Ukraine Adoption

Hello from afar

Natasha visited Tara Vika today at the orphanage and told her we would be there to take her home soon. She remembered Natasha right away. Here they are, in a picture taken today.

This story

The story of a little Ukrainian child with a new name and a new life has really just begun.

This blog will remain live, so feel free to check in and leave comments. Regular entries will resume April 1. Are you ready to come along with us for the second part of this adventure?

She seems to know

I whispered into Tara Vika's ear today: "You have a new home and a new family. We will be back for you soon. You will have a brother named Austin."
She turned to look at me. She smiled. She doesn't usually smile without some prodding. She seemed to know.
I also tried to tell her this in Russian. (Hey Austin: the word brother in Russian is "brat." hah.)

Three other children in the orphanage also have new parents, as of today, who will come back in 30 days for them. The caregivers know this, they talk. I am hoping they give Tara special attention during the next month. She really isn't an orphan anymore. She doesn't act like one, either.

I think she ran to me about 30 times today, arms outstretched so that I would lift her high and spin her around. Her laugh comes more easily now. She likes to tease us by pretending to give us something and then running off with it, squealing.

She is more confident. She is more content. She seems to know.

A special day

The prosecutor, the director of Little Birch Tree orphanage, Natasha, John and I all crowded into a small room with the judge and her assistant. She told us to stand and state our names. She asked who would speak for us, I said I would. I had prepared for her questions. My stomach was in knots. I tried to smile and relax, like this is something I do every day. Would we be able to take care of the little child? How does our son Austin feel about this? Everyone in the room had a chance to speak to the judge about us. The director made a very strong case for us. The prosecutor agreed.

The judge sent us out of the room for a few minutes while she made her decision. In the hallway, we talked about what we said, and what we didn't say or should have said. They called us back in. The judge would read her verdict while we all stood before her.

The city of Kiev in Ukraine declared us the new parents of Tara Vika Lessnau. It's official, she's ours. We are very happy.

But...she did not waive the 30 days. So one of us will come back to pick her up.

We went to the U.S. Embassy and took care of some of the paperwork. It felt good to be on U.S. land, if only for a little while.

We have a little bit of a travel snafu. John is going home on Friday (tomorrow) and my ticket is for early next week. We had hoped Tara would be flying home with me. Now, I'm trying to get a flight home this weekend. Most are booked. The good news: Austin--you will be going home on Friday after school, finally!

I will visit Tara on Friday to tell her the news. She won't understand, but in a quick 30 days, she will be going home, too.

Day by day

We made the walk up three flights of stairs at the orphanage again today, the blend of kids and Ukrainian food and whatever else gives the place a distinguishable scent. Their little voices bounced off the walls; laughing and crying and squealing in play. "Vika's Mama! Vika's Mama!" the little ones shouted and pointed. Tara Vika was brought out to us in the play area. She went for the bag that held the balloons from yesterday and asked for more. It was 4:30 p.m. Tomorrow at this time, what will fate hold for her?

Rick: We are so happy to see that you are home and recovering and writing to us all!
Sally: Happy Birthday to you (very soon)
Sister Karen: Do you play chess?
Mom: Keep up the caps; it helps me find your notes right away.

We're so glad that y'all are sending good thoughts our way for Thursday.

Balloons and bags

OK, so when you are out of toys for a 2 year old, you bring out the $1 bag of balloons...!
When John started blowing the blue balloon up, Tara and a little boy stood right in front of him with their mouths wide open in amazement. They squealed, squeaked, and jumped for the balloons. Very funny to watch.
We will remember to bring our camera next time. (!)

We bought a bag for souvenirs that we will check at the airport. Sister Karen: I don't know what you are anticipating, but there are really not that many things we can buy as souvenirs that you would want!

Meanwhile, Natasha is getting documents prepared for Thursday...