This morning we went to a notary public to sign our formal adoption petition before our final visit with Valerie. We had a good time with her but it was hard to put her down and let her play because we just wanted to hold, hug, and kiss her as we knew we won't being seeing her for a few more months. She has learned to search through our bag until she finds the food! She loves those Gerber banana puffs. We had to hide them from her to get her interested in her toys! I'm sure they don't have many snacks and certainly not the freedom to eat while you roam around the room. We brought out the bubbles today and she looked shocked. That was definitely a new experience for her. Todd popped them and she just sat there wide-eyed. It makes me think of all the new experiences that await her such as riding in a car and an airplane, strollers, seeing tons of new faces, ice, a new home. Her senses will definitely be on overload for a while. She is living a very routine, sheltered life right now. Valerie has some congestion and a little cough all week but definitely isn't feeling bad. All too soon, Lena came and said it was time to take her back to her groupa. Todd carried Valerie and I followed trying to hold back the tears. When we got to her room we gave one of her caretakers the photo album we have been showing her this week and a disposable camera with her name on it in hopes they'll take some pictures of her over the next few months. One of the caregivers took her from Todd and sat her at a tiny little table with 2 bowls of food and a teacup (no sippy cups here!) Valerie opened wide and the lady began spooning in the bean soup with a huge serving spoon. With so many kids to feed they know how to get it done fast! She was also having cabbage with ground meat. The lady feeding her told us she will definitely be feeding herself when we come back. We watched her eat for a little while and then kissed her goodbye. It was not easy. The ladies in the room told us through Lena that they would take good care of her and to come back soon. They were very sweet. We hated to leave but know that she is safe and being well taken care of. Come on court date!!
After we left the orphanage we had an appointment with a social worker who asked us some questions about our family and our plans for including Valerie. Lunch today was a hotdog from a vendor on the street. Not quite the same as an American hot dog. Tonight we are going to dinner at Scalini's to celebrate with Catherine and Kathy. Catherine met 2 beautiful children this week as well. Kathy adopted from Khabarovsk in 2006 and just came along for the ride on this trip with Catherine. These 2 have become special friends over the course of this week. Having been here before, they have been awesome tour guides! They have shown us so much and made our trip really fun. Tonight we will pack up. Nicolai, our driver will pick us up to go to the airport tomorrow afternoon at 2:30 and our flight back to Seoul leaves at 5:00 pm. We'll post again from there.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
Dear Ones,
I just can't thank you enough for keeping all of us informed with your uplifting daily blogs. It must have been terribly hard to put Valerie down and say goodbye. It sounds like you have made good friends with the orphanage staff and they will take good care of her while you wait for the court date. You know they love her too, but like you say, she needs a "forever family", which God in his wisdom has so wonderfully chosen for her. God bless and protect you as you finish out your stay in Khabarovsk and prepare for the "tiny" flight home. Blaine is enjoying the countdown presents and has just waked up to open another one. We are going to make the transition to Mamaw and Papa today at your house. We will miss Blaine--he is a delight, a willing helper, and adapted very well to the past 8 days. You should have seen him helping Pa at the construction site pushing the broom with a tape measure clipped to his jeans pocket! Of course, we've spoiled him and smothered him with love! Love and Happy Trails, Mom & Dad P.S. Blaine says he's having a good time and he just opened the Clifford book with a kitcat on it. He sends ooooooooooooos, which mean hugs, and that he likes the presents!
I know leaving her had to be hard, but once she comes home, that pain will be long forgotten. She sounds absolutely perfect!! I can't wait to see all the pictures!!
Megan
I have not checked your blog as I assumed you could not blog from Russia! I was pleasantly surprised today. Thanks for sharing your experience. You've brought tears to my eyes this morning. I'm so happy for you! Valerie sounds just precious! Praying for your safe return home! ~ Melea
Spring Break is around the corner and it is all one big blur from there. Your time will go by so fast with trying to keep up with end-of-school stuff. It will be time to board that little plane again and fly across the world before you know it! We have a lot of painting and primping to do in the next couple of months. Bring on the flowers and butterflies! It is going to be so much FUN! Stay safe and we'll see you when ya'll get back. We know you will have to get your Blaine fix, but Jaxon might just fight you for him. hehe We love you guys - all FOUR of you!!!
Post a Comment