Monday, June 18, 2007

The family is united

Here it is everyone: THE POST.

We met Molly and Zac today. They are truly beautiful children. I don't even know where to start.

1. We couldn't take any pictures today, so I can't post anything even if I wanted to.

2. We still can't get the Skype going. It's disappointing because all we have to do is connect our computer, but the computer lab people won't let us. They say we can only use their computer, but again - their computers don't have what it takes.

3. I'm officially the most tired I've ever been. All I want to do is go to sleep and then blog tomorrow, but I know you'll all go crazy if I don't post something.

4. Molly and Zac are in different orphanages, so we met them separately. We met Zac this morning. The baby home that he is in was quite impressive. They have about 100 children and it is extremely clean. They only have children up to age 3. It was quite different from what we expected. When we came into the room we were (of course) overwhelmed with emotion. All I wanted to do was grab him and hug him, but I refrained so not to scare him. It didn't really matter, because he freaked out anyway. I don't think the kids there see men all too often, so it was a bit shocking for him to see. Nevertheless, Zac was absolutely great. Katie and I quickly came to the conclusion that he's the strongest, smartest and cutest kid in his orphanage. Even though there wasn't a lot of bonding going on today, it was still awesome to meet him.

5. In the afternoon we drove a very long way to Molly's orphanage. Her orphanage was a little more in line with what we expected. There are 400 children at this home and they range in ages from 0-18 years old. Molly too was pretty uncomfortable was our being there. So being honest, it was kind of difficult to leave without really getting a smile or a kiss from either kid. I suppose our experience is much more normal and realistic. For some reason, I had more of a fairy tale in my mind where the children would run to me screaming "Daddy! Daddy! Take me home!"

6. Don't get me wrong, both our kids appear to be extremely happy and healthy. And to be honest, stranger anxiety at there age is a GOOD thing. If they didn't have that, it may indicate attachment disorders down the road.

7. Funny story. As Molly was sitting on my lap this afternoon, she had a "piddle accident". Because she is "in training" they had here in underwear and not a diaper. Therefore, 50% of the pants I have on this trip have been urinated on. (Quick fix: They wash our clothes for 250 rubles here. (around $7 or $8)

8. We are officially wiped out. It is 7:00pm and I'm heading to bed. 4 days - 1 night sleep.

9. Today has been an awesome day. I've now met Molly and Zac. They are both great and wonderful and will be coming home soon. I look forward to the bonding process so that someday very soon they will be running toward me in dream-like fashion yelling, "Daddy! Daddy!"

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hooray! We are SO happy to hear from you -- we have been watching the blog for a couple of hours now. It is emotional to read your first notes on meeting Zac and Molly -- we can only imagine how it must have been for you. We will look forward to more news after a good nights sleep. Love to all four of you. N & P, H & J

Anonymous said...

P.S. There could not have been a better birthday gift than to wake up today and hear that your "family is united." :) Love, N

Anonymous said...

Loosing your clothes $200, drinking contacts $50, finding a place to sleep $150, getting a cab $75, meeting your children for the first time - priceless! Savor the moment. - Dad

Anonymous said...

What a joy! I set the alarm for 5 a.m. to check, but being me, went back to bed. This is the best wake up news ever. I am not surprised at their emotions...nor yours for that matter. This is the beginning of your family of four. How wonderful that sounds. Did you get to sing to them? That can be so reassuring when holding a little one. I can't begin to express how thrilled we are and how happy for you. God is great!Get some rest. Love to you both, Grammy

Anonymous said...

A note from Poppie--Great news!! We are delighted that day one with M and Z went well (except for the "incident"). We anxiously await your next email on today's encounter. Did you take your guitar yesterday? Do the kids say much, can you go outside with them?
Love Poppie.

Anonymous said...

Congradulations! We adopted a 26mon old almost three years ago and she was so scared of us and cried the whole time, it is a good sign! I'm so glad things are going well! If you have any questions, just e-mail me.
Krisitn

Anonymous said...

Oh Ryan and and Katie...don't know what to say! Your e-mail says it all...you must be so overwhelmed with joy, excitement, fatigue. I have to laugh, I've been checking the blog all morning and when I finally found a new post, I'm like the fifth one to respond to it! Just a few people thinking of you! We love you all so much and can't wait to hear more....Also, the pants story had me laughing out loud! Too funny!

Love to all, Jenni

Anonymous said...

We're so thrilled to hear about your great day. You were first on my list to check this morning... God is so GOOD! We look forward to hearing more later! Sending our love to you all! WOW! What an incredible adventure... the funny times and all! Love, S & L Denney

Deb said...

Sounds like a great first meeting.
So glad you were able to spend some time with both of the kids.
Hope the next meeting goes even better.

Unknown said...

Such exciting news!! I love the idea of having a new niece and nephew, can't wait to see pictures and meet them in person. Have a wonderful second day with your kids.
Loves of Love, The Trimble's

PS: Jillian is trying to call you on her phone to get the news directly from you :)

Anonymous said...

It's funny. I don't know you all well, but I've found myself wondering and curious and intrigued and excited and ... about this whole Thing. It's FUN to follow your Journey and know that two unsuspecting children have a Mom and a Dad. Angela L

Anonymous said...

Oh yes. That horrible fuzzy fog from lack of sleep and changing time zones. . . .

And the wonderful first meeting!!

Congrats and keep hanging in there! It will all work out someday.

Anonymous said...

Amazing! You are so blessed. I am so happy for you and your latest additions, Molly and Zac! I have loved the updates! Love, Jacy

Anonymous said...

Blessings to all of you!!!! I have loved your blog!!! Can you believe it? or does it seem all to real right now? Jerry and I are so happy for you, and pray for your health and safety always...
Tami

A Room to Grow said...

gosh, i've been away from my computer for three days and you've made your way to russia and met the kids already! wow, sounds like you are having a great time. i'm so happy for you guys.