Room

Jen: I thought this poem was fitting as you wait to get your darling daughter. Love, Mom

I hold you in my heart and touch you in my dreams.

You are here each day with me, at least that's how it seams.

I know you wonder where I am ... what's taking me so long.

But remember child I love you so and God will keep you strong.

Now go outside and feel the breeze and let me touch your skin.

Because today as always I blow you kisses in the wind.

May God hold you in His hand until I can be with you.

I promise you, my daughter I'm doing all I can do.

Very soon you'll have a family for real and not just pretend.

But for today as always, I blow you kisses in the wind.

May God wrap you in His arms and hold you very tight.

Let the Angels bring the kisses that I send to you each day and night.

Falling Into Place....

Things are beginning to work themselves out and fall into place. Dylan and I went to Los Angeles today to get a couple more documents taken care of for Victoria’s citizenship and immigration. I do not think I will have to go back, thank goodness. I think in the last week and a half I have been 5 times. Los Angeles is not one of my favorite places, especially considering my issues with being directionally challenged. I have requested to be off of work until the 26th of May. For adoptions, my work offers 4 weeks of paid leave using my accumulated sick time; thank goodness I have lots of sick time. It will be nice to have the extra time off work when I return to help Victoria get used to her new surroundings.

Finally got the plane flights booked. We will be leaving LAX on April 14th at 12:10 am and arrive in Korea on the 15th at 4:55 am (confusing because of the different time zones and flying over the International Date Line). We leave Korea at 11:30 am on the 15th and arrive in Vladivostok, Russia at 3:50 pm on the 15th. The journey there consists of 21 hours and 40 minutes of travel time. That includes a 6 hour and 35 minute layover in Korea. We had a layover last time in Korea and it is a great airport to be in, if you have to be in one for a long period of time. The airport is huge, very modern, they like our money, and they have Diet Coke. What else can I ask for?! But, I do know from my experience last time, nothing is open at 4:55 am. We will figure out where we need to be and sit. So, just a little over 15 hours flying time, if I did my math correct. This time our luggage will go all the way through, I think? Last time that was not the case due to two different carriers. On the 16th we will be taken to the orphanage to finally see Victoria again! The 17th is court! Ugh! Mom found an internet site that gave a list of questions that might be asked in court. I will review this while traveling, as I know sleep won’t come easy for me.

I will be away from Dylan for the longest we have ever been apart. The most we have been away from each other is 6 days, and that was my last trip to Russia in September. I really am not even sure how many days I will be gone this time and am not ready to really think about that. It will be a long time though. He will be fine, I do know this. I will miss him as a mother should, I suppose.

Yesterday was a day for furniture rearranging and making her room look more like a bedroom instead of a spare room. Grandma Vicki has been busy making a canopy and decorating letters that spell her name, to be placed above her closet. Gordon and mom filled holes in the wall from shelf removal, painted some, hung stuff and so forth. Dylan and I hid in my room, trying to get the computer back together that was moved from Victoria’s room into my room. Karen was supposed to come, but that plan was cancelled at the last minute (you just have to ask her about that one! Haha). I am posting a few pics of her room thus far.

I am reminded often of what an amazing family I have. I truly appreciate the support of everyone, especially my parents, all of my parents; Dad, Jan, Mom and Gordon. Not only are we blessed to have Victoria join our family, but she is blessed to become part of such a great family!