Hope brought me Home

Birthday

2011-09-18T22:41:00.000-04:00

Last Friday was Andrew's 4th birthday, we had a little party with just immediate family. Last year on his birthday he had only been her 2 weeks and wasn't sure at all what was going on. He carried his gift bags around like pocketbooks didn't know he had a surprise in them. He also rubbed his cake all in his hair and face and didn't eat a bite!!! Man how times have changed, there was no certain time for opening presents if you came in with one he was opening it right then! I think he ate 3 pieces of cake, I know 2 for sure !! His favorite part of it all was singing Happy Birthday and blowing out the candles. I bet we did it twenty times he loved it and I thought you know if he wants to sing it over and over and blow out the candles that is what we are gonna do.

I also couldn't help but think of his parents and wondering whether or not he crossed their minds on that day. How could they not think of him or wonder where he was or what he was doing and if he had a good family. I even thought about sending them a picture of him so they could see just how happy, normal and wonderful he really is! But my husband told me no way don't you dare send them anything. He is right and I really don't want them to know anything about where he is or anything. His family is here, it just so hard for me to believe someone could just give their child up, but so glad they did. God knew what he was doing knowing that angel would be a part of our family.

Just Chillin !

2011-08-17T22:20:00.000-04:00

One year today !

2011-07-05T00:36:00.000-04:00

One year today I was on an airplane flying to meet my baby for the first time ! It is so hard to believe that a whole year has passed by. What a year it has been, I thank God everyday for this precious child he brought to our lives he is wonderful, and a joy to be around. I wondered how it would feel to have an adopted child and how I would feel towards him, I knew I would love him but didn't know if the bond would be as strong as my own that I actually carried for 9 months. Well let me just say it is as strong if not stronger, I feel like he is my birth child I believe that God intended on this all along to be my baby. Maybe I should rephrase that I know that is what he intended. My only regret is that I didn't get to him sooner. I have no idea what this precious baby went through before I got him! But I don't think he remembers one bit of the life he had before us. From day one he has been just as happy and content with us like he knew nothing else.
I wish that I had more time and money I promise you even though I feel like we went through hell and back I would go back and adopt another one of these precious children.

Never a Dull Moment !!!

2011-06-20T14:30:00.001-04:00

It is so hard to believe that a year ago I was packing and getting things ready to fly to the Ukraine to get my precious angel, it feels as if he has been with us forever!!!!

There is never a dull moment in our house with 4 birds, 2 dogs and 3 kids we always have some kind of entertainment. We can never take our eyes off of Andrew he is constantly doing something or getting into something.......but it keeps us laughing ! Here are a few pictures of him when he has been missing in action sometimes I am laughing too hard to even get a picture.

He loves to take his clothes off !! I promise he does all this on his own this is the way we find him!

Yes, those are cowboy boots!

He did keep his clothes on this time...but we have now learned to hide all pens, pencils, markers or crayons he will color anything he can reach. This time he only colored both sides of his face with a hot neon pink marker. He is so funny he keeps all on our toes chasing after him. We all love him so much sometimes I wonder what we ever did without him. He is truly a blessing from God !

2011-04-22T23:54:00.002-04:00

Glasses, Christmas And Snow !

2011-01-09T11:17:00.000-05:00

Sorry I know I have been very slack about posting I just sometimes can't find the time to sit down at the computer long enough. I promised some pictures of Andrew in his new glasses, which he only wore for 2 weeks and they are so scratched up I don't even put them on him he hates them !!! I know I have to do better but I can't afford new glasses every two weeks. LOL But he does look so cute!

He reminds me of the little boy in the movie Christmas Story !! Can't you tell he is thrilled about it !

Christmas was wonderful, I just couldn't not help but think about last Christmas when I was so busy with all the paperwork and worrying about him and what he was doing and if he got any Christmas or if anyone was loving him and so on and so on. But this Christmas I knew he was getting Christmas and he has so much Love it made my heart smile to see him enjoying all the magic of Christmas with HIS family !

It snowed on Christmas day for the first time in my whole life time and it was so pretty. I know Andrew has seen plenty of snow but I doubt he ever got to play in it, but he loved it of course I didn't let him stay out to long but I did let him play. He loved eating it !

Getting Ready for Christmas

2010-12-17T23:24:00.002-05:00

It is so hard to believe that this time last year I was working so hard to get my baby home and wondering how? when?................. and all that crazy stuff and here he is !!! Every time I look at him my heart just melts we all love him so much ! Believe me there is never a dull moment in our house.
When I started putting up my Christmas trees I thought this is going to be a disaster he will have them all pulled down by the end of the day. Boy was I wrong he has not touched them except to help decorate, I was very surprised.

Here he is helping daddy and papa get the stand on right, he loves to help.

Putting on the lights, notice his patch he has to wear every night for 30 mins. been doing this for months well just found it has not helped at all we had to pick up his glasses today, and he has had them on for maybe a total of 10 minutes, yeah how do you get a 3 year old to wear glasses! whew not easy I will post on that another time with a picture of him with them on, if he will wear them long enough. LOL

I promise he did this on his own !!!!
I wanted to make Christmas cards with Alaina, Aaron and Andrew on them and of course me taking the picture and carrying it to the local drug store to make them..... the easy part. The hard part was making the picture you can never get Andrew to sit still.

Too many to post this was just a few.....the final result.............whew was I tired!

First Family getaway as Five !

2010-11-24T22:57:00.000-05:00

This past weekend we went to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg TN and stayed in a cabin on top of a mountain we love to do this every November. This time last year is when I started hunting for my precious angel and found him on Reece's Rainbow it is so hard to believe it has been a year and here he is !!! I don't know what we did without him, he keeps us all on our toes !

This is Andrew's school pictures doesn't he look like a little man !

Party !!!!

2010-10-28T17:25:00.000-04:00

This weekend we went to a birthday party and Andrew had the time of his life they had rented a little train and a blow up slide and he loved it .

Riding the train !

of courses he wanted to drive.

Mama even liked it to!

Birthday Girl, Happy Birthday Emma Caroline !

Only 2 Months

2010-10-26T22:51:00.001-04:00

I can't believe we have only been with Andrew for 2 months it seems we have been together for a life time.
I can't explain the joy he has brought our whole family he is such a blessing we all love him so much. Sorry I haven't posted in a long time I am so busy with work, school, football and just keeping up with all the house work.
Andrew has started school he goes every day from 7:40 am until 10:20 am and he loves it and I think everyone at the school knows him by name. After school he goes to the church daycare until I get off work he has a full schedule but has adjusted to it all very well, he never meets a stranger. Today he had his 2nd doctors appt. just to see how things were going, they were so amazed how much he has grown in this short period of time. He has blossomed like a flower since being with us he gets so much attention he is to the point of being a little spoiled...but who cares! I want to give him everything he has never experienced and more.

Andrew is blowing me kisses and telling me bye before he heads off to school!

Brotherly love !

Andrew wasn't so sure about Abbie and Max at first but now they have become close friends. Andrew loves to feed them from the table and they love to clean up after him. He enjoys covering them up with his blanket and they don't seem to mind, they even sneak to get a kiss or two

Andrew's 3rd Birthday Party

2010-09-12T23:06:00.002-04:00

I am sure this was Andrew's first birthday party of his life, he really wasn't sure what to do with all the presents most of the time if it was a gift bag he would put it on his arm and head for the door and start blowing kisses as if he were going bye bye. It was just too cute! His favorite gift that I could tell that brought a smile to his face was new tennis shoes, we all know how much he love shoes .
I bought him his own little cake just to see what he would do.............well he tasted it once and then rubbed it all over him as if he were taking a bath. I just knew my child would be blue for weeks but thank goodness it all came out the first bath. I can't explain to you how much this child is loved by everyone he brings joy to everyone he meets, he never meets a stranger. Here are some pictures from his party.

Singing Happy Birthday!

Yummy!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OK, Maybe not so yummy decided to rub it all over him and I
do mean ALL over him!

Yes it all washed out the first
washing, Thank Goodness but he had a good time and that is all that mattered.

Just Having Fun !

2010-09-06T22:34:00.000-04:00

This was a gift given to us by the director of our children's after school program and summer camp, not only does it match Andrew's room but it says it all. Thank you Ms. Natalie you have been with us every step of the way.
Here are a few pictures of us just having fun and letting Andrew experience all the new things in his life.

His first trip to Build A Bear, his big sissy's favorite place to go !

Getting the puppy's heart.

Trying to be like his big brother.

This boy loves shoes!

Baby Powder, LOL !

Helping with homework.

All this fun can make a boy tired. Thanks to his brother he had a pillow. This child has brought so much joy and happiness to our family we all love him so much. Thank you God for adding this precious child to our family.

Busy, Busy, Busy !

2010-09-03T23:00:00.000-04:00

Sorry I haven't posted lately I have been so busy catching up on things that were neglected while we were gone and running after a almost 3 year old...............Whew I am tired. I took Andrew this week for his evaluation at the school and he will start in a couple of weeks half days, it is hard to believe he is only 3 and will be starting a program at a real Elementary school. They will work with him and provide speech therapy a couple times a week, I hope he does well he has been with me everyday since he has been home and yesterday will make 2 weeks we have been home. I start work Tuesday and he will start the church daycare, I am so dreading it. I really hope he doesn't think I am abandoning him at another orphanage that will worry me all day and I really hope he doesn't cry when I leave that will tear me apart. He is so smart I know that he is going to do well. I love him more and more each day he is so funny and loves to mimic me which sometimes scares me! LOL
Took him to get his eyes examined on Wednesday the doctor said his eyes were really healthy, but that he would have to wear an eye patch everyday for 30 mins. rotating eyes everyday. This is because his eye crosses in sometimes putting the patch over the eyes is suppose to help them strengthen their eye control. He has to go back in December to be rechecked. I thought for sure when I patched his eye he would have a fit but he didn't he just went on about his business playing until the 30 mins was up. I was so proud of him! After his eye appt. we took him to the mall this was his first trip to the mall and we went to Build A Bear and he made a stuffed dog. I have pictures but they are still on my phone will download them later just haven't had time. I promise the next post will be pictures !

First Visit to the Doctor.

2010-08-26T22:17:00.000-04:00

Today Andrew had his first visit to the doctor and they loved him and thought he was so cute. The doctor said he heard no heart murmurs, he was up to date on all his shots so he doesn't get any shots until he is 4. He wants to see him in 2 months to keep check on his growth since he is small for his age. They are making him an appointment with an eye doctor that specializes in children.
I received a call from our school district, they offer different classes and therapy for children with special needs and they can start at the age of 3. We have an appointment with them this coming Tuesday. I am so glad we live in such a wonderful school district.
Andrew has adjusted so well in our family it is like he has been here his whole life and I am so proud of my two children they love him so much. They give him anything he wants they spoil him just as much as I do. Here are some pictures of my three monkeys together.

Aaron decided to feed him chocolate pudding when I wasn't looking!
Believe me he does not need chocolate :)

                                       Look at this precious Angel, how could anyone not love this precious child!
                                       I thank the Lord everyday for my beautiful children, he has blessed
                                       me more than I deserve.

Pictures

2010-08-25T11:39:00.000-04:00

Last night in Kiev at TGI Friday's

Packing to go home !!!!! YEEEAAAAAAAAAAA

Here are pictures from the airport, Thanks Leeann for taking them otherwise I wouldn't have any. You are a wonderful friend.

My Mom, so glad to see her !

Meeting his granny for the first time.

Big sissy is so glad to finally meet her little brother.

Loving my little man!

Meeting my new little friend Emma.

Home Sweet Home

2010-08-20T17:49:00.000-04:00

Sorry I am just now posting I have been so busy. We got our Visa on Wednesday and everything went smooth so Thursday morning at 3:30am Nicko picked us up and took us to the airport. We got on our flight to Munich with no problems then from Munich to Washington DC which is a long flight. Andrew slept all the way with some help of Benadryl. When we got to Washington they had lost our luggage, we finally found one and waited for the other for almost 45 mins and no one could find it they kept telling us to wait I finally told them no I didn't care what they did with it I was not missing my flight home. So we had to run to catch our plane to Greenville Spartanburg and we made it. We arrived in Greenville Spartanburg airport at 6:30 and what a relief it was. We had our family and friends waiting on us and I just couldn't hold back the tears any longer it was so wonderful see everyone I love so much. I think Andrew was a little overwhelmed, but recovered in no time at all. He loves his big sister and brother I will post some pictures later.
Anyone going to Lugansk to adopt I just want you to know that Violette is a wonderful person she is so sweet and really cares about these children. I really loved her and will miss her, I am so glad I had the opportunity to meet such a wonderful person.

Answered Prayers

2010-08-17T13:17:00.000-04:00

Monday the boilogical father signed the paperwork we needed to get Andrew's passport, we had his passport at 3:00pm and then we had airline tickets to Kiev! This morning we arrived in Kiev about 8:20 am we went straight to the US Embassy to get his Visa we have to go back tomorrow with all the paperwork and have our interview at 2, they said we should have the Visa tomorrow. After we went to the Embassy we went to the Medical appt. which was really quick we ran into no problems there. But at the US Embassy we didn't have some of the papers we needed so that caused some extra stress. Wondering how we would get the papers which were at home. My mother went to our house and found our W2 forms for 2009 ( that is one thing we were missing) she then took them to my office where Leeann scanned them and emailed them to me. Thanks to both of you ! . Hopefully if everything goes ok tomorrow we will be on an airplane Thursday morning headed straight to South Carolina! I think when I get there I will never leave again!!!!

Still here and waiting

2010-08-14T07:57:00.000-04:00

Haven't posted in a while just haven't felt up to it, We are still hoping and praying that Monday everything comes through and we get Andrew's passport. Please pray that everything works out we need to get home. I don't know what we will do if we don't we are almost out of money and patience, we have to get home. Our children start school Monday and we won't be there but they have their school supplies thanks to Nana and Aunt Vicky. If it weren't from them and Granny we don' t know what we would have done. I miss my two babies so much, which they are not babies anymore Alaina is going in the 5th grade and Aaron in the 3rd I can't believe how time flies.
Andrew is wonderful he feels like he has been ours forever, he has no difficulties at all since he left the orphanage. We stay in most of the time only going to the market to get food which makes the day so long. We eat the same food over and over because we aren't really sure what foods are what. But we are not going hungry. Andrew loves to eat he doesn't care what it is, if we eat it he wants it. Last night I ate a tomato sandwich for supper and guess who came along and wanted some, and yes he ate it and loved it. I guess he will make a great Southerner !!!
Well here are a few pictures I took over the last few days of our new little man.

Pictures

2010-08-10T16:08:00.000-04:00

HELPLESS AND STRANDED !

2010-08-09T10:39:00.000-04:00

Right now I am feeling so helpless I don't know how to describe what I am going through, sorry but this will be a negative post, I just can't help it and I need to express my feelings. We were waiting today to find out about Andrew's passport, which ended up with bad news. We will not even be able to start the process until next Monday. I have done nothing but cry, because I am doing a single parent adoption with support of spouse the Judge would not take the father's name off the birth certificate, so.....now we have to have his permission to get the passport to take him back to the USA.

Please tell me this is not crazy, we have a court document saying I am the mother that he is legally my son through adoption, we have the letter signed by both parents saying they give up their rights and that they don't want the child. But this is not good enough they have to have a notarized letter from the father giving permission to get his passport, I just don't understand. They have notified his biological father he agrees to do this but he is not here and won't be back until Sunday. Yes that is good that he agrees to do this but why should it even be to begin with. Now we will not be leaving as planned on Friday who knows when we will get to leave, I am just so upset and depressed about the whole situation. My children start school next week and I won't even be there, I feel guilty because they are having such a hard time with us being gone to begin with. I know that the Lord has his plan and no I don't have to understand it all but right now I am having a real hard time.
I also worry about if the father has to give his permission what keeps him from coming to the US in the future and trying to take Andrew away, I asked that question and they said no, he has no rights !
Whew tell me do you understand any of this ? He has no rights but I have to get his permission to get a passport!
This is also a big financial burden on us we had not planned to stay here this long again, but here we are I just hope and pray everything works out. Again sorry but I just have to express my true feelings and right now they are not good.
On the brighter side, Andrew is a joy and a precious child he feels like we have had him since birth, he is getting to where he really loves to snuggle and loves to be held and I love every minute of that.

Rocking my baby !

2010-08-08T15:32:00.000-04:00

Andrew's first night with us was amazing he ate good, he loved a bath and I finally got to rock him to sleep something I have been waiting on for a long time....it felt wonderful.

He is a sweet little man and we love him so much, I can't wait to get him home to meet his sister and brother. Tomorrow we find out about his passport, please pray we get it quickly.

Gotcha Day

2010-08-07T11:02:00.000-04:00

Sorry I haven't posted lost internet service and last night I was just plain wiped out and stressed not to mention very excited about bringing my Andrew out of the orphanage where he will never have to return.
Yesterday morning started out very busy, we went and picked up his new birth certificate, tax id number and then started on the paperwork for his passport. When all was said and done we could not get his passport because his real father's name is on his birth certificate. I don't understand it either but I am doing a single parent adoption with support of spouse which the Judge said the father's name shall remain on his birth certificate but with me being the mother. I have all the necessary paperwork, I have the adoption decree saying that he is my son, I have a letter signed by both his parents saying they don't want him and that he can be adopted by a Ukrainian Citizen or a foreigner so HEY WHAT MORE CAN THEY WANT! I was so upset and stressed yesterday I didn't know what to do. Violette is going Monday to talk to the Judge to see if she can straighten it out. Let me just say she is wonderful and worked very hard to try to resolve this on Friday but it was not in her control she ran from one office to another trying to get papers that would resolve the situation but nothing would satisfy them. So please pray that Monday the Judge will have the answer we need.
They day ended with the most wonderful thing of all I got to go and pick my baby up from the orphanage where he will never have to return. He is so content here with us he has not cried or anything he slept all night and has even taken his nap today. He is wonderful, and a typical 2 year old he is into everything and I am wore out from chasing him around this 3 room apartment so that should be really intersting when we get back home.
We forgot our camara so the pictures we took are from my husband's cell phone.

We are on our way out now!

Gates of Freedom !

New Birth Certificate

2010-08-04T11:05:00.000-04:00

We went this morning to fill out paperwork for Andrew's new birth certificate, Violette is suppose to call tomorrow at 1 to see when it will be ready. The lady said it may be ready tomorrow afternoon but as you all know over here you are at their mercy, it could be or it could not be. I am hoping and praying that everything is ready tomorrow afternoon so we can start on the next task.
We went to see Andrew in the afternoon and he was inside he saw me and he came running with his little arms up he is so cute when he does that. I dressed him and we went outside and of course he had to eat. We tried on the shoes that I had bought him and he could wear both pair, he loved trying on the new shoes and hat I have bought him.

He talked on the phone to his granny for the first time he didn't know what to think!

He is such a sweetheart I love him so much and am so ready to bring him home. When I left him today he didn't want to go back to the care taker he just kept shaking his little head no it really hurts to know I have to leave him there, but it won't be long now and we will be together as a family.

Our Return

2010-08-03T15:41:00.001-04:00

After 12 hours of three different flights not counting the lay overs and one 15 hour train ride we are HERE! When we left the train stration we went straight to the orphanage and I couldn't wait to see my baby. I kept wondering if he had forgotten me well guess what NO Way! When he saw us he was in one of those wooden play pens he put his arms up and no one helps him out so he just decieded he was coming over by himself and he was off to see mama and papa.

He let me snuggle him up even though it was about 100 degrees outside. All the children were dressed in nothing but their little undies, it was so hot.

Our order won't be signed until Wednesday afternoon, so I am not sure when we will be able to break him out but I am so looking foward to it. I can't wait for him to meet Alaina and Aaron they are so excited about getting a little brother, he is going to spoiled rotten by all of us ! And he deserves it and I am so glad that he will be home for his 3rd birthday what a party we are going to have for him.
This visit and the last he was very tired and sluggish acting not sure if it is the heat or what? Kinda got me a little worried but I think he is OK at first he wouldn't even let us hold him he wanted to be walking and doing his own thing but now he likes it, maybe he just likes it so much and he feels safe that he is just relaxing and enjoying all the kissing and snuggling.

Of course I didn't forget to bring food Allen had to go dig in the suitcase in the trunk to find it, and Andrew was glad he was ready to eat and drink some juice.

Thanks Aunt Leeann he loves all the sippy cups you gave him!

Daddy got Love and a chance to play!

He is inside of you can't see him. LOL

Home

2010-07-29T20:55:00.000-04:00

Sorry I haven't posted since being home just trying to get use to the time change and spending time with my children. I did go back to work on Wednesday and will work until tomorrow and then we fly back on Sunday afternoon. I so dread all that travel but I can't wait to see my baby again, I am so afraid that he has forgotten us. I miss him so much I look at all the pictures we took of him and all the videos and it just makes me smile. I never imagined that he would be such a happy child filled with so much personality. I can't wait to see that little smile and hear his laughter I miss him so much.

INTRODUCING.................................

2010-07-22T11:33:00.000-04:00

ANDREW DUNCAN FREEMAN

As of today this is officially our new son, Thank you Lord for leading us to this precious angel that you knew all along was to be our son !!!
I was so nervous today in court, not really knowing what to expect but everything went very smoothly. The Judge was very young but very professional, he asked me to stand up tell him my name, date of birth and place of birth, how much education I had and where I worked, he asked the same of my husband. He asked why we wanted to adopt and if we could afford another child. The court room was a small room not the kind of court room I am use to , there were about 8 other people in the room. The director of the orphanage seemed very happy that we were adopting Andrew she spoke in our favor. The Judge leaves the room to make a decision and then comes back and pronounces him as our son Andrew Duncan Freeman and then congratulates us, That was a great feeling....we do have to wait the 10 days so our order will not be signed until August the 3rd.. My husband and I have made the decision to go home for this wait and spend time with our children at home who we have missed something terrible, we have never been apart this long and it has been hard for all of us. So I will get to see my little man tomorrow for the last time until I return to pick him up and I can't wait !!! I am going to miss him so much and I hope he doesn't forget who we are.
Wednesday when we visited him he gave his daddy sugar for the first time it was so cute and I was lucky enough to get a picture. This is the first time he has kissed that we have seen.

Now....court on Thursday

2010-07-20T10:12:00.000-04:00

OK now we are being told court will be Thursday at 11:30 hope this is right I am so ready to go to court! Forget being nervous at this point I am just ready to go! I am debating on asking the just to please waive the 10 day waiting period, would I be wrong? can he throw me in jail for asking? Thursday's court determines a lot of things for us if we have to wait the 10 days then I see no choice that we will have to go home and then come back. I don't want to leave my precious angel here but I really don't have much of a choice I have two at home that need me just as much. I have so many unanswered questions that need to be answered before the weekend, we are scheduled to fly out on Sunday........ so will we.... or will we not? Oh well only time will tell, I just wished they counted weekends in that ten days that would help a lot but oh well I have a lot of suggestion that would help a lot but they don't care what I think.
Today's visit was great and thank God it had cooled off, yesterday I thought I was going to melt. Of course he was so happy to see us he ran to me and I held him in my arms it felt so wonderful. Allen would hold his arms out for him to come to him and he would shake his head no, he did this several times and I loved it. I think he is going to be a mama's boy. We took the camara but it had no batteries in it so no pictures today sorry! We are going out for pizza this evening so I am going to try to get some more interesting pictures of what you may see on the streets and each day let me tell you.....you never know what you might see, at least it keeps me laughing.
Well pray court goes well and let me know your opinion should I ask the judge to waive the 10 days or not? The last thing I want to do is make him mad !

No Court Tomorrow :(

2010-07-19T15:50:00.000-04:00

I received a call late this afternoon that our paperwork was not ready and that we would not be going to court tomorrow, you can imagine how my heart dropped. She said hopefully she will talk to the Judge tomorrow and get it set for the next day which would be Wednesday, Please Pray this happens. I guess we all go into these adoptions knowing that at anytime things get a little unpredictable.

Tomorrow is Court !!!!

2010-07-19T07:07:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow is court, and I am so nervous I just hope I say all the right things. I want them to know how much this little boy is already loved and is already my son in my heart. I have been feeling under the weather the past three days not sure if it is the food, water or if I have caught a Ukrainian bug! LOL But I think I am on my way to recovery. This morning we went to the orphanage to see my precious angel, I guessed he missed us yesterday, I sure missed him!

I know my husband laughed and said I looked like and ape, but who cares, I was trying to catch my little monkey.

We did our same little routine except this morning he had vanilla/chocolate pudding instead of baby food and he loved it. It was so hot we were miserable especially after our hundred laps around the orphanage, he loves to walk around and visit everyone he sees.
Please pray for us as we go to court tomorrow.

Saturday Play !

2010-07-17T14:31:00.000-04:00

Friday and counting down til Court !!!

2010-07-16T15:57:00.000-04:00

I am counting down the days until court, I am so excited and nervous. Sunday is going to be hard we will not get to go to the orphanage so I know that day is just going to drag by, maybe I will clean the apartment and keep myself busy, YAYYY, can't wait for that !
Today when we got to the orphanage Duncan was inside with his groupa getting dressed, he is such a cutie he couldn't wait to get outside to get in my bag. We met a lady here that is in the Peace Corp, she is American and said she was staying here for 2 years, OH MY don't know how anyone could possibly stay here for 2 years, I couldn't. It is just not for me I love the good old USA. While this lady was talking to me Duncan was getting very impatient he wanted in my bag so he could eat, he kept looking at me and finally just sat down on the curb and looked at me like OK enough talking I am ready to eat. It was too cute.
In the morning we have to go get medicine for him at the pharmacy we were told that there was a sickness going around his groupa and they wanted to start him on medicine and maybe keep him from getting it. I did notice that his nose was running so I pray he doesn't get sick. Here a few pictures of our visit.

Got our court date !!!!! YAYYYYY

2010-07-15T13:07:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I was having a hard time I felt like we were standing still, but today it turned out wonderful we are off and running again. When Sasha picked us up this morning we went down and in the parking lot was like a school bus, with a what looked to be a homemade coffin with no lid it was empty and covered in red material. I noticed people walking up carry flowers and I was like am I interupting something here and if so why in the parking lot of our apartments. My husband I just looked at each like what is going on ? Now of course I had a confused look on my face when I got in the car and Sasha, who doesn't speak english made a gesture of a dead person laying down with their arms crossed. So later in the day I find out from Violette that it is tradition when someone dies they stay in their home or apartment for two nights before being buried then they pick them up and bury them. Well I was totally freaked out then knowing that the past two nights I have been sleeping in an apartment building with a dead boby, sorry but that is just too much for me. Just had to share that I just thought it was strange.

Well for the good stuff, we found out today that our court date will be Tuesday, July 20th at 11:00 I was so thrilled to find this out. We have decieded that we will stay the whole time instead of flying back and being home not even a week before flying back. We want to stay here til we are able to leave with our baby there is no sense spending the money on flights when we can tough it out. Unless something changes that is our plan for now.
Today we took Duncan to get his picture made for his passport and bless his heart I don't think he has ever been in a car since he was brought to the orphanage. When we pulled through those gates he stood up in my lap and looked out the back windshield and stretched his little arms towards the orphanage and cried, it broke my heart. To him this is his home all he has ever known, his comfort zone. He finally sat down in my lap and just looked around with amazement, it was wonderful to be there to experience one of his first but sad in a way. On the way back he almost fell asleep it was so cute to watch him try to hold his little eyes open. When we step out of the car he was like the energizer bunny all over again. I love him so much he is just precious, I thank God everyday that he brought him to our lives. I am so lucky to be able to be a mother to this child and my two children at home.

This is the greeting I get everyday !

Day 10

2010-07-14T16:40:00.000-04:00

Today we were told we will find out our court date tomorrow, please pray that we do and it is soon. I miss my children so bad I am so ready to get home, especially with Duncan on my hip! When I get down I always come to the computer and look at this precious face to remind me why I am here.

How could you not love that little face, this boy is so happy he just laughs all the time, his sister and brother are going to love him and spoil him rotten ! Today of course he came running and guess what the first thing he did was grab the backpack. He knows inside there are cookies and baby food it just cracks me up.

Today was the first day he really showed me any love and affection when I took him up to his groupa to eat lunch and leave him he didn't want to go, his care giver put her arms out to get him and he laid his litte head on my shoulder and turned away from her. Now yesterday he did cry but my husband said he just wanted to go back outside. But today when he put his little head on my shoulder and snuggled closer I knew it was much more than going back outside. I can't wait until the day all they will see from the orphanage is this veiw here !

AND OF COURSE DADDY HAD HIS PLAY TOO !!! : ) HE IS SUCH A GOOD DADDY TO ALL OUR CHILDREN THAT IS ONE OF THE THINGS I LOVE ABOUT HIM!

Tuesday

2010-07-13T08:53:00.000-04:00

These are the gates that seperate me and my wonderful son, oh what joy it will be to be able to know that he will never have to be behind these gates every again. To pass thru them that one and final time knowing he never has to look back, he will have a family and life fulfilled with love and happiness this day can not come to soon for me.

Today we had a wonderful visit he ate of course and loved every minute he makes such cute faces and expressions when he eats and rocks his little head in a dancing motion it is so cute. He is really a big fan of Dad, he is always doing stuff to make him laugh and to make me laugh I am sure the workers thinks he is crazy but who cares if it gives Duncan joy that is all we care about. When we first got there they had him in a playpen I guess they can't chase him around like we do but when he saw Allen he came running to him as fast as he could he recognizes us and that makes me feel pretty darn good, even if it is only to say hey there are those crazy people that feed me cookies and baby food. We played and he unpacked the bag which he loves to do, we kinda kept him a little more occupied today in one area which was good because it is so hot. By the end we were walking around the orphanage following him which was OK he is so cute you can see him cut his eyes to the side to make sure we are behind him....he knows what he is doing! lol When it was time to go we took him inside with his groupa to get ready to eat lunch and nap he turned to me and put his little arms up as if to say don't leave take me with you. It breaks my heart to leave him but I hugged him bye and could hear him crying when I left. How could something like this make you feel good and bad at the same time. It makes me feel so bad to have to leave him, but on the other hand it makes me feel good that he is getting attached and can feel the love I have for him. Please pray we find out a court date soon, we are just taking this one day at a time.

Monday

2010-07-12T14:32:00.001-04:00

Today we went to the orphanage about 10:00 am when we got there all the children were playing outside they had music playing from the open windows it was very pleasant. When we first arrived we walked around the playground and finally saw our little man walking around with his little hat on, he looked so cute. At first I don't think he knew who we were and then he spotted the bag and it was on. He loves to try to get in our backpack to see what goodies we have. I brought him some baby food and he ate it all up and loved it. It was a big jar too, not one of the small ones, we tryed to give him some water and he spit it everywhere and just laughed he thought that was the funniest thing ever. I think that boy would eat forever if you would just sit and feed him. He is such a happy child and loves to be outside, but he can not be still for 5 seconds he is off and into everything. I love him so much and want to snuggle him up but he just won't have it right now he is just to busy for all that mushy stuff !

Sunday

2010-07-11T14:55:00.000-04:00

Today we were not allowed to go see Duncan, so I knew it was going to be a long day. I did not go to bed until 4:00 am and got up at 4:00 pm today I just can't get on this time schedule which today was ok I just wanted the day to go by. I miss my two children something terrible, but I know in the end it will all be worth the sacrifices we have all made. We ventured out on the streets to find some supper and we came across a place to eat when we went in we weren't sure what it was. But it was Sushi, which I am not fond of at all, my husband likes it but not me but we sat down and looked over the menu. He had California Roll and I had a shrimp and crab salad which was really good.

here are some pictures of our apartment

Day 2 with Duncan

2010-07-10T10:06:00.000-04:00

Sasha picked us up at 9:30 to go to the orphanage it was pouring down rain and the streets in places were flooded. I have never seen such poor streets in my whole life, there are holes that I could lay down in. Once we got to the orphanage he took us upstairs we were met by one of the workers and several children that ran to the door. The care taker yelled for Duncan and I saw him across the room he turned around and saw us and he came running knocking several children to the floor. I was so surprised he had remembered us he went straight to his daddy to pick him up it made my heart smile. It was wonderful they took us to a room to play with him, there we met another couple from Canada who is also adopting. But let me tell you it was on at that point, that boy had us sweating he was all over that room he has so much energy and is very stubborn. Allen and I were laughing about how we were having to chase him around that room, whew I thought I was going to die with a heat stroke before it was all over. He is defintely going to keep our family busy. Does anybody have any recommendations on how I am going to keep him occupied on a 15 hour train ride and flight back to the states ? Please give me some suggestions. He is wonderful and so happy I can't wait to get him home to meet his new brother and sister.

15 Hour Train Ride

2010-07-09T09:37:00.000-04:00

We got on a train at 6:40 pm yesterday and did not arrive in region until 9:50 am this morning talk about a long ride. It was loud, hot and kept stopping it made it almost impossible to sleep not to mention I could hear the man next to us snoring. I saw so many things that made me appreciate the little things in life. When we got off the train we were meet by Violette and Sasha they took us straight to get the documents needed to visit the orphanage we hit the ground running. As to my surprise they said are you ready to meet your baby, I was like today and she said yes I was so thrilled I couldn't hardly stand myself the day I have waited for is finally here. We drove in the gates and all in the parking lot you could see the toys we went in and talked with the director and she gave us information about Duncan, we found out he does have an older sister which still remains with their birth parents. when they saw that he had down syndrome he was left at the hospital. Duncan has been at that orphange since he was a month old. According to the director he has no health issues other than downs she said he is very active, can feed himself with a spoon and can also dress himself. He started walking at the age of one, hearing all this I was very impressed. The orphanage was not what a expected at all it was very nice and clean and looked as if all the children were very well cared for, the director seemed to really care about these children.
We walked up stairs with the director we were in a hallway and she went into a room and said here is your mama and papa come, I peeked around the corner and there he was sitting in a little chair at a table playing with toys and eating a cookie, I can not describe the feelings I had it was wonderful. He was so happy he laughed with us and at us it was wonderful, he is so full of energy I have forgotten what it is like to be around a 2 year old he was wide open and I loved it! I can't wait to see him tomorrow.

SDA Hearing

2010-07-07T07:56:00.000-04:00

Yulia had a taxi pick us up at 9:30 am to take us to our meeting, when we arrived we went into the building and sat on a couch didn't wait long not even 5 minutes, we went into an office with Yulia and another lady they brought out his file and ask us several questions about why we wanted to adopt a special needs child and to tell us information about ourselves. They showed us a picture of him as an infant it was precious he is such a cutie and one other picture that we have never seen before. He was abandoned at the hospital by his parents and he has no siblings. All medical records show no health problems just has down syndrome. I just can't imagine how anyone could just leave their child no matter what health issues they have. We pickup our referal tomorrow between 4 and 5 and then we will travel by train to his region, from what I understand it is a long way from Kiev so we will be on a train all night I am sure. I just can't wait to meet my baby it won't be long.

Jet Lag is a killer

2010-07-06T16:42:00.000-04:00

Here are pictures of our apartment and our pizza we had for supper it was wonderful ! Don't know why they are in this order I am not much of a blog expert, Not much to tell today we slept until 2 this afternoon, this jet lag is killing me or this time change not sure which it is. We are not very good grocery shoppers here we got buttermilk instead of milk milk LOL, water that taste like alka selzter, I did get some Coke Light but it is gone. Hopefully we will do better tomorrow. Yulia called and said for us to be ready in the morning at 9:30 am for our SDA Hearing I can't wait, maybe I will have some interesting news tomorrow.

Finally Here !!!!

2010-07-05T16:08:00.000-04:00

I am finally here in Kiev I can't believe it !! It was so hard leaving home and my two children but we all know it is what is meant to be and that soon they will have a little brother. Allen and I are very tired, had problems getting internet been running around the city until we could find what we needed for the computer. No one speaks english and it is so hard to communicate.

Our flights were not bad at all and I did not freak out like I thought....I prayed a lot :) When we arrived we were not sure what would happen next or where we were suppose to go but as soon as we got outside of the airport there stood Nikoli holding a sign that said Freeman oh how relieved I was. But let me just tell ya the driving here is outrageous but I was so tired I could have cared less. Hope to post pictures of our apartment tomorrow. Thanks for all the prayers and please keep them coming, this is really hard being away from home. But I am so looking forward to meeting my new son.

On My Way

2010-07-04T12:45:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to drop a quick note to let everyone know that I am about to get on a plane headed for my baby ! I have so many emotions right now I am so sad about leaving my children but on the other hand so excited about meeting my new son. Please pray that this process is fast and easy so we can bring our baby home asap. I will try to post as soon as I can. Love and hugs to everyone :)

Thanks Leeann this made me cry

2010-06-28T19:24:00.002-04:00

Half a world away

Sometimes it seems we're so far apart

But a half a world away

Is not too far for a journey of the heart

My little one, my precious joy

I'm waiting for you

My precious son, my little boy

I know you're waiting too

Half a world away

A child waits for a family of his own

While a half a world away

A family waits to come bring him home

My little one, my precious joy

I'm whispering a prayer

My precious son, my baby boy

I hope to soon be there

Half a world away

So many miles to bring you home at last

And half a world away

So many months of waiting are past.

My little one, my precious joy

You will fin'ly be home to stay

My precious son, my little boy

We celebrate that day...

Knowing we will no longer be

half a world away.

One week and counting

2010-06-27T22:25:00.000-04:00

I can not believe that next Sunday I will be on an airplane flying to my babies country, it seems like a dream. I have been waiting on this day since I started this journey and now I can't believe I am so close. I am looking so forward to meeting my baby but so depressed about leaving my children for so long. Please pray for our family at this time of separation it is really going to be hard for all of us.

Happy Fathers Day to My Dad

2010-06-20T19:29:00.000-04:00

SDA Appt. July 7th

2010-06-14T20:48:00.000-04:00

We received our SDA appt. today when I saw this I was so overwhelmed with all kinds of emotions. I am so excited to finally be meeting my precious son but so sad about leaving my children for so long. I have not been apart from my precious children this long....only a weekend. But I have to trust in the Lord to see us through it.
It is so unbelievable that my little angel has no idea that he will soon meet his mama and daddy who love him so much already. I just can't wait to meet him and to hold him and love him...I just can't believe I am almost there. Alaina and Aaron are so excited about getting a little brother I think they are willing to give us up for a little while to bring him home. Hold on little angel we will be there in only two short weeks, thank you JESUS !!!!

Finally !!

2010-06-10T23:02:00.000-04:00

I am finally done with Duncan's room, it has turned out so cute !!! Thank you Leeann for the beautiful Monogram letters I love them and they go perfect.

God is Truly Amazing

2010-06-01T21:58:00.000-04:00

I am so truly amazed by God with him all things are possible. My husband when were first married was very involved with Special Olympics he served on the board and ran in the Marine Marathon in Washington DC with one special athlete and came in first place . He loved all these children and young adults with special needs and was always doing some crazy or daring fundraisers to raise money for the Special Olympics or Buck A Cup. Some of these included sitting on a billboard all weekend without coming down .. believe me when he came down he stunk from head to toe !
After having two children of our own Allen often ask me to adopt a child with Down Syndrome this is something he was determined to do, I wasn't quit ready and wasn't sure I could handle it with two small children. I prayed about it and it wasn't until November of 2009 I was given the answer at a Fuddruckers in Pigeon Forge, TN where we were on a family weekend get away. A little boy with down syndrome was sitting at a table near us he kept looking at me smiling and I would look at him and smile. My daughter dropped her cookie token and he bent over and picked up for her she said thank you he returned with your welcome and then gave me the thumbs up....it was so cute. When his family was done eating he walked over to our table and straight to me and gave me the biggest hug and said thank you, I love you. You can't imagine the feelings that came over me, I immediately starting crying I knew that this little man had said it all and gave me the answer that I was waiting on...it was time. When we came home we starting searches for that special child that was meant to be ours. We were given several websites from a friend who served with my husband on the board of Special Olympics. We were drawn to Reece's Rainbow automatically we both looked at the website for days. One night we decided to show each other who we had picked out, not knowing that we had picked out the same little boy, Duncan !
When we started we had $0 for this journey, my husband was worried to death and kept questioning the whole money issue. I told him to have FAITH God had led us to this he won't let us down he will provide. I bought a picture to remind us Faith makes ALL things possible. God is truly amazing after a few fundraisers, family and friends we have now raised over 21,000.00 I can't even start to express to you how I feel, my heart feels so big and full of Love and I can not wait to meet and hold this child that God intended to give us all along even before we knew.

Submitted !

2010-05-27T22:18:00.000-04:00

Yes, today we were submitted I am so happy, come on travel date !!!

TOMORROW !!!!!!!!!!!

2010-05-26T23:01:00.000-04:00

YAY ! Should be submitted tomorrow so happy waiting for tomorrow, I just keep getting closer just not fast enough but at least I am getting closer to bringing my baby home !

PATIENCE !!!! WHAT'S THAT????

2010-05-25T22:01:00.000-04:00

I am trying so hard to be patient...I have been waiting since the end of last week to see if we were submitted Thursday and nobody knows!!!! I will admit that patience is my weak point so maybe God is trying to help me work on this weak point that I have. I know that he is in control and he knows what is best, but knowing that my little one is over there with no one to hug and kiss him goodnight or hold him when he cries or just love him is killing me. Please pray I find out something tomorrow.

so much to do

2010-05-08T20:37:00.000-04:00

I have so much to do, I finished painting Alaina's new room and now I am starting to paint her old room to make it Duncan's room. I can't wait to get it finished. I had planned on buying a crib for him even though he is almost three. Just wondering what you other moms thought.....I have had some say no get him a toddler bed, but I think not. I am sure he is in a crib now and I would feel better if he were in a crib for a while. Thought I would purchase one that would turn into a toddler bed and then into a twin bed. So much redecorating but I love it and it is keeping me busy. Will try to post some pictures when I am done with his room.

It has arrived !!!

2010-05-05T18:52:00.000-04:00

I am so excited my dossier has been delivered, now I will need to patiently wait for the next step, which I hope and pray won't take to long!!!

IT IS GETTING CLOSER

2010-05-05T09:31:00.000-04:00

I checked my tracking number this morning before I left for work and to my surprise it has arrived in Duncan's country !!!! I am so excited I can't even work!!! It hasn't been delivered yet but at least I know it made it ! I can't believe I am going to meet my little angel soon :)

On another note please pray for a family friend of mine, his wife has battled cancer for 14 years, between this time she had been in remission and they adopted a little boy who is now 6. She is now being placed in hospice, they are giving her only 7 to 14 days to live please pray that God gives this family peace and understanding.

The Waiting Game Again !!!

2010-05-04T18:10:00.000-04:00

I bet I have pulled up the FedEx website a hundred times today and every time it said the same thing!!! April 30th 6:48am departed France..... This is killing me!!!!! I guess I have waited this long it just kills me to know that I am so close and my heart is in that envelope and I sure don't want it to get lost. I know they said it would probably be Thursday before it arrived to it's destination but I can hardly wait.....COME ON THURSDAY!!!!!

It is making its way !

2010-04-29T18:25:00.000-04:00

I can not believe how fast my dossier is traveling! When I mailed it Tuesday they told me it would not arrive to its destination until Thursday, May 6th....Well when I looked up my tracking number this afternoon it is already in France. I couldn't believe it I started to cry just to know a part of me is getting so much closer to my baby! Does that sound crazy or what ? But that is how I feel.......... surely it being that close it won't take it that long to arrive at it's destination.

Just to think my baby has no idea that he has a family that loves him and can't wait to bring him home, he is going to be showered with so much love he won't know what to think !!

Mailed off !!!

2010-04-28T08:43:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I mailed my dossier it felt so weird to put that paperwork in that envelope and let it out of my sight! I hope and pray it makes it OK.....I also felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. So now what to do next, I have so much to do and don't know where to start. I just keep thinking about meeting my little man and I just can't wait, I hope I don't scare him because I just want to scoop him up and kiss him all over his little face!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME !!!!

2010-04-26T23:14:00.000-04:00

Today I got the best Birthday present ever, all my papers were apostille and ready to go in the mail tomorrow.

It is so hard to believe that all the paper chasing is over . I hope everything is correct and in order and that I will be getting a travel date soon.

I GOT IT !!!!!!!!

2010-04-21T18:38:00.000-04:00

When I got home from work, Alaina (my daughter) checked the mail and there it was !!!! We were all screaming and going crazy I am sure the neighbors thought we had gone mad but who cares !!! The one form I have been waiting on to go get my baby. Will go to the State House on Monday and get all my papers apostille, I called them and they told me to be there first thing and leave them and they would call me when they were done.
So I hope everything goes in the mail the first of next week. I am so excited.... I am so much closer to meeting my little angel.

Finally Good News

2010-04-21T14:43:00.000-04:00

I received an email saying that my 171H was mailed to me the first of this week !!!!! WOOO HOOO!!!!! This means I should get it by the end of the week I hope, so Monday I will be traveling to the State House to get all my papers apostille and then off to the post office I will go. Thank you Jesus....... hold on little angel your mommys getting closer !!!!

Please Pray

2010-04-20T22:55:00.000-04:00

Found out today that a lot of my paperwork that was notarized back in December will expire by June 15th. Please pray that my 171 H comes this week or the first of next week! I think if I have to get these papers redone I will scream. It is OK if it is something I can do on my own but if I have to depend on someone else to do it.....ohh Lord nobody wants to cooperate and get it done. Please pray I get it soon so I can mail my dossier to the Ukraine ASAP!!!!

Busy While I Still Wait

2010-04-19T23:56:00.000-04:00

Still waiting on that last form but boy have I been busy! Having a huge yard sale this weekend to help us raise some more money to get Duncan home. My garage is packed full of clothes, household items, toys and the list goes on and on and on. I have spent hours organizing everything, and I am still not finished. Thanks to all who have donated we couldn't have done it without your support. Still checking and rechecking my paperwork trying to make sure everything is exactly right so when that last piece is here I will take a trip to Columbia to get everything apostille then off to the post office I will go!! We have decided his full name will be Andrew Duncan Freeman, I wish he knew how much his mommy already loves him !

Finally

2010-04-09T18:07:00.000-04:00

Finally received an email from Charleston from CHO Adoptions they finally got my packet that had to be resent by the homestudy agency. It was LOST the first go round talk about being upset, the agency said they had never had this to happen....well I guess I had to be the first. So thankful it was straightened out before the weekend or I would have been so worried wondering if it would ever make it there. I just keep thinking this will all happen within God's time not mine.

Finally Something !!!

2010-03-31T18:30:00.000-04:00

Finally when I went to the mail box I received a copy of our approval letter from DSS . I now know I am at least closer to receiving my approval from USCIS and oh what a day that will be. The neighbors will really think I am having a crazy fit because I am going to scream and dance in the middle of the road like a crazy person!! LOL I am so ready to go and get my little boy. My daughter got teary eyed talking about us leaving I know it is going to be so hard on all of us to be apart but I am trusting my family to help keep them occupied and happy. We are all just going to have to focus on the end of this wonderful journey at that is bringing Duncan home where he belongs.

Waiting

2010-03-29T18:53:00.000-04:00

This is really getting depressing, I know I shouldn't be expecting anything yet since they messed all the paperwork up, but I just can't help but hold my breath every time I check the mail. I just keep praying I will get it this week hoping they realize how much time has been wasted since they had to send it back and put a rush on it. The past week has been horrible 1st I get poison oak on both arms and it is still there itching like crazy 2nd I find holes in my dining room wall guess what? TERMITES !!!!!! Lastly the alternator goes out on our van so I really think the devil is testing me. But it is OK because I am going to take one day at a time and all this can be fixed within time.

Waiting

2010-03-24T18:59:00.000-04:00

Still no paper, I got a call today from my agency saying that the girl they hand delivered my home study to was out sick for a week and that my paper was being sent over night to Charleston and they should get it tomorrow. My question is WHEN WILL I GET IT????? This is getting on my nerves it seems to be little things that are happening to prolong me from getting this one paper. Last night I was really down wondering if things were going to work out, this waiting is giving me to much time to think and my thinking is becoming more negative than positive. I just need to focus on one thing and that is Duncan with his little precious face and blue eyes I just can't wait to meet him and for him to meet his new family. It is amazing how much I love him already, I have got to stay positive and focus on getting him and holding him in my arms.

Don't know whether to SCREAM OR CRY !!!

2010-03-16T18:43:00.000-04:00

All this time I have been watching my mailbox for my last form.....oh what a joke! The agency that did my home study emailed me today with information that made no sense to me at all, so I call her and she said oh did you not call asking about where to get your fingerprints? I said no I have been to my fingerprints appt. already. Now this is the second time she has sent me an email that didn't belong to me and at the beginning she gave me a new last name, go figure! About a month ago I was to pay extra for my home study to be hand delivered to Columbia to hurry the process along, well she tells me today that they sent it back once it got to Charleston because something on the last page was not worded correctly. You can imagine how I had to breath calmly before I blew my top. It ends up she said it would be hand delivered today or tomorrow she stated that this happens a lot in adoption...now is this true or was this suppose to make me feel better? I let her know I was very upset and that I wanted to bring my baby home asap and that is why I wanted my papers hand delivered to begin with. And I don't think it would have took this long for them to get it back from Charleston and they are just now fixing it and going to send it today or tomorrow!!! WHERE HAS IT BEEN ALL THIS TIME????? Oh Lord please forgive me I know I need patience but this is getting hard! Please pray that this does not take to long! I also thought to myself why did somebody not call me or email me to let me know what was going on.

2010-03-11T22:03:00.000-05:00

I am still patiently waiting for my INS clearance to come in the mail. This waiting is so hard and reading other blogs has really got me down. I am praying for Julia and Aaron I didn't realize he had already been transfered to an institution. We just have to pray very hard for these little souls that God is watching over them until we can bring them home where they belong. It really hurts to know that we are all here ready to bring them home where they will be loved and properly cared for and the crazy government over there is keeping this from happening. They act as if they don't care about them so why do they make it so hard for us, the people that do care.

2010-03-08T12:29:00.002-05:00

KISSES IN THE WIND (The Waiting Child's Lullabye)

I hold you in my heart and touch you in my dreams.

You are here each day with me, at least that's how it seems.

I know you wonder where we are... what's taking us so long.

But remember child, I love you so and God will keep you strong.

Now go outside and feel the breeze and let it touch your skin...

Because tonight, just as always, I blow you kisses in the wind.

May God hold you in His hand until I can be with you.

I promise you, my darling, I'm doing all that I can do.

Very soon, you'll have a family for real, not just pretend.

But for tonight, just as always, I blow you kisses in the wind.

May God wrap you in His arms and hold you very tight.

And let the angels bring the kisses that I send to you each night.

--- © Pamela Durkota, written for Josh

2010-03-03T18:15:00.003-05:00

Still just waiting on our clearance from INS, I keep double checking my paperwork found I have three more forms. One copy of something I already had and a new POA nothing that is a big deal...Thank Goodness!
Our womanless Fashion show went great everyone had a good time, all the guys had a blast once they were all dressed up. It was wonderful how everyone came together for a wonderful cause to get my Duncan home. People I didn't even know were just walking up to me giving $100.00 bills and some people I did know. I think I cried the whole time even when I was laughing at all the guys. We still have more money to raise but I have faith we will get there one way or another.

2010-02-23T21:33:00.003-05:00

I am getting so excited and nervous and everything else I can think of, I am getting so much closer to bringing my baby home. Went for our fingerprints yesterday we were not even there for 10 minutes and I thought it would be something we would have to sit and wait forever and fill out a million more papers, but we didn't. So now all I am waiting on is that last form (171H I think is what it is called) and then off to the the State House and then I guess everything will be mailed off for approval.
Womanless Fashion show is Saturday night I hope we bring in a lot of money because we don't have much time to spare we need all we can get. After this we are planning more fundraisers asap, the clock is ticking and I need to get Duncan and bring him home.

2010-02-21T20:38:00.002-05:00

It was a beautiful weekend with sunshine and warmer weather, Thank the Lord! Went to my friends house and met her little girl she was so precious and I can't get her off my mind she was the most loving baby I have ever seen....I wanted to take her home. I hope Duncan will be the same such a joy, I'm sure he will be.

In the morning is our trip to get our fingerprints, I am so nervous and excited. We are finally getter closer but I am worried about the financial part, I know I need to have faith. This week we have had several people make donations which really touches my heart. I know it will come within time. Our Womanless Fashion show is this coming Saturday this is going to be so funny, we have County Deputies, Jail Officers and some State Highway Patrolmen..... it took me a lot to convince some of them to dress like women. But when they see Duncan's little face they know it is worth making a fool out of themselves. THANKS GUYS, IT MEANS ALOT !!!!

2010-02-19T22:29:00.002-05:00

Today I received my notarized copies of our home study in the mail, so I hope they have already hand delivered the one to DSS in Columbia. We go get our finger prints done on Monday, everything seems to be rolling on just not fast enough for me. At least now I feel like I am making progress. Noticed on RR that one little girl lost her family, this has really bothered me...how does this happen? She was committed to about the same time we committed to Duncan. I hope somebody comes along and commits to her soon.

2010-02-14T21:55:00.003-05:00

I am so excited today I found one of my old friends I use to work with on facebook, I told her about Duncan and to my surprise she has a 19 month old little girl with Down Syndrome. She said that she was wonderful and such a blessing to their family. We are suppose to go to dinner this coming Saturday so we can meet her. I can't wait...I am so glad that I will have a friend that can help me along the way and give me the advice I am going to need. She is a wonderful person, I can't believe we got reconnected after all this time in such wonderful circumstances. I know this may sound crazy to some but I believe God brought us back together for this very reason, so I would have someone to talk to and learn from:)

2010-02-13T15:30:00.002-05:00

Received our draft of our home study everything looked good, now just waiting for it to be submitted to DSS. I asked them to hand deliver it so it would get done faster, said it would cost me extra, but who cares? I want this done as quick as possible and I am willing to pay. Everyday that little one sits over there waiting for his family and I am trying my best to get to him faster.

Had a lot of snow last night my kids loved it...so did we. We made snowmen to represent us all, it is hilarious :) Next year their will be a fifth little snowman, I can't wait.

2010-02-07T13:32:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was Alaina's 10th birthday, I can't believe my baby is in double digits!!! They grow up so fast. We had a sleep over for her Friday night it was so much fun. She had 4 girls spend the night we took them to Fuddruckers and we had a great time. There was a clown there and he made balloon hats for all of them they looked so silly but cute. Aaron loved this, all he wanted to do was torment them and get right in the middle of everything they were doing which really irritated Alaina. But isn't this what little brothers do ??? Our auction went really well we did a whole lot more than I had expected. We made over $1500.00 but I think some people were still coming in and getting the stuff that was left over so we were getting more. I should know for sure next week....I am so excited !!! My husband was so worried about getting the money and I told him just have FAITH when God is behind you he makes all things possible !!! I know we have a long way to go but at least we are ahead more now than I thought we would be, but I know it will come one way or another. People have been so generous to give it is so touching that perfect strangers will stand behind you. This morning I was just thinking what it is going to be like when I first meet little Duncan is he going to warm up to me or is he going to shy away. I don't want to overwhelm him but I know I am going to want to run to him and pick him up and give him the biggest hug and kiss he has ever had. It is so unbelievable how I can love this child so much and have never even meet him I never thought this was possible but I love him so much it makes my heart hurt. I can't wait to bring him home :)

2010-02-03T22:55:00.002-05:00

Today I was a little emotional thinking about Duncan , wish I was on my way to pick him up and bring him to his new home. The Judge I work for is in the process of adopting his second little girl from China. Yesterday the day of his mothers funeral he got a call saying he and his wife had been matched with a little girl who was 10 months old. It really touched him that God had taken away someone really special in his life, his mother and in turn gave him a wonderful gift a little girl who is being named after his mother. I know God is in control and knows actually the right time for everything. This really touched me and gave me chills as he showed me the picture of his new little girl. Please help me in praying for this family as they bring this special child into their home.

2010-02-02T21:19:00.002-05:00

2010-02-02T21:13:00.003-05:00

Yesterday received our appointment to be fingerprinted, still waiting on the home study to come back. This waiting is really hard I am so ready just to go and get him and bring him home. Still worried about leaving my children for 2 weeks, we have never been apart for more than a weekend, so I don't know how this is going to be. When we come back and have to go back again for 2 weeks I am sure it is going to be even harder for them. But at least they can look forward to us coming home with their new brother :)

2010-01-29T19:59:00.002-05:00

I am so wore out !!! Had a hot dog sale today and delivered them, we had over three hundred hot dogs delivered. Had a great turn out made over $500.00.......I can't believe it. First thing this morning we had to go to school. Aaron received TERRIFIC KID, I was so proud of him. He looked so sweet sitting up there with some of his classmates. Alaina has already gotten it the first part of the year and she got it last year. I have great children and I love them more than anything in this world and I know Duncan will be loved just the same, just can't wait to get him here. Thanks to my mother, mother in-law and her friends or we could have never made so many hot dogs. They were the professionals, my mother in-law said I made messy hot dogs!! Oh well food service has never been anything I would want to do, nor have I ever done it. I would be some body's worst nightmare as a waitress:)

2010-01-26T22:25:00.002-05:00

Thanks so much to everyone who is helping with our fundraisers, It really does touch our hearts! Still just waiting on fingerprinting appointment and to hear word back from he home study. Completed my online adoption course that I was required to take, kinda crazy but I could see why they would want you to take it. It kinda emphasized on a lot of negatives of what ifs or things that could happen or go wrong. I guess they just want you to be aware of what could happen and what you might be facing. I am sure it will be a big change for Duncan leaving his familiar surroundings and his ordinary routine, But I know it will be better here with his forever family.

2010-01-23T20:04:00.002-05:00

Received my letter from the bank and it was right. Yulia received my letter and I received a letter from Homeland Security saying they received my I600A and we would soon be getting an appointment to be fingerprinted. WOOHOOO , I am getting closer !!!!!!!! It is such relief that things are coming together. Starting to think about what color I am going to paint Duncan's room. Aaron's room is blue so I want it to be a different just not sure what yet. Alaina is moving to a different room and she wants her room pink now instead of purple so soon I am going to be doing a lot of painting and moving of furniture. I guess this can keep me occupied during all the waiting I will have to endure. I also think it will be fun :)

2010-01-19T22:16:00.002-05:00

Today I feel a little impatient, I really wish this whole process would speed up. The after school program where my children attend are having a silent auction for us the 1st of February we are so lucky to have such wonderful people supporting us. We have had so many people donate such wonderful things. They have also started what they call as coin wars to see which age group can bring the most change. Natalie, the director has been so good to do all this for us she is really working hard and we appreciate it so much. I know this has taken a lot of time out of her busy schedule. I ask God every day to lay his hands on Duncan every night to protect him and let him know that he is loved and soon will be with his forever family !

2010-01-18T11:21:00.002-05:00

I am almost there, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel just a few more pieces of paperwork and I think I will be done! They do keep adding stuff but nothing too hard. Talked with my social worker yesterday she said she would be mailing out our home study this week....yeah !!! So now we will be waiting to get approved by DSS, which shouldn't be a problem. Still haven't got fingerprinted yet hopefully won't be long. Only problem is we are still short on funds but hopefully by the time we are ready to travel it will all be there.....I pray. I feel God is in this so he will provide, I have FAITH :)

2010-01-15T21:50:00.002-05:00

My heart goes out to all the people in Haiti , my thoughts and prayers will be with each and every one of them. Sometimes when these disasters occur you realize your own problems aren't so bad.

2010-01-14T20:18:00.002-05:00

Got papers from the bank today, but guess what not what I needed, I am not believing these people you send the actual paper of what you need and you get something totally different. I guess here I go again, but that's OK because I will get it no matter what!!! Sent off my I600 forms hope everything goes smoothly with that, I heard it takes about 2 weeks to get an appointment to get finger printed I hope that is right...... seems reasonable:) This whole experience so far has brought a lot of new people into our lives and GOOD people. It is so wonderful that people you don't even know would stand behind you and give to such a wonderful cause. We need all the prayers we can get to make this whole process go fast and smooth. Sent my letter to the Ukraine about the specific child we wanted to adopt, sent it before Christmas and it still has not been received according to the postal services. This is really freaking me out....hope it turns up in the proper hands. Well I still have more paperwork to do so I better get busy !

2010-01-09T21:45:00.003-05:00

YES !!!! I finally got the medical forms and they are correct and good to go !! I feel like a weight has been lifted off of me! Now I can move on to the next task which I don't think will be as hard or I hope not as hard as these medical forms. I know my doctor was about ready to scream he has seen me everyday this week, but I really didn't care I wanted this done . I have been so stressed out but I am getting so much closer to getting Duncan home and I can't wait to be able to hold him in my arms. I am so glad I have the support of Meredith and McKenna they have helped me every step of the way.

2010-01-08T20:59:00.002-05:00

Sorry I haven't updated in a few days paperwork has really got me down. Medical forms are a nightmare I have redone them 3 times am now waiting to see if they are correct this time. I am about ready to SCREAM!!! I know it is all worth it and I will redo them 3 more times if necessary. Home study meeting went very well I really do like Lynn she is really sweet. I think she wants to see Duncan here as much as we do. Alaina is starting to get antsy about us going and leaving her for 2 weeks I have explained she can't go and I will miss her and Aaron also but that I have to go. Aaron has not mentioned it, I guess he is trying to be brave. I know it will be hard on all of us but hopefully it will go by faster than we anticipate.

2010-01-04T22:01:00.002-05:00

Nothing is really new, I still don't have the medical forms should be getting them tomorrow. I have finished more paperwork but still have some more to go. I will really be glad when that part is over. The lady from the home study is still coming Wednesday and I am very nervous just don't know what to expect. The church where my children go to an after school program are setting up a silent auction for us as a fundraiser. We are also planning a hot dog sale at the end of January and a woman less fashion show in February which should be a hoot! I am so touched how people are willing to help it really has taught me a lesson. The past few days I have been nervous about the whole thing I just want to bring him home. I dread going to the Ukraine it scares me to death seeing as how I have only been on a plane once in my life and I hated it!!! Not to mention I was only on it for a few hours. I know it will be all worth it to see that little face in person and to be able to hold him and comfort him. I have to trust in the Lord to keep me calm and help me through this whole journey.

2009-12-30T00:11:00.002-05:00

Still no medical forms, I really hope when I get them back they are all correct. Nothing new to tell just still waiting on certain forms from the bank and the doctor and....... Will I ever get this all done!!! I hate having to wait on other people if I want something done I want it. I need to pray for Patience which is something I really have never had but I am trying. I feel like all this time is passing and Duncan is still waiting I just want to get him as soon as possible so I can hold him and love him like he deserves to be loved.

2009-12-28T11:51:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I received a call from the Lady who is doing our home study she is finally going to meet us on Wednesday the 6th of January. She has other families to start with also but said she would start with us first since I was so anxious and had already sent in all my paperwork to begin. I am suppose to pick up our medical forms from the doctor today I hope everything is in order and we don't have to give any more blood I don't think I have much more for them take!!!! Now that Christmas is over I am going to have to start paper chasing once again. Duncan got two Christmas presents one stuffed elephant from his granny and $50.00 from his nana to go into his fund. Tell me this child is not going to be SPOILED just like Alaina and Aaron. They are both so excited about next Christmas knowing they will have a new little brother to celebrate with :)

2009-12-26T23:10:00.002-05:00

Christmas day I received a BIG contribution to Duncan's fund from a couple who over the years we have come to love and hold dear in our hearts. I always knew they were sent to us from above. This is not the first time they have done something special, they are two of the most loving and caring people I know. It just brings tears to my eyes thinking how generous they were. With all our friends and families support their is no doubt in my mind that we will bring this little boy home. I pray and thank the Lord above every night that we have so many people who care and are doing everything to help us through this journey of adoption.

2009-12-24T09:50:00.002-05:00

Today is Christmas Eve and I can't help to think about my little angel in that orphanage and how he probably won't get anything for Christmas not even a hug it breaks my heart. I maybe wrong but from what I hear they don't get very much attention at all. Well I just have to focus on next year he will be home with his new family. Yesterday we had more donations it is so wonderful that people that don't even know us give to such a wonderful cause to save this child's life and to give him a family.

2009-12-22T22:24:00.003-05:00

Saturday we had our bake sale we made about $200.00 I couldn't believe it !!! Thanks to everyone that helped. Everything really seems to be coming together we have a long way to go but at least we are starting out on the right foot. I can't help to keep wondering what he is doing and how he is taken care of, I look at his picture everyday wanting to just pick him up and love him. My daughter wrote out her list to Santa and at the end of her list she wrote, " Santa I will give up one gift so that Duncan will have something for Christmas", that really brought tears to my eyes. I thought she was really sweet to think of him.
I think some people think I am crazy because I have never met this child but I have fallen in love with him through a picture, I guess they just don't understand the connection I feel. I just keep counting down the days and keep doing the paperwork so I can get closer to bringing him home where I feel that he belongs.

2009-12-16T22:53:00.000-05:00

Today was a good day I sold one of my Christmas wreaths and was given more money than I was asking, it was a generous donation to bring Duncan home. I also had other donations given to me so I now feel like I am making progress! I hope by the time we are ready to travel we have raised enough money so I don't have to worry. I am still doing that wonderful thing you call paper chasing I hope this part is over soon !!!!

2009-12-15T21:06:00.000-05:00

I have been so busy I haven't had time to sit down and do much of anything. Saturday we are having a bake sale and I pray we make some money for this adoption. I have been doing all kinds of paperwork and thankfully so far I am getting it RIGHT:)Every morning when I wake up I think I am one day closer to getting to meet my little angel and bringing him home. I am so worried about him not getting the love he deserves and needs. I hope and pray next Christmas he will be home with his new family.

Doctors trip again

2009-12-09T21:10:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I went to the doctor for my physical and I am glad it is over. I left all my paperwork for them to fill out, they said it would be ready next week. I hope so !!! Today I had to go back to the doctors office with my son Aaron, he has Strep throat. YUCK, but I am really glad it was not the flu. Thanks to all of my followers it really does help that other people feel the same way I do and are giving me words of encouragement. As you can see the first time I tried to respond to my followers I became one myself, don't know how I did it ?? I am not a computer whiz and now I can't get it deleted off. Oh well and they are depending on me to get this 34 pages of paperwork done, kinda scary but I am going to give it my 100% I want to bring my little angel home;-)

PAPERWORK!!!!!!!!!!

2009-12-07T23:43:00.000-05:00

Today I printed out all my documents and information I need to fill out and I am majorly stressed out. But I can't let this get me down I just need to look ahead at what will be a happy ending. I will just take this one step at a time and believe that God will help me through this pile of paperwork. We have set up a bake sale the weekend before Christmas so I pray that our first fundraiser will be a success:)
My husband went to Barnes And Noble and bought our first book BABIES With DOWN SYNDROME, A New Parents' Guide. I can't wait to start reading it the baby on the front is so adorable. I am sure tomorrow at my doctor's appt. I will at least get through a couple chapters.

Fun Day

2009-12-06T14:06:00.000-05:00

Yesterday we went to Columbia to see Byrnes High School play for the State Championship, for the ninth time, but this time they lost. This is the school that my husband attended and that my children will attend. The high school I attended, Dorman they beat Byrnes for the State Championship !!! But I have to admit I am truly now a Byrnes Rebel :-) My son, who is 7 loves football. As I sat and watched the game I wondered what it will be like next year football season will Duncan love football like Aaron? I know it will all be new to him but I can't wait to see his reaction to all that he will see and do. After the game we went to the State Museum and to the mall we had a great day out. I felt guilty because I wasn't home trying to advance more towards the journey of our adoption but my husband and I did talk of ways to start some great fundraisers on the ride down.

Fundraiser Meeting

2009-12-05T23:17:00.000-05:00

Last night we had a meeting about how to raise money to get Duncan home. So many ideas were given we just need to get started and set them in motion. Any suggestions would be helpful. My mind is going in a thousand directions and I don't really know what to do first. I am constantly thinking of him and wondering what he is doing and if they are taking good care of him. We have notified the Christian Family Services for our home study, we have filled out the paper work and it will be mailed first thing Monday. I want this to get started asap!!