Meeting with SDA

Today we got to meet with the SDA(State Dept. of Adoptions). Our visit involved a Psychologist, our translator Serg, and a few questions on why we chose to adopt. We got to see another cute picture of the Alexandra, and our hearts melted. Tomorrow, we will receive the permission to visit her orphanage, and the plan is to travel to her region on Thursday.  We have a free day today to take advantage of the city, and going to hop right on it since our apartment is located right in the middle of downtown.  We will catch up with you later :)

Мы здесь

After a long day of traveling Sam and I have finally made it to our final destination. We found the weather to be similar to utah about two weeks ago, in the teens and very chilly. We met our host who showed us some sites and where to exchange money. Sam and I went out to eat at a Ukrainian buffet, the food was very delicious and worth the 2 block walk. We are all settled in to our temporary apartment and getting ready for our first interview and then our first visit. Here is a picture of our current balcony looking over one of the main streets in Kiev.

It was like that when i got here

Sam had bought a sandwhich for lunch before our flight. It came in paperbag with a pickle. While getting settled Sam looks over with a cheesey grin and wipes the seat with her sleeve. Aparantly the pickle had decided to take a window seat. Sam quickly wisked it away before our row buddy arrived.

And The Journey Begins

Sam and I are on the plane now headed for Memphis. Getting packed and ready was a little slow going but we made it. Sam worked the day before so we were a little rushed getting all of our pre trip tasks in. Before we got started packing we had a good talk. Like grafting a new branch to a tree the process will take time, trust and patience for both us and our new daughter.

We have close to one week left until we depart the States:) Family members are asking us if we are ready for this...ready for the adoption? ready for take-off? I am certainly ready for the waiting period to be over, and to meet Alexandra.  Is anyone EVER really ready to be a parent? I am curious to see how  it changes the dynamics of things.  Don't get me wrong I am very excited about this, and scared at the same time.  I sometimes wonder what thoughts go through other adoptive parents minds one week before they are about to close their current chapter in life. I have been so grateful for the amazing support family and friends have given us through this endeavor.  One of my good friends, Rachel,  recently threw an adoption party for me and Scott. All of my closest girlfriends showed up. I was a little leary at first to let her proceed with this, as it isn't completely 100% secure that Alexandra is ours yet. Scott gave me reassurance that everything will be fine. I haven't had this many friends all together in a very long time. I was super excited about this party, and it was fabulous! Good food, good drinks, and lots of laughs(Thank-you Miguel). Rachel, and her boyfriend Miguel, put on awesome adoption party!!! We received gracious gifts for Alexandra.  There will be more shower parties to come even after we bring her home, as everyone is excited for our new family member. I cannot help but emphasize the amazing love I feel right now from family, and friends. Thank you. I will keep all of you updated while we are in Ukraine.

Lots of Love,.

Scott and Sam

One month to go!

One month to go!!! it has been a fast ride, thrills included! Today, I started to break down the shelving in the office to prepare the transformation for a little girls room.  The reality is definitely sinking in. There isn't a day that goes by without my eyes welling up with tears of happiness. It seems we are swimming in the list of to-do's and learning to take this journey day by day. This has been a spiritual journey for me. I have found myself taking some time out for myself to pray, hoping I can stay strong and keep my head above water. I am finding out that my soul is on fire(good thing), becoming passionate in everything I do. We have finally came to the conclusion that the basement will not be finished before we leave, and have accepted that.  I have had to cut back on the Russian lessons, but still meet every other week or so. I plan on going to our local Russian store in hopes I can talk to the owner(who is also a native Russian)in hopes to find some resources for cultural events.  Lots to do, and being the plan-ahead kinda gal(Stole it from you, Rachel :) I still have lots to do.  Scotty is hanging in there. Work has had to take precedence over planning as a result of an end-of-month work deadline. This journey has made our relationship a lot more stronger. We haven't seen so many super powers surface until now. We clearly make a great team.

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.