They found our bags--- of course being "EE Airlines", they will not deliver them to us--- They will arrive from the capital to our seaside town tonight at 11pm-- we have to pick them up tomorrow early AM at the airport.
at least we will have clean duds and the toys we brought to share with Derrik and Screech
I'm so excited for tomorrow... we had a wonderful evening strolling along the sea and eating a great dinner (we opted out of the tiny little fishes with heads) right on the beach (photos as soon as we get the luggage and the usb cords)--- But as great as this evening was it was a small distraction for the real reason we are here is to meet our new kids for the first time.
We will get up tomorrow at 6:30, shower and put on 3+ day old stinky clothes--- to the lobby for breakfast, then to the airport to get the bags-- Hopefully we will have time to come back to the room and shower again and get on clean stuff to go to the orphanage.
We get to meet Derrik for the first time tomorrow at 10am-- we will have about 90 minutes with him at 10 and again at 4 M-th-- only one meeting on Friday.
So hopefully tomorrow we will have lots of stories and pictures to share
til then,
papa
A papa's perspective on international adoption
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Saturday, July 16, 2011
we made it to EE----
our bags....not so much.
I almost never check bags--- keyword is almost. We just had 2 laptop bags and 2 carryon sized rollerboards--- but decided to check the rollers (we are getting old and hauling them through CDG did not sound like much fun)
Should have---
Our flight out of Dayton to Minneapolis was delayed and we were going to miss connections. Great work on Delta's part, by the time we hit the gate they had us rerouted to ATL and on our original flight out of CDG to EE. Bad work by the most inept (yet quite nice) delta gate dude I have ever seen. He got us our boarding passes (barely in time for the flight---over 20 minutes) bags--- guess not.
The latest is that our bags (if they can locate them) we be delivered to the airport in Derrik's city on the Black Sea either late tomorrow or sometime Monday--- Poor kid-- the first memory of us will be: "boy they talk funny and they STINK"
That is the quick version--- more tomorrow--I'm wiped out!
see ya
I almost never check bags--- keyword is almost. We just had 2 laptop bags and 2 carryon sized rollerboards--- but decided to check the rollers (we are getting old and hauling them through CDG did not sound like much fun)
Should have---
Our flight out of Dayton to Minneapolis was delayed and we were going to miss connections. Great work on Delta's part, by the time we hit the gate they had us rerouted to ATL and on our original flight out of CDG to EE. Bad work by the most inept (yet quite nice) delta gate dude I have ever seen. He got us our boarding passes (barely in time for the flight---over 20 minutes) bags--- guess not.
The latest is that our bags (if they can locate them) we be delivered to the airport in Derrik's city on the Black Sea either late tomorrow or sometime Monday--- Poor kid-- the first memory of us will be: "boy they talk funny and they STINK"
That is the quick version--- more tomorrow--I'm wiped out!
see ya
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Here we go!
Chicken on the grill! YUM!
Kids are fed and in bed (except James who has swim meet)
No pool for Jake---closed early for the swim meet, but he was happy helping to plant a rose bush and getting covered in mud!---tomorrow little dude--tomorrow
not as busy today as yesterday, and a fun and full day--- now it's time to go!
bags are packed-- just need to be "finalized"
Funds are on hand
Passports are ready
Mobile radio studio is ready
E-gear is ready---
Side note---- The way we have traveled has changed soooo much--- The electronic gear for this trip:
--2 laptops
--1 iPad
--1 Kindle
-- cell phone (actually more of a handheld computer/camera since it will be a phone brick over there)
--old skool----really old skool--circa 2002 mp3 player with an FM radio-- works on AA battery and is tiny for when other batteries die)
-- digital camera-- was gonna skip it, but the pics are better than the phone
-- Plus the radio stuff--- Microphone, audio processing, cords, cables, mic stand, power converter and powerstrip/surge protector
Sure it is all tiny--- it would all actually fit in one carry-on roller board-- and it is replacing half a suitcase of big heavy books-- but still-- to be taking almost 10 things that need to be plugged in seems so over the top.
I have about an hour of work tomorrow morning and we leave at about 9:30am for out 1:30 flight (yep---it was a LOT cheaper to fly from Dayton so we must leave an hour earlier)
Will try to update from the road!
papa
Kids are fed and in bed (except James who has swim meet)
No pool for Jake---closed early for the swim meet, but he was happy helping to plant a rose bush and getting covered in mud!---tomorrow little dude--tomorrow
not as busy today as yesterday, and a fun and full day--- now it's time to go!
bags are packed-- just need to be "finalized"
Funds are on hand
Passports are ready
Mobile radio studio is ready
E-gear is ready---
Side note---- The way we have traveled has changed soooo much--- The electronic gear for this trip:
--2 laptops
--1 iPad
--1 Kindle
-- cell phone (actually more of a handheld computer/camera since it will be a phone brick over there)
--old skool----really old skool--circa 2002 mp3 player with an FM radio-- works on AA battery and is tiny for when other batteries die)
-- digital camera-- was gonna skip it, but the pics are better than the phone
-- Plus the radio stuff--- Microphone, audio processing, cords, cables, mic stand, power converter and powerstrip/surge protector
Sure it is all tiny--- it would all actually fit in one carry-on roller board-- and it is replacing half a suitcase of big heavy books-- but still-- to be taking almost 10 things that need to be plugged in seems so over the top.
I have about an hour of work tomorrow morning and we leave at about 9:30am for out 1:30 flight (yep---it was a LOT cheaper to fly from Dayton so we must leave an hour earlier)
Will try to update from the road!
papa
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Let's DO THIS!
I am so excited to be going to meet the boys on Friday, yet bummed at the thought of NOT bringing them home with us at the end of this trip.
The EE country from which we are adopting requires 2 trips. This first one where we meet the guys and make a connection, then we leave for 2-4 months while the paperwork is completed and the governments stamp a lot of papers. Only then can we return and bring the the guys home.
I can't see how this is best for our boys, but it is way out of our control--- all we can do is hug, cuddle, and show them parental love during the time we are with them and pray that they are able to understand that we will be back as soon as is permitted---comforted by the knowledge that an exciting new life with their forever family awaits!
Today was a VERY busy day--- I wanted to get almost all my "work-work" done by today (I am not taking vacation, but I need to get several days ahead just in-case we have any problems).
Lots of Home-front work too--- shopping, finances, new tires, James orthodontist, tux fittings for the wedding. Though this is only a 2 week trip, it feels like there is so much to be done--
The good news is that tomorrow has only a couple of "must do" items on my schedule-- and among them are spending time with the boys at the pool and doing some grilling--- here's to a more relaxed day!!
Still to Do:
The EE country from which we are adopting requires 2 trips. This first one where we meet the guys and make a connection, then we leave for 2-4 months while the paperwork is completed and the governments stamp a lot of papers. Only then can we return and bring the the guys home.
I can't see how this is best for our boys, but it is way out of our control--- all we can do is hug, cuddle, and show them parental love during the time we are with them and pray that they are able to understand that we will be back as soon as is permitted---comforted by the knowledge that an exciting new life with their forever family awaits!
Today was a VERY busy day--- I wanted to get almost all my "work-work" done by today (I am not taking vacation, but I need to get several days ahead just in-case we have any problems).
Lots of Home-front work too--- shopping, finances, new tires, James orthodontist, tux fittings for the wedding. Though this is only a 2 week trip, it feels like there is so much to be done--
The good news is that tomorrow has only a couple of "must do" items on my schedule-- and among them are spending time with the boys at the pool and doing some grilling--- here's to a more relaxed day!!
Still to Do:
- Get to the bank for US Visa $$$
- pack the studio and me
- a few hours of "work-work"
- Find our passports---just kidding-- that is my recurring nightmare---arriving at the airport having forgotten the passports---or WORSE realizing that they are expired--- Same nightmare every-time we travel overseas.
More soon----
papa
Thursday, July 7, 2011
WOW!-- One week---WOW!
We are just one short week away from getting to meet our boys for the very first time.
Here is how it SHOULD play out:
We fly out of Dayton ($300 cheaper per ticket) at about noon next Friday--
We arrive in our EE-land (no country mentions are permitted until after court) Saturday at about 4pm. We stay in "city of arrival" that night then mini-van off to Derrik's institution along the Black Sea early Sunday---
There is a local non-profit that offers free walking tours of "our arrival city" each day at 11a and 6p--- we hope to be able to hoof it after the flight to catch a bit of culture and history--and walk off jet-lag!
We will first meet with Derrik in the morning on July 18-- As we understand, we get to spend about an hour or so with him each morning and again in the afternoon. We will be with him until midday Friday--- thinking lots of interactive and bonding play--- hopefully they will let us do some "treat" feeding as well
We will spend Friday afternoon on the beach (wx permitting) on our own--our facilitator/translator will be leaving to go back to the capitol via minivan.--- we really want to stop at the birth town of Jacob/Henry and visit his grave-site--it is not possible for hostess to accompany so we will do it on our own. We will train from the sea to his town early Saturday and visit our little angel's grave-site that evening.
On Sunday we catch the train back to the capitol and meet up with the facilitator for our trip to see Screech!
We get to visit with him Monday-Friday for a couple of times a day. I can't wait to screech back at him!!
We will also attempt to meet with the wonderful folks at the American University who have offered to help Screech become more familiar with English during the time we must be separated. I can't say how much we appreciate Sabina and her efforts!
From there it is back to the capitol and a flight to Amsterdam/Minneapolis/Dayton and home to tour family on July 30th!
The really odd thing for me is that we will not leave EE with our boys---- Catie and James, Joey, and Jake all came home with us upon our first meeting-- It will be incredibly difficult to leave our boys in the care of others as we come home to our comfy lives while they are still institutionalized... I do NOT like it at all---- but must respect the regulations of the adopting country.
Sooooooooooooooooooo
To Do:
Buy travel clothes for me
Mary's laptop has been violated by Jakie's fingers-- need 3 keys replaced
Shopping for food for home crew---Go Aldi!
Meet with Rob to pickup the mobile studio gear--- Listen to your local Oldies/Classic Hits station-- you could hear me "live" from EE!--neato!
Needs new tires for the van---Sams Club Monday?
A TON of "ahead work" for me as I am NOT taking vacation--- Gotta love google voice, skype and WiFi---
Plus lots of kid watching as Mary has just picked up a new client and has her own work to do--
We are pretty "ready to roll"!
Love,
papa
More (Hopefully) before we go!
Here is how it SHOULD play out:
We fly out of Dayton ($300 cheaper per ticket) at about noon next Friday--
We arrive in our EE-land (no country mentions are permitted until after court) Saturday at about 4pm. We stay in "city of arrival" that night then mini-van off to Derrik's institution along the Black Sea early Sunday---
There is a local non-profit that offers free walking tours of "our arrival city" each day at 11a and 6p--- we hope to be able to hoof it after the flight to catch a bit of culture and history--and walk off jet-lag!
We will first meet with Derrik in the morning on July 18-- As we understand, we get to spend about an hour or so with him each morning and again in the afternoon. We will be with him until midday Friday--- thinking lots of interactive and bonding play--- hopefully they will let us do some "treat" feeding as well
We will spend Friday afternoon on the beach (wx permitting) on our own--our facilitator/translator will be leaving to go back to the capitol via minivan.--- we really want to stop at the birth town of Jacob/Henry and visit his grave-site--it is not possible for hostess to accompany so we will do it on our own. We will train from the sea to his town early Saturday and visit our little angel's grave-site that evening.
On Sunday we catch the train back to the capitol and meet up with the facilitator for our trip to see Screech!
We get to visit with him Monday-Friday for a couple of times a day. I can't wait to screech back at him!!
We will also attempt to meet with the wonderful folks at the American University who have offered to help Screech become more familiar with English during the time we must be separated. I can't say how much we appreciate Sabina and her efforts!
From there it is back to the capitol and a flight to Amsterdam/Minneapolis/Dayton and home to tour family on July 30th!
The really odd thing for me is that we will not leave EE with our boys---- Catie and James, Joey, and Jake all came home with us upon our first meeting-- It will be incredibly difficult to leave our boys in the care of others as we come home to our comfy lives while they are still institutionalized... I do NOT like it at all---- but must respect the regulations of the adopting country.
Sooooooooooooooooooo
To Do:
Buy travel clothes for me
Mary's laptop has been violated by Jakie's fingers-- need 3 keys replaced
Shopping for food for home crew---Go Aldi!
Meet with Rob to pickup the mobile studio gear--- Listen to your local Oldies/Classic Hits station-- you could hear me "live" from EE!--neato!
Needs new tires for the van---Sams Club Monday?
A TON of "ahead work" for me as I am NOT taking vacation--- Gotta love google voice, skype and WiFi---
Plus lots of kid watching as Mary has just picked up a new client and has her own work to do--
We are pretty "ready to roll"!
Love,
papa
More (Hopefully) before we go!
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Okay----Some Happy Thoughts
First
Happy Birthday America! What a great land in which we live to afford us the chance to adopt these kids and make the US citizens just like us!
We are less than 2 weeks from our first trip to see Screech and Derrrik--- Way excited and a bit freaked. We got them cool "pillow pet" type things to play with -- but I fear that are too large. Mary picked up some very cute little blankets/animals that I think will work better.
We have our "EE" language CDs from the internet and are learning yet another Balkan tongue - Many thanks to Sabina and the folks at the University for offering to help US and the boys to better communicate!
The kids back home are all set-- thanks Marie and Em. We will only be gone 2 weeks this time (as opposed to almost 2 month with joey) but the prep still seems daunting.
I will NOT be taking vacation this time and will have a full broadcast studio on the trail--- Thanks Rob--- I sure hope it works-- so my radio station will have fresh stuff every day.
if you are not aware--
we will make our first trip on July 15--- Then we need to get papers ready for our return to pick up the boys-- it could be up to 4 horribly painful months-- USCIS, The EE country, court. passports.......
Waaaaay tooo long to get the fellows home--- but we have to work in the system--
That is it for today--- I will post some boring "getting ready" stuff next week--- travel after that
PEACE!
Happy Birthday America! What a great land in which we live to afford us the chance to adopt these kids and make the US citizens just like us!
We are less than 2 weeks from our first trip to see Screech and Derrrik--- Way excited and a bit freaked. We got them cool "pillow pet" type things to play with -- but I fear that are too large. Mary picked up some very cute little blankets/animals that I think will work better.
We have our "EE" language CDs from the internet and are learning yet another Balkan tongue - Many thanks to Sabina and the folks at the University for offering to help US and the boys to better communicate!
The kids back home are all set-- thanks Marie and Em. We will only be gone 2 weeks this time (as opposed to almost 2 month with joey) but the prep still seems daunting.
I will NOT be taking vacation this time and will have a full broadcast studio on the trail--- Thanks Rob--- I sure hope it works-- so my radio station will have fresh stuff every day.
if you are not aware--
we will make our first trip on July 15--- Then we need to get papers ready for our return to pick up the boys-- it could be up to 4 horribly painful months-- USCIS, The EE country, court. passports.......
Waaaaay tooo long to get the fellows home--- but we have to work in the system--
That is it for today--- I will post some boring "getting ready" stuff next week--- travel after that
PEACE!
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