Being Put On Hold

It's been crazy busy here. Between the frequent emails and phone calls to our adoption agencies (both home study and international), therapies, doctor visits, and more therapies... who has time to just sit back and enjoy a good book these days?

On the topic of the adoption, I thought we should share some news with you. In light of everything that has happened with Kazakhstan, Michael and I had to make a very difficult decision. We are changing countries, for a third - and we hope final - time. We will be traveling to Russia. We will be meeting with our social worker tomorrow (Friday) to get our home study revamped. We will need to start the process all over again of course, including new physicals and new FBI prints. If the police at our local station don't know us by now...  Of course, with the switch comes the added bonus of expenses and stress. Our agency has passed along some information for grants which I will be starting shortly - but I am also looking into starting a "local" fundraiser. At this point, we could use all the help we can get, any little bit helps. If you could swing by our online fundraiser, it has been modernized to include more than just magazines. Please take a look, think gift giving season is right around the corner. We would greatly appreciate it.
Kazakhstan info will soon be swapped out for Russia on our "Where Is"... page.

Some people say, everything happens for a reason. We are sad to leave Kazakhstan behind. We learned a lot about the country during our "waiting time". However... I can't quite get the idea out of my head that maybe God had a better plan. A plan to make me better, make me heal, and our family able to bring our daughter home together without any added stress. I guess I will never know for sure. What I do know is, you never get between a mama and her cub. Where there is a will, there is a way. We will get there, and we will bring her home, where ever she might be. 0 comments

Posted by Mel at 9:53 PM

Coming To A Screeching Halt

Chocolate - We Miss You! 2000-2010

Well, I've got a lot say. And a limited amount of time to get it down (the school bus should be here soon). First off, I want to address the above, our cat Chocolate. I originally planned and arranged this beautiful slideshow, but when I pressed play - I cried like a baby... so it will have to wait. In the meantime, we are sad to say that our oldest cat has passed away. It started when one night she woke up on the bed with us and seemed disoriented, kinda hobbled to her feet and circled around before hopping off. This condition gradually got worse, and then one day Chocolate’s circling didn't stop. We took her to an animal hospital and the Docs diagnosed her with a vestibular disease, one that was most likely neurological (or in the brain). After a week of medicine, we knew our playful, leaping Chocolate wasn't going to be the same... and we let her go. She will be forever missed!

Little bit of bad news, little bit of good.
At the beginning of the month, we headed over to Coco Key to go swimming to celebrate the end of summer and the end of Hayden's play. We invited some friends along, stayed a few days, and enjoyed lying back with no worries. Plus, the Lazy River was free water therapy.  ;)
Also, Hayden graduated from Bike Camp! The last session was commenced by Hayden and another boy riding their bikes through downtown Grayslake to get to “Tastee Freeze” for ice cream. Though it was a hot day, not much ice cream was lost (he saved some on his chin for later); no knees were skinned during the journey. We are sooo proud of him.
Next, I have started real aquatic therapy. It's great not having horrible sore muscles. This will teach me, or my body to finally use the correct muscles to keep my body up and moving. When that starts to kick in, I'll let you know.
Also, school has started! Hayden has been waiting for this since June (and mom too!). He has officially become a tween - he's worrying about messing up his hair! He started out by styling it with mousse, but went the extra mile to get it cut the correct way, and then used gel. He now asks me in the morning to help make his hair spiky. He's growing up before our eyes. Here's a sneak peak of his first day as a 2nd grader, and his new do!

And lastly, in adoption news: Imagine a child was given a yo-yo, but didn't know how to use it. He would throw it in the air (and you would get really excited!) or start the roll/drop and it would slightly spring back up (a hint of good news), but the yo-yo never completely winds back up or comes back to the top. This is how our journey has been - a yo-yo of unexpected expectations and surprises and disappointments.
This afternoon we learned that even after signing a petition to keep our dossier in Kazahkstan, it was unfortunately returned to the States. We are now left with yet another fork in the road, or a decision to make. Either we stay with Kazakhstan and wait until it reopens, then most likely redo our paperwork and resubmit our information as a new case and start the wait over again... Or we jump ship, to say Russia or Ukraine. We haven't made any decisions yet, as we haven't quite processed the news, but can't believe this is happening again - to us... to make a choice. "Should we stay or should we go?"

It's been a long, hard and trying month. Or even year. We hope there is a light at the end of the tunnel somewhere - soon. Cuz I need a break. 2 comments

Posted by Mel at 7:21 PM

A New Look... On Life, On Site

You probably have noticed by now things look a little different around here. Unfortunately our old background was about to "expire" and I couldn't get the site to come back to me. So... I scoured my techie pages and some blog template pages - deciding it was time for a change. Our family will be going through some changes in the coming months, so this is only appropriate. ;)

Some things to expect as you browse our newly designed site:

• The Daily V's (pics), Adoption Timeline, and Where is Kazakhstan? links have grown legs. They now have their own page, (their own home) and links which are located on the upper right hand side of our page.
  
• You can always click "Home" to get back to the front page. The "Home" button is available at the TOP, in the clouds.
  
• The "About" link in the clouds gives you a little background info on our family. A cute read. :)
  
• If you would like to follow along on our journey, get updates, or be a frequent visitor to our blog - click on the "RSS" in the clouds OR find the "Followers" bunch on the side bar. We hope you come back often.
  
• Comments are only a cloud away. Want to read about what everyone has been saying? The "Comments" link is in the clouds above.
  

If you have any questions or comments... or our template isn't working for you, please let us know. Currently my "Search" feature isn't active, but I hope to add labels to my posts soon, to make this feature available.

And so, with that we hope you enjoy our newly-decorated site! 0 comments

Posted by Mel at 5:07 PM

One Step.... Errrr, Jump at a Time

It's been an interesting July. We're still here... in town, in country - with no travel date in sight. And even though we are sad, we are trying to make the best of it.

Hayden's summer camp will be coming to an end soon. We can't believe how fast time flies in the summer. He will be performing in Aladdin Jr. at the end of this month and rounding out his summer therapies, including bike camp. In fact, as I type this... my little bicyclist has just completed 3 laps around our park (Daddy sent a text while I stayed home and rested). We are super proud of his achievement.

Here is a sneak peak of Hayden practicing one of his Aladdin song's - an actor in the making ;) .

Meanwhile, we have been trying to keep ourselves (if not our minds) busy. We raised butterflies from tiny caterpillars! It was a great experience for all of us to watch them grow, flutter, and then fly away to "find their new home". My youngest brother graduated high school and had a party thrown in his honor. We were more than happy to visit with family and relax. We visited some friends and had dinner, and also got to tour their new house - Hayden LOVED this part. 
In addition, we are going to visit a water park the first week of August. (Shhhh! It's a surprise for Hayden!!!) We want to celebrate Hayden's play and just take a break from our daily routine - I think we deserve it.
I'm sure there is much more in store for us and the summer isn't over yet. We are taking advantage of the free time before Michael and Hayden go back to school while we can.

Though the days can be tough... like walking by our trip box (that is finally filled with supplies for our travels) in the office daily, and seeing our empty suitcases as we grab the laundry basket, but I can't help but think there is a silver lining somewhere. It's hard to find at times. It's definitely frustrating, but we are still crossing our fingers. With that, we are just taking it day by day... and hoping for tomorrow.

Anyway, please don't forget to check out our "Summer Fun" pics on our new Daily V's page (link is located on the top right under "Pages"). We hope you enjoy the rest of your summer... and please keep us in your prayers. 0 comments

Posted by Mel at 8:06 PM

Asking For Your Prayers...

The past few weeks have proven to be very difficult. We have spent it waiting for phone calls and emails on updates about our case - hoping for the best - but ending up hearing what could be the worst case scenario.

We don't feel comfortable going into detail about the situation we are going through right now, therefore we are keeping things confidential per the request of our agency. However, we are praying that it all pans out and that it can be resolved in a timely manner. We trust that it will all work out in the end, and we ask that no one question our decision(s) or bring doubt into our heads (during this difficult time or otherwise). We know we are being very vague, but we wanted to get the word out and are asking for your help in prayer.

As we learned when we switched from Kyrgyzstan and throughout this whole process, international adoption is unpredictable. We are at the mercy of the country.

Please keep us in your prayers.

Happy 4th of July 2 comments

Posted by Mel at 7:55 PM

I Wanna Be...

Slideshow generated with Smilebox As promised, photos and a video clip of our little actor! Last weekend we were all a little winded. Four performances for a child is a lot to handle. But we all managed, and in the end Hayden was still bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. We would definitely have to say Jungle Book Jr. was one of Hayden's favorite plays out of the four he has been in in the past. To this day he still walks around the house singing "I wanna be like you...". He was well versed on not only his lines, but everyone else's! Though sometimes, you could tell he was a bit tired on stage, he would always perk up from a silly wave or smile from Mommy, Daddy, or any of our guests. We are so proud of our little thespian! We hope you enjoy the video clip of Hayden saying BOTH his lines as much as I enjoyed using our little handy-cam that we purchased for Kazakhstan.              In adoption news, we are on the edge of our seats. We are frantically checking our email almost every hour waiting for our LOI to come in (letter of invitation - allowing us to travel). We are keeping ourselves busy by getting packing items ready, counting down the minutes until hubby and Hayden finish up school and so on. I don't know about you, but I am now more anxious than ever! So cross your fingers, and say a little pray for us to be traveling soon. I (we) wanna be... in Kazakhstan soon!         Happy Memorial Day!

2 comments

Posted by Mel at 1:41 PM

Shop 'Till You Drop

Wow, we cannot believe June is right around the corner! With that comes the presentation of Hayden's theater play - Jungle Book. This is the forth play he has been in and he is loving every minute of it. He is playing two parts this time around (both monkeys) and has his lines down pat. He can't wait to hop on stage this weekend and "project" his voice for all who come. Pictures coming soon!

Now that I am able to get around a little more... we must start ticking things off our "Packing To-Do" list. Today I hit Walmart and and just started dumping stuff in my cart. I grabbed things like ibuprofen and antacid, travel kleenex and toothettes, a travel size of deodorant, toothpaste and laundry detergent, plus so much more! I barely put a dent in my list, but I feel a slight weight off my shoulders to have finally gotten started. We still have a TON of stuff to do, and no idea when we need it done by. We haven't heard word on when we will be traveling, but we are crossing our fingers that it will happen once Michael finishes teaching and Hayden is done in school, both the same day - June 4th. Either way, I have several more trips to the store ahead of me - crossing more of our list off by the minute.

Even though I can make it to the store, take Hayden and myself to therapy and back - I am still working on the big stuff. I do my days in shifts, groceries get unpacked s-l-o-w-l-y, etc. I could start to vacuum, but I am anal about cleanliness and have a lot of floor to cover tiring me out quickly, so I have left that up to Michael until recently. We finally agreed that we just can't handle it all - there just isn't enough time in the day. So, with a recommendation from my friend Laura, I called a cleaning service and was glad I did. Though I have to admit, I wanted to jump up and give them a hand, and I felt guilty laying around while they worked... but the end of the afternoon, I was tickled pink! My sink was gleaming brighter than it ever has been (I have never been able to get that white porcelain sink clean!) and the house was smelling clean and fresh. We aren't the type of people to "hire help". We know this luxury won't last long, only because the cost does add up, and because I like to do things my own way - when I can.

*Lastly, I want to take a moment and pay our respects to Fence. It was an old Fence. It kept us hidden from our neighbors, sheltered us from most winds (where we still had fence panels left), and created a boundary line for the wandering kids on the block. We will miss you dearly.

Fence was taken done by Michael and his father on Sunday May 16th. There was no reviving of Fence due to finances. Fence left behind a warm and loving yard, playset, two maple trees and a great family. You will be missed.

Fence was disposed of on the apron of our drive - only to learn funeral services would cost $300. Family made other arrangements, and Fence was adopted/purchased by a loving family and new yard and home. Mostly likely Fence will be shortened to give him back some youth for many more years to come.

Whew... 2 comments

Posted by Mel at 4:26 PM

Happy Birthday!

On Thursday April 15, I woke up as usual... with a pain in my butt. Literally. I was scheduled for a steroid epidural injection shortly after we put Mr. Hayden on the bus that morning. Though I am not a fan of pain or needles, I was determined to do anything to feel better, and make it to my son's birthday party in just 2 days time.
So the simple procedure was a success, minus the numb feeling in my legs and bottom. I was told no stretches for twenty-four hours. You got it!
Come Saturday, I wouldn't say I felt like a new woman, but I definitely felt better. I walked about Hayden's party (held at a pizza like arcade called Rinkside), talking, handing out tokens, and admiring the kids. Eventually my legs said "Take a break lady!" and I obliged. Overall... the party was a success and Hayden was happy. That's all that mattered.

Now... I'm at a fork in the road. Maybe I took advantage and moved around too much, too much sitting or driving. Maybe one cortisone/steroid shot isn't enough, because I've regressed. I never left my good old friend the couch and bed for long -  and they seem to be glad I'm back. Me on the other hand, want to chuck them out the window in a fit of anger. But if I did that, who knows what body part I'd hurt next. ;)
Either way, we're in the waiting game. Michael has been extremely busy with work, grocery shopping, cleaning, and cooking. If we aren't neglecting one thing, we are another. Just recently we got a warning about our fence... which is falling apart. With every intention to take it down, we are now forced to do this before we face a fine - by May 3rd. When we (or shall I say Michael) will find time to do this is beyond our imagination. Yet we keep chugging along...

Hayden had a fantastic birthday. We took plenty of pictures of his big day - him turning 7! Check out the Daily V's on the right. He got his beloved Nintendo DS and some games, in addition to some Bakugan toys. We are also grateful for the donations to Hayden's summer theater camp. He had such a blast last year. Swimming, dancing, and singing, OH MY!

Lots of great things are happening in Hayden-ville: Hayden's biking skills are coming along awesomely. He rode from two neighbor houses down - to our house all by himself. A tremendous feat and an accomplishment for our big guy!
He's conquered shoe tying "Mommy's" way, as long as he takes his time and the laces are a decent size.
Hayden's teacher came back from a medical family leave - which meant cleaning out desks and bringing home weeks old papers. One included a worksheet from St. Patty's Day titled "My 3 Wishes". Hayden wrote very nice and neat his three wishes, 1. to be speed racer's car. 2. a baby toy for his baby sister. 3. a baby bottle for his baby sister. Michael and I were soo touched by our loving and thoughtful boy!

We are still awaiting news on Baby V, and will be sure to post when we hear something. But I wouldn't doubt you'll hear me shouting from the rooftops when the time finally comes. ;) In a blink of an eye we have been going through this process for 2 years (But no cake for you!). We can't wait to meet her and bring her home.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend! 0 comments

Posted by Mel at 10:34 AM

Have a Snack While You Wait...

Monday I had an uplifting conversation with our adoption coordinator. We are going to be assigned our orphanage and given travel dates soon. With that, a flood of questions came. One of them being that we could potentially be traveling as early as the middle to end of May. With all that has been going on with my injury, this news has us "tickled pink".

One of those questions included how... how do we travel if the "boys" are still in school? And how long? We are going to do our best to make it to Kazakhstan in one trip (which we hope will be about three to three and half weeks). And we are asking to have an escort bring Baby V home. Of course... now we seriously have to get our butts in gear, paint and finish her room, and buy girlie things!!!! *That's one of the fun parts!* Unfortunately, since we are looking to adopt a toddler girl between the ages of 12-24 months, clothes sizes vary widely. So that will have to be put off until we come back from our trip and we have met our daughter.

In other news, I am still waiting to hear back about my MRI. My doctors office decided to take a little Easter vacation, and left me in a lurch. Nice, huh? Meanwhile, I am still recovering, doing my stretches and venturing to therapy twice a week.

Yesterday, Hayden kept himself occupied a good portion of the day with his Vtech kiddy digital camera. He's not only able to take pictures, but quick little videos. One of his videos included him laying at the top of the stairs filming his self singing the theme song to Scooby-Doo. But our most prized video is of him snacking.

Before we know it... it will be May or June and we will be heading to Kazakhstan. We hope to get things in gear soon, and will keep you posted with our progress.

Happy Easter!

1 comments

Posted by Mel at 9:28 AM

Step On A Crack, Break Your Back

Almost 5 Weeks and counting - should be the title of this post. This month has been one of the worst, trying my patience, health, and sanity. All the while... I have had plenty of time to write (though in a horizontal position - it isn't all that easy), think, and make mental notes of nail pops.

March 1, 2010 changed me. Our family's whole routine went out with the garbage (pun IS intended, as you'll read soon) that day, and sometimes... when my patience and frustration gets the better of me - I feel I will never gain control again.

To give you some insight, I have a slipped disk... just by maneuvering the garbage cans on a chilly icy morning. I must have twisted my body the wrong way, and have spent my time since paying for it. I have started physical therapy, but mostly I spend my time abusing my couch and bed. They haven't seen this kind of company in like - EVER! Standing, sitting, and walking (for long periods of time) are painful. Which basically makes daily living dull, boring, and uneventful. I have caught up on more TV shows than I can count, OnDemand shows I never knew existed, and have even watched TV online. I bring new meaning to "couch potato".

Hubby and Hayden have been extremely helpful (or as helpful as an almost 7 year old can/want to be). But it's hard. When you want a snack and you don't quite know what you want... you need to raid your pantry. Or you want to go to the store (so you can find a snack to buy) and use those coupons - the ones you having been clipping for weeks while on the couch! And you hear the birds now, but you would actually like to SEE them. But you just can't do it all.

Don't get me wrong, I have made it out. I manage, or do my best, to make it to Hayden's therapies (though car rides/driving is difficult). I am able to make Hayden's lunch with his help and walk him down to the bus stop. But standing to make a long meal, like dinner, is more challenging. Let's just say I am tired of take-out.

Either way, I have come a long way with my injury. I was on my hands and knees in so much pain I couldn't stand almost 5 weeks ago. I understand the healing process is long and grueling, and sometimes I think it would have been easier had I have broken a wrist, etc. Least I'd be more mobile and could still tend to my family.

This injury has taught me a few things, one being trust. Also I know some things just aren't life threatening, and it's ok to let it go. Who cares if the floor isn't swept and the dishes aren't done. Yes it's annoying, it will get done... eventually.

In other (quick) news, Hayden has learned to tie a dummy-set of shoes, has pedaled 6 cycles on a bike at therapy and came home with three 100% on his tests last week, one including spelling. He is doing so well, his IEP services has dropped O.T. to consult and all that remains is speech. And even speech was lowered. He is so happy, and we are proud of his progress.

Still no word on the adoption front. But we put out an email and hope to hear back soon.

Here's to no more injuries, no more bad fast food (a nasty encounter with raw chicken doesn't do a tummy good), and oh for some warm weather to get some fresh air!

Edit: Needed to change the number of weeks I have been "laid up". Apparently you lose track when all you see is ceiling everyday. That and I never have been good at math. ;) 0 comments

Posted by Mel at 8:36 AM