Translation

Well the paperwork was handed over to the Fed Ex man today to go to Canada where our adoption agency will have it translated and ready to go for our March 17th submission date in Ukraine. It felt great (and a little scary) handing it over and knowing that unless something pops up on us our paperwork is done until we head over. Now we just wait (which is a lot of what we have been doing anyway). I am glad to know that part is done.

Overwhelmed

I don't know if I am overwhelmed, losing my mind or what. A few weeks ago I showed up for my second consultation for Lasik. I took off work and headed up only to find out I was a week early. It was SO embarrassing, especially after I realized it was my mistake not theirs. Plus I had taken time off work and everything. Then today I had Jeremy take off work and take Austin to his orthodontist appt. (not to mention Austin is missing school). Jeremy called me about ten minutes after the appointment, in a not so very happy mood to inform me that the appointment wasn't until tomorrow. He wasn't happy and I am embarrassed and remorseful. But more than that I am wondering what is wrong with me. I never used to have this problem. I know I have a lot going on, but really, mistaking doctors appts. twice? Not only that but inconveniencing others as well. What's even worse is I got a reminder notice for both appointments stating the exact date. I am losing it!!!

Lasik

I got Lasik done on Thursday and today my eyes feel fine. I can see perfectly and other than some dryness, no side effects today. The procedure itself sucked. But once it was done it wasn't too bad. I am SO excited to be able to see well.

Jeremy talks to Zhenia

Jeremy hadn't been able to talk to Zhenia yet. For some reason whenever I would conference him in Zhenia wouldn't answer or we would have a problem. But on today (Feb 19th) Jeremy and I were able to get a hold of him and man was Zhenia excited! He kept saying "papa" really loud and he talked ninety miles an hour. It was the most excited I have heard him since the first time I talked to him. Jeremy and Zhenia had no clue what each other was saying, but they laughed at each other a lot. It was an awesome conversation. Even if no one understood it.

More Zhenia Info

Well, I just got of the phone with Zhenia. He told me in Russian he is good. He told me in Russian that he loves me and then his nanny/teacher told him how to say I love you in English and then he just said that lots of times. I asked him if he still had the bear we gave him, and he said yes, but it was a hesitant yes, so I'm not sure. It was good to hear him gain.
I also got word from Ellie (our adoption agency) that the employment letter we have isn't good enough and they want another one. What a pain, the first one was extremely hard to get from Jeremy's accountant. I am not looking forward to trying to get that done again.

Got a date

Well we got our I7I-H form. 02/05/10 our form showed up. This is (as I have heard it referred to in other blog posts) the Holy Grail of the adoption process. This is the one form that you wait, and wait and wait on and have no control whatsoever over. This is a form from our government essentially saying our government is okay with us adopting internationally. This form has been what we have been waiting on since December. So we have, it we will get the rest of paperwork done this week and then send it off for translation. We also got a date to be able to submit our paperwork in Ukraine. Our date for Submission is March 17th. Once we submit it (on the 17th of March) it takes (according to Internet searches) about a month to two months for them to invite us to come over and a month to two months for us to actually go over. So best case scenario May 17th but most likely later. Still that gives us a ball park. We are super excited!!!

Friday

WoW!!! I managed to get SO much done Friday. It's amazing what you can do when you have the day off work and your husband is out of town.
I got up, made the kids breakfast, took them to school, drove to sandy and filed a small claims court case against Hollywood Body (horrible place, don't go there!!!), got safety and emissions done on my car and registered it. Hit blockbuster to get a chick flick for the husbandless weekend. Picked Austin up from school and took him to the ortho to get his expansion appliance put in. Took Austin back to school and then went to the gym. At the gym I had almost a two hour arm workout that felt great (although now painful :)). From there I hit the store to pick up some drinks. I then picked the kids up, took them to Target to get valentines cards and supplies. We headed home after that and I scraped the caulk out of the shower to I could re-caulk it all later. Then we changed and went to gateway where we made a return and did a little shopping. We went to sky box for dinner and then played arcades for about an hour or two. Went home and crashed.
Talk about a VERY successful day. I was SO happy with all I got done.

Zhenia update

Well, we have been able to talk to Zhenia almost every other day. He is loving having the cell phone we got him and his Nannies and care takers call him to keep him company as well. Austin and Trinity got to talk to him Friday and they loved it. Zhenia let his friend Vlad get on the phone and talk to us too. He asked (in Russian) if Zhenia was coming to live with us in America. Luckily I had recently asked Zhenia a similar question in Russian so I was able to understand Vlad and answer, Da (yes). It was good to hear Zhenia laugh and play. We can't wait to see him again.

Live with us?

Got off the phone with Zhenia. We had a good conversation, but he laughed at me when he asked me something and I told him for the third time Papa was at work (obviously not what he was looking for, but I only know so many phrases in Russian :) ). However, I asked him if he wanted to come to America and live with us (in Russian) and he said “DA” (yes). He said I love you a couple times and someone even told him how to say it in English.
He said Mom lots. I got it all recorded too! Great conversation!

Zhenia - call

Zhenia got out of the Hospital last week and got his phone. I called him Saturday and talked to him and called him again on Monday. I couldn’t understand a word he said, but I understood momma and American and his teacher was able to speak enough English to tell me he keeps asking “where is papa?” He was excited and cute. I am going to try calling him again Tomorrow with either a translator on the line or Jeremy. It was wonderful to be able to hear his voice and his excitement.