We are down to six more nights that Ivanna will spend in the orphanage. I'm sure she will be missed but yet everyone will be so happy to see her go. There are several things that need to be worked on and we will just have to take one/two at a time. But all will be good. I haven't posted in a while and wanted to write a few things down before I let them slip.
Saturday: We rode to the orphanage with our driver and rode home with Anna and Yuri. Enjoyed our visit and after our visit we had the most incredible lunch thanks to Anna and Yuri. They took us to the Ukranian Buffet --- well, you ask how was that different because we could actually ask what things were and Yuri could tell us and I AM HOOKED on Verneke - that stuff is WONDERFUL!! I had the potato and cherry and I think I have had the potato verneke everyday since then. Good stuff.
Then we went down to the square that evening and strolled through the Globus underground mall which is fantastic we still didn't see all of it. I stayed too long in guess which store - yep the baby stores :D. Even though she really isn't a baby she is still our baby.
Sunday: Anna and Yuri picked us up to go visit Ivanna. I'm not sure why this day's visit was very hard for me. I was trying to stay in the background and give Anna, Yuri and Igor some space to enjoy the visit because we just didn't want to interrupt what will serve to be special time and special memories to them. I also saw that it was a struggle for us to be referred to as Momma and Daddy and that's understandable too. But Ivanna had a great day with her momma (Anna) and papa (Yuri) and enjoyed being tossed and twirled in the air. Bitter sweet.
Monday: Well, the traffic was INCREDIBLY bad as they were paving the road on the way to vorzel and we all know what that is like. It took us over two hours to get to the orphanage so that only left us with a little less than an hour with the Princess :(. Wasn't so hard to get her to turn aloose this day because it was almost like the visit was over before it ever got started.
Today: This morning we were picked up at eight as opposed to nine and headed off. Luckily there was little to no traffic today so we were at the orphanage in less than 45 minutes. I was a little worried the workers may be upset since we were there so early but much to our surprise they greeted us with smiles and Ivanna had already spotted us and here she came a running!!! So very sweet when she does that. We spent a little time inside waiting on it to warm up a tad outside and then once she got wound up we moved our party for three outside. We did all sorts of things outside but the one thing that was quite funny today is that when we would take her for a walk we would try to go out the gate and to the right and she just WAS NOT going to go that way....we finally realized WHY!!!! She was afraid it was time for us to leave and by golly she just was not going that way. When it really was time to go daddy had to pick her up and carry her. Then she continually went back and forth between the both of us hugging and kissing until one of the workers finally had to take her by the hand as she was continuing to wave Paka!!! Next Monday baby girl - you will be waving Paka to the baby house and the next time you come back it will ONLY be for a visit!!!
Also the ballerina bear that she once would not have anything to do with she was finally snuggling to today and giving kisses. WOW imagine what she is going to think of all the baby dolls already on her bed and waiting for her????
Watching the changes she has made over the past couple of weeks may seems small to some but some of them are really huge to us and we can't imagine how much she will blossom when we get home. Our hope is to be able to leave here on September 16th and be home for our visitation with the boys on the 17th so they can meet their sister for the first time.
We are so looking forward to next Monday. There is not the slightest reservation between either of us and we know that Ivanna was the child that God chose for us and for our family.
We are looking forward to Lyndi coming tomorrow and Danielle, Ivan's mom (or you have heard me refer to him in my posts as Igor - as this is what he is called at the Orphanage) will be here next week. Ivan is going to be SO GLAD that the visits will be all about him.
There are other children in this baby house and others that truly need a forever family so if you have any questions, please ask or visit http://www.reecesrainbow.org/ and Andrea Roberts will be more than happy to answer questions for you.
I'll post pictures and videos soon but right now it's time for a nap before I have to get some "real work" done.
Take care and please continue to say prayers for us. Our current prayers are as follows:
He continue to guide us through the final adoption phase
He continue to watch over us during our return home
He be with Ivanna and bring calmness to her during her next six nights in the orphanage
He be with every family during their adoption in the present and the ones that will follow us
He do His will in finding each and everyone of these precious children their forever families and forever homes
He watch after our boys back home, our friends, and our families.
Amen!
Love to all,
The Stratton Family
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Photos from 08/26 and 08/27
Here are the photos from our visit with the princess on 08/26 and 08/27. As you can see on 08/27 we are in the play room with the children. Enjoy!
Friday, August 27, 2010
Videos from 08/26 and 8/27
Well, here we are and all is going great which is highly unusual. Looks like GOTCHA day has now changed to Saturday, September 4th. If something happens to change it will be on Monday for sure. The workers were able to communicate with us again today that after we left yesterday and she realized we were gone after she took off looking for us she was crying again they are in total disbelief. So today when the worker came in to tell us it was time for Ivanna to go so she could eat lunch the worker had a really sad look on her face – she didn’t want to take her either because she knew what was going to happen. All I can say is prayers for our little girl and hope that she knows she only has to sleep there 8 more nights and then she leaves with mommy and daddy. I know her mama and papa are going to miss her greatly but they will at least have peace knowing that she has found a good home and we will do everything to our ability to keep them posted of her successes and we know there will be many.
We were able to play with her in the toy room today which I am guessing that not people get to experience. We had all three children in our care for a little while and boy WHAT A HANDFUL!!! We had the Princess, Igor and Leeza and buddy with all of them fighting to have the attention it was quite strenuous. Leeza would crawl up in daddy’s lap and Ivanna wanted no part of that – as soon as she caught a glimpse of that here she would come shoving Leeza out of the way and then assume HER throne!! What a little mess she is and I mean that in the funniest of ways!
She would get all bent out of shape that she would work so hard to build her train track out of blocks and then Igore or Leeza would kick pieces of it and get it out of order and she was not at all happy. Then we had the “screaming” session. This is when Igor decides he wants to be noticed (as if he wasn’t) and he stands over to the side and goes to screaming ---- well then what does that cause – that causes our little “mimic” to go do the same thing as soon as he is done. Oh boy!!! Everyday I have tried to take them all a snack of some sort. Today it was cookies and they are eager to tear in to them. I just give them to one of the workers and they distribute them. Such sweet ladies at this house – I have certainly been very pleased.
Well, after we were about to pull our hair out with all three of them in the room with just us and trying to keep them all rounded up and stop competing for attention one of the ladies came in just as Leeza had grabbed hubby’s glasses off his face and bent them. So, while I was getting him back in working order, she took Igor and Leeza with her to the front room. It was attempting to mist today so today was an inside visit which was fine with us but the three of them together is boy howdy a little too much :D.
Danielle!!!! Hurry up!!!! He’s waiting on Y-O-U!!!! Brush up on your Russian/Ukrainian too cause he babbles constantly. :D. When you get here, if you haven’t learned them already, we will teach you the VERY important words LOL!!!
Well, come to find out the pictures didn’t turn out well today because the camera had gotten switched to another setting :(. That’s what happens when little ones are around to constantly push buttons. Guess I need to put that on my list of “things to remember”….check settings before taking pictures. But…we did get some good videos though so guess that makes up for it.
Having a great time still….this evening we decided to go out for a quick dinner since I am working in the evenings. We LOVE the Italian Resteraunt that is close to us. GREAT Pizza and other things too but we have come to really love their pizza. When we left guess what? – it was pouring down rain. So off we go in the rain as my silly husband starts singing what song? “Singing in the Rain” and skipping and dancing!! I know, I know you all don’t believe this – but unfortunately I didn’t have the video camera to capture this but it happened. He is a NUT! So by the time we made it back to the apartment we were soaked but we had a nice dinner and once again, made the best of it.
Our goal is to be able to leave here on Thursday, 9/16 since we are supposed to have visitation with the boys on Friday, 9/17. That way they will get to see their new sister in a timely fashion since well…. So, let’s all pray that we can get everything done in that time frame and still allow her to get to spend some time with her biological parents before we go and that all goes smoothly and we can leave on this date.
Thanks for taking the time to read our lengthy posts and we look forward to seeing you all soon! Hope you enjoy the videos we are leaving you with.
And now that's it's Saturday morning where we are she presently only has seven more nights in her temporary home!
Love to all!
The Stratton Family
We were able to play with her in the toy room today which I am guessing that not people get to experience. We had all three children in our care for a little while and boy WHAT A HANDFUL!!! We had the Princess, Igor and Leeza and buddy with all of them fighting to have the attention it was quite strenuous. Leeza would crawl up in daddy’s lap and Ivanna wanted no part of that – as soon as she caught a glimpse of that here she would come shoving Leeza out of the way and then assume HER throne!! What a little mess she is and I mean that in the funniest of ways!
She would get all bent out of shape that she would work so hard to build her train track out of blocks and then Igore or Leeza would kick pieces of it and get it out of order and she was not at all happy. Then we had the “screaming” session. This is when Igor decides he wants to be noticed (as if he wasn’t) and he stands over to the side and goes to screaming ---- well then what does that cause – that causes our little “mimic” to go do the same thing as soon as he is done. Oh boy!!! Everyday I have tried to take them all a snack of some sort. Today it was cookies and they are eager to tear in to them. I just give them to one of the workers and they distribute them. Such sweet ladies at this house – I have certainly been very pleased.
Well, after we were about to pull our hair out with all three of them in the room with just us and trying to keep them all rounded up and stop competing for attention one of the ladies came in just as Leeza had grabbed hubby’s glasses off his face and bent them. So, while I was getting him back in working order, she took Igor and Leeza with her to the front room. It was attempting to mist today so today was an inside visit which was fine with us but the three of them together is boy howdy a little too much :D.
Danielle!!!! Hurry up!!!! He’s waiting on Y-O-U!!!! Brush up on your Russian/Ukrainian too cause he babbles constantly. :D. When you get here, if you haven’t learned them already, we will teach you the VERY important words LOL!!!
Well, come to find out the pictures didn’t turn out well today because the camera had gotten switched to another setting :(. That’s what happens when little ones are around to constantly push buttons. Guess I need to put that on my list of “things to remember”….check settings before taking pictures. But…we did get some good videos though so guess that makes up for it.
Having a great time still….this evening we decided to go out for a quick dinner since I am working in the evenings. We LOVE the Italian Resteraunt that is close to us. GREAT Pizza and other things too but we have come to really love their pizza. When we left guess what? – it was pouring down rain. So off we go in the rain as my silly husband starts singing what song? “Singing in the Rain” and skipping and dancing!! I know, I know you all don’t believe this – but unfortunately I didn’t have the video camera to capture this but it happened. He is a NUT! So by the time we made it back to the apartment we were soaked but we had a nice dinner and once again, made the best of it.
Our goal is to be able to leave here on Thursday, 9/16 since we are supposed to have visitation with the boys on Friday, 9/17. That way they will get to see their new sister in a timely fashion since well…. So, let’s all pray that we can get everything done in that time frame and still allow her to get to spend some time with her biological parents before we go and that all goes smoothly and we can leave on this date.
Thanks for taking the time to read our lengthy posts and we look forward to seeing you all soon! Hope you enjoy the videos we are leaving you with.
And now that's it's Saturday morning where we are she presently only has seven more nights in her temporary home!
Love to all!
The Stratton Family
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Court Day 08/25/2010
Well here you will see the building where court was conducted today and then our short visit with Ivanna after our court appearance today!! What a lively little Princess.
It's OFFICIAL!!!!
Today we welcome a bouncing baby girl in to our family via a paperwork pregnancy and what a pregnancy it was Momma and Daddy are worn out. We now can officially call Ivanna Patricia-Nan Stratton our daughter. So now we are a family of six.
So today our facilitator picked us up at 8:15 a.m. and we stopped to pick up our translator then headed off to court. Luckily the Judge was in a good mood as Nadiya had told us the day of the "L" families court she was not in a good mood at all. We had a judge, prosecutor, secretary, social worker, orphanage director, translator and (2) members of a "jury". WOW huh?!?! Well she just proceeded to read through our home study and asked questions mostly to Andy where he had to stand and give an answer to our translator basically asking if we were asking anything extra of the court and if we agreed with our petition and still wanted to follow through with our petition. Of course there was no hesitation from either of us and then she asked if I supported the decision of my husband and of course no hesitation there either. They continued to look through our photo albums, one of GCDSS and one of our family. Then they asked if I had any pictures of Ivanna and then they all chuckled when I pulled out another photo album, same size with photos of Ivanna in it. They then also saw pictures of the Princess room. They all agreed that she was a very lucky little girl. When in fact - we feel as though we are the lucky ones.
Then as they were reading her name and confirmed this in to order I had chills all over me. They congratulated us as her new mommy and daddy and I said "Baseba" and the Judge just looked at me and smiled and chuckled "probably thinking crazy American can't even pronounce it right!!".
Then we headed down to the baby house to visit Ivanna while the Translator and Facilitator went and handled some business at the Director's office and another baby house. Our visit was great of course - when we first got there it was trying to sprinkle outside so when we went in to where Ivanna was - the workers led us to another part of the house to have our visit. I took out a brush that we had just bought at a pharmacy to brush Ivanna's hair....surprisingly she let me brush and brush and brush her hair and even acted like she enjoyed it. Then Daddy told her to brush mine and she did then she was not giving up the brush after that - she brushed and fixed my hair and fixed it some more and then it was Daddy's turn :D. One of the workers brought what I think was a boiled apple in for Ivanna to eat - of course she loved it - I don't think there is anything she will turn down. THEN our little wild child slowly started coming out of her shell. As daddy started playing with her she got a little rambunctious and started throwing her shoes and such and yes you couldn't help but laugh at her which of course was making her worse but she will learn quickly what she is able to do and not do. So then our facilitator came in which meant it was time for us to wrap things up. As we were gathering up our things she took off running to the front door which she has never attempted to do before and started sreaming to the top of her lungs as I was trying to get her back inside. So then we managed to walk her to the back where the workers and other children were. Our facilitator began to tell the workers that we had court today and they were so excited. Then Ivanna kept grabbing our hands and we thought it was because she wanted to swing from our hands like she normally does well, it wasn't at all, it was because she wanted to go. So then we kissed her and said Paka and she waved and I noticed she had a strange look on her face then as I turned away I heard a worker have a strange voice and calling her name and then I heard Andy telling me she was crying --- when I turned around and her eyes were filled with tears my heart melted. The workers told our facilitator it was the first time they had EVER seen her cry even when she would get hurt. Broke my heart so I kissed the tears out of her eyes and they explained to her we would be back in the morning. They said that for the last few mornings she had been going to the window and saying mama and papa and pointing to outside. Sad but good that she is feeling a bond there.
We haven't seen her biological parents since last Saturday they had e-mailed on Monday to say they were sick. Hope they are feeling better.
We will bring Ivanna to the apartment with us on Monday, September 6 and then start our preparation to leave while also giving her biological parents a little time with her before we go as two families that will love her for a lifetime.
Will be posting pictures and videos soon but right now it's time for a rest as I am emotionally drained. :D Can't wait to see her tomorrow but I don't want her to be upset when we leave I want her to understand that we will be back and soon she will leave that place for ever.
What does make this very comforting is that the workers seem to treat her well and really care for her the best they can. I think they will miss her also as she is very smart and does things for them and to entertain them too. She is a MESS!! We think you all will love her just as we do.
Love you all,
The Stratton Family!
So today our facilitator picked us up at 8:15 a.m. and we stopped to pick up our translator then headed off to court. Luckily the Judge was in a good mood as Nadiya had told us the day of the "L" families court she was not in a good mood at all. We had a judge, prosecutor, secretary, social worker, orphanage director, translator and (2) members of a "jury". WOW huh?!?! Well she just proceeded to read through our home study and asked questions mostly to Andy where he had to stand and give an answer to our translator basically asking if we were asking anything extra of the court and if we agreed with our petition and still wanted to follow through with our petition. Of course there was no hesitation from either of us and then she asked if I supported the decision of my husband and of course no hesitation there either. They continued to look through our photo albums, one of GCDSS and one of our family. Then they asked if I had any pictures of Ivanna and then they all chuckled when I pulled out another photo album, same size with photos of Ivanna in it. They then also saw pictures of the Princess room. They all agreed that she was a very lucky little girl. When in fact - we feel as though we are the lucky ones.
Then as they were reading her name and confirmed this in to order I had chills all over me. They congratulated us as her new mommy and daddy and I said "Baseba" and the Judge just looked at me and smiled and chuckled "probably thinking crazy American can't even pronounce it right!!".
Then we headed down to the baby house to visit Ivanna while the Translator and Facilitator went and handled some business at the Director's office and another baby house. Our visit was great of course - when we first got there it was trying to sprinkle outside so when we went in to where Ivanna was - the workers led us to another part of the house to have our visit. I took out a brush that we had just bought at a pharmacy to brush Ivanna's hair....surprisingly she let me brush and brush and brush her hair and even acted like she enjoyed it. Then Daddy told her to brush mine and she did then she was not giving up the brush after that - she brushed and fixed my hair and fixed it some more and then it was Daddy's turn :D. One of the workers brought what I think was a boiled apple in for Ivanna to eat - of course she loved it - I don't think there is anything she will turn down. THEN our little wild child slowly started coming out of her shell. As daddy started playing with her she got a little rambunctious and started throwing her shoes and such and yes you couldn't help but laugh at her which of course was making her worse but she will learn quickly what she is able to do and not do. So then our facilitator came in which meant it was time for us to wrap things up. As we were gathering up our things she took off running to the front door which she has never attempted to do before and started sreaming to the top of her lungs as I was trying to get her back inside. So then we managed to walk her to the back where the workers and other children were. Our facilitator began to tell the workers that we had court today and they were so excited. Then Ivanna kept grabbing our hands and we thought it was because she wanted to swing from our hands like she normally does well, it wasn't at all, it was because she wanted to go. So then we kissed her and said Paka and she waved and I noticed she had a strange look on her face then as I turned away I heard a worker have a strange voice and calling her name and then I heard Andy telling me she was crying --- when I turned around and her eyes were filled with tears my heart melted. The workers told our facilitator it was the first time they had EVER seen her cry even when she would get hurt. Broke my heart so I kissed the tears out of her eyes and they explained to her we would be back in the morning. They said that for the last few mornings she had been going to the window and saying mama and papa and pointing to outside. Sad but good that she is feeling a bond there.
We haven't seen her biological parents since last Saturday they had e-mailed on Monday to say they were sick. Hope they are feeling better.
We will bring Ivanna to the apartment with us on Monday, September 6 and then start our preparation to leave while also giving her biological parents a little time with her before we go as two families that will love her for a lifetime.
Will be posting pictures and videos soon but right now it's time for a rest as I am emotionally drained. :D Can't wait to see her tomorrow but I don't want her to be upset when we leave I want her to understand that we will be back and soon she will leave that place for ever.
What does make this very comforting is that the workers seem to treat her well and really care for her the best they can. I think they will miss her also as she is very smart and does things for them and to entertain them too. She is a MESS!! We think you all will love her just as we do.
Love you all,
The Stratton Family!
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Our Trip
Thought I would take just a few minutes to blog about our trip. We absolutely have fallen in love with Kiev. We love the fact that you can walk anywhere you want to go (well mostly). Tons of stores to go through - many varieties of foods to eat. We have certainly enjoyed learning more about the city as well and I must say we have had a wonderful teacher! (Thank Yuri). We still haven't toured as much as we want but the one thing we do want to do is visit some of the churches here. Once Ivanna is released we hope we can all go to the zoo. It will be a first for Ivanna and for Andy.
I never would have thought that we would have enjoyed being "out of our element" but we have been pleasenty surprised. The only thing we have really missed is being able to set the air conditoner on what we want (which is COLD) and having a clothes dryer and a LARGE washing machine - although funny how you learn to adapt and I honestly think that as for energy conservation we could probably learn a lot from these people. We have come in contact with many and surprisingly they all seem happy - you know how when you look at someone and you can say "worry" in their face ---- I don't see a lot of that here.
Tons of beautiful parks and now that the weather has cooled down it makes it much more pleasant to get out.
Well, need to run - not sure what we are going to do yet - we were supposed to go see baby girl but the driver wasn't able to make it :( and unfortunately Anna and Yuri are off to church and we certainly wish we could be too. We miss our church family!!! I still hope we get to see her today.
Love you all and take care. More pictures and videos coming this afternoon I'm sure.
I never would have thought that we would have enjoyed being "out of our element" but we have been pleasenty surprised. The only thing we have really missed is being able to set the air conditoner on what we want (which is COLD) and having a clothes dryer and a LARGE washing machine - although funny how you learn to adapt and I honestly think that as for energy conservation we could probably learn a lot from these people. We have come in contact with many and surprisingly they all seem happy - you know how when you look at someone and you can say "worry" in their face ---- I don't see a lot of that here.
Tons of beautiful parks and now that the weather has cooled down it makes it much more pleasant to get out.
Well, need to run - not sure what we are going to do yet - we were supposed to go see baby girl but the driver wasn't able to make it :( and unfortunately Anna and Yuri are off to church and we certainly wish we could be too. We miss our church family!!! I still hope we get to see her today.
Love you all and take care. More pictures and videos coming this afternoon I'm sure.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Pictures and Videos from 08/20-21
Had a great afternoon today visiting with our little Princess. Yuri went with us today and he certainly missed his calling at being a comedian. He keeps us laughing.
Gets harder and harder to leave Ivanna behind when we leave but hopefully she only has about two more weeks left at the orphanage because just as soon as we get the OK for GOTCHA day we are going to break her out.
Don't get me wrong --- I can only speak for this baby house but these workers really seem to care about her and the other children. They take pictures themselves and they make do with what they are given for the children. A shame to see them count diapers as they do though - hurt my heart that diapers have to be rationed. I know I will take some to them and I know Anna and Yuri has taken some to them all along.
Ivan's mom (the one dancing in the video with Ivanna) will be coming for him shortly - she is scheduled to be here on 9/12. Can't wait to meet her. She's going to be another lucky mom because he is not understanding at all why Ivanna's has a mom and he doesn't so I am glad that he will be getting a mom of his very own shortly after Ivanna. Blessed children they are but there are still many more that need homes.
Hope you enjoy these videos and pictures we continue to watch them over and over ourselves and know the boys will love her just as much as we do.
Gets harder and harder to leave Ivanna behind when we leave but hopefully she only has about two more weeks left at the orphanage because just as soon as we get the OK for GOTCHA day we are going to break her out.
Don't get me wrong --- I can only speak for this baby house but these workers really seem to care about her and the other children. They take pictures themselves and they make do with what they are given for the children. A shame to see them count diapers as they do though - hurt my heart that diapers have to be rationed. I know I will take some to them and I know Anna and Yuri has taken some to them all along.
Ivan's mom (the one dancing in the video with Ivanna) will be coming for him shortly - she is scheduled to be here on 9/12. Can't wait to meet her. She's going to be another lucky mom because he is not understanding at all why Ivanna's has a mom and he doesn't so I am glad that he will be getting a mom of his very own shortly after Ivanna. Blessed children they are but there are still many more that need homes.
Hope you enjoy these videos and pictures we continue to watch them over and over ourselves and know the boys will love her just as much as we do.
Videos from 08/18 and 08/19 visits to Princess Ivanna
Here are the videos from the 08/18 and 08/19 visits. We are going with Anna and Yuri to see her again this afternoon and we are so excited. Can't wait to see the look on her face when she sees us all. We wonder if she noticed we didn't come this morning. Love you all and thanks again!
Visit 08/18 and 08/19
What joy it is each and every time we visit her. On the 19th we took her a new outfit to put on. It was a little cool that day and she enjoyed the wind blowing and we get so excited everytime it did.
She loves her yogurt and fruit and the joy on her face when we show up to see her is just a feeling that is not even comparable to any other.
Her days are numbered at the orphanage and it won't be many more days that she will be able to make the transition to the apartment with us.
The song that we attached to these photos is very true!! FREE by Zac Brown Band - we don't have a lot of money but all we need is love. Free as we'll ever be. Ivanna is almost free.
Thanks again for all of your prayers and support we certainly thank Jesus several times a day for bringing us this far in our journey. Can't wait to have us all home under the same roof.
We do like it here though and are certainly going to miss her biological parents but we have skype :D.
Videos coming soon.
She loves her yogurt and fruit and the joy on her face when we show up to see her is just a feeling that is not even comparable to any other.
Her days are numbered at the orphanage and it won't be many more days that she will be able to make the transition to the apartment with us.
The song that we attached to these photos is very true!! FREE by Zac Brown Band - we don't have a lot of money but all we need is love. Free as we'll ever be. Ivanna is almost free.
Thanks again for all of your prayers and support we certainly thank Jesus several times a day for bringing us this far in our journey. Can't wait to have us all home under the same roof.
We do like it here though and are certainly going to miss her biological parents but we have skype :D.
Videos coming soon.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
6th (8/18) & 7th (8/19) Visits
WOW is a word that we say often. Don't have pictures an videos ready to upload yet but they are really good for certain. Yesterday and today we rode over to Vorzel with Sivlet (no where near sure how to spell his name). He is a driver that our facilitator uses to get families over to Vorzel if they choose to be driven as opposed to riding the bus. In our case we mostly have been going with Anna and Yuri which is great for all of us I believe to make the transition easier.
Yesterday was a lot of fun and as soon as she saw us round the corner up from the table she came and ran straight to Darlena - we sure wish we would have gotten that one on video. Her little eyes are the brightest in the world.
Today she was excited to see us but she was eating breakfast or a snack outside when we got there and they immediately took her in to get her cleaned up first. Well, before we went out to see her one of the ladies took Darlena by the arm and was telling her to wait....come to find out she wanted to show us some pictures of Ivanna - Ivanna was dressed in the Doctors white coat and using a stethascope and playing doctor on one of the ladies it was hilarious. Then she showed us quite a few other pictures as well. Tomorrow I am going to photograph them because there are some good ones of Ivan and the workers in there also.
Well, once the worker got Ivanna cleaned up (well I thought that's what was happening) --- goodness Darlena kept saying she smelled the most horrible smell as we were walking her out to the play area - well now I know she has a nose for an Ivanna stinky!! So she quickly gathered her up and took her inside and the workers took her. Darlena said she wanted to get her cleaned up but she thinks they were wanting to show her that Ivanna was Miss Independent and could do the majority of it by herself. Well, soon, she will learn a different side of independence. Well, anyway - here they come finally and I had the video camera on this time. Ivanna had to stop and attempt to fasten the velcro on her shoes which were worn out and wouldn't fasten and then she finally came running straight to me and ran right in to me while I was videotaping. That is the cutest thing to see her running towards you like that and the excitement on her face when she does.
We brought her a new outfit to put on today and it was a jumper again not what she was accustomed to so we had a little struggle from her at first but when her attention got diverted to a banana she will basically let you do anything you want as long as she gets her banana!!! She looked so cute.
We had taken her a new pair of shoes a few days ago but they still keep sending her out with the same shoes on that won't stay velcro'd any longer and are too short. So, today we went and bought her a pair of sandals that velcro that look similiar to the ones she had on except these light up. I bet she is going to be so happy that she doesn't have to bend down every few seconds and attempt to fasten her shoes. Just hope they don't disappear. We may take her a new outfit tomorrow we just haven't decided yet. The clothes they have to dress them in are many sizes too small and the diapers they use are the same ... way too small. Anna and Yuri took some diapers that were appropriate but for some reason they don't use them and they continue to use the ones that are too small. Before we go and get her we are going to take them quite a few ourselves to help with some of the other children.
She is also OCD about keeping herself clean which is too funny to me. She gets something on her mouth and she almost immediately wants to wipe it. Just way too cute. Spills something on her, she wants to wipe it off. Today we were able to capture on video her mommy singing ABCs to her and ennunciating a few letters sharply and Ivanna was catching on and attempting to mimic the same thing. Then Darlena started teaching her how to say I loooovvveee You and she would just giggle. She said it several times. Won't be long and we couldn't make her be quiet if we wanted to so I guess we better enjoy it while we can.
Oh and she thinks grabbing something and slinging it across the yard is funny. She's not going to think that's too funny if she picks up one of the lego sets that Steven so delicately put together and slings it across the living room. Guess we have to work on that trait huh?
We have missed Anna and Yuri the past few days as they have been spending time with Anna's grandmother. But hopefully we will get to spend more time with them on Saturday. Tomorrow we will go again with Sivlet. He is such a character. He has fun trying to figure out what we are saying and he also helps us with our words on the way out. Yuri has to correct us though and give us the Ukranian version as opposed to the Russian version. Sometimes they are similiar but yet different.
Well, hopefully tomorrow we will get pictures and videos uploaded again - we again have technical difficulties on our home laptop. Not sure why it is wanting to give us so much trouble but that may be a good thing. Darlena is working so just wanted to give everyone an update while we could.
We can't wait to talk to the boys tonight to tell them what all has been going on lately. Ivanna looked at the photo album again with me today while I called out the names of the boys and she attempted to repeat them.
She has so much capability and will soon be able to express more and more. Looking forward to it. She is a complete MESS - I hope all of you in Mississippi that are waiting on her arrival are ready. Darlena told me that they will probably have security meet us in the airport when we touch down in the US and they will tell us that we are not allowed to board another plan and will have to find an alternate route home. That is just plain funny.
We have eaten at quite a few places. This morning Darlena made coffee in the apartment for the first time. It was very good we hadn't had just plain coffee since we left and that is almost unbelievable for either of us. But it has just been way too hot.
Yesterday and today it has been so cool and felt so good outside. The boys would absolutely love it here there is so much to do. Hopefully when we have our GOTCHA day we will be able to take her to zoo and a few more things before we leave and not to mention the "official" stuff that must be done before we leave. But we want her to have time to spend with her biological family before we leave. This will be a first for them and a first for her and will mean a lot to them and to her grandmother and mean a lot to us because we will get to capture it all on video and camera.
Well signing off for now - thanks for your prayers continue to say them and we look forward to introducing our new family member to all of you very soon.
Yesterday was a lot of fun and as soon as she saw us round the corner up from the table she came and ran straight to Darlena - we sure wish we would have gotten that one on video. Her little eyes are the brightest in the world.
Today she was excited to see us but she was eating breakfast or a snack outside when we got there and they immediately took her in to get her cleaned up first. Well, before we went out to see her one of the ladies took Darlena by the arm and was telling her to wait....come to find out she wanted to show us some pictures of Ivanna - Ivanna was dressed in the Doctors white coat and using a stethascope and playing doctor on one of the ladies it was hilarious. Then she showed us quite a few other pictures as well. Tomorrow I am going to photograph them because there are some good ones of Ivan and the workers in there also.
Well, once the worker got Ivanna cleaned up (well I thought that's what was happening) --- goodness Darlena kept saying she smelled the most horrible smell as we were walking her out to the play area - well now I know she has a nose for an Ivanna stinky!! So she quickly gathered her up and took her inside and the workers took her. Darlena said she wanted to get her cleaned up but she thinks they were wanting to show her that Ivanna was Miss Independent and could do the majority of it by herself. Well, soon, she will learn a different side of independence. Well, anyway - here they come finally and I had the video camera on this time. Ivanna had to stop and attempt to fasten the velcro on her shoes which were worn out and wouldn't fasten and then she finally came running straight to me and ran right in to me while I was videotaping. That is the cutest thing to see her running towards you like that and the excitement on her face when she does.
We brought her a new outfit to put on today and it was a jumper again not what she was accustomed to so we had a little struggle from her at first but when her attention got diverted to a banana she will basically let you do anything you want as long as she gets her banana!!! She looked so cute.
We had taken her a new pair of shoes a few days ago but they still keep sending her out with the same shoes on that won't stay velcro'd any longer and are too short. So, today we went and bought her a pair of sandals that velcro that look similiar to the ones she had on except these light up. I bet she is going to be so happy that she doesn't have to bend down every few seconds and attempt to fasten her shoes. Just hope they don't disappear. We may take her a new outfit tomorrow we just haven't decided yet. The clothes they have to dress them in are many sizes too small and the diapers they use are the same ... way too small. Anna and Yuri took some diapers that were appropriate but for some reason they don't use them and they continue to use the ones that are too small. Before we go and get her we are going to take them quite a few ourselves to help with some of the other children.
She is also OCD about keeping herself clean which is too funny to me. She gets something on her mouth and she almost immediately wants to wipe it. Just way too cute. Spills something on her, she wants to wipe it off. Today we were able to capture on video her mommy singing ABCs to her and ennunciating a few letters sharply and Ivanna was catching on and attempting to mimic the same thing. Then Darlena started teaching her how to say I loooovvveee You and she would just giggle. She said it several times. Won't be long and we couldn't make her be quiet if we wanted to so I guess we better enjoy it while we can.
Oh and she thinks grabbing something and slinging it across the yard is funny. She's not going to think that's too funny if she picks up one of the lego sets that Steven so delicately put together and slings it across the living room. Guess we have to work on that trait huh?
We have missed Anna and Yuri the past few days as they have been spending time with Anna's grandmother. But hopefully we will get to spend more time with them on Saturday. Tomorrow we will go again with Sivlet. He is such a character. He has fun trying to figure out what we are saying and he also helps us with our words on the way out. Yuri has to correct us though and give us the Ukranian version as opposed to the Russian version. Sometimes they are similiar but yet different.
Well, hopefully tomorrow we will get pictures and videos uploaded again - we again have technical difficulties on our home laptop. Not sure why it is wanting to give us so much trouble but that may be a good thing. Darlena is working so just wanted to give everyone an update while we could.
We can't wait to talk to the boys tonight to tell them what all has been going on lately. Ivanna looked at the photo album again with me today while I called out the names of the boys and she attempted to repeat them.
She has so much capability and will soon be able to express more and more. Looking forward to it. She is a complete MESS - I hope all of you in Mississippi that are waiting on her arrival are ready. Darlena told me that they will probably have security meet us in the airport when we touch down in the US and they will tell us that we are not allowed to board another plan and will have to find an alternate route home. That is just plain funny.
We have eaten at quite a few places. This morning Darlena made coffee in the apartment for the first time. It was very good we hadn't had just plain coffee since we left and that is almost unbelievable for either of us. But it has just been way too hot.
Yesterday and today it has been so cool and felt so good outside. The boys would absolutely love it here there is so much to do. Hopefully when we have our GOTCHA day we will be able to take her to zoo and a few more things before we leave and not to mention the "official" stuff that must be done before we leave. But we want her to have time to spend with her biological family before we leave. This will be a first for them and a first for her and will mean a lot to them and to her grandmother and mean a lot to us because we will get to capture it all on video and camera.
Well signing off for now - thanks for your prayers continue to say them and we look forward to introducing our new family member to all of you very soon.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Videos from 08/15 and 08/17
Finally uploading videos from our 3rd and 5th visits with the Princess. She is a mess. She is going to be so much fun so you all better get ready for lots and lots of hugs and kisses.
Fifth Visit 8/17/10
Another great visit today. We were so glad that Yuri, Anna and Igor joined us a little in to our visit so we could all spend time with her at the same time.
Ivanna was very playful again today and we watched her beautiful face light up again today when she looked up and saw us.
She colored, played ball, ate snacks which is her favorite!!! She is still not liking having pretty bows in her hair yet but she will get used to it after a while. As long as you bribe her with a banana she will keep it in for a little bit. When we got there she was in pigtails but that didn't last long either - out they came not soon after she got in my lap and she just smiles as though she is saying ha ha - I told you I wasn't going to wear them. But once again, she controls what she does LOL.
Today looks like the last hot day for a little bit thank goodness because having to walk in the city is a scorcher. Tomorrow's high is 76 which is about 20 degrees cooler than it has been thank goodness. Every one in Ukraine says this is the first year it has been this hot here. We are certainly looking forward to cooler weather however hope it doesn't get too cool because we brought nothing to adapt to cooler weather. But I don't think I'll be complaining about it being cool.
Well, hope you enjoy the montage and we will have videos coming soon. Going to combine videos from the other day and today since we just got our video flip back from Yuri today.
Continue your prayers for our family and don't forget the boys back home.
Love,
The Stratton Family
Ivanna was very playful again today and we watched her beautiful face light up again today when she looked up and saw us.
She colored, played ball, ate snacks which is her favorite!!! She is still not liking having pretty bows in her hair yet but she will get used to it after a while. As long as you bribe her with a banana she will keep it in for a little bit. When we got there she was in pigtails but that didn't last long either - out they came not soon after she got in my lap and she just smiles as though she is saying ha ha - I told you I wasn't going to wear them. But once again, she controls what she does LOL.
Today looks like the last hot day for a little bit thank goodness because having to walk in the city is a scorcher. Tomorrow's high is 76 which is about 20 degrees cooler than it has been thank goodness. Every one in Ukraine says this is the first year it has been this hot here. We are certainly looking forward to cooler weather however hope it doesn't get too cool because we brought nothing to adapt to cooler weather. But I don't think I'll be complaining about it being cool.
Well, hope you enjoy the montage and we will have videos coming soon. Going to combine videos from the other day and today since we just got our video flip back from Yuri today.
Continue your prayers for our family and don't forget the boys back home.
Love,
The Stratton Family
Monday, August 16, 2010
Visit 8/16/10 & WE GOT A COURT DATE!!
Another great visit today. Unfortunately we did not have Yuri to escort us today but it was still a good day! Ivanna is quite the princess for sure. Playing with other children is somewhat of a struggle for her because sharing is not one of her stronger points. We have become attached to the other children around her as well. Two of them have families coming soon but one little boy today really did a number on our hearts. Sasha was pointing to the bench seat beside him and looking and Andy and saying Papa wanting Andy to sit down. The workers started telling him that we were "Ivanna's Mama and Papa" and his little eyes looked so heart broken and he said very plainly "I want a Papa".....This was probably the worst pain we could have felt. He has a disability in his arm and his leg but he is elegible for adoption and has such a sweet disposition and is very shy and timid.
Ivanna wore her bow in her hair for all of about five minutes a few of the pictures reflect that - the workers brought me out a comb and ponytail holders to put her hair up in pig tails but that didn't work out to good for me so the doctor came over and showed me how it was done and how to make her cooperate - wow she certainly had a way with her. :D She is just too funny and just full of spirit. She is going to work out very well in our family since there are no younger children and she doesn't have to worry about sharing her "girly" toys with her brothers.
Our court date has been set for Wednesday, 8/25. At this court she will obtain her official name of Ivanna Patricia-Nan Stratton. Then we have a 10 day waiting period and then after that we can go and get her from the orphanage. Then it's off to prepare for our trip home but still have to get medical, Visa, etc. etc. and I want to give her some time with her biological family before we leave. I know they want this more than anything. Hopefully we will be able to visit the zoo or something together as two families that love her dearly. So we anticipate being here about 2 weeks after the 10 day period making our return around the 17th or 18th of September. Wish us luck and please continue your prayers as both of our families will need them. More importantly pray for the children we leave behind because it's going to hurt our hearts for many years to come.
Enjoy the montage and there will be more tomorrow!
Ivanna wore her bow in her hair for all of about five minutes a few of the pictures reflect that - the workers brought me out a comb and ponytail holders to put her hair up in pig tails but that didn't work out to good for me so the doctor came over and showed me how it was done and how to make her cooperate - wow she certainly had a way with her. :D She is just too funny and just full of spirit. She is going to work out very well in our family since there are no younger children and she doesn't have to worry about sharing her "girly" toys with her brothers.
Our court date has been set for Wednesday, 8/25. At this court she will obtain her official name of Ivanna Patricia-Nan Stratton. Then we have a 10 day waiting period and then after that we can go and get her from the orphanage. Then it's off to prepare for our trip home but still have to get medical, Visa, etc. etc. and I want to give her some time with her biological family before we leave. I know they want this more than anything. Hopefully we will be able to visit the zoo or something together as two families that love her dearly. So we anticipate being here about 2 weeks after the 10 day period making our return around the 17th or 18th of September. Wish us luck and please continue your prayers as both of our families will need them. More importantly pray for the children we leave behind because it's going to hurt our hearts for many years to come.
Enjoy the montage and there will be more tomorrow!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
3rd Visit 08/15/2010
Today's visit started off a little challenging. Several of the kiddos were outside when we arrive but Ivanna was inside. As soon as we walked in the door she ran to all three of us and hugged each of us. What a complete blessing that is. She had such a beautiful smile on her face. She was immediately looking to see what we brought her today.
So I took her by the hand and led her outside with Yuri's wonderful help - he was able to translate to us what the workers were saying. So we walked out to the play area and joined a few of the other children, Igor and Leeza included. Ivanna is accustomed to having to fight for what she gets or keeps and of course that is understandable. So she got no, no, no several times and JoAnn you will be pleased to know that I left with a battle scar today LOL. Completely understandable though and the more I think about it it is just so sad.
Larissa, one of the nurses was outside and today I showed her our family photos and the photos of Ivanna's room. She asked if she could take them inside and show others - Absolutely. Then later in the visit she gathered up the children and took them inside because lunch time was approaching. Ivanna's whole disposition changed once the other children were taken out of the equation. She became much more cooperative just like a flip of a switch. So it may take a little time to adapt to being around other children and prevent having that feeling of having to share or fight to keep what she believes to be "hers".
Oddly enough the careworkers invited me in today to sit with Ivanna during lunch. They had a little small childrens table that sat four. Ivanna, Leeza, Igor and one more. They had some type of soup first and then followed that with a bowl of potato mixture. Oh my Ivanna ate and protected her bowl as if she had to keep anyone else from getting her food. That was also very hard to watch. Because when she leaves Vorzel she will no longer have to do that but it may take a little bit of time for her to understand that.
We know the boys will love her. Her papa turned on music for her and she held it up to her Daddy's ear and just rocked with her daddy. To try and burn off some energy, Daddy and Papa swung her around and let her climb on the monkey bars. Our little Princess Monkey.
After watching her yesterday we took her a coloring book and colors which she really enjoyed. When she got tired of coloring, then we let Igor color for a little bit so Danielle be sure to bring a coloring book. Oh my goodness he is a talker and he so enjoys company. Yuri told the workers today that you would be there in about a month so they are expecting you and also they asked where you were from and he told them that as well.
Well, all in all it was a good day and we always have enough to occupy her. Very, very hot outside though but under shade. It is supposed to start cooling down here in the mid to end of the week.
Thanks again for following. We will go to the orphanage by ourselves in the morning which will be challenging with the language barrier.
We will also get our court date tomorrow. From what I understand our Interpol clearances are back but we will know for sure of that tomorrow also.
So I took her by the hand and led her outside with Yuri's wonderful help - he was able to translate to us what the workers were saying. So we walked out to the play area and joined a few of the other children, Igor and Leeza included. Ivanna is accustomed to having to fight for what she gets or keeps and of course that is understandable. So she got no, no, no several times and JoAnn you will be pleased to know that I left with a battle scar today LOL. Completely understandable though and the more I think about it it is just so sad.
Larissa, one of the nurses was outside and today I showed her our family photos and the photos of Ivanna's room. She asked if she could take them inside and show others - Absolutely. Then later in the visit she gathered up the children and took them inside because lunch time was approaching. Ivanna's whole disposition changed once the other children were taken out of the equation. She became much more cooperative just like a flip of a switch. So it may take a little time to adapt to being around other children and prevent having that feeling of having to share or fight to keep what she believes to be "hers".
Oddly enough the careworkers invited me in today to sit with Ivanna during lunch. They had a little small childrens table that sat four. Ivanna, Leeza, Igor and one more. They had some type of soup first and then followed that with a bowl of potato mixture. Oh my Ivanna ate and protected her bowl as if she had to keep anyone else from getting her food. That was also very hard to watch. Because when she leaves Vorzel she will no longer have to do that but it may take a little bit of time for her to understand that.
We know the boys will love her. Her papa turned on music for her and she held it up to her Daddy's ear and just rocked with her daddy. To try and burn off some energy, Daddy and Papa swung her around and let her climb on the monkey bars. Our little Princess Monkey.
After watching her yesterday we took her a coloring book and colors which she really enjoyed. When she got tired of coloring, then we let Igor color for a little bit so Danielle be sure to bring a coloring book. Oh my goodness he is a talker and he so enjoys company. Yuri told the workers today that you would be there in about a month so they are expecting you and also they asked where you were from and he told them that as well.
Well, all in all it was a good day and we always have enough to occupy her. Very, very hot outside though but under shade. It is supposed to start cooling down here in the mid to end of the week.
Thanks again for following. We will go to the orphanage by ourselves in the morning which will be challenging with the language barrier.
We will also get our court date tomorrow. From what I understand our Interpol clearances are back but we will know for sure of that tomorrow also.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
More Videos from 8/14/10
A few of our longer videos from our Saturday visit. What a precious angel Princess Ivanna is.
Pictures 08/14/2010
Here are the pictures from today's visit. Incredible journey so far and we have so much to be thankful for. This precious child will forever know love from two mommy and daddy's. We are very thankful for the many blessings that God has given to us and for a precious girl to be added to our family.
On Monday we will have an appointment to obtain our court date. It appears our Interpol Clearances are back since there was such a long time between submission and our travel date which is wonderful. Today we were asked to provide her official new name which will be Ivanna Patricia-Nan Stratton. Ivanna will be named after Andy's mother who passed away in October of 2004.
Ivanna will always know where she came from and how she got to America. The answer? Because of the love of her biological Mama and PaPa.
Enjoy!
On Monday we will have an appointment to obtain our court date. It appears our Interpol Clearances are back since there was such a long time between submission and our travel date which is wonderful. Today we were asked to provide her official new name which will be Ivanna Patricia-Nan Stratton. Ivanna will be named after Andy's mother who passed away in October of 2004.
Ivanna will always know where she came from and how she got to America. The answer? Because of the love of her biological Mama and PaPa.
Enjoy!
Video Visit 08/13/2010
Some of you were unable to see the videos I posted of an earlier visit so I put them in a video montage. Hope this helps!!
Ivanna 08/14/2010
Another wonderful day with Ivanna. Today we went to Vorzel with Yuri, Ivanna's father. Blessed are we to have such wonderful people in our lives. We had a great day. The workers invited us in and we got to see all of the children today. They all looked at the GCDSS photo album that I took and were amazed. They asked questions and Yuri translated for us. Ivanna took me back to show me where she sleeps and they had rows of baby cribs head to head and she took us back to show us hers. Igor/Ivan also wanted to show us his as well. Very sweet children. Met Leeza who is also a very pretty little princess.
Enjoyed our second visit today with Ivanna - we were there for about two hours. Nurses said we could give her anything to eat or drink but Yuri got us passed that one because it broke my heart to believe that our baby was hungry and thirsty. She let me rub lotion on her today and she was very playful. You all know she loves the telephone. Today when she got her Papa's phone I called her from ours and sang to her and she just listened and listened and as soon as I would stop she would put it down but as long as I was singing to her she would listen. Her and her daddy played and played as you can see from the video. Yuri helped us with words that would easily let her be able to understand us. VERY smart little girl. She wanted to watch herself on the video and quickly learned how to push the play button and play it back. Bunches of hugs and kisses today.
Was also some tough times too - when she was changed we saw a very bad rash on her hiney that was heart breaking. Oh how we can not wait to get her out of there. Looked as though it was from either heat or the diaper being left on too long. Either way it was bad. Yuri was very upset by this too and immediately washed her and luckily we had brought some baby lotion and he put some on her. Just aweful.
Hope you enjoy the video montage - oh and the beginning is of her Papa being funny - and rocking out to Elvis Presley!!
Enjoyed our second visit today with Ivanna - we were there for about two hours. Nurses said we could give her anything to eat or drink but Yuri got us passed that one because it broke my heart to believe that our baby was hungry and thirsty. She let me rub lotion on her today and she was very playful. You all know she loves the telephone. Today when she got her Papa's phone I called her from ours and sang to her and she just listened and listened and as soon as I would stop she would put it down but as long as I was singing to her she would listen. Her and her daddy played and played as you can see from the video. Yuri helped us with words that would easily let her be able to understand us. VERY smart little girl. She wanted to watch herself on the video and quickly learned how to push the play button and play it back. Bunches of hugs and kisses today.
Was also some tough times too - when she was changed we saw a very bad rash on her hiney that was heart breaking. Oh how we can not wait to get her out of there. Looked as though it was from either heat or the diaper being left on too long. Either way it was bad. Yuri was very upset by this too and immediately washed her and luckily we had brought some baby lotion and he put some on her. Just aweful.
Hope you enjoy the video montage - oh and the beginning is of her Papa being funny - and rocking out to Elvis Presley!!
Friday, August 13, 2010
Videos From First Visit and Other Stuff
Well here are the other videos you have been patiently waiting on. Again I can not even begin to thank you enough for all of your prayers and support through out this entire process. Those of you that know me know that I am NEVER lost for words but the day has come. All I can keep repeating is that God is good and I am regretful for all those times that I allowed myself to question Him over the years. Whatever happened happened was because it was His plan and not mine.
Nadya, our beautiful and funny translator - I can not tell you how many times she has looked at me like I had five heads LOL ..... she is the sweetest thing - said she was going to have to carry around a notebook when she was with me so that she could write down all the stuff I come up with so I do things on purpose just to make her laugh. After we left Ivanna it was very quiet in the back seat just absorbing every second of what happened and then I finally tapped her on the shoulder and said "Nadya...did I tell you we got to see Ivanna today?" She just laughed. Then when I left my purse - that was a hoot - Oleg, our facilitator pulls up at the notaries building at 1:30 - they don't reopen from lunch until 2. Well....they never bothered to tell us that he was "dropping us off" and leaving so I left my purse/bag in the back floor board. So we walk down to McDonalds (I was in heaven!) and the first thing that happened we got up to the counter and the menu was in Ukrainian - well I recognized Big Mac but hubby wanted a quarter pounder so what do I do??? I tell her a quarter pounder and then realized they don't even do pounds so of course they wouldn't have it listed like that on the menu so I was standing in the middle of all of these people laughing. So we get to the table and she was like "What was that you wanted again?" so had to explain. Then her phone rings.......she looks to me and says Oleg says you left your purse in his car do you need it? I said no if I do I can just walk out and get it ...... Ummmmm surprise.....Oleg left. I was rolling then I went on this tangent of how my camera and video camera was in there and I would not turn that a loose. So everytime she would change the subject - I would go right back to "Did I tell you that my camera and video camera is in the back of Oleg's car?". Poor thing - I so pity her having to put up with me but what else can you do other than have a great time! So she talked to Oleg and since he lives on the other side of the city he had a taxi bring it to me - it was photo albums, Ivanna's toys and camera and flip inside but very important stuff you see.... Guess you can tell we got it!!!!
Hope you enjoy the videos. I plan to capture much more over the upcoming days.
Nadya, our beautiful and funny translator - I can not tell you how many times she has looked at me like I had five heads LOL ..... she is the sweetest thing - said she was going to have to carry around a notebook when she was with me so that she could write down all the stuff I come up with so I do things on purpose just to make her laugh. After we left Ivanna it was very quiet in the back seat just absorbing every second of what happened and then I finally tapped her on the shoulder and said "Nadya...did I tell you we got to see Ivanna today?" She just laughed. Then when I left my purse - that was a hoot - Oleg, our facilitator pulls up at the notaries building at 1:30 - they don't reopen from lunch until 2. Well....they never bothered to tell us that he was "dropping us off" and leaving so I left my purse/bag in the back floor board. So we walk down to McDonalds (I was in heaven!) and the first thing that happened we got up to the counter and the menu was in Ukrainian - well I recognized Big Mac but hubby wanted a quarter pounder so what do I do??? I tell her a quarter pounder and then realized they don't even do pounds so of course they wouldn't have it listed like that on the menu so I was standing in the middle of all of these people laughing. So we get to the table and she was like "What was that you wanted again?" so had to explain. Then her phone rings.......she looks to me and says Oleg says you left your purse in his car do you need it? I said no if I do I can just walk out and get it ...... Ummmmm surprise.....Oleg left. I was rolling then I went on this tangent of how my camera and video camera was in there and I would not turn that a loose. So everytime she would change the subject - I would go right back to "Did I tell you that my camera and video camera is in the back of Oleg's car?". Poor thing - I so pity her having to put up with me but what else can you do other than have a great time! So she talked to Oleg and since he lives on the other side of the city he had a taxi bring it to me - it was photo albums, Ivanna's toys and camera and flip inside but very important stuff you see.... Guess you can tell we got it!!!!
Hope you enjoy the videos. I plan to capture much more over the upcoming days.
Momma feeding baby girl a banana and talking as usual. Ivan/Igor is in these pictures whose mom will be going to get him very soon. That little boy will bring another family so much joy. He cried because he wanted her phone and she was not parting with it period. We had Nadya tell him that we would bring him a phone on our next visit so he stopped crying. OH how it breaks my heart when a child is upset.
Daddy playing with Princess Ivanna. She loved her Ballerina bear that Aunt Tristina gave her for a minute but when the Princess Phone came out - it was all over for anything else we brought her to play with because it was all about the telephone.
At a resteraunt eating and our first time to meet her mother - she is even more beautiful in person. She was wearing her necklance we gave her that reads "forever in our heart".
This video was when we had just arrived and we were dumping suitcases all over the place trying to locate the stuff we and brought for Ivanna's biological family to send back with Yuri.
Our First Visit with Ivanna 08/13 at OneTrueMedia.com
There are not enough words to describe how incredibly wonderful today was with our vist visit with Ivanna!! It was GREATER than we could have ever imagined!! I will write more later but right now we are a bit tired. We will be going to see the princess again in the morning with her wonderful biological parents. How very lucky Ivanna is to have two sets of parents that love her very much. Thank you to all of those who have followed our journey with us yesterday, today and forward.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Fantastic Wednesday
Ok let me back up a tad to our eventful travel. We were originally supposed to fly from New Orleans to Washington to Frankfurt to Kiev. Well, when we got to the airport we found out that the previous flight in the same plane they had a medical emergency on and whatever happened to the guy he had lost a significant amount of blood on the plane. Can you say - only in the Stratton's life??? So they were having issues getting it cleaned up and the medical emergency kits replaced not to mention the ambulance had to come to the airport and remove the guy from the plane. Ok - so a few hours later ended up changing ALL of our flights after figuring out we would never make it to Kiev at this rate. So we ended up flying out of New Orleans at 5:30 to Chicago then to Munich and then on over to Kiev. On the long leg of the flight from Chicao to Munich there was a small child that cried the entire time with the exception of 1 hour out of 8. So needless to say zero rest. Yuri and Anna didn't get our message until 2 hours in to their wait at the airport for us that we had to change flights. So Yuri had to turn around and come back to get us - they were pretty worried. But it all worked out and I was presented with flowers as soon as he got to us. That was VERY special to me. Then he brought us to our apartment and we unpacked a few things and gave to Yuri and would see them both on Wednesday.
Today has certainly been eventful. Before you all woke up today we were running the roads. First stop - SDA (State Department of Adoptions) appointment. In this appointment they tell you what "disability" your child has and what medical issues if any. In our situation they told us Ivanna had Down syndrome. REALLY? :D. They also told us she had flat feet. REALLY? LOL Anyway all was going fine especially since the translator we knew everything there was to know about Princess Ivanna and then some. THEN they turned the file our direction and showed us baby girl's baby picture that's when the plumbing started to leak. She's a beautiful little princess now just like she was then. Our translator, Nadya, will take us tomorrow afternoon to pick up our referral and then we will be off to the orphanage first thing Friday morning for our first meeting with Princess Ivanna - can not wait. After the initial meeting we will be able to go almost anytime and of course as many times as Anna and Yuri want to go we will go with them when we can. These two are VERY special people to us. Without them we would not have our princess for sure and they will continue to play a very important role in all of our lives.
Yuri also picked us up and took us to several places in the city site seeing. All I can say is WOW!! The city is beautiful. We met up with Anna for dinner and again FANTASTIC. We got to talk about everything from start to finish from present to future of our little girl. Hard to believe that the great deal of love in their hearts for Ivanna is what allows them the courage to get through this.
After dinner they came up to the apartment where I could show Anna everything that we brought with us for Ivanna and we gave her the scrapbook created for her by Donna Brewer. She loved it. I told her she needed to translate the poem and when she did she was going to cry. They both said they have cried a lot during this process and I can only imagine.
The society here and their thinking of children/adults with DS is just highly mind boggling to us. They and our facilitator said very rarely will you see a child with DS walking the streets??? WHAT??? We then told them that they have jobs and attend REGULAR school and anything else they want to achieve then they certainly can. Today was extremely fun and we were able to learn so much about them More pictures and videos coming soon just wanted to make sure I got this out.
By the time all of you get up on Friday morning we will have seen Princess Ivanna for the very first time.
Today has certainly been eventful. Before you all woke up today we were running the roads. First stop - SDA (State Department of Adoptions) appointment. In this appointment they tell you what "disability" your child has and what medical issues if any. In our situation they told us Ivanna had Down syndrome. REALLY? :D. They also told us she had flat feet. REALLY? LOL Anyway all was going fine especially since the translator we knew everything there was to know about Princess Ivanna and then some. THEN they turned the file our direction and showed us baby girl's baby picture that's when the plumbing started to leak. She's a beautiful little princess now just like she was then. Our translator, Nadya, will take us tomorrow afternoon to pick up our referral and then we will be off to the orphanage first thing Friday morning for our first meeting with Princess Ivanna - can not wait. After the initial meeting we will be able to go almost anytime and of course as many times as Anna and Yuri want to go we will go with them when we can. These two are VERY special people to us. Without them we would not have our princess for sure and they will continue to play a very important role in all of our lives.
Yuri also picked us up and took us to several places in the city site seeing. All I can say is WOW!! The city is beautiful. We met up with Anna for dinner and again FANTASTIC. We got to talk about everything from start to finish from present to future of our little girl. Hard to believe that the great deal of love in their hearts for Ivanna is what allows them the courage to get through this.
After dinner they came up to the apartment where I could show Anna everything that we brought with us for Ivanna and we gave her the scrapbook created for her by Donna Brewer. She loved it. I told her she needed to translate the poem and when she did she was going to cry. They both said they have cried a lot during this process and I can only imagine.
The society here and their thinking of children/adults with DS is just highly mind boggling to us. They and our facilitator said very rarely will you see a child with DS walking the streets??? WHAT??? We then told them that they have jobs and attend REGULAR school and anything else they want to achieve then they certainly can. Today was extremely fun and we were able to learn so much about them More pictures and videos coming soon just wanted to make sure I got this out.
By the time all of you get up on Friday morning we will have seen Princess Ivanna for the very first time.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Flight Delay!!!
Anna if you are reading this - our flight to Borispol will arrive at 4:15 p.m. Flight 3230. I am also going to try and e-mail you.
Because of a medical emergency on the flight just previous to ours the flight had a significant delay therefore we ended up changing our flights to New Orleans to Chicago to MUNICH to Kiev. We will arrive in Kiev at 4:15 p.m. as opposed to the original 1:15 p.m. arrival.
It is ok though just a change in pace a tad. We will be there soon.
Because of a medical emergency on the flight just previous to ours the flight had a significant delay therefore we ended up changing our flights to New Orleans to Chicago to MUNICH to Kiev. We will arrive in Kiev at 4:15 p.m. as opposed to the original 1:15 p.m. arrival.
It is ok though just a change in pace a tad. We will be there soon.
We Depart!
Today is the day our journey goes to a whole new level. Our paper pregnancy is about over and we are about to delivery a healthy blue eyed princess!! We have asked God to watch over our boys while we are gone as we will certainly miss them, we have asked Him to watch over us during our travels and to protect us and our baby girls biological family in the days that come. If all of you will help us do the same and pray for the same things all will go well. We fly out of New Orleans at 12:30 p.m. today and will land in Ivanna's country at 5:15 a.m. Tuesday morning our time - 1:15 p.m. their time. We go from New Orleans, to Washington, to Frankfurt and arriving in Kiev.
Thank you all who have supported us and continued to pray for us and our family. Without God's will and God's blessing our dream would certainly not be becoming a reality!!
We will update on Facebook at each arriving destination as we are able - we don't have any lengthy layovers. On missions at the airports to pick up requests from the boys.
Love you all and talk to you soon!
Thank you all who have supported us and continued to pray for us and our family. Without God's will and God's blessing our dream would certainly not be becoming a reality!!
We will update on Facebook at each arriving destination as we are able - we don't have any lengthy layovers. On missions at the airports to pick up requests from the boys.
Love you all and talk to you soon!
Monday, August 2, 2010
Less than one week away!
We are now less than one week away from being on a plane. Anna sent pictures today from her visit this week-end. What an adorable little angel she is. So glad we are taking bubbles looks like she loves them. Did I mention how very hard this is going to be I just can not imagine how hard this will be on them but I hope they know that they can continue to follow her as she grows and blossoms in to a young lady that will be all she can be.
Here are the latest pictures of her and a short video.
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Here are the latest pictures of her and a short video.
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6 days, 18 hours, 7 minutes and 5 seconds until we are on the plane heading for the Dulles Airport. OH how wonderful this is going to be. Yes, we know there will be some rough times because we are away from our home surroundings. We will be away from our boys and from our animals who are also part of our family and we will miss our families and friends but the sweet little princess that returns with us will be a great addition to our family.
Continue your prayers as God continues to bless our lives daily.
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