From the first time I read this blog--All Are Precious in His Sight, I knew I would have a deep connection to it. "Boss Your Heart" has rang in my ears many times. Lorraine and I have little girls with sick hearts. As sad as Chrissie's story is to read, it still gives me hope that God gets the glory, no matter what, even in our pain and loss. It's really an inspiring story. Check out her blog...if you haven't already, and read the link to "boss your heart" that is most recently on Dec. 30th's entry.
Lorraine has recently published her blog entries of the fight that Chrissie had. It's been on my mind as we look forward to Mahaela's surgery. Why am I sharing this now...well I want the book and the necklace--shameless, I know. But everyone should read her story. So the give aways are the motivation I've needed to get this information in a post.
Check it out.
www.allarepreciousinhissight.blogspot.com
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Happy Teeth (but we may just ruin that!)
Today, Mahaela had a dentist appointment. We were told to get all the dental taken care of before surgery. I told the dentist that the doctor at our visa/Embassy appointment in Bulgaria mentioned her having cavities (I think she had just eaten a cookie or something). Our dentist took a look and said it all looks good to him. Mahaela did so well. She just sat up in the chair and gave big smiles...why don't I video tape these things??!! The dentist showed her how he was going to count her teeth with that horrible pick/needle looking thing that could be very intimidating looking. He counted her fingers with it and that didn't hurt so she opened up and let him have a good look.
So that is all good news. Here is the down side...she has had more Coke than any child should ever have. We may quickly ruin her "happy teeth." She goes around randomly saying "Eskum Coke!" "I want Coke!" We will quickly break this habit after what happened last night. We frequently joke that the orphanage would just die at what her life is like with us! She was sipping coke from anyone who would give it to her and from cans just laying around. (We were with family for dinner.) We finally got home and put her to bed...10:30-11:00pm. (I know, shame, shame.) About midnight she woke up just crying, hard, like she was hurting. I went in to get her and cherished the moment to "save" her. But she cried quite a while. I brought her into our bed and she did fall asleep after a bit, only to wake up again about 2:30. She was either crying or wide awake and asking to get down. When she wasn't allowed to get down, she just cried. I put her back into her bed. I knew the alarm would be going off about 5:30 and I did not want her to wake up to that. We learned a hard lesson, but we learned it! This girl loves any soda and we, I guess, have to be the parents, and say "no" to coke! I think she was miserably tired, but was on a caffeine and sugar high and could not get or stay asleep. OK, so we won't repeat that again.
We had a fabulous Christmas. She really was perfect through it all. She is like my other kids, stays up too late, but gets up late, too. She never crumbled or fell apart, even though it wasn't ideal as far as a schedule for a toddler. She just really loved it all and we all loved watching her and celebrating this wonderful Christmas with her in our home. I knew she was having a great time and the only down side was that I was losing my wrung on the ladder. It was just a week, in the scope of things and I already knew the great progress she has made so far. So today, with Bill back at work and everyone else gone, I am climbing the ladder again. Even when I really corrected her and let her know I was angry about something she did, she still came around and was compliant, eventually. At one point I was holding her and wanted her to say sorry to one of the kids for something. I said "I'm just gonna ride the bull" as she was bucking and having a tantrum. I could have given in pretty early on, but I felt up for the challenge and just let her get mad. When she calmed down a bit, she was still sitting in my lap and she did say sorry. I was happy and thanked her a lot for saying sorry. She knew she had done all that I wanted of her and she got down off my lap. At some other point today I reacted very strongly to her spitting at one of the kids, but through the glass on the french doors. I picked her up and made her wipe the spit off with her sleeve and then held her. She knew she was "in trouble." She was yelling because I was holding her, but stopped mid scream and said "sorry" in the most adorable way. Then I let her down. These episodes sound horrible on paper, but they really are brief and not that big of a deal. But what I really like about recalling them is that it is evidence that she is so teachable right now and that she is learning. She also didn't necessarily resist me as she would have the first couple weeks. She let me put her down, without her struggling to get down. She really is getting it!
As I am typing this, I realize it is after midnight and now December 29--one month from Gotcha day. I really can't believe it! We have been home just over 3 weeks and I am just absolutely praising the Lord. She is so awesome. We just love her like crazy. I thought it was so cute Monday when Bill was playing around with her and getting her dressed, he said he really likes to get her dressed in the morning. He changes her diaper, picks out her clothes and even does her hair. She is just fun to take care of (and he is such a good daddy.) She will see him and say "sakatapotato." He throws her over his shoulder and says "I've-got-a-sack-of-potatoes" as he runs around the room. It is so cute because she repeats the phrase and adds an extra syllable. She loves his horsey rides, ring around the rosey, London bridges, and just wrestling on the floor. What's not to love about all that crazy energy!
We had a wonderful Christmas, as I hope you all did, also. We are looking forward to ringing in 2011!
So that is all good news. Here is the down side...she has had more Coke than any child should ever have. We may quickly ruin her "happy teeth." She goes around randomly saying "Eskum Coke!" "I want Coke!" We will quickly break this habit after what happened last night. We frequently joke that the orphanage would just die at what her life is like with us! She was sipping coke from anyone who would give it to her and from cans just laying around. (We were with family for dinner.) We finally got home and put her to bed...10:30-11:00pm. (I know, shame, shame.) About midnight she woke up just crying, hard, like she was hurting. I went in to get her and cherished the moment to "save" her. But she cried quite a while. I brought her into our bed and she did fall asleep after a bit, only to wake up again about 2:30. She was either crying or wide awake and asking to get down. When she wasn't allowed to get down, she just cried. I put her back into her bed. I knew the alarm would be going off about 5:30 and I did not want her to wake up to that. We learned a hard lesson, but we learned it! This girl loves any soda and we, I guess, have to be the parents, and say "no" to coke! I think she was miserably tired, but was on a caffeine and sugar high and could not get or stay asleep. OK, so we won't repeat that again.
We had a fabulous Christmas. She really was perfect through it all. She is like my other kids, stays up too late, but gets up late, too. She never crumbled or fell apart, even though it wasn't ideal as far as a schedule for a toddler. She just really loved it all and we all loved watching her and celebrating this wonderful Christmas with her in our home. I knew she was having a great time and the only down side was that I was losing my wrung on the ladder. It was just a week, in the scope of things and I already knew the great progress she has made so far. So today, with Bill back at work and everyone else gone, I am climbing the ladder again. Even when I really corrected her and let her know I was angry about something she did, she still came around and was compliant, eventually. At one point I was holding her and wanted her to say sorry to one of the kids for something. I said "I'm just gonna ride the bull" as she was bucking and having a tantrum. I could have given in pretty early on, but I felt up for the challenge and just let her get mad. When she calmed down a bit, she was still sitting in my lap and she did say sorry. I was happy and thanked her a lot for saying sorry. She knew she had done all that I wanted of her and she got down off my lap. At some other point today I reacted very strongly to her spitting at one of the kids, but through the glass on the french doors. I picked her up and made her wipe the spit off with her sleeve and then held her. She knew she was "in trouble." She was yelling because I was holding her, but stopped mid scream and said "sorry" in the most adorable way. Then I let her down. These episodes sound horrible on paper, but they really are brief and not that big of a deal. But what I really like about recalling them is that it is evidence that she is so teachable right now and that she is learning. She also didn't necessarily resist me as she would have the first couple weeks. She let me put her down, without her struggling to get down. She really is getting it!
As I am typing this, I realize it is after midnight and now December 29--one month from Gotcha day. I really can't believe it! We have been home just over 3 weeks and I am just absolutely praising the Lord. She is so awesome. We just love her like crazy. I thought it was so cute Monday when Bill was playing around with her and getting her dressed, he said he really likes to get her dressed in the morning. He changes her diaper, picks out her clothes and even does her hair. She is just fun to take care of (and he is such a good daddy.) She will see him and say "sakatapotato." He throws her over his shoulder and says "I've-got-a-sack-of-potatoes" as he runs around the room. It is so cute because she repeats the phrase and adds an extra syllable. She loves his horsey rides, ring around the rosey, London bridges, and just wrestling on the floor. What's not to love about all that crazy energy!
We had a wonderful Christmas, as I hope you all did, also. We are looking forward to ringing in 2011!
Friday, December 24, 2010
Merry Christmas Eve
Last Christmas just seems like moments ago. I recall going through the whole Christmas holiday thinking, saying, imagining that it would be the last one without our little girl. We didn't know anything about the child we would be blessed with. We didn't even know if we would get a boy or girl. But I hoped and prayed that it would be the last Christmas without them. It's so hard to believe that she is now here with us, celebrating Christmas with our family. Her stocking with her name on it came in plenty of time. Stuffing 5 stockings made me feel like I have a lot of kids!
Mahaela is having a wonderful time with family and they are enjoying her. I look forward to a little one on one with her again, but I know she is just having the best time with so many cousins. Yesterday she was sick with a stomach bug and even while throwing up, she still had a smile for us. I don't think she knew she was sick!
My little present was that she is letting me read to her at night. She backs up to sit on my lap, just like my other kids did, and flips through the pages of our Christmas story book and repeats so many words. It's such a sweet time to read to her about Jesus' birth and sing Away in a Manger. I think she likes it very much.
So much to be thankful for and so much to enjoy this year. I'm saying a prayer for all my friends who may read this and are still waiting for the present you really want--your child in your arms. He knows the path you are on, when he has tested and tried you, you will come forth as gold. Job 23:10 We are all better for what we learn along the way.
Looking forward to having our first Christmas together as a family of 7!
Merry Christmas to all!
Mahaela is having a wonderful time with family and they are enjoying her. I look forward to a little one on one with her again, but I know she is just having the best time with so many cousins. Yesterday she was sick with a stomach bug and even while throwing up, she still had a smile for us. I don't think she knew she was sick!
My little present was that she is letting me read to her at night. She backs up to sit on my lap, just like my other kids did, and flips through the pages of our Christmas story book and repeats so many words. It's such a sweet time to read to her about Jesus' birth and sing Away in a Manger. I think she likes it very much.
So much to be thankful for and so much to enjoy this year. I'm saying a prayer for all my friends who may read this and are still waiting for the present you really want--your child in your arms. He knows the path you are on, when he has tested and tried you, you will come forth as gold. Job 23:10 We are all better for what we learn along the way.
Looking forward to having our first Christmas together as a family of 7!
Merry Christmas to all!
Friday, December 17, 2010
No News=Great News
Just a day after my last post, I had my daughter, Aubrey wondering why I hadn't posted anything and begging me to write something. I told her we were just living life--mundane! There aren't any big details to share, but we have had a special week just being a family. Mahaela just feels like she fits completely. It really has been a dream--she's been a dream. She is getting better with the slapping, challenging behavior. We can see that she is very correctable. Things don't quite seem to be escalating to the point they did that first week. She has given some dirty looks--fiery-dart eyes, some pushes, some slaps, but they are less frequent. I think the behavior is a little comical to others. She will go from a dirty look to me to the biggest grin to someone else. At dinner with family Wednesday night, she got in trouble from Bill for pushing me away. I wasn't even touching her, she was sitting in her own chair, and she still pushed me away. She tried it again and glanced at Bill first. He was still looking at her so her shove became a hug. So she is learning.
She is learning and using lots of words. She repeats a lot of English words. We can tell she will not hold her language for very long at all. I actually think it is sad...it's such a part of who she is now, and something she will never get back. She loves to talk on the phone and we need to record her having a little conversation in Bulgarian. It's so cute.
We still need to get her blood drawn and chest xray. She is about to finish her antibiotic for the ears and she seems to feel well. This am her hands and lips were blue and Bill seemed a bit concerned, wondering what her pulse-ox was?? We thought maybe she was a bit cold. Bill got her dressed and put a hoodie on her and her color did improve after a while. Just a little interesting.
We are enjoying just getting to know her. She just feels part of our family. Jake the other day commented that she smelled like us now. He thought she smelled different when we got home (although we all smelled a bit "different" after staying in an apartment and hotels for 10 days.) I just thought that was pretty observant. I completely understand what he means though. There were things about her that were not like my other kids--things that made me feel like I didn't know or recognize her--things like the shape of her hands and fingers or toenails. Now they are becoming so familiar, so Mahaela.
Family starts coming in tomorrow, so our week will be set into motion. It will be crazy and fun. I'm pretty happy that so far, I have kept my head about me, which isn't always the case!
Merry Christmas!!
She is learning and using lots of words. She repeats a lot of English words. We can tell she will not hold her language for very long at all. I actually think it is sad...it's such a part of who she is now, and something she will never get back. She loves to talk on the phone and we need to record her having a little conversation in Bulgarian. It's so cute.
We still need to get her blood drawn and chest xray. She is about to finish her antibiotic for the ears and she seems to feel well. This am her hands and lips were blue and Bill seemed a bit concerned, wondering what her pulse-ox was?? We thought maybe she was a bit cold. Bill got her dressed and put a hoodie on her and her color did improve after a while. Just a little interesting.
We are enjoying just getting to know her. She just feels part of our family. Jake the other day commented that she smelled like us now. He thought she smelled different when we got home (although we all smelled a bit "different" after staying in an apartment and hotels for 10 days.) I just thought that was pretty observant. I completely understand what he means though. There were things about her that were not like my other kids--things that made me feel like I didn't know or recognize her--things like the shape of her hands and fingers or toenails. Now they are becoming so familiar, so Mahaela.
Family starts coming in tomorrow, so our week will be set into motion. It will be crazy and fun. I'm pretty happy that so far, I have kept my head about me, which isn't always the case!
Merry Christmas!!
Monday, December 13, 2010
All is Well
We have been with Mahaela two weeks today, and home for just over a week. Everything is still going very well. She is delightful. Someone commented today that she seemed very happy and just has a sparkle in her eye. I couldn't agree more. We had a good day as a family on Saturday. Bill made two comments over the weekend that just made my heart soar. He said, "she's really beautiful." It was the kind of remark you make after you get to know someone, even their "ugly" side and still think they are beautiful. Bill and the kids came to the conclusion that she looks like a Hobbit--maybe Frodo. I'm sure they mean it in the best possible way! She really has a personality that has just roped us all in. She gives a big English "Hi" when someone comes to see her. Adorable--especially since what she really wants to say is "Zdraveytey."
The other thing Bill said is that he is falling in love with her. I compare it to being pregnant with my other kids--you know you love them, even before you really know them, but then to know them is to fall in love with them in a completely different and deeper way. I thought it was so sweet when he said out loud what we were both thinking.
Today, we had to run around to get Aubrey for an Orthodontist appt. and then we went to Target while we waited for kids to get out of school. It meant a lot of time in the car and no nap. She does so well and seems flexible which is a real blessing as that is just how our lives must run. One thing that has been a surprise to me is that nothing seems to be shocking to her. I know there must be so many new things that she is experiencing, but nothing to this point seems to be overwhelming. The shopping cart had to be new for her. Besides not knowing exactly what I was trying to do with her legs, she eventually sat down and acted like it was a great new ride she was on. She doesn't ever seems to be intimidated by anything. She even saw Santa today. I'm sure I'm breaking all kinds of rules...we are just living life, what can I say?
As an update on her health, she is on an antibiotic for the ear infections, and has the diarrhea to go with it. Oh, and she now takes her meds great--and anything else she can drink from a syringe! We still need to get her blood drawn. We were to have a cardiology appt. on Thursday, but I postponed it until next year! I know that once that ball starts rolling, it will be hard to slow it down. They need a chest xray before the appt. We have spoken to the surgeon and he is really leaving it to our judgment. He has given us confidence that if she looks good, she is good for now and we can take our time with this. Also, she needs to have a dental exam. They absolutely want all her dental care taken care of before any surgery is needed. Maybe you are familiar with people who have valve issues or other even minor heart conditions (defects) that take an antibiotic before they go to the dentist. It is because bacteria that can enter through gum/oral trauma have a way of infecting the heart. The doctor at her Embassy appt. thought she had cavities, but I wonder if she just ate something before the exam?? I don't see anything unusual, but I haven't gotten a great look, either. If she has significant dental work, she may need to go under general anesthesia to have it taken care of. So, between blood work, chest xray, dental exam, dental work, we are a ways from being at the point of getting a heart cath done. So Jan. 13 will be our appt with the cardiologist.
Now, here is the reality check...I am not her favorite right now. I'm trying not to feel sorry for myself. I know this will get better, but it still kind of stinks. Around others, she will choose to let others help her, instead of me. As an example, she was taking off her coat and I was helping her arms out and she pulled her arm away from me and offered it to my best friend. My friend is aware of how she is acting, besides it being very blatant at that moment and she just encouraged Mahaela to let her mommy help her. She seems even hypersensitive to my touch. I can just tell that I am pushing my luck by even holding her or touching her back. She will pull away or push my hand away or smack my hands. I think I forgot to mention on the blog that she spit at me with gusto at the airport in Sofia--just an example of what had been going on the first week and was yet to come. Bill tries to encourage me...he thinks in a couple weeks that she won't let me out of her sight. Aubrey thinks it's so sad. Tonight when she was so mean to me...I had to say out loud..."And for this child I prayed." We just laughed as I was joking, but, oh, the irony! Everyone tries to encourage her to go to me and let me have hugs and kisses. It's not working, yet. Tonight, Mahaela had a rough bedtime. She never really got to sleep. She was dreaming, fitful, and crying. I covered her with a blanket and she really got mad. Bill got home around 10:30 and went in to help her. I had already been in her room about a half hour before and put out my arms to hold her as she was crying. She didn't want anything to do with me. I'm not sure what it is, but it's not so fun. When I am alone with her, she is a little better, but I also don't really push it as I don't want the constant negative reaction. I am just praying that she will begin to allow me to be physically close to her. I'm especially concerned that she be completely ok with me before her surgery. I will be the one who will be with her most of the time. She won't have the luxury of going to Bill or anyone else. The whole thing is a mystery to me and I hope it passes quickly. That's just my little dose of reality...
3 years ago today, she left the hospital and entered the children's home. The nurses all remember the day and date that she came. It must have been a little scary for them to be caring for such a fragile, new, sick child. They did such a good job with her. Putting her socks on yesterday, I noticed all the little pinpoint scars on her feet from the IVs and needle sticks from when she was a baby, having surgeries. It made me sad for her. I wish I could have been there, but I'm thankful that some loving nurses got her through that time.
Just my rambling thoughts, tonight...
The other thing Bill said is that he is falling in love with her. I compare it to being pregnant with my other kids--you know you love them, even before you really know them, but then to know them is to fall in love with them in a completely different and deeper way. I thought it was so sweet when he said out loud what we were both thinking.
Today, we had to run around to get Aubrey for an Orthodontist appt. and then we went to Target while we waited for kids to get out of school. It meant a lot of time in the car and no nap. She does so well and seems flexible which is a real blessing as that is just how our lives must run. One thing that has been a surprise to me is that nothing seems to be shocking to her. I know there must be so many new things that she is experiencing, but nothing to this point seems to be overwhelming. The shopping cart had to be new for her. Besides not knowing exactly what I was trying to do with her legs, she eventually sat down and acted like it was a great new ride she was on. She doesn't ever seems to be intimidated by anything. She even saw Santa today. I'm sure I'm breaking all kinds of rules...we are just living life, what can I say?
As an update on her health, she is on an antibiotic for the ear infections, and has the diarrhea to go with it. Oh, and she now takes her meds great--and anything else she can drink from a syringe! We still need to get her blood drawn. We were to have a cardiology appt. on Thursday, but I postponed it until next year! I know that once that ball starts rolling, it will be hard to slow it down. They need a chest xray before the appt. We have spoken to the surgeon and he is really leaving it to our judgment. He has given us confidence that if she looks good, she is good for now and we can take our time with this. Also, she needs to have a dental exam. They absolutely want all her dental care taken care of before any surgery is needed. Maybe you are familiar with people who have valve issues or other even minor heart conditions (defects) that take an antibiotic before they go to the dentist. It is because bacteria that can enter through gum/oral trauma have a way of infecting the heart. The doctor at her Embassy appt. thought she had cavities, but I wonder if she just ate something before the exam?? I don't see anything unusual, but I haven't gotten a great look, either. If she has significant dental work, she may need to go under general anesthesia to have it taken care of. So, between blood work, chest xray, dental exam, dental work, we are a ways from being at the point of getting a heart cath done. So Jan. 13 will be our appt with the cardiologist.
Now, here is the reality check...I am not her favorite right now. I'm trying not to feel sorry for myself. I know this will get better, but it still kind of stinks. Around others, she will choose to let others help her, instead of me. As an example, she was taking off her coat and I was helping her arms out and she pulled her arm away from me and offered it to my best friend. My friend is aware of how she is acting, besides it being very blatant at that moment and she just encouraged Mahaela to let her mommy help her. She seems even hypersensitive to my touch. I can just tell that I am pushing my luck by even holding her or touching her back. She will pull away or push my hand away or smack my hands. I think I forgot to mention on the blog that she spit at me with gusto at the airport in Sofia--just an example of what had been going on the first week and was yet to come. Bill tries to encourage me...he thinks in a couple weeks that she won't let me out of her sight. Aubrey thinks it's so sad. Tonight when she was so mean to me...I had to say out loud..."And for this child I prayed." We just laughed as I was joking, but, oh, the irony! Everyone tries to encourage her to go to me and let me have hugs and kisses. It's not working, yet. Tonight, Mahaela had a rough bedtime. She never really got to sleep. She was dreaming, fitful, and crying. I covered her with a blanket and she really got mad. Bill got home around 10:30 and went in to help her. I had already been in her room about a half hour before and put out my arms to hold her as she was crying. She didn't want anything to do with me. I'm not sure what it is, but it's not so fun. When I am alone with her, she is a little better, but I also don't really push it as I don't want the constant negative reaction. I am just praying that she will begin to allow me to be physically close to her. I'm especially concerned that she be completely ok with me before her surgery. I will be the one who will be with her most of the time. She won't have the luxury of going to Bill or anyone else. The whole thing is a mystery to me and I hope it passes quickly. That's just my little dose of reality...
3 years ago today, she left the hospital and entered the children's home. The nurses all remember the day and date that she came. It must have been a little scary for them to be caring for such a fragile, new, sick child. They did such a good job with her. Putting her socks on yesterday, I noticed all the little pinpoint scars on her feet from the IVs and needle sticks from when she was a baby, having surgeries. It made me sad for her. I wish I could have been there, but I'm thankful that some loving nurses got her through that time.
Just my rambling thoughts, tonight...
Friday, December 10, 2010
Poor Baby
Mahaela had her pediatrician appt. yesterday. She did great with the whole exam and being with the nurse and doctor. She was very compliant. She looks great. She needed some immunizations to get her all caught up. Unfortunately, she needed 4! Yep, 2 in each leg. She did amazingly well. She cried, but when they were done, she wiped her tears and put a smile right back on her face. It always make me more sad when they are so tough. It was not the cat-in-a-bathtub fight that I thought it would be.
Since there was no wait and she did so well, I decided to go ahead and do her blood draw for labs. That was no fun. She sat in my lap (first mistake) while they decided she had no veins. They stuck her once and got one vial--they need 7 at the minimum. Then they papoosed her for the next stick. No luck! I am going to go back another day, making sure she has had lots of fluids, and see if they see more veins to choose from. She will probably start crying at the door, I would!
The doctor said he could not really even hear a heart murmur--I don't know how significant that is at this point, but I thought that was encouraging. And M. let him have a good long listen. She is in the 78%tile for weight and 60%tile for height. Her o2 Saturation fluctuated from 83-91%, but held at 89% for the longest time. That is just where we would expect it to be with her heart defect and the corrections that have been made so far. He did find that she had bilateral ear infections. He thought it was bad enough looking that she need antibiotics. So she started on amoxicillin. She doesn't like meds, so that is a bummer.
By last evening, she was so pathetic. She began to really guard her legs and then walk like she was completely debilitated. She was all hunched over, shuffling. It was so sad.
Now this morning, she is just sick and crippled! She was fussing early this morning and I went in to get her up. She was a fire ball--just a hot little ember. I just laid her on the couch and she is in pain with her legs and hasn't moved for over an hour. Hoping Tylenol gives her some relief. I see a couple naps in her future as she looks like she could just fall back to sleep already. Sure enough...she is falling to sleep as I write this. Poor baby!
Since there was no wait and she did so well, I decided to go ahead and do her blood draw for labs. That was no fun. She sat in my lap (first mistake) while they decided she had no veins. They stuck her once and got one vial--they need 7 at the minimum. Then they papoosed her for the next stick. No luck! I am going to go back another day, making sure she has had lots of fluids, and see if they see more veins to choose from. She will probably start crying at the door, I would!
The doctor said he could not really even hear a heart murmur--I don't know how significant that is at this point, but I thought that was encouraging. And M. let him have a good long listen. She is in the 78%tile for weight and 60%tile for height. Her o2 Saturation fluctuated from 83-91%, but held at 89% for the longest time. That is just where we would expect it to be with her heart defect and the corrections that have been made so far. He did find that she had bilateral ear infections. He thought it was bad enough looking that she need antibiotics. So she started on amoxicillin. She doesn't like meds, so that is a bummer.
By last evening, she was so pathetic. She began to really guard her legs and then walk like she was completely debilitated. She was all hunched over, shuffling. It was so sad.
Now this morning, she is just sick and crippled! She was fussing early this morning and I went in to get her up. She was a fire ball--just a hot little ember. I just laid her on the couch and she is in pain with her legs and hasn't moved for over an hour. Hoping Tylenol gives her some relief. I see a couple naps in her future as she looks like she could just fall back to sleep already. Sure enough...she is falling to sleep as I write this. Poor baby!
Gotcha Day Video
Below is our Gotcha moment. I know I blogged about it, but here it is in video form. Mahaela was so excited and had been well prepared. Just to clarify, she goes by Misha and calls herself that. Although she knows her name is Mahaela, which was also her birth name.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Leka Nosht!!
I will have to record a few of these bedtime moments because they are too precious.
Mahaela had her first dinner at grandma's last night--lots of people, lots of kids! She did well. Bill was able to take Mahaela home after dinner while I took the kids to church/Awana. He said they had a great time together. There really are so many sweet moments. She will take us by the hand to lead us to something. That helps, although I can understand "iskum salamchi" and don't really need to be led to the fridge...which is exactly what she did with Bill last night. He kept telling her he couldn't find any and he held her up to the opened fridge--she knew right where that wadded up piece of tin foil was that held the last 2-3 pieces of salamchi! So she got her bedtime snack out of the way. She also came up to him as he sat at the computer and leaned over his legs to let him just rub her back. Who doesn't enjoy these kind of moments.
Bill had her ready for bed when I got home and we put her down together. The pleading, puppy dog eyes and sad voice are way too cute and could almost make us change our minds about bedtime,...but no. We put her in her crib, still negotiating with us, offering the blanket which she swiftly refuses and hangs over the end rail. When she realized that we were really going to walk out, the jumping, yelling, crying began. We watched her from the crack in the door. She gave it a loud, but half-hearted effort. Continuing with her loud crying, but taking a moment to itch her face, pick her nose, eat a raisin that was still in her hand?, and then finally laying down on her belly, thumb in mouth--all lasting about 40 seconds! Good night little girl. I will have to get this on video!
I realized something about the being out, around people, away from home. It's not difficult to take her places, and she does not seem to be overwhelmed or overstimulated, really. But it does limit our ability to have "teaching moments" or to correct behavior. At Mom's dinner, I realized she was being ok, but the incidents that she was having (taking a sucker from Ryan, not letting him sit next to her), needed some correction, but I felt unable to correct her as she needed to be--just to avoid the possible cry-fit or tantrum that would follow. It's that way with every kid. How many times have we said, "we just need a day at home."? I call it boot camp. A day to just correct consistently, as needed, regardless of what her response may be. That is the phase we are in and need to stay in for a while.
Something about her behavior that I wanted to mention (Heather, you made me think of this)...Maybe I have said it before, but her behavior doesn't really surprise us and is the behavior of a toddler who has been coddled and undisciplined. I don't consider it institutional behavior at all, except for the fact that she did not always have the same person caring for her at every moment, which could interrupt any progress in discipline. We saw glimpses of this our first trip. She did not want to be carried, wanted down immediately, wanted to do it herself. Bill says we even have video of her hitting/pushing away one of the nurses--and, of course, they let her do it. They even fibbed to her to avoid any tears or tantrums. Her behavior is what you get when there is little discipline. Leave any toddler to their own self-centered desires and they will become very resistant to any teaching/correction. I have worked with 2-3 year olds for a few years in Sunday School and have had a handful of toddlers myself. The defiant ones are usually the ones that have been allowed to be defiant at home. Not rocket science. The ones that consistently don't want to sit at the table and "fall out" on me when I put them in a chair are the same type of little people that Mahaela is. After our first visit in the summer, we said she was a little spoiled princess, and that the transition to our reality would probably be a bit of a shock for her--and that is just what it is. Hauter Boot camp is not always fun, but I hope to have a little one who will sit at the table in Sunday School, without smacking the teacher, in a few months! Seems doable to us and we are hopeful.
Mahaela had her first dinner at grandma's last night--lots of people, lots of kids! She did well. Bill was able to take Mahaela home after dinner while I took the kids to church/Awana. He said they had a great time together. There really are so many sweet moments. She will take us by the hand to lead us to something. That helps, although I can understand "iskum salamchi" and don't really need to be led to the fridge...which is exactly what she did with Bill last night. He kept telling her he couldn't find any and he held her up to the opened fridge--she knew right where that wadded up piece of tin foil was that held the last 2-3 pieces of salamchi! So she got her bedtime snack out of the way. She also came up to him as he sat at the computer and leaned over his legs to let him just rub her back. Who doesn't enjoy these kind of moments.
Bill had her ready for bed when I got home and we put her down together. The pleading, puppy dog eyes and sad voice are way too cute and could almost make us change our minds about bedtime,...but no. We put her in her crib, still negotiating with us, offering the blanket which she swiftly refuses and hangs over the end rail. When she realized that we were really going to walk out, the jumping, yelling, crying began. We watched her from the crack in the door. She gave it a loud, but half-hearted effort. Continuing with her loud crying, but taking a moment to itch her face, pick her nose, eat a raisin that was still in her hand?, and then finally laying down on her belly, thumb in mouth--all lasting about 40 seconds! Good night little girl. I will have to get this on video!
I realized something about the being out, around people, away from home. It's not difficult to take her places, and she does not seem to be overwhelmed or overstimulated, really. But it does limit our ability to have "teaching moments" or to correct behavior. At Mom's dinner, I realized she was being ok, but the incidents that she was having (taking a sucker from Ryan, not letting him sit next to her), needed some correction, but I felt unable to correct her as she needed to be--just to avoid the possible cry-fit or tantrum that would follow. It's that way with every kid. How many times have we said, "we just need a day at home."? I call it boot camp. A day to just correct consistently, as needed, regardless of what her response may be. That is the phase we are in and need to stay in for a while.
Something about her behavior that I wanted to mention (Heather, you made me think of this)...Maybe I have said it before, but her behavior doesn't really surprise us and is the behavior of a toddler who has been coddled and undisciplined. I don't consider it institutional behavior at all, except for the fact that she did not always have the same person caring for her at every moment, which could interrupt any progress in discipline. We saw glimpses of this our first trip. She did not want to be carried, wanted down immediately, wanted to do it herself. Bill says we even have video of her hitting/pushing away one of the nurses--and, of course, they let her do it. They even fibbed to her to avoid any tears or tantrums. Her behavior is what you get when there is little discipline. Leave any toddler to their own self-centered desires and they will become very resistant to any teaching/correction. I have worked with 2-3 year olds for a few years in Sunday School and have had a handful of toddlers myself. The defiant ones are usually the ones that have been allowed to be defiant at home. Not rocket science. The ones that consistently don't want to sit at the table and "fall out" on me when I put them in a chair are the same type of little people that Mahaela is. After our first visit in the summer, we said she was a little spoiled princess, and that the transition to our reality would probably be a bit of a shock for her--and that is just what it is. Hauter Boot camp is not always fun, but I hope to have a little one who will sit at the table in Sunday School, without smacking the teacher, in a few months! Seems doable to us and we are hopeful.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
"Love You"
I know the words may be lost in translation for her, but Mahaela said "Love you" as she hugged and patted me today. So sweet. I have said Obiechem te many times and many times she has said "Ne, Obiechem" in response several times, which I think might mean "I don't love you." But today I said love you as I hugged her and she clearly said it back. I'll take it!!
She is doing so well. We went to get the kids from school yesterday and stopped at the bookstore. She did so good. She wants to be down, but she did let me pick her up in the parking lot, without protest. That is progress. She definitely is learning that the pushing away or hitting is not acceptable. She was great with me yesterday, but was a little pushy at times with the kids. They get in her face a little too much and she responds to that.
She is excited to see the kids after school, is super excited to see Bill, eats great, and rides great in the car and car seat. Pinch me, but this is going so easy.
She pulled me up, kind of pleading for me to follow her today. I let her lead me into the kitchen where she turned me into the counter and then said, "Iskum salamchi"--I want salami!
We were told that she really likes meat and salami by the orphanage and they were right. My other kids do too and we happened to have a stick of summer sausage in the fridge. She was so excited when Bill pulled that out the other day. So now she asks for it. She asks for yogurt also--cremchi.
She is a great eater--the kids are stunned that she would eat the tomatoes from the bruschetta I had last night. Yep, she will eat it by the spoonful.
Bill put her down for bed last night and she just stands in her crib. She won't let you cover her up or anything. I always give her a blankie and it makes her mad. She just takes the blankie and lays it over the side of the crib. She gave a few good trampoline jumps in her crib (I'm just sure she is going to inflict facial or mouth trauma from jumping and hitting the side rail) and then she just started pleading with Bill. It sounds like she is saying "save me." Not sure what she is saying in Bulgarian. She just pleads with her eyes. It's so sad. After a minute she laid down on her tummy and gave it up! She sleeps all night. Again, pinch me!!
She is saying new words every day. I gave little-to-no effort in learning Bulgarian. I am finding that it has not been that necessary to know exactly what she is saying, but now I am just so curious to know what she is saying. I need a little voice recorder to record her phrases and then have my friend translate for me. I know she will quickly lose her Bulgarian and it is such a part of her "cuteness" and character right now, that it is sad that it will be replaced. Most of her vocabulary has to do with wanting something...which sounds like "iskum..." She says please, thank you, come here, love you, juice and a handful of other words that she has mimicked. I am not using too much Bulgarian, trying to stop using ne and da--I think she knows yes and no. But now, it is such a habit. I said "ne, ne, ne" to Ryan last night and he reminded me that he wasn't Bulgarian. I didn't even notice I had said it. She says all our names, including Indy the dog. She has called me "mamo" more lately, than "mama." I'm not sure if that is a derivative of Mom or just her own mix.
Something that I would like to see her more willing to do is letting me hold her or read to her. She is pretty resistant to that. She is loving toward me a lot, but doesn't want to sit with me or be touched too much. I know it bugs her, but I keep trying to give her hugs and pick her up. She does give great hugs and has an unbelievable pucker up for kisses. So cute!
Tomorrow she goes to the pediatrician. I'm not sure how that will go, except that she was very receptive to pulling up her shirt for the Bulgarian doctor so he could have a listen. Dreading the blood work...they will need a team to hold her down for that! I want nothing to do with it. I was always of the school that didn't think parents should help restrain, that they should just be there to save them and comfort them when it's over. But something tells me I might get smacked anyway for having anything to do with it!!
Well, the days seem long, maybe suffering from a little bit of jet lag still (and staying up too late last night), but they are good days and I am so thankful for this time. God keeps blessing us--more than we deserve!
She is doing so well. We went to get the kids from school yesterday and stopped at the bookstore. She did so good. She wants to be down, but she did let me pick her up in the parking lot, without protest. That is progress. She definitely is learning that the pushing away or hitting is not acceptable. She was great with me yesterday, but was a little pushy at times with the kids. They get in her face a little too much and she responds to that.
She is excited to see the kids after school, is super excited to see Bill, eats great, and rides great in the car and car seat. Pinch me, but this is going so easy.
She pulled me up, kind of pleading for me to follow her today. I let her lead me into the kitchen where she turned me into the counter and then said, "Iskum salamchi"--I want salami!
We were told that she really likes meat and salami by the orphanage and they were right. My other kids do too and we happened to have a stick of summer sausage in the fridge. She was so excited when Bill pulled that out the other day. So now she asks for it. She asks for yogurt also--cremchi.
She is a great eater--the kids are stunned that she would eat the tomatoes from the bruschetta I had last night. Yep, she will eat it by the spoonful.
Bill put her down for bed last night and she just stands in her crib. She won't let you cover her up or anything. I always give her a blankie and it makes her mad. She just takes the blankie and lays it over the side of the crib. She gave a few good trampoline jumps in her crib (I'm just sure she is going to inflict facial or mouth trauma from jumping and hitting the side rail) and then she just started pleading with Bill. It sounds like she is saying "save me." Not sure what she is saying in Bulgarian. She just pleads with her eyes. It's so sad. After a minute she laid down on her tummy and gave it up! She sleeps all night. Again, pinch me!!
She is saying new words every day. I gave little-to-no effort in learning Bulgarian. I am finding that it has not been that necessary to know exactly what she is saying, but now I am just so curious to know what she is saying. I need a little voice recorder to record her phrases and then have my friend translate for me. I know she will quickly lose her Bulgarian and it is such a part of her "cuteness" and character right now, that it is sad that it will be replaced. Most of her vocabulary has to do with wanting something...which sounds like "iskum..." She says please, thank you, come here, love you, juice and a handful of other words that she has mimicked. I am not using too much Bulgarian, trying to stop using ne and da--I think she knows yes and no. But now, it is such a habit. I said "ne, ne, ne" to Ryan last night and he reminded me that he wasn't Bulgarian. I didn't even notice I had said it. She says all our names, including Indy the dog. She has called me "mamo" more lately, than "mama." I'm not sure if that is a derivative of Mom or just her own mix.
Something that I would like to see her more willing to do is letting me hold her or read to her. She is pretty resistant to that. She is loving toward me a lot, but doesn't want to sit with me or be touched too much. I know it bugs her, but I keep trying to give her hugs and pick her up. She does give great hugs and has an unbelievable pucker up for kisses. So cute!
Tomorrow she goes to the pediatrician. I'm not sure how that will go, except that she was very receptive to pulling up her shirt for the Bulgarian doctor so he could have a listen. Dreading the blood work...they will need a team to hold her down for that! I want nothing to do with it. I was always of the school that didn't think parents should help restrain, that they should just be there to save them and comfort them when it's over. But something tells me I might get smacked anyway for having anything to do with it!!
Well, the days seem long, maybe suffering from a little bit of jet lag still (and staying up too late last night), but they are good days and I am so thankful for this time. God keeps blessing us--more than we deserve!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
A New Day
We arrived home exactly 24 hours later, to a wonderful homecoming. As I sat on the plane, looking out the window I began to feel that shakey, adrenalin, I could just ball feeling. The moment was finally here. We were home with our little girl, we were going to see our kids and get to introduce her to our family. They had signs and balloons and matching tshirts. It was awesome. Mahaela just smiled and hugged so many of them. Hugging seems to be her natural response. I don't know psychology of it all, but it's what she does. She just looked so happy and took it all in. It was after 4 am our time, so we were a little wiped out and Mahaela had just a few short naps on the entire way home.
Getting out of Paris was crazy, complete with waiting in a pile of people to be reticketed for this new flight only to have the whole area where the ticketing desks were to be cleared out by police and airport security (with their huge automatic guns around their necks) because of an unattended bag. I had to pick up Mahaela to get out of there and she threw a big tantrum. Bill held her and just let her scream it out. She turns into a hair and head flopping, sweaty, smacking little spitfire! He just sat on a luggage cart with her. We were the last ones to clear the area and then I heard someone say they saw a "thumbs-up." I told Bill and her hurried again to the ticket counter and no one stopped him. He was waiting at the desk by the time a ticketing agent came. Boarding passes in hand, we headed through security. It felt Ground Hog's Day at this point. Our flight was scheduled to leave at 12 noon. Once through the gate, you have to take a bus to the plane--boarding takes over an hour for sure. Really amazing. Then about another 40 minutes just taxi-ing through runways. With about 8 hours flying time, we would arrive in Detroit about 2:45 Eastern Time. Even in Detroit, we were standing room only. It was a headache, for sure. It felt so good to get on that plane to Bloomington!
Mahaela did so good flying. She really ate great, took 2 short naps about an hour a piece. I had some things to entertain her, but I didn't even get to all that I had. We had a 5 hour layover in Detroit. After customs and rechecking our baggage, we sat down to eat at a restaurant. It was getting pretty late our time by then and Mahaela rode in the backpack and fell asleep on Bill's back.
Since being home, she has done so well. We think she is getting better each day with the hitting and defiance. We kept the kids home from school yesterday and just had a very lazy day being together. Nothing seems too "foreign" to her. The kids love her. We had to just remind them several times to back off a little. They get in her face and say things and ask for hugs and kisses. She wanted to smack them a couple times. I think it must be a little wearisome for her to hear all this foreign language and faces and sounds and people in her face. We put her down for her nap in her crib. She cried just as much as she does when we sleep with her, so we thought that was good. She took a good nap, which I woke her from so she would be tired at bedtime. About 8:30pm I couldn't stay awake another minute, so Bill put her to bed about 8:30 in her crib. She cried very little and slept wonderfully. About 4am, she was crying and fussing, but I didn't think she sounded too upset. We waited hoping she would go back to sleep and she did. I heard her sweet talking around 7:30 this morning. I think that is complete success!! She was standing in her crib, happy. She has been happy all morning, just walking around, playing with the dog, hugging and kissing her! She usually says "Zsdra-vey-tey" the first thing in the morning--very strung out like that. It is so cute. She ate good and has given lots of hugs and kisses. I just corrected her about holding a large framed picture and she gave me the stink eye and tried to push me away, but it was mild. I do think that she will get better with that. It's really funny, because when Bill is around, she will look to him to see what he thinks of how she is treating mommy. He usually will give her a look back or "come after her" if necessary. She will usually stop what she is doing and then try to pat me or kiss me. We are in the training phase, for sure.
Today is Bill's 40th Birthday and everyone is back to work and school. I have the same feeling I have had after having all my kids. Slightly post-partum, wondering what my new life will look like, hoping to settle into my new normal very quickly. Christmas just adds another layer of stress to it all. I so want to just enjoy it and be able to let go of what I can't do in order to just enjoy what I can do. Praying that God Grants me the serenity I need to accept the things I can and cannot do. I know He will!
I know so many of you prayed us home. As frustrated as we were, I know prayers were holding us together. Through it all, we were still nice to each other (and that is not always the case--traveling can bring out the worst in me!)
Well, I'm off to unpack and do laundry--a little reality!
Getting out of Paris was crazy, complete with waiting in a pile of people to be reticketed for this new flight only to have the whole area where the ticketing desks were to be cleared out by police and airport security (with their huge automatic guns around their necks) because of an unattended bag. I had to pick up Mahaela to get out of there and she threw a big tantrum. Bill held her and just let her scream it out. She turns into a hair and head flopping, sweaty, smacking little spitfire! He just sat on a luggage cart with her. We were the last ones to clear the area and then I heard someone say they saw a "thumbs-up." I told Bill and her hurried again to the ticket counter and no one stopped him. He was waiting at the desk by the time a ticketing agent came. Boarding passes in hand, we headed through security. It felt Ground Hog's Day at this point. Our flight was scheduled to leave at 12 noon. Once through the gate, you have to take a bus to the plane--boarding takes over an hour for sure. Really amazing. Then about another 40 minutes just taxi-ing through runways. With about 8 hours flying time, we would arrive in Detroit about 2:45 Eastern Time. Even in Detroit, we were standing room only. It was a headache, for sure. It felt so good to get on that plane to Bloomington!
Mahaela did so good flying. She really ate great, took 2 short naps about an hour a piece. I had some things to entertain her, but I didn't even get to all that I had. We had a 5 hour layover in Detroit. After customs and rechecking our baggage, we sat down to eat at a restaurant. It was getting pretty late our time by then and Mahaela rode in the backpack and fell asleep on Bill's back.
Since being home, she has done so well. We think she is getting better each day with the hitting and defiance. We kept the kids home from school yesterday and just had a very lazy day being together. Nothing seems too "foreign" to her. The kids love her. We had to just remind them several times to back off a little. They get in her face and say things and ask for hugs and kisses. She wanted to smack them a couple times. I think it must be a little wearisome for her to hear all this foreign language and faces and sounds and people in her face. We put her down for her nap in her crib. She cried just as much as she does when we sleep with her, so we thought that was good. She took a good nap, which I woke her from so she would be tired at bedtime. About 8:30pm I couldn't stay awake another minute, so Bill put her to bed about 8:30 in her crib. She cried very little and slept wonderfully. About 4am, she was crying and fussing, but I didn't think she sounded too upset. We waited hoping she would go back to sleep and she did. I heard her sweet talking around 7:30 this morning. I think that is complete success!! She was standing in her crib, happy. She has been happy all morning, just walking around, playing with the dog, hugging and kissing her! She usually says "Zsdra-vey-tey" the first thing in the morning--very strung out like that. It is so cute. She ate good and has given lots of hugs and kisses. I just corrected her about holding a large framed picture and she gave me the stink eye and tried to push me away, but it was mild. I do think that she will get better with that. It's really funny, because when Bill is around, she will look to him to see what he thinks of how she is treating mommy. He usually will give her a look back or "come after her" if necessary. She will usually stop what she is doing and then try to pat me or kiss me. We are in the training phase, for sure.
Today is Bill's 40th Birthday and everyone is back to work and school. I have the same feeling I have had after having all my kids. Slightly post-partum, wondering what my new life will look like, hoping to settle into my new normal very quickly. Christmas just adds another layer of stress to it all. I so want to just enjoy it and be able to let go of what I can't do in order to just enjoy what I can do. Praying that God Grants me the serenity I need to accept the things I can and cannot do. I know He will!
I know so many of you prayed us home. As frustrated as we were, I know prayers were holding us together. Through it all, we were still nice to each other (and that is not always the case--traveling can bring out the worst in me!)
Well, I'm off to unpack and do laundry--a little reality!
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Day 5, Friday
I know, I got a day ahead of myself and said Thursday's post was day 5 when in fact it was day 4.
I am writing this Saturday night as I am stuck in Paris...
At this point, I don't think I can clearly recall details from Friday because I am writing this in the middle of a travel day that will forever be etched in my mind.
Friday was a relaxed morning with Mahaela getting a bath, which she really enjoys. She just played the whole time I got ready. Bill and Aubrey did their morning pastry run. We all went out for lunch at the Happy Grill. I call it the Bulgarian Applebees. It is a chain that we hadn't gone to before. The food had been described to us as food that American's like, done in a Bulgarian way. It was good. By now, we have the dining out mastered. M. played outside with Bill and Aubrey while we waited for our food to come, then we ask for the check right away. They never bring the bill until you ask for it...you could be completely done with your coats on and they still won't bring the check. So we were in and out fairly quickly. Bill and M. went back to the apt for naps and Aubrey and I shopped for souvenirs.
Rosi came to say goodbye. She did not have our visa yet as it was being picked up by someone else. They planned to give it to us on our way to airport. Seems a little risky, but it worked out fine. We had dinner in a nice traditional Bulgarian restaurant. I managed to not really cook all week and we got our fill of Bulgarian food. We had stopped by a really nice bakery/pastry shop and picked up dessert to go. Beautiful desserts, $6 for all 3! I think that is what makes the food so fun--it is so cheap, too. The US would have charged $6 a piece for these elegant desserts.
We got back home and had some wind down time. M. was harder to put down--bigger fit than she had been having the last couple nights.
I can barely even recap any of today...too exhausting. M. had lots of fits. She does much better with Bill and he has been amazingly patient with her. He has put alot more effort into entertaining her--he's always the fun one. I can't feel bad about this. She responds poorly to all of us. We just have to get through this tough time. This day was probably the most physically stressful day she has had besides her surgeries and she was exhausted tonight. She still had the energy to come after me like a raging bull to give me a swift slap, which I was able to dodge, which made her even angrier. There isn't anything I can do that doesn't make her want to slap at me. She is either pulling me to her (pulling, like tearing at my clothes) or pushing me away, or slapping me. If she is walking on her own, she does not want to hold my hand, will slap me if I try to push her or guide her from behind, and will have a complete rage if I pick her up. It is exhausting. All the while, she is charming. On the plane, she sat the entire time. She is content to remain in her seat, buckled up.
We are now in a Paris Radisson hotel because of plane malfunction. No luggage. Here will all sit in our complimentary men's white undershirt. Lovely. I like how the lady called it a nightshirt. Paid 10 Euro for more diapers...
Our dream of seeing our kids and all our family at the airport tonight has vanished...
Leaving 12 noon from Paris. Praying this attempt to get home works this time!
I am writing this Saturday night as I am stuck in Paris...
At this point, I don't think I can clearly recall details from Friday because I am writing this in the middle of a travel day that will forever be etched in my mind.
Friday was a relaxed morning with Mahaela getting a bath, which she really enjoys. She just played the whole time I got ready. Bill and Aubrey did their morning pastry run. We all went out for lunch at the Happy Grill. I call it the Bulgarian Applebees. It is a chain that we hadn't gone to before. The food had been described to us as food that American's like, done in a Bulgarian way. It was good. By now, we have the dining out mastered. M. played outside with Bill and Aubrey while we waited for our food to come, then we ask for the check right away. They never bring the bill until you ask for it...you could be completely done with your coats on and they still won't bring the check. So we were in and out fairly quickly. Bill and M. went back to the apt for naps and Aubrey and I shopped for souvenirs.
Rosi came to say goodbye. She did not have our visa yet as it was being picked up by someone else. They planned to give it to us on our way to airport. Seems a little risky, but it worked out fine. We had dinner in a nice traditional Bulgarian restaurant. I managed to not really cook all week and we got our fill of Bulgarian food. We had stopped by a really nice bakery/pastry shop and picked up dessert to go. Beautiful desserts, $6 for all 3! I think that is what makes the food so fun--it is so cheap, too. The US would have charged $6 a piece for these elegant desserts.
We got back home and had some wind down time. M. was harder to put down--bigger fit than she had been having the last couple nights.
I can barely even recap any of today...too exhausting. M. had lots of fits. She does much better with Bill and he has been amazingly patient with her. He has put alot more effort into entertaining her--he's always the fun one. I can't feel bad about this. She responds poorly to all of us. We just have to get through this tough time. This day was probably the most physically stressful day she has had besides her surgeries and she was exhausted tonight. She still had the energy to come after me like a raging bull to give me a swift slap, which I was able to dodge, which made her even angrier. There isn't anything I can do that doesn't make her want to slap at me. She is either pulling me to her (pulling, like tearing at my clothes) or pushing me away, or slapping me. If she is walking on her own, she does not want to hold my hand, will slap me if I try to push her or guide her from behind, and will have a complete rage if I pick her up. It is exhausting. All the while, she is charming. On the plane, she sat the entire time. She is content to remain in her seat, buckled up.
We are now in a Paris Radisson hotel because of plane malfunction. No luggage. Here will all sit in our complimentary men's white undershirt. Lovely. I like how the lady called it a nightshirt. Paid 10 Euro for more diapers...
Our dream of seeing our kids and all our family at the airport tonight has vanished...
Leaving 12 noon from Paris. Praying this attempt to get home works this time!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Day 4, Thursday
Today Mahaela awoke happy just as her nurses said she would. She has not gone great guns for breakfast since the first day. I don't push it, she just grazes. We found out early that we would have our Embassy interview at 2pm. We had decided we needed to cut back a little today. The slap fest that went on Wednesday was in part due to us being out a bit too much Wednesday. We hung around the apt. for a few hours in the morning and then went out for about 1.5 hours. M. loves the Ergo carrier that I borrowed for the trip (thank you, Leah!) She was content to be in it and we didn't get her out. She ate lunch on Bill's back. She had a deconstructed sandwich and a little cheese pizza! She does love meat! We shopped at little at the Hilo Market (now I am forgetting if that is how it is spelled?). I bought a few souvenirs--We owed Jake a tshirt that we failed to get on the first trip. I could buy so much more...but restraint has been prevailing.
By the time we were leaving the market, she had been sucking her thumb quite a bit and laying her head down on Daddy. We knew she was tired. And then the random slapping--just slapping Bill's shoulders as we walked back. Bill was afraid the whole afternoon would go down hill from there. But we had just enough time to squeeze a little nap in for her. She fell asleep quickly and got an hour nap before our ride came to take us to the Embassy.
The trip to the Embassy in all took about an 2 hours, door to door. The interview was simply formality and they seemed genuinely happy for us and interested in our experience--they were both women! Rosi will pick up our Visa Friday at 2pm. Then it is officially over--everything we need to bring her home! I was cringing a bit at the Embassy as M. buddied up to the complete stranger/man. She really is endearing--she must be because people stop to talk to her and give her lots of attention. To scoop in would result in a tantrum, so I just let it be. We are competing with the language issue. They think she is cute and can speak her language--she can't understand us and it seems like we say "no" a lot. So, we let her have her moment, but this won't continue state side. But, she was interacting so cute with these different people, talking to them. I am thankful that when she tried to give another man a kiss, he just blew one to her! So the fact that she was happy, made our long wait at the Embassy easy.
We got back to the apt. a little after 4pm and Mahaela and I stayed in for the night. Bill and Aubrey went out for a little shopping and brought back dinner. She had a good night, with very little slapping, and lots of rough-housing. She certainly tolerates a lot of activity, maybe breathes a little faster by the end. She had lots of horsey rides and gave some, too. It was play time/rough housing in Bill fashion--the kind that wears you out just watching it. So by the end, she was tuckered out and ready for bed. We got her ready for bed and gave her a benadryl. We were all laying in the bed and she was standing at the door telling us no, that she didn't want to go to bed. The door frame was already holding her up, let alone as the Benadryl kicked it. We wanted to make sure she responded well to it, before we tried it on any of the flights. It worked and made such a difference. She had basically sounded more "croupy" throughout the day. She coughed a ton the night before and just sounded so juicy, like post nasal drip was getting to her.
So a little Benadryl seemed to dry her up and completely stopped the night coughing. She went to sleep great, without crying more than a whimper. It is now 4 am and she is sleeping quietly.
We have all her court decree information. It is very interested to read. One thing I find very interesting, that I didn't know would happen in an international adoption, is that her parents are named. Knowing what her birth name is, which was given by the birth parents, didn't make it a stretch to be able to track who her parents are--she had their family name. It gives their names and birthdates. I asked why it would be made public information. The new family law allows for adopted children to request information about their birth parents through the courts. I think it is always a good thing to have the option for the future, but realize it is often not beneficial to access it.
Oh, almost forgot...Mrs. Toncheva made arrangements between Rosi and I to call and speak with M. Maybe I already blogged this?? But while we were in the car on our way to the Embassy, she called to speak to M. It was not upsetting for M., which I suppose it could have been. She just listened to her and then told her a couple times that she is doing good. Mrs. T. said goodbye to us and wished us safe travels. Rosi said she would really like to see photos of Christmas, which I am happy to send their way. I assumed it would be hard for her nurses and I guess it really is. I'm not sure what staff turnover is like at these orphanages, but I am happy to keep up with whoever is still there over the years. It would be so neat for us to be reunited with them someday.
Looking forward to our last day in Bulgaria. Looking forward to seeing my kids and having them meet their little sister!
By the time we were leaving the market, she had been sucking her thumb quite a bit and laying her head down on Daddy. We knew she was tired. And then the random slapping--just slapping Bill's shoulders as we walked back. Bill was afraid the whole afternoon would go down hill from there. But we had just enough time to squeeze a little nap in for her. She fell asleep quickly and got an hour nap before our ride came to take us to the Embassy.
The trip to the Embassy in all took about an 2 hours, door to door. The interview was simply formality and they seemed genuinely happy for us and interested in our experience--they were both women! Rosi will pick up our Visa Friday at 2pm. Then it is officially over--everything we need to bring her home! I was cringing a bit at the Embassy as M. buddied up to the complete stranger/man. She really is endearing--she must be because people stop to talk to her and give her lots of attention. To scoop in would result in a tantrum, so I just let it be. We are competing with the language issue. They think she is cute and can speak her language--she can't understand us and it seems like we say "no" a lot. So, we let her have her moment, but this won't continue state side. But, she was interacting so cute with these different people, talking to them. I am thankful that when she tried to give another man a kiss, he just blew one to her! So the fact that she was happy, made our long wait at the Embassy easy.
We got back to the apt. a little after 4pm and Mahaela and I stayed in for the night. Bill and Aubrey went out for a little shopping and brought back dinner. She had a good night, with very little slapping, and lots of rough-housing. She certainly tolerates a lot of activity, maybe breathes a little faster by the end. She had lots of horsey rides and gave some, too. It was play time/rough housing in Bill fashion--the kind that wears you out just watching it. So by the end, she was tuckered out and ready for bed. We got her ready for bed and gave her a benadryl. We were all laying in the bed and she was standing at the door telling us no, that she didn't want to go to bed. The door frame was already holding her up, let alone as the Benadryl kicked it. We wanted to make sure she responded well to it, before we tried it on any of the flights. It worked and made such a difference. She had basically sounded more "croupy" throughout the day. She coughed a ton the night before and just sounded so juicy, like post nasal drip was getting to her.
So a little Benadryl seemed to dry her up and completely stopped the night coughing. She went to sleep great, without crying more than a whimper. It is now 4 am and she is sleeping quietly.
We have all her court decree information. It is very interested to read. One thing I find very interesting, that I didn't know would happen in an international adoption, is that her parents are named. Knowing what her birth name is, which was given by the birth parents, didn't make it a stretch to be able to track who her parents are--she had their family name. It gives their names and birthdates. I asked why it would be made public information. The new family law allows for adopted children to request information about their birth parents through the courts. I think it is always a good thing to have the option for the future, but realize it is often not beneficial to access it.
Oh, almost forgot...Mrs. Toncheva made arrangements between Rosi and I to call and speak with M. Maybe I already blogged this?? But while we were in the car on our way to the Embassy, she called to speak to M. It was not upsetting for M., which I suppose it could have been. She just listened to her and then told her a couple times that she is doing good. Mrs. T. said goodbye to us and wished us safe travels. Rosi said she would really like to see photos of Christmas, which I am happy to send their way. I assumed it would be hard for her nurses and I guess it really is. I'm not sure what staff turnover is like at these orphanages, but I am happy to keep up with whoever is still there over the years. It would be so neat for us to be reunited with them someday.
Looking forward to our last day in Bulgaria. Looking forward to seeing my kids and having them meet their little sister!
Day 3 with Mahaela, Wednesday
Mahaela admiring herself in the photocharm necklace I was wearing.She took one for herself and has been wearing it ever since.
Mahaela all bundled up to go out.Wednesday morning Mahaela didn't wake until after 8am. I was not in the room any longer, but I thought I heard something. When I opened the door she was sitting up in bed, just smiling and waiting for us. She doesn't try to get out of bed, even at bedtime when she is throwing a fit. I'm surprised she doesn't just get up out of bed, but I'm thankful she is compliant in this area.
We describe yesterday as defiance day! She was exerting her will over breakfast and then threw in a couple slaps at Daddy. Daddy just held her in his lap. We don't care if she doesn't eat, she just is not allowed to slap. So I opened a box of yummy kids cereal and just started eating away...I didn't offer her any since she wasn't acting hungry enough to eat the toast, banana, yogurt, or juice. Well, her attitude softened and then a big smile popped on her face. Then I offered her some cereal, which she picked out the white chocolate covered ones out of the coco puffs.
We met Petko who went with us to her Dr. appt. It was a long wait in a very small hallway. I don't know if we had an appt. to come get into line or if we just got in line. You have to ask the group of people who is last and then you know you are behind them. As each person walks out of the exam room, the next one walks in. NOT the picture of efficiency. Someone said he thought the wait would be about 1.5 hours. Mahaela was great. She enjoys watching the other kids. We waited about an hour fifteen. She had a quick ear exam which she sat in my lap very nicely for. Then with the pediatrician she was great. He barely examined her, but did listen to her heart/lungs. She immediately pulled up her shirt so he could listen. The orphanage had told us that she really likes stethoscopes and that they bought her a play one. The Dr. said she had cavities--he must have good eyes. But those will need to be taken care of because of the risk of infection to her heart/valves. He just wanted to us to understand that she has the heart defect and that we are aware of her condition. It was more paperwork than exam.
We got back to the apt. around 1pm. We just played around the apartment and Bill and Aubrey went out a little and brought back lunch.
She took a little nap, with lots of protesting, hitting, and then found her thumb and gave up the fight.
We left the apartment again about 4pm to head out to the mall and playground. We were at the mall about 30 minutes. If she doesn't want to come with you or be held, it is a fit. She stopped to watch a lady peel and orange and the lady said hello and then offered her a piece. Bill just scooped her up and scooted her away. Royal fit! She is a very loud, hitting, body writhing, mad as a hornet little girl! We just get through it. We realize she is stretched this week in unimaginable ways, but we also have to set our boundaries. We don't know the psychology of it all. We just parent the best we can.
We took a cab ride to a traditional Bulgarian restaurant, Manastirska Magernica. It was good, but we needed to make this a quick experience. We knew we were getting to the end of what she could handle. She sits so great in her chair (what? one of our kids stays in their chair?? unheard of!). She eats pretty good, unless it wasn't her idea. We say she has squirrel mouth. She stuffs food in there that I can't even see where she is putting it! Salad, meat, cheese, tomatoes, bread. There was some loud protest and Bill took her out. This time her hand was ready to hit, but she did not. She thought about it a little and decided not to hit Daddy. We thought this was progress. She had hit both Aubrey and me in the taxi and Bill turned around and startled her with a strong "Nay" and the clap of his hands. So he thought his method of "shock and awe" was effective.
We walked back home, played around a little while and then headed to bed. She barely cried. She was tired. She sits upright, watching TV, sucking her thumb. I decided enough of this TV thing, as it won't happen at home, so I turned it off. She quickly rolled off her pillow stack to go to sleep. Aubrey and I slept with her. She now has a cough and coughed a lot during the night. Around 6 am she fell out of bed--which is very low to the ground. She seemed fine and didn't really wake up, but was very restless and the floor was noisy with her hitting it and moving around on it. But I just left her there as she was still sleeping and to move her would definitely wake her.
Something I forgot to say in a previous post was that Rosi called to check on us Tuesday and said that Toncheva had called in the morning saying that she woke up thinking about Mahaela and wanted to know how she was doing. I just feel so sorry for these ladies who are feeling the loss of this little girl. Her room at the orphanage must be very quiet and lonely right now.
They said she is potty trained, but that we should just use pampers this week until the excitement is over. I did have her sit on the potty chair one time. I think this is a case of she will potty when you put her on it, but never ask to sit on the potty. We will deal with potty training much later...next year sometime! Ha!
Oh, her first words in English were spoken in the car, leaving the orphanage. They were nose, followed by "buckle-buckle," then "wow." Now we hear occasional words that she repeats.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Day 2 with Mahaela
Tuesday was a free day for us, with no appointments, which was nice. Mahaela slept until 9:30. She had a great breakfast--toast, yogurt, milk, banana. I put down a half a banana and then had to look under her chair to see where it went. Aubrey was sitting with her and didn't see what she did with it--she ate it! She devoured the second half just as quickly.
After breakfast she just played around a bit. I gave her a bath and Aubrey joined her. She played in the tub quite a bit and liked it. They had put on lotions and perfumes on her at the orphanage making her smell pretty, which she did, but it was nice to make her smell familiar like all my babies have smelled. I even washed all her clothing in Dreft which says "baby" to me. Her hair was in a little french braid right down the middle of her head--I took it out and will probably never be able to duplicate that again.
Around 1pm we headed out for lunch and stopped at a restaurant. We just fed her anything we had that she would eat. She ate a chicken finger, tomatoes, cucumbers, cheese, spaghetti, salad. As they sat the food in front of us, she grabbed the cheese off of my salad and then used her fork to dig in. She appears to be short and stout--she is like me in many ways. She is solid and heavy, but her pants are long on her.
We used the backpack carrier to walk around and after getting in it 2-3 times, she liked it. It is great because she enjoys walking, but is so slow and the sidewalks are a walking hazard. We stopped at a park. She doesn't really like to get on the play equipment, but does like to watch the other children. She would occasionally say things to people as we walked by and they would say hello in return. She is probably saying "save me, help me!" Haha.
She tripped over Bill's foot and did a face-plant with a loud thud. She absolutely smacked her nose and upper lip and forehead. No blood, just a little red nose. She cried hard, but got over it quick. It was good to be able to console her.
Mahaela took a good little nap in the afternoon. She definitely shows signs of being sleepy and still needing a nap--yawns, sucks thumb. She just snuggled right up to Bill and took a snooze.
We went out for a walk and then to dinner. She sits patiently and does well eating out--such a Hauter, for sure. Bill went up to the dessert case and she had a royal fit when he wanted her to come back to the table. Thankfully, we were the only ones in our area. We just let her have her little fuss. The waiter spoke English, so he probably knew she was giving us the "what for."
She went to sleep at night about 9:30 with a little crying, but very mild and very short. She slept until after 8am Wednesday.
Here are some random details that I have not written about...
She makes a really cute sour face. We have some soda, which she apparently hasn't had soda before, that is pretty sour berry flavored. She puckers up in the most animated way. At one point, she even smacked her bottom like it was so sour.
She walks a bit pigeon toed, sometimes it is much more pronounced like a little waddle.
She had her first McDonald's, allegedly, the first evening. She liked french fries. She had a little bit of a McFlurry also. (Aubrey was starving so we stopped to get her something.) She likes ice cream, but just takes one bite and she is happy with that. We think the cold is a bit much for her.
When we try to get her to pose for a picture she squats down, but so do we. Aubrey had to point that out to me, because I wasn't getting it.
She really likes to copy things, especially Bill. At dinner, he took off his jacket, so did she. He crossed his arms across his chest, so did she. He takes off his shoes and puts them by the door, so does she.
She says "Shht." Sometimes she is just being cute with it. Other times she is mad about something. She says it a lot to Aubrey.
She has a tendency to hit, especially Aubrey, but she has taken swings at all of us. We say "Nay" and try to stay clear of it. If she tries to hit Aubrey, we give Aubrey a kiss. We all kiss, and then she usually softens and wants a kiss too. We will keep doing that so she understands that we love each other, not hit each other, and unless she wants to give kisses, she will just be left out.
She has had slight color changes, but not major. Mostly she gets a little "dusky" looking in the face, but after a big cry. I went to change her clothes and noticed her legs were a little purple, with a little sluggish capillary refill. If you didn't know she had a problem, most wouldn't notice these slight color issues.
She is very independent--just so typical for a 3 year old. She wants "Dow"--down. She has her own ideas and is defiant at times.
At the moment she is walking around eating potato chips like there's no tomorrow, and loving it.
Here are some pictures in no particular order.
Ready to walk out of the orphanage--"I will not leave you as orphans!"
Walking through the water for good luck--but we know luck had nothing to do with this day!
Parading us through the orphanage to show us her room
Mahaela's crib and room for three years
At lunch on Tuesday, getting a little sleepy
Riding around on Daddy's back
After breakfast she just played around a bit. I gave her a bath and Aubrey joined her. She played in the tub quite a bit and liked it. They had put on lotions and perfumes on her at the orphanage making her smell pretty, which she did, but it was nice to make her smell familiar like all my babies have smelled. I even washed all her clothing in Dreft which says "baby" to me. Her hair was in a little french braid right down the middle of her head--I took it out and will probably never be able to duplicate that again.
Around 1pm we headed out for lunch and stopped at a restaurant. We just fed her anything we had that she would eat. She ate a chicken finger, tomatoes, cucumbers, cheese, spaghetti, salad. As they sat the food in front of us, she grabbed the cheese off of my salad and then used her fork to dig in. She appears to be short and stout--she is like me in many ways. She is solid and heavy, but her pants are long on her.
We used the backpack carrier to walk around and after getting in it 2-3 times, she liked it. It is great because she enjoys walking, but is so slow and the sidewalks are a walking hazard. We stopped at a park. She doesn't really like to get on the play equipment, but does like to watch the other children. She would occasionally say things to people as we walked by and they would say hello in return. She is probably saying "save me, help me!" Haha.
She tripped over Bill's foot and did a face-plant with a loud thud. She absolutely smacked her nose and upper lip and forehead. No blood, just a little red nose. She cried hard, but got over it quick. It was good to be able to console her.
Mahaela took a good little nap in the afternoon. She definitely shows signs of being sleepy and still needing a nap--yawns, sucks thumb. She just snuggled right up to Bill and took a snooze.
We went out for a walk and then to dinner. She sits patiently and does well eating out--such a Hauter, for sure. Bill went up to the dessert case and she had a royal fit when he wanted her to come back to the table. Thankfully, we were the only ones in our area. We just let her have her little fuss. The waiter spoke English, so he probably knew she was giving us the "what for."
She went to sleep at night about 9:30 with a little crying, but very mild and very short. She slept until after 8am Wednesday.
Here are some random details that I have not written about...
She makes a really cute sour face. We have some soda, which she apparently hasn't had soda before, that is pretty sour berry flavored. She puckers up in the most animated way. At one point, she even smacked her bottom like it was so sour.
She walks a bit pigeon toed, sometimes it is much more pronounced like a little waddle.
She had her first McDonald's, allegedly, the first evening. She liked french fries. She had a little bit of a McFlurry also. (Aubrey was starving so we stopped to get her something.) She likes ice cream, but just takes one bite and she is happy with that. We think the cold is a bit much for her.
When we try to get her to pose for a picture she squats down, but so do we. Aubrey had to point that out to me, because I wasn't getting it.
She really likes to copy things, especially Bill. At dinner, he took off his jacket, so did she. He crossed his arms across his chest, so did she. He takes off his shoes and puts them by the door, so does she.
She says "Shht." Sometimes she is just being cute with it. Other times she is mad about something. She says it a lot to Aubrey.
She has a tendency to hit, especially Aubrey, but she has taken swings at all of us. We say "Nay" and try to stay clear of it. If she tries to hit Aubrey, we give Aubrey a kiss. We all kiss, and then she usually softens and wants a kiss too. We will keep doing that so she understands that we love each other, not hit each other, and unless she wants to give kisses, she will just be left out.
She has had slight color changes, but not major. Mostly she gets a little "dusky" looking in the face, but after a big cry. I went to change her clothes and noticed her legs were a little purple, with a little sluggish capillary refill. If you didn't know she had a problem, most wouldn't notice these slight color issues.
She is very independent--just so typical for a 3 year old. She wants "Dow"--down. She has her own ideas and is defiant at times.
At the moment she is walking around eating potato chips like there's no tomorrow, and loving it.
Here are some pictures in no particular order.
Ready to walk out of the orphanage--"I will not leave you as orphans!"
Walking through the water for good luck--but we know luck had nothing to do with this day!
Parading us through the orphanage to show us her room
Mahaela's crib and room for three years
At lunch on Tuesday, getting a little sleepy
Riding around on Daddy's backTuesday, November 30, 2010
GOTCHA DAY...November 29, 2010
Here is an account of our wonderful Gotcha day...
(It is long, but I consider it an entry for Mahaela's babybook which is more that I did for the other four kids!)
Our driver met us at our apartment at 7am. We drove to get Rosi, our translator, which was a wonderful surprise as we were told on Sunday that she would not be going with us. We drove a little over 3 hours from Sofia to get to the orphanage in Haskovo. We arrived around 11am. We were told we could take as long as we needed and ask all our questions. We were concerned that we needed to hurry because of needing to get back to Sofia to do passport pictures. The passport office was open to 7pm, so that gave us lots of time.
When we arrived at the orphanage, Mrs. Toncheva, the head nurse, met us. She was very happy and excited to see us. As we entered the orphanage, other nurses were waiting to greet us. They asked for clothes to dress Mahaela in, but then they offered to let me change her if I would like. I thought that would be fine. As we went back to the nurses office, the staff followed us and then we could hear M. coming down the hall. She was talking the whole way. As she entered the room, she was so excited saying that her Mama and Tate were here for her and that she was going to America. She told all her nurses that we had come for her. It was exciting. She hugged her Mommy, Daddy, and Aubrey. She new Aubrey's name as well as her other brothers and sister. Everyone was very entertained by her excitement.
They offered to let us take her clothes if we would like and not change her. I was thankful for the offer as I would have rather had the memento from the orphanage than have her wearing what we brought for her. She had on the tennis shoes that we brought her in the summer.
There was a little bit of paperwork exchanged and we signed that we were picking her up...that she was now in our custody. They gave us her medical record, immunization record. The director of the orphanage came into greet us also and spoke a little about her condition. He said she was one of six children in Bulgaria that has her condition and that she is in the best health of them all. He explained that she still gets blue and tires easily with exertion or anxiety. Bill then told him that we found her medical document/description to be right on par with how she looked and that our doctors in the states were pleased with how she sounded/looked on paper. Bill then thanked them and told them how thankful we were for the care she had received and that it was evident that she had been well cared for. I couldn't hold back the tears as that was exactly my feeling and what I also wanted to convey to all her nurses--just deep gratitude. They told us how happy they were for M. to have a family such as ours. They told us that God had blessed her and Bill told them that God has blessed us by placing her in our family. It was just a sweet, sincere exchange.
About five nurses sat in the room with us and possibly 3-4 outside the room. I had a list of questions that I began asking. They would all answer at the same time! (Bulgarians seem to talk over each other all the time). I asked what they would remember about M. and they said that she always woke up with a smile--even when she is sick. They said she likes to watch her cartoons before she goes to bed!
Here are other questions that I asked:
Favorite foods? Meat! (sounded like salami, sausages), bananas, mandarin oranges, tomatoes
When does she wake, nap, go to sleep? 6-7--whenever she hears all the nurses coming and going. She doesn't really nap anymore--maybe just 30 min. or less from 2-2:30.
She goes to bed around 8:30. She has dinner at 6:30, but then eats again when the night nurses come in.
How has she celebrated birthdays and Christmas? Christmas they do parties and presents and Santa and it sounds like birthdays they are the center of attention, with the first birthday being a really big deal.
Has she ever left the orphanage for overnights or to anyone's home? Rosi answered that this would not be allowed (although we have heard of other children having that opportunity), but they did say that she has been to downtown Haskovo many times.
Does she suck her thumb or fingers, or did she? She sucks her thumb just while going to sleep and then takes it out. (HA--she is a straight-up thumbsucker!)
Does she like animals or will she be afraid? She likes animals and will like our dog.
How will she do sleeping at night (she has her own room with a crib at our home?) She will need a light on and the door open. She is used to a crib, but not a dark, quiet room. They said she is a light sleeper.
I told them that when M. is older, she may ask about her birth parents. I asked if they knew anything of them and why they had placed her for adoption. They gave an answer which I will keep for M. I intended to ask about whether her birth parents knew anything of her and that she was being adopted. I didn't ask it, but I got the feeling that some or most of them knew the birth parents. It is not a very big town. I tend to believe they know she is doing well.
One of the nurses gave M. a little box with Icons in it that had been specially blessed for Misha. I'm not sure all she said, but she was emotional and had been on our first visit as well. She also gave a little Christmas teddy bear ornament. Someone gave her a large babydoll along with the little backpack with items in it from our first trip.
Mrs. Toncheva gave M. a little gift bag with a very special necklace for when she is older and a ceramic plate with Icons. She also had two disks with photos of M. one with random photos and one with birthday photos. She said she was not able to give us pictures of when she was very young as her computer had crashed losing all those photos. (I know that feeling.) I am thankful for any photos that we are able to have. She also included brochures of Haskovo for keepsakes. She said M. came to the orphanage on December 13, 2007. I think she immediately had a special place in their hearts. They can't possibly know how meaningful these items are to me. They hold all the memories from the first three years of Mahaela's life and I cherish any connection that we can have to that time and these people who have loved her.
Mahaela was able to give her caregivers small gift bags with gloves, lotion/soap set, a letter that my friend translated for me to give her caregivers, and also a little photo charm necklace with a picture of Mahaela in it. They said that was the best gift to be given. I think so, too. Mahaela took one of the necklaces to wear also.
We felt like we had asked all we needed to. Our driver, who had been to another nearby orphanage to take photos, was returning to pick us up. We asked if we could see her room one last time and take a picture with everyone also. We saw her room, our photos on the wall, the book we sent her, the birthday package we sent sitting on the table. M. walked all the way to her room and then back out to the foyer. She led us all like the leader of the parade. I kept thinking and said to Bill, "This is the last time!"
As we stood in the foyer, someone ran back to get Mahaela's coats that they wanted us to have. They said they think of only M. when they see the coats anyway, as they belonged to her.
We all walked outside--it was such a mild, warm 60 degree day. They did the tradition of good luck by pouring water on the orphanage steps and leading Mahaela through it down the steps. They were all parading, leading her to our car. She even saw her driver that we had met from our first trip. It felt like this monumental moment. They were all saying goodbye and kissing her. Mrs. Toncheva put her in the middle seat of the car as I hugged most of the nurses. As Aubrey said, I went into the "ugly" cry just a bit, but even Aubrey was crying. All the nurses were crying. I'm still crying as I write this! I will never forget that moment, standing in the street next to our car. We drove off with them all waving, saying goodbye...then to look down and see our little girl sitting between Bill and me, ready for her new life.
I need to clear my head for a bit, so I will post this now. I will post again with the remainder of our first day. This has been the bulk of our Gotcha Day.
We are praising the Lord, that's all I can say!
Sunday, November 28, 2010
One of the Best Parts about Blogging...
Friends...the old ones and the new ones--friends that my husband doesn't even know I have. I have to preface things with "my bloggy friend..." I am so thankful for all the ears I have and for the encouragement and prayers I get in return. I am so thankful for all of you. Thanks for walking with me on this journey.
So, this is the day...
Love you all!
So, this is the day...
Love you all!
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Paris en route to Bulgaria
We actually got out of our house feeling as organized and prepared as we could be...what didn't get done and could drive me crazy, I am completely ok with. Thanks to our friends and family for offers of help to get us on our way and for caring for our kids while we are away.
We have had a wonderful two days in Paris. It is almost 2 am and we are just back to our room after dinner. Jet lag and naps have allowed us to enjoy the "nightlife." Although Paris doesn't seem to need much sleep either! We will leave our hotel about 9:30 am to head to the airport and be on our way to Bulgaria. We have really enjoyed our time here, but have talked mostly about what Monday will be like and getting Mahaela. I think we all have a little bit of nerves building as we anticipate what our lives will be like.
Job 23:10 is a verse that has always been meaningful to me. It's a promise I have clung to many times and especially through this adoption. "He knows the way that I take, when he has tried me, I shall come forth as gold." It has always given me the hope of a "good" ending or else molding me to be more Christ like due to His refiners fire! (Both would be my desire.) When this adoption has thrown us a curve or tested my patience, I knew it was for my good, and I assumed it would have this positive outcome of a completed adoption. Well, I am about to meet my treasure of Gold! I feel so blessed. God has known all along where this course would take us and what the ending would be...Mahaela JoMae.
Tomorrow we will arrive in Sofia and settle into our apartment. I'm sure we will leave very early Monday morning for the orphanage in Haskovo. I am excited to be able to take a full suitcase of donations from our family and friends (I had just mentioned that warm clothing would be nice.) People gave so much!
Here is a list of the items we were able to give:
21 gloves/mittens
11 hats
22 onesies
9 sleepers
1 scarf
6 tights
22 pairs socks
6 sweatsuits
1 coat
4 pants
17 shirts
8 sunglasses
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
We have had a wonderful two days in Paris. It is almost 2 am and we are just back to our room after dinner. Jet lag and naps have allowed us to enjoy the "nightlife." Although Paris doesn't seem to need much sleep either! We will leave our hotel about 9:30 am to head to the airport and be on our way to Bulgaria. We have really enjoyed our time here, but have talked mostly about what Monday will be like and getting Mahaela. I think we all have a little bit of nerves building as we anticipate what our lives will be like.
Job 23:10 is a verse that has always been meaningful to me. It's a promise I have clung to many times and especially through this adoption. "He knows the way that I take, when he has tried me, I shall come forth as gold." It has always given me the hope of a "good" ending or else molding me to be more Christ like due to His refiners fire! (Both would be my desire.) When this adoption has thrown us a curve or tested my patience, I knew it was for my good, and I assumed it would have this positive outcome of a completed adoption. Well, I am about to meet my treasure of Gold! I feel so blessed. God has known all along where this course would take us and what the ending would be...Mahaela JoMae.
Tomorrow we will arrive in Sofia and settle into our apartment. I'm sure we will leave very early Monday morning for the orphanage in Haskovo. I am excited to be able to take a full suitcase of donations from our family and friends (I had just mentioned that warm clothing would be nice.) People gave so much!
Here is a list of the items we were able to give:
21 gloves/mittens
11 hats
22 onesies
9 sleepers
1 scarf
6 tights
22 pairs socks
6 sweatsuits
1 coat
4 pants
17 shirts
8 sunglasses
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
Friday, November 19, 2010
Our Amazing Family and Friends!
We had the best night!! Our Hauter Family gave us a surprise party for our 40th birthdays. Bill and I both turn 40 the week after we return from Bulgaria. We already thought we were getting the best gift ever by bringing Mahaela home--and we are! But our sweet family and best friends surprised us tonight. We thought we were going to dinner with friends and had to pick up one of the couples and as we pulled up to the garage, there was the big sign hanging on the garage door. It was a surprise to both of us and one that we never could have imagined. The best part was the complete excitement and affirmation we feel from them all as we get ready to go get Mahaela. Here is what they were all wearing when we got there...
We left a picture of this room with Mahaela on the first trip. We hope she recognizes it and feels secure in her new room. Soon, soon, soon!
Notice Mahaela's initials in the heart and her anticipated Gotcha date. They are a blue/gray color, almost like a dark jean color. They are so cool. Even the kids had tshirts, in a baby blue color. They are a treasure for sure! We had talked about doing tshirts and it never worked out. I'm not creative and it just kept taking a back seat to other things. Our family all got tshirts as a gift. We absolutely love them. You can bet this will be a square on Mahaela's tshirt quilt someday! I wish I had a picture of our family wearing them, but I didn't know I would need my camera!
I am so glad I didn't ruin this awesome surprise. Until Friday morning I still felt like we might bail out...I just felt on the fence about going out. The Lord absolutely worked it out. It wouldn't have taken too much to talk me into it though. I'm well aware that these fun nights out without kids are going to be a thing of the past for awhile--at least that is what I am expecting. Thank you to my wonderful friends and family.
As an update...Monday and Tuesday were very productive days and I felt like I was getting some big things done. Aubrey's room is painted, guest room/junk room cleared out, Mahaela's room ready. Furniture in it's places in the girls rooms. Wed, Thurs, Friday turned into unproductive, busy days. Tomorrow is a prize with no games on the schedule! I keep trying to pace myself, crossing things off my list. What's important will get done, the rest doesn't matter.
I wanted to post a couple shots of Mahaela's room. It is exactly the same bedroom we have had for 6 years now, since Lindsey was a newborn. I'm happy to have another girl to fill it.
We left a picture of this room with Mahaela on the first trip. We hope she recognizes it and feels secure in her new room. Soon, soon, soon!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MY GIRL!!!
Happy Birthday to my little brown-eyed girl on the other side of the world. It is just morning where you are, just after the stroke of midnight here, and you are my sunshine! I am thanking Jesus for the life that you were given, for the life you were given a chance to live. You are precious in His sight and you are precious to us.
We can't stop thinking about you. Daddy and I are so excited to just sit and watch YOU and be with YOU. We are getting so close to that moment.
Being THREE years old is awesome. It is such a precious age! I hope your package came in time for your special day. Enjoy sharing your treats with your friends. We will see you so soon.
Love you, Mahaela!
Hugs and Kisses,
Mommy and Daddy
We can't stop thinking about you. Daddy and I are so excited to just sit and watch YOU and be with YOU. We are getting so close to that moment.
Being THREE years old is awesome. It is such a precious age! I hope your package came in time for your special day. Enjoy sharing your treats with your friends. We will see you so soon.
Love you, Mahaela!
Hugs and Kisses,
Mommy and Daddy
Monday, November 15, 2010
Comments that come when filters are off:
Some people really don't have a filter at all. Some people make comments to give us something to think about in case we haven't thought of it ourselves yet. I have read the lists of things that you should never say to someone who is or has adopted. Not having a child home yet, I don't feel overly sensitive about comments like, "are they real sisters?" or "where are her real parents?" I understand where these comments come from. They are mostly from people who think positive, but are just very curious. The comments that annoy me or will annoy me are the kind like "their last one was adopted and she just gave them such a hard time." You know, the horror stories. Or "life was great for that family and then they ruined it by adopting." These comments serve no purpose. They are hypothetical. By the way, if our life appears ruined years from now, it has nothing to do with making this "poor choice" to adopt. It has everything to do with God testing us, wanting to reveal himself more fully to us. God never promised a perfect life. He just promises to always be with us. I have complete assurance in that.
But, back to comments that people make...here is a short exchange that Bill had with a co-worker. It went something like this:
"So what exactly is wrong with her?"
"How will you take care of her?"
"Have you thought about this?"
"You know she may not live long."
Bill just responded with short answers and a smile/smirk.
I think he wanted more time to maybe talk us out of it! Crazy!
I completely understand how a caring person may have a conversation with us, asking these same type of questions. The above exchange was mindless, foolish, and out of ignorance.
Here are the answers to those questions:
She has a congenital heart defect. She has had surgery and will require more.
We will care for her to the best of our ability just as we have cared for our other children and just as countless families have cared for their children with a serious, chronic disease. We have the means, the support, the resources to give her the best care possible. She deserves our best.
We have thought about this, but more importantly, we have prayed about it. God brought her to us. She is ours. We are confident and have perfect peace that before the beginning of time He knew Mahaela and knew He would set her in our family.
As Bill responded, she most definitely has a decreased life span. She is high risk. But she may live a wonderful, "long" life. Medicine is always changing and her prognosis is unpredictable. None the less, we cherish getting to live life with her. We can't live today dreading what may come tomorrow.
Just wanted to share. We are very open to comments, questions, discussions, but some people need to put on their thinking caps first!
Less than 2 weeks, we will tuck her in at bedtime!!
But, back to comments that people make...here is a short exchange that Bill had with a co-worker. It went something like this:
"So what exactly is wrong with her?"
"How will you take care of her?"
"Have you thought about this?"
"You know she may not live long."
Bill just responded with short answers and a smile/smirk.
I think he wanted more time to maybe talk us out of it! Crazy!
I completely understand how a caring person may have a conversation with us, asking these same type of questions. The above exchange was mindless, foolish, and out of ignorance.
Here are the answers to those questions:
She has a congenital heart defect. She has had surgery and will require more.
We will care for her to the best of our ability just as we have cared for our other children and just as countless families have cared for their children with a serious, chronic disease. We have the means, the support, the resources to give her the best care possible. She deserves our best.
We have thought about this, but more importantly, we have prayed about it. God brought her to us. She is ours. We are confident and have perfect peace that before the beginning of time He knew Mahaela and knew He would set her in our family.
As Bill responded, she most definitely has a decreased life span. She is high risk. But she may live a wonderful, "long" life. Medicine is always changing and her prognosis is unpredictable. None the less, we cherish getting to live life with her. We can't live today dreading what may come tomorrow.
Just wanted to share. We are very open to comments, questions, discussions, but some people need to put on their thinking caps first!
Less than 2 weeks, we will tuck her in at bedtime!!
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Mommy #2
Mommy #2...and that would be Aubrey. She is so excited to meet Mahaela. She is packing and making lists for me to pack. She has Mahaela's bag almost packed! She has been my encouragement today. She was wishing it was Friday night because she was wanting to pull an all-nighter with me. She would have tonight if it wasn't for church tomorrow. She told me she was so proud of me today--for getting so much done and "for adopting." So sweet. It was a fairly productive day, but not a great mommy day. I am so thankful for my sweet neighbor who had Lindsey almost all day. I was feeling so guilty because I left the boys and Lindsey home during Aubrey's basketball game and was gone much longer than I wanted to be. Each time I called to check up on them, the boys said Lindsey was with the neighbors. She had a great day of playing. Certainly eased my guilt. She and Reese came in at one point to ask if Linds could go to the pancake supper in town. Both of them had wet heads from playing in their jacuzzi tub in swimsuits. How fun is that? She finished off the night with a barbie movie, came home and immediately fell asleep on the floor. The boys were on their own most of the day, but enjoyed brain waisting TV and video games to their heart's content--"Mom of the Year."
Aubrey got her hair cut after her games. The boys had their evals for basketball. Then Aubrey and I went to get paint for her room and use some coupons that expired today. Got Aubrey some boots. Put together a crib for Mahaela that I bought at IKEA last weekend. She is still in a crib and this style was very similar to her crib now--minimalist. I had started painting a dresser for one of the girls a couple days ago and was really disappointed with the finish. The finish was rough and very "chalky" feeling. I bought a new quart of another brand in the exact same sheen, but with much better results. The dresser has a hutch with it also that is a nightmare to paint. I painted it blue for Jake, 9 years ago. That paint job looked awesome. This paint job, not so great--maybe I'm rushing it?? 2 coats down. Maybe 2 more to get it done. Hoping to do that tomorrow and be done with the furniture. This dresser will go in Lindsey's new room and Lindsey's furniture will go to Mahaela.
I have some big goals for this week: (Don't bore yourselves...this list is for me!)
Paint Aubrey's room
make and purchase caregiver gifts.
get my Sunday School curriculum in order to hand over to my replacement--waiting for God to reveal to us who that may be??
Clean out my Sun. School room a bit
Clean guest room--Hoarders Anonymous, I'll just leave it at that
finalize Mahaela's room
finalize Lindsey's room
Get rid of summer clothes from boys drawers
Get carpets cleaned in a couple rooms
all the while keeping up with the house so that I can be ready to pack next Monday, Tuesday
Hoping some adrenalin gets me through the week...nothing like working under pressure. As Aubrey reminded me, I am a procrastinator!
Aubrey got her hair cut after her games. The boys had their evals for basketball. Then Aubrey and I went to get paint for her room and use some coupons that expired today. Got Aubrey some boots. Put together a crib for Mahaela that I bought at IKEA last weekend. She is still in a crib and this style was very similar to her crib now--minimalist. I had started painting a dresser for one of the girls a couple days ago and was really disappointed with the finish. The finish was rough and very "chalky" feeling. I bought a new quart of another brand in the exact same sheen, but with much better results. The dresser has a hutch with it also that is a nightmare to paint. I painted it blue for Jake, 9 years ago. That paint job looked awesome. This paint job, not so great--maybe I'm rushing it?? 2 coats down. Maybe 2 more to get it done. Hoping to do that tomorrow and be done with the furniture. This dresser will go in Lindsey's new room and Lindsey's furniture will go to Mahaela.
I have some big goals for this week: (Don't bore yourselves...this list is for me!)
Paint Aubrey's room
make and purchase caregiver gifts.
get my Sunday School curriculum in order to hand over to my replacement--waiting for God to reveal to us who that may be??
Clean out my Sun. School room a bit
Clean guest room--Hoarders Anonymous, I'll just leave it at that
finalize Mahaela's room
finalize Lindsey's room
Get rid of summer clothes from boys drawers
Get carpets cleaned in a couple rooms
all the while keeping up with the house so that I can be ready to pack next Monday, Tuesday
Hoping some adrenalin gets me through the week...nothing like working under pressure. As Aubrey reminded me, I am a procrastinator!
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Orphan Care and Plane Tickets
We had an Orphan Care Meeting at our home tonight with a great bunch of people. It was really encouraging--just a great blessing to be with others who also have a heart for the fatherless.
Well, I was all happy and proud of myself getting plane tickets last night...only to wake up to a vague email and no actual ticket confirmation. First guy said not to worry--after I waited on hold about 45 minutes, took a shower and everything. He said we would hear within 24 hours. So I felt confident to wait for news...but then reality set in. I was getting worried that something was not right with our three tickets. Mahaela already had a ticket # issued. Then another phone call a few hours later when I couldn't take it any longer. Blood pressure sky-rocketing! It was maddening. The only thing he could tell me was that there was no way I was going to get confirmation because Delta would not agree to the fare that I had already given my credit card payment for. I've seen the "bait and switch" when you go to actually pay, but I have never had it after you actually submit payment. Completely Bait and Switch! But after 12 hours had passed tickets continued to climb as there were very few seats left on our flights. He told me it would be $800 more to book the same itinerary (and again wait up to 24 hours for actual ticketing.) Crazy. Thought I was having a head bleed! Called back again after I cooled down a bit and then listened to the whole story again from another Expedia agent. Coming up with a price was like throwing a dart at a moving dart board...she quoted about 3 prices and finally came up with I would owe another $475. I had just a few more hours before I would need to cancel Mahaela's ticket if I thought we couldn't be ticketed on the same flights. So I just had to buck up and pay the difference. So funny, not funny-haha, that I spent hours trying to find the best deal and in the end I just bit it and didn't even care any more! Tonight, I at least have flight ticket numbers and confirmation numbers. Seems like everything is ok. Called Delta to remind them that she is a minor traveling with us because we were ticketed separately. I will call Air France to tell them the same later.
I'm so thankful to have two weekends ahead of me before we leave, although tomorrow will be busy with games. Such is life. Wish I could have two Saturdays every week!
Well, I was all happy and proud of myself getting plane tickets last night...only to wake up to a vague email and no actual ticket confirmation. First guy said not to worry--after I waited on hold about 45 minutes, took a shower and everything. He said we would hear within 24 hours. So I felt confident to wait for news...but then reality set in. I was getting worried that something was not right with our three tickets. Mahaela already had a ticket # issued. Then another phone call a few hours later when I couldn't take it any longer. Blood pressure sky-rocketing! It was maddening. The only thing he could tell me was that there was no way I was going to get confirmation because Delta would not agree to the fare that I had already given my credit card payment for. I've seen the "bait and switch" when you go to actually pay, but I have never had it after you actually submit payment. Completely Bait and Switch! But after 12 hours had passed tickets continued to climb as there were very few seats left on our flights. He told me it would be $800 more to book the same itinerary (and again wait up to 24 hours for actual ticketing.) Crazy. Thought I was having a head bleed! Called back again after I cooled down a bit and then listened to the whole story again from another Expedia agent. Coming up with a price was like throwing a dart at a moving dart board...she quoted about 3 prices and finally came up with I would owe another $475. I had just a few more hours before I would need to cancel Mahaela's ticket if I thought we couldn't be ticketed on the same flights. So I just had to buck up and pay the difference. So funny, not funny-haha, that I spent hours trying to find the best deal and in the end I just bit it and didn't even care any more! Tonight, I at least have flight ticket numbers and confirmation numbers. Seems like everything is ok. Called Delta to remind them that she is a minor traveling with us because we were ticketed separately. I will call Air France to tell them the same later.
I'm so thankful to have two weekends ahead of me before we leave, although tomorrow will be busy with games. Such is life. Wish I could have two Saturdays every week!
Friday, November 12, 2010
CHA-CHING!!
I just purchased airline tickets. Probably not a smart idea at this time of the day, but I just wanted to get it done. We leave in a day less than two weeks! Yippeee!
$4199.90 total cost for 4 tickets. Overall, I am happy because Bill through at a budget for tickets a while back and I stayed well under that. We paid about $1500 per ticket for our first flight over in July. This time we were about $1000 per ticket. Mahaela's ticket cost more than ours! I really got the flights that I wanted which is always great. No 6 am flights, nice layovers, no unnecessary stops--how I like to fly!
Now, if you are looking to fly to Bulgaria, don't compare our numbers straight up...what I was getting around to saying is that we are making a stop in Paris for 2 nights! It's a real bummer to fly all the way to Europe and not see as much as you can. Since Aubrey will be with us, we really wanted her to see something else. This whole experience is a chance of a lifetime on so many levels. Bill and I will celebrate our 40th birthdays with this little jaunt. We both turn 40 the week after we get home, so this is how we justify it. But still, we are flying to Paris and Sofia for about $500 less per ticket than our first trip.
Every step makes it feel more real. Thanks to many of you for the well wishes, prayers, and comments. They are all appreciated.
$4199.90 total cost for 4 tickets. Overall, I am happy because Bill through at a budget for tickets a while back and I stayed well under that. We paid about $1500 per ticket for our first flight over in July. This time we were about $1000 per ticket. Mahaela's ticket cost more than ours! I really got the flights that I wanted which is always great. No 6 am flights, nice layovers, no unnecessary stops--how I like to fly!
Now, if you are looking to fly to Bulgaria, don't compare our numbers straight up...what I was getting around to saying is that we are making a stop in Paris for 2 nights! It's a real bummer to fly all the way to Europe and not see as much as you can. Since Aubrey will be with us, we really wanted her to see something else. This whole experience is a chance of a lifetime on so many levels. Bill and I will celebrate our 40th birthdays with this little jaunt. We both turn 40 the week after we get home, so this is how we justify it. But still, we are flying to Paris and Sofia for about $500 less per ticket than our first trip.
Every step makes it feel more real. Thanks to many of you for the well wishes, prayers, and comments. They are all appreciated.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Donations for Orphanage
I wanted to put this out to all my local friends who may read this blog...I love the three of you, LOL! I would like to take a suitcase of donations for the orphanage. I took clothing and other items the first trip and would like to do the same this trip. Here are items they can use as ideas:
undershirt
pajamas
tights-apparently boys and girls wear these all winter long!
hats
warm clothing-sweat suits, pants, shirts
socks
The children are up to 4 years old at her orphanage, so infant to 3T sizing would be great.
There are so many other items, but my brain has frozen at the moment!
Anything we bring them will be so appreciated.
We are leaving November 25--Thanksgiving Day!
undershirt
pajamas
tights-apparently boys and girls wear these all winter long!
hats
warm clothing-sweat suits, pants, shirts
socks
The children are up to 4 years old at her orphanage, so infant to 3T sizing would be great.
There are so many other items, but my brain has frozen at the moment!
Anything we bring them will be so appreciated.
We are leaving November 25--Thanksgiving Day!
Buy a T-shirt
Our nephew and niece, Steve and Emily, are in process to adopt a little boy from Ethiopia. We are so excited for the journey they are on and can't wait to meet their little boy someday.
Check out her blog and buy a tshirt! www.emhauter.blogspot.com
They are doing a fundraiser through Ordinary Hero (OH). OH is an amazing organization, doing amazing things for orphans. They have really cool tshirts, too! Check them out, you may find one of their shirts is "what you never knew you always wanted!!"
Check out her blog and buy a tshirt! www.emhauter.blogspot.com
They are doing a fundraiser through Ordinary Hero (OH). OH is an amazing organization, doing amazing things for orphans. They have really cool tshirts, too! Check them out, you may find one of their shirts is "what you never knew you always wanted!!"
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Travel Dates
Praising the Lord today! After a crazy back and forth communication with agencies, we have our travel dates. We will arrive in Bulgaria on Sunday, November 28th. Gotcha Day will be Nov. 29.
I feel like I have had a full time job today of working on the computer trying to find airfare. We usually do it all ourselves, but the one way ticket of a minor is causing a problem. Plus, the search engines consider their fares already discounted and do not give further discounts for children--as I was told by an agent today. Hopefully we will secure something soon. We are quickly approaching the end of the 14 day advance fare incentive.
As of the weekend, I thought we could travel as early as the 21st. Now today, I find I have just a little more time. I bought a crib over the weekend and primed a dresser tonight. I will paint it tomorrow. That will be a nice project to cross of my list.
In less than three weeks we will have Mahaela in our arms. I can't wait for my kids to meet their new sister. They are gonna love her. As Lindsey reminded me the other day, she already loves her! Makes me smile.
I feel like I have had a full time job today of working on the computer trying to find airfare. We usually do it all ourselves, but the one way ticket of a minor is causing a problem. Plus, the search engines consider their fares already discounted and do not give further discounts for children--as I was told by an agent today. Hopefully we will secure something soon. We are quickly approaching the end of the 14 day advance fare incentive.
As of the weekend, I thought we could travel as early as the 21st. Now today, I find I have just a little more time. I bought a crib over the weekend and primed a dresser tonight. I will paint it tomorrow. That will be a nice project to cross of my list.
In less than three weeks we will have Mahaela in our arms. I can't wait for my kids to meet their new sister. They are gonna love her. As Lindsey reminded me the other day, she already loves her! Makes me smile.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Still waiting to pack our bags
No, we do not have a travel date. I actually am trusting that even though we do not know the dates yet, that it is not necessarily being pushed out further. It may just mean that we have shorter notice. Each week that goes by feels like this snowball effect of much to do and less time to do it in...which is pretty accurate.
Looking forward to the next two days. No school today or tomorrow, but still busy. My day started by leaving the house at 9am and returning at 11pm. It required three trips to Peoria and beyond and traveling 200 miles! It's exhausting/I'm exhausted. We constantly say, "This is why we can't get anything done!" And it's true, we don't. Tomorrow is a bit more of the same--too chopped up to get much done at home. I am hoping to completely move Lindsey into her new room and begin cleaning out what will become Mahaela's bedroom. I will be happy with the weekend if this gets accomplished. I can dream!
I am getting another package together to send Mahaela. Just waiting on translating a message to send to her. She will have her third birthday soon. Sorry we couldn't be together for it.
Looking forward to an Orphan Care meeting at Grace Church to celebrate Orphan Sunday. I will have my own little party in my heart this Sunday celebrating the one little orphan that is no more!
I will for sure post when we know our travel dates...when I know, you'll know...you may hear me screaming (mostly for JOY mixed with a little panic!!)
Looking forward to the next two days. No school today or tomorrow, but still busy. My day started by leaving the house at 9am and returning at 11pm. It required three trips to Peoria and beyond and traveling 200 miles! It's exhausting/I'm exhausted. We constantly say, "This is why we can't get anything done!" And it's true, we don't. Tomorrow is a bit more of the same--too chopped up to get much done at home. I am hoping to completely move Lindsey into her new room and begin cleaning out what will become Mahaela's bedroom. I will be happy with the weekend if this gets accomplished. I can dream!
I am getting another package together to send Mahaela. Just waiting on translating a message to send to her. She will have her third birthday soon. Sorry we couldn't be together for it.
Looking forward to an Orphan Care meeting at Grace Church to celebrate Orphan Sunday. I will have my own little party in my heart this Sunday celebrating the one little orphan that is no more!
I will for sure post when we know our travel dates...when I know, you'll know...you may hear me screaming (mostly for JOY mixed with a little panic!!)
Monday, November 1, 2010
Could this be the month??
We can't wait to return to Bulgaria to pick up little Mahaela,
and leave the doors of this orphanage with our daughter, an orphan no more!
I feel some relief that the month of October is over. We realized fairly early in the month that October would not be the month that we would be able to return to Bulgaria. We are still holding out hope that November could be the month. So I am happy to see November finally here.
Saturday ended the football season for both Ryan and Jake. Aubrey continues to play basketball, but life will be a bit more simplified. Still a lot of driving, but less stress, and maybe a few meals at home in our future.
My to-do list is very long...as you would know if you just stepped one foot into my house. Too many loose ends to call my life anything but UNRAVELED! I am hoping to methodically tackle as many items on the list as I am able the next week or two.
I did receive something that makes me smile...an email from a caregiver of Mahaela. I had sent M. a package and I also emailed the caregiver a little note. I had an email address from the caregiver sending me some photos of M. from her phone. So I had a new friend translate a letter for me that I sent on to the orphanage. The response I got was sweet and friendly. They said they were speaking every day about Mahaela's mom and dad coming to get her and taking her to America. Now, she has no idea what that really means, but I like knowing that they are preparing her as best they can. We also sent a photo of our family and a photo of M. that I "scrapbooked." She said they liked the photos.
I intend to send another package this week for M. Birthday. Not sure what to send, but it will include candy for her to perhaps share with the other children in her group. I just need to think of some other things???
Still no word on traveling. We do have another week of waiting for the mandatory 14 day wait after the court hearing. Then birth certificate will be applied for.
Can't wait to hear dates of when we can travel!
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