And it stops (the snow, that is)

Not long before midnight the snow finally stopped. It was the big, fat, fluffy kind so the pine trees outside our hotel window were puffy all flocked in white. I was so pleased to see it stop, almost as pleased as I was when I woke up to a sunny, snowless morning, but still not as pleased as when I got the phone call saying that our flight was still departing as scheduled.

Now we sit on an Aeroflot airplane making our way to Moscow. Already we are 3.5 hours into it and Natalia just went to sleep. She has been quite a trooper on the flight. A bit of a rough start when I introduced her to the concept of a seatbelt, but we worked through it after some crying but no full on screaming. The plane has the individual TV's for each seat which is great, but it took me too long (as far as Natalia was concerned) to find the Tom & Jerry cartoon in Russian. Besides that, we spent the first few hours playing with anything and everything. It's so easy to entertain a toddler, so long as you don't try too hard. Spend 10 minutes unwrapping the complementary head phones? Go for it! Use a wet nap to clean the stray marker art off the seat tray? Absolutely! Remove the Diet Coke label from mom's empty bottle? That'll eat up a few more minutes!

We also had some lunch (airplane food is all the same, no matter the country of travel). In a million years I would not have guessed the one, and only, thing Natalia wanted to eat from the wide variety of foods in our boxes. Tomato. Just plain tomato which I cut into little pieces and Natalia ate bit by bit with her little hand. I'm learning that she really likes fresh vegetables and fruits. Our first night at the hotel she picked all the cucumbers out of my salad to eat. Last night she ate an entire cucumber (small, English variety). She also ate 2 apples over just our couple days so far. And now, tomatoes. Believe me, I'm not complaining; I think it's great - especially since the only other items that have complimented these healthy food choices are Goldfish and animal crackers.

Getting through the airport and onto the plane was smooth sailing all the way. Ira and Lana saw us both off as far as they could. I almost cried saying goodbye to them, but Ira quickly chastised me. She is always telling me not to cry and, amazingly, I always listen. :)

These two women have been the absolute best. They took such good care of us, and then just me and Natalia. The strength of the relationships they have built in the region is evident. We feel very fortunate to have had them help us through this life changing event for all of us. I must also pay compliment to our coordinator in the states; her name is Maryna and we have been working with her since the very beginning in Feb. 2010. Maryna is the one who kept us organized with the intricate requirements and volumes of documentation as well as handled the coordination and follow up with so many other agencies. If you've gone through an international adoption you know there is much that is out of your control, that there are delays you hoped to avoid. Nonetheless, I would easily recommend our agency, WorldLinks, to anyone.

Okay, back to the airport . . . Natalia and I roamed around the boarding area for almost 2 hours. She checked out the air planes and the buses and the snowplows through the big windows. She had a lot to tell me about them; I'm sorry I can't tell you what she was saying. I treated myself to a little ice cream after realizing that I had not yet had anything to eat. I tried to share with Natalia, but she wasn't interested. Oh, she has so much to learn.

At the Vlad airport you take a bus out on the tarmac (no idea if that's the right word) to your airplane. The buses get very crowded so I wanted to be sure to be one of the first in line at the ticket counter and outside to get on that bus. Well, you know, I'm still remembering the extra steps necessary to take any action with a toddler in tow. Therefore, when they announced boarding 15 minutes earlier than expected I watched the line (more like mob; there are no straight lines in Russia) quickly form while I zipped up Natalia's jacket and got on her hat. No fear, I just acted like any good Russia would and budded right to the front of the line/mob. Ha!

There are only 4 seats on the bus; the rest is standing room only. All though we were one of the first on, all 4 seats were already taken. Here, the first of 2 very kind men appeared to help us on our way by offering up his seat. I'm betting the two that we sat between were wishing they had when I tucked a towel into the neck of Natalia's jacket in the event of any more motion sickness (didn't happen, either on the bus ride to the plane or all the way to the airport from the hotel).

As we sat, another gentleman, with the kindest eyes I think I have ever seen, must have noticed the fearful look on Natalia's face. He said something to her very gently in Russian and softly stroked her hand. When we arrived at the plane, I waited for the crowd around to get off the bus so I could gather up our bags and pick up Natalia without dropping my precious cargo. I heard the same phrase repeated twice, but didn't realize it was directed at me until I turned around. It was that same gentleman offering to help me. He took one of my bags while I carried Natalia. He then made sure I stepped off the bus safely and then ushered Natalia and I to the very front of the next big mob to take the steps onto the plane. Again, I almost cried; this time out of sheer gratitude for the kindness that exists throughout our world. But, remembering Ira's strict instructions, I bucked up and on the plane we went.

We have great seats; the first row behind first class, a window and aisle pair. As were settling in, I looked over to see the gentleman in our same row on the other side. I said thank you once again as he was gesturing for me to put our extra things in the overhead bin (if I appear clueless, I don't mind). He watched on kindly as we had our first sad and scary moments dealing with the seatbelt and then takeoff. I'm quite sure that if Natalia would not have been calmed soon that he would have come over to soothe her with some Russian.

It really hasn't set in yet. She's ours - forever and ever. The hard part of the journey is finally complete. This newly expanded Zehnder adventure starts the moment we all get to Moscow. I can't promise I won't cry once I see Chad and Peanut; sorry Irina. I planned ahead and wore the waterproof mascara.

Just so you don't think it's been all rainbows and butterflies, I'll share with you that last night Natalia and I played our first game of "who's the boss". Good news, mama is still the boss. It started after her bath (which she thought was great fun). I put her in a new pull-up and then planned for the pj's. Nope, not ready for pj's. I figured, why not? Who knows if she has ever gotten to run around, fresh from a bath, in just a diaper. Time to live a little. Having lots of fun, starting in on an apple, and then - off with the pull-up. First battle: no more apple until you put the pull-up back on. It's really quite hilarious. I already have the story to use for embarrassing her in front of her future (long ways into the future) boyfriend. Yep, you were running around the hotel bare-a** naked, mad as all get out, because I wouldn't give you back your apple.

It didn't last long and both the pull-up and the jammies were on and Natalia enjoyed the rest of her apple. There was a little more testing in the evening; no biggie. Like I said, mom's still the boss.

Happy Thanksgiving 2011 to all of you. For us, the reasons to give thanks will be forever changed.

Love,
Cameo


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

And it snows

I know you are all patiently awaiting my next blog post. Let me tell ya, running after a 2 year old requires quite close attention. This is well reflected in the fact that 3 of the 4 pictures I post here are of Natalia while she is sleeping (and the 4th where I am not having to take the picture).

The two of us are doing well. Last night I let her fall asleep in the living room on the couch, as you can imagine this took awhile. After about an hour I moved us both to the bedroom where we slept (take that word lightly for me) until 8:30 this morning. We woke up to snow and it is still falling now.

Unfortunately for Natalia we had to go downtown today to pick up her passport and a quick doctor's appointment (routine, part of the immigration process). It was unfortunate not because of the doctor or any issues with the passport, just because it required a lot of car riding for Natalia who it appears get easily car sick. Poor kiddo.

Our outing day was to include a stop at the children's store for new boots for Natalia. The pair I brought were too small so we made a trade with the baby home for the boots she used there. They fit her just fine, but they are blue (boy) moon boots. Alas, they'll have to do at least until we get to Moscow. Natalia was in no shape for more car time than necessary, and the snow was making traffic horrendous.

Back at the hotel this afternoon we have been playing, snacking, and almost taking a nap. I didn't push the nap because she slept for awhile in the car today and she did lay contentedly for close to an hour. I do realize I may come to regret that a bit later; please save any "told you so's".

Tonight we will pack, Natalia will have a full bath, and we'll hope the snow stops. I am very much looking forward to a plane ride tomorrow.

And, here, some pictures of Natalia, mostly getting some well deserved rest for this new and big adventure in her life, and ours.

With one of her caregivers at the baby home. Natalia was a very brave girl starting our adventure.




Asleep at last, unicorn pillow pet pet close by.




Sleeping in the car. Much better than vomitting in the car, for everyone involved.




Today's "almost nap"; she sure had me fooled!



And to all, a good night.

Love,
Cameo

Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Forever and ever

Our Natalia Hope ...





There will be more soon; right now I'm trying to put a toddler to bed.

By the way, not a single teardrop since we got back to the hotel, but LOTS of smiling. Oh, I think we're in love.

Cameo & Natalia

Patience, my love

Text to my husband this morning after confirming that I would not be picking up Munchkin until after her afternoon nap.

If you're following, and waiting, you'll have something to look forward to in the morning. :)

Love,
Cameo


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Dee-ess-it (10)

Ten. Finally, day #10!!! How about a little celebration in pictures?




The Vlad Motor Inn; our home away from home.



The flags reflect the hotel's truly welcoming spirit.




The hotel has a very nice restaurant. This is the decadent dessert I treated myself to yesterday. Nummy!



Aquarium in the restaurant. I can't wait to show Munchkin all the fishies.



The living room of our apartment suite.



A well-equipped kitchen.



The second bedroom, crib and all!



Sign on the door to the hotel "sports bar".



Not really a sports bar, but it does have a pool table and a number of toys for the kiddos. And, of course, the Foster's poster (just for you, Dad).



The shore is just down the street from our hotel, and over some railroad tracks.



This is the private school, also down the street from our hotel. It is quite new and, as I've been told, quite exclusive and expensive. The picture doesn't do it justice; it is quite a lovely campus.






Just a couple of the beautiful homes across the street. Chad and I would have enjoyed walking through the fenced neighborhood, but didn't dare.




This is the altar of the Catholic church in Vlad. It has only been in existence for about 20 years, established by a priest (and still today, served by priests) from America. Irina and I went to the church to deliver our donations of winter gear and diaper cream that will be distributed throughout the baby homes and orphanages of the Primorsky Krai region.




The lovely woman that cares for the church library was kind enough to open up the church for us to see. Ah, so beautiful.




At home, in our church, I prayed and prayed for this event. I was overwhelmed with gratefulness to now have a moment to pray again in this beautiful church of my daughter's homeland.



And me, almost done waiting, on my last day being a Mom of 1.

Last but not least, a little teaser for you. One more day . . .



Love,
Cameo

Homesick blues

It's 7:30p.m., Saturday night. It's been almost two weeks since we arrived. It's been just over two weeks since we left home. Right now, I miss my home and my family very much. I'm spending my Saturday night much like many I would spend at home. I did some laundry. I'm sitting down to a movie; a period drama, my favorite genre. I have a lovely glass of red wine. I'll probably make some popcorn later. In front of me is my favorite puzzle; 1000 pieces of a pretty winter scene.

Of course, it's not quite the same. I washed clothes in the bathtub (try topping that for your Saturday night). There's no fat, lazy cat to sit on my lap while I watch my movie. I can't seem to get the timing quite right on the microwave so either burn the popcorn or end up with half a bag (thank goodness I have M&M's). Even more, the most important parts of my Saturday night are missing. No Sydney. No Chad. I'm ready to be with my family again.

Tuesday is going to be such a big day. I'll spring Munchkin from the baby home. In our hearts, she's been part of our family for some time. As of Tuesday, she will be a present, physical addition. As much as I'm looking forward to Tuesday, I'm looking forward to Thursday even more. Thursday evening the four of us will all be together. Chad, Cameo, Sydney, and Munchkin. The way it's supposed to be.

Thanks for listening to me be homesick, but please don't worry about me. Russia and its people are treating me very well. And besides, I have M&M's. You can never go wrong with M&M's.

Love,
Cameo

Somebody just might like me

I had a fun visit with Munchkin this afternoon.  Yes, there was still just a bit of crying but just the first few moments and it was really a forced cry.  Then again a little bit later when Irina had to run outside quick (she locked the keys in her car while it was running, but that's another story); that time, too, it was just for a moment.

However, the rest of the time was very good and she definitely showed that she is warming up to me.  She sat next to me, I mean right next to me, for quite some time.  Several times she was leaning in to me and putting her arm on my leg.  Some of this was due to the fact that there were two other children in the room, not from her group, but two sweet little girls with Down's Syndrome.  Today, though, she was not only laying claim to the stuff I brought, but also to me as her mama.  Lots of smiles today too.  

The best part was toward the end of our visit (she has a way of saving the best for last).  We were sitting next to each other as she was eating something around her 18th animal cracker.  She put the last piece of it on my leg and looked at me.  I asked, "For mama?".  She didn't respond, but just kept looking at me.  So I ate it and then she smiled real big.  Yep, we're getting there.  :)

I won't see her again until our big day on Tuesday afternoon; you know, "spring" day when I get to spring her from the baby home.  Hopefully by then the rough and tumble girl will have less blue spots (from the antiseptic they use).  Today she had a quite a few, one smack dab in the middle of her nose, which were covering some good scratches. Note to our many friends who also have small children, this girl is not afraid to stick up for herself or her stuff.  

Now I must get back to the room. My 1000 piece puzzle is calling my name.

Lots of love,
Cameo