Rhyne and Jake

Little Bit Of Life

2007-06-17T16:23:00.000-04:00

Thought it was about time to give updates.

First and foremost, my Mom's cancer treatment has been unremarkable. She has completed her 6 weeks of chemo & radiation (worked everyday through it all might I add!), and has been an inspiration to her doctors. She never lost her hair nor was too terribly sick. She started getting a little sore from the radiation towards the end of treatment, and continues to hurt in that area. When she went for her visit to her surgeon, he was amazed! In his words, " he has never seen anything like it in all his years of practice". Her large tumor has shrunk to the size of a small ulcer!!! She's scheduled for surgery on July 11th and they will know then if her colostomy bag will be permanent or temporary. Either way, the cancer soon will be gone!

Rock Farms is growing everyday. Our ol' 49ers (chickens) are no longer babies and soon will need to separate the roosters from the hens. The young roosters are so cute in developing their crow! The pigs are now hogs! Two of them are so big they just enjoy rolling in the mud. Our rooster, Mr. Sunshine, is no more. Something (fox, hawk, stray cat) obviously got him while we were away camping. To be honest, it's been kind of hard to wake up each morning without hearing him crow. And Zoe is just the cutest and friendliest puppy!! She is already loving the farming life.

Our fruit trees are growing! Maybe in a couple of years we'll have apples, peaches, plums, cherries, apricots, nectarines, pears, and pecans! We've also just set out some blueberry bushes, blackberry vines (the thornless, tame variety), and muscadine vines. We're hoping to add grape vines in the Fall. Last week we planted our pumpkin patch. I really hope they turn out well.

The kids are now on their 3rd week of the new daycare and seem to be adjusting very well!! It is so much easier on me too! We get home a 1/2 hour earlier and I'm saving 30 miles a day!! We're off to the lake again for a few days of camping next week - yippee!! Then, my new little niece should make her arrival on 07/07/07 and Mama's surgery on 07/11/07 - should be 2 lucky days, huh?

BTW - I'm trying to stick with song titles for my posts. We'll see how many I can come up with!

Hope everyone is having a great Summer!!

Life Ain't Always Beautiful . . .

2007-06-14T21:04:00.000-04:00

But it's a beatiful ride. I just couldn't help to think of the whole adoption process when I heard this song on the radio. It must be Moon phase or something because Kate and Lauren both posted along the same lines this week.

Adoption is hard - no sugar coating it. In no way, shape, or form can anyone compare it to pregnancy. Yes, I know - I've never got to experience that wonderful world of pregnancy - glowing, happy, hair and nails growing long, everyone oohing and ahhing over you, getting monthly updates of how you are progressing, and KNOWING THAT IN 9 MONTHS YOUR CHILD WILL ACTUALLY BE IN YOUR ARMS!!! Uggh!!

In the Adoption World, many of us have already been down the fertility world of poking and proding and money pit before someone hits us over the head and tells us of the wonderful world of adoption. Then we attend a seminar, fall in love with the idea that there IS A CHILD FOR US somewhere out there! We're ready to leave on a jet plane soon after the seminar is over to find our child, only to realize that we first have to be APPROVED!! Now, how many people in this world become pregnant every day without an approval? Just isn't fair. Then we have to be fingerprinted and APPROVED by the government of not one country, but two countries if we are adopting internationally. But oh no, it does not dare end there. Then we fill out countless stacks of paper work (sometimes the same ones over and over and over). Then we wait.

If we are lucky enough, the stork arrives and delivers us our referral. Yes, that wonderful phone call or email with unbelievable news of a baby, toddler, child that is waiting for us. Then a picture/video arrives along with scary medicals to make a decision - yes or no. For us, it was no question. We knew that God had his hand in this, and we would let him guide us down this blind road ahead.

Next, we're off on a flight around the world to a far away land to meet our little prince and princess. Now, you might consider this the "beautiful ride" of this journey - if you were not the ones to have to hand your babies back over to the "Big House" caretakers (and your princess saying, "Daddy" for the first time as you are handing her over doesn't help the tears from falling) then practically be shoved back onto a crop duster of a plane and fly back home, not know or having any idea of when you would be returning. Yes, my friend, this would be the biggest "Life Ain't Always Beautiful" part of the story!!

Needless to say 7 months of waiting, crying, redoing paperwork, and writting down daily notes to my kids on the other side of the world was not therapy enough. Looking back I think I was just in survival mode.

Fast forward through the 2nd trip, court, flying home with 2 toddlers, and 18 months later - the whole journey was a BEAUTIFUL RIDE! I could not have even imagined that I would have ever taken this ride 10 years ago when I was first going through my infertility tests. Yet, Life has a funny way of knocking you down and picking you back up.

To ALL of those in this journey or thinking about starting this journey:
It is not easy, but it is ohh so well worth the ride. I know of several dear friends that are waiting, and have been waiting for a long time. Please know that your journey will have a happy ending!!!

______________________

I wanted to write this yesterday since it was 20 years ago yesterday that a great man said, "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall,". I truly believe that Ronald Reagan played a great role in opening the world of Russian adoption by trying to bring peace to this fighting world with these words.

_____________

As a side note, did anyone read the report on MSN yesterday about how women are flying to South Africa to seek fertility treatments? Does anyone else see a crock as to why doctors here in the USA are charging $12K for 1 IVF treatment (just the treatment), and for $6400 you can buy your airfare, hotel, and IVF treatment in South Africa??? Just ain't right!!!

How To Order Bows

2007-06-03T14:32:00.000-04:00

I've been asked how one can order Loop~D~Loop hair bows. Right now, I have been selling more than I can make - so I haven't quite made it to Ebay yet. And, I'm so not savvy enough to create my own website, so I'm working with what I know.

If you look at the Flickr box to the right, you will see a collection of bows that I have made for Rhyne and others. I'm trying to keep that box updated, but I did forget to snap a picture of the cupcake/birthday bows. If you'd like to see one, check out Cupcake's bow. This is a medium bow.

Medium bows/Piggies measure approx. 3" +/-

Double loop bows measure approx. 4" +/-

Starburst bows (dbl bows w/extra ribbon in X shape) measures appx 4 1/2" - 5" +/-

How To Order

• Please

e-mail me with your order.

• Indicate the name of the bow(s) that you wish to order or the corresponding letter. Bows can be placed on medium (2") or large (2 3/4" - recommended for Starburst bows) French clips. Piggies are attached to small clips (1 1/2") unless otherwise specified. Clippies are on alligator clips.

Ribbon colors and button centers may differ from the pictures depending on availability.

• If you do not see the color bow that you would like, please let me know the color (s) that you are looking for. I do have a color chart of the solid color grosgrain ribbons that I can e-mail you.

• If you are looking to match a particular outfit, it helps if you will e-mail me a picture of the outfit.

• All bows can be made with or without button centers. If the bows are not pictured with a button center, please add $1.00 to the price.

• Birthday bows are available to coordinate with that special birthday outfit, with a cupcake button center.

Payment/Shipping

• Payment is due when the order is placed. Once you place an order, I will send you a PayPal Invoice. Money orders are accepted as well.

• Bows are shipped via USPS. Please contact me to determine the shipping/handling fee.

It's In The Bag

2007-05-16T11:07:00.001-04:00

How boring my life must have been before kids! For example, let's look at yesterday's exciting event.

Tuesday is dance day for Rhyne at school. So, every Tuesday morning in addition to the kid's regular school bags, I also have to remember to grab Rhyne's backpack with her dance clothes. No problem, I'm actually trying to plan ahead, so the bags were packed and placed in the car the night before.

The exciting part did not pop up until I went to pick the kids up from school. I grab all of the bags, juice cups, and their art work from their classroom, and then went to the TV room to hurdle Rhyne and Jake out to car (yes, trying to get two 3 year olds down the hall, out the door, and into the car is literally like hurdling cattle). The teacher just so happened to mention to me that I may want to check the front zipper pocket of Rhyne's dance bag. Now, anyone with a toddler can only imagine what would be waiting for me inside that front pocket. To my embarrassment, it was a pair of my PANTIES!! How on earth did that happen?? My head was spinning, my face turned red, and I was looking for the nearest exit (an even thinking about crawling under the toddler table there in the classroom)!! The teacher then said that when she pulled Rhyne's dance clothes out of her bag, the panties just flopped out too. Luckily, I regained my composure, mustered up the courage to speak, and replied, "You just never know what my kids will put in their bags!".

Thank goodness the kids must have sensed my embarrassment and were perfect angels walking to the car. After I got in the car, I got to thinking. I don't remember packing Rhyne's dance bag, so that left the trusty husband. The pink-fleshy colored panties are the same color as the dance clothes, and they were all in the dryer together. So, I'm sure he just grabbed up all the silky pink colored items that resembled her dance clothes and packed them in her backpack. I still wouldn't put anything past Rhyne. She is way too smart and clever, and this would be right up her alley to tuck things into a hiding spot.

Luckily, they were not thongs or granny panties, they did not have any holes, and they were clean!!

On a barnyard side note ~ the day would not be complete without complete without something happening on the farm. We now have a new black lab/retriever puppy, Zoe (cute, cute, cute!). Zoe like to lay on the back porch, where it just so happens Mr. Sunshine, the rooster, likes to sleep while perched up on the porch rail. Last night I went to put Zoe some dry food in her aluminum pan, which was sitting almost beneath Mr. Sunshine. You can imagine the wake up call Mr. Sunshine got when the food hit the pan! He cut a perfect back-flip off the porch and landed on his feet - great landing! It took him about 10 minutes to realize where he was and regain his wits about him. He then let me know that he did not appreciate me interrupting his sleep and began talking back to me - crowing for about 30 minutes. Too funny!

Loop~D~Loop Bows

2007-04-20T06:00:00.000-04:00

I've been trying to get this together for awhile now, but I am starting my little hair bow venture. I've been overly obsessed with making Rhyne hair bows to match her outfits. As my good friend "S" says, "No bow, no go" (as in - you are not leaving the house without a hair bow).

Anyway, I've been selling a few, and hope to get enough made up to put out on Ebay next month. There's a lot of trial and error (the "errors" are the ones I let Rhyne wear to school in case she looses them or gets them dirty!).

Just thought I'd share a few pictures of the bows with my friends here, since if FINALLY figured Flickr out!! This is going to be a much easier way to post pictures!!!

Check out the Flickr box of pictures over in the sidebar above the Blogroll.

Very Cool Invitations!

2007-04-14T12:04:00.000-04:00

Check out Jake's birthday invitations! Very Cool! My good friend, Carla, is a wiz at creating cool invitations and other cards! I've place her website over under the Links field - Jade Creaton.

I also had Rhyne's invites printed by Carla last year and they turned out just as wonderful! I was running behind ordering Jake's invites this year, and Carla now has a "print at home" feature (or in my case, I sent them to Walgreens to print). Also, you are helping a Mom to stay at home with her children. Go check her great ideas out!

Cancer

2007-04-14T11:41:00.000-04:00

I've been waiting to write this post until all family members knew the situation, and did not read it here on the blog.

On March 5th, I took my Mom for a routine colonoscopy. During her recovery, her gastroenterologist came in to tell us there was bad news. They found a cancerous tumor and diagnosed here with colorectal cancer. Talk about a kick in your gut feeling. That just came out from left field. Luckily, the best colorectal surgeon for our area was also at the surgery center with another patient and saw the tumor first hand and had a biopsy done.

One week later, we met with the surgeon. He may be the best in town, but he lacks the warm fuzzy bedside manor. My brother went with us for this visit, and I swear I thought he was going to pass out. On one side of me was my Mom, shaking. On the other side was my brother with beads of sweat on his forehead and looking white as ghost fixing to pass out. The news wasn't the best - the tumor is large and in the rectal area. Apparently, the lower the tumor does not mean the better the situation. Because of it's location, he recommended chemotherapy and radiation for 6 weeks to try and shrink the tumor before surgery. This gives us a better chance to save her rectum so she will not have to wear a colostomy bag the rest of her live. She will have to wear a temporary bag for 8 weeks post surgery to give the area time to heal.

Since March, we have visited oncologist and radiation therapist. She's had 3 CAT scans, 1 ultrasound, and had her port put in for her chemo treatments. One good thing, is that she has qualified for a cancer study. She will have radiation treatments 5 days a week for 6 weeks. She will go for a 1 hour chemo treatment on Mondays, and wear a continuous pump with a different chemo treatment for 5 days at home for 6 weeks. After 6 weeks, they will re-evaluate her tumor to see if it has shrunk small enough to remove without having to take out too much of her rectal area. Another good thing, is that it does not look like it has spread to her lymph nodes or through the colon wall.

The one thing is that there's a 50% chance my brother or myself will develop colorectal cancer since it is hereditary. I will need to schedule a colonoscopy within the next year for a screening of polyps, and my brother will need one in 5 years. If you stay on top of your screenings, this cancer is highly preventable. Please if you have a family history of colorectal cancer or if you are over the age of 50, please talk to your physician about scheduling a screening.

In the meantime, the chemo and radiation treatments will start this Monday 4/16. Times are going to be rough and trying. My Mom lives alone so I will be helping her as much as possible so she can stay in her own home - you know how when you feel bad "there's no place like home".
Today we are going to try on wigs and get that out of the way while she is still feeling good. We've been told that she may not loose her hair, but it will get very thin. The other side effect will be massive diarrhea. The nurse said that it would not be uncommon to take up to 14 Imodium a day (sorry to gross anyone out).

Please keep my Mom in your prayers that everything will turn out the way it should.

Rock Farm

2007-04-14T11:27:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the absence of posting, but a lot has been going on. I'll explain in the next post.

In the meantime, the farm is growing. We're still trying to come up with a cute-catchy name, but for now, we're calling it Rock Farm. Oh, for so many reasons! One, there are tons of rock here. If we had been smart, we would have started a rock quarrey and become millionaires. However, as it is, dear hubby has worked several years to move the rock from one side of the property to the other side, trying to level out the farm. The second reason is that we just got 50 baby chicks 2 weeks ago - 25 white leghorns and 25 barred rock - hense the name Rock Farm.

I think at last count we now have, 4 pigs, 6 guineas, 1 game rooster, 1 bantam chicken, 49 baby chicks (1 did not survive), and 2 cats. Our dog (our first adopted family member) of 12 years, is no longer with us. He did live out his final years as a farm dog and loved every minute of it!

We are now looking to add 2 puppies to the family, and trying to find them before Jake's birthday next week. Can you believe he will be 3? We have been so blessed to have our children in our lives!! My heart is going out to all of those waiting to bring their children home and all the turmoil going on in Russia over the accrediation situation.

Update on Covering The World Project

2007-02-25T16:41:00.000-05:00

The Covering The World project has been a success! So far, we have sent over 9 dozen hats to Russia!!

Granny has just finished 2 dozen of hats that are ready to be shipped. If anyone is adopting from Russia (or any other country where children are in need of hats), and would like a dozen of hats for part of their orphanage donation, please e-mail me. There's no cost involved, and I'll take care of shipping.

If anyone is new, and does not know the history behind the hats, please see Covering The World Project under the September Archives.

Time For A Change

2007-02-18T11:30:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since I last sat down and wrote an update on Rhyne and Jake. Motherhood is moving along just wonderfully, the kids are great, and we finally received some winter weather! Yes, the first snow we have seen since our December 2005 trip to Russia.

I learned this week that our daycare is increasing their fees by $40 a week! That is just highway robbery if you ask me. Yes, they are wonderful and provide a nutritious lunch and has just started serving breakfast, and use the ABECKA learning program. Still, it seems that a change is needed. I spent most of the calling around to find another church day school that uses the same ABECKA program and that would be within my budget. Thank goodness my sister in law found one that is closer to our home, and still on the way to our work. They do use the ABECKA program, and will be $75 less per week than what our current place's fees are going up to.

One downside is that I have to provide lunch. For $75 a week, I don't think that is going to be a problem. The other downside is that the current school is only a 1.5 miles from my Mom. She has been a big help with helping me pick the kids up a few days a week and helping me take them to doctor and dentist appointments. Since the new school does not offer Kinderdance that Rhyne is currently taking, we are not going to move them until June, after her dance recital.

The upside is that hubby just works a few miles up the road from the new school. This will be a big plus when I need help dropping them off in the morning or picking them up. Now he will feel more involved in their school and get to talk to their teachers more. Also, they will be going to school with children that they will be going to elementary school with in a few years. I always hated going to a new school and not knowing anyone.

I'm sure that we will have a transition time for the children to adapt, but I think they will enjoy
getting home 30 - 45 minutes earlier everyday, and we will all enjoy having more family time in the evenings.

PS - Yes, those are pink mittens on Jake! I mistakenly gave away his mittens to families that were traveling to Russia! Since we rarely get snow or need them here in the South, I didn't realize that he did not have any until the day it snowed and I went to look for them! He will have a pair by next Winter!!

Christmas 2006

2007-01-01T09:09:00.000-05:00

Christmas was very hectic as usual, but it was so worth all the caos just to see the children filled with excitement. It seems the small things are the things they loved the best.

Jake is glued to his backpack! He got 4 Tonka trucks, but the one thing he is constantly wanting is his backpack. You should see him model it to! He does that little runway walk, pivots, and models that little backpack like a pro! He also loves playing with his TMX Elmo.

Of course Rhyne is happily playing with all the baby dolls she got this year. I don't think she has a favorite yet. The one thing that Santa did bring was a doll cradle that was mine when I was a little girl. Santa actually sanded it all the way down, re-painted it, covered the mattress and added a few bows. Granny was sweet enough help Santa out by making a sweet blanket for the crib.

This is a picture of Rhyne and Jake right after we made cookies on Christmas Eve for Santa.

Hope everyone got what they wished for and that 2007 will be a wonderful year for everyone!!

1st Anniversary/Family Day

2006-12-15T15:05:00.000-05:00

Exactly one year ago today, Jody and I were granted the honor and privilege of becoming Rhyne and Jake's parents. It's amazing how fast one year can actually go by, yet it seems that the kids have been with us their entire life. I can't say I don't remember my life before kids, but it doesn't seem that my life actually started until I did have kids.

Last year this sweet and dear Russian lady walked into our room at the cottage singing Happy Birthday in broken English and caring 3 white carnations for me. It was snowing (which we were told meant good luck in Russia), we were still trying to study our home study frantically for court, and my stomach was in knots because I was terrified that my court experience would be the same as it was just 2 days prior (see December 2005's under Archives - we had a surprise pre-trial!). Instead it was a quick court session with a wonderful Happy Birthday greeting from the judge to close with. Then with a short 30 minute recess, we heard the wonderful news that we were granted custody and that the 10 day waiting period was waived! Then everything turned relaxed in the court room and the Prosecutor asked if she could see our pictures. She oohed and ahhed over them.

We were told to eat a hearty breakfast that morning because we would be missing lunch due to all the running around we had to do (getting birth certificates, adoption certificates, gifts, and a stop to email family and friends). Since we were not too fond of the Russian food, we opted to just eat the instant grits that we brought from home. The sweet lady that cared for us at the cottage could not understand what grits were, so we let her try them. Her facial expression was priceless! I'm sure I had the same expression everytime I sat down to eat Russian food.

At 4:00 PM on the 15th we went to the baby home to spring our little ones. They were already bundled up in their many layers and snow suits and ready to leave. You can only imagine how hot and irritable they were seeing that it was in excess of 80 degrees inside the baby home. We took group photos, gathered up our bundles and ran for the door.

Little did we know the next 72 hours would be some of the darkest days that had ever experienced - babies with upset tummys and colds, screaming hot babies on an airplane fueled by the sugar rush from a Dum Dum sucker (what were we thinking?), loads of luggage on one arm and a 25 lb child on the other arm (in 3 layers of clothes & snowsuit and crying), and let us not forget - LOOSING THEIR PASSPORTS (biggie!)

Anyway, a year has eased the bad experiences we had and now I only have fond memories of Russia and long to return one day when the kids are much older (and we can finiancially afford it!).

Tonight we are celebrating with dinner out at Chuck E Cheese! I wanted to get the kids a special gift on the first anniversary, so I ordered them Cabbage Patch babies and had them named with the kids' Russian names and their birthdate as 12/15/06 - they're twins! I'm sure we'll have fun tonight, and I'll try to post pictures later.

Remembering . . .

2006-12-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

One year ago today, we were sitting on a Russian plane while it was being de-iced and listening to Bonnie Tyler's "Total Eclipse of the Heart" being piped through the speakers. Our next stop we would finally be in Tyumen again to be reunited with our babies after an agonizing 7 month wait.

We knew in our minds that it was Christmas time, but in our hearts we knew we were about to become parents of two wonderful children that would make our wildest dreams come true! I've been thinking of the past few days of those magical days in Russia last year and all the great and scary memories that we made together. One day I hope that we can travel back there for a visit, but until then we are just happy to be a family!

I'm sure I'll be posting more in the coming days. Friday is our 1 year anniversary and my birthday. When I was asked where I wanted to go eat for my birthday, the natural answer was Chuck E Cheese! Pizza, games, and a great time with the kids - what could be better than that?

Happy Birthday Rhyne

2006-11-12T09:12:00.000-05:00

Well our baby girl turned 3 this week!! This time last year we were praying that we would get that famous call saying we had a court date - sitting on pins and needles. This year we actually got to celebrate Rhyne's birthday and have a party!!

Rhyne invited about a dozen children and their parents over for cake and ice cream for her Hello Kitty (aka - kitty cat party). I believe a great time was had by all, but it was exhausting! Now I know why some pay outrageous prices to have parties somewhere other than their house! She got lots of gorgeous clothes, baby dolls and accessories, pocket books, a backpack, and even jewelry!! She loved opening the gifts and having all the attention, but what she really wanted to do was to go outside and play with the kids - go figure.

We are fortunate enough to have a full blown cake baker in our family - my Mother-in-law (Granny M). She did a wonderful job on the cake!

On Friday, we went for Rhyne's 3 year old check up and the doctor said ("that's what you get for jumping on the bed". Couldn't resist throwing that tune in there since the kids are always singing it) she is doing great and is at the 75th percentile in weight - 35 lbs, and 50th percentile for height 36.75 inches. She's speaking great for her age (found out we are only supposed to understand 75% of a 3 year olds speech), and is very observant. She is almost all the way potty trained - except at night, and loves to wear her panties. Her coloring is getting really good and she is starting to really play with her baby dolls (feeding them, putting them night-night, etc).

We are going to attempt to go and have birthday pictures taken today - please pray for us! You know she absolutely hates to have her picture taken if it's not being done by a family member. I hope she does well, because we go next week for Christmas pictures.

Happy Cows

2006-11-11T21:49:00.000-05:00

Today we went for a tour of the Happy Cow Creamery http://www.happycowcreamery.com/ , something I've been looking forward to doing. Most folks in this area know that the Happy Cow Creamery makes wonderful whole milk (milk that still has the cream that rises to the top) and that it is wonderful for you. I did find out that this milk not only taste good, but it also has alot of cancer fighting nutrients that the homogenized milk destroys during the "heating process". They also had a maternity ward - where they kept the pregnant cows separately from the other milking cows. Here's a picture of all the Mothers to be.

This one is named Oreo because of her black-white-black pattern.

If you are in the area, and you get a chance to tour the dairy, please do so. For $5 per person, you get to ride in a wagon, see all the cows, hear all the great things about how happy cows give better milk, see how a cow gets milked, how the milk gets bottled, and finally get to sample great white and chocolate milk! We had a wonderful time!!

Happy Halloween

2006-11-01T20:59:00.000-05:00

Halloween was wonderful this year! The kids had their Halloween Party at school on Friday, then they got dressed up Halloween night in their costumes to go and visit the Grandparents. We didn't do the Trick-or-Treat thing this year since they really didn't need all the candy and I can't really see Rhyne going up to stranger's doors and saying Trick-or-Treat.

Here's Jake as a Chicken - which he just loved!! And Rhyne as a Fairy Princess!!

Pumpkintown Festival

2006-10-26T21:58:00.000-04:00

A town in our area has a festival every year with crafts, music, games, and food (lots of food!). Anyway, all four of us went and had a wonderful Saturday outing. Lo and behold if they didn't acutally have ponies to ride! I guess all of these years being child-less, I did not pay attention to all the children activities. Here are a few pictures of Rhyne and Jake enjoying their pony rides (aka - horsey rides).

Sweet Moments, And Then They Say . . .

2006-10-12T11:53:00.000-04:00

Those of us that are/have adopted PI children all know how important it is to have bonding moments with our children. Jake is one of those sweet little boys that absolutely loves to be
held and loved on. Rhyne has come along ways, but only wants to be held for a moment and then wants to get down to play.

Each night after their bath, I get one out of the tub at a time, dry them off, wrap the towel around them, and rock them like a little baby. I normally tell them that Mommy and Daddy
love them very much, etc. Last night was no exception. I got Rhyne out of the tub, dried her
off, put the towel around her to keep her warm, and proceeded to rock her in my arms. I was telling her that Mommy and Daddy loved her very much and that She, Jake, Daddy, and Mommy were a Family. She always has a peaceful look on her face during this time, and sometimes closes her eyes as if she is wanting to lock this moment away in her memory to remember later. Anyway, I was telling her about Family and how we are so lucky to have her and Jake in our lives. She then opened her eyes and in a very seriously look said, "Mommy, booger in nose?". The sweet tender moment was over, and a sweet funny moment took it's place!

Ah, the memories we are building!!

Harvest Moon

2006-10-06T18:48:00.000-04:00

If you haven't done so already, go out and look at the Moon tonight. Tonight is the Harvest Moon and it will appear 12 % bigger than previous full moons this year.

It got it's name Harvest Moon because farmers used to use the moon's light to harvest their crops all night. And how about this, did you know the Moon is not round but instead it is egg-shaped? Egg - Farmer, is anyone seeing a connection here?

Anyway, I'm fascinated with the Moon and how we can feel connected with others around the world with a beam of light and a little help from the Man in Moon!

I see the Moon

And the Moon sees Me.

God bless the Moon

And God bless Me.

Happy Fall !!!

2006-10-01T10:01:00.000-04:00

Oh, how I do love Fall ! You can feel the crisp in the air, see all the Fall colors in the foliage, and just know it's just the beginning of the soon to be Holiday Season.

Daycare had a photographer come to take Fall pictures of the kids. Jake did excellent! He did so well, we ordered 3 different packages because they were so good. Rhyne on the other hand, did not get one picture taken. She still cries when she gets in front of the camera. One day she is going to wonder why we have all these pictures of Jake and none of her (at least none with her smiling). The only saving grace we have is that she will let us or family members take pictures of her (she actually likes it).

So I decided to put their overalls on and take them outside in front of our Fall decorations. It turned out okay for our first try, but I think I need to redo it in the morning so the Sun is not in their eyes.

Will Someone Give That Rooster A Watch?

2006-09-27T10:02:00.000-04:00

Will someone please give that rooster a Tylenol PM and a watch? Mr. Sunshine decided to start crowing at 3 AM this morning! How on earth did he see daylight at 3 AM? On top of that, he and his girlfriend Henrietta, were perched up on the back deck, so his crowing was echoing louder than usual - ugh!

On the other hand, Jake loves the chickens!! He cries at night when he has to come in the house because he wants to stay outside and feed the chickens. Rhyne, however, is not too fond of them. We were going to have chicken (to eat) for dinner the other night, and her Daddy asked her if she liked the chickens. Her reply was (pointing to the house), "I want that chicken". She's a girl after my own heart - Eat More Chicken!!

Covering The World Project

2006-09-24T17:38:00.000-04:00

A few of you know that my dear sweet 83 year old Granny is very special to me. For years
she has loved to knit hats for small children, and she would send dozens to the state children's home (aka orphanage) at Christmas time every year. Now, she has a special place in her heart for Russia, seeing that two of her great grandchildren recently came from there. She is continuing to knit hats in hopes of getting as many as she can sent to the orphans left behind in Russia and neighboring countries. Here's her story and why the orphaned children are so
special to her.

When Granny was 10 years old her Father passed away. This was in the early 1930s and
during the Great Depression. She was one of five children (two boys and three girls). Being that her Mother was now widowed with five children (youngest girl was 18 months old), she did not have the money at the present time to take care of all of her children. She decided to send the boys to the state orphanage and then in two weeks she would send the two older girls (my Granny would be included). Then once she was able to get a job in the mill and get the money saved up, she would send for her children to come home. Well, during the boys first week away tragedy struck, and one of my Granny's brothers drowned in a small pond at the orphanage.
My Great Grandmother was devastated that she sent for only living son to come back home and she would figure a way to work and raise four children on her own.

This story is why any child in an orphanage is so near and dear to her heart. She knows what
it is like to almost be sent away to an orphanage, and does not know what her life would have been like if things had turned out differently. To date, she has sent about five dozen little hats
to Russia through me and some close friends who were so graciously to take the hats on their trips (or one special one that I'm able to mail the hats directly to Russia!).

Here's the Project - if you or anyone that you know is traveling to an orphanage and would like to take some hats as part of your orphanage donation, please e-mail me at the link on the side, and I will mail them to you (I will pay for postage). I normally send a dozen hats at a time, but
I can send you more or less if you want. Since she normally uses yarn that she finds on sale or at yard sales, colors do vary.

Thanks to everyone so far that has helped to Cover The World, and thanks in advance to everyone that is going to be emailing me (I hope).

**Update 10/26/06 - due to the wonderful overwhelming responses we have received,
we are getting lots of hats off to some wonderful children in Russia!! Unfortunately,
Granny is a little behind in filling all the orders (and for some reason we can not get Papa motivated to learn how to knit - go figure?). I dare say we will not be able to take any new request until after the holidays. If you are not planning on traveling until 2007 and want to
be put on the list to receive hats, please email me. To those who have already e-mailed me,
I do have you down on the list to mail you the hats as soon as they are available.
Bless all of you who are willing to help my Granny get these hats to as many children as she possibly can. Thank you!!

I'm Back!

2006-09-24T17:33:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the tempory leave. Yes, Suz the blackberries were delicious and I made two pies out of them!

I am currently trying to get all the thoughts over the past two months out of my head and into blogger. I've just been so busy with spending every available moment with the kids these days since we are working so many hours and seem to have so many social events going on. And can I just say congratulations to Elle and D for finally bringing Pickle home, and all the others that have received wonderful news over the past few weeks.

Stay tuned, more updates to come . . .

E . . I . . E . . I . . O . . .

2006-09-24T17:22:00.000-04:00

Oh Mc . . . had a farm, E I E I O. And on this farm he had CHICKENS!!!! Yes, we finally got some chickens! We went from a dirt farm, to an ant farm, and now we have a chicken farm.

It all started when someone told dear Hubby that guineas love to eat ants. We seem to have an ant problem this year, so he decided that it would be a good thing to have a few guineas around, so he took off to the Jockey Lot yesterday (to those that do not live nearby, the Jockey Lot is a huge flea market, and a local landmark to this area). Well, it's never a good idea for a Georgia boy who grew up with most of his family raising chickens to go to the Jockey Lot "just to buy guineas". He found this beautiful game rooster that started talking to him, just asking him to take him and his two girl friend hens home. Of course he obliged. Now we have four guineas, one game rooster, a black sexlink hen, and a game hen.

They are beautiful and we'll see how long they last around here with all the fox and other animals around. I don't think our dog Sambo will be such a threat since he is almost 12 years old and really just wants to lay around and be a yard dog these days. The first time I get flocked though, it just may mean someone will be Sunday dinner though!

First Beach Trip

2006-09-17T03:56:00.000-04:00

Oh my gosh! Did we have a blast at the beach or what? Rhyne and Jake's first beach trip was so much more than I would have ever expected.

It started off with us chasing Hurricane Ernesto off the coast of Myrtle Beach. I tried to find a blue windbreaker so I could like one of those Weather Channel storm chasers, but no luck. I did however, call my family and friends back home saying, ''Live from the beach, this is Action 12 News". We did have a news crew staying at our hotel, and yes I did go out on the balcony a few times to catch a glimpse of my first hurricane up close and personal. Of course this was more of a wind and rain show - we saw worse weather during our 2004 cruise where we were close enough to reached up and slapped Hurricane Ivan on the butt. There was quite a bit of flooding though to close most locals down, so we settled on pizza in our room for dinner.

On our way down, we did stop at one of the many Tourists Informational shops. I wanted to pick up a few brochures about the aquarium and see what was new (I haven't been to the beach in several years). The guy behind the counter asked where we were staying, and when I replied, he lit up like a light bulb. "It just so happens, our company just bought that hotel. If you are interested in taking a 90 minute tour tomorrow morning, we will give you a free breakfast, four tickets to the aquarium, $35 gift certificate to eat at Planet Hollywood, and another free 3 day/2 night stay to come back again and visit with us.". OK! This was my kind of deal! Besides, it was going to be cloudy and rainy in the morning because of Ernesto, so why not. We would have the two best excuses (Rhyne and Jake) to say we were not interested in a highly over-priced condo that you could only stay 1 week out of the year in. Needless to say, we told the kids it was action time and let them have free reign. Of course, they were model citizens the whole time and never once got fussy - to our surprise. We ended up getting the salesman's blood pressure tore up (could tell this by the steam coming out of his ears when we told him that we were not interested in the condo). He politely asked us to step into the other room, collect our prize, and "please do not attend another timeshare siminar if you are not interested in purchasing a timeshare". Can you say RUDE? Besides, as you know, we love to camp and we can pull our camper anywhere we so desire - AND IT'S ALREADY PAID FOR!

OK, on to the fun stuff. We went to the aquarium, which I would have been disappointed if we had actually had to pay for the tickets, but the kids had fun. They had a carousel nearby, so we stopped and let the kids ride the horseys or round and round (as the kids called it). They absolutely loved it!!! As a matter of fact they loved it so much, we let them ride every day. The last day we walked to the amusement park from our hotel to let them ride all the rides that their little hearts desired. Rhyne just floored us with her excitement in wanting to ride all the rides that we just knew she would scream bloody murder about. This is our child that is scared of her own shadow sometimes, but loves to ride the rides that spin and go up in the air - go figure! Jake liked the rides too, but he is still more of our "entertainer". He's developed this "wink". Whenever he sees a pretty girl/lady, he'll wink one eye at her and make this clicking noise with the side of his mouth. Is he a flirt or what??? Yes, all the ladies just gooed over him and smiled.

The kids loved the water - ok let me clarify. Rhyne loved the pool and Jake loved the ocean - my kind of girl! I love the beach, but I don't like to get into water where I can't see what dangerous creatures are swimming around. We tried to get some professional pictures of the family on the beach while we were down there, but I'm not sure if we actually got one where the whole family is smiling. Rhyne as usually does not like to have her picture taken by professionals and cried most of the time. The only hope we have is that some nice guy, who was a tad over weight, was smoking a cigar and wearing a Boston Red Sox ball cap, got up and was doing this "jumping jack" waive behind the photographer to try and get Rhyne to smile. We'll see what the proofs look like when they come.

One thing that did surprise me was the number of Russians that were working at a variety of stores at the beach. A friend of mine, that also adopted from Russia, had mentioned this to me when she and her family went a few weeks before us. She said that she asked why they would choose to come over here and work and was told that they could come over here and work four months and make enough money to buy a car back home, which would take them over four years to make back home. It goes to show just how lucky we are to be living in America where we are free to make choices, make a decent living (compared to the rest of the world), and have so much more than we could ever dream of having. Apparently, there are over 4000 immigrants from Russia and neighboring countries that are working in the Mytle Beach area this Summer. We met a few that were working at the Krispy Kreme, Wings/Eagles (beach novelty shops that are on every corner), and the amusement parks. There was one nice lady that spoke a little Russian to the kids. Jake took no interest in her while looking like "lady, I have no idea what you are saying". Rhyne on the other hand had a terrified look on her face as if she was trying not to remember a time where she heard this familiar language. That was enough for me - no more speaking Russian to this child. I do not want her to feel hurt or remember sad times ever again. Yes, she still has her Russian memorabila in her room, her Ana doll that speaks Russian, and I ask her all the time, "remember in Russia when . . . ". However, I will refrain from asking anyone else to speak to her in the Russian language.

Mmmm. . . Blackberries

2006-07-08T12:04:00.000-04:00

It's blackberry season here in the South, and lucky for us we have blackberries growing all along our fence line. Today, the humidity has been low and it's not too hot, so we all went out blackberry picking this morning. Rhyne and Jake did real good and only picked the black ones, but somehow none of them ended up in their bags - they ended up in their mouths or on the ground. Anyway, we got a good little mess of them the morning, and hopefully we can go back out this evening and pick some more. I'd like to have enough to make some blackberry preserves or at least enough for a cobbler, yum!

Look Mommy, I jumping!

2006-07-06T20:54:00.000-04:00

Sitting quietly pounding away at the keyboard today at work and all of a sudden my phone rings and it's the daycare. Uh oh! Who's sick or hurt this time? This time it was Jake. Apparently, he has this new fondness of jumping. Everytime he stands up on something, he yells out, "I juming!". Well, the little daredevil jumped out of the chair at school and bumped that ever famous spot on his forehead! He's hit it so many times in that same spot, he doesn't even cry anymore - I guess it's permantly numb!! We've joked that he keeps hitting that forehead because, bless his heart, it sticks out there like the front-end of a Lincoln, and will probably be one of those kids that has to wear a helmet!! Poor baby.

Anyway, they called just to let me know in case I wanted to come by and take a look at it and not be shocked when I came to pick them up. Well, I knew they already had ice on it and by the time I got there he would be cradled in someone's arms, receiving TLC and thinking (like any man would), "this is the life for me", and the knot would be down. I knew right and then that I was running out to Targets at lunch and finally buying him that t-shirt that says "I do my own stunts". It just describes him to a T (he he).

New phrases R & J are saying -

"Hey Baby" - and just give you that cheese grin

"Just Wet" - when I ask who has a stinky on, they'll say "just wet". Too clever!

"I sorry" - will say this then lay their head in your lap and bat those baby brown eyes

Billboard sign of the month - I was driving to work one day and almost ran off the road from laughing so hard!! The red sign only read "I POOTED" - nothing else. Some may not find this as funny as me, but in our family, it's become a running joke. Well this week, they finally put more on the billboard, and I just had to pull over this morning and take a picture!!!

Look . . . Just Look!!!!

2006-07-05T21:08:00.000-04:00

Just look what my good friend Elle did to the blog!!!! Isn't she just the greatest!!!

Throughout this whole adoption journey, I have been so fortunate to meet (or virtually meet) some of the nicest and kindest friends (YOU ALL KNOW WHO YOU ARE!) that I probably would have otherwise never crossed paths with. Elle is one of them. She has a talent of tweaking the ordinary boring blog to something beautiful and special. She has just captured the image that I had in my head while waiting in between Trip 1 and Trip 2 to bring our babies home - "I see the Moon and the Moon sees me. God bless the Moon and God bless Me".

Since hubby traveled alot during that time, I had most nights to sit and think, and CRY alot! But somehow, looking up at that beautiful Moon, I would think - " I am preparing to turn in for the night, and our babies are just about to wake to another day on the other side of the World, without their Mommy and Daddy" - wondering if they would remember us or if they had a 6th sense that we were yearning to fly to Russia to bring them home.

Family and Friends were supportive, but only did my Adoption Friends (AF) truly understand what agony one will go through in this journey. It felt more comforting when AFs would say, IT WILL HAPPEN. I guess because they had actually been there or were going through the waiting game the same as us. You have to be prepared for anything in this journey because each adoption is different and it can have you saying over and over "why me/us", especially when you throw foreign politics into the mixture. However, NEVER under estimate the power of a bunch of Mommies (and Daddys) gathered together on the internet rooting each other on, to press fowared during those darkest days. Plus, the knowledge that one gains from others who have gone before them is priceless. The Agency can give you a "template" to go by, but the insights and tips that I gained from reading all the boards was so much more in depth and accurate - from what gifts to take, to what clothes and items to pack, to which airline seats to try and book, etc. I only hope that I can pass a few tips to others that are starting this journey.

From the bottom of my heart, Thank You ALL!! And a special Thank You to Elle for this wonderul gift, and the gift of laughter that you put into your blogs to share with us.

Tip of the day -

Frugle Diaper Wipe Warmer - Place 1 pack of your favorite wipes directly ontop of your dryer (go ahead and clear a spot off). After the loads and loads of laundry that you are (or will be) doing with the addition of your little precious little one(s), presto instant diaper wipe warmer. Your dryer will run not stop, causing the wipes to stay a toasty warm for those little buns.

Are You My Mother???

2006-07-03T21:09:00.000-04:00

Do you remember the first object your child could correctly recognize? For Rhyne, it happened to be the Moon. About a week after we put them in daycare, I was trying to wrangle both kids into the car (I'm sure everyone was glued to the windows dying of laughter at this new Mom of 2!). When all of a sudden, Rhyne looked up and pointed to the sky and said, "Moon, Moon". If you read the little paragraph to the right, you will understand why the Moon holds a special place in my heart.

Well, equally amazing is the first object recognition from Jake. Not sure if everyone knows, but we live on a small dirt farm. Yes, it's a dirt farm because that seems to be the only thing that we can successfully grow! Anyway, Jake's first object that he could successfully say and recognize was his Daddy's tractor - Dadda's tractor. Jody also works in the rental contruction business, so he is always around the big bulldozers, etc. It seems there is always some kind of contruction going on in county. So, little Jake thinks that every piece of construction equipment - aka "tractor" belongs to Dadda. For a few months he was constantly calling every backhoe, bobcat, bulldozer, etc. "tractor". Then it progressed into "Dadda's tractor". Now, he just makes sure to point out every "tractor" that we pass to and from the daycare (only 20 -30 a day!).

It's so funny, because the first book that I bought 6 months before we even received our referrals was Dr Seuss' "Are You My Mother?". My friend and I just love to quote movies and books and she is always joking that she could use one of those "Are You My Mother" snorts (backhoe) in her yard.

I have been reading this book to the kids, so I am just waiting for the day for one of them to point at a construction site and say, "Are You My Mother?"!!!

Say Cheese!

2006-06-12T21:11:00.000-04:00

I decided to take Rhyne and Jake downtown to the Falls, to take some nice pictures for Father's Day. Thank goodness my Mom went along, or I would still be down there, passed out from sheer exhaustion and have no one to call 911. Just imagine a 95 degree Friday afternoon, carrying a diaper bag (filled with clothes, diapers, sippie cups, and who knows what else), a camera case, pushing a double stoller that weighed at least 100 lbs (when both kids were strapped in it), and chasing after 2 two year olds!!!!! Flat out tired, I tell ya!

Neither one of them wanted to cooperate to get a really good picture taken together, so I took what I could get. Oh yes, they were the friendly, charming children (that I know they are) when strangers would come up and say, "Oh, how cute you are" or " Daddy is really going to like his pictures". But when it actually came down to snapping the "shot", they would either take off running in the opposite direction, turn their heads because they knew that you wanted to take their picture, or give you their best impression of "What you talkin' about Willis" look - Rhyne has got that look down pat (for those who are too young to remember this famous line, it's just plain sad to explain it).

All in all we got some pretty good pictures out of our "stroll" in the park (plus I got some really good aerobic exercise!). Since Rhyne is still terrified to go have her pictures taken at one of those chain studios, I really need to invest in some kind of photoshop software, or maybe take a hobby photography class in my spare time (yeah right, what spare time???).

Cute Little Things They Do and Say . . .

2006-06-10T18:59:00.000-04:00

Over the past couple of weeks, Rhyne and Jake have done some crazy things.

Driving to daycare one morning, I looked in the rear view mirror only to find that Rhyne had taken her socks and shoes off. I asked her to please put her socks back on before we got to school (her shoes were in the floor and I knew she couldn't reach them). So she did as I asked - to my amazement! When we got to school, I opened the back door to get her out. She had her socks turned inside out. I guess since I'm new at this Mommy business, I was afraid that the teacher would think I was retarded for putting my child's socks on inside out. So, I took her socks off and lo and behold guess what she had done??? She found a pony tail holder in her car seat and put it on her big toe so she would have a toe ring!!! All girl I tell ya!

Coming home one day a week or so ago, I smelled that distictive smell that only you can tell which child had done it. So I said, "Rhyne, did you do a stinky?". Without missing a beat she replied, "No, no stinky. Jake pottied". I could have ran off the road and wrecked from laughing so hard!!

Jake is our little streaker here lately. The child loves to take his clothes and diaper off and run around the house stark naked! I was trying to take a picture of Rhyne in her little pink leotard and tutu last night and he just kept running up beside her to be in the picture too - NAKED with only holding a sippie cup to cover his privates!! Needless to say, we weren't able to get a picture of Rhyne in her dance clothes!

Building New Camping Memories . . .

2006-05-30T15:45:00.000-04:00

I have always loved camping and growing up, that's about the only vacations we went on. However to truly experience the adventures of my childhood camping trips, you would have to imagine that National Lampoon came out with a new movie called Camping Vacation. Just imagine all the laughs, adventures, and misfortunes that the Griswald family would incur if they went on a camping trip.

Our most memorable camping trip was taking a homemade RV (converted old bread truck) to Florida and camping out in the middle of an old abandoned orange grove - only so we could get free tickets to Sea World! Or nearly getting kicked out of a few lake campgrounds because my Daddy always wanted to take the camper down early to get the best spot on the lake. When we saw the movie trailer for Robin Williams' movie RV, our family didn't need to go to the movie theater to see the movie - WE LIVED IT!! Oh, but what memories Jamey, Lori, and myself have from those nearly disaster, but absolutely fun vacations!!

Now it was our turn to finally take our kids on their 1st camping trip and help to build their childhood memories. Who knew packing for two little people would require so much more room and effort? Normally, I pack a little each night up to the day we pull out to head to the lake. This year, the trip was pretty much thrown together in a whirlwind. Between working overtime at work and barely getting home in time to get the kids fed, bathed, and put down for the night, there was no time left to put the clothes and food in the camper. Thank goodness for Jody! He was a lifesaver. I basically got everything together, left it in camper, and he put things up in the cabinets and closets for me.

We were to stay 5 nights at the lake so that meant taking at least 10 sets of clothes and 3 sets of pj's for each of them. Plus a pack of pull-ups and diapers (and wipes!). Not to mention all the sippy cups, food items (lots of milk, bananas, and yogurt!) that the kids would need. On top of all the stuff we packed on the inside, we also carried their wagon, riding toys, floats, etc. Thank goodness my parents (their Grammy and Pop), who camped in the spot next to us - carried toys, life jackets, a swimming pool, and lots of sand toys themselves.

Rhyne and Jake loved playing in the sand despite us trying to get them to sit on a foam mat or something. Instead they always ended up sitting down in the sand and getting completely dirty/sandy! Kids will be kids! We all had lots of fun with all the family that went camping - Grammy, Pop, Uncle Jamey, Aunt Amy, Aunt Lori, Melinda, Nana, Papa, Uncle Harold, Aunt Francis, and Rhyne and Jake's two favorite cousins - Camryn and Gracie! We even had old fashion popcorn popped right over the campfire and yummy marshmallows roasted to a perfect golden brown over the campfire. And Aunt Lori polished Rhyne's toenails, which she was sure to show off to everyone!!

They enjoyed riding on Pop's boat, and going swimming! Jake liked it way more than Rhyne - again, she can be a little dramatic at times! I foresee Jake being the class clown in school and a lifeguard during the Summer. He has such a comical personality, and a strong longing to always being in the water.

He has also learned the phrase "I'm the boss", in which he holds up his fist - guess who taught him that? Yep, Uncle Jamey!

Rhyne is a little more less enthused about the water. She's very good to wear her earplugs(which by the way her adenoid surgery and tubes went absoulutely wonderful!!!!) and life jacket, but she wants to start crying if the water gets above her knees. On our last day of swimming, she finally got to the point where she wanted to be brave and do some of the things that Jake did. Maybe when we go back for the 4th of July weekend, she'll be more comfortable in the water.

ALCI's Annual Adoption Picnic

2006-05-20T14:51:00.000-04:00

We absolutely had a wonderful time at the ALCI adoption picnic this year! It's just so hard to believe that this time last year we had just received our referral of Rhyne and Jake and were making travel arrangements to leave to meet our two babies on the other side of the world!!!

This year, it was much better though, knowing that we had finally made it home with our children and that all of our close friends had also finalized their adoptions in Russia.

We met up with two families who we have become close friends with during this process for dinner the night before the picnic. It was so nice o be able to exchange stories and see everyone face to face rather than chatting on the phone or online. All of the kids seemed to have fun playing with one another too!

On the day of the picnic, Jody came down with a virus that had been making it's way through the family. Luckily, I was able to call Grammy to meet me at the park to help me with the kids - I'm still too scared to take both of them out in public together by myself! It's hard watching and keeping up with 2 two year olds, especially at a park with lots of other children!!! She brought my niece, Gracie, along who seemed to have a great time too.

It was so nice to see all the children who our agency has been able to bring home from Russia, China, and Guatemala in order to create Forever Families!

Elmo!!

2006-04-22T14:18:00.000-04:00

Jake's birthday party turned out to be a success despite the dreary rainy morning that we started out with. We arrived about 10:30 am and got soaked from carrying all the decorations, food and presents from the car to the picnic shelter. But, as all the guest began to arrive, the rain stopped, the clouds parted, and the sun began to shine!!!

Jake had lots of friends and family arrive, and they brought more toys and gifts than one child should ever know what to do with! Being new at this, I bought way too many Elmo balloons!!! We sent each child home with at least one balloon (some got two and three!!). All in all, Jake had a wonderful time and that's what it's all about!

Here's a great picture of Jake with his Daddy!

Happy 2nd Birthday Jake!!!! We Love You!!!

April

2006-04-16T19:23:00.000-04:00

April is turning out to be an very busy month for Rhyne and Jake. April 1st we all went to the Shrine Circus with their cousins Camryn and Gracie. Everyone had a wonderful time and Rhyne and Jake even got to ride the ponies - courtesy of Grammy and Aunt Lori.

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The next adventure was to the Greenville Zoo. We ended up going on the hotest day in April so far - Good Friday. We met some friends (Dee Ann and Jenifer) out at the zoo and the kids and us all had a good time. When we got there, they told us we only had about 30 minutes before they started putting the animals up for the day. Needless to say, we made a real quick tour through the zoo! I took pictures, but my memory card does not seem to be cooperating. Hopefully, Jenifer will let me borrow a few of her's to post.

Yeah! She came through with some pictures!!

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Today was Easter. The kids had a blast getting all their gifts from all the grandparents and hunting Easter eggs. The big bunny did not make a stop at our house this year. Instead, their Daddy decided to build them a HUGE wooden swing set with every imaginable accessory. Eventually it will have a wooden swing for Mommy and Daddy to swing on. Of course, I have already tested the glider swing that is supposed to be for the kids - hey I'm a big kid too!

Our next adventures for April include, Jake's 2 year old birthday party next weekend, our 1st post placement reports, and Rhyne's tubes & adenoid surgery later this month. Yep, April is one busy month and it looks like May will be just as busy. I'm thinking this is just a prelude to the next 18 years!!!

A Camping We Will Go

2006-03-19T17:49:00.000-05:00

Not really, we just went for the day, but Rhyne and Jake had a blast! My parents were camping at the lake, so we went down for the day to see how Rhyne and Jake would like it (since we already have reservations for Memorial Day and 4th of July, I surely hope they like it!).

They loved being outdoors. Jake walked around with his fishing rod and Rhyne liked playing in the gravel. They both liked the pontoon ride, which we weren't surprised. We took bread to feed the ducks, however, all we could find were birds, so we fed them instead. Rhyne really has a throwing arm, I think she's going to be a softball pitcher. Jake was content to just drop it over the side of the boat. I on the other hand was going to dump the remaining bread out of the bag into the water, when all of a sudden I chunked the whole bag over! Yep, had to go fishing for the bag!

We all got the biggest laugh over Jake in the minnow bucket (or as we say in the South, the "minner" bucket). He would reach right in and grab a minnow, wasn't scared at all - all "boy".

We got him to practice kissing the minnow, so when we go fishing for real this Summer, he'll know what to do when he catches the "big one".

CAT Scan Drama

2006-03-07T11:02:00.000-05:00

03/07/06 - Well we took Jake for his CAT scan this morning. We were told not to give him anything to eat or drink after midnight, because he would be sedated for this procedure due to his age. So far so good. We arrive at the hospital, sign in, and fill out all the registration papers, and head off to the waiting area.

Next thing we know, this little boy (he was probably early 20s, but still looked like a little boy) escorted us to the CAT scan area. There we were told "let's try it without sedation first". WHAT??? He's almost 2, do you really think he's going to lay still for 10 minutes??
They wrapped him up mummy style, then strapped him down. Next they literally taped his head down in 2 places to the table. I'm thinking, hey this may actually work. He was a trooper at first, just amazed by the machine and probably scared to move. Once they started the machine up, it was over with - the crying and screaming began. Yep, they should have listened to us and should have sedated him first.

So, we move on to the room where they are going to sedate him. "Did he eat or drink anything after midnight", No. "Did he take any meds"? Yes, he had cold medicine. There went that red flag. She proceeded to listen to his chest and said since he was congested, they did not recommend anesthesia. I muttered, "I should have brought that Lortab" (leftover from the surgery).

Bottom line, procedure was scratched and rescheduled for Thursday morning. I definitely will be bringing the bottle of Lortab - one dose for him and one for me!
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CAT Scan - Part 2!

03/09/06 - Yeah!! Jake finally got his CAT scanned this morning! All it took was a little help from our good friend - Lortab and some major rocking. He was a trooper! We hated to drug him, but the alternative was sedation, which would have been much worse - recovery wise. A friendly nurse walked through the x-ray waiting room and saw Jake stretched out across some chairs asleep, "What a good baby. You mean he just went to sleep right there in the chair?". We both just smiled and said, "Yes, he is a good baby".

We placed him on the table and the nice nurse put a warm blanket on him, turned the lights down, and then she let him lay there a few minutes before strapping him down. He did wake up and whimper a little as the table slid him into the machine, but with a little comforting from Mama and Dada, he held still long enough for them to get a good image of his head. Now we just wait for the results . . .

March 2006

2006-03-04T17:38:00.000-05:00

Rhyne and Jake enjoying their Saturday afternoon visit with Nana and Papa!

Tonight I was cooking dinner and I looked over and saw Rhyne and Jake curled up in the corner of the kitchen cabinets reading (ha - flipping pages) of their books. It was truely a Kodak moment! They are acting more and more like brother and sister. If one does something the other wants to do it. They are so cute, they'll "talk" to each other in the back seat as we are driving home from daycare every evening - only they know what they are saying though!

Here's Daddy and Rhyne going for a ride on the 4 wheeler. She likes to ride, but is terrified to stand next to the 4 wheeler while it's running.

Here's Daddy and "one eyed" Jake riding (he was wearing his eye patch).

Our First Studio Pictures

2006-02-24T20:44:00.000-05:00

We went for our first "professional" pictures of Rhyne and Jake - was not as easy as I thought it would be! Jake was a trooper, but drama queen Rhyne cried and pulled at her hair during most of our session. We finally got a decent picture of the two of them after several choruses of "head and shoulders, knees and toes - knees and toes . . ."

They both took good individual pictures . . . . .

Here's one we didn't purchase, but is just so cute - and right on with their personalities! This is a shot of a true "brother and sister"!!

February 2006

2006-02-14T21:56:00.000-05:00

February 14, 2006

Today was Rhyne and Jake's 1st Valentine's Day. Here's a picture of them before heading off to daycare this morning.

Is this an "All American Girl" or what? Barely 2 and already has her hat and purse ready to go shopping!!

This is yummy! May I have some more please?

Just a little of the top, PLEASE . . . .

2006-02-03T21:30:00.000-05:00

Ok, Jake went in today for his little "big man's surgery" - aka circumcision. The nurses that took him back were really nice and even gave stickers and bubbles to both Jake and Rhyne to ease their minds about being "behind the curtain". Across the aisle from us was a lady who looked to be in her late 40s - who obviously overheard us talking to the nurse about Rhyne and Jake's adoption from Russia. It seems the first thing everyone ask is "how old are they" - my answer . . . "Rhyne just turned 2 in November and Jake will be 2 in April". Next question "are they brother and sister". First of all, that question bothers me because "yes they are brother and sister", but I know what they really mean to be asking is "are they biological brother and sister". We give the same answer every time -"nope, they're only 5 months apart". Ok - off my soapbox.

The lady across the aisle was there with her mother who was having surgery. I did not get her name, but she came over to say that she overheard that we just came back from Russia where we adopted our children. She proceeded to tell us that her daughter adopted a little boy from Kemerevo 2 years ago and was trying to explain to her elderly mother that our two children came from Russia just like her grandson. Small world.

The surgery went well and quick - a total of only 45 minutes for the surgery and recovery time!.

Let's just say without going into details the next 24 hours were like nothing I'd ever experienced. Thank goodness for the prescription of Lortab!!

GO DAWGS!

2006-01-21T14:59:00.000-05:00

Here are a couple of cute pictures of Rhyne and Jake supporting their favorite team - Georgia!
Yes, that is a bruise on Jake's forehead. Can't swear to it, but I believe he got a push from his sister while I wasn't looking!

Pictures from Russia

2006-01-12T09:30:00.000-05:00

St Basil's Cathedral

On the streets in Tyumen

Red Square

Hotel Russia

Family at the mall in Moscow -GUM
Bath time! They loved it!!

Trip 2 - We can finally say we are PARENTS!!!!

2006-01-06T01:25:00.000-05:00

12/10/05 – We left for the airport at 6:45 AM, in plenty of time to stop by to pick up something to eat and have plenty of time to catch our flight. However, I forgot 1 important item sitting on the bar at the house – my make up! We realized about 15 miles from our house! We turned around and this should have been an omen as to how our trip was going to go!

We flew to Atlanta, then to JFK. So far, no big deal. We met two other couples that were going on their 2nd trip as well and we did get a little sleep on the plane.

12/11/05 Sunday - As we flew into Moscow, the ground was covered with snow! Us being from the South, we rarely see snow, so we were excited! This time going through Customs was a breeze – unlike the 2 hour wait last trip! We gathered up our luggage and met our contact person just outside the glass doors. Off to the Hotel Russia we went. Wow, Moscow was just beautiful all decorated for the New Year and Christmas! The hotel was really nice, with the exception of all the (shall we say) grown up clubs!

12/12/05 Monday - We decided to take advantage of the free buffet in the hotel. I see now why it’s free. Never have I ate Frosted Flakes with warm milk – yuck!

We took a short stroll around outside in the snow and quickly came back in – our chins about froze off!

Our driver and translator met us in the lobby at 4 PM to take us to the airport to fly to Tyumen. This time we went to Domodedovo airport – much nicer than the other airport we went to last time.
As we boarded the plane I felt at ease this time, American music was playing! Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart”. Then we sat while they de-iced the plane. Tears strolled down my face as all these emotions over came me. Soon we would see our babies!

We landed at midnight and what a beautiful site – Zina!!! I almost didn’t recognize her. She had her hair colored red last time. This time it was blond/white. I broke down crying again, and just hugged her so tightly! As we drove through Tyumen, it was even more beautiful than Moscow with all the lights for the New Year and Christmas. We didn’t know where we were staying, but I had assumed it was at the Cottage like before, but we were going a different way. We passed the Circus and Quality Hotel. Oh no, we must be going to stay with a family or someone because the Cottage is on the other side of town and we were going the wrong way. Then suddenly, I remembered the traffic circle, then saw the Purina red and white checkered smoke stacks from the plant. Yes, we are going to the Cottage!! I can only guess that Zina wanted to show us all the lights in Tyumen, who knows.

12/13/05 Tuesday – we were picked up at 2 PM to go see the babies, at least that’s what we thought! Natasha (our translator) joined Zina in picking us up, and informed us that we were going to a pre-trial to meet the judge. WHAT? We weren’t prepared! We arrived at the court house and sat in front of the judge and answered all her questions –
· What are our names and dates of birth
· Were we aware of all the medical conditions of the babies
· What was our monthly net income
· How did we feel about the American death cases of adopted Russian children
· Why did we choose Russia
· And, since we were still young, what would happen if we had a bio-child. Would we treat these children any different or would we not want them anymore
In answering the last question, I had tears in my eyes. How can anyone not love these children? What kind of question was that? I was told not to show emotion during the court session. I was just so emotional. I was finally going to see my babies today and was nervous about answering questions. Ok, that was over with – off to the baby home!

Wow, how much a baby can change in 7 months, physically and emotionally. They were just beautiful! I’m sure they didn’t remember us, but still we were overcomed with just joy. We played with them and met another couple that had defected from Russia to Germany that were there adopting a 7 mth old boy. Their 10 day waiting period was not waived – I think because they did not request it to be waived.

12/14/05 Wednesday – Today was a busy day. We went to see the babies and took them to get their passport pictures. Poor Rhyne looked like a little pink Michelin man or a pink Mr Staypuff marshmallow in her snow suit! She reminded me of Ralphie’s little brother in A Christmas Story when his mom bundled him up and he fell on the ground and couldn’t get up! Too cute!
After lunch, we went to the grocery store to buy food and supplies for the children. Then back to the cottage.

12/15/05 Thursday – Studied our home study all morning trying to gather all my wits about me to be able to stand in court and speak aloud. I’m terrified about standing and speaking aloud. It snowed every night while in Tyumen. But on Thursday morning, it was snowing during the day. I had remembered that Natasha told us that it was good look for it to rain or snow on an important day, so I took this as a good sign!

Zina greeted me at the cottage with 3 white flowers and sang Happy Birthday to me in English. It was beautiful! She had come along way with her English since May!

At 10 AM the judge came into the court room, but we were still waiting on the prosecutor. In the court room was the court reporter, the Social Worker, the Director of the Baby Home, Zina (our coordinator), Natasha (our translator), and the judge. Finally, the prosecutor arrived and everything got started. Court was a breeze. Nothing like the pre-trial. We didn’t have to really answer a lot of questions, mostly the SW, director, and prosecutor spoke. Then the prosecutor’s cell phone rang, boy did the judge give her a look! About 10:30, the judge went to her chambers to look over everything. Jody and I have determined that everything seemed that it was already decided and all of this was just to go through the procedure. At 11:00, the judge came back and granted us custody of Rhyne Alissa and Jacob Taylor and waived the 10 day waiting period! She snickered over the fact that our pediatrician letter had the babies American names on them instead of their Russian names, as if we already knew what her decision would be. She also snickered, and wished me a Happy Birthday.

Off to do paperwork. First up was the birth certificates. We went to the Vital Records office and we witnessed a wedding. Nothing like the city hall weddings back home! It was very nice with a 2 man band, dancing, and everything! The lady that presented us the birth certificates wished us lots of love and happiness as family and congratulated us.

Next, we were off to get their adoption certificate. This lady was super nice. She also gave us a speech giving us well wishes and lots of love and happiness. Everyone we met was so nice and generally cared about us and was happy for the children.

Then we went to the airline office there in Tyumen and got the babies plane tickets to Moscow. Jake’s was free but Rhyne’s was 2900 rubles. The whole town amazed me as we drove through it.
Ladies wearing fur coats and hats, men wearing coats and hats, but not covering their ears – what’s up with that? Also, their street brooms were sticks bound together – literally twigs that were cut or broken from trees. It’s as if we stepped back 20 – 50 years.

Next we went to the internet café where I sent emails home to family and friends. 7 ½ rubles for 10 minutes – a lot cheaper than a phone call, plus everyone was sleeping back home.

After that we went to a tea shop and bought the director some handmade tea that she likes – 800
Rubles!! Must taste really good!

Now it’s off to get our babies! We took the cakes that we bought for the workers, the director’s gift and all the little Clinique bags that I made up for the workers in. The director was not there. She was at the court house for another adoption – this time to a French couple. The director's assistant - who is also the doctor there - expressed appreciation for the gifts. She especially liked the 30 stocking caps that my Granny knitted for the children in the orphanage. She wished many more years of good health and wellness for my Granny for her generousity.

We went down to pick up our babies, and there they were – all ready and bundled up, ready to go! We got a group picture of all their friends and caretakers, and off we went. We made a quick stop off to the passport office to get the babies’ passports started.

Back at the cottage, Zina had arranged a special dinner for my birthday and our court victory to become a family – chicken and fried potatoes! She made several special toasts to us and it was just priceless.

Here's Zina and Natasha having dinner with us at the Cottage.

That night the babies did not want to sleep. Jody and I rocked each one for about 30 minutes until they finally went to sleep. Jody didn’t sleep all night. He kept watching their cribs to make sure they were still breathing. You couldn’t miss poor Rhyne – she snores like a freight train!

12/16/05 Friday – ok frustration is kicking in. The kids want to cry and do not want to sleep! They are sick with colds and green stuff coming out their noses. We starting giving them Benedryl – as indicated by our pediatrician. At 4 PM, Zina came to pick me up so we could go get the babies’ passports. She bought the babies two books. One that is an alphabet book in English and Russian, and the other is about the museum there in Tyumen – part of their heritage.

12/17/05 Satuday – heading off to Moscow! We packed everything up and all 4 of us were feeling lousy due to the colds. I had 2 layers of clothes and snow suits on the babies. When Zina came, she said that wasn’t enough. It was cold outside and they needed those footie leggings. Ugh! It’s going to be 85 degrees on that plane, and the babies are going to be roasting! Well, this is going to be the first part of a horrible day! I was already feeling like I was a bad Mom. I cried all the way to the airport. At the airport, the babies wanted to run everywhere and cry when we tried to refrain them from running around. The plane ride was horrible. The kids cried and fussed the whole way. They weren’t scared, just didn’t like being contained. We learned the hard way that they get no more suckers for awhile. Sugar seems to stem the temper tantrums. After touching down in Moscow our troubles continued. We were juggling our carry on luggage and carrying these babies in their snow suits. I think our terminal was at the opposite end of the airport from the baggage claim. We were sick, hot, and could not hold these children anymore! We gathered our luggage on one of those carts and I pulled out our passports because in Tyumen we had to show them to claim our luggage. In Moscow, they did not need them so I stuck them in the outside pocket of my diaper bag. Our contact person was 30 minutes late in meeting us and we were literally ready to fall in the floor. Jody asked her to push the luggage or take a child, we couldn’t handle both any longer. She was also there picking up 2 other couples from MN. After putting our luggage in the van, someone grabbed up my diaper bag, put it in the back, then handed it to me. When we arrived at the Hotel Russia, the driver grabbed my diaper bag again and me and Rhyne headed into the hotel. I think I forgot to mention that we took strollers, but left them in Moscow being that we would not need them in Tyumen. We also asked that they meet us at the airport with the stollers, instead they just left them in the van.
Ok, Maria, our contact, asked for all of our passports. I reached in the pocket for our passports and only pulled out 2 blue ones! WHAT!!!!! Where’s the babies’ passports???????????? I quickly ran up to Maria at the reception desk and screamed “Do you have my babies’ passports???”!!! What happened to them? Somebody please help me! A man with the other couple went to check the van to see if somehow they fell out – he came back, nothing! I was panicking, the babies had really dirty diapers on, and we were sick, tired and ready just to come home! Maria wanted to question us and go through our bags there in the lobby. Jody yelled at her and said will us not having their passports prevent us from getting a room? If not, then get Vladimir on the phone, tell him to meet us in the hotel room. Once there, he demanded that someone go down the hall and get us something to drink, as we were about to pass out. Rhyne had a mess all over her, so did Jake. We washed them off in the shower, and actually threw Jake’s clothes away. Vladimir made phone calls to Zinaida (Zina), the Tyumen airport, the Moscow airport, and to the driver – having them look everywhere for the passports. He and Maria left and it was just the 4 of us again.

We even got a phone call from our agency. Apparently, Maria called her because of the situation. She tried to calm us down, but that did not really comfort us.

Needless to say, Jody and I got no sleep that night. According to them, no couple has ever lost their children’s passports – that is until we came to town!

12/18/05 – Maria showed up around noon. She had wonderful news for us - the passports had been found underneath the floor mat in the driver's van!!! The babies had been fed breakfast and lunch, but Jody and I were close to passing out due to not eating for almost 2 days. Jody apologized to Maria for the way he talked to her the night before. Maria said she would stay with the babies if we wanted to walk to the market to get a few items and a breather. We did go to the market and to the hot dog stand. Wow, what a difference that made! We felt so much better with food in our bodies and a little bit of freedom!!! Vladimir and Maria were working on our Embassy paperwork in our hotel room when we got back.

12/19/05 - Off to the doctor we go! We met the famous Dr Boris. He examined Rhyne and said she was a true drama queen, “Better go ahead and move to Hollywood”! He also said that she had crocodile tears and if we gave into her drama, we would be doing it until she was 25! Then, Mr Jake was up. I don’t remember any comments on him, but he was a true trooper. Rhyne weighed 24 1bs and 31 inches. Jake weighed 22 ½ lbs and 30 inches.

The best part of Moscow came – the GUM ( their mall). We ventured out and got great pictures of St Basil’s Cathedral and finally found the mall. Inside – Sbarro’s pizza – we had found a little piece of heaven in Moscow!!! It was so good, we went back through the line for seconds! The mall was decorated beautifully for Christmas/New Year, and I bought a few items to put up for the children.

12/20/05 – Ok we are running low on diapers. Jody stayed with the babies and I ventured out to find diapers. In Moscow, there are tunnels underneath the roads that you have to go into to cross a lot of busy streets. I got down in one tunnel and it went on forever. I back tracked and made a mental note of a flower stand where I entered the tunnel. I exited the tunnel and located a pharmacy across the road ( a few blocks from the hotel). There they were – HUGGIES!!! By the way, I made a point to wear all black/gray, a hat, and not to look anyone in the eye on my venture out.

Later that afternoon, it was off to the Embassy! Our driver was late because President Putin was leaving the Kremlin heading to the Carribean. Vladimir joked that he hoped they would keep him for a while!
The Embassy turned out to be a breeze. On the ride there, it amazed me at all the casinos that were in Moscow. We saw quite a few in Tyumen as well.

After the Embassy, Jody stayed with the children again, and I walked back up to the mall. I thought I remembered an Old Navy/Gap store there where I could buy Jake a coat instead of him wearing his snowsuit, but I couldn’t find the store. The main reason for going was Sbarros pizza! Got a to go order and back to the Hotel Russia I went!! By the way, the closed the hotel down 12/31/05 for demolition - I guess we closed the place down!!!

12/21/05- Finally, leaving Russia!!!! It had snowed again last night (like everynight) but this time it seemed to be deeper. Sergei picked us up at the hotel and off to the airport we went. The roads were icy and extremely busy – we slid a lot on the roads going to the airport. Jake slept, Jody slept some, Rhyne dosed, but did not really sleep. I just looked out the window and tried to take in all the sights of our children’s home land. When we arrived at the airport, we were so glad a porter was there to help us with the bags. It was well worth the 500 Rubles that we gave him!!!!! Due to the bad weather we sat on the plane while they de-iced it for about an hour. The plane ride wasn’t the best, but it was much better than the trip from Tyumen. I had to make several trips to the bathroom to change the babies. Jake slept some, but Rhyne likes to observe everyone and everything.

We arrive at JFK at around 4:30, and went through the Customs line and then to the baggage claim area. After picking up our bags and then turning around and putting them back in another baggage area, we only had 10 minutes until our plane departed for Cincinnati. I asked the Delta lady at the desk if there was anyway that we could make the flight. She called upstairs and said the plane was still there, and for us to run. Run, we did!! Thank goodness Jake did not fall out of his stroller, because I did not have him buckled in!!! We got to gate 2 and the plane was still there. However, the Supervisor indicated that we had already been rebooked on another flight to Cincinnati at gate 18 – right across the aisle. OK, no problem, just as long as we could get home. We went to gate 18 and they indicated that we were not in the system, so we went back to the Supervisor at gate 2. He swore he had us booked and they must have took us out of the system. He said, no problem, we’ll book you to Atlanta through LaGordia and I’ll take you downstairs to the shuttle bus. I was thinking what a nice gesture for him to go out of his way to help us. We go downstairs through the service elevator and it’s around 5:50 PM. He was nice enough to sit us in an area out of the cold draft of the automated doors so the babies would not get cold, and that he would come get us when the shuttle bus came. Here’s where his nice gesture cost us – he never showed up!! At 6:45 PM, Jody asks a Delta rep at the counter when the shuttle bus was scheduled to arrive. Her reply – “that bus came at 6:00”. YIKES!! What are we going to do???? After tracking down 3 different Supervisors with Delta, we finally had to end up spending the night in NY. Thank goodness I brought the babies a change of clothes! Jody and I were just out of luck though!

12/22/05 – We were picked up at 5:00 AM at the hotel by the shuttle bus and arrived at LaGorida airport at around 5:30 AM. What we failed to remember is that this was probably the busiest travel day of the year! We showed the Delta rep our tickets and asked what line we needed to be in. He pointed to the longest line and I was thankful that our departure wasn’t until 9:00 AM. Midway through the line, we asked the same rep again if we were in the right line (it seems that we were in the Security line), “Yes, everyone has to go through this line”. After and hour of waiting in line we finally made it through, only to find out we were in the wrong line – we had to go through the Delta line first!!! Not too good. That line was looking about as long as the line we just went through. Luckily we found another Supervisor that took pity on us and helped us out. Back to the original line we went. This time it took 2 hours to go through it. The babies had on dirty diapers and had been really good up until the last 30 minutes of waiting in line. We made it through the line at around 8:40 AM, and off to the bathroom I went to change diapers. Poor Jake had really messed up his cute overalls, and I did not have another change of clothes. I know the people the 2 flights had to smell us coming. We probably had the “Pigpen” look from Charlie Brown. Oh well, stinky baby or not, we were going home.

The flight to Atlanta was ok, but the flight to Greenville was oh so WONDERFUL!! The babies were the best they had been in all the 12 days. They interacted with everyone and were just so happy. I think they must have sensed our enthusiasm of being on the last leg of our trip to be going home!!!

2:00 PM – TOUCHDOWN GREENVILLE!!! We’re home!!!! As we exited the plane, we made a mad dash to the bathroom for a final diaper change before their debut. We were tired and exhausted, but seeing all of our family members and close friends waiting for us with banners and balloons just re-energized us and we had the biggest feelings of emotions and love just pour over us. People that we didn’t even think would be there, were there (this was the middle of the afternoon, so a lot of them had to take time off from work, just to see and meet us, hmm, I mean the babies!).

First Trip 05/28 - 06/03/2005

2005-05-28T15:23:00.000-04:00

05/28/05 – I had my first airplane ride today – it was awesome! We had a delay in Atlanta, and the flight to Paris was very long – about 25 teenagers were on our plane, and they didn’t sleep.

05/29/05 – Finally made it to Moscow about 2:45 and waited in the Customs line for about 2 hours – not fun at all. Vladimir met us and drove us to the domestic airport in Moscow. First he had to pull off to the side of the road to collect our money (it felt like one of those drug deals that you see on tv). Everything is different in Russia, it looks very poor and not kept up. There are soldiers in military uniforms everywhere – very nervous. Also, there are no toilet seats in Russia – very different. Our flight to Tyumen was at 7:55 PM. I did not like the airport ( Sheremetyevo 1) – no one spoke English, no toliets (just holes in the floor), and cats were walking around in the airport. You could spot the other Americans, because they were looking at the cats with a funny look on their face like we were. That had to be the scariest moment of my life – getting on that plane and in a foreign place. We landed in Tyumen at 1:00 AM, and were greeted by Zena, Natasha, and David – very glad to see them! We picked up our luggage in what looked like an old army barrack with a wood floor – no wonder the Russians wrap their luggage at the airport. We got to the cottage about 1:30 AM and met Ludmilla. Very glad to lay down – even if it was just for 4 hours.

05/30/05 – Today we finally got to meet our future son and daughter! I was so nervous and anxious to start with, then I blew up the converter with my hair dryer. I started feeling sick to my stomach with all the feelings that I was having. Ludmilla fixed ham, toast, cheese, and yogurt for us. Then she found me a hair dryer to use – you couldn’t imagine how happy I was. Now I wouldn’t have to meet my babies with bad hair. Natasha and Zina picked us up at 8:00 and we went to the Ministry of Education’s office to ask for permission to see you. On the way, Zena said that she told Rhyne that we were coming to meet her and she shied away a bit. The Ministry of Education asked us a few questions, then ok’d the visit (I asked her if I could hug her, because I was so excited!). Next, we’re off to the orphanage, and presented our gifts to the Principal. We talked to her awhile, it was time to go get Rhyne from her class – Room #2. We spotted Rhyne as soon as we went through the door, and immediately I grabbed her up. Such a sweet thing, and would wimper and cry if I put her down – my kind of girl – loves her mommy! We took her to the “viewing room”, and won her heart with some banana puff treats. Still overwhelmed, she started feeling hot, so she was taken to the nurse – while we went over her medicals and then the Principal went over her family background. She did inform us that Rhyne would not be eligible for adoption until 08/11/05. Her mom signed a document terminating her rights on 02/11/05, but we have to wait 6 months from this date for a court date. We are praying so hard that nothing happens. Jody said if something did, we would go over and pay her mom off – we are too much in love with these kids for something to happen. Next, it was off to Jake’s class – The Dandelion Room #8. Again, we spotted him as soon as we entered the class. He was standing up in what looked like a big crib. I grabbed him up and off to the viewing room we went. He really enjoyed the blue and orange tissue paper that was in his gift bag. We played with him until about 2:00, then we were driven back to Ludmilla’s for lunch. About 4:00, we went back to the orphanage and got both babies to play with and love on. Jake was fine, he wanted down and to play. Rhyne was cautious at first, then she finally made it out of my lap, and was playing around – still not too close to Jake though. At about 6:00, it was time to leave the orphanage. We stopped and exchanged some money for Rubles at a really nice hotel – The Quality, then went to a department store in town to buy some Russian items to put up.

05/31/05 – We were picked at the cottage today at 9:00. We stopped to pick up the social worker that will be representing us in court – she was to observe us to see how well we mingled with the babies. We had both babies in the room playing, and at the same time, the workers were decorating the room for Wednesday – Children’s Appreciation Day 06/01. Today, I got to feed Jake. He liked his soup, but did not like the turkey and mashed potatoes. I got to watch Rhyne feed herself – all I can say is Amazing! For snack she ate cottage cheese pudding with slices of pears and oranges. She did not spill anything, and if she drop some on her bib, she got it up with her spoon, put in back in the bowl, then continued eating. The
The cutest thing was Rhyne sitting on the potty. As she was sitting on what looked like a “slop jar”, she was scooting with it to the doorway so she could see me (I like to think to make sure I was still there for her).

While they were napping, we met Zena at a theater/café for lunch. Very good – fried chicken and fried potatoes! After lunch, we got to take the babies outside for a walk and to play – first they had to be bundled up like there was snow on the ground. Rhyne absolutely loves outside. Then it got to the hard part – saying goodbye. First, it was Jake. It was time for his dinner, so we took him to his room. The only good thing was, that he loved the worker that took him (the same dark headed lady from his video). Then, we had to take Rhyne. Jody had her in his arms, and she said “Papa” on the way to her room. Talk about two people crying! It was her dinner time too, so she went to her chair and sat down. We were still crying.

06/01/05 – We left for the airport in Tyumen about 5:00. It was cold and damp outside. Thank goodness, Zena told us for $36.00, we could sit in the VIP lounge and be escorted to our plane. That was great for us, remember this is the place where we got off the plane into a tin building! We missed the babies, but were ready to leave Russia. We were met at the Moscow airport by 2 ladies (Vladimir’s wife was one lady) who did not speak good English. We were dropped off at the international airport – and it was a whole lot different than when we arrived at that airport! Next stop Paris.

We had a Russian Volleyball player on our flight – very amusing! He would hop from seat to seat getting extra snacks and just mingling with people. He really had 1 too many drinks! Flirted with all the flight attendants too. We landed at 2:30 and headed to the baggage claim area. As we were picking up our luggage in Paris, this same fellow hopped up on the baggage claim conveyor, squatted down, and rode it around until he spotted a female (who must have been there to pick him up) on the other side of the glass wall. Then he, the female picking him up, and the flight attendant he flirted with all left together!!

Outside the airport, we decided to take the bus to the Arch then take a cab from there to our hotel (less expensive this way). We got to our hotel about 4:00PM. We decided to take a taxi to the Eiffel Tower (to see it lit up at night). It was beautiful, but a long way to the top. The best view is from the second viewing deck. But hey, you’re in Paris – go to the top!! After we came back down, we walked across the park to Le Champs De Mars (street infront of Ecole Militaire -military school) to get the best view of the tower. It was midnight and the lighted Eiffel Tower was the most beautiful object we had ever seen.

We caught a cab back to our hotel and decided to venture out for something to eat. We found a pizza bistro and had the best cheese pizza and 2 cokes anyone could have asked for, sitting outside eating pizza at 1AM - perfect!

06/02/05 – We decided our best bet was to take a bus tour of the city. We saw the most beautiful buildings, Louve, Notre Dame, Opera, and many more that I couldn’t even begin to say, little lone spell. We stopped for lunch at sidewalk café – it was ok. We did a little souvenir shopping and got back on the tour bus. Then Of course when the tour was over, we got on the wrong bus and rode it for about an hour to the end of the line. I felt like we were the Griswalds in England – “hey kids there’s Big Ben, Parliament”!! We were probably just a couple of miles from our hotel when we hopped onto the wrong city bus, but we went back through Paris, then out of Paris to where the locals lived. Being the well traveled jet-setters we are (laughing!!) we didn’t know when the bus got to the end of the line that we had to get off, wait for another bus driver, and get back on, to go all the way to the “other” end of the line – where we were staying. Yes, Big Ben, Parliament all over again – as we went back through Paris!! We stopped in at the McDonalds for an ice cream sundae – a lot more expensive than the $.99 sundae back home. A kid (maybe 15) in front of us bought a happy meal and a beer – had to laugh at that too!

06/03/05 – We woke up feeling horrible with sinus infections. Jody went to buy us a Coke – 5 Euros each!! Oh well. We called a cab to take us to the Arch, where we were to use the other half of our round trip bus ticket to the airport. The cab dropped us off, where I thought we were dropped off before – wrong. Yes, there are 8 roads that dead into the traffic circle around the Arch – and they all look the same. We walked around that whole Arch trying to find “our” bus stop.

There were severl bus stops, but we had to look for the one that went back to the airport. Thank goodness, we were not the only idiots walking around in circles!!! Finally we found it (would have been closer if we would have walked right instead of left as we exited the cab – could only happen to us). We left Paris about noon and arrived in Atlanta about 4:00 (9 hour flight). Never was I so glad to be on US soil.

WE GOT THE CALL !!!

2005-04-19T23:51:00.000-04:00

04/19/05 – I got the best news today!!!! Brenda called me at work about 9:30 AM (thinking that I had done something wrong on my paperwork, she informed me that we had a referral for 2 babies!!! I received the photos (my first “ultrasound”), and forwarded them to Jody. We were told that they were 18 months and 12 months, and that a video was being over-nighted to us. We decided to pray about the referral, and to ask God to help us with our decision. Jody said he wanted them no matter if they had “one arm or one leg”. He’s such a wonderful husband, and I know that he’ll be the best Daddy! I guess my water just broke!!!!!

04/21/05 – Couldn’t stand it any longer . . . . as soon as I got home, I popped in the video tape and must have watched it a half dozen times. I talked to Jody that night and told him how beautiful, smart, and adorable both of them were. Jody finally gave in to letting me name the girl Rhyne and the boy Jacob and calling him Jake. Since Jody let me name the girl Rhyne, I told him he could name her middle name anything he wanted, so we came up with Rhyne Alissa and Jacob Taylor (after his Grandmother from Pelzer). We are thanking God every night for them and praying they are safe, happy, and healthy.

04/22/05 – Jody got home from Florence, and we both watched the video a couple of times that evening. Then we went to Granny McFarlin’s to tell her the wonderful news. She was overjoyed with the idea of 2 more grandchilden. Our next stop that evening was to Papa and Granny Elrod’s, where we told them and Nanny. We had to trick them to all get together, but they were so excited!! Papa Elrod was so excited, he couldn’t sleep that night. He was so amazed at how many teeth Jake has. Everyone can’t get over Rhyne’s eyes and eyelashes – gorgeous. Nanny and Granny Elrod have already been shopping for clothes and toys, and now they had a name and face to buy for and love!