April 13, 2005
A day in the life...
She opens her eyes, looks confused as the sun brightens the room, stumbles out of bed and staggers to the bathroom. Where am I? That was just Sally this morning at 5:30 am, getting ready to catch her plane home.
Tara is doing just fine. We went to the park this afternoon where she loved playing in the sand, which seemed very unfamiliar to her.
We now have everything that makes the adoption complete and official, right down to her Ukraine passport with a mug shot that makes her look like she's wanted in five countries. She had a physical exam at the clinic today, which is required by the U.S. embassy. So now...we're just waiting for the fingerprints to process in order to get Tara's visa.
Tara turned 2 on Jan. 27, so she is still a young 2. She has been talking a lot (sometimes constantly!) and has been trying to learn English words. At the doctor's office, I told her to say Mama, Papa, Yes. And she repeated each one carefully and smiled. The doctor said that developmentally, she is right on schedule for her age. She weighs about 22 pounds. Communicating with each other is borderline comical. She says 15 Russian words to me and I nod and start handing her stuff until she says, "da." I say 15 words to her and she spins around trying to figure out what I mean. I point, she points, we gesture. But we get by. She is learning fast.
We miss having Sally here. And I miss Austin SO MUCH! You too John. I will email you a to-do list to keep you busy.
Posted by Laura at April 13, 2005 10:02 AMPosted to
Hey ladies,
Kiev sounds kind of lonely, but the spring photo's make it look nice and inviting. Tara probably needs a bit of transition time anyway before she comes to the US. These few days gives you guys a chance to get to know each other better. Learn each others quirks, adjust to each others oddness etc, etc.
Soon mama, and papa, will be OOHHH Mom, and OOHHH Dad- "Let me borrow the keys to the 'Stang to go to the beach". Or "Austin come pick me up at the gym."
Enjoy the peace and quiet.
By the way, did you actually see Sally get on the plane? Cause she may be wandering around those catacombs, looking for Uncle Fester.
Posted by: Dave at April 13, 2005 10:34 AMGood morning Laura - I have been glued to the blog since the beginning of your Ukraine adventure, reading quietly and sharing in your joy. I thought it time I make an official entry before you and Tara are back home and life begins a whole new set of challenges. You know, reality...
I am so excited for you, John and Austin to have a new and different view of the world through Tara's eyes. I am also excited that we will be on the 3rd Annual Beach Crawlers advenure next month in Ocean Isle and I will be able to hug on Tara. She will have more sand in her hair and swimsuit then she could have ever imagined! Plus the experience of being with a bunch of Wisniewski's all week! Enjoy your quiet times with Tara and have a safe journey back home. I am sending out the box of clothes, shoes, and goodies for Tara this week so you should have it early next week. Take Care and God Bless.
Michele
HI LAURA
GLAD TO KNOW YOU AND TARA UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER A LITTLE. YOUR MESSAGE FROM KAREN SHOULD TELL YOU ABOUT THE FINGERPRINTS. hOPE EVERYTHING GETS MOVING. HAVE NATASHA HELP YOU WITH ALL THESE THINGS. STAY CALM AND TRY TO RELAX, TIME WILL GO FASTER.
ALL THREE OF YOU WILL MISS EACH OTHER.
I AM SO GLAD THAT SALLY SPENT TIME WITH YOU AND TARA, A GREAT HELP. LOVE MOM
Hi Laura, Sally's plane has arrived. Watched the progress on nwa.com. Hope she was on it, Dave! (o;
Tara seems remarkably mature for such a young 2. I think the doctor is wrong; I think she's advanced! You two are doing great at communicating. You seem to have an understanding bigger than mere words! After all, love needs no words!
Posted by: Ellen at April 13, 2005 06:48 PMSo Sally bailed, huh? What, why didn't she stay? I am sure she has a ton of time off built up...yuk yuk just kiddin'. Get back to work Sal, what were you thinking! And that goes for you, too Laura, "get back" to where you once belonged, your mama's waiting for you,...
Posted by: karen wiz at April 13, 2005 09:02 PMLaura & Tara,
Looks like you two know how to find a good time in downtown Kiev. I love the pictures of Tara, playing, sleeping, being a two year old!! I don't know if the sleeping pix look more like you, Laura, or a friend I have that I went to N.Y and D.C with, the only thing missing was the (2 liter) Orange Crush, lying next to the sleeping miss!!
The dualing entries from you and Sally were quite good.
I hope the passport and fingerprints come together in the next day for you, we miss you this side of the world.
Be safe and enjoy the next few days.
XX-Amy
Today is Monday 4/18/05, You two come home tomorrow. I am still catching up on the times here. Reading about you & Tara learning each other's language: "I nod and start handing her stuff until she says, "da." I say 15 words to her and she spins around trying to figure out what I mean." Taking it one step at a time i see. With all your communications training you're making it work. Sounds so far so good! Okay i'll quit back-commenting now. You must forgive me. I'm sending a blessing for SAFE TRAVEL! =D As are we all, i'm sure!!
Posted by: Pamela at April 18, 2005 05:48 PM