I LOVE THE HOLIDAYS!!! the spirit, food, and togetherness.  The news of our invite to travel to Ukraine has made this holiday that more exciting.  We are very thankful to have the outpour of support from family and friends.  Alexandra got a few gifts from Santa as well. Essentials like coats, undies, a few outfits, books, and a baby doll. We cannot emphasize how blessed we truly are that our Xmas gift comes in February.

And here it is!

     The news has arrived! this past week we received our invitation to visit Ukraine. The date is set for Feb 15, and we plan on leaving the 13th so we can have a buffer day in between. The reality is sinking in! Yes we are excited and very nervous at the same time.
    

We are extremely grateful for what is happening in our lives right now, and for the people in it.  We received a call from our facilitator this past week, but no news on the travel date yet.  Yesterday, we received in the mail a notification that our petition for adoption was sent to the appropriate visa-issuing post where the adoption interview will take place. That definitely was great news, and proof that the adoption is still progressing while we are still in the waiting period.  I CANNOT wait until we get to meet her! I cannot wait until she locks eyes with Scott. I just smile at the thought.

Reality sinks in

Yesterday, we received news that the SDA is still in the process of reviewing our dossier, and we could receive good news as early as next week. It hit us both last night. We have still a lot to prepare for, and purchase for Alex's room. My dad has been kind to let us borrow his laptop while on this trip. We will need it for Skype because there is a good chance Scott may have to travel back to the states while the Court decree is waiting to be issued. I asked my mom-in-law, Donna, if I could borrow her portable DVD player.While in Ukraine, I will have a lot of downtime on my hands, and movies are my favorite(not to mention I hope it aids in our flight home with Alex). We have to yet to purchase the paint to decorate her room, buy her a toy box to match, and basically all the essentials!(well clothes in particular, and maybe a baby doll). We have how long to do this? I believe it will all come together. It just came quick. I should be cleaning the house right now. I have been procrastinating all day long...not to mention I have 2 pugs with needs right now. ~Breathe~