First Full Day

We had a very full day of visits today. We arrived at the baby house about 10:00 am. We took Maksim's toybox and emptied most of the toys so that there would only be a few things to look at. When we first arrived, Maksim gave both Momma and Papa a good hug and kiss. Then he went straight for the toys. When he opened the toolbox he found a yablaka (apple). He ate the entire thing. Core, seeds, peel. He taught us to say Yablaka and we taught him to say apple. He stayed relatively clean. When he was done, Daddy wiped off his hands with a baby wipe. Then he decided it was time for toys. He absolutely loves the big animal book and cell phone. He wouldn't put either down all day.


Luckily on the way to the baby house Simone and Lena taught us a bunch of the animals name in Russian. Momma and Daddy had fun asking Maks "Gudye Sobaka?" (where's the dog?) and Maks would point and say "There it is". "Gudye Champanzee?" At this question, both Daddy and Maks would stick their hands under there arms and say "OH OH OH" like silly little monkeys. Momma captured some great video of that!


Papa and Maksim played superman. The sobaka and Maks both went for the flight. He is such a ham and loves it when we take pictures of him. He doesn't really like looking at them in the camera after they are taken, though. The dragon puppet was also very fun. We weren't sure what he kept calling it. We so wish we spoke more Russian. He has so much to say.

When we arrived in the afternoon, Maks was so excited he put on two pair of shorts. As he ran out to meet us, they both came falling down. We all laughed and Momma got a video of him jumping into Daddy's arms for a hug and a back pat.

We made progress in the afternoon with eye contact. Momma and Maks got to have so much fun bouncing around and hugging and kissing. We were both ecstatic! Maks and Momma are lucky to have someone that loves us. We laughed and laughed and bounced around. And Momma got to look into his big dark green eyes. They are kinda brown, too. It is hard to describe how full of life and beautiful they are.

We ate goldfish and fed each other. Well, Momma and Daddy fed eachother and Maksim. When it was Maksim's turn the goldfish would head toward Daddy but always end up in Maksim's mouth! We played with his machina car and play dough. We learned to cut with some playdough scissors. Afterward Momma thought about the reprocussions of learning to cut with scissors. Oops! But is was very fun and play dough is forgiving. Maks thought that his hands were dirty so he found the baby wipe that Daddy had used earlier and wiped his own hands. We are amazed at his ability to think. Imagine that a real life human being. ; )

All in all, it was a fabulous day and Momma and Daddy are tuckered out! What is going to happen to us when we get to bring him Dom Mali Dom????

Our dream come true!

How do we start? We were introduced to four beautiful Kazakhstani children. Two were very scared and shy. The other two came toward us. We played with them for a while and made a decision.

Maksim is an amazing boy. When he first came in the room everything went into slow motion. It was so surreal. He is attached to his caregiver and you can tell that she really loves him and the other children. She brought him in and had him recite a winter poem. He said it by heart in a small strong voice and boy did we wish we understood Russian or thought to take out the camera. It happened suddenly. He was healthy, energetic, smart, alert, loving, and absolutely beautiful.

Daddy and Maksim started playing a game. Daddy held out his hands and Maksim put out his too. They played the hand game and both felt an instant connection. It was obvious. After holding hands for a few moments, Maksim reached toward his Dad and Daddy snapped him right up. Maks held on to his Daddy's neck in a tight hug for a long time. Long enough for mom to get out the camera and take a picture that didn't come out!!! But it was beautiful. We needed Maksim and Maksim needed us. What a perfect match. Amazing. Amazing. Amazing.

We got the camera working a took a video of him with the dog. He learned how to make it bark by watching Jason do it once. Smart boy.

We got to play with him and get acquainted for about 10 more minutes in the orphanage director's office. He loved the animal book and told us the names of many animals in the book. He taught us koshka and sobaka (cat and dog) and said a few other animal names but it was hard to understand his excellent Russian. (of course)

Next we played with a little blue ball that when you squeeze it - it turns yellow. Daddy squeezed it first and the yellow part came gushing out of his hands to Mama and Maksim's surprise. It was very exciting. Then Maks grabbed the ball and squeezed his little heart out. Daddy helped him and we all clapped and laughed when the yellow part bulged out. Enough of the ball. "What else do you Americanyetz have in that straight edge style Jansport backpack?"

We found the magnetic board that was not a book. Boring. We found the life book that had no big cool pictures of animals. Boring. We found some clothes. Yuck! Then we found the toy cell phone. He loved it. LOL. He knew immediately what it was. He took it and pushed all the buttons. Mama showed him how to make a recording and he said, "Hulo". Then he pressed more buttons and voila - "Musica!". He loved that button. He kept saying "Musica!" and we kept saying it back! Then he'd say "Hulo" again. We said "Privyet" and he'd say "Privyet". We'd say "hulo". He'd say "hulo". Very good communication. Even Lena agreed.

Finally we brought out the "Machina Car". That's what he called it. Cute as a button. Smart as a whip. He recognized it immediately. Momma turned it on and showed him to shake it. "Shake it" and off it went and smashed directly into the nice wood furniture in the office. "Go physics. Oops. Izvinitcha (excuse me)" The orphange directors secretary was very nice and helped us find a long hallway to allow the car to run its course. Maks learned "shake it". Shake it we'd say and he'd shake it and let it go and then chase after it. This kept him busy for quite a while until sadly one of his caregivers said it was time to eat dinner.

Maksim got to take us and show us where he lived. Proudly he took Momma's hand and marched us up three flights of stairs never losing his stride. He took his new machina in and showed everyone that his Momma and Papa had come. Right on cue, he came toward us, put one arm around Mom and one arm around Dad and hugged us goodbye. He blew us a kiss as they tore us away and he completely melted our hearts. We finally met our son.

We are so happy! On the way to our apartment Lena told us that our emotions are like sunshine filling up the whole car. We are still beaming. Lena thought that our communication with Maks was remarkable and that he instantly started to bond with us. She left us to talk with him on our own and said she never does that on the first visit. She said, "Today is your payment for such a long wait." We think she meant reward.

A couple of hours to go...

Jason and I are sitting in our apartment right now. We are waiting for THE call. We are finally going to meet our son in the next couple of hours.

We are definately nervous! Which toys should we take? Which books? Should we take his life book today? What about the photo album? His blanket?

Do we remember our Russian phrases that we wanted to say? Te moy Seen! Ya tebya looblue! Kak tebya zavoot? Galupchick!

What should we wear? Should it be dressed up or casual? We are going to meet the baby house director and a lady from the department of education. So we opted for business casual. We are dorks! The butterflies are flying in both of our stomachs and we are trying to be patient.

Not to mention that there is a possibility that we won't be able to go today. No matter how you look at it. This is a moment we will remember for the rest of our lives.

sigh. : ) : ) : )
Yikes!!!

Our excursion in the snow

Lena and Simone took us on a tour of the city today. It was interesting but it was snowing so we didn't really get out of the car too much. The snow is dry and the snowflakes were large. It reminded us of Utah: the hills, the older homes, the trees and bushes, the granite even the dry snow. It is alot like the Western US.

We went out for lunch at Pizza Blues. The pizza sauce is mayonnaise. Need I say more. I ordered chicken noodle soup that was very good. Jason had "potpourri" soup that was sausage, pepperoni and lemon flavored. Sounds a little weird but it tasted great. We also shared a pancake - basically a crepe stuffed with ham and swiss cheese. It was a light lunch and we might end up losing weight.

We also went shopping in a mall kind of place with a bunch of small stores. We looked around for a while and found some interesting items. We didn't purchase anything because Lena told us that we should comparison shop. :P I guess that will give me an excuse to take Jason shopping some more!

We definately stick out like the Americans we are. People watch us a bit - as we watch them.

Tomorrow - we visit our son!

Our apartment

He are some pictures of our apartment. It is pretty comfortable and really warm inside. The kitchen has brand new appliances. They are very small by American standards. The stove is electric, too. But we made some roasted garlic in the oven for dinner last night and breakfast. We are the first to use it so it had that burnt plasticy smell. We opened the window. We rearranged the furniture. I hope nobody minds - besides Jason. LOL

The bathroom is two seperate rooms: one for the toilet and one room for the bathtub and sink(with no faucet). The washer is in the bathroom with the tub.

This is a picture of the view from our kitchen window. We are on the 5th floor of a huge apartment complex. We woke up to snow this morning! I bet Nate is jealous. It has snowed all day long.

We are here!

Jason and I finally arrived in Ust-Kamenogorsk after 2 days of airplanes. It was really long but so exciting.

We arrive in Almaty at midnight local time. Neither of us got much sleep. Bulgan and Jardin (?) picked us up and were very nice. Bulgan was teasing us and we felt at ease. At our apartment, we met with our lawyer. We slept for 5 hours in a nice apartment and they picked us up again to take us back to the airport for Ust. We did get charged about $80 over-weight fee on the plane ride from Almaty to Ust. Not too bad. Lufthansa didn't charge us anything.

We arrived in Ust and met Lena, our translator, Simone, our driver, and Albina our adoption coordinator. They asked us what had taken us so long to get to Kazakhstan. I guess they expected us since January???

Albina spoke to us (through Lena) and told us a little about what to expect. We found out that we won't be able to visit the baby house until Monday when the orphanage director and a woman from the department of education can meet with us. We will probably sleep alot until then. We are pretty tired.

Next we went to the grocery store. Daniels was a pretty decent grocery store. We found many normal items and lots that we recognized. Jason bought Pringles! It was very interesting. Lena helped us pick out some different Kazakh foods to try. We spent 7300 tenge on our groceries - about $50. We would have easily spent $100 at TJ's for similar items. Well.... next we went out to our car. Simone (seamon) had parked in a funny spot - in the street - and when we came back to the car a policeman stopped us. It was very interesting. I guess you get to argue with policeman here. After about 20 minutes, several cell phone calls, "discussion" between policeman and Simone, Simone and Lena, Lena and policeman, Policeman and Simone, and a lesson in Kazakh vehicle codes, the policeman let us go. Simone didn't even get a hole punched into his driver's license. I guess after three holes - you have to take all of the driver's exams again. It was pretty funny.

We are now back at the apartment watching some National Geographic and resting. We will sight-see tomorrow and wait to go see our son!

Love you guys! No pics till later. Sorry :P

They're at the Airport

Hi Everyone...It's Elizabeth, Melissa's sis...

Melissa and Jason had a fun and exciting past couple of days! They were busy readying themselves to go to Southern Siberia for 7 weeks...no big deal right?

Anyhow as I said goodbye to her today, she exclaimed..."I forgot to post that we've left!" So I told her I would...They've Left!!!!!

It was a bittersweet goodbye...I'm so excited for them but am going to miss them terribly. She said they'll post as soon as then can. They will arrive in UST on Saturday morning at 11am (That's Friday at about 9 pm West Coast Time) and hopefully be able to go and meet Maks that day. Keep watching...I know I will be : )

Take Care Everyone! Keep them in your thoughts!

Talk to you soon!
Auntie Elizabeth

Hello SBHS Physics Students

This is a test of the posts I will make while I am in country. I will always title your posts with something that lets you know which post to read.

Be sure leave comments!

Watch Out!

I just wanted to let you all know that I will be using the blog for my physics classes. The students will write questions in the comments section and I will respond via a post. This will only happen a couple of times. So unless you are a physics nerd, you might want to skip the physics posts!! : )

I hope that my students will learn a little physics and get to see what is happening with our family in Kazakhstan. I don't want them to feel too abandoned - even though I abandoned them. : P

Okay.... leaving in three days!!

Dates!!

We are leaving from LAX on Thursday 2/16!! I can't believe it! We are soooo excited. It has been a long, long wait. Long. Did I mention long.

We went out to eat at Sakura Ojai with the Kern family last night to celebrate. It was great to see Moorea, Justin, and Roni. Luckily Doug and Marcy were there, too! It was great fun and the sake was flowing.... Sushi is gooood. Can I have sushi in Kazakhstan??

I stole this story from another adoption blog.

...I can't remember from whom! Someone out there, help me give you credit.

Different Trip to the Same Place
Deciding to have a baby is like planning a trip to Australia. You've heard it's a wonderful place. You've read many guidebooks and feel certain you're ready to go. Everyone you know has traveled there by plane. They say it can be a turbulent flight with occasional rough landings, but you can look forward to being pampered on the trip. So you go to the airport and ask the ticket agent for a ticket to Australia. All around you, excited people are boarding the planes for Australia. It seems there is no seat for you: You'll have to wait for the next flight. Impatient, but anticipating a wonderful trip, you wait - and wait - and wait.

Flights to Australia continue to come and go. People say silly things like, "Relax, you'll get on a flight soon." Other people actually get on a plane and then cancel their trip, to which you cry, "It's not fair!" After a long time the ticket agent tells you, "I'm sorry, we're not going to be able to get you on a plane to Australia. Perhaps you should think about going by boat." "By boat!" you say, "going by boat will take a very long time and it costs a great deal of money, I really had my heart set on going by plane." So you go home and think about not going to Australia at all. You wonder if Australia will be as beautiful if you approach it by sea rather than air. But you have long dreamed of this wonderful place, and finally you decide to travel by boat. It's a long trip, many months over many rough seas. No one pampers you. You wonder if you will ever see Australia. Meanwhile, your friends have flown back and forth to Australia two or three more times, marveling about each trip. Then one glorious day, the boat docks in Australia. It is more exquisite than you ever imagined, and the beauty is magnified by your long days at sea. You have made many friends during your voyage, and you find yourself comparing stories with others who also traveled by sea rather than air. People continue to fly to Australia as often as they like, but you are able to travel only once, perhaps twice. Some say things like, Oh, be glad you didn't fly. My flight was horrible; traveling by sea is so easy." You will always wonder what it would have been like to fly to Australia. Still, you know God blessed you with a special appreciation of Australia, and the beauty of Australia is not in the way you got there, but in the place itself.

Really Really Really Real!

We finally got our confirmation number! A very short number. I'd like to put it here in large capital letters - but I am afraid it might not be a good idea. Who knows why it wouldn't - we are just getting close and I don't want to jinx it!!!!

Anyway - the assistant stork is processing our visas. We should have them by early next week. We plan to try to leave on Wednesday or so... I will post when we have our real date. I should know by tomorrow or Thursday at the latest. But we'll see...

Thanks Mom and Elizabeth!

Shopping therapy is good! My sister and my mom (vicariously) took me shopping yesterday to get a few things that I needed for my trip to Kaz (if I ever get to go). It was really fun! I got a new jacket, a cute hat and scarf, plus a few long sleeved shirts. Ann Taylor is the best store. It is even a little dangerous.

Afterward, we made dinner, lemon drops, and played Lord of The Rings trivial pursuit and Hoopla with Candace, Nate, Jonny and Uncle Punk. Our husbands did not play the games with us. They were apparently too tired for an evening of LOTR quotes. Elizabeth and I were not! Loved, loved, loved this game!

I had a great Saturday and it recharged me for the wait. At least for a few days...

Still no LOI

My post from earlier today seems to have been erased. I kinda liked it - but now I will have to try to recreate it...

My week has been pretty horrible. It started out with the realization that we still have not received our LOI.

Then... I found out that my district office didn't pay me for 6/5 time. I am currently teaching more students than my contract allows so I am supposed to get paid more. This is good for the adoption - especially since I didn't have any income since last September. But not good when the district makes a "mistake" and forgets to pay you. The mistake has been corrected and I should get my 6/5 pay next month.

Next... I receive a letter stating that my health coverage had been cancelled as of 09/01/05 because I was an inactive teacher. However, I set it up with my district last August and have been paying$740 per month out of pocket for the health coverage. I contacted the district office and it turns out that they made a "mistake" and all I will have to do is re-bill any doctors that have billed me since September. It really "should be no problem" for me. I just have to contact each of those doctors and have them re-bill. Hmmm....

The next day I receive an email stating that I would not be allowed to use maternity leave for my trip to Kazakhstan. It seems that my district office thinks that since I didn't "actually physically give birth" that maternity leave doesn't apply to me. Accordingly, they have contacted an attourney regarding my prospective absences. Lovely! This is the same district office that allows health coverage for domestic partners and allegedly granted a maternity leave to another adoptive mom.

I ended up in my Principal's office crying later that day. He was kind, supportive, and helpful and he sent me home from school. He has contacted the district office to try to determine what the HELL is going on. Hopefully this is all just another "mistake".

......

Sometimes I think that I will never be able to go get our son. Sometimes I think that all forces are working against my husband and I starting a family. Sometimes I wonder why this journey is so difficult.

Then I read and remember about many other families out there that have had difficult journeys, too. Sometimes I wonder how they do it each day and sometimes I think that they don't. And it is okay if on somedays I can't do it, either.

Note to self: Keep waiting. Breathe. Grade your papers. It is only 199 tests. Shouldn't take much more than 15 hours! ; )

No LOI

I don't know why I get myself all worked up. I feel like it is always something with our dossier. What should take 1 week invariably takes much longer. The other families with timelines similiar to ours have received theirs so ours should be next. Sometimes I think we'll never be able to go get him. Sometimes I think it is NOT really really real.

But really I know that many families out there have had difficult journeys. Some so difficult I can't imagine how they do it each day. I think sometimes they probably don't. It helps me feel better knowing that we all go through the same things.

A note to self: Keep waiting. Breathe. Grade your papers.

Keep your fingers crossed!

Okay everyone. Keep your fingers crossed! Today is my first day back at school. Let's hope my physics babies are considerate and ready to learn. Also - we still haven't received the cable at the Embassy. We need that number to be able to process our visas so we can leave for our baby. I am hoping we have it by mid week. Please, please, please!!

Wish me luck!!

A new camera is fun!

Elizabeth, Melissa and Anna

A ladybug in my hair!! Candice found it!

Ireland is sooooo cute!

Did I mention that we are leaving for Kazakhstan in 13 days!!!!!!

Okay - we might leave in 13 days - maybe it will be 20. We are really waiting to have our visa's in our hand. But I thought about 13 days when I was on my walk this morning. We could really be leaving in less than two weeks. Sorry mom! I mean Nana! Of course I will tell you when we get to buy the tickets.

The Room and Audry Bear

My hubby and I bought a new camera to take with us to Kaz. We wanted to have filming capability. Just for fun, I took some pictures of the babies' room and our lovable dog to show you guys.

Originally, I wasn't going to have a theme - because I thought that our child could help me pick it out. But my adorable husband fell in love with a rug at one of those side of the road stands. So we have a surfing room. I hope that boy likes the ocean. His daddy sure does. His mommy appreciates it - the animals are beautiful! but - it is a little scary!!

Hope you enjoy the pics...

Hooray for SBHS

Today I went into work. I got to go fix my classroom after a strange teacher used it for the last semester. He is a college teacher normally. Wasn't too hip on discipline. I found graffitti, trash, and other items from the students. And piles...piles...of papers that I am not sure were ever graded. My drawers were a disaster with ever little item you can imagine in them. Ewww!!

Interestingly, the teacher was absent for finals and his last day of work (before I return). Do you all think he will return to grade the finals and give the students a grade for their semester of work. I am doubtful. My room was discusting. (weird word) I spent 5 hours cleaning - of course I wrangled my favorite custodians (Thanks Moises and Cecilio!!) to help with some things. They are always game to help.

I met my fourth period class. Only 36 students in this one. It appears that I have 183 students - which is 15 over contract. Anyway - the students were really cute and some even came up to introduce themselves. I met Jose, then Jose right after that. a-oh! Already trying to pull the wool over my eyes. Turns out I really have two Jose's!! It was funny. We all laughed.

Sooooo excited to be back at school! I don't have to worry about the next two weeks going by fast, that's for sure. My classroom is clean and organized and all of my apples are out!

My son is a handsome Russian Kazakhstani (soon) American!

Maksim had his picture taken today by Laura. She is in Ust currently. She will return with her sister in law for the second trip while we are there - if all goes as planned - and we know that sometimes it does not. Hopefully that means we can meet her and her darling daughter.

Here are the pics she took while the children were outside. I am in love.

Our cable is coming this week!

We heard yesterday that our cable will come in the next week or so - which means we can leave ANYTIME after that! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! It is really, really, real. Really, Really, Real.

When our agency called, my sister and I were at the beach watching her husband's band play. We hugged and jumped up and down shouting Yeah!Yeah!Yeah! It was a little silly. But we are soooo excited. We got the official call on Anna's birthday. Very fitting!! We couldn't be more excited. Thanks to AIP, and a LOT of patience, we are finally going to Kaz! Thanks guys!!! :)

Just wanted to let you all know! We are leaving!!!! We can go get our baby - finally. *loud sigh*

Now comes the hard part...
1) planning for a substitute teacher for ~6 weeks
2) planning for 2 weeks at school myself - after a 5 month hiatus - not including summer! Do I remember how to teach??
3) packing
4) cleaning my house
5) sealing Maks' furniture - maybe Nana will do this when she is here babysitting the furry animal??
6) Do we own any clothes that will keep us warm in "Southern Siberia" in February??
7)..... I am sure there is more but ....
8) becoming parents after 17 years without kids. Yikes!!

I couldn't sleep last night!!

Tag

Elizabeth you're it. You have to copy all of the questions that I was asked. That's pretty much it. Lauri's blog will give you the details.

For my family and friends

I am feeling especially grateful right now for all of the support and love we have received in the last year.

Jason: You are my best friend. I cannot believe the amount of stress that the last year has brought to us. I am grateful for your humor (not all of them) and the love that you have for me. I don't know what I would ever do without you. I love you sweet pea - even if you are a pumpkin liver!

Mom: You are my mama. And I love you. I thank you for your undying support, love, and most of all for Gregg, Phil, Elizabeth, David, and Anna. Jon, too!

Dad: I know you won't read this - not exactly a computer type - but I want you to know that I love you! I am very grateful that the experiences we all have shared have brought us closer together.

Elizabeth: You are the most amazing mom. I hope that I can be even half as patient and wonderful as you are. Your babies are so special to me. And I sound like a dork.... and I love you.

Gregg, Phil, and David: You guys are the coolest brothers. I would not be what I am without your insatiable appetite for teasing and the way machines work. I talk about you in my classroom almost everyday. Well - I leave you guys out but the machines are really cool. I love you!

Anna: I think about you so often and miss all the wonderful quirky ways that you have. I will never forget the electricity that we shared. I will always love you, Bean-o. I am still mad you didn't tell me the secrets. :P

Nate, Jonny, and Ireland: You guys are the coolest and I am so glad that I am your Auntie. Being able to watch each of your births was Amazing. I will never forget. I love you with all of my heart.

Susan: Thank you for your friendship, for always listening and for being my friend. Thank you for putting up with all the Physics that I interject. :) Thank you for your efforts that have helped fund my various endeavors. I love that we can share science, students, and roses. It is amazing. Love ya!!

Audry: Your are the coolest dog. Thank you for being my running and/or walking - partner. I know that you will always be ready to go. It is a shame that you are an only child. I think that that must be the reason for your.... behavior.

Everyone: You all have been so supportive, kind, and thoughtful. Jason and I are continually amazed by your excitement for our adoption. We thank you for the outpouring of love and not to mention gifts. We can't wait to share Maks with you.

To my students: You guys are so cool. I really love being able to talk to you everyday. I hope that I have shared some of my love for science (mostly physics of course) and thinking with you. I cannot wait to hear about your amazing accomplishments.

And lastly, for Maks: You have given us hope, a new kind of love, and so much stress and worry I can't believe it. We hope and pray everyday that we will be able to bring you into our family. Your Dad and I have loved you - even though we have never met you - for a long time. We cannot wait to hold you and tell you that we love you. Hang on baby, we are coming.

Lauri tagged me!!!

I've never been tagged before. I, too feel special and kinda giggly. Why would I be giggly? I don't know. But I think that I am supposed to answer/fill in the blanks on the questions she was asked - So without further ado

What were you doing 10 years ago?
I was engaged to be married to my wonderful husband Jason and attending USC in my senior year. I lived with Jason and commuted on the Metrolink train to USC daily. Sounds yucky but actually I got much of my homework done on the train. I studied Physics and Astronomy and was enrolled in Senior Laboratory (Physics course), Observational Astronomy, The History of Modern Art (yuck!! My only B!!), Quantum Mechanics II, Astrophysics II. I worked my butt off and enjoyed ever last calculation. I didn't really enjoy Observational Astronomy only because I am not a night owl. We had to (try to) stay up all night at Table Top Mountain Observatory staring at computer screens. :P You'd think it would be very romantic watching the stars through a telescope on cold dark night (sounds romantic to me - I am a physics nerd. :) Not my cup of tea.


What were you doing 1 year ago?
I had just finished convincing my husband that adoption was the right route to parenthood for us. We thought that IVF was too scary and we (I) couldn't take anymore specula and white lab coats. Plus, I am allergic to a HUGE cardboard box FULL of pills and shots. EEWWWW! Not to take anything away from the people that choose to take this route. Their beautiful children are worth it - I am 100% sure.

I was also teaching high school physics and loving every one of my "babies". Really - my high school students are kind, thoughtful, smart, giggly (Why would they be giggly??), funny, perceptive, and above all PHYSICS NERDS!! You go Joules Krew!! I love my students. *sigh*

Five Snacks I enjoy
1. Trader Joe's Salsa Especial and with Blue Corn Tortilla Chips
2. Chile Lemon Pistachios
3. Wisecrackers with shaved Parmesan Cheese
4. Syrah (the most wonderful of the varietals)
5. Whole English cucumbers sprinkled with COARSE grind black pepper and salt

Five songs to which I know all the lyrics

1. Angel - Sarah McLachlan
2. Holy Melt Down Honey - The Donner Party
3. One Moment More - Mindy Smith
4. Wish You Were Here - Pink Floyd
5. Silly Girl - Descendents

PS I know way more than five - to my husbands dismay. I seems he doesn't think I have a wonderful singing voice!

Five things I would do if I were a Millionaire

1. Adopt 6 children
2. Buy a large ranch on which to raise said children
3. Attend college as a career
4. Buy neighboring ranches for my siblings
5. Set up a Humanitarian Fund so that people could write me with requests

I guess I'll need to be a billionaire...

Five bad habits
1. I am compulsive
2. I order things at a restaurant with the sauce/dressing on the side, minus this and add that and ..... high maintenance I guess
3. Proving my point "at all costs" according to my husband.
4. I point out the physics in each situation where someone will listen and complete back of the envelope calcuations just to prove my point.
5. Wine


Five Things I like doing
1. Hanging out with my Sweet Pea
2. Walking/Running with my Dog
3. Physics - especially pointing out the Physics mistakes Chemists like to make!! hahaha lalala
4. Food - grilling/baking/watching the food channel
5. Wine

Five things I would never wear ( buy or get again)
1. Basketball jersey - ok any sports jersey
2. mini skirt
3. thigh high boots
4. fishnet stockings
5. Ugg Boots

Five Favorite toys

1. My truck, Gertrude. Okay - I had to give her to my husband so that I could get a mommy car. The things we do for our prospective children. *sigh*
2. My projectile launcher demo
3. My multimeter
4. Making homemade launch rockets out of paper with my friends (they are usually under 10 years old although my husband will play along)
5. My pulley system at school - It is lagged into the ceiling and so I can lift myself and other objects high above the students. They love it - I love it!! Very cool physics toy! Thanks Leaps!

Im supposed to tag five people.... But ....

Elizabeth your it

9:38 Elizabeth gets tagged!
4:46 I have decided that I don't know enough bloggers. Lauri took all the good ones. :(
4:35 I am new at this blogging thing. I am going to have to try decide whom to tag. Check back later...

Whoa! (how do you spell whoa?) Some News!

We heard that our LOI should be coming and we can expect to travel in mid-February!!

I am excited but a little wary. I will feel really excited when we actually get the LOI (letter of invitation) and have our coveted Adoption Visas in our hand. Then I will know we are going to travel.

I thought that I would be jumping out of my skin - but mostly I feel like I am going to throw up. :) And sort of like I am floating. And... I am unable to concentrate. My mom says it is something like how she felt when she went into labor (she has 6 biokids!!).

I went to a toy store today to try to complete the toolbox (toybox thingy) that I got for Maks. I am putting all sorts of different toys and activities in each of the compartments. I have heard that the visiting rooms can get quite boring. What, not Auntie Belissa?? - she is definately not boring!! Wait... I guess I am Mama now. *sigh* *deep breath* *sniff*

Is it really happening??? This is sooo surreal. Are we finally going to get to hold our Maks? We will finally have our forever family?

My (non-triumphant) return to SBHS

I had a meeting with my new principal today. He was very wonderful and understanding. How lucky is that! He told me not to worry too much about the school. When we get our LOI, we will go to Kazakhstan and the school will miss me but will do ok without me. He made me feel sooooo much better. He had many different suggestions on how it would all work out. :) :) :)

I was so nervous to go and see him today. But - man - am I a happy camper!

Thank you Principal Turnbull (?sp) for your amazing kindness and understanding. Our school is very lucky to have you!!

On another note, I ran into many of my former students today in the hallways and the various classrooms that I visited. They were all so kind and worried about me and wondered where my child was. I was so happy to hear "Mrs. WOOOOODS" again. They are so smart and adorable. I have the best job in the world!

Now I just need to find a substitute for the time that we will travel (2 separate times!! yikes!!) and create lesson plans for that sub. Yucky! Let's see what topic in physics can you learn from a textbook??? I am sure this will help that wait time pass. :)

Maybe we will hear something soon!!

Happy Happy Happy....

For our child

I'm Adopted

I had a dream last night....

I had to choose a Mommy and Daddy...

At first I wondered what to do...There were

so many it seemed untrue...

Short, tall, thin, and stout...

I couldn't decide which ones to pick out.

But I was surprised as I could be...

My Mommy and Daddy

had already picked me!!!

-Patsy Gaut-

Happy New Year!

I feel really happy that 2006 has arrived! This is the year that we will finally become parents. (I hope!!!) Our spirits are high and we have had some good quality time at home resting and celebrating the New Year. We will go back to work tomorrow on an overnight trip to catch some sheepshead.

Still no word on the adoption front. We probably won't hear anything for a month or so.

I have an appointment with the new Principal of SBHS next Wednesday. Hopefully he will understand the predicament that I am in with regards to our trip to Kazakhstan. We will obviously have to be on the plane the second we get our Letter of Invitation. I just don't know how to say it and keep my job. ; (

Cell Phone Update

We received many more phones over the Holidays and this time we found $399 worth of phones to send in! That is pretty good. We have been through about 120 phones, now. So it wasn't the amount that I thought we might raise - but $400 is GREAT!!

I will return to work on January 21st - and am looking forward to putting some normalcy back in my life. I can't wait to meet my students and talk about physics again. I have missed my friends at work, too.

Since I'm going back to work and actually can't get the LOI (without a whole lot of trouble) - we might just hear something. : ) We shall see...

I can't wait to celebrate the New Year. I would like to put 2005 behind us. It has been a rough one. Plus, in 2006, we just might become parents.

My super fabulous Husband

This week has been a rough one for me. I have been feeling a little...angry at the whole situation. I guess mostly feeling sad that Christmas has arrived and we don't have our son to celebrate. But yesterday, my wonderful hubby reminded me why we want to bring a child into our family. We have a lot of love between us. We have come so far and maybe soon we will get that LOI. After a cry-fest, he held me close and told me he'd love me forever and that even if I'm crazy, I will make a good mom. Then he took me for sushi! What a sweetpea. He is very strong and I need to rely on that right now and that is okay. : )

Thank you Jason. I love you with all of my heart.

Happy Birthday Maksim Ignatova

Happy Birthday Maksim Ignatova

A little venting so : P

The Sapp's returned home and as promised, they sent more pictures of our rapidly growing boy. They are too fabulous. I was worried that Maks was getting so big. The new pictures make him seem like a little boy still. I can't wait to get my arms around him.

Why is this adoption thing so f...ing difficult! Every adoptive parent says the same thing but I am really starting to lose it. Ask my dad, he'll tell you. I have some pyscho blah blah blah. He's right you know! And so the f... what. I feel nauseous (how do you spell that) all the time. Food doesn't taste, look or smell good. Well - except for sushi. MMMM Hawaiian Volcano Roll. So I should be losing weight, right. No.. I am gaining. It is alright if I go crazy! I am an expectant mother. You try to carry a 22 month old baby until he is over 3!!!!!! That's over 20 pounds.

My husband thinks I have lost it. He doesn't even like me anymore. I am not really the same person, anyway. Deal with it!! I am a pregnant woman who is 3 months late. Yeah that's right. 3 months late. Really, I am 6 months late, but who's counting?? A warning: Don't you dare ever tell me " atleast you won't have to go through labor!" You'll draw back a nub. LOL

Not only did I not get to pick up my baby, but I lost my job (temporarily I think), my ability to workout (knee surgery) and my appetite. My hands are sore, I have huge bruises on my legs, and stinging cuts on my thumb and fingers. Fish trapping is not for 120 pound, pencil pushing, female physics nerds. I have a perma-sunburnt chin and upper lip. Yes - I have been wearing sunblock. And my son's room sits empty, still.

I am not getting a Christmas tree. I did not put up any lights. I am not buying any presents - can't afford it. Our adoption costs are around $17K and we haven't given the orphanage donation or traveled.

Some days I wonder what the f... I am doing.

I am becoming a mother.

We made it through the Consulate!!

We just found out that we made it through the NY Consulate! Our paperwork is traveling to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as we speak! Yeah!! This international adoption thing is definately the roller coaster ride everyone has talked about.

Our agency says that it should be around 6-8 weeks before we will receive our letter of invitation. Sounds familiar! We'll see.

:) :) :)

Update

1. No, we haven't heard anything - except that two documents from our dossier have gone "missing". Don't worry - just spend another $500! (sorry I've almost had it)
   
2. Yes, the pics of Maks are missing from the blog. Someone told me that a family lost their referral by posting pictures. So I removed them. Once I see his little face in person, I will re-post them.
3. When it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!! We have gone through about half of the cell phones we collected. Only 1 of them was worth anything: $4. We have raised $4. LOL There were many phones that had potential to be worth something - except they had a broken latch or battery or.... We do have a large stack from the Santa Barbara area. Maybe they'll be worth something!
   

Thank you to everyone that sent the old phones to us. It was worth a try.

I will be returning to school on January 21, without having traveled to Kazakhstan. What in the world! Why didn't I go back to work when the chance presented itself? (Because they told me we would be traveling soon! Don't listen when they say "soon") Hopefully, we will at least travel around the time of Spring Break (March 27-April 7) so I won't go over the 30 work days that I can be gone legally (my maternity leave days.) Good thing I didn't use those, yet.

Just keep waiting....

Today is Maks' 3rd Birthday!!

Maks turned 3 today! Chris and Michelle were actually able to bring him a little birthday present from us. Our first present to Maks! We sent a sweatshirt and a little car that when you shake, the tires spin. It goes really far! We hope he likes it. We kinda feel like parents. How weird that the present we picked out and sent made it to Maks. We feel sooooooo thankful. Look at that picture! "Check me out in my addidas!" Michelle says that he liked the gift bag so much when she first gave it to him that he didn't know "it" wasn't the present. He didn't even know to open it. Then he got even more excited when she helped him pull the car out. The best part, she said, was when he put the sweatshirt on. He was so proud. Sigh! They sang "Happy Birthday" to him and then left Ust for Almaty. Michelle said that they have a few more pics that they'll send when they get home.

How lucky! We are excited and hopelessly attached to Maks. His caregivers told him that his Mama and Papa are on their way. So he knows we are coming. : ) We wish we had any idea when we will go. But haven't heard a peep....

Waiting for the Consulate

We decided to send our paperwork through the NY Consulate instead of the Embassy at the suggestion of our agency. We sent the new checks to AIP and we are waiting to hear news. I sound like a broken record!

We hope to hear something significant by Thanksgiving. Waiting, hoping, praying....

Dossier completed! (again)

We finally received the official forms for the new requirements. The FBI clearance was really easy to obtain and they sent us our "no record found" letters within 1 week. We also had to sign a statement saying that 1) we will allow a Kazakhstani official to visit our home up to twice per year and 2) we will continue with post-placement reports until Maks is 18. Though the first few have to be done by a social worker, the last can be done just by us.

The last hurdle was another medical statement proving absence of disease. At first, we were worried because Dr. Mandel wanted us to come in for another physical. Would we have to wait 2 weeks for our HIV test, then 1 more week for the "transcription department" to write our statements on letterhead??? When we got there, Kristina, Laura, and Dr. Mandel worked to help us figure out a way to finish the statements right away. But wait - we need it notorized. We called every Notary in the SB phonebook. The last lady couldn't do it but had a friend named Lori. Luckily Lori arrived at Dr. Mandel's office within 15 minutes. Everyone signed and the new requirements were complete!!

We took the documents to Mail Boxes and Fed Ex-ed them to Parasec for the apostilles. Hooray!!

Now, we wait!! Our dossier will travel to Kazakhstan to be translated, which might take 2 weeks, then back to the Consulate in New York. It should spend about 2 weeks there if Orson is correct. Then 4 weeks at the MFA , 1 week and the MOE and we will have our LOI. That's right, you guessed it, 8 weeks! We could travel in December. When they say "you can come to Kazakhstan to adopt your child" - I think we'll be on the first plane. : )

Soon!

We are going to immerse ourselves in boat work and hopefully this time will fly by....

Things are moving forward

Our agency called last night and said he was going to get us to Kazakhstan in December. We just have to get a few more items of paperwork together ASAP. The news is exciting because maybe things are going to start moving forward. Maksim feels so close now. But we still have a little bit of anxiety because we know it is possible to lose him.

Things are looking up! I have been working with Jay on the New Salt. Fishing is pretty fun actually. The weather has been nice and the fishing decent. : )

Anyway - the reason why Maks feels so close, I guess is really because of the Sapps. I love to hear about him. We will be parents soon! By the way, Michelle and Chris arrived back in Normal, Il last night and Michelle emailed. I'll quote her (it is easier).

Just wanted to let you know we are home and would love to answer ANY
questions you may have about anything.  I should be home after 5 most
nights and I'll be home all weekend, too.  Your son is precious!  He
not only is in Mateo's group, but eats at the same table and shares a
locker with him!  They are like brothers - we'll definitely have to
keep in touch and keep the boys friends.  We told our favorite
caregiver to give your son extra love as well - that his family is
coming.  Maksim really stands out as a leader in the group.  And as I
said before, he is always smiling.  Can't wait to chat with you!

Michelle Sapp

More Pictures!

Michelle and Chris sent more pictures! He looks like a little boy, today. Look at that Machina right on his shirt. He will fit right in with the Johnson side of the family! Dumptrucks are my favorite! (Melissa)

Chris tells us that their translator said Maks' speech is very good! That is great news. In December of last year, his medical information said his speech was delayed. We are very thankful for any bits of information. It helps us hold on. Thanks again to the Sapp family. Hopefully, when we are there, we can take some pictures for another forever family.

A very big THANK YOU

Michelle and Chris Sapp are a couple that works with AIP and they are in Ust right now. As luck would have it, Maks is in their son Mateo's group! They sent us these cute pictures. They write that Maks "is such a sweet, loving boy! He is always FULL of smiles! I can't tell you how glad we are that he has a forever home. He is also one of the tallest in the group. "

Isn't it amazing to get a second set of updates. We are hoping and praying that we are able to go get Maks soon. So, THANKS Sapp family for taking pictures of Maks. We are so happy to hear details about him. We can't believe his outfit! The tights and sweater are too much!
LOL

Cell Phone Fundraiser

You may have guessed that the adoption is quite expensive. We have budgeted enough money for the trip and documentation. What we need help with, however, is the airfare. Especially, if we have to make two trips.

I found a quick way to earn money for the airfare. I am collecting used cell phones. Companies on the internet recycle the phones and will put money toward our adoption depending on the quality of the used phones I send them.

It is not only good for the environment (where do all those old cell phones go anyway!!) but you can help us get to Maks. If you have any old cell phones, email me and I will tell you what to do. woodsphysics@yahoo.com

Timeline

12/27/04 Jason (finally) agrees to proceeding with adoption in order to start our family.
2/2/05 Homestudy application to Angel's Haven Outreach
2/10/05 Sign with Adoption International Program
3/25/05 Received completed Home Study
3/26/05 BCIS application
5/12/05 Received I-600A
5/13/05 Paperwork notarized and submitted to AIP
5/31/05 Documents translated and sent to DC Embassy
6/15/05 New requirements for Dossier
6/22/05 Fully apostilled documents submitted to AIP
7/12/05 Dossier to DC Embassy
10/08/05 Dossier returned to AIP for new requirements again!!
10/20/05 FBI clearance, medical, and Post-placement reports will be required.
11/12/05 Submitted new requirements to AIP. Dossier complete again! Will it take this time??
11/17/05 Documents translated and submitted to NY Consulate.
12/08/05 Documents sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in Kazakhstan.
12/19/05 Dossier received by the MFA
01/16/06 We have received word that our "cable" will arrive in about 1 week. We can start thinking about travel dates. We are looking at Feb 3rd or Feb 10th right now.
02/08/06 We received our confirmation number: 0330pp This means that we really received our letter of invitation and our adoption visas will be issued soon!
02/10/06 We were given the okay to book our flights! We will leave Thursday, 02/16 at 2:40 pm. It has been exactly one year since we signed with AIP that we received word we can travel. hmmm....

New Dossier Requirements

We found out this week that our dossier was returned from the DC Embassy, AGAIN! This time we need to get another FBI clearance, more medical exams, and a letter stating that we will submit post-placement reports until Maks is 18 years old.

Okay. We can handle it. It will only be a few weeks to gather the new paperwork and back to the Embassy. We know that it will all be worth it in the end. We are on our way to get him and we won't stop until we do. :)

Can't go back to work, period!!

This week was the second worst of my life. Second only to my sister being killed in April of 1999. I found out that we would not travel to Kazakhstan to adopt our little boy until "later". An undisclosed "later"! It seems that the Kazakhstani government has put a temporary hold on adoptions until new requirements can be issued.

What am I supposed to do now? I am on a semester leave of absence from my teaching duties at Santa Barbara High School. I asked for this last May when my adoption agency assured me we would leave for Kaz in "10 weeks and no later". I knew that we wouldn't be home in time for Maks and our family to bond so my husband and I decided that taking time off of work would be appropriate. We can't really afford to take too much time off - but we knew the loss in income would be extremely worth it as our son learned about his family.

So, when I found out about not traveling, I called the school district's personnel office. I was informed that because I took an official leave of absence, I would not be allowed to return to my regular duties as a physics teacher - they had contracted a subsitute teacher until the end of January. To me, this is understandable. Not only that, but - I wouldn't be allowed to substitute teach for the district, either. To boot the personnel director also informed me that I couldn't sub for any public school in California! What??!! I suppose it is my fault for trying to do the right thing and give my school plenty of notice to try to find a suitable replacement physics teacher. (they didn't from the rumors I hear) I was told we would travel in July! It is really nobody's fault... noone could have known that the adoption would play out this way - not Jason or I, not our agency, not the school district, not the orphanage in Kazakhstan - but it seems unfair.

I really can't even think right now! I am in shock. I worried when Jason and I first decided to adopt that I might "lose everything" - my home (it is a huge financial undertaking to adopt internationally), my marriage (okay - I am a worry wart - but kids add stress to a marriage), and my job (with unknowns that come with kids - both homegrown and heartgrown). Now we are stuck with half of our normal income and what is going to happen with my job!!!!?????

Well - I'll try to stop crying soon.

Cousins

Cousins Nate and Jonny say Hi! We can't wait until you come home!

Still Waiting....

We haven't heard from our agency since they told us that the DC Embassy was "not processing" any dossiers. A 2 week process at the Embassy has turned into 10+ weeks and my semester sabbatical is quickly passing by.

The wait is difficult but Jason and I know that it will be worth it. Keep us and Maks in your thoughts and hopefully we get to leave soon. :)