I can’t even believe it. The last 2 months have just flown by. I’ve been getting a lot accomplished. The kids suitcase is packed! That’s a big one to check off the list. Of course, I’ll always be paranoid if I packed all that they will need. How many diapers? They say they are potty training, but what does that really mean in Russia. I know they do things differently, so we have packed 5 diapers per kid per day. I guess we’ll see where that takes us. The toys are packed. There’s not that many, I’m hoping we’ll be keeping them busy walking around outside, going to a park, going to the zoo, etc…Trying to wear them out for a good night’s sleep. I have the gifts for all the directors, caregivers, translator, driver, orphanage, etc…packed in their suitcase. It’s very heavy. Well, all the suitcases will be heavy, I’m sure. We’ll see if we encounter any excess baggage fees.
We’ve started gathering our clothing and toiletries and putting them in piles. I hope by Thursday night to have them packed completely. We’ll see… Friday we need to clean the house and get it ready for someone to stay here for a few days before a neighbor will be able to watch my “current” little girl, Pardo for the remaining weeks. I am so thankful Pardo will be in such loving hands while we’re gone. I’m going to miss her beyond belief. I have a pool guy coming, someone to cut the lawn, mail stopped, stocked up on some groceries for when we get back and have the $$ in new, crisp bills for the trip, too. Almost done getting our Embassy documents in order.
You see…we have tickets to see the play Wicked for Friday night. We leave Saturday morning for Moscow. Roger gave me these tickets as a Christmas present. When we first found out when we’d be traveling, I said “no way” I wasn’t going to be able to go to the show because I’m always a nervous wreck before we travel. Always cutting it very close to getting everything done in time, and not sleeping well before a big trip. Well, Roger was really bummed. So, I said if we get xyz and abc all done before Friday, then I’ll go. He’s been great and doing whatever I ask in preparation for the trip. Although he said he’d go without me. Hmm… I feel we’re pretty organized. However, I won’t really rest until our Visa’s and passports get delivered via FedEx this week. Time is getting critical now.
Yesterday we bought an inexpensive double umbrella stroller to help get us around that week with the kids in Moscow. Oh…my good friend, Adrianne, has also decided to come to Moscow our last week there. I warned her we’d have the kids then, but she’s gonna be a trooper and come anyways. She’s always wanted to visit Moscow and with us already having a good lay of the land and use of the metro, not to mention sharing in an inexpensive apartment, there seemed to be no better time for her to come. So I get a little extra help and set of eyes and Adrainne gets, well…a headache being around toddlers again. Nahh…I hope not! It’ll all go very well!
I hope to post one more time before we head out. It won’t be Friday night cause we’ll be at Wicked! ☺
Monday, June 29, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Finally!
We have our travel arrangements made. After further investigating and no help from the Russian office of Singapore Airlines, we were able to book online, all of our tickets for the lower fares. I have a RT and got the lowest rates. Roger had to book one-ways. From Moscow to Houston is a one-way with the kids under one reservation and that’s what made the kids fare come down. Because originally we had the kids on their own separate one way reservation, it must have charged really high fares because they thought they were traveling alone. We then also booked our US Airways from PHX-Houston-PHX. We are leaving on the 4th of July and returning 3 weeks later on the 25th. I would have liked to return on the 24th but the low fares were not available that day. Oh well… what’s one more day. But, I think after many, many, many days in Moscow that one more day will seem like a lot!
We are staying at the Sheraton for the first half of the trip (due to a nice, friends and family discount, from a great friend, Melissa—Thank You, Melissa!) The other half we are staying at an apartment for more room and ease of cooking/eating meals with the kids.
I’m feeling pretty organized. Still a lot on the list, but I’m making progress!
We are staying at the Sheraton for the first half of the trip (due to a nice, friends and family discount, from a great friend, Melissa—Thank You, Melissa!) The other half we are staying at an apartment for more room and ease of cooking/eating meals with the kids.
I’m feeling pretty organized. Still a lot on the list, but I’m making progress!
Friday, June 19, 2009
Travel Dates!!!! & Pics!
Yes, Thursday we received the 2nd CALL saying we have travel dates. We need to be in Moscow for court on Monday, July 6th. Which means…we are trying to depart on the 4th of July. Which is somewhat of a bummer (not that we don’t want to see the kids, but…) my sister was kinda hoping we could watch her son that weekend (and we were, too). We also, frankly, could have used a couple more days to get ready. We’re just still so not ready. We’ve been very busy everyday, but there still seems to be an endless list of “things to get/do/prepare for.” So, I’m sorry sis! I know you understand and are happy for us, but you know…
Anyway, I had hoped on snagging these great fares I had my eye on from Houston to Moscow on Singapore Airlines. We would still have to get airfare on US Airways from PHX to Houston, but that’s easy. The good news is they still have the….get this…$580 RT fare PER person to Moscow! The bad part is, they are charging $3000 PER CHILD for the one way ticket from Moscow to Houston! So, Lorien from my adoption agency (she’s been awesome!) suggested we call a couple of travel agencies which families have used in the past because they are able to get humanitarian LOW fares for adoptions. So now we have two other options on the table. One has two stops before getting to PHX. Not good with two kids. I only wanted one stop with them. The other is on American Airlines and goes PHX-Chicago-Moscow. Not bad. The connect times are pretty good, too. And the fare is decent. Probably what we’re going to go with, but I’m checking on one other thing. The agents aren’t there on the weekend, so we can’t book for a couple days anyway. We’ll either be returning on the 24th or 25th right now. I think the kids have enough clothes, shoes and toys now to get us through, so now I will start to think about purchasing the “gifts” that are customary in Russia for all the caregivers, doctor, translator, etc…
As promised here are some pics of the two rooms we’ve been creating…the last one is the best!
Anyway, I had hoped on snagging these great fares I had my eye on from Houston to Moscow on Singapore Airlines. We would still have to get airfare on US Airways from PHX to Houston, but that’s easy. The good news is they still have the….get this…$580 RT fare PER person to Moscow! The bad part is, they are charging $3000 PER CHILD for the one way ticket from Moscow to Houston! So, Lorien from my adoption agency (she’s been awesome!) suggested we call a couple of travel agencies which families have used in the past because they are able to get humanitarian LOW fares for adoptions. So now we have two other options on the table. One has two stops before getting to PHX. Not good with two kids. I only wanted one stop with them. The other is on American Airlines and goes PHX-Chicago-Moscow. Not bad. The connect times are pretty good, too. And the fare is decent. Probably what we’re going to go with, but I’m checking on one other thing. The agents aren’t there on the weekend, so we can’t book for a couple days anyway. We’ll either be returning on the 24th or 25th right now. I think the kids have enough clothes, shoes and toys now to get us through, so now I will start to think about purchasing the “gifts” that are customary in Russia for all the caregivers, doctor, translator, etc…
As promised here are some pics of the two rooms we’ve been creating…the last one is the best!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Boy did it RAIN!
With presents, that is! I had a wonderful shower! I can’t thank EVERYONE enough for all that they did to create a beautiful, fun-filled, emotionally charged, fantastic shower. At my house, four of my friends Wendy, Keryl, Michelle and Kathy each shared in the food, decorations, cupcakes, sangria, set-up, clean-up, picture taking, socializing, etc… You’ll see what I mean from the photos. Thanks girls! You went above and beyond.
Also included in that thank you are my sister, mother-in-law, and wonderful friends and neighbors who took time out on a beautiful Sunday to spend with me. Now let’s all be honest…who really enjoys going to showers? Certainly there’s somewhere else you’d rather be. But, I had an enthusiastic turnout! I got so many gifts they’re just still sitting there. It seems so over-whelming to begin sorting through them and to try and organize them in the rooms. (Which I will post pics of the rooms later in the week) I am in awe of everyone’s overwhelming support and love they have showered Roger and I with. Speaking of Roger, the whole shower started off with the gorgeous invitations his advertising/marketing agency created for us. They couldn’t have turned out any better! Thank You Off Madison Ave…Cori, Holly, and Ruben especially!
There are still a couple of things to get but with the gift cards I also received, I think we’re set. Now we’re just waiting on a phone call to tell me travel dates. It should still be the first half of July that we’re expected to travel. I still have much to do in the meantime… For those unaware, trip 2 will leave us in Russia approximately 18-21 days before being able to bring R & N into the USA. Court dates, 10 day mandatory wait period (kids still in orphanage) and then embassy appts., visas, medical appts., passports.
Now for some pics...so many good ones...hard to pick:
Also included in that thank you are my sister, mother-in-law, and wonderful friends and neighbors who took time out on a beautiful Sunday to spend with me. Now let’s all be honest…who really enjoys going to showers? Certainly there’s somewhere else you’d rather be. But, I had an enthusiastic turnout! I got so many gifts they’re just still sitting there. It seems so over-whelming to begin sorting through them and to try and organize them in the rooms. (Which I will post pics of the rooms later in the week) I am in awe of everyone’s overwhelming support and love they have showered Roger and I with. Speaking of Roger, the whole shower started off with the gorgeous invitations his advertising/marketing agency created for us. They couldn’t have turned out any better! Thank You Off Madison Ave…Cori, Holly, and Ruben especially!
There are still a couple of things to get but with the gift cards I also received, I think we’re set. Now we’re just waiting on a phone call to tell me travel dates. It should still be the first half of July that we’re expected to travel. I still have much to do in the meantime… For those unaware, trip 2 will leave us in Russia approximately 18-21 days before being able to bring R & N into the USA. Court dates, 10 day mandatory wait period (kids still in orphanage) and then embassy appts., visas, medical appts., passports.
Now for some pics...so many good ones...hard to pick:
Friday, June 12, 2009
Here's to a Great Weekend!
This Sunday several of my friends have so graciously volunteered to give me a shower for R & N. Which, the approaching “Gotcha” day seems to be coming up pretty quick. I am looking very forward to seeing so many of my friends and sister for this wonderful celebratory day. I never thought I’d be having a shower. I realize now more than ever, one can never say never.
Since arriving home, we have had a hard time with jet lag. Lasting about 4 days. I do not look forward to experiencing that again in the coming weeks. We have also had to get our medicals updated/signed again by our doctor (the documents are only good for a 3 month period), notarized and are getting apostilled today and then sent off in a FedEx pkg. along with another installment of fees. We’ve also been busy getting their rooms ready. We are almost there and will post some pics of them in the next week. There’s so much stuff to get besides the bare bones furniture (bed and toy chest), like educational/fun toys for both, bath toys, pool toys, little non-breakable dinnerware, sheets, pillows, mattresses, etc…. The list goes on and on…. Times 2. The little things really add up. But, it’s Fun, too! We’re getting excited. I’ve also begun to start looking into and making appointments for their arrival to pediatricians, dentists and developmental assessments. I want our first week home to be very calm. Ok…I know some of you may have laughed…as calm as can be with two toddlers. ☺
The purpose of life is expansion of happiness. I am trying my best to stay in alignment with purpose and well-being.
Since arriving home, we have had a hard time with jet lag. Lasting about 4 days. I do not look forward to experiencing that again in the coming weeks. We have also had to get our medicals updated/signed again by our doctor (the documents are only good for a 3 month period), notarized and are getting apostilled today and then sent off in a FedEx pkg. along with another installment of fees. We’ve also been busy getting their rooms ready. We are almost there and will post some pics of them in the next week. There’s so much stuff to get besides the bare bones furniture (bed and toy chest), like educational/fun toys for both, bath toys, pool toys, little non-breakable dinnerware, sheets, pillows, mattresses, etc…. The list goes on and on…. Times 2. The little things really add up. But, it’s Fun, too! We’re getting excited. I’ve also begun to start looking into and making appointments for their arrival to pediatricians, dentists and developmental assessments. I want our first week home to be very calm. Ok…I know some of you may have laughed…as calm as can be with two toddlers. ☺
The purpose of life is expansion of happiness. I am trying my best to stay in alignment with purpose and well-being.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Home at Last
Hi All!
We arrived home safely and obviously very tired Sunday night. The flights went well, but we had a tight connection in PHL to make our last flight to PHX and we arrived about 20 minutes late. Well, the bags coming off at Passport Control were also delayed due to them not being able to open the cargo door and THEN the line back in through security was REALLY long. We made the flight by 15 minutes. All in all not too bad, but when you don't know how long it's going to take from plane to plane, it was pretty nerve racking.
The list of things to do before Trip #2 are already circulating in my head. I think that's why I STILL have a headache. Perhaps I just need to start writing them down and be productive. Today was trying to get back on AZ time with the typical laundry, mail, cleaning, drycleaners, grocery store, phone calls, etc... I really just want to express again to everyone that has thought so much about Roger and I this past week and even today with calls of joy and happiness for us. You all are very excited for us, but right now we're mostly still overwhelmed and scared! We're going to still take a couple days to digest all that has happened and what is about to happen. We are excited as well, just more stressed/tired than usual at the moment. :-)
We arrived home safely and obviously very tired Sunday night. The flights went well, but we had a tight connection in PHL to make our last flight to PHX and we arrived about 20 minutes late. Well, the bags coming off at Passport Control were also delayed due to them not being able to open the cargo door and THEN the line back in through security was REALLY long. We made the flight by 15 minutes. All in all not too bad, but when you don't know how long it's going to take from plane to plane, it was pretty nerve racking.
The list of things to do before Trip #2 are already circulating in my head. I think that's why I STILL have a headache. Perhaps I just need to start writing them down and be productive. Today was trying to get back on AZ time with the typical laundry, mail, cleaning, drycleaners, grocery store, phone calls, etc... I really just want to express again to everyone that has thought so much about Roger and I this past week and even today with calls of joy and happiness for us. You all are very excited for us, but right now we're mostly still overwhelmed and scared! We're going to still take a couple days to digest all that has happened and what is about to happen. We are excited as well, just more stressed/tired than usual at the moment. :-)
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