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
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I Wanna Be...
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| 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! |
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
Happy Birthday!
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
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!
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!
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
Happy Mother's Day in Kaz!
While we were hoping for an update this week, it didn't come. Instead we are thinking of the country's 2 day celebration for mothers which starts March 8th. We hope to receive some kind of news once the holiday is over. Until then, Happy Mother's Day to the moms in Kazakhstan!
Meanwhile... I can't wait for this week to end. While running some errands Monday morning for my business, I managed to pull my back out. Though I worked through the morning and early afternoon, I wasn't truly aware of the damage until later in the afternoon when I couldn't rise from the couch. From Monday evening on (and still to this day), I have spent most of my time laying... laying... and catching up on television shows. Not an enjoyable week. My sis and I made an uncomfortable trip out to the doc, got some meds, etc. and was for recommended physical therapy.
If there's anything I have learned from this week - it's two things. One... take it easy when moving the garbage cans, they can ruin your week in a blink. And two... trust. I have had to depend on my family for everything. From something simple like putting on my socks, to walking Hayden to the bus, and even help in the washroom (embarrassingly enough to say). But my husband, mother, brother, and sister were my rocks this week, and without them... I would still be in tears in a fetal position on the floor - in pain.
Here's to a better week, a recovered back... and some good news. ;) 0 comments
Meanwhile... I can't wait for this week to end. While running some errands Monday morning for my business, I managed to pull my back out. Though I worked through the morning and early afternoon, I wasn't truly aware of the damage until later in the afternoon when I couldn't rise from the couch. From Monday evening on (and still to this day), I have spent most of my time laying... laying... and catching up on television shows. Not an enjoyable week. My sis and I made an uncomfortable trip out to the doc, got some meds, etc. and was for recommended physical therapy.
If there's anything I have learned from this week - it's two things. One... take it easy when moving the garbage cans, they can ruin your week in a blink. And two... trust. I have had to depend on my family for everything. From something simple like putting on my socks, to walking Hayden to the bus, and even help in the washroom (embarrassingly enough to say). But my husband, mother, brother, and sister were my rocks this week, and without them... I would still be in tears in a fetal position on the floor - in pain.
Here's to a better week, a recovered back... and some good news. ;) 0 comments
Crossing Our Fingers For An Update...
Video courtesy of http://www.twoheartsforhope.org/
Visit Two Hearts for Hope and learn about what more you can do to help. Donate to the 2 Hearts 2 Kaz Mega Fundraiser and help the children of Kazakhstan. Fund "Project Playground" today, because every little bit helps.
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News has been slow here. We hope to have an update by the end of the day, but at the latest, next week. We will keep you posted ;)
Hayden has been enjoying school immensely these past few weeks. School has never seemed to be a struggle for him, and we are crossing our fingers that is never the case. However, there are times when things get in the way, i.e. colds and doctor appointments, that forces him to miss his beloved past time. Earlier this week, Hay came down with a fluky bug... keeping him home from school the first 2 days of the week. But once he went back, it was one of the best days he's had all year.
First, Hayden appeared all bright-eyed, smiley, and yelling "Mommy! Guess what!" on Wednesday afternoon upon pickup. Once I got him to quiet down, I saw this odd necklace he was grasping on to for dear life - a tooth necklace. The dangling bottom K-9 tooth finally found its way out, during hot lunch pizza, and Hayden was rewarded with a neat gift. His name was put on the wall in the office, and given a necklace to carry his prize home in.
Later on, driving him to therapy, Hayden entertained me with a tale of at lunch when he felt his tooth fall out, he was thinking and his brain worked out a situation to get that tooth out... without swallowing, or losing any pizza. ;)
We made it to therapy shortly after (I, in stitches from laughing so hard), and Hayden attempted and conquered one of his hardest and scariest tasks from O.T. At the end of the session, we were all very proud of him. He is coming a long way.
On another note, we visited an ENT a few weeks ago. Hayden enjoyed the giant camera that took a picture of his neck, ah... adenoids. We heard word shortly after that his adenoids are enlarged (a concern expressed not only by me, but by therapists). He was given a prescription nose spray, we hope this helps the enlargement, and the fluid in the ear. We go back in the middle of March for another check-up. And unfortunately, if he makes no improvement, surgery is recommended.
Rounding down to our 2 years... we think and dream about what it will be like to have our family together - everyday. Even Hayden, who asks frequently "When will baby sister come home?", is puzzled why this process is taking so long. It's truly a heartbreaking question to answer, but we hope to be able to do that soon. 0 comments
Visit Two Hearts for Hope and learn about what more you can do to help. Donate to the 2 Hearts 2 Kaz Mega Fundraiser and help the children of Kazakhstan. Fund "Project Playground" today, because every little bit helps.
__________________________________________________
News has been slow here. We hope to have an update by the end of the day, but at the latest, next week. We will keep you posted ;)
Hayden has been enjoying school immensely these past few weeks. School has never seemed to be a struggle for him, and we are crossing our fingers that is never the case. However, there are times when things get in the way, i.e. colds and doctor appointments, that forces him to miss his beloved past time. Earlier this week, Hay came down with a fluky bug... keeping him home from school the first 2 days of the week. But once he went back, it was one of the best days he's had all year.
First, Hayden appeared all bright-eyed, smiley, and yelling "Mommy! Guess what!" on Wednesday afternoon upon pickup. Once I got him to quiet down, I saw this odd necklace he was grasping on to for dear life - a tooth necklace. The dangling bottom K-9 tooth finally found its way out, during hot lunch pizza, and Hayden was rewarded with a neat gift. His name was put on the wall in the office, and given a necklace to carry his prize home in.
Later on, driving him to therapy, Hayden entertained me with a tale of at lunch when he felt his tooth fall out, he was thinking and his brain worked out a situation to get that tooth out... without swallowing, or losing any pizza. ;)
We made it to therapy shortly after (I, in stitches from laughing so hard), and Hayden attempted and conquered one of his hardest and scariest tasks from O.T. At the end of the session, we were all very proud of him. He is coming a long way.
On another note, we visited an ENT a few weeks ago. Hayden enjoyed the giant camera that took a picture of his neck, ah... adenoids. We heard word shortly after that his adenoids are enlarged (a concern expressed not only by me, but by therapists). He was given a prescription nose spray, we hope this helps the enlargement, and the fluid in the ear. We go back in the middle of March for another check-up. And unfortunately, if he makes no improvement, surgery is recommended.
Rounding down to our 2 years... we think and dream about what it will be like to have our family together - everyday. Even Hayden, who asks frequently "When will baby sister come home?", is puzzled why this process is taking so long. It's truly a heartbreaking question to answer, but we hope to be able to do that soon. 0 comments
Once Upon A Time...
Once upon a time there was a man and a woman. They fell in love, married and decided to start a family. What a glorious idea, the Heavens thought... as they blessed this couple with a son almost 2 years after being wed.The family felt whole - complete, with three cats, a fish, and a frog. But one day... an urge started to rattle their bones. A feeling like something was missing.
It was at that moment - more than two years ago - the Heavens introduced the miracle of adoption to the V family. A sibling, a daughter, a home. Happily Ever After.
We finished up Hayden's B&B play, took a break, and now we're back to business. Hayden continues on being a thespian. He will join the cast of Jungle Book starting next weekend and is excited to "get back to work". A Valentine party at school and a trip to an ENT (recommended by Hayden's speech and O.T. therapists) next week will kick off a busy weekend. Our busy February will turn into a busy March, filled with family bdays (including Daddy's!). Hayden's birthday isn't too far around the corner and is a frequent topic of discussion (mainly from Hayden, LOL).
In adoption speak, we are back to doing paperwork. Yep, you heard me right. One of our forms will be expiring soon, including our fingerprints. With these items needing to be renewed, our homestudy needs to be updated. Which, consequently, means more translating, shipping costs... etc. Yeah fun! We haven't received any word if we've moved up the adoption "food chain". But as always, we'll keep you posted.
B&B moments posted on our "Daily V's" slideshow to the right. Enjoy! 0 comments
Anxiously Awaiting... Waiting Anxiously...
Last week was a heck of a week. We have dealt with many up's and down's (in the past and present), of which we are proud to say has only made us stronger, and the urge to continue on greater. Preparing to bring our daughter home is no small feat. The process is in no way comparable to buying a car or a house. And like Michael mentioned previously, it's not easy. Though there is nothing in the world that we can compare this experience to, we wouldn't trade it for the world. The end result will by far outweigh... and none of this will matter then.
To help everyone better understand, I (Melissa) have broken down the process of where our dossier is today:
1. Prepare and compile a Dossier and forward to International agency.
2. Dossier is sent to Embassy of Kazakhstan in Washington D.C.
3. Once approved, dossier is sent to "Ministry of Foreign Affairs" (MFA).
4. Then sent to "Ministry of Education" (MOE).
5. Once approved again, dossier is sent to Guardianship Board in the city where you are adopting.
6. Once cleared of step 5. parents are issued a "Letter of Invitation" (LOI).
This letter is necessary for the parents to obtain a Kazakhstani visa. Soon after, parent(s) are allowed to travel to the country and visit, arrange court dates, etc.
The bolded step (#4) is currently where we hope to be standing as of this week. We received word that our dossier was to move on early this week, putting it at the MOE.
Of course, changes can happen at any time. There is no specfic time line in between the steps - thus we have no idea how long it will take officials to go over our paperwork, in addition to other families. This is only an example. :)
Other news that came in last week, we were offered the rare opportunity to adopt 2 sisters, a sibling group. These girls are younger than Hayden, filling in any gap in between ages.
Though it was a very difficult, heart-wrenching decision... we decided a family of five was not in the cards for us at this time. We continue to hold out for one child, a girl, preferably between the ages of 12-24 months. Through all this... we have learned that God will make it happen when it's time.
Hayden's Beauty and the Beast play is this weekend and we couldn't be more thrilled! Besides singing, Hayden has a tiny speaking part that suits him perfectly. We hope to capture it on video, or at the least have plenty of pictures. Though our evenings this week are spent shoveling dinner down our throats, dashing out the door to get him to rehearsal, and then back home to bed ASAP... Hayden is having a blast! We can't wait to show off our little charmer.
Have a great week! 0 comments
To help everyone better understand, I (Melissa) have broken down the process of where our dossier is today:
1. Prepare and compile a Dossier and forward to International agency.
2. Dossier is sent to Embassy of Kazakhstan in Washington D.C.
3. Once approved, dossier is sent to "Ministry of Foreign Affairs" (MFA).
4. Then sent to "Ministry of Education" (MOE).
5. Once approved again, dossier is sent to Guardianship Board in the city where you are adopting.
6. Once cleared of step 5. parents are issued a "Letter of Invitation" (LOI).
This letter is necessary for the parents to obtain a Kazakhstani visa. Soon after, parent(s) are allowed to travel to the country and visit, arrange court dates, etc.
The bolded step (#4) is currently where we hope to be standing as of this week. We received word that our dossier was to move on early this week, putting it at the MOE.
Of course, changes can happen at any time. There is no specfic time line in between the steps - thus we have no idea how long it will take officials to go over our paperwork, in addition to other families. This is only an example. :)
Other news that came in last week, we were offered the rare opportunity to adopt 2 sisters, a sibling group. These girls are younger than Hayden, filling in any gap in between ages.
Though it was a very difficult, heart-wrenching decision... we decided a family of five was not in the cards for us at this time. We continue to hold out for one child, a girl, preferably between the ages of 12-24 months. Through all this... we have learned that God will make it happen when it's time.
Hayden's Beauty and the Beast play is this weekend and we couldn't be more thrilled! Besides singing, Hayden has a tiny speaking part that suits him perfectly. We hope to capture it on video, or at the least have plenty of pictures. Though our evenings this week are spent shoveling dinner down our throats, dashing out the door to get him to rehearsal, and then back home to bed ASAP... Hayden is having a blast! We can't wait to show off our little charmer.
Have a great week! 0 comments
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