adorable!

We are having a great time discovering what Alyona likes.

Day 18: We Be Chillin'

2010-12-13T11:31:00.000-08:00

After the miserable day we had yesterday, we were determined to make sure today would not be a repeat. We had our plan and we were sticking to it. We were going to take Alyona outside and enjoy the day on our schedule. Well of course, our plan was a little sidetracked when we first arrived. I looked in there groupa, but there were no kids. The children were down the hall, rehearsing for their little production this Friday. We heard accordion being played and children singing. We knew if we went and peeked that Alyona would want to come with us, but wouldn't be allowed. And so we sat and we waited. The good news is that we get to attend the little production on Friday. Well after about an hour the children finally returned. As the other children were quickly getting dressed to go outside, we were taking our dear sweet time. No rushing us today. The other children went outside and we were still finishing getting Aly's many layers on. We had a great leisurely time outside, walking and playing together.

Once we came back inside, we cuddled, had some snacks, and read. When I saw it was time for their lunch we gave our hugs and kisses goodbye and I took her to the door. Her caretaker was just coming to tell us it was lunchtime when Aly turned around and made a beeline for her daddy. How sweet!

Our afternoon visit was more of the same, cuddling, books, snacks, magna doodle, all in daddy's lap, until the last 15 minutes when she wanted to get down and color.

My poor baby's battle wound. I know accidents happen, but how children are treated when they get hurt makes all the difference.

Aly trying on her new coat!

Cuddle time with Papa makes everything better!

This is the room where we have our visits. We brought books and toys, but are fortunate that they let us use toys from their playroom as well.

The children's snow clothes are in these cabinets.

We are looking forward to another great visit with Alyona tomorrow!

Day 17: We Want to Go Home!

2010-12-12T13:41:00.001-08:00

I know in yesterday's post I was feeling sad about Alyona leaving behind all that she knows, but after today I can't wait to get her home and the sooner the better!

Today was a hard day. We arrived at the baby home only to find the doors locked. Funny, they were open last Sunday and nobody told us that there would be no visits allowed today. We were walking around to the back when we were approached by a worker. Brian was calling our facilitator to translate for us, while I was pulling out our photo album so she knew we were here to visit our daughter! She said she would need to ask permission from the doctor for us to visit, which we eventually got. While we were waiting in the hallway, we could hear a lot of commotion (yelling and crying) going on in their groupa. I assumed the children were getting their snow clothes on, but several of the children were crying (very unlike when we visit during the week). When they finally opened the doors, we could see that several of the kids were crying. Once we were outside, Aly had one tear fall down on her cheek. It was so sad to not know what was troubling my poor girl. I don't know if she got yelled at, or if she is sensitive to the yelling and the other children crying, but it was heart breaking. Needless to say she was out of sorts all morning. Who wouldn't be with that going on, but we tried hard to make the best of it.

Well, once we were finally going back inside, Aly fell on the steps. Her cheekbone hit the corner of the steps and her little hands or arms did not break her fall. She landed straight on her face. Well of course she started crying immediately (who wouldn't) and I started to comfort her. Well, Miss Thing-in-Charge, whom we had never seen before today, took Aly from me and apparently told her to stop crying, because Aly stopped crying immediately. I couldn't believe it. It was heart breaking! I knew she had to be hurting and I was trying to comfort her. I don't know who this gal was, but so help me...

While all the children were on their potties, one of the regular caretakers noticed Aly's bruise and scrape on her face and applied some ointment onto it. Brian typed on his iPhone translation app that Alyona had fallen on the stairs outside. I appreciated her noticing and doing something for her, but deep down inside my blood was still boiling.

When our visit was over, we called our facilitator to call for a taxi. Well for over the next 30 minutes there was no answer. We were outside, it was freezing, and we were on the opposite side of town, definitely not withing walking distance back to the apartment. We decided to walk two blocks to a market to see if a taxi was nearby, but no such luck. Finally, our facilitator called us back. Brian and I had been talking about our other options like taking the bus when our facilitator called. It seems that he had accidentally left his phone in the car. We were saved!

No afternoon visit, I've been in a funk the rest of the day, and the only thing keeping me going is that I can't wait to see Alyona again in the morning!

Day 16

2010-12-11T05:29:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I found myself in a bit of a funk. I was missing my girls, my dog, my home.

This morning, when we arrived at the baby home, the children were getting their cold weather gear on. I did not want to disrupt their routine. This place is their home and I want to be respectful, not only to the children, but also to the caretakers who look after them. Alyona's caretaker let us know that we could take her outside or we could stay inside, it was up to us. She was now giving me permission to make decisions regarding Alyona saying, "it is ok, because she is your daughter." Just hearing those words, "your daughter", reminded me of why we are here. We are not mere visitors anymore and soon enough, all three of us will be home again.

It also brought to mind, the children that we have seen here in her groupa and grown fond of, that will be left behind. These children are truly amazing, deserving of a family. I can't imagine how heartbreaking it will be to leave them behind. If I were able, I would gladly take them home with me.

Earlier in the day, we had already discussed going outside with Alyona. We had such a great time with her and the other children. At one point they wanted to watch the cars pass by. Just looking at them peering through the gate made me start to wonder. What is it going to be like when we take Aly from the only place she has known. Just as this trip has been a challenge for me, I am fully aware of the transition that awaits Alyona. Everything will be new for her. New sights, new smells, new tastes, new family. Will she be scared, will she miss her baby home family?

"Can we go yet?" Not yet baby girl.

I just love watching Alyona do those toddler things, like lug a branch around.

Alyona was so cute, the kids would be off exploring and Aly wanted up in her daddy's arms!

I also wonder, will Aly be expecting a makeover after nap everyday?

Day 15: Quarantine

2010-12-10T10:21:00.000-08:00

Imagine my surprise when we were leaving the baby house the other day and we see this posted on the door. Have you counted how many exclamation points there are? I was seriously concerned! We forwarded this photo to friends back home and they were able to translate it for us.

Basically the sign says that there is a quarantine due to the flu and no visitors allowed. I was so concerned they might stop our visits with Alyona. Thankfully, they said we just need to wear masks. Unfortunately, this is all Aly gets to see of us. She doesn't seem to mind though as all of the workers are wearing masks as well.

Aly was such a cuddle bug today. She spent a good portion of our visit on Daddy's lap.

When she decided it was time to get down, she decided to let her creativity flow.

I just love those cute little feet.

Alyona was eating some pretzel sticks and shared with her Papa.

We are enjoying getting to spend more time with her and learn more about her each day. We now know she loves bananas, but strawberry yogurt, not so much. We have no idea if it's the flavor, texture, or the fact that it's cold. I'm guessing it's because it's cold. We have only seen them bring warm pots into the room for lunch time.

We still have not heard back regarding whether we will be able to get the red passport or not.

Here is the tentative timeline:
Thur. Dec. 9: Court
Fri. Dec. 10: Day 1 of 10 waiting period
Tues. Dec. 21: We have two weekends, so they add an extra two days to our wait. We can pick up the court decree and start the paperchase (birth certificate, tax ID code, bank account, passport, etc.)
5 business days for passport, if we receive the blue passport. We are still praying for the same day, red passport.
2 days at the embassy (closed on the 31st)
HOME ! ! !

Day 14: One Less Orphan in the World!

2010-12-09T08:49:00.000-08:00

Court is finished, and the judgement has been handed down – we are blessed to introduce Alyona Joy Swerdfeger!

Now we wait out the mandatory 10-day appeal period, then scramble to complete all paperwork, passport, and visa details... hopefully before the Embassy shuts down for Christmas and the New Year. Please pray for continued grace and blessing as we really hope to get home as soon as the process will allow.

Day 13: Groundhog Day

2010-12-08T10:20:00.001-08:00

Seven tries with the camera, and finally another photo of us! I am so thankful for digital camera.

I am trying to get Aly used to wearing sunglasses. It's a way of life in southern California!

Today, Aly decided that her hair accessory must go. I think it was pulling on her hair, which is never fun. After a few attempts of putting it back in, we decided on leaving it out.

It was her doll's turn to be accessorized today.

And what child doesn't love bananas. I was giving her bigger bites, but she would stuff it all in her mouth, so I ended up giving her smaller bites and that is when she started getting silly.

Aly was telling me that with the same toys every day, it is beginning to feel like Groundhog Day. If you have seen the movie with Bill Murray, you know what I'm talking about. I tried to explain that I wanted to bring more toys, but that everyone was telling me to pack light. I promised her that if we can make it through the 10-day waiting period (they don't waive the waiting period in this region), and the travel home, she would not have to be worried about being bored again. We are so excited that once everyone is settled at home we will get to explore the house with the many books and toys, and walk to the parks in our neighborhood. I have been told that since the children are only used to their baby home, that they can get overly stimulated very easily. We may have to wait awhile to visit the beach, Disneyland, Sea World, and the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park, but Aly will not be bored!

The flu is going around the baby home, so please say a prayer to keep everyone healthy and strong.

Our court date is finally tomorrow at 4:30! We are so excited that we are finally at another major milestone in our adoption!

Day 12: Aly is Such a Swerd!

2010-12-07T11:13:00.000-08:00

With her love of books and music, she will fit in perfectly with our family! When we first arrived for our morning visit, there were already books on the table waiting in the visiting area. Her caretakers know her so well.

We brought the doll out for a visit and Aly was so sweet and gentle with the baby.

Aly had to try the bottle to see if she was missing anything.

With the music playing, Aly had the baby dancing!

Aly is so funny! Our facilitator called us back to tell us what time the taxi would be picking us up and Aly had to be on her phone as well.

Just like her Papa!

Our court date has been moved to December 9.

Day 11: More Fun With Aly!

2010-12-06T12:55:00.000-08:00

Yes, this would be the path we follow that takes us to the baby home.

If I'm like most moms, I am always behind the camera (where I prefer to be). Brian said I needed a shot to prove to our girls I'm still alive (cold, but alive).

Aly loves to color. I found these great toddler crayons at Target and they are shaped like a triangle for a more proper grip.

Aly got to look at our photo album and see her sisters!

Aly had a great time playing with the dollhouse.

We had such a great chat with Aly's caretaker today (yes, she speaks English!). We found out Aly's schedule and showed her our photo album. She was so happy for Aly! She was explaining how children with Ds have no future here. She went around and showed the other caretakers our photo album as well.

Aly's nickname is Lona and so that is what we have been calling her on her visits. Since we are keeping her name, I think she gets to keep her nickname too (now that we know what it is). She loves to look at her photo when I take her picture!

My poor girl! Aly cried when we had to leave after our morning visit. It broke this mama's heart! When we arrived for our afternoon visit, she was already waiting for us in the visiting area. She had one tear on her cheek. I really hope she didn't think we would miss our time with her. She was so cute, decked out in a new outfit and yet another new hairstyle. I'm going to have to learn all these beauty tricks!

After playing with Papa and Mama, a short video, and playing in the ball pit, the day ended on a much happier note!

I braved a solo trip to the market late this evening for more minutes for our phone. We found out it is supposed to rain tomorrow and I didn't think this southern Californian would do well with both wet and cold. I can handle one or the other , but both... I can't even think about it. I couldn't figure out the vending machine, so the poor guy in the phone store had to put up with me and my charades. I think after a successful sale he deserves a raise!

Day 10: We Have More Snow

2010-12-05T05:30:00.001-08:00

It had rained Friday night and when we woke up Saturday morning all of the snow was gone. This morning when we woke up we had snow again! At this rate I don't know how long it will take for Brian's jeans to dry. They are hanging on a clothesline in an enclosed balcony, but it's freezing in there. Here is a view from our kitchen window to the inside of the apartment complex.

Our taxi driver would not drive us all the way to Aly's building, which is in the back of the complex. He dropped us off at the front gate and we had to walk through the snow. Thankfully there were car tracks the first half of the way and someone shoveled a narrow path the rest of the way, but we southern Californians really don't have the proper footwear for this.

I love cookies, so I am going to assume that Aly likes cookies too!

Aly wearing the finest in orphan couture!

She doesn't seem to mind though. I think I will be learning a lot from her.

Note the number 10 on her dress, which show which groupa the dress belongs to.

Mr. Bear needed a ride (note how she is making him hold on!).

I was curious if Aly was ticklish, so I had to find out.

She was so cute showing Mr. Bear her new ball.

Aly is Papa's new stylist. She is showing Brian how to accessorize.

I am going to apologize in advance - this was first time I was using the video on Brian's iPhone, and I was holding it the wrong direction. Now I know.

Here is Aly kicking back, reading a book with her Papa. Papa's are great and Aly strongly recommends that everybody have one!

When we arrived for our afternoon visit, someone gave Aly a total makeover. Beside her new outfit she had one, she had not one, not two, but seven ponytails!

In true toddler fashion, Aly had more fun putting the jewelry in the bag and dumping it out over and over again than she did decorating Daddy.

Aly sharing her phone call with Minnie Mouse.

I can't wait to see what tomorrow holds. We are expecting to have court on Dec. 8, please pray that all goes well. I have a feeling I'm supposed to be nervous for court. If any of you pros out there have any advice or recommendations I would greatly appreciate it, as I have no idea what to expect.

Day 9: Crazy Start to a Great Day

2010-12-04T10:41:00.001-08:00

What a morning we had today!

First, after little or no sleep (I awoke at 2:00am, after falling asleep at 11:00pm - for the third time this week!) our day began with phone troubles. I didn't want to be one of those families that ran out of minutes on their loaner cell phone, but unfortunately, it happened. When the time came to call our facilitator to call us a taxi, we realized the phone they issued us was dead. We had just charged it, so it must be out of minutes. Brian's iPhone for some reason isn't working either.

Think! Plan B... we will walk to the grocery store and buy a new SIM card. We started with what appeared to be the manager... no English. We had the phone out to show him, and nothing. I tried a cashier, still nothing. Great, none of the employees speak English. Finally, they pointed to a little phone shop inside the market. Yes! We bought two cards so we would have a backup. Put the card in and... nothing. Ahhh! The battery is dead and I am so not amused. I am missing my appointment with my little girl!

Then, we saw two taxis in the parking lot and decided to risk it. We had the address to the baby home written down, so we showed it to the driver. We headed off, and then I realized we would be stuck at the baby home without a working phone to call for a ride home. I told Brian to point to the apartment address so we could stop by and pick up the phone charger. We didn't know if there would be a place to plug it in, but we were desperate! We seriously confused the poor taxi driver. He eventually pulled over to the side of the road and I said "one" in what I was hoping was his language with Brian pointing to the apartment address, and then I said "two" with Brian pointing to the baby home address. We had to do this a couple of times, but finally got the idea we needed two stops. I left Brian in the taxi with him so he wouldn't drive off while I ran upstairs, and when I got back to the taxi they were both laughing. I'm assuming they both were thinking crazy wife forgets something again! Brian told me that the driver was talking to him non-stop while I was gone. We can only imagine what he was talking about, as we didn't understand a word he is saying.

We finally arrived at the baby house a half-hour into our visiting time. Being the weekend, there were different workers at the baby house, and none spoke English. It makes me really appreciate that wonderful caretaker that we had yesterday and can't wait to see her again on Monday.

Due to popular demand, here is the first picture of all three of us. Not bad for a self-portrait.

Aly was playing her music, so I picked her up and we danced. She loved it! For the record, she loved the Little Einstein Takealong Tunes! Ryan, who is in the same groupa, told me he wants one too!

Aly reading while listening to her music, just like seestra Kelsey! As soon as the song ended, she was pressing the button to get it started up again.

Here is a video of Aly reading with her music!

Aly really does enjoy books!

When we returned for our afternoon visit, somebody got a makeover! She was so proud! How could she not be, she's beautiful!

We gushed all over her just like good parents do and she just loved it!

We decided to break out the paper and crayons today and she loved it! In the video she is telling me all about her creation.

I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!

Day 8: Play Time with Aly!!!

2010-12-03T02:56:00.000-08:00

We had the most amazing time with Aly today! During our morning visit we got to play in the snow, look at books together, and play ball. She loved playing with the ball and would giggle and giggle. There is a video posted down at the bottom. In the afternoon we had our one-on-one time, but we were also able to see her with her groupa. She wanted to watch a video all the children were watching (the caretaker said it was her favorite - it had music!), and play in the ball pit.

Towards the end of the day the other children were coming up to us for attention. It became apparent that while they get taken care of really well by their caretakers, they are not a Mama and Papa. It was truly heartbreaking.

I know, I know, you want pictures... here you go!

Aly and Mama in the snow!

Every time I would take a picture of Aly (and I took a lot!) I would show her the picture on the back of the camera. She started to make silly faces for the camera.

Playing in the snow with Papa! This is something we haven't done in many, many years.

Aly and Papa! Please excuse the hat hair, it's freezing here!

Reading with Papa!

And finally, the cutest thing I have ever seen!

Here is some video of little Miss Giggles playing ball with Mama.

Aly is such a little joy and I am glad we decided to go on this amazing adventure!

Day 7: Meeting Day!!!

2010-12-02T07:02:00.000-08:00

We woke up at 4:15, but I was already awake and had been for at least a couple hours. Can you say excited? By 5:30 we were on our way for our two hour drive. Today we had a different driver/facilitator - and he was wonderful.

He did not drive like he was from America. He was dodging potholes, pedestrians, and anything else he could. Needless to say, being in the backseat of Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, I was not feeling so good (I mean, I really wasn't feeling good). Near the middle of the drive our facilitator asked if I had brought cookies for Aly and I said no, I didn't have room to pack them and I didn't remember to buy them here. He was so kind, he stopped along the way and picked some up (is he great or what!).

When we got to Aly's city we made a business stop, then we headed over to the baby home where we got to meet with the director. She was able to tell us about Aly, and that she is in a groupa with other typical children (mainstreamed already!). They told us how sweet she is, and how much they all love her and are excited for her to get a great family where she can bloom into all that she can be.

The moment finally came when a worker brought her in. I handed Aly the teddy bear I had brought for her and she gave it a soft, gentle hug, and then she cradled it like a baby. She is such a sweetheart! I wanted to take a photo then and there, but we were still mid-meeting and it did not seem appropriate.

Next, the worker put her up on Brian's lap to see how she would do with strangers and especially men since they really don't see many there. She sat quietly and I gave her a cookie... and she said a shortened version of thank you! She has the sweetest little voice. Our meeting wrapped up, and we then got a tour of her sleep room and playroom. Aly went straight to the kitchen play area (oh good, she will love her Christmas present!). The dolls were already in the chairs, but she set the table and we had a little tea party!

I asked if I could give a cookie to the other children and they said yes, so they all sat down in their cute little chairs and had a cookie and the workers went to get their cups for them. After cookie time, a worker dumped a container of toys (cars, trucks, etc.) and guess what the first one she picked up and played with? A helicopter! She was flying that baby around like she had her license (Kira, you've got competition!).

It snowed all day and they were big, huge, snowflakes. I know most of you have real weather, but for this southern California girl, it was fantastic! The Brownings left just in time.

Afterward we went grocery shopping, not fun when you are still feeling nauseous from the car ride (Aly is good medicine, I didn't feel sick at all while at the orphanage!).

After shopping, we went back to the baby house to get the couple whose apartment we will be staying at. (They often rent out their apartments to families who are adopting to earn extra money.) They showed us around the apartment, where things are, how things work, etc. Let me tell you, it feels like The Ritz compared to the other apartment we had just left. Unfortunately, it is not within walking distance, but it is warm and has fast internet. What more could we ask for. Our facilitator was trying to convince us to take the bus to the orphanage, but we will see. It would be a short (and cheap) ride by taxi, so all we have to do is call our facilitator 30 minutes before we would like to leave and he will call the taxi company.

Enjoy the photos!

Day 6: We Have Our SDA Referral!

2010-12-01T06:04:00.000-08:00

We were able to pick up our SDA referral, which means first thing in the morning (5:00am local time) we get to travel to Aly's region! We are so excited that we will finally get to meet our little girl who we have been praying for, for such a long time.

We decided to walk to TGIF for dinner. Brian checked the weather, and it was 6 degrees. The high today was 12 and it wasn't that bad, but 6 degrees is just wrong! My hands, face, and toes were numb by the time we got there (15 minute walk). We took our time eating, knowing we had to walk uphill in colder weather to get back to the apartment. We are such southern California weather wimps, ha!

Day 5: SDA Appointment... Complete

2010-11-30T13:34:00.000-08:00

Our SDA appointment went very well. It was with a social worker who was a young, sweet gal. She gave us information about Aly (family history, medical, etc.) and asked us about ourselves. She looked through the photo album we brought and then I asked if we could exchange a photo we had of Aly for one hers. Yes, we have a new photo of Aly!

Along the way, we saw many of the things I had heard about, but never seen. My brother has told me of packs of dogs he has seen while in Brazil. We have them here as well.

Parking on the sidewalk? No problem!

For dinner we were able to meet with other RR families at an Italian restaurant, which was next door to TGIF's.

(Cornishs, Birschbachs, Swerdfegers, Hannons, Sharps with Kullen)

It was 25 degrees on our walk to the restaurant. It was snowing while we were inside eating. Once we returned to our apartment we checked the weather again – it was 16 degrees and going down to 6 degrees overnight. Brrrr!!! I can never complain about being cold in southern California ever again!

Tomorrow's weather? We will have a high of 10 degrees and a low of 8 degrees. Yep, we arrived just in time for the coldest day of the year. Am I good or what?

We will be able to pick up our referral from the SDA between 4:00 - 5:00pm Wednesday. As of right now, we do not know if we will be traveling to Aly's region on Wednesday night or Thursday morning.

Day 4: We Are Here And We Are Styling!

2010-11-29T07:50:00.000-08:00

We finally made it to the country-that-shall-not-be-named! We were welcomed by a snow storm and it is cold (thank you Teri for letting me borrow your coat), but beautiful.

First, let me show you around our new apartment.

Here is our gorgeous living room.

Welcome to our kitchen. There is only one bowl, so Brian and I will have to share.

And finally, our bedroom.

I am thrilled that Brian was able to get the computer hooked up so we can keep everyone updated. It takes five minutes for one photo to upload so please be patient.

We are so excited that we are days away from seeing Aly!

Here is the tentative schedule:
- Tuesday 9:00am SDA appointment
- Wednesday 4:00 pick up referral from SDA
- Thursday meet Aly!

Please pray for Brian's back. The final flight here did a number on him and he is hurting.

Day 3: London

2010-11-28T15:03:00.000-08:00

Today we grabbed a taxi and took a tour of the city. We saw Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Parliament, Big Ben, Sloane Street (the equivalent of Rodeo Drive), Piccadilly Circus (shopping area) and Trafalgar Square, the Thames, 10 Downing Street, the London Eye, and more all in an hour!

We are flying out early in the morning, heading to the-country-that-shall-not-be-named and are so excited! We are finally going to be in Alyona's home country. We are looking forward to our SDA appointment at 9:00 Tuesday morning.

Day 1 & 2: We're in London

2010-11-27T11:58:00.001-08:00

Day 1:
It was my first time flying with Virgin Atlantic and it was wonderful (who doesn't like being doted on by a man with an English accent). However, before we even left San Francisco I was missing my girls something BAD!!! On Wednesday, I was a bucket of tears all day missing my girls, before I had even left. They'd give me the look and I'd say, "I am missing you already!" I love them (and like them) that much!

Day 2:
Well the weather in London in similar to the country-that-shall-not-be-named and I haven't frozen yet so that's a good thing. Who knew a girl from southern California wouldn't freeze to death in 30 degree weather.

The taxis in London are just like in the movies. We stopped at the hotel to drop off our things and thought a 30 minute nap sounded good. Two hours later Brian was getting me up so I wouldn't sleep the day away. We headed over to the music department at Harrod's for a meeting Brian had for work and I got to look around and see ALL that there is to see. Did you know you could buy fossil decor there? And they have the best toy department ever! Also, the ice cream parlour is calling my name. I may have to go back tomorrow.

We're on our way!

2010-11-26T07:06:00.000-08:00

Eleven months of prayer, paperwork, heartache, worry, and waiting are done - today is the day we get on a plane and begin the adventure to meet Alyona face-to-face. Soon we will be holding her in our arms, and she will feel the love of God that He has placed in our hearts uniquely for her.

She has no idea what she's in for!

The unconditional love of a family, and ALL that it entails: sisters to play with and help her discover the world; her first taste of homemade chocolate chip cookies; a dog with a waggily tail; a bed and clothes that fit and she can call her own; and most importantly a mama and daddy to hold her, provide for her needs, protect her, be her champions and cheerleaders, and love her like Christ loves us.

Please watch this space for daily updates and prayer requests. We still have many hurdles before us and we need your prayers!

Brian

One Week and Counting!

2010-11-19T11:23:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's true! We are leaving in one week and we couldn't be more excited! We have waited so long for this moment and it's hard to believe it is finally here. I have heard some people compare an adoption to a pregnancy and I would have to agree. I remember all too well that feeling you get around the eighth month. I felt that I was done and couldn't wait to hold my little one in my arms. Well, it has been eleven months and I REALLY can't wait to hold Alyona in my arms! I am definitely in the nesting stage, trying to make sure everything is just right for when she comes home.

I am so thankful that my brother will be able to stay with my kiddos at home. I trust my girls, but for their safety and protection (we watch too much Criminal Minds and 24 - something that Alyona won't be watching!), I like knowing that he will be there for them.

Well, I'm off to try to figure out how to pack five suitcases of items into two. Wish me luck!

College and Car Seats

2010-11-13T20:04:00.000-08:00

It's been busy around here in more ways than one. In addition to getting ready to bring Alyona home, we got to take our high school senior to another college to look at. How many people get the pleasure of checking out car seats and colleges in the same week?

I can also sleep better tonight knowing that our plane tickets to you-know-where have been purchased. This has been such a long process, but the end is finally in sight. Hang tight little one, we're coming!

Beautiful

2010-11-09T00:18:00.000-08:00

I heard this song, Beautiful by Mercy Me and I thought of Aly. I miss my little girl!

Days will come when you don't have the strength
When all you hear is you're not worth anything
Wondering if you ever could be loved
And if they truly saw your heart, they'd see too much

You're beautiful
You're beautiful
You are made for so much more than all of this
You're beautiful
You're beautiful
You are treasured, you are sacred, you are His
You're beautiful

Praying that you have the heart to fight
"Cause you are more than what is hurting you tonight
For all the lies you've held inside so long
They are nothing in the shadow of the cross

You're beautiful
You're beautiful
You are made for so much more than all of this
You're beautiful
You're beautiful
You are treasured, you are sacred, you are His
You're beautiful.

Before you ever took a breath
Long before the world began
Of all the wonders He possessed
There was one more precious
Of all the earth and skies above
You're the one He madly loves enough to die

You're beautiful
You're beautiful in His eyes

You're beautiful
You were meant for so much more than all of this
You're beautiful
You are treasured, you are sacred, you are His
You're beautiful

You're beautiful
You are made for so much more than all of this
You're beautiful
You're beautiful
You are treasured, you are sacred, you are His

We FINALLY Have Our SDA Appointment!

2010-11-08T13:56:00.000-08:00

I was enjoying a hot breakfast--lovingly prepared by my daughter--when the phone rang. Well, I don't know about your house, but at our home, 99.9% of the time a ringing phone usually means that it is a solicitor... and yes, we are on the Do Not Call list. As per usual, I ignored the phone. The answering machine kicked on and I realized that it was not just any phone call, it was from our facilitator! She called us with the news that we finally have an SDA appointment for Nov. 30! She told us to book our flights ASAP and to let her know so that she can relay the information to our facilitators in the country-that-shall-not-be-named. I am so excited, we finally get to make our travel arrangements. It looks like we get to have Thanksgiving with our family after all and then be off on our excellent adventure to go get Aly!

SDA Appointment? Not Yet.

2010-11-05T23:15:00.000-07:00

I am sorry to inform you that we still have not received a date for our SDA appointment. I know, I am just as surprised as you are. This is a little disappointing, as I really believed we would have had it by the end of this week. Hopefully, this time next week I will have a date to announce. I have been so good by not checking email every three minutes, but instead have been busying myself with errands to get ready for our trip. As soon as I walk in the front door, I'm asking my daughters (ok, maybe it has become pestering) if I received any emails I should know about, but then I follow that up by saying, "Of course not, you would have texted me if there were".

Our state-side facilitator did email me on Nov. 3 to let me know that she has been contacting the facilitators in the country-which-cannot-be-named daily, asking about getting our appointment date and to check to see if anything is wrong with our paperwork (ahhh, that thought never even entered my mind!). I received another email today and the good news is that there is nothing wrong with our dossier or Aly's paperwork, it is just a matter of the SDA scheduling an appointment (or not as the case may be). And so, we continue to wait (I'm getting really good). I did think it was interesting that we were asked if we would be ok if we do not get much notice.... ummmm yes! We want to get there ASAP! If the Browning family had 9 days notice of their appointment, I think we could handle the same. It's amazing how I am beginning to miss this cute little someone I have never even met. It kind of reminds me of when I was expecting my girls. The closer I got to my due date, the more I couldn't wait to meet the latest member of our family. Like waiting for my other girls (which thankfully only lasted nine months) I have prepared a room for Aly, shopped for clothes for her and even have her Christmas presents purchased. Now, I am only missing one thing... Aly!

Good news to report, Brian was able to sell another piece of equipment for $1500 this week, which combined with the other piece of equipment for $700 and another $100 donation from last week, comes to $2300! This is not including the $250 in donations that have been made through the Reece's Rainbow site. Unfortunately, we do not know who made those donations, but we are most appreciative! Every day we are getting a little bit closer to bringing Aly home and we can't wait!

Colorful Cuddle Blankets

2010-10-30T19:48:00.000-07:00

This post is for Linny at a Place Called Simplicity.

She has asked that everyone who reads her blog write a little post about what they are making to raise money for their adoption, so we can all do some Christmas shopping and help make a difference at the same time.

We are a family of 4, soon to be 5 and we couldn't be more excited! We are adopting Alyona from Eastern Europe and will get to meet her hopefully in November. Our dossier has already been submitted and we are currently waiting for our SDA appointment and travel date. We need to raise money to cover the expenses of our second trip so we can bring Aly home.

- - - -

Any child would love one of these cozy blankets. Made from super-soft fleece and featuring colorful patterns and characters that are sure to please, all blankets are pre-washed and crafted in a smoke free home. Each blanket measures approximately 42” x 56” and is made to last. No child to give a blanket to? You can donate a blanket on Aly's behalf and we will be happy to take a blanket to our local children's hospital or donate a blanket to children living in a motel.

Purchase knowing you are helping to get this precious girl home to America!

Blankets ship from southern California
Blankets = $35
+ US shipping = $14.50 (USPS Priority 2-3 days)

** SOLD ** Butterflies

Hawaiian

** SOLD ** Tinkerbell

** SOLD ** Toy cars

Mickey Mouse

Owls

Minnie Mouse

** SOLD ** Cars

Camoflauge

Floral

Pink and Brown Dots

Blue and Brown Dots

** SOLD ** Brown with Multicolor Dots

Ladybugs

** SOLD ** Bees

Not Yet... But Soon

2010-10-28T23:03:00.000-07:00

Well, we are still waiting for our SDA appointment. Each day I check my email for what seems like a million times a day, but unfortunately, we haven't heard anything yet. This past week I have heard of two families whose dossier was submitted the same day as ours (Oct. 14), and they now have their SDA appointments (Nov. 15 and Nov. 22). I am sure that by this time next week, we will also know when our SDA appointment will be and then we can make our travel plans. In the meantime, I am going to remind myself that God's timing is perfect.

The Cost

2010-10-26T22:38:00.000-07:00

Yay, today we have another $800 to help bring Aly home! Between donations, our garage sale, and Brian selling several items he no longer uses, our Help Bring Aly Home Fund is growing! More great news is that friends of Brian have donated their airline points, which completely covers the price of our flights!

We have had several people comment on the price of adoption. They wonder why international adoption is so expensive, so I thought I would share the breakdown of the cost of our adoption. Please keep in mind that other than the homestudy and USCIS, this does not cover the cost of our compiling our dossier (doctor's appointments, notaries, apostilles, etc.)

Here is the cost breakdown for the country we are adopting from and the organization that we are working with.

Estimated costs of our adoption:
$2000.00 - Homestudy
$1000.00 - USCIS, i-600a and fingerprinting
$5000.00 - approximate cost of flights
$8600.00 - facilitator fees
$1700.00 - first trip lodging ($80/night 3 weeks)
$1100.00 - second trip lodging ($80/night 2 weeks)
$450.00 - first trip food/other supplies ($20/day 3 weeks)
$250.00 - second trip food/other supplies ($20/day 2 weeks)
$600.00 - passport for Aly
$550.00 - visa and medical for Aly
$2000.00 - transportation (in country)
$1000.00 - orphanage donation/dossier preparation costs

Total $24,250

I look at this amount and realize it is a large dollar amount. I have heard other adoptive parents consider the cost of adoption as more of a ransom. If any of our children at home were kidnapped, we would pay the ransom, no matter what the dollar amount, to bring our children back home. We are willing to pay this ransom to bring Aly home. We are willing to pay the cost to keep Aly out of an institution and bring her into a loving family, where every child deserves to be. When God put it on our heart to adopt Aly we didn't know how we would come up with the money, we just knew we had to be obedient. It is amazing to see how God is providing for this sweet little girl.

It's not to late to help bring Aly home. Tax deductible donations can still be made through Reece's Rainbow at
http://reecesrainbow.org/alyona-for-the-swerdfeger-family-laguna-hills-ca

Our Dossier was Submitted!

2010-10-14T12:08:00.000-07:00

Great news! Our dossier was submitted today! I checked my email this morning... nothing. I checked the RR forum... nothing. I checked the RR website... nothing. I assumed that we were not submitted today and would have to wait until next Thursday to check again. So, I decided to take our dog for a walk. I thought I'm going to have to stay busy this next week to pass the time until next Thursday (it's what we live for, right ladies?). When I got home, I told the girls I was heading to the shower and my oldest said I needed to check my email first.

I had an email from our facilitator saying we had been submitted!!!! (happy dance!)

Any idea how long until we find out our SDA appointment date?

Alyona, we are coming!!!

What a Gift!

2010-10-04T23:05:00.000-07:00

Today I received an email with a wonderful surprise. I had been busy with paperwork and was intentionally avoiding email and internet so that I could get my work done. Well my girls told me that Nancy (our facilitator) had sent an email and that I HAD TO LOOK!!! What should I find but not one but three new pictures of my beautiful little sweetie. It was totally unexpected and it totally made my day. Just to be able to see her precious little face is so amazing.

I know I'm a proud mama, but seriously, is that just melt-your-heart cute or what?

I can't describe the feeling when I first saw these photos. I'm not usually a crier, but I have been so emotional lately, I just can't help myself. I can't wait to scoop her up. This gift of current photos of Aly is so wonderful!

Our Dossier Has Been Delivered!

2010-10-04T09:44:00.002-07:00

Thank you UPS! Once again, UPS has come through for us. I have been tracking its every move across the world and our dossier has been delivered!

Aliso Viejo, CA
Long Beach, CA
Kentucky
Philadelphia
Cologne, Germany
Warsaw, Poland
Final Destination!!!

It is so exciting to know that it finally made it and now will be translated and submitted to their State Department of Adoptions.

Please continue to pray that all of our paperwork will be accepted, that none of it will need to be redone and we get an SDA appointment soon. Also, please pray for our little sweetheart's health. I can't imagine a precious little one being sick with no mama to cuddle with. I remember last year a family was at the orphanage to visit their little one and being turned away because something was going around the orphanage. That reminds me of something else I need to add to my packing list, I better buy some masks just in case.

Our Dossier Has Left the Building

2010-09-30T17:38:00.000-07:00

Our dossier, lovingly known as "The Beast", has been sent. Yep, it is finally on its way. I have spent so much time gathering documents, signatures, notaries, apostilles, etc., that it feels weird not to have it in my possession. When I pulled into the driveway after dropping of the dossier at UPS, I felt as if I had forgotten my child accidentally behind at the store. Of course, I wouldn't know that personally, but one time one of my girls had an end of season party at a pizza place and then everyone drove over to the gym for the awards. One mom got to the gym and realized she left one of her kids at the pizza place. Oops!

I'm not quite sure of the rest of the timeline. Often once the dossier arrives, it can be submitted two weeks later. Unfortunately, I have heard that the State Dept. of Adoptions will be closing for two weeks in October (I do not know which two) and that may affect when we will be submitted.

Well, I have been told to hang on, that it's all downhill from here. You better believe I'll be hanging on, and praying the whole time.

A Message From My Mom

2010-09-25T23:48:00.000-07:00

Even though you called me today and told me the wonderful news, I still broke down and cried when I read the words of the I-171H stating "It has been determined that you are able to provide proper care to an orphan/s....."! Little do they know you've been caring for her in your heart for many, many months now. My grand-baby is closer still to being with her forever family, praise God!

2010-09-25T20:11:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it, I mean, I really can't believe it. We finally have our I-171H, in our possession. I could not believe how nervous I was opening the envelope. I was actually sweating. We have waited for this moment since we began this process back in January. In fact, it was on January 2, that Brian and I had contacted Reece's Rainbow regarding being Alyona's forever family. It has been a long experience. We have learned so much. We have completed a mountain of paperwork... twice! It is going to be such a great feeling to be able to send our dossier (some families lovingly call it The Beast) off on Monday! Yet, we are fully aware that our journey is far from over. Some have even said that this is only the halfway point. Fortunately, once we are in Aly's country, we will have a facilitator there to help us with the paperwork.

We knew that at the end of the paperwork trail in this country, we would be receiving USCIS approval, the I-171H. I honestly wasn't expecting it today. I don't know about you, but in our neighborhood, we only receive junk mail on Saturdays. Earlier in the day, I had dropped off a roll of film to be developed. They said it would be ready to be picked up in 30 minutes. I returned for the photos, anxiously waiting to see the memories from a once in a lifetime event, only to be told that they had problems with the machine and the film had been ruined. I was crushed, but it was my daughter, who reminded me that once again we were being spiritually attacked. I have heard that often families who are making a difference, who are in the process of international adoptions have been going through their own spiritual battles. With us it has been mostly with our appliances, so of course when we needed a roll of film developed, they would have problems with their machine. We had not one but two vacuums break (in one week), a dryer that wouldn't dry, a dishwasher that wouldn't wash, sprinklers that wouldn't sprinkle, and currently a washing machine that will not clean. But God is so good. To come home without the photos (sorry honey) and to not even be expecting the I-171H, but finding it in there waiting for my in my mailbox was like God saying, focus on the REAL things that matter. Focus on finishing this task that I have called you to do. Focus on getting Aly home. And that is exactly what we will do.

Yay!!!!! We have our Golden Ticket!!!

2010-09-25T14:54:00.000-07:00

When we went out to the mailbox today, we were expecting to find the usual junk mail that comes on Saturdays. But, we found an envelope from USCIS with our I-171H! We are soooooo excited!!! (Can you tell?) We plan on going to LA on Monday to get it apostilled. After that, we will send our dossier to Eastern Europe!

We're coming to get you Aly!

xoxo

Kira

Yay, We're Approved... but Still Waiting

2010-09-23T15:08:00.001-07:00

YAY! I just found out today from our "adopted" congressman's office down in El Cajon, CA (Duncan D. Hunter is the best!) that our USCIS officer approved us on Saturday, Sept. 18. She sent our file to her supervisor on Monday, Sept. 20 and then snail mailed it to the National Visa Center in New Hampshire. We still have not received anything by mail and the National Visa Center does not have us in their system yet (hopefully in a day or two), but at least we were approved! Still waiting for the Golden Ticket... I mean the I-171H. I would have never known we were approved if it weren't for Holly at Duncan Hunter's office. Thanks Holly for all your hard work!

Ten Weeks and Waiting

2010-09-23T12:50:00.000-07:00

Please continue to pray for our I-171H to arrive. We have been waiting (and waiting and waiting) for over ten weeks now. I just received an email from our congressman's office asking if we had heard anything. It seems that last week the fine folks at the USCIS told our congressman's office "that an officer would be adjudicating the petition this week". Well, it's Thursday and we still have not heard anything. The week is not over, so we will continue to pray for us as well as all of the other Reece's Rainbow families that are also adopting. There are so many families that are also waiting. Waiting to finish home studies and dossiers, to receive I-171H's, for dossiers to be submitted (and accepted), for travel dates, for court dates, etc. Oh, and don't forget waiting to raise all of the $$ to bring these beautiful children home. If you would like to help us bust Aly out of the joint, we would greatly appreciate it (Aly would appreciate it even more). Tax-deductible donations can be made directly through Reece's Rainbow at:
http://www.reecesrainbow.org/sponsorSwerdfeger.html

or, you can mail your donation to:
Reece's Rainbow, PO Box 4024, Gaithersburg, MD 20885

I have had several friends mail or drop of the checks to me and I will send them in for them (checks made payable to Reece's Rainbow). Remember, no amount is too small, it all adds up. Would you please consider giving up your coffee at Starbucks for a day, a movie night, or a dinner out. Aly thanks you!

Happy Birthday Aly!

2010-09-18T14:20:00.000-07:00

Aly turned four at the beginning of the month and we were so sad that we weren't able to be with her to celebrate her special day. My heart just breaks thinking of her without a mama to kiss her owies, hug her when she is scared, rock her when she is tired, and to cuddle her all the other times of the day. Oh, this little girl has no idea how so spoiled and loved she will be.

Well, it has been 9 weeks since we have sent in our I-600A Petition to Adopt and our waiting continues. As one who does not like to wait, this is killing me. My kids say I sigh all the time. They'll ask why and I'll say it's because I don't have my I-171H yet. We have continued contacting our officer and each time we get a different, generic email reply. It must be a form letter/email as it never addresses any of our specific questions that we asked. We just want a status update, but obviously there is nothing to update us on, if it hasn't even been looked at. On the positive side, the longest wait that I know of to receive a confirmation was 12 weeks. Everyone in the adoption world was shocked that it could take 12 weeks to receive the I-171H (some families take only one month), but it looks like we may follow suit. In that case, we are looking at three weeks or less!!!

Reece's Rainbow Child of the Month: September 2010

2010-09-11T18:53:00.000-07:00

Anya (12)
Girl, Born December 14, 2006

Anya is a pretty little girl with unique facial features. She was born with a minor defect of interventricular and interatrial septum. It is also possible she has a dual diagnosis of Moebius Syndrome.

www.faces-cranio.org/Disord/Moebius.htm

There is no blood test to confirm Moebius, so it is diagnosed on clinical symptoms such as a lack of facial expression and a uniquely shaped nose.

From a therapist who visited with her in June 2010: "

Anya is able to smile and giggle when tickled!! She can imitate 'arms up', 'clap hands' and 'tap head'! The Doctor reported to me that she is 'ONLY low Down's Syndrome no other syndrome'. I specifically asked about Moebius syndrome and she pulled out Anya's records, scanned them briefly and said no. I was also able to get her to walk using a Rifton Walker so she is capable of learning/progressing and WILL progress once in a loving family environment. I saw no autistic behaviors this year just a bored unstimulated beautiful little girl who loved being cuddled!!"

From an adoptive family who visited with her in September 2010: "I wanted to let you know that I have been able to spend a bit of time with Anya. I will send you pics and video of her when I get a chance, also Lyndi should have some good pics of her too.

Anya is smiling in the video :-) She can smile, sit up, crawl, pull herself up to a stand using the edge of the playpen. She can hear and see well enough to have heard me call her name and to immediately sit up and crawl over to the playpen gate and stand up. She cried when I could not pick her up. Another time, she sat up and climbed into my lap and clapped my hands together over and over. I do not think she is autistic and she does have facial expressions. She is definitely more involved than your average kid with Ds but she is a doll who is craving attention. Also, she is not aggressive... she did not bite me or pull my hair, or do anything like that. She needs a family bad. She spends most of her time lying on the floor, unengaged in anything. With therapy and love, she will blossom!!!"

I have $2184 in my grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!

Keep Praying for That I-171H

2010-08-31T23:54:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been seven weeks since we sent in our I-600A application and we have not received our I-171H yet. :::: sigh :::: My poor mail carrier, I am going to have to start stalking her again.

After two phone calls last week to USCIS and no reply, I sent an email over the weekend and received a prompt, but generic response. It stated, "All adoptions were just centralized here at the NBC as of July 1, 2010. As a result, we have a back log. Cases are handled in the order they are received and fingerprint dates do not necessarily determine that order." That was good to know. I was wondering how they determine the order and was disappointed when Kira had to wait so long to get her prints taken.

We sent in our application on July 10, so it looks like we made it just in time to be with all of the other cases that are back logged. Oh joy.

I had also asked about getting our case expedited because I am starting to freak out about cutting it close by getting our dossier submitted to Aly's country before they stop accepting them for the winter. That request was met with, USCIS policy is "to expedite for life threatening medical emergencies where the child needs immediate medical treatment".

I did appreciate this part, "please know that our officers are working hard, even extra evening and weekend hours to process these cases as quickly as possible." I do feel sorry for everyone working at the USCIS, I really do. I can't imagine doing your job and having someone come in and change things around. You fall behind, and watch your never ending stack of work continue growing right before your very eyes. We've all been there and it can be very frustrating to be in that situation.

I'm curious what their current average time is. From what I'm gathering it sounds like it is somewhere between 8-12 weeks. When I heard it took one family three months, I was shocked. If we didn't receive ours for three months that would be too late and we would have to wait until February to submit our dossier. That would mean having to wait until possibly April to see my little Aly.

Bottom line... keep praying!!! God can do great things and He can get us that I-171H so we can bring Aly home asap.

- - - - - - - - -

Good news. I just found out that Aly's country will still be accepting dossiers through November! They still close down for two weeks during October (they shut down every quarter for two weeks), but this is such good news. Aly won't have to wait until spring to come home. I can't believe we are getting so close!

The People Who 'ARE'

2010-08-29T19:40:00.000-07:00

By: Dave Hingsburger

It's in the press again. I search to find out the context of the word. I see debates all over the web, people bemoaning the 'politically correct' and the 'word police' and making ridiculous claims about having to ban the concept of a 'fire retardant'. Last I looked there's never been a protest about products that protect from fire. Last I looked there's only ever been protests about the use of a word that demeans a group of people.

No matter what the fearless defenders of freedom of speech say, there is a huge difference between a word to describe something that slows fire and someone who learns differently. There's a huge difference between a thing and a person - but, no, maybe not. After reading their diatribes regarding their freedom to spit out hurtful words, they may, really, not see people with disabilities as fully human with a human heart capable human hurt.

People mock the concept of respectful language regarding disability. People make odd arguments about the latest gaffe by ... no, I won't say her name here ... they say 'she was saying that of herself not anyone else' - um, so? The word she used was one referring, not to a commercial product, but to an oppressed minority. Yet the debate rages on and the fierceness of the attack by those who are proponents of the use of hate language are both hysterical and who often purposely miss the point. One wonders what's at stake - their personal liberty to hurt others?

It's time to recognize that the 'R' word is an attack against who people with with intellectual disabilities 'are', it is an attack against the group that they belong to. It is like other words that exist to slur an entire people, unacceptable. The fact that people do not see the seriousness of the word and the attack it represents is simply a result of the fact that they do not take the 'people' who wear that label seriously. The concerns of those with intellectual disabilities have always been diminished and trivialized. There is a sneaking suspicion that they 'don't understand, poor dears', that they 'miss the point, little lambs' so therefore their anger need not be feared as justified.

The people who 'ARE' what the 'R' word refers to have a long history.

They have been torn from families and cast into institutions.

They have been beaten, hosed down, over medicated, under nourished, sterilized, brutalized, victimized.

They have been held captive, have been enslaved, have had their being given over to the state.

They are the group in society most likely to be physically, sexually and financially abused.

They are the group least likely to see justice, experience fair play, receive accommodation or support within the justice system.

They are the group most likely to be bullied, most likely to be tyrannized, most likely to be the target of taunts.

They are the least likely to have their hurt taken seriously, physical hurt, emotional hurt, spiritual hurt.

They are most likely to be ignored when they speak of pain, have their words diminished by an assumption of diminished capacity.

They are the least likely to ever be seen as equal, as equivalent and entirely whole.

They are the victim of some of the most widespread and pervasive prejudices imaginable.

They are those that the Nazi's thought unworthy of life, they are those targeted by geneticists for non-existence, they need fear those who wear black hats and those who wear white coats.

They are educated only under protest, they are included as a concession rather than a right, they are neighbours only because petitions failed to keep them out.

They are kept from the leadership of their own movement, they are ignored by the media, their stories are told to glorify Gods that they do not worship.

That they are a 'people' is questioned even though they have a unique history, a unique voice, a unique perception of the world.

That they are a 'community' is questioned even though they have commonality, they have mutual goals, they have a collective vision of the future.

That they are have a legitimate place at the table is questioned simply because no one's ever offered a seat.

They are a people.

They ask for respect and receive pity.

They ask for fair play and are offered charity.

They ask for justice and wipe spittle off their face.

They ask to silence words that brutalize them and their concerns are trivialized.

They ask to walk safely through their communities and yet bullies go unpunished.

They ask to participate fully and they are denied access and accommodation and acceptance.

And this is NOW.

This is the people who have walked the land of the long corridor, who have waited at the frontier of our bias to finally be here, now. They have survived. They have come home. They have continued, silently and without fanfare, to take hold of freedom and live with dignity. They have given everything they have for what others take for granted. Their civil liberties are perceived as 'gifts' as 'tokens' and as 'charity'. Their rights are seen as privileges. Their movement is, as of yet, unacknowledged. They are a people recently emancipated, new citizens, who are tentatively discovering their voice.

It is a voice not yet heard.

It is a voice not yet respected.

It is a voice not yet understood.

But it is speaking.

And when it is finally heard. The world will change.

The 'R' word is an attack on a people who know discrimination. Tremble when you say it. Because those who should know better will be held accountable to those who know best.

Did You Know?

2010-08-24T17:03:00.000-07:00

143,000 orphans in the world spend an average of 10 years in orphanages or foster homes.

In countries such as Ukraine and Russia, about 15% of children who age-out of orphanages commit suicide before the age of 18.

60% of the girls become prostitutes, and 70% of the boys become criminals.

Every 15 seconds a child in Africa becomes an orphan due to AIDS.

Did you know that you can help change these statistics?

These statistics are taken courtesy of the Home for Good Foundation www.hfgf.org

November 7, 2010, is Orphan Sunday. This is a time for you and your church to promote orphan care and adoption. If you would like for your church to celebrate this event and encourage others to care for the "least of these," go to orphansunday.org to learn what tools and resources are available.

Question of the Day

2010-08-12T09:26:00.000-07:00

Q. Do you know other families who have been where you'll be going to get Aly?

A. As far as I know, there have not been any other families (at least through Reece's Rainbow) who have adopted from our orphanage or from our region. However, there are two other families that are also currently in the process of adopting from the same orphanage.

The Rugg family is in the final stages of adopting Joy. They were able to send their dossier at the beginning of July and are currently waiting to see when their dossier will be submitted. They had to redo one of their documents, which is why it is taking so long. You can read about their experiences at Bring Makayla Home.

The Brown family are in the process of becoming Matthew and Ivanna's forever family. They too are also nearing the end of this "paperwork pregnancy". I believe they are waiting for their home study to be completed so that they can send in their application to the USCIS. You can read their adventures at An Extra Leaf.

Cheesecake and Fingerprints

2010-08-10T22:54:00.000-07:00

Good news! Kira and I were able to get our fingerprints for USCIS taken today. We sent our I-600A application on July 10, so it has taken exactly one month to get all three of our fingerprints completed (Brian was able to get his done on July 30). It is such a huge relief to have this checked off our list. Now we will wait for the I-171H (aka "The Golden Ticket") to arrive. I'm not sure exactly how long this usually takes to arrive, but I think I am going to give my mail carrier two weeks off before I begin stalking again. Just between you and me, I am secretly hoping it arrives sooner. I can't imagine the stack of applications our USCIS officer has on her desk that need to be processed before us and she did inform us that they are handled in the order they are received.

When we went to get our fingerprints taken this morning, there was a man at the door checking to make sure you had a form with your appointment date on it and ID before he would let you in. First, he wanted to know why we were there ahead of our appointment. I explained about our adoption and that my husband had already had his prints taken (I'm so glad I had his form to show the stamp they put on it to show that it was completed). Then he was concerned because Kira's middle name was not on her form, but is on her driver's license (and all of her other forms of ID). What was her legal name? What name is listed on her birth certificate? He sent her to a separate line to get that cleared up. First they asked for her work permit. What? No, that's not why we were there. Then they assumed she was adopting. Again, no. After she explained her parents were the ones adopting, everyone was finally on the same page. Fortunately they didn't think her name was all that common and wouldn't be a problem. They did however make her add her full name under the "also known as" which was surprising. I always thought that was for things like maiden names, previous married names, I legally changed my name because I could not go through life as Adolf Hitler, etc. Once the name thing was all settled, Kira was finally able to get her prints taken. After that we were off to celebrate my mom's birthday with a little cheesecake (my sister got to celebrate her actual birthday with her last week with pie). Mmmm I just love birthdays. Please pray for my mom as she is having surgery August 13.

Oops... and Yay!

2010-08-09T22:12:00.000-07:00

As I was double-checking all of our paperwork to make sure everything was accounted for last night, I realized that I had forgotten to take our marriage certificates to get apostilled last week (oops!). Saturday, we received our new state police clearances. Thankfully, this time the form had a signature from someone that is already in the system. I had thought about waiting until we receive the I-171H from USCIS and getting them all done then, but we all decided that once we receive the I-171H I will probably be too excited and forget to take the marriage certificates again. Not wanting to risk that, and wanting to have more documents in my completed file, off to Los Angeles I went again. It's amazing, no matter what time of day I go, there is always traffic. What is that about?

Yay, Kira's USCIS appointment for her fingerprints finally arrived today! Her actual appointment is for September 1, but we are planning on going first thing in the morning. It is so exciting to be yet another step closer to bringing Alyona home.

Apostilles are Done!

2010-08-06T20:50:00.000-07:00

Yay, we have all of the apostilles completed and in our possession! I was able to drive to Los Angeles today and get the remaining documents apostilled. Better yet, when I arrived home, I checked the mail and the remaining documents I sent to the Secretary of State in Sacramento were there, all with that beautiful gold seal. I believe that I have all of our documents for the dossier apostilled, but I am going to have to wait for fresh brain cells to go over everything one last time.

The officer from USCIS also left a message today saying Kira's appointment has been set up for September 1, and a form had been sent out on Tuesday. She said she sent out a form today as well--a back up I suppose. She also mentioned it would be okay to go in early for our fingerprint appointment. I'm praying we will receive Kira's appointment in the mail on Saturday and we will be able to go for our final fingerprints on Monday. This is so exciting, I can't believe we are so close!

Monroe Has a Family!

2010-08-05T10:45:00.000-07:00

You may remember Monroe from my previous post. Well great news! Monroe has a family! The Cornish family, who have previously adopted through Reece's Rainbow, are looking forward to adding Monroe to their family! Congratulations!

The County of San Diego Must be So Proud!

2010-08-05T08:51:00.000-07:00

In the past two days I have been to the county clerks office in Los Angeles and Orange County. As I walk up to their office, I am filled with dread at the prospect that awaits me. I am frightened at the mere thought of a line that snakes it way back and forth, that could possibly take an hour of my life or more, looking at the back of someone else's head. Imagine how pleasantly surprised I was to find that at both offices there was absolutely no line... unheard of! There were other people at the counter being helped, but I was the first in line! I handed over my paperwork for notary authentication, they briefly looked at the notary, filled out the supporting paperwork, and voilá, I was on my way. Now that is service.

Brian on the other hand, had the task of going to the country clerk's office in San Diego. I told him, don't worry about it, I had no line what so ever, it'll be quick. Well of course when he got there the line was HUGE! After 1-1/2 hours he was up. He handed over his paperwork for notary authentication as well, and his gal inspected all of the documents with a fine-tooth comb. Nope, can't do it. It seems there is a mistake. What? No! Yep, you see when the form says "person(s)" and it is for Brian only and the notary forgot to cross out the (s), the clerk could not possible authenticate said document with good conscience. How could she possibly be held legally responsible for the gross negligence of another? All for a single "s". Also, she didn't like the wording of the jurat. She thought that the notary's name needed to be included in it after the sworn and sealed part.

Brian went back the following day and again she went over the documents with a fine-tooth comb. She told him that she still didn't think it was right, but wouldn't look at the copy she showed him the day before of how it was supposed to be. Her supervisor wasn't in to look at it either, and she'd said she would have to send it downtown. He asked her if she could fax it. (Have I told you about the little girl we're adopting?) She faxed it, went on break, and then went to a meeting. When she finally returned, she had completely forgot Brian was still there. He reminded her that he was still waiting and she told him that they said it was fine. Three minutes later he was out the door. Wow, for what took me three minutes, it took him three hours over two days, but he finally has the notary authentication and now I can go back to Los Angeles for the apostilles.

Reece's Rainbow Child of the Month: August 2010

2010-08-04T00:16:00.000-07:00

Brian(23)

Boy, Born November 25, 2005

Brian is a bundle of love :) Blonde hair and big brown eyes, he is waiting for his family to come for him. He was born with hydronephrosis and does have hypthyroidism.

Brian is nearing 5 and needs a family quickly. He is blessed to still be at the baby house, which is one of the nicer ones. We have had several families adopt from here, and this region is a beautiful place to visit. There are MANY children with Down syndrome and other special needs waiting in this orphanage who can be adopted together.

Hope someone will consider Brian!

I have $2265 in my grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!

http://www.reecesrainbow.com/childofthemonth.html

I'm So Glad I Called

2010-08-03T23:15:00.000-07:00

Our officer with the USCIS emailed us today. It seems that when the I-600A application is entered into the system, only the parents are automatically issued fingerprint appointments. It isn't until they actually read your home study and discover that there is somebody else over 18 years old living in your house, that they issue additional fingerprint appointments... not that the amount written on the check would be any clue ($670 per couple + $80 for each additional person 18 and over... I know, procedures). Thankfully, Officer Saunders entered Kira into the system to be issued an appointment. Unfortunately, our location is currently filled to capacity. Once a space opens up, the system will automatically schedule her. I am so glad I contacted her.

I took our state police clearances to Los Angeles to be apostilled today, and typically they would be able to do it, but the manager that signed the form must be new, as his name was not in the system. They let me know that I could go and get the form notarized, and then have the notary authenticated with the county clerk, and then I would be able to come back and request the apostille. Well, I went and got the required notary and had it authenticated, but was unable to return to Los Angeles today for the apostilles. Tomorrow, I am planning on calling the attorney general's office to 1) let them know the signature will not get anyone an apostille and 2) please send me another copy with a valid signature (just in case). They know that for foreign adoptions this form needs to be apostilled, so why would they have someone signing the state police clearances before they were even in the system? Just saying.

I'm so excited to be getting closer, but when I read about the Urban's and their struggle at the embassy, to get the visas to bring their kiddos home, all because of a letter their insurance company won't give them until they have custody of their kids, but they can't get custody of their kids without the letter :::sigh:::... I know that it's not over once the dossier has been sent. That is actually good to know now, instead of being completely blind-sided once your in country. I appreciate when families keep it real and let us know of the struggles they experience along the way. Oh, this will all have been so worth it once my little cutie is home where she belongs.

I'm a Stalker

2010-08-02T20:58:00.000-07:00

Yep, I'm stalking my mail carrier. Every day you can find me waiting by my mailbox for Kira's USCIS biometric appointment. Friday... nothing. Saturday... nothing. That's it, I called USCIS. Left a message for our officer first thing this morning. Sure her message says she returns calls between 1-2 central time, but did I get a call... no. Not today at least. I know they are busy and have huge case loads, but please. Since I didn't hear back from our officer, I just had to leave an email as well.

My mail carrier did mention that mail does get separated. I'm guessing that would that be like when your luggage ends up in another airport in another state.

Monday... still nothing! ::: sigh :::

I'm feeling good about Tuesday!

USCIS... Fingerprint Appointment!!!

2010-07-30T23:15:00.000-07:00

We finally heard from USCIS!!! On 7/29 (my birthday!). Brian and I received our fingerprint appointment... for August 20. Unfortunately, we did not receive Kira's form. Oh well, all three of us headed down first thing in the morning to see if we could all could get our fingerprints taken. I had heard other families adopting children with special needs going in before their appointment date and we have already requested USCIS expediate our application, so we thought it was worth a shot. Well, since Kira didn't have a form, they would not even allow her in the building! Brian was successful and had his prints taken. I will go back with Kira next week just as soon as she receives her form (I really hope it arrives in the mail Saturday).

On my birthday we also received our package of notarized documents back from Sacramento with the apostilles attached (there was one form that needs to be redone). These documents make up the bulk of our dossier. We have a few more documents (state police clearance, I-171H aka The Golden Ticket, etc.) that will need to be apostilled as well, so I think I will probably be driving to Sacramento for the remaining apostilles.

You Want What?

2010-07-30T23:02:00.000-07:00

The state police clearance we requested really wasn't. Sure it was notarized this time, but it was from the county, not the state, definitely not what we need. Not sure how that happened because we clearly requested a "state police clearance". That's what the top of the form said that we filled out and it even had a box labeled "adoption" for us to check. I emailed Jennifer who also lives in California (she recently adopted Sophia), as well as Hansina (who is adopting Liam) to see if they could provide some advice. It seems that what we really needed was another live-scan (why didn't they tell us that the first time). The new form had a box labeled "foreign adoption" so we must be on the right track. So 7/28 our live scans were completed. Brian was smart, he made an appointment for 9:00 by his office. I on the other hand didn't... but should have. The first place I went is by appointment only, next available appointment was August 2 (uh... no). The second place I went to accepted walk-ins, but they closed at 12:00. Bummer, it was past noon. The third place I went I was finally successful. If only I had checked online I would not have had to drive all over town. And so now I wait. I wait for the mailman to come and deliver our state police clearances, so that they too can go to Sacramento to be apostilled.

Medicals... Check (Again)

2010-07-21T22:34:00.000-07:00

Last week Brian and I went to the lab to have our blood work (TB, HIV, etc.) redone and this week we were able to have our doctors appointment. Our doctor was surprised to hear that we needed to get everything redone, but when I explained that we just received the letter from the mortgage company... and that everything else has expired and needed to be redone she completely understood. She did warn us that she didn't think that our insurance would cover anything since we were just there in February. I get to go back on Monday to get the updated medical statements notarized.

We sent twenty-four documents that had recently been notarized (again) to Sacramento to get apostilled (again). I am hoping to have the last few remaining documents in my hands Monday so that I will be able to send them off to Sacramento as well.

Still waiting to hear from USCIS.

Fortunately... Unfortunately

2010-07-18T10:42:00.000-07:00

Fortunately... we received our state police clearances in the mail on Thursday.

Unfortunately... when I requested them, I forgot to let them know that they need to be notarized. :::sigh::: I don't know what I was thinking. On Friday, I went back to the sheriff's department and was able to get the phone number to the other office that sends them out. They were able to look up the documents and said that they will send them out again, notarized this time. I let her know that the notary can not expire within the next twelve months and she said she would write a note, but no guarantees. Keep praying.

Monroe Needs a Family

2010-07-14T21:52:00.000-07:00

Monroe (12)

BOY, Born February 4, 2005

SIGNIFICANT RISK, PLEASE ADOPT ME SOON!!

Monroe is a sunshine of a little boy! He is already 5 and blessed to still be at the baby house. He needs a family right away!

From a missionary who visited with him in June 2010: I met with the doctor in his Groupa House who brought me back to meet him. The Head Doctor wanted me to meet the children who needed equipment. While measuring him for a chair, she explained to me what was more important was that he get a family. He will be transferred in six months to the worst institution, restrained in a crib in a dark room. She broke into tears! Monroe has spastic cerebral palsy in all four limbs and is globally delayed. He is able to recognize the voices of his careworkers and understand simple directions. However, due to his spacitiy he is unable to do much of anything. No speech. With therapy he can improve but will always have limitations. I measured his head circumference and once home will check with a doctor regarding whether or not he is microcephalic as well. I will try to gather more information on him today. His temperament was sweet and his eyes twinkled. He needs a family fast!

From an adoptive family who visited with him in June 2009: Monroe has CP. It appears that he is unable to use his arms and legs and is not sitting up on his own. He has the most beautiful smile and I don't think there is much of a cognitive delay. He loves to be held and his whole face lights up when you come near him."

*** Monroe has an incredible benefactor who has offered a FULL GRANT of $20,000 for his adoption. He is facing imminent institutionalization, and will regress quickly once he is transferred. Families who are qualified (www.reecesrainbow.org/newfamily.html) to adopt internationally and who are approved to adopt a significantly delayed child should contact Andrea for more information. This is a very fast program and it is very possible to have him home before the end of 2010! ***

MORE PHOTOS AVAILABLE

I have $20,000 in my grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!

Assessor's Office

2010-07-14T09:15:00.000-07:00

Brian is heading to the assessor's office (again) in an attempt to get the last document we need for our adoption. Please pray that they agree to give us the letter with the necessary information. They have given us a letter back in February, but not with all of the information we need, only what they typically provide for adoptions. They have no regard for what specific countries require. Also, since that original letter is now over 5 months old, it has since expired. ::: sigh ::: Why is this so complicated? It really isn't that difficult. They have spent more time with us in person and on the phone telling us "NO!" than they would if they would just write the letter. I wish there was a federal law that would make banks, mortgage companies, assessor's offices, etc. have to comply and provide the necessary documentation... without grief!

Re-Notarized

2010-07-13T15:08:00.000-07:00

Due to the fact that it took so long to get the letter from our mortgage company, all of our other documents that we have gotten together have expired. Yes, all of the documents that we had notarized and apostilled back in January and February are no longer valid. The country we are adopting from allows 5 months and then they expire. Yesterday, I went to Brian's work, which is 90 minutes away. A lady that works their also happens to be a notary. She heard our story of how we had to redo all of our documents and she offered to notarize all of them for FREE after she got off work! Thanks Annette! Now I need to send all of the documents off to Sacramento to be apostilled.

Tomorrow morning Brian is going to try yet again with the assessor's office. The document they had given us 1) does not have all of the needed information on it and 2) it has also expired. Please pray that the assessor's office will be gracious and give us the letter we need to bring Aly home. They keep saying, "This is the letter we always give out for adoptions", with no thought to what information we told them needed to be included in the letter and that the country we are adopting from requires.

We are waiting for our state police clearance to arrive and an appointment to get our final set of fingerprints done. Once we have our final fingerprints, then we waited for the I-171H (aka The Golden Ticket), which is the final piece of paper we need for our dossier. We are getting so close!!!

Reece's Rainbow Child of the Month: July 2010

2010-07-11T15:28:00.000-07:00

Paula #544

Girl, DOB: April 19, 2006
Main diagnosis: Down syndrome
lagging behind in physical and mental development

She has already been transferred to a mental institution

Paula was born with a heart condition that was surgically corrected with satisfactory results.
She does not yet walk and often prefers to be by herself. She is 4 years old and her report says she functions at the level of a 2 year old. She is lagging behind in all areas of her development.

Her medical report was updated in May 2010.
FULL MEDICAL RECORDS AVAILABLE

SINGLE MOMS, OLDER PARENTS, & LARGE FAMILIES WELCOME, EASY TRAVEL

I have $1193 in my grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!

I-600A Has Left the Building

2010-07-10T21:29:00.000-07:00

We are so excited to send off our I-600A today! We have gotten all of our documents ready to be notarized (again) and drove over to our notary, but unfortunately our notary closes early on Saturday :( I will pick up new copies of our marriage certificates and get everything notarized on Monday and send to off to be apostilled... again.

Of course I still have to deal with the assessor's office. Wish me luck!

Guess What I've Got...

2010-07-09T22:20:00.000-07:00

Yay, I have our homestudy in my hands. I was out back gardening all day, when our agency called wanting to know if I wanted to pick up the home study or if they should drop it in the mail. I told them that I would be right there (after a quick shower to wash off the grime of course). Turns out it was a good thing I stopped by. We had been talking for quite awhile and I mentioned how excited I was to get to send in the I-600A (Application for Advanced Processing of Orphan Petition) to the USCIS. That was when they realized they had forgotten to include the notarized copies of the agency's license and our social worker's license. While she was getting the copies of the licenses I had to peek and make sure I had the correct home study with our name on it. I would hate to have gotten home and found out I had another families home study.

Good News and Bad News (Again)

2010-07-08T21:42:00.000-07:00

Great news actually! We have finally received the letter from our mortgage company that we have been waiting months for. Unfortunately, because it has taken so long, all of the documents that we had completed, notarized, and sent to Sacramento to be apostilled... well, they have expired. Yes, we need to redo all of those documents. FYI, in California, it costs $20 per document to be apostilled. ::: sigh ::: Anyway, we are going to redo all of the documents tomorrow and pray that the assessor's office will be nice about redoing that document as well.

Also, our homestudy is almost completed. We reviewed the first copy and made minor changes as needed. Even better is that we got the very last document we needed for our homestudy turned in today. Hopefully that will be done any day now, then we can send it off to USCIS.