Controlled Chaos!

a word from the kulp kids...

2011-10-26T08:09:00.000-07:00

A handful of people have asked mom when she's going to update her blog... we don't know what is taking her so long, for goodness sakes...all she does is sit around watching grey's anatomy and eating bonbons...we basically take care of ourselves...geesh...

Anyway, since mom is taking so long to get back to her blogging, we thought we would write an entry for her and maybe she would get her act together and start posting regularly again...

After wrestling for it, we have decided to update you in chronological order...

Danielle - life is pretty (can I hold the baby?) good lately. I've been practicing a lot with my dynavox, at home (can I hold the baby?) and at school. I really really love my (can I hold the baby?) new sister emily ... well as long as she's not crying. Mom says I might be transferring (can I hold the baby?) schools soon...I'll keep you (can I hold the baby?) posted on that ...we're not quite sure about all the details yet. Ohh yeah...my ears are giving me a bit of trouble...hopefully the doc will (can I hold the baby?) figure out how to make my hearing better soon. I'm growing like a (can I hold the baby?) weed, and right now I'm pretty fixated on helping baby doll emily... where is that baby doll anyway?

Simon here - Mom and Dad say I have a lot of hills and valleys. Mom was getting pretty stressed out a few weeks ago, bc she said I was having a "non verbal grumpy streak" whatever that means!! So to help her relax I've been super duper happy and talkative for about 2 weeks now. She won't stop telling everyone about it...geesh! I still can't stand the feel of shoes on my feet...I'm not sure how all you shoe wearing people do it!? I really love love love emily...she loves it when I kiss her and leave lots of slobber on her head and face. I'm really gentle with her...but mom won't let me tote her around the house like one of my teddy bears...I don't get it?? I think mom just wants to hog up emily all to herself...ohh well, I make her smile all the time! I think my new brother and sister may even be more interesting than the patterns in the carpet or my elmo movies... mom is still slacking so I'll let Shea fill you in...

Shea - well...I've been an American now for over 3 months and I turned 5! Mom worries a little that I don't speak ANY Russian anymore...she's gotta chill out! I'm rockin' kindergarten, I L O V E riding the big yellow bus. Mom keeps taking me to all these different doctors, hopefully we'll be done with all that jazz soon. I guess pretty soon I'm going to have some "major work done" on my teeth...then I hear I might be getting a "fixer upper" on my left hip. I think I'm going to keep mom and dad busy for a while! They gave me these new robot leg things...they're OK I guess...once they are on and I'm walking I like em OK...but they kind of slow me down when I'm trying to scoot away from mom on my hands and knees. I give her heck when it's time to use them...but she keeps saying I'll like them someday! It is pretty cool that I can walk tall with em...and I've conned them into giving me pennies when I do a good job :) Yeah...life is pretty good! See ya later alligator... I'm gonna grit you!

Emily - well I may not be able to talk yet...but I can write...shhh don't tell daddy. Geeze Louise!...what a family I've been born into. Looks like I'm gonna have to be one tough cookie! Mom is all sad and teary cause she's going back to work part time tomorrow...but come on mom...hold it together, Daddy is going to be so much fun! For the last 2 nights I've decided to cut mom a break and I've slept for 7 hours for her. She seems so happy when i do that! I just discovered these long things at the end of my body...if I kick them around alot they make my chair bounce up and down... pretty cool. I've also started to coo, and I've managed to laugh twice. Mom gets really silly when I do these things and calls the whole town over to see. Weird! Oh yeah...I've had 2 ear infections so far and I'm only stinkin' 8 weeks old (today!) Thanks alot Simon, Shea and Danielle...I know we're supposed to share and all...but keep your cooties to yourself please. Well I better go...don't want mom to catch me on the computer, I think I'm technically too little to be surfing the net. Bye Bye, burp, coo!

photo shoot on our waiting day...back to business tomorrow

2011-06-28T13:16:00.000-07:00

first embassy day...(sb moms - question for you in the last photo please)

2011-06-27T14:39:00.000-07:00

my son reminding me that God has the whole world in his hands....

Today was our first of two embassy days. Shea and mommy went solo because it was pouring rain and windy and my parents wouldn't have been allowed in the building bc of security etc. I also left the stroller home bc I knew with all of the stairs on this trip and needing to get through the metal detectors etc etc it would be easier for just today to travel without it. Shea wore my poncho and we tried not to get blown away by the wind! No photos of this day...camera's not allowed at the embassy...and it was too wet and difficult to try to take them anyway. Once there the appointment went smoothly and Shea was perfectly behaved! He sat like such a good and patient boy! (now to figure out how to get him to be so good on the potty!...he really doesn't like it...he will do much better once home on a potty chair I'm sure) For families coming behind us...it was 404$ US today for this step....and filling out your forms ahead of time is really helpful...it would have been so stressful to try to fill them out while there in my opinion...especially if you are alone...

So the business of the day went very well...I was whooped by the end though...3 flights in and out of this building...the taxi was 1/2 an hour late so we took shelter in the tunnel where we could see the taxi arrive, but still be out of the rain...also a delay in the van that would take myself and another family back to our apartments after...we took shelter in a grocery store as many others did to escape the downpours. Lets just say I was glad to get back into the apt today!

By late afternoon...the apartment was again getting old...so we all put on our sneakers and headed out for a walk in the rain...which had decreased to a "moderate" soaking by this time...we tackled some crazy hills, outdoor ramps and stairways and got a healthy dose of exercise and came home looking like wet noodles...except of course for shea who was dry as a bug in a rug with his rain protected stroller shield...thank you again maria c!!

The electricity has been hit or miss today...it has never fully gone out, but it is not strong enough to power the microwave right now, and we have no oven...so we had a classic "EE tourist dinner" tonight, ie pb and j, cup o soup, apples etc... shea thouroughly enjoyed every bite!

more future blackmail material!

whooey...I'm not sure how I feel about this toothpaste taste yet mamma!

he certainly knows how to ham it up on cue for the camera...

this apartment is certainly not child oriented or disability oriented...he needs both hands to stand...and both hands to do his self care...so we get creative! The bathroom I'm trying to potty train in is literally about 4x4 (which the toilet takes up most of!)...hmmm shea who needs support...nothing to hold except mommy or the toilet...mommy is 7 1/2 mo prego...gets pretty darn interesting.... !!

this is his spinal scar...there are also some abnormalities further down...but it's a family show here! Spina Bifida moms...chime in...does this look typical...or is the scar tissue pretty keloid or hypertrophic like?? what are your thoughts?

waiting out the weekend until business can resume on monday...

2011-06-26T13:18:00.000-07:00

one of his still moments amongst his go go go...to watch the world around him...
it's been raining non stop since we arrived on saturday to the capital...but cabin fever sets in, so we gear up for the rain and head out for walking a couple of times a day. This apartment is very close to some indep square, St Micheals and St Andrews. Nice to see a different part of the city this time...still lots of hills and lots of stairs!! Pack light if you are coming here...best advice ever....

shea and mommy in independ. square. (Maria this stoller has been a godsend!)

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grandpa was braver than mommy on this ramp! I know PT's he should be going backward! Also it must be engrained into all children to give a mamma no peace in her 10 mintues of bathtime solitude wheather they have been yours for days or for years! All through my shower I heard...maamma...maaaammmaaa and giggles.

An orphan no more! Gotcha Day!

2011-06-26T05:50:00.000-07:00

there will be more pictures of gotcha day in the private
blog, want to keep faces protected....

His first machina ride as a "free man"!

changing clothes to leave the orphanage...last moments with his nanny who had true love for him...

this is a dark photo...but a moment full of light....leaving the gates of his orphanage as a Kulp

intwined in all the tender moments and first events of gotcha day there was still much business to be done...booking flights out of region to happen in 15 hours time, making arrangements to pay rent and return keys, getting an embassy appointment booked earlier, ensuring all paperwork needed is leaving region with us....

probably the most significant moment of the day....our first ice cream cone together!!!

the trains were good if Shea could watch while embracing mommy...they were a bit too loud on this first day

who is enjoying this first meal more? mamma or shea?

the train is too loud mamma...there is so much world I want to see...but can we turn down the volume?

This day was a wonderful whirlwind. His special nanny helped me prepare him to leave, with tears coursing down her face most of the time. She loved my boy, and was at the same time happy to see him find a mamma and pappa, but sad to have to say goodbye to him. We took time to walk Shea around to each of his grouppa mates to say goodbye and give hugs and kisses. His nanny walked us down to the taxi and she hummed "America The Beautiful" and was explaining things to Shea again.

The pictures above show the happenings of the day. One of the most fun moments was the pre bed bath time! He loved it so much, and probably would have stayed in the tub all night if I had let him. Brushing his teeth was at first a scary ordeal filled with crying...until I stopped and brushed my teeth infront of him...making silly faces....and he caught on with no problem. It seems to be one of his favorite activities now. We are already making headway with some of the brown stains on his teeth. Sitting on the potty ring on the toilet was not his favorite activity...actually probably his only "bad" experience of the day....but mamma is hitting the ground running with this one! We have had 3 sucessful "foos" in the toilet so far.

Time for bed and packing came....I laid down in bed with him and his starvation for human touch was soooo evident. He nuzzled, and hugged and squeezed and sniffed for many many minutes...finally I thought he was asleep and then it was time for me to try to sneak out of the room to finish packing. Before I was 2 steps out of the room the most mournful wail started... I don't blame him...so many new and overwhelming things to take in, and now in a room by himself ??? What was mamma thinking? So I climbed back into bed with him and he was instantly calmed....

His first day went very very well, he managed so many new sights, sounds and experiences with awe in his eyes and no major meltdowns. He showed all spectrums of emotion. We can't wait to be with daddy to finally be a complete family... I've sighed a big sigh of relief on gotcha day...but will fully feel the relief when we are home in daddy's arms with brat and sistrah!

The ever changing story of EE adoption...

2011-06-25T13:20:00.000-07:00

An important prayer request for the EE orphan situation in general first... On July 11th adoption will halt in this country. The president did sign laws which will allow the shut down so that government offices can be restructured. Let's hope positive changes occur in a timely manner due to this and that the doors reopen very very soon. Pray that the restructuring may clean up some of the questionable processes that are a part of life here in regards to working the system...

In these laws that passed it also confirmed that unless you are an orphan with special needs you can't be adopted internationally until your 5yrs old. I think they are trying to get more in country adoptions of their own orphans but this may increase the number of children who age up in the system and thus become harder to adopt. Also the list of special needs that are accepted is quite limited to only more common diagnosis...lets pray more of the rare or less common diagnosis will also be allowed, otherwise more and more special needs children will face institutionalization here.

Basically...let's hope the changes are quick, and improve the process overall.
Remember my post about leaving your type A at home?? That’s all I need to say J
If you can’t leave your type A at home…you should probably adopt from China! Very structured, planned, mapped out…

Arriving in region on Monday we were told there was a possibility of getting the passport on Friday…but more likely Monday.

By Tuesday PM we were told there was no chance of getting it by Friday, and to plan on being in region until

June 29^th because of the mon and tues EE holiday.

By Thursday we were told there was SOME chance we would get it by Friday.

By Friday we were told we would most likely get it that day…but they couldn’t really be sure.

By Friday at 3:00 we were told to be ready to leave the apt in 15 minutes to pick up the passport and then go have Gottcha Day and bring Shea home with us….and return to the capital by Saturday morning! (okay, I admit that my type A did kick in and I outlined all the flights, packed the suitcases and packed a Gotcha Day kit, gave the going away nanny and orphanage gifts etc etc all by Friday morning…you know….just in case!! )

I think the nannies knew we would be leaving soon too…because in addition to the normal treats, pampers fruits and toys that we would bring on visitations they had some special requests. They showed me a broken electric water hot pot, a broken lamp, missing light bulbs and a needed extension cord….implying I should buy them for the orphanage. This was a project for Dad and Mike S…walking over to the market with my shopping list while the women did that days visitation.

So back to EE adoption creative scheduling. My facilitator at one time laughed with me and said…you try to figure out how everything works….stop trying because it will only change and that’s why you pay us! Ohhh but it’s so hard to not be in control says this mamma.

(by the way…my stomach is visibly shifting Left and Right like the atlantic ocean waves right now…I think someone is trying to say hello…and don’t forget about meeeee!)

So we hurriedly booked our tickets to the capital, and headed out to the passport office. Luda had been out of region since wed am working with other families, so she had put the driver in charge of this task. When we arrived the door was locked and the office looked closed! The driver made a call and the door opened, I was asked in…the driver waited outside.

It was kind of strange being in a building, locked to the public from the outside, not speaking any of the language and having workers walk by you wondering what the heck you were doing sitting there in the waiting room. I tried not to make eye contact so that people wouldn’t try to make me explain what I was doing and I was half afraid they might tell me to leave! After a few minutes I was handed the passport, checked it for any errors, signed a paper that was all in Russian and headed toward my little one to spring him from the joint!

So you probably want to know about gotcha day….hee hee hee, I’m thirsty and have to go to the bathroom so you’ll just have to wait for the next post!

And also…before we get to that… before we rejoice….please say prayers for a family who is a bit delayed in Shea’s region. We were able to spend nice time with them and I would really love to see them having court very soon…..and also for any complications that have occurred or may happen in the future….whether day to day problems….or bigger external issues from external sources….that they be obliterated and their little boy goes home with them forever very very soon!
　
　
　
　
　

this is the sleeping room for the grouppa

the regional passport office...the last step before gotcha day!

2011-06-23T15:27:00.000-07:00

notice the beautiful frilly flower hat...good grief

future blackmail photo when he brings home his first girlfriend! I gave him the hat....but yikes about the rest of the outfit!

wed 22nd...the paper chase continues!

2011-06-22T14:32:00.000-07:00

these critters are everywhere! so we might as well play with them! Some of them are super big!

stray dogs are as common here as squirrels are at home it seems...and they travel in packs, but so far all are friendly

shopping in style....much more fun this way...

buying bannanas for the grouppa
Wednesday 22^nd…the paperchase continues
　

Today was another busy one… first stop with my driver was picking up Luda then we headed to the orphanage for a 9 am meeting with the orphanage atourney. ( which of course started at 9:20 typical ukranian time ) That was completed by 10. I received Shea’s baptismal certificate from the local orthodox church that also had a small cross necklace, this will be a special keep sake for us. The orphanage has all the children baptized. I received the needed paperwork to close down his government bank account and transfer the money back to them, the permission to release him from the orphanage on the day our passport comes and permission to take his “orthopedic shoes” and night time leg splints with us when we leave. Next we were supposed to head off to the social workers office in the city to get additional papers we would need for our bank visit. In Ukranian time frame style…the social worker was not ready for us and we needed to wait an extra hour, but that was fine with me because it allowed me to do a short morning visitation with Shea, and we also met the Silva family today (adopting noah).

Once we made it to the social workers office we then headed all the way back to the region of the orphanage to complete the banking work. I also managed to buy some cherries from a street vendor in the process. They were very yummy, but after a few I noticed a worm in one, then the next, then the next…. So I think I may have accidentally gotten a little extra protein today, blaaaahhhk.

Once the bank papers were complete we headed back to the orphanage for two more signatures and then I headed back to the apartment and met up with my parents.

The evening visitation was nice, cooler, and we did a play date with the Silvas. Shea enjoyed cars, pegs, treats, and sliding snails down the slide! I am proud to say that he is now easily saying grandma and grandpa….rolling his R’s the whole time….I hope he doesn’t loose that little trait. He also said simon without being prompted when looking at a photo today….that was a joy!

From now until passport arrival there is no paper chasing thank goodness. I just have to get started on my embassy paperwork to have that done in time for our appointment. We will re enter the phase of 2 daily 2 hour visitations.

My ankles are quite a bit better, a little ouchy still…but much much better, thank you all for your kind words and prayers.

A paper chase day...

2011-06-21T13:40:00.000-07:00

By 7:30 am we were off. Our first trip was to Shea’s birth town. The office of vital statistics was in a touristy section of town, and we did not get a chance to look around the more residential settings. We arrived at the office before it opened and waited in line to submit our papers. We were informed that his new birth certificate would be ready by 2pm…and probably not sooner. This worried Luda a bit because she was not sure we would finish all the needed business to complete the passport application requirements by the end of the day. Our current status was that Friday the 24^th would be the first possible day we would have his passport in hand. Luda had discovered that Monday and Tuesday the 27^th and 28^th government buildings are closed…so the second best option would be that we would get our passport on Wednesday the 29^th. (fyi after we get his passport and get ourselves back to the capitol we need two full business days of embassy and medical exam work before we can fly home.)

Since we had to kill time until 2 we drove to a nearby monastery with rock formations and churches built into the rock itself. Then we went on to a local palace of a former king and finally to a souvenier market and some rest time to have our packed lunches. I was antsy that we were “loosing time” in the race against the clock…but my personal photographer (mom) took many lovely photos of his home region that I’m sure he will someday find great meaning from.

By two oclock we went back to the office of vital stats and the door was locked….oh dear! By quarter after 2 we were let back in, but our certificate had not been started. By 2:45 we were on our way back to the town of the orphanage in a very speedy manner thanks to our driver artur….very speedy…white knuckle fast!

Our fist stop was to the notary office, and then to the social security office to get his tax ID number for the bank work we will have to do tomorrow. Then we raced again back to the orphanage to pick up Shea…which I had not realized was going to happen today. There is no written itinerary with this trip, and I had not been told about this part of the day, so it was a nice surprise. Unfortunately when we arrived at the orphanage the lawyer had forgotten to write up the form giving us permission to take him out for his photos. Luda called her and our resolution was that they would allow us to go without the form since she had forgotten to complete it, but we needed to take a nanny along with us. It all worked out, but this again caused some time to be lost in our race against the clock…counting down ultimately to the day we would get our passport back. Also because of the extra person there was certainly no way that we would all fit in our drivers car, so my parents had to stay at the orphanage grounds while we did our work.

We needed to take Shea to the passport office and then to get visa photos done. In the midst of our hecticness artur was sent on an errand to find us a new phone charging cord as ours didn’t work and we were unable to communicate with the team if needed. We completed all tasks at hand today, but by an hour that was too late. We are told Friday passport partying is not going to happen. They are fairly sure we will have it by Wednesday the 29^th, and of so we would be allowed to go by train back to the capital that night, or by plane in the morning…which ever has 4 open seats and a good deal.

Of course…these are best estimates and not written in stone, but it looks like Shea will be “sprung out of the joint” and joining us by Wednesday the 29th if all goes well. We arrived back to our apartment by 7:00pm and collapsed into a tired and hungry mess J

So that was our day…pretty factual I know….sorry about that. A few special moments…. On our outing, Shea was given the option of the nanny or mamma a few times, and I was the lucky winner…it felt good, and of course is a good bonding sign!

I’m cautiously optimistic that we will have a good little traveler when we leave. He is usually so activity oriented and I was afraid long bouts of sitting in one place would be a problem. What I found today is that we was so enthralled with being in a car and watching all the hustle and bustle of the city that is was hard to get a peep out of him…. His eyes were glued to his surroundings as he was nestled into my lap. Once we were back to the orphanage he proclaimed “that was a good trip”!

I will close for now… I was really really hoping for a Friday passport day to shorten our travel time and to get home as a family all under one roof….but looks like this was not meant to be. I think we will probably be right on track with the 2 wk estimate period which I am very thankful for. I do think and hope we will be home in time for july 4^th celebration fireworks, and danielle’s birthday on the 7^th. Oh and by the way did I mention Dan has to leave town on July 5^th for 8 days for work duties in florida??

Good grief, I’m just rollin’ with it! Thank you for your prayers and the comments that I have gotten along the way. We appreciate all of your support….Mamma Liz

His little mind processing

2011-06-20T13:52:00.000-07:00

Our flight into region went wonderfully and it was such a relief to not have to ride the overnight train this time. I’m so thankful to have found such cheap rates…. I wonder if we can make that work on the way back to the capitol city too? Also my travel sickness has been conquered by a safe OTC med that my obgyn suggested.

As soon as we got back to region our driver artur picked us up. We had a few wrinkles in regards to getting an appropriate apartment, but with a few phone calls that was shortly resolved and I’m very happy with where we are staying this time, considering we have 3 adults now. Most of all….there are only about 10 stairs or so to access this apt, and my body really needed that right now… much better.
It is very hot during the day, but has been cooling down and raining at night. No AC in the apt this time, but lots of windows and 2 fans…so we’re cooling it down well. In fact I’m at peace listening to the rain right now as I write. At home my kiddies have probably been off the bus for about 45 minutes…

Dan is a great daddy, continue to lift him up - that he has a fun week, with unexplainable energy and stamina. I’m sure he will start to get worn out.

So, what you’ve all been waiting for. Yes we did get to visit Shea today…our first visit was cut a bit short because I had to do some paperwork at court as soon as I dropped off my luggage at the apt. I let mom and dad take a nap to catch up from our jet lag and then we were off and running after I was finished up at the courthouse.

Shea was already outside when we arrived, and I’m not sure the nannies had realized I was coming today. My first observation was that he was not wearing tights! Hallelujah!
My second observation was that my buddy with CP was not to be found….. All the other children from shea’s groupa were accounted for. I’m praying that maybe he was with the nurse, or in a PT session….but I did not see him in the afternoon either…. I’m very frightened that he was transferred while we were away. Please pray for this little man who so longs for love and physical touch and either will soon, or has already faced institutionalization. That is all I will write for now on this matter……

As I was studying my son’s bare legs, checking out a few bug bites, and a few scars that I hadn’t seen before (all probably from his club foot corrections ) I noticed that he was studying us! The reaction was not his normal giggle, stand up, smile and call out MAMA! He was studious…. And looked like…hey I know you, but who are these other two with you? I can only imagine what was going through his mind…. Where’s daddy?? What’s happening next?? Are you giving me to this other nice couple you have brought with you?? No worries though, bc within one snack, pulling a new toy out of the backpack and 10 minutes later my old shea had come back to me, giggles, cuddles and all.

Shea loves his grandparents that’s for sure! He also recalled his English word for Daddy as we looked through pictures…I can tell he’s waiting to see his Daddy someday really soon. Shea was won over by the treats and toys brought by grandma, and the man play and sound effects from grandpa!

So tomorrow is a busy paperwork day. I leave at 7:45 am to head towards his birth city in order to transfer the birth certificate…one of the first steps needed to acquire the passport. Our facilitator this time is Luda. She thinks there is a chance we will be heading back to the capitol city by friday, but wants us to be prepared for Monday as a realistic option also. Gotcha day will be no earlier than Friday as it stands now.

2 prayer requests…there are a few official holidays that are spread out over the next few weeks here in this country….lets hope our timing works out just perfectly so that the offices we need fall on actual work days to eliminate any delays.

Also…I officially have kankles, very swollen feet and swollen toes. They are not so comfortable shall we say….and with all the walking, heat and appnts etc it’s very hard to get them elevated for any length of time during the day….please pray that this magically resolves for me…or at least that it doesn’t cause pain any more. Thanks!

Back in action...

2011-06-19T15:24:00.000-07:00

The long gap in posts was my time home for the appeal. Now I'm writing to you from the capital city again. We got here with fairly smooth sailing...no big problems anyway, some minor bumps in the road (ie pray for mom and dad who are recovering from a short case of food poisoning from lunch at the philly airport, but doing much better now )

This time around Dan is at home keeping it all going with the kids, last days of school, md appnts....etc etc... Please pray that he has the stamina to "survive" until I get back home, and that he has a low stress, full of fun couple of weeks without me! ( I'll come home as soon as possible dan, I promise!)

My parents have come on this trip with me, which I am so thankful for. Being on 4th and 5th floors of apt buildings without elevators, with luggage, eventually a 4 1/2 year old who can't walk and being 7+ months now would have gotten pretty tricky by myself!...especially on the trip home.

So the dad's in my life are having a pretty unique fathers day this year...that is for sure! Thank you guys!

Our father's day dinner!

To summarize, we have been in this city since about 1:00 sunday afternoon, and by 4 am monday morning our driver should be here to take us to our flight to Shea's region. Because we were able to book the flights last week instead of buying train tickets in a peak season yesterday it is actually cheaper to fly this time, thank goodness! We are told that on monday we will be able to do visitations, and tuesday morning early we start take two of the paperchase adventure. Monday the offices are closed for some reason, but they wanted us here and settled so we would take no chances missing appnts etc on tuesday am. It is nice to have that one day to recover from travel a bit...let my kankles from yesterday return back to a recognizable state and see Shea before we hit the ground runnin'.

Officially Shea Matthew Kulp!.... relief!

2011-06-07T01:56:00.000-07:00

Monday, June 6^thwas Court Day! Our driver is scheduled to arrive at 9:30 for our visitation with Shea. By 9:10am we received the call that we could leave our suitcases in the apartment, wear non court clothes and go see our boy for the last visit of this trip. We were asked to then be ready for our next pickup at the apartment by 1:00. Hmmm, we did the math. If we did our full visit until noon with Shea, got back to the apartment by 12:30 barring any traffic problems, that would give us 30 min to hike all those stairs, eat, get presentable for court, and haul our luggage back down all those stairs. Dan and I decided this would be cutting it to close for comfort so we said goodbye to Shea at 11:30 on this day.

Saying goodbye to him was a mixed bag of emotions. On one hand, to me it signifies the next step in the process and being a little closer to having this adventure complete…with him in my home. On the other hand, I’m so looking forward to holding Simon and Danielle…. But will certainly worry about Shea while away from him.

As for Shea, he handled it all well. He was cheerful and did not have tears or anguish! He was actually quite distracted by his shovel and bucket as we were giving him his goodbye talk. They all say he’s understanding what’s happening….but how much can a 4 ½ really process?? I’m not sure. I held it together and was strong…until saying goodbye to the little boy in his grouppa with CP. I’m so afraid that by the time I return, he will have been transferred to the institution. They tell me it will happen shortly…does that mean a week? A month? ½ a year? I have no way of knowing right now.

He grabbed me and hugged and hugged….he looked into my eyes and then hugged more. We did this for probably a full minute or more - I think the nannies must have wondered what this was all about…. While wanting to hold him much longer, we peeled ourselves away and waited at “the gate” for our driver to arrive….trying not to look back.

Readers…. If any of you have had adoption in the back of your mind…is it time to bring it to the front? I know, I know…. Not enough time, energy, money, skill, and on and on…..Dan and I have all these same fears and limits….but what I do know is the yearning I could feel from this boy…. The warm sweet breath on my cheek….his “mama, mama” repeated over and over…. I pray that someone gets brave very soon and says YES for the sake of this little one who is breaking my heart.

Will I miss Shea? Yes, of course I will…. But in my mind I know he is now safe. No institution for Shea! TODAY he became Shea Matthew Kulp!! Today he became our son! I know there is hope for him…and this brings me great joy! For the little man I’ve mentioned above… his hope is fading….. So my friends you see how conflicted my heart is.
　
Regardless, I’ve promised the details of court…I will tell the nitty gritty after I get a shower, a meal and a rest… it is actually june 7th now and we are back in Kyiv, and have a couple of hours before our consulate appnt…

Love - Dan and Liz (thankful for ALL the prayers of support)
　
　
　

Get out the big guns of prayer...court tomorrow!

2011-06-05T11:52:00.000-07:00

so it gets a little hard coming up with 4 hours of entertainment for an active 4 1/2 year old!

If bribed with grapes or oranges he will sit for about 20 minutes and work on numbers or songs to teach language...

His preferred mode of transportation! Strollers are for babies mama! He will be using one on the trip home though!

Sticks and dirt! I'm a boy! Who needs toys?!

Who needs assistive devices and orthotics when I've got playground equipment??

In U the families have a term called the groundhog day phase. (you know that Bill Murray movie when he wakes up and does the same thing over and over and over....) Here, that is when your business is temporarally done and you wait and wait for your court date assignment, and then wait some more for court to actually arrive. You visit your child...usually twice a day depending on the region...and you sort of have trouble remembering what day it is... and because of the limitations of the setting... sometimes things seem to blur together.... did we do this or that yesterday or was it last week?? You search for food, take the long rides back and forth. You try not to accidentally order liver (yes we did...and boy did my gag reflex kick in! just like when my parents tried to make me eat it when I was 10...hey I tried) Any how... today was our last groundhog's day for now!

Tomorrow we have one final visitation in the morning. As is the norm for this trip...we are a little unsure on some details for tomorrow... we aren't sure yet if we are moving out of this apartment before the visitation and keeping the driver with us all day... or if we come back to the apartment one last time between visitation and court. We were waiting for a phone call today to straighten this out... but it did not come. Sooo we are packed and ready and have cleaned the place up just in case. Whatever happens...the marathon starts tomorrow. Court is happening at 14:00 ... so if anyone is awake at 7 am eastern please pray at that time. This judge will determine if we are "fit" to be Shea's adoptive parents.

As soon as court happens, we will rush off to the train station (and hopefully make it in time!) for a 5 something train. Then we will ride across the country heading north to the capital for another 13 hours. Tuesday will be our visit to the consulars office (US) to have Dan sign paperwork as he will not be returning on the second trip so that he can stay home and care for Simon and Danielle and get back to work and real life. Then by 6:45 AM on wednesday we hope to be on our flight for HOME!!

Yes, I will miss my Toma and worry about him... but all of this means we are getting closer to having him home forever... and it will be such good medicine to my soul to see my babies at home!

On a closing note... After my lowest day this trip emotionally a bit ago...I embarked the next day to adjust my heart and my soul and try to be proactive about not letting the heaviness of it all get to me. I was sitting out front of our building sitting on the stoop, and waiting for dan to return from some grocery shopping. I was praying... thanking God for our many blessings while here. Asking God to show me joy and to lift my spirits. At that very moment a BIRD POOPED ON MY HEAD!! I'm not kidding!... All I could do is laugh and laugh. Who knew God was such a comedian?? He released my soul to laughter all through a little bird doo! The end!

photos from june 2nd and 3rd

2011-06-03T11:24:00.000-07:00

such simple pleasures.... (aka no wonder he loves us...we bring him treats!)

He knows the word for "grape" now and says it without prompting...he loves them...so do we...look how big they are!

Grandma Kulp...I brought him that lacing kit you got us for christmas...SORRY... why would you lace a pattern when you could tie all your "machinas" on this awesome string! Again...simple pleasure.... I think we need to find a hot wheels ramp! Aunt Linda...now that tractor trailor full of match box cars is going to be put to constant use!

making silly faces for daddy

typical scene from our street...didn't want to offend her so snapped this shot on the sly

double trouble

this beautiful window is in shea's orphanage....you can't tell that it is missing many pieces, also this is one of the many areas that leaked and flooded into the interior of the building during this weeks hail and rain storms....

Mama...I'm not looking at you...I'm not looking at you... :)

Shea is pampering mama by putting lotion on my legs for me. He is very concerned about my bug bites...he hates bugs!

court date

2011-06-02T13:09:00.000-07:00

we have court on monday...

if we pass, then monday night overnight train to capital. (no flights on tuesdays)

tuesday Dan goes to embassy to sign papers since he won't be here for the second trip...

wed am bright and early fly home....for the 10 day appeal.

pray for no hitches.... simon and danielle....mommy misses you soooo sooo much and wishes I could get my skype to work to see you. xoxoxoxoxo

wed june 1st, hail and floods

2011-06-01T12:55:00.003-07:00

a long ride home tonight... will rent a gondola tomorrow!

shea and daddy stayed occupied for a long time sending machinas down the slide! (yes I know I shouldn't let him W sit...but he was having so much fun I was a softy for a few minutes)

I knew I should have packed my bathing suit!

Business first... we have completed another day and still do not have an official court date. The update that we do have is that our facilitator did talk with the judge today and he's requesting an additional day before giving us a date to further review our documents. Remember how this country is on a new system of assigning judges to cases that is computerized now? Well this means that instead of a few experienced adoption judges doing all of the cases in each region...cases are now randomly assigned to judges regardless of the content. So.... this is our judge's FIRST adoption case, and he wants to get more familiar with things. We were told that court could still happen friday or monday...but we don't really know. By noon on thursday they told our facilitator they would give her some word... keep praying please. I really want to get onto the next step here...which means getting home to my simon and danielle sooner...which means coming back and getting my shea home sooner!

As for today...we had visitations as normal. Shea's stitches look good, clean, not oozing. He does have a bit of a shiner... Today was a big child protection celebration day. When we arrived we saw a performance happening that many of the kids took part in... I don't think any of the special needs grouppas were involved from the looks of it...but we took Shea and casually walked by and were invited in to watch so he really enjoyed that. They should have given him some lines...he would have done GREAT! Each child was given a bananna and some candy to celebrate the holiday, and there were nice decorations put up around the building.

He has moved on to flashcards each day with mommy...loves looking at the picture and then copies each english word with me. He can't identify them himself yet in english...but has no hesitation repeating things back to me now.

During our evening visit there was a downpour for about an hour, thunder and lightening...(he covered his ears...very cute) and then really crazy hail for about 10 minutes. The power at the orphanage went out at 5 pm and didn't return by the time we left after 6...we'll have to see if it's back by tomorrow. Our trip home took triple the time because of road flooding, detours and traffic jams.

That is the jist of today... I'll close with these thoughts. You all know that I have resigned to the fact that details on this trip are out of my control... I'm ok with that :) I have realized that there are 2 things that are very much in control of this trip! 1) = GOD 2) = my bladder!!! enough said! bye bye

the judge...

2011-05-31T09:47:00.000-07:00

well, tuesday has come and gone and still no court date. The good news is we at least found out we are assigned a judge, that is the first step. The bad news is that the judges father passed away TODAY per the reports we are given. Ohhh boy.... Our facilitator has some contacts and feels that we may still have court on friday...but it's just not sure...so we will wait ... patiently.... and trust.... right?

The "boo boo" update is that Shea does infact have stiches. I can't tell how many because of the bandage, it's a bit puffy and a little bruised. I think by tomorrow they said we can peek under the bandage and see how it looks at least that's what I think we conveyed through my little bit of russian and their little bit of english and as always...body language and gestures. Shea had a great evening visitation with us. You would never know he had been through such an injury today by the way he acted. He as a very good boy and didn't pull or play with the dressings.

By the way I'm really craving milk!! I found it no problem in the capital city...but here...I've been successful at finding yogurt but the two times I bought a container of what I thought was milk (had a cow on the front and said 1 %!!) it ended up being that bitter thin yogurt drink.... so once I'm back in the big city I'm marching to the grocery to get some cow juice!

A boo boo - hospital bound...

2011-05-31T03:18:00.000-07:00

no morning visit for us...guess who we found in the medic van when we arrived??!!

entrance street to our current apt

Before I write about our morning...please keep praying...it's afternoon on tuesday the 31st and we have not yet heard about our court date....

Another surprising turn of events today! We started our routine as normal, the driver was on time and we headed toward the baby house for our AM visitation. As we were walking up the path to the main doors we saw one of the medic vans...not unusual. What was unusual was that some staff people were pointing at us and then pointing into the van. I looked in wondering what was up....and who sits in the van but my Toma!! He had a serious look on his face, and a big bandage taped above the lateral aspect of his L eye. I wasn't clear on what happened but through some body language and universal words like boom and oy!...I think they were telling me that he fell down and cut himself. There was a bit of blood and it looks like he might get a shiner. Soooo our toma is off to the hospital and no morning visit will happen today.

He seemed fine all in all, he laughed and smiled a bit and I think he was very happy to be getting a ride in the "machina"! I asked if I could go along...but they told me no in a very friendly way.

By the way...do you notice that I'm in clothing for 80 degree weather and he is still in leggings and sweatshirts?! I notice the boy next to him gets away with no leggings....that lucky boy. Shea must be so hot! Yesterday they had leggings, a flannel and a winter coat on him!! When we were out of eye sight we took of the coat and rolled up his sleeves - he was getting so sweaty!

Anyway - we are relieved it is probably a minor issue that is sending him off to the hospital. I'm wondering if he will need stiches?? We are also thankful that it happened on their watch and not ours! That would have been awful if it had happened during one of the visitations. Also something I don't think I've mentioned....the man holding him in the picture is his "physical therapist". Now I don't know if he has formal training or education etc...but his job is to spend time with the kids working on range, mobility, walking etc etc...so we are thankful that he's been getting some of this in his weekly routine!

I wonder if this "boo boo" happened during PT time, because he does usually have it in the AM before we visit and this man was at the van with Shea...so that is what I'm guessing. From the motivation and bravery that our little man has I'm sure this won't be his last boo boo while trying to achieve great feats! We waved to toma as he rode off in the van, he blew us a kiss and smiled. I made muscle signs at him telling him to be tough. I think they were relieved that we took it well and didn't freak out! Like I said...leave the type A at home :)

Pack light and leave your type A at home :)

2011-05-30T10:37:00.000-07:00

no sitting on the seat for this boy! put me in the rails and let me walk in circles forever!!

this is where PT mama noticed full open chain knee extension for the first time!! woo hoo!

again!? why sit when I can stand??

rear entrance of another stop at the social workers office today to finalize papers which are now on a train back to the capital city.

typical street scene here...iris and poppies are the most plentiful flowers around right now...

Am I type A? Yes of course I am… in fact some of you might say in certain areas of life I leave type A and cross over into the world of OCD!

I planned to leave my type A at home for this trip and I think I’m doing a pretty good job….not sure…you’ll have to ask Dan later. Three times now our driver has shown up late for various reasons shorting us anywhere from 30-50 minutes of our visitation time…. But I’m rollin’ with the punches.

Most often in when trying to get food other than at the grocery store we’re drawing pictures and playing charades….it burns extra calories right?

Cockroaches? No problem… they’ve all been in the stairwell…not in the apartment…yet!

And the big one…. You are probably all wondering (especially judy, vinny, mom and dad who are so wonderfully turning their lives upside down to take care of Simon and Danielle) DID WE GET OUR COURT DATE YET?? Well, thankfully I left my type A at home, because NO…we did not get our date today. I am hopeful and still calm though because our facilitator feels everything is in order, and that we probably do have a date assigned, but due to the new computer processing it is just not “showing up yet”. She estimates it may “show up” at 1 AM….once everything is processed for the new day tomorrow. She hopes to have word for us tomorrow morning. The Senti family had SDA on the same day as we did and has been on the exact timeline as us and they found out that their court is this Friday. Now…we are in different regions, with different courts and judges, but I’m hoping our news will be similar.

Once court is complete we can take the overnight train back to the capital city, get an appnt at the embassy and then fly home… FINGERS CROSSED PEOPLE…. Extra strong prayers please. I miss Simon and Danielle and want to get back to work so I’m not eating up so many of my limited hours off. (because gee, there are some other big things around the corner for our family in the months to come!)

As for our visitations there are some specifics on the other blog. We’ve noticed a trend with our boy. We have 2 really wonderful visitations…and then the third visit we get a grumpy butt with a definite stubborn streak for at least ½ of the session. Again…nothing major, I’ve been around enough kids to know this is pretty typical stuff! Let’s hope we get the sweet angelic version of our boy when it comes time to take the plane ride home J

I’m thrilled at how his English is progressing each day. He is counting to 10 with me now. He as also started to mimic words or phrases quite often without being bribed with treats.

I'm noticing even more knee extensor and flexor control over the last few visits than I did on our first day here... on the swing today his feet were touching the ground and he fully extended his knees a few times to lift his feet up in the air! Great news for ambulation!

I discovered today he is a pro at drawing circles. We also worked on a project where I drew tiny dots and had him place teeny stickers on them…he did great! He is his mother’s child as I noticed if his sticker was not exactly covering the dot he would make me help him take it back off so that he could redo it more perfectly!

He has officially become a pro at giving kisses too! We are sooo thankful also that 80% of the time the visits have been going very well and that the weather has allowed us to spend so much time outside. I don’t know how the families who do this in the winter months bear being isolated to one visitation room for 4 hours every day… praises!

To close… I’ll point out a parallel I noticed today. Dan and I often report how becoming adoptive parents has opened our eyes in just a small small way to how intense God’s love for his children (us) must be. This morning during some rough patches of our visit with a grumpy boy who was not getting his way I realized another revelation…. Dan and I were trying to redirect Shea to something that was safer, would not get any of us in trouble with the nannies, and was ultimately way more pleasurable in the long run for Shea. He fussed and wiggled and whined, which turned into tears of a 4 year old who wasn’t getting his way. I knew if he would just realize what was about to happen, if he could let go of his strong will and trust us to give him what was just right. He would know that all of his struggling was a waste of time and energy. OK GOD… I get it! Maybe I should leave my type A unpacked even once we return home. Maybe I should trust that you always know what is best for me…and I shouldn’t exert so much energy trying to make things work my way and in my timing…. I get it…. Please keep reminding me!

Guest blog from my hubby...

2011-05-29T11:39:00.000-07:00

many of you ask... this is what the adapter looks like if you're getting ready to travel

he REALLY enjoyed the hard boiled egg we brought him today!! He also love the orange...but SB mom's....did I read something about limiting citrus for our kiddo's kidney's?? fill me in please....

this beautiful (sp?) whisteria is about a 1/4 mile from the orphanage...WOW

A guest entry from Dan-

I’m a Jerk....

　
At one of my last shows before heading off to Eastern Europe, a friend came up to me after the event and said, “you’ve got a great job. You get to brag about your kids for two hours at each performance!”. He’s right. And because this is true, people often approach me and say something like, “ you and your wife are amazing!”, or a similar sentiment.

I want to clear this fallacy up right now. My wife is amazing. I am not. I’m a jerk. It’s true. While Elizabeth really is an amazing woman, wife and mother, I simply receive the benefits of her being a class act. I think sometimes people listen to my story and think I am some sort of super Dad. Well, the truth will set you free right? So, here it is - enjoy your freedom.

I’m 41 years old and pretty set in my ways. I like things the way I like them. If I put something somewhere, I don’t want it to be moved. If my CD player is on a certain volume, that is where I want it to stay. I like my dvd’s in cases (the case that matches the corresponding disc would be nice too) and don’t like when I find them separated. I crave peace in my home and hate, absolutely hate interruptions. How do these desires play out in a home with two (about to be three) children with special needs you ask? They don‘t. As a result, I’m prone to irritability. I’m moody. I get grumpy when I’m tired. A far cry from Ward Clever.

Elizabeth laughs at me because I don’t like change much and yet we are an ever changing family. Super dad I certainly am not. Sure, I have my strong points, but again, more often than I would like to admit, instead of Pa Ingalls, my kids got stuck with an exasperated father who lacks the stamina to keep up and the patience to enjoy trying

I’m that guy. You know, the jerk. When I’m in the express lane at the grocery store, I count the amount of groceries in the cart of the person in front of me. One item over the 20 or less statute, and sighing heavily, rolling eyes or thinking bad thoughts are all in my arsenal of responses. Getting crappy service anywhere, rude managers or line budgers are all in the crosshairs for my crankiness too as far as I’m concerned. I’m the best driver on the road and most others drive like idiots. In short, most of the time I live my life under the assumption that everyone should think like me and act accordingly. Seldom seems to happen though.

So, what is a Christian man like myself supposed to do? The very title of “Christian” means “Christ - like“, or “little Christ“. Not only do I fall way short in the father and husband role, I pretty much blow it in the most important pursuit one can commit to. Being transformed into the likeness of my friend and savior.
My jerkiness extends far back. I can remember years ago when Elizabeth and I were dating. I used to sit on my couch and channel surf and when I came across a Sally Struthers commercial I would keep on changing channels. Something very stupid and selfish would enter my mind too. I would say to myself, “that’s their problem, they should deal with their own, we should deal with ours.” The hypocrisy of it all was that I was not doing anything to help any of “our own” either. Plus, as I soon realized, I was completely ignorant of the plight of children around the world. In the U.S., we have the richest poor in the world and a system in place for mass amounts of children not to fall into the cracks.

Around this time, Elizabeth went to work in orphanages for a few months in China. When she returned, she shared her stories, and God cracked my heart wide open.

It is here that I hang my hat. I may not become the world’s greatest dad or the most patient husband. I may still be a jerk in several areas of my life, but I can sense that the work God has done on this one part of me is reflective of his power to change other parts too. I feel a bit like the woman in the new testament who grabbed hold of just a piece of Jesus’ clothing and became healed. While it would be nice to embrace all of Jesus along with every bit of what he can do to change me, for now, I’ll settle for this one piece that has given me the ability and strength to follow the James 1:27 command to “look after widows and orphans in their distress.”

Also, while away in a far off distant land, in an uncomfortable setting, with a language barrier and completely different culture - (in other words, a total interruption to the comforts I have set up for myself back home), and despite being who I am (a jerk), I still get to identify in part with God. For it is He who stepped down from a comfy throne in paradise and crossed time and space in order to adopt us as his children. I am thankful that he didn’t look at us and say, “that’s their problem, they should deal with it.” Instead, he looked at us - helpless, lost, alone and abandoned - and he loved us enough to make the trip.

So, to recap - My wife is amazing. I’m a jerk. But, thank God, He is not done working on me yet. And for now, I’ll settle for identifying with Christ by adopting another life into our family. I just hope little Shea is not expecting Mr. Brady as his new Dad!
　
　
　
　
　
　
　

Sat 28th, day 3 with Shea

2011-05-28T13:40:00.000-07:00

here is the traditional girl coat!

veiw from our aptartment here, 4th floor....ohh my legs are tired!

captured for a snuggle

getting braver...he will do it is daddy stands still...but whimpers bc he's frightened if Dan starts to walk around

Hi all, today was day 3 with Shea. There were heart jumping moments, and heart wrenching moments. First off, when I arrived at the grouppa door to retrieve Shea for visitation he was intent with some project...I called into the room...T o m a (pronounced toe - mah, his nickname here).... He looked up, gasped and then cried out mama, mama, mama and hurried out of his chair. By the time we reached each other I was wrapped up in a sweet hug from my boy. It was wonderful! I love going to that room to greet him...however it is very hard to go to that room and leave for play time with only him. Each time I go other arms wrap around me and exclaim mama, mama...tears usually follow when I leave with only shea...it is gut wrenching. I give the others pats and kisses and as much TLC as I dare to right now in the early phases of getting the nannies to trust me. The left behind always haunt me....

When I dropped Shea off after our visit he too broke into tears and full fledged crying. Now quite honestly I think from reading the signs, he wasn't so much upset that we were leaving...but that he had to come inside because he was having soooo much fun outside!

When we returned for our afternoon visit we had our first dose of Mr Shea, testing the waters. It was either that he is starting to figure out how much he can get away with, or that he was just very tired. To give him the benefit of the doubt, that second visit is awfully late in the day, especially when he's getting so much stimulation and outdoor time with us now...always active active active. He showed some signs of being a "real typical 4 year old". He was happy as a clam when getting his own way, but whiney and pouty if he didn't get his own way. Nothing major...just normal kid stuff! We did get firm with him a few times though...we hate to so early, but we need to set the ground rules early I think. He seems tough enought to take it! I still got some great snuzzles and lots of giggling and fun!

Now here in shea's country people do not sit on the ground or the floor, it's a cultural thing. At our house we seldom sit on furniture! So...a source of stress is that the nannies are always offering suggestions or blankets etc bc they don't like us playing on the floor. So if anyone has any suggestinns how to get a kid that plays at high speed, and is non ambulatory to stay put on a blanket...I would love some insight!!! Geesh! It is pretty much impossible!

also...something is up with his hip. Lot's of clicking going on...while he's playing and if I range his leg. Probably a bit of subluxation from his muscular weakness....will put this on the list to get checked when we are home. Also, the dentist will need a visit too I'm afraid!

Dan and I ate at a local shop tonight. We had a local dish that was basically chopped pork, pickled carrots, pickles, lettuce and sourcream in a wrap. It was very yummy, less than 3 dollars US each. Later my tummy did not respond too well, the meat was very rich and greasy, and I don't think I was used to that. For about 25 cents US we also tried a drink from a vendor. They park on the sidewalk and have big metal vats of this beverage that looks like ice tea. I'm pretty brave and pretty tolerant to new things,....but it did not taste like tea! It made a thirsty plant nice and happy though as I poured it out when no one was looking. Lastly we stopped at the market to buy some oranges for the grouppa.

Thank you all so much for your comments and emails, I look forward to them each day. Homesickness is definitely setting in. This process is so long.... I can't wait to hold my babes at home....but this is probably harder on me than them :)

PS...he's really starting to mimic our english today! almost none yesterday, but today he's saying eat, please, thank you, I love you, simon, danielle, nana, papa, mama, daddy and a few others. Ok...we're usually bribing him to do this with food treats...but it's working!

Pictures from day one and two w Shea....

2011-05-28T03:59:00.000-07:00

it took all of about 3 seconds to fall in love w daddy!

he struggles with the straw, but perserveres to get that juice that mommy brought him...

mommy is trying not to be outdone in the "fun" catagory!

out cruisin! He LOVES being outside...

Shea got out of the drivers seat and walked him self back here holding on to the rails

grandma he LOVES his hat!

great attention span when it's a preferred activity! He's not so keen on books though...

Our routine right now is to get up and moving in the morning, take a 20 minute ride to the orphanage for a 2 hour visit. We take the 20 min ride home at midday, eat, rest, run what ever errands we need to and then head out again by 3:30 for our 4-6 pm visit. We are usually home by 6:45...and we are pooped! We are hoping to hear a court date by monday...fingers crossed.

Meet Shea...

2011-05-27T11:47:00.001-07:00

We met Artiom / Shea for the first time on Thursday morning! Our first meeting was only 10 minutes or less and it was in a small hallway area, everyone standing, no chairs etc so it wasn’t exactly cozy and comfy but it sure was fun!

The nanny came out carrying him and he was smiling. They said he knew we were coming today and was very excited. No one knew, or could tell me how long he knew about getting a mama and papa, but he did not seem nervous or scared at all!

I talked to him for about 20 seconds, then put out my arms and he easily came to me. He is lighter and smaller than simon. I’m guessing 3T clothing probably? Maybe some 4T in shirts. He saw the toys that we brought right away and was asking about them. The teddy bear we gave him soon became a toy that he would place on dan’s head, dan would shake it off, make funny noises and Shea would giggle hysterically. When the bear was placed on mama’s head apparently I didn’t comply quickly enough so shea put one of his little hands on each side of my head and shook my head for me so that the mr bear game would continue!
We then went on to nose beeping, and the like…We had him stand for us while holding onto a bench, and he was very proud! Then we were told we must hurry to complete more paperwork today and that we could come back for 2 hours in the evening. So - we left promising him we would be back soon. I don’t think it could have gone better if we had tried.

Since then we are allowed 2 visitations a day. 10-noon and 4-6 pm. We have learned so much about him so far.

Socially - he loves loves loves cars and trucks! All other things pale in comparison. He is also a builder with blocks etc and has a love for anything technological. If he spots our camera’s, video or laptop he insists on using them…and he actually gets the hang of things pretty quickly. He loves his daddy’s silly games and faces. He loves when mommy spins him and flys him like an airplane. He giggles A LOT!! So much giggling that sometimes we have to stop because he can barely breathe! I would say he is very happy to have a mama and papa now. He is starting to give kisses now…and has developed a strange yet wonderful action of wanting to kiss my legs and feet! I’ve also caught him sniffing me in deeply a few times. How awesome! Simon and Danielle…I miss you soooo much, and can’t wait to get you all in the same room.

Physically - As we knew from the waist down his legs are pretty small. They did a good job correcting his club feet. He has lots of hip motion and some knee control. He is not able to control his feet. He can sit on a chair without back support well. He get into and can play in kneeling. He even squats sometimes if holding on to something, and today for a few seconds he got into a sqaut, let go and maintained his position for about 8 seconds! He can’t stand or walk without holding on to things, but he can walk if pushing something sturdy like a cozy coach car etc. He can climb the ladder to a slide if I stablize his feet on the rungs, he does the rest by himself. Tunnels are not a problem for him. His fastest mode of mobility is on all fours, progressing both legs at once. I wish my pictures and video would upload on this internet connection so you could see his motivation! Wait until we get him the proper equipment! Watch out, here he comes!

He does have issues with bowel and bladder control. (nothing new in our house!) His shunt is palpable on the
left side of his head and down his neck.

Language He is a chatter box in Russian! Today we got him to mimic a few English words like mama, daddy, car, guitar, music. He understands all Russian that is spoken to him. He communicates to us through pointing and facial expression too. He fusses when visitation time is over and we need to take him back to his grouppa. I’m sad to see him upset…but pleased that I know we are the preference right now. I also was encouraged when I had to leave him for a few minutes with Dan to use the ladies room, and found out he had been asking for me while I was gone J

He seems like one smart cookie! His fine motor control is good. He does need to learn how to drink from a straw! OK...this is getting long, and I've probably lost half of my readers by now! Until tomorrow :)

Exhausted Joy....Thursday 26th

2011-05-26T13:07:00.000-07:00

sorry...right now my connection is too slow to let me load a photo :(

I am very very very pooped so this will be basic and I’ll expand more after some food and sleep!
Train arrived in region a bit late so we immediately hit the ground running as we expected.
1) social workers office for interview
2) meeting with orphanage lawyer to get Shea’s social history
3) met our boy for 5 minutes!!
4) meeting with orphanage doctor
5) trip to local courtroom
6) back to social work office to drop off papers
7) back to orphanage for our formal visitation…almost 2 hours from 4 to 6 pm J
8) back to social workers office to drop off more papers
9) our facilitator had to go the couriers office with our files
10) a drive to show us our nearest grocery stores and places to grab dinner…by now we have been eating granola and oranges etc since yesterday at lunch time! We were well prepared for this though… new families take note! No time to stop for eating…and bathroom time - plan it well!
11) to our apartment …. Finally…. ahhhh

The name game...

2011-05-26T12:31:00.003-07:00

Dan and I have long known our Artiom would be Shea Kulp once he was our child. What we TOTALLY forgot to talk about in all the hustle of these last months was what his middle name should be! Ooops! It wasn’t until we were in the notary office rushing paperwork that they said “what is his middle name? It’s needed for these papers”. Whoops! We knew we had no time to spare….we quickly thought about keeping artiom as his middle name or his nickname toma… but they didn’t sound quite right. We tried one other that didn’t sound quite right….then Dan exclaimed….”how about Matthew??” I instantly liked the ring of it…and agreed, and 30 seconds later it was on an official document! SHEA MATTHEW KULP….well soon anyway…after we pass court by the end of this trip God willing! For those of you who don’t know…Matthew is the name of one of Dan’s brothers with down syndrome.)

Wed the 25th

2011-05-26T12:29:00.001-07:00

Initial game plan. Free day to run errands and prepare to leave capital city, then be ready to get picked up at 4:00 pm in order to go back to the SDA and formally sign our referrals! Then boarding a train by 8:30 pm to go to Shea’s region…a 15 hour overnight train.

Dan and I were again awake early, but I was thankful that I actually achieved 6 hours of sleep …. So so so much better than 2 ½! We went out on our own for some official errands like exchanging money, buying water for the train, and finding a pharmacy for some medicine. By the way google translator has been so very helpful!

We mozied back to our room by noonish, and were getting ohhhh sooo comfy by taking off our shoes and plopping on the bed in hopes a a catnap after all the walking in the hot sun when our phone rang! It was Niko….thank God we had started our duties early today. “Be ready in 15 min, new early appnt at SDA!, get packed too” We had most of our packing done already and were actually able to leave the suitcases in our apt until 2:30 so that was also a big help.

To those coming behind us…. Be ready for quick changes on a regular basis….they can usually be good….don’t let them ruffle your feathers….we’ve had a few happen already, but they were all positive ones so far….be flexible….I have happily left some of my type A in the US to survive this trip as a pleasant woman!

So off we went to the SDA… all in all we waited for about 45 min, they checked our passports this time and then had us each sign a ledger. We were then handed a thick thick stack of documents that would go to region with us.

Back to the apartment to quickly finish packing up, then by 2:30 we were being driven to a private notary. We spend almost 2 hours there and then rushed over the train station for our 5:50 train! Phew we made it!

SDA - check! (still in the country's capital)

2011-05-24T06:37:00.000-07:00

Our SDA appnt took a total of (drum roll please) 7 minutes from the time we started until we walked out the door. They asked us for our passports but didn't look at them. The only question they asked of us is what we did for a living...I guess being a youth director and and PT was good enough for them today bc that was the end of it! We each signed our name and were done. The staff and officials seemed very rushed today, which worked in our favor I think. We were told that Shea HAS NOT been transferred! Praises!

Shea also has a biological sister who was abandoned as well, we were told she is in the same orphanage. We wanted to know what to expect with all of this, so S called M in region. M said that his sister was born in 2009, and already adopted out of the orphanage by a ukranian couple. We feel sad that they are being seperated.... but relieved at the same time that we don't have to think about if WE would be the ones to split up siblings or not. S told us we will learn more about the biological parents and sister when we get to region. No info today on his parents or the abandonment. We were shown a younger picture of him, and we were able to swap it for a current one that I had in my photobook for a little bit of history. We did not learn anything new about his medical status that we hadn't already known.

So what's next? Tomorrow afternoon N will pick us up and we go back to SDA to pick up the referrals. We will move out of this apt and bring all of our luggage with us. Then the Senti's will head out by train a bit after 6, and we head out a bit after 8 pm. I'm told our train ride to Shea's region will be approx 13 -14 hours long on a sleeper train....about 200 US, but I think we have some change coming.

Please pray for the B family. They had an appnt today and expected to get a referral for 2 daughters who were siblings...but a problem has come up and only one is released....a difficult situation.

We have to wait a handful of days to find out when our court date with the judge is. Please continue to pray for a fast notification and a short wait between today and court.

In regards to non business "stuff"....jet lag and baby bump symptoms got the worst of me last night and I only slept between the hours of 1am and 3:30 am. I felt fine at the appnt, but on the way home started to feel very motion sick again. I came straight home and took a power nap for about an hour and a half...and bless his soul, my hubby is so supportive that he thought he should take a nap too! After waking I messed around on google translator and got prepared to take a taxi to the botanical gardens. Dan stayed back to get some groceries and stay cool...it's above 80 again. I had a nice time strolling liesurely through the gardens and resting in shade often. There are so many hills here...! I made it there and back with no problems and bartered until a driver gave me a price I liked. I bought Shea once of those expanding balls (like the one judy and vinny have) for shea from a street vendor. Tonight we plan on having Ukranian food for dinner rather than grocery store food. Wish us luck!

Thanks again to all who have been emailing, commenting etc.... it is a great support and in a way our form of entertainment when we are in the apartment.

st andrews church, right next to sda

statue right in front of sda...this was 9:57 ish and I was trying to keep calm... we were starting late!

Chains rattle...

2011-05-23T18:18:00.000-07:00

I've always been one to believe that when "good" is about to occur in our God's spiritual realm, that "bad" will not stand by and let things happen easily. When "good" has ever been about to happen in my life I seek confirmation of being on the well lighted path if things all of a sudden start to get very bumpy on the road I'm traveling. If the road is too smooth, with no ruts or detours I fear I have chosen the path that does not frighten the "bad" parts of the spiritual realm.

One of my favorite sermons ever that I replay over and over is by Wes Stafford. He eloquently tells that when good is about to happen to a forsaken child, satan and his cohorts are in agony bc this is one of the strongest ways to give glory to God. He describes how the demons rattle the cages, shake their chains and hiss out in defeat when a child is delivered out of persecution and God's angels triumph. I love that visual!

Looking back on the week or two that led up to departing for Shea's country, I could honestly say there were some major ruts in my road. (and praying friends these can all translate into prayer requests too...thank you )

**Bump number one. Until now I haven't mentioned it to many because I was taking time to process it all and didn't quite have time to breathe. Simon has officially finished his screening, and has been given a secondary diagnosis of autism in addition to his down syndrome. My mother's analytical thinking actually already knew this, hence the reason I signed him up for screening in the first place. However when I heard the doctors confirm this, and a moderate case...not borderline to boot I honestly struggled. It of course won't change who my little boy is, whom I love to the core of my soul. What is does change for me is the thought of what is future holds for him, and the types of challenges he will need to overcome. I have a wonderful support network, but know that I am still in an adjustment phase here. I felt that I didn't have time to properly settle in to this idea bc I was so overwhelmed with preparing to leave for this trip... I guess the fact that I am blogging at 3:30 in the morning means I am now doing some "processing"

**Bump number two. We had a fun day of cystodynamic testing with urology for simon as well. Praises that he doesn't show spasticity of the bladder or renal reflux which can cause long term detrimental effects! The outcome was that he was diagnosed after his catheder studies with a weak or insufficient bladder neck and sphinter. Long term...this means he will always have issues with bathroom control bc of his spinal abnormality. This diagnosis doesn't have a quick pharmacuetical fix, but is also less harmful to the inner anatomy. There is a chance of corrective surgery in the future when he is older and bigger. Yes this was all within 48 hours of leaving the country.

**Bump number three. Thursday I received a call from my obgyn stating there was an "issue" with my lab results from wednesday, and that I needed to complete 2 to 3 additional tests and have another obgyn appnt (this would be the third in 4 days) before I was cleared to leave, and later I learned it was IF I was cleared to leave on saturday morning for my trip. Sure...no problem, I have TONS of free time to get this all done in the 2 days before this major adoption project begins...let me at it right? I of course was working that day driving home to home for my PT homecare job and also had to get simon to strong for his tests....and they wanted me to collect a 24 hour urine specimin for them, chilled! So you can guess who ended up driving to the closest hospital in Newark and begging the lab for a large collection jug, as I did not have any time to get back to Thompson. Proceeded to drive home a bit later, load a cooler with ice and travel the rest of day with a chilled jug of urine in my trunk! NO LAUGHING.... a mom must do what a mom must do! Friday I learned that for some reason, probably a bad draw, that my platelet count was reading 80 when I usually sit above 200. By friday's retest I was back up to the high 100's....so I was given the doctors blessing to "get out of town". I do have to go back for more lab work and an appnt within 48 hours of being home....no problem...plenty of apare time in my life. By the way, baby is moving fine and thinking this is all quite hilarous, except for those airline descents which he/she consistantly hated.

**Bump number 4. On the tuesday before leaving there was a day of emotional rollercoaster in our home. Within an 8 hour time frame we thought Simon would have to be pulled out of his program at SHC for a different summer school option due to regulation issues. I was beside myself...and the SHC staff were as well. After a bazillion phone calls this issue was resolved in a way, and now our boy is back to SHC for the summer.

Bump number 5. Less than 24 hours after leaving, my mom who has the kids on weekend suffered through and incredible stomach bug that left her reeling.

So... I would say my dear Shea that we are one the well lit track, the "good" track, the track where glory to God will be found, and the fatherless will be given justice! Those chains are rattling, and a few hisses are being sounded bc the "bad" guys know they are about to be defeated! My bumps in the road are not easy...but they are confirmation. AMEN!

seeing pretty things and passing time... day 2

2011-05-23T07:33:00.000-07:00

So we don't have any official business until tomorrow am. Today we "relax" and do some recovery from jetlag. This AM we awoke about 6, and headed out to find some breakfast. We wandered around our general vicinity for about an hour or so. By mid morning we met up with the senti family and went to the monestary to take in some architecture...hence the photos above... It was beautiful and the temp has reached 85 today. We contemplated moving on to another afternoon siteseeing trip....but we decided to be wise and lay low to prepare for the business of the next few days. I'm back in the apt with my feet up, as I've had the joy of experiencing my first bout of prego ankle swelling today....I'm sure it's from all the travel over the weekend, and then all the hills and stairs today....so we are being good and getting some rest. We also enjoyed a fun skype time with the kids today as they woke up, still in pj's and rubbing the sleepy's out of their eyes. Tonight we will be joining our friends for some dinner....and then tomorrow AM the "real" reason for the trip begins.

Here is a link for you...this page shows RR kids in Shea's orphanage who have not been matched with families....so their fate is questionable.... Again, i'm not 100% sure that Shea is still in the baby house. I think we will find out tomorrow. I'm hoping I might be able to love on some of the other kids while we're here....time will tell.

http://reecesrainbow.org/category/waitingbycountry/ee-1/orphanage-9

Last night Dan and I got a chance to watch a dvd we brought with us from home. It was a sermon from a father / comedian with a son who has spina bifida....hitting home about the value of life. Wow, it was inspirational, and certainly a good pep talk / kick off for us after a long weekend of layovers and plane rides.

I'm also noticing how my previous travels have made the transition here quite a bit easier... for example I'm not shocked and I learn to dodge the lugies of passerby men on the sidewalk bc public spitting is definitely A- ok here :) The people on the streets are generally very serious, and don't smile easily...I have the giant urge to go up and tickle them to see if we can crack a smile! Also, the whole waiting in line thing doesn't really apply here as it does at home and you have to claim your spot with gusto to avoid 12 cutters...this skill has come back quickly. Lastly... mini skirts and chic dressing in the capital city is common for the young beautiful women...I do dare say my husband is enjoying this part! I just continue my waddle stroll, rub my growing belly and laugh! I did have to borrow a head / shoulder covering to enter the "cave sanctuary" below one of the churches today....my sleeveless shirt, although otherwise conservative did not meet the standards inside the sanctuary wall. Amazing how much difference a few miles can make.

On a closing note...please pray for our friend jeff w, as he is undergoing his open heart surgery back home today. Thanks guys...really appreciate the emails and blog comments, keep em coming.... until tomorrow....

We've arrived in Shea's country...

2011-05-22T10:48:00.000-07:00

stairs to our apt

Alley to our apt

entrance to apt

teeny tiny elevator, thank God we don't have to use the stairs, we are on the 15th floor!

Shea's bear had a long long flight...now he's taking in the view while waiting to meet his new owner...

our building

So we are here! We arrived about 1:30 in the afternoon and then took a half hour van ride with the Senti family to this region of town. About 5 minutes after settling into our apt I had the joy of a really fun and messy nose bleed! Then we needed a good nap, followed by a walk to the grocery store where dan and I bought water and a few groceries. We will be in this location until wednesday evening. We got a chance to skype with the kids, so that was wonderful. Please say a prayer for my mom, she has a nasty stomach bug today,...so good old grandpa steve took over for the day. Also a prayer for me, as last week my doc wasn't happy with my platelet count, but they had rebounded well by thurs and friday and he happily told me i was "cleared to hit the road". I just had to promise that I would get follow up labs within a day or two of getting home. Dan's sore leg is holding up fairly well so far....and we hope that it will continue. As for Shea...if all goes well we will ride the overnight train wed, and meet him on thursday.....MR Bear is anxious to meet him and finally get a real bear name from his owner :)

We've made it all the way to...... philly!

2011-05-21T14:04:00.000-07:00

saying goodbye to our lovies in rochester....

We are finally seated at our gate in philly.... it was one heck of an ordeal to get to this point....geesh. I will make a long story short.... but it took us a very long time find an airport employee who could direct us to customs properly, to get through customs to declare our very large amount of adoption money, and then back to the ticket counters bc we had to switch airlines here. As type A, cross every t, dot every i as I am.... I forgot something.... All along I've been checking the carryon guidelines for our first airline, but didn't stop to think it would be different for our switch.... and we were so proud of ourselves for taking an extended trip to EE with a carryon and a backpack each....no checked luggage to loose! Well, low and behold our new airline had much lower weight limits for carry on than U.S. air. In the end, we were each forced to check one of our bags. After a frenzied "reorganization" to make sure all the essentials such as the dossier, meds and undies were in our backpacks we each checked a bag... and will hope for the best. We then headed to security AGAIN. Of course with my pacemaker I had to get the personal screening again...which led to lots more questions about the moola in my belt...but the forms got us through much easier than rochester this time! Phew I'm tired, and we've only made it one state so far....

Another learning experience: I have not flown since carrying the extra stow away if you know what I mean....hmmm i've noticed things like the merry go round with the kids have been making me get that green sea sick feeling....well multiply that by 10 for landing in philly w some turbulance...the stow away didn't care for it either and kicked kicked kicked downward the whole descent. I clung to my little white bag for dear life, but made it to the ground without having to use it ... phew!

We had a lovely morning with the kids, and mom and dad button, judy and katie saw us off at the airport....wow we are going to miss the kids....and are so grateful to our village at home for chipping in to care for them while we are gone. We love you guys...

Next we head to frankfort germany, a 5:40 flight which will be 7 hours long....then a lay over and on to EE....

I wonder?

2011-05-15T19:30:00.000-07:00

Well everyone... Dan and I will be in an airplane heading over to meet Shea is less than a week! I'm so sorry to be sooo behind on posting, but as you can imagine "extremely busy" is the understatement of the year around here.

This week will be spent working and preparing to transfer patients over to other therapists, packing, double checking our documents and cash, preparing the kids for our time away....and taking deep breaths!

I'm not really 100% sure if Shea is still "safely" nestled in the baby house (relatively speaking), but if I had to rely on my gutt instincts (no fat pregancy jokes about my gutt people!) I have a sense that he has not been transfered yet.

I wonder if he has any idea that we are coming?? I wonder what he will think of us? I wonder if he will be scared? I wonder if he will understand why we can't take him home after the first trip?? AKA....these are all prayer requests please....

As for mommy... I wonder if he'll like to snuggle? I wonder if he'll try to test his limits? I wonder what his leg abilities will be? I wonder about the health of his bowels and bladder? I wonder if he'll like daddy more than me? I wonder how is shunt is. I wonder about the status of his clubbed feet after casting.

A really big prayer request for you all... our first trip could still fall within the estimated 2-3 week time frame...but due to procedural changes in judge selection some families are up to 4 wks. I am hoping we won't have to change our return flight date....that would just be more george washingtons we would have to come up with. Also....I really really really don't want a long first trip...I'm cutting it very close with the time I'm allowed off from work and this could cause big issues... I'm getting more pregnant with each passing week....I have wonderful people caring for my children...but the burden of 3-4 wks instead of 2-3 weeks??? and I will simply miss them terribly. So please God....we've had our share of bumps along the way...please remove this one from our road, pretty please.

Many other things have also been happening in the midst of all of the adoption hubba balloo....Danielle made us so proud participating in her first special olympics! Yeah Danielle...!!

Dan heads to Ohio for a few days very soon....another thing to squeeze into our crazy week....
I'm trying to get our veggie garden planted before we leave, so that we don't delay our harvest, but rain is forcasted all week long...bah!

Simon has more kidney screening and a cystogram test on his bladder which will require a cathederization on thursday...poor little man....please wish us luck and a plan of action. Grow little kidneys, grow....

So, as you can see a very busy month, and we covet your prayers... I will try to update often on our trip. Ta ta for now.

I saw another turkey ( we have our SDA date! )

2011-04-27T13:54:00.000-07:00

This weekend while driving home from Easter happenings.... we saw one lone turkey....Dan asked me if that meant we would be getting news this week. I wasn't sure because usually I need to see a whole flock for that theory to work... I told him we would have to wait and see....

The verdict is that ONE LONE turkey is sufficient! Today we were notified that our SDA appnt is May 24th. In otherwords,, we will likely fly out during the weekend, and the 24th will mark our first official day in the process for trip number one! Within a few days after the 24th we will meet Shea! This first trip is estimated as 2 1/2 weeks long...

Thanks in advance for your prayers! Also please pray for our Simon...more tests upcoming as it appears his kidneys haven't grown in the last 2 years. Tests as well for pressure issues in his bladder to see if he has any neurogenic type symptoms...if so, meds could help with for bladder control or at least increased time between voiding. Danielle is doing well...special olympics are just around the corner for her! Belly baby is still wiggling and squirming appropriately :)

Happy Anniversary...

2011-04-16T04:13:00.000-07:00

This weekend marks 7 years of marriage for Dan and I. We know we are getting older, when we had to take a few minutes to figure out how many years we had actually been married!

I'm so thankful to have Dan, my goofy, inspired, passionate, think outside of the box husband. He has not only put up with my crazy life dreams, but done it with support and gusto! We both may be run ragged with this "special" family of ours, but I love him for it! We were talking yesterday about how very often times in couples "opposites attract" and that is certainly the case for us...but I am thankful of that...bc boy would it be boring to be married to someone just like me!

7 down...many more to come! I love you Dan.... (pics from our pre kid, had the energy to dress up years!)

The flock of turkeys worked! aka we've been submitted!

2011-04-15T16:48:00.000-07:00

You may have heard last Sunday I saw a flock of turkeys in a neighbors yard... I knew good adoption news was to come bc this has happened in both previous adoptions... hit a major bump in the road, see a weird turkey sign....a few days later good news.

No wise cracks...we already know the kulp family we have here are a bunch of turkey lurkeys!

It is official...our dossier was submitted to Shea's country on april 14th,....which means barring no further problems we should be on our first trip by mid to late May. We should know our travel date within the next 2-3wks.

Please continue to pray as the government in his country is still undergoing change in adoption processing....pray it doesn't delay shea's homecoming...and pray blessings over the families who are chronilogically behind us and may hit those bumps in the road.

girl chaser!

2011-04-13T09:03:00.000-07:00

Hopefully this comes out big enough for you to see simon's face as he chases all the girls in his class!

staying put in more ways than one...

2011-04-05T16:35:00.000-07:00

Our little Shea is "staying put" in more ways than one. Staying put can be very good.... by this I mean that as of last week our US facilitator heard that he is still in the baby house and has not been moved to the institution. Staying put can also be heart wrenching.... as many of you know we fully expected to be travelling for our first trip in April, but now it is definite - May at the earliest. So although it is wonderful he hasn't been transferred yet.... it is hard to be patient when our first travel has been pushed out almost a month. No other updates in regards to our little man. We tried very hard to reverse this decision with a letter of special consideration to SDA, but it either didn't get through the channels and to the SDA, or they just didn't choose "to make any special consideration".....either way.... we wait, we wait.... I wonder if our little man knows we are coming for him??

The latest phase in regards to belly baby, is that he / she has decided it should be virtually impossible for me to keep my eyes open past 8 pm! Wow, what power this little growing life has over this fully grown mamma size one! I'm officially feeling like a chumba wumba! Lookin' like I'm "filling out" as people politely notice, but not quite looking obviously pregnant yet....so many people who don't know probably think I'm having a love affair with cookies lately! ( and yes they would be right.... I need an intervention me thinks ) The 20 week "anatomical" US is next wk.

Dan is finally home after a long 2 weeks traveling for work... complicated a bit, by 2 kids with strep at home and a mommy with bronchitis....but we are all on the upswing now. Thanks to the grand peeps for helping out xoxo! Hubby got home just in time, as my car had the nerve to have a flat tire....and sure I can change a tire....but it is certainly nice to have my man home to do it for me....thanks Dan!

Danielle is doing great in her "new" room downstairs. We are very proud of her. Looks like a dynavox may be in her future....another big project in our life!

Simon is scheduled for a renal ultrasound next week, and then a screening with Dr Silverman to determine if he might have a "secondary" diagnosis other than DS, as many of us suspect.

Never ever a dull moment in our home,.... can't wait for some nice weather to get out and play in the mud and get my hands in the gardens. Till then bubbles and punch balloons in the house to keep us occupied :) Now how to entertain the kids??....hee hee ;)

a lump in my throat....

2011-03-24T16:55:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

so I'm very discouraged about news that I received today. I didn't have the heart to write it up myself so here's the gist of it... after all the incredible hurry, over nights, drives to albany, syracuse and all the pressure to get the dossier mailed ASAP to avoid transfer this is what we learn of today.... and to top it all off we still don't know if he is in the baby house or not, and he could still be transferred. Please say some prayers.... I was so convinced we would be taking our first trip by mid april.... not anymore it appears....

Hi Liz,

I just wanted to update you on the status of your dossier. **** submitted your CSP documents requesting permission to submit a dossier for Shea as a child with special needs. When the SDA reviewed it, they granted permission for the dossier to be submitted but told him that he would need to wait to submit the dossier in April because Shea's release date for international adoption is in May (he was registered for adoption in March 2010 and has to wait 14 months for international adoption). If you go to **** before then for your SDA appointment, they will not be able to give you Shea's file. So, your dossier will be submitted on April 14th (the SDA is not accepting dossiers on April 7th, so the 14th is the first Thursday in April that it can be submitted). **** said that you should plan to travel in May, based on the current wait between submission and appointments and the fact that Shea will be available in May. But, they obviously won't have a concrete date for travel until after the dossier is submitted.

**** did not know that Shea was not already cleared for international adoption and neither did **** until he submitted the CSP. The orphanage directors only tell **** that the children have been registered. So, you will be delayed about a month in order to get Shea's file. But, your dossier has been completely translated and is ready to be submitted on April 14th....

2011-03-22T18:58:00.000-07:00

we are 750$ closer to shea today!! Thank you to generous friends!

the world around us....

2011-03-19T04:18:00.000-07:00

please pray for carrington.... remember the family that went to adopt regan from the mental institution? (regan used to be in shea's baby house) they also adopted carrington who is from shea's baby house, but a different "grouppa". They knew carrington was fighting to hold on and very medically frail...and this was confirmed as she was admitted to the hospital here in the US as soon as she came home... Thank God Shea is seeming so healthy and happy from what we've heard...but it gives me shivers to think of what would have happened to carrington if she had been without a family for even another few weeks, or maybe days...

also baby Jason S ( a new brother of one of simon's classmates) survived his heart surgery yesterday and reached his 26 wk gestation mark birthday! Keep praying!!!

and another significant one... Please pray for Molly. She is a youth group member of Dan's. She is in the PICU in very very serious condition due to an infection which has left her unresponsive....dan has been with the youth group all night and is still there.... please pray for miracles.

waiting on submission date...

2011-03-18T21:02:00.000-07:00

quick update.... dossier made it to it's destination by 3-9-11. We are still waiting to be officially submitted.... a bit of a delay so far.... hope to hear something by next week. I will try to catch up on the blog soon.... been a whirlwind couple of weeks, both kids have strep! Dan doing alot of traveling! Will write again soon....

Dossier on it's way....

2011-03-04T18:43:00.001-08:00

The dossier is no longer in my hands....it's now on it's way to Shea's country!

Golden Ticket! and more

2011-02-28T17:42:00.000-08:00

Our long awaited document from immigration arrived today. This is the last piece of the dossier. It was scanned to our incountry team, and we are likely to get approval on it tuesday or wednesday. This means our dossier should be in the mail by the middle of this week! The actual I 171 will come in about 2 weeks, but we hand carry this to country.

Typical time frames are that it takes 2-3 wks from dossier submission to being granted a travel date, the SDA appnt is usually 2-4 wks from the time you receive your travel date.....SO that means once we mail our dossier sometime this week we should be traveling on our first trip in 4-7 weeks. WOW!

Also good news... as of friday the 25th there was another Shea spotting, he has not yet been transferred.

A BIG prayer request on my mind....Simon's MRI is this week wednesday at 9:45 am...we need prayer about results....prayer about protection during sedation....and prayer about treatments which may or may not be needed and the perfect timing of those treatments and traveling for Shea.

It looks like God has answered prayers in regards to Dan's schedule.... it would have been very difficult for Dan to travel out of country in March due to a heavy travel work schedule....which is bringing in money towards bills and Shea of course....now it looks like that will all work out, since it is not likely we will travel in the month of March. (bittersweet)

(please pray for endurance for this mommy as he will be out of town so much in the next month!)

kisses for grandma!

the dossier

2011-02-22T17:51:00.000-08:00

ALL of our documents are back from Albany!!!!...

Have to go through all of them and do the final proof on the apostilles, then we wait.

The very last thing we need in regards to paperwork....is the I 171 from immigration. It could be here tomorrow, it could be 2 weeks from now....no way to know at this time.

Once that arrives we will use Fed Ex and send it all over (the dossier) to Shea's country along with the 500$ translation fee. The first packet we sent there cost over 100$ and it had 14 documents. This one has many more.... hopefully the rate won't go up too much!

Need to kick up the gear on the speed of our work down stairs....Shea will be home before we know it. Our tile is now finished thanks to Mike H! Thanks!!!

Had another OB appnt today. The doc is trying to convince me to go with an induced labor so they can control the situation better in theory giving me an easier labor, hence less stress for my pacemaker to deal with.... hmmmm I'm not so sure. I would rather just let nature take it's course in regards to timing (use the pain meds for sure). From stories I've heard I'm not sure induced labors are easier?! The doctor kept mentioning we could have it all done during the day so that things went smoothly....hmmmm I don't know about all of that. Kind of ruins the element of surprise. Will have to think on it and talk to my cardiologist.

No other major events today, normal hum drum... until later.

A Shea Spotting!

2011-02-19T13:21:00.001-08:00

We've had a Shea Spotting! A family adopting from his orphanage right now reported to us that as of Friday 2-18-11 that our boy is still in the baby house. We know that if / when he is transferred we will not be notified, so these "Shea spottings" are a gift from God for us to temporarily put our mind at ease. Also we've been told that a director of the orphanage is out for surgery. This may be slowing down the transfers. Let's pray that she is granted a nice long recooperation time!

And....now for a poll. We think we have a boy's name picked out for "belly baby". Any votes on a girls name? Fire away....

Prayers for perfect timing...

2011-02-18T17:40:00.000-08:00

So... a few of my friends have scolded me for not updating, so sorry - my apologies!

Events of the week... syracuse trip on tuesday - initially they said a big fat NO....but then we told our story, gave puppy dog eyes, said pretty please...and asked them to call our federal immigration officer. A half an hour later they came out and waved us in....15 minutes later both our prints were complete and we were walking out the door! yeah!

Documents are not back from albany yet....hopefully soon.

Federal immigration officer emailed tuesday also and wanted an original copy of Shea's homestudy, I had sent a copy....and she also wanted simon and danielle's homestudy. I overnighted those to her.... but unfortunately since it's a federal building everything goes to the central mailroom of the building for security and not directly to her desk...I've been told it can take up to 5-7 days to get from the mailroom into her hands... :(

Today we heard news that Simon's MRI preapproval came through, and that for now it is scheduled for March 2nd. Originally it was the 18th....but then the doc advocated to get us in earlier. We are also on a cancellation list incase we can get in sooner. I noticed my book on Spina Bifida had a whole section on tethered cord, so I've been doing some more reading up...still hoping it's a false alarm...

Danielle still has a yucky cough... but the doctor has cleared her for needs of medication so far, and they did a precautionary chest x-ray which was clear, and sats have stayed at 96 or above.

and drum roll please..... Dan and I are on a weekend away! We are so thankful to Grandparents Button, Grandparents Kulp, and Aunt Linda and Uncle Harvey who are hangin' with the kids this weekend while Dan and I catch up on some rest and time away. Dan had a voucher for 2 free nights at a Holiday Inn in Syracuse so we decided to take advantage before I started to waddle!

My ob / gyn appnt today was rescheduled until next week bc of a conflict with the doctor....but I'm happy to announce my morning sickness intensity is easing up.... so happy about that!

Prayers for health for all my kiddo's home, afar, or yet to emerge from my chubby belly. Prayers for PERFECT TIMING.... I'm tyring not to get stressed about time lines for possible treatments for Simon, Dan's traveling for work, traveling for Shea and on it goes....DEAR GOD....we ask for perfect timing! You are the ultimate secretary...figure it out good please! Amen...

all about simon for today...test results

2011-02-14T18:41:00.000-08:00

Hi gang... another big concern on mama's shoulders this week... I got a phone call directly from the pediatric GI doc today at about 4pm. The GI results didn't show anything that we didn't really expect anyway....however the xray did. Since they ordered an abdominal xray, you also get the extra bonus of a pretty good shot of the lumbar spine.

The radiologist noticed some abnormality in the lumbar spine view and brought it to the attention of the doctor. They are seeing something in the xray that presents like tethered cord syndrome. I know of this condition, and have even treated some kids post surgically at the clinic in Canandaigua. Now my hopes are that it is just a bad xray or a bad read.... but our next step is that we have to take Simon to Strong for an MRI under sedation. We should have a date for this by the end of the week after insurance gives pre-approval.

He's had an abdominal xray last autumn and pelvic/hip xrays 2 years ago....I'm wondering if they went back and looked at the lumbar spine specifically what they would see. The written results of these xrays only address the requested issues at the time, the past bowel obstruction and the hip clearance....so could anything have shown up and been missed back then??? I'm not sure.

If this is what he has it could explain the regression in his potty training and all of his bowel issues since September.... kids who have imperforate anus, foot size discrepency and club foot are more prone to having this congenital issue as well, hmmm sound like Simon?....(found that through the wonders of google tonight, which I have been utilizing way too much...)

Soooo, game plan...have the MRI and hope it shows up as a false alarm....but if these coincidences turn out to be an actual diagnosis of early symptoms associated with congenital tethered cord....then we are off for a visit with the neurosurgeon....

adventures, adventures..... so once again I'm asking you for prayers while we await answers.....

We hope to go to Syracuse tomorrow to try for our fingerprint walk in....if no one ends up at the doctor or home from school.... keep your fingers crossed....

Dan and I would love prayers for strength, sleep at night and a spirit of calm...
thanks guys....

attempting a walk in...

2011-02-13T19:25:00.000-08:00

The plan is to try an early walk in to the immigration office in syracuse on tuesday if Dan and I can get a few schedule wrinkles ironed out. We have our paperwork giving us our official date of feb 22nd for our printing, but if we are allowed to walk in early then we can take a few days off of his ticking transfer clock. Let's see what happens....

say a prayer for Danielle too....she seems overall pretty healthy, but she has one of those wet yucky sounding coughs... for most kids it wouldn't be a big deal, but the last time she had " just a cough " like this she ended up in Strong for 3 days with aspiration pneumonia, high fever on oxygen etc....I'm having the nurse listen to her lungs tomorrow....hopefully it's just a simple cold...I want to stay on top of things though.

Dan is home from his Friday through Sunday night youth retreat....I survived :) and then off to work tomorrow morning. What a marathon....

pray that we have a favorable outcome at our walk in attempt on tuesday....

24 hours in a day...

2011-02-11T19:57:00.000-08:00

I think I need more than 24!

one week ago today the homestudy update arrives completed.... I start mailing it to all the places it needs to go for applications, immigration, certs, apostille etc etc....then I realize by tuesday that the notary dated it wrong and Shea's country won't accept it....

on the phone immediately with our social worker in NYC, corrections made, should be overnighted and arrive to rochester for one more social worker signature by wed noon. Oh yeah, a phone call from the suffolk county clerk... they can't certify it anyway, not because of the date error, but because the notary is not valid in NYS. For PETES SAKE!!

By now I'm ready to spit nails as I feel each day that goes by with paperwork mistakes is a day closer to the institution for Shea. I call back to NYC to make sure they did not use the same notary....they didn't thank God!

But Wed comes and goes and no overnight arrives in Rochester, nor does it on Thursday...by Thursday night we are scrambling to find out where the documents have gone. NYC forgot to waive the signature for receipt, the package was delivered but then returned to the post office bc no one was there to sign for it. So we should just have the rochester worker go to the post office and pick it up right?? Not so easy....instructions on the tracking website state pick up at the post office indicated on the delivery slip left by USPS....hmmmm guess what,?.... no delivery slip to be found.

so with the help of google, some facebook friends and the phone book I make a list of the post offices closest to the original delivery site and also jefferson rd post office one of the hubs for Rochester. Nothing can be done till morning, cause it's late...so we sleep.

6 am! Up and at em kids, morning routine, kids are on the bus and mama's free to play sherlock holmes by 8:25....but post office phones don't open until 9! My plan....drive as far as the midway point between the 3 most likely offices, park and then call at 9:02! Eureka, first call and it is found...again thank you God!

Next step, go in to the post office, praying as I go, that they will not ask for ID, because even though they are my documents, they were not mailed to ME.... 5 minutes later after some smiles and holding my breath I walk out with my package! Didn't plan on driving to Greece today. Thought I would be doing laundry and cleaning the house on my first day off this week! Oh well, some day my house will be clean.

From Greece on to Henrietta to meet the social worker as she still needs to sign the papers. From Henrietta on to the post office to overnight them to suffolk county for certs and enclose an envelope for them to go straight on to albany for apostille.

Next stop, onto monroe county clerk to get my last 2 uncertified documents completed. Now I have a thick little package to send out tomorrow to albany also with full county certs and 350$ worth of apostilles rarin' to go and ready for processing. JILL I used your tip about the I 171 cover page. By tomorrow all of our documents will be in transit to albany, and once they are back we eventually staple in our USCIS document and off it will go to Shea's country.

Scanned all new documents to Shea's country for the final check.

Phew...45 minutes until I have to pick up simon for his GI consult. Spent 55 on the phone doing prep work for Simon's CSE meeting in regards to school funding....how fun!

Picked my little cutie up after a bunch of kisses and whizzed away to Strong Hospital. GI consult went very well and very long....and oh yeah, please go down stairs for blood work and abdominal xrays! Ohhh he fell asleep....guess I'll carry my hefty man 6 floors and the length of the hospital....Good God I'm getting weaker and he's getting heavier! I give in and try to be kind to my prego body and plop him in a wheelchair cause there is NOOOO waking this guy up.

Until the needle stick, yikes he's awake now and ticked! Then onto xray....but ohhh wait, I just realized I can't help stabilize him, bc of my bun in the oven. At that moment we run into our friend Rose who says "I'll help"! What a blessing:)

3 1/2 hours later we leave Strong and head home! I pull in and Danielle's face is pressed to the front window waiting for mama (for the last hour according to reports) Dan is out the door to his all weekend youth retreat that he's leading and good ol grandma kathy comes to the rescue and has a warm dinner of comfort food on the table complete with desert, washes up my dishes and helps this exhausted mommy get the kids ready for bed.

Phew....what a day, what a 24 hours. I feel like rambo mom today. Just need a few more hours in the week....just a few.

Dear Lord, please keep our Shea safe and sound. Help there to be NO MORE paperwork kinks....each adoption has had them...so now we are done with kinks for Shea OK??? Pretty Please! Please bless the Burman's (adopting Regan from the institution Shea will go to) We hear they've hit a rough spot, but don't know any details. Orchestrate your plan for them and all the families coming behind them. Amen...

one more angel on a grey cloud day.... transfer scheduled

2011-02-08T18:49:00.000-08:00

The happenings of this very long day...

Tuesday was supposed to start out with trips to see two patients and put in some overtime at work. God knew I would need the morning, .... one patient rescheduled the other needed to cancel because of a blocked drainage tube.

After putting the kids on the bus, my goal was to catch up on paperwork needed for my visit with the accountant at noon today to submit our taxes, and getting ready for Simon's school conference. I thought my work for Shea today would consist of hopefully getting a good tax return back to us asap to put towards his adoption costs. Sorry Dan, no new couch, or warm beach vacation....off to vacation in snowy Eastern Europe for us!

The day changed quite dramatically when I checked my email. We were told that official word have come through and Shea would be transferred to the institution in "the next few weeks". My heart is aching today. I am doing everything possible to move this process along, but we will never get to him in a few weeks time. The Burman's plight has gone well, and the director of this institution has ruled favorably for them. We are told our adoption is not in danger and I do hope this is the case.

I spent a good deal of time on the phone today with USCIS. I explained our situation and that they should have received our homestudy update by now. They explained that it usually takes 5-7 business days for the homestudy to even make its way from the mail room to our file. I spoke a little longer from my heart to this kind USCIS officer. She immediately offered to help. I was in awe, a kind and helpful government employee. Going through this process twice before this is the exception, not the rule. I could almost feel God's hand on this conversation. She explained she was going to assign herself as our officer to be able to stay on top of the situation. Also she logged us in for fingerprint appointments on Feb 22nd, but stated that once we had the paperwork from her we should try going early to Syracuse and doing a walk in. It may work, and it may not....but she gave us the OK to try it. She has just shaved weeks off of our wait today. Thank you for your help officer Wilson. Another one of Shea's angels along the way....

On a happier note, the Karol family got a glimpse of Shea today. They said he looked happy and in good spirits. That is the only update so far. Simon had very good reports about his day at school, and even accomplished taking the attendance to the office by himself today. He also pulled out his "talking machine" on his own at snack time and punched in "I - want - juice" repetitively until the teacher took notice! Both Simon and Danielle gave me extra kisses and hugs today to ease my aching heart. Dan came along on a play date put on by FCDSN tonight, where the kids had good fun and I visited with good friends....taking my mind off of things for a few hours. I was thankful for his support and company. Also to make my heart happy I asked Dan to help Danielle brush her teeth while I went and hid in her bed. She came in to climb into bed and I pounced! She screamed a curdling shriek and then giggled for an eternity....yes that was good medicine.

We covet your prayers for Shea. Thank you for your support. Praises going up that the Burman's are having success with the director of the institution.

Dear God, ground Shea's transfer...please let this be a false alarm. The orphanage director says they don't have control over this decision....please let the power shift. Help Shea to be courageous. Protect the adoption process. Let us see your will and purpose in today's news. Help us to move swiftly, but please lighten the burden of our hearts right now. Amen....

while we sleep mountains need to move

2011-02-06T12:57:00.000-08:00

monday is a critical day, angels will be swarming, battles will be happening.... actually it's monday in EE, so it will be tonight, here...while we sleep.

A child previously from Shea's orphanage who had special needs was transferred to the mental institution. She has parents in country fighting for her right now. They are adopting two children, one from the baby house and one (Tori) from the mental institution.

Everything pertaining to the baby house adoption is moving smoothly. - Not the case with Tori who is in the mental institution. The director of the site is being difficult and putting up road blocks. We need to pray for this family. Pray for the director to let this child Tori have a chance at a new life.

A mother who adopted her Aaron out of a different institution described that their visitations would happen in an empty room, no toys in sight, or at times in a shed. There was no playground, no sandbox, no toys....no loving human interaction. He was living a life of isolation.

So why is it so important we pray for the Burman family and Tori's release? Of course for the future of Tori and her quality of life....but also for any families coming behind them. For Eddie if parents are found...he has already been transferred. For Masha who is scheduled for transfer this week. For SHEA!!! who is still safe in the baby house, but we have no guarantee that he will stay here. The decisions that are made tonight across the ocean will play out like a ripple effect for many children to come. I have inquired twice as to whether the director of the baby house knows we are coming for Shea and have not yet gotten an answer....

God with you nothing is impossible, we pray that you send hosts of angels to breathe warm air into the heart and soul of the director of #9's mental institution. Keep darkness at bay, let the light triumph. Amen....

P.S. and ...a mish mash of happenings

2011-02-04T17:18:00.000-08:00

- Homestudy arrived in my hot little hands today, and with in the hour I had it on it's way to USCIS. I even spoke with them by phone to let them know they would have it by monday. One step closer.

- Spent almost 2 hours checking and rechecking dossier documents and getting them packaged for Albany, awaiting a few last "tweaks" and I hope to have them on their way by Tuesday. 38 documents which are all getting a state seal at 10 bucks a pop! Woohoo!

- P.S. to people who may not have heard the news... did I mention that I found out I'm pregnant? Before you gasp, it will not affect Shea's process. My adoption rep was about the second person I told...after my husband of course...because I was in a panic when I found out about our surprise! All is well. This probably deserves a whole post, but for tonight I'm too sleepy to do it justice. I'm 10 1/2 weeks now, and we found out just a couple of weeks after we comitted to Shea.... God is tricky tricky! We had been "trying" earlier in the year, but had stopped in August, because of a few glitches with my health at the time (aka my bionic ticker ). Apparently God realized if we knew about our "homegrown" surprise, we wouldn't have been brave enough to commit to Shea at the same time. Like I said...tricky, tricky. Dan keeps joking that we will have to give the fourth one up for adoption. Our family thinks that pretty funny.... not sure how the general public takes that joke...but if you can't laugh about life then you get stressed out right??

- Danielle is very proud to have her new big girl (single) bed set up tonight. This will be our test run. She was much much too long for that toddler bed anymore! This child has grown 5 inches since home last September. Thank you Carli for passing it on to us :)

- Simon got a glowing report home from his Speech Therapist this week, that he was very motivated in his session and said the words, "apple" and "happy" very clearly this week. We're trying total avoidance of dairy for now too...no more lactaid pills, or lactaid milk.... we want to try this again and see if it will help his belly. We FINALLY see the GI specialist next friday.

-Dan is fighting another nasty cold....anyone have any magic remedies??

- Another door frame painted today. Hope to get 2 doors painted tomorrow, and this week try my hand at hanging 2 more doors after watching the crew do it a few weeks ago...wish me luck.

Dear God,
Please protect our Shea...give him peace in his heart to know that soon mama and papa will be with him. Protect him from transfer....please bless Eddie who has already been transferred, and please keep Masha safe as well. Help us to keep on keepin' on in this process as speedily as we can, and to give mommy peace as I can't control the speed of others paperwork processing....it's all in your hands....you will send us at the perfect time. Amen-

fear....

2011-02-02T04:47:00.000-08:00

This is MASHA....

I'm asking you all to pray. Yesterday a family who is in Shea's orphanage adopting their own daughter gave an update. A girl named Masha was scheduled for transfer to the mental institution next week. She is 4 years old. She does not have a family coming for her.... her outlook is dire.

My heart aches for Masha, and at the same time I have fear over our Shea. Having a family helps decrease the chance of transfer, but does not guarantee it. I was told by someone in country, that if transfer plans were in place for Shea it wouldn't happen until his casts came off, because they don't have the means to remove them in the institution. As a PT, I had told many people that I wished they had left his feet alone until he was home, so we could fix them properly at Strong once he was home. I also keep worrying about his skin integrity, and if they are managing the casts properly to avoid wounds or infection. Now, I am praying thanks over those casts... they may be the thing that secures his spot in the baby house for a while longer.

I have contacted our facilitator to find out if the orphanage director has gotten word that Shea's CSP's are in place and that we are coming. I contacted our social worker who was going to mail our homestudy "soon" after she finished up with a out of town conference she was attending - explained our situation again, and she agreed to overnight it to us today. As soon as I get it, a copy will be overnighted to USCIS, making our application complete.

A final comment, a few children have been transferred to the mental institution while their family was in process. Some were released, some were not.... we lift this all up to God. Also please pray for Eddie another 4 year old in Shea's orphanage, I'm not sure if he has a family or not. Pray also for Regan, she has already been transferred and her family is in country right now....and having a very hard time getting the director of the mental institution to release her to them....please pray for a softening of heart for this official.

?? will we make the feb 10th cut??

2011-01-29T17:50:00.000-08:00

Our country in E Europe starts accepting dossiers again on Feb 10th after a holiday break. I was looking through my paperwork today, and we have 3 documents left to gather that have been promised to us by the beginning of next week. Our homestudy update is complete....so as soon as the HS and the 3 documents are in our hands we send everything to albany to get it apostilled. That only takes a few days if we use express mail.

The uncertain part is this.... once we have a copy of the homestudy to USCIS (US immigration) how long will it take for them to give us our fingerprint appointment and the "golden ticket"? The I 171. This will be the very last piece of our paperchase. Once we have this in our hands we can send our whole dossier by fed-ex to Shea's country.

We have been told that once the dossier lands in country, we can expect 8-10 wks *or less*, until we are reach our first trip travel date.

So I feel like we have 3 phases left here...
Phase 1- getting the last ends tied up in order to get our homestudy into the hands of USCIS who have all of our other documents and payment already.
Phase 2- getting fingerprinted, and approved by USCIS
Phase 3 - waiting for our travel date and making the last travel details. We've been told this is all likely to happen by spring..... phew good thing!

slow but steady, check!

2011-01-25T17:01:00.000-08:00

monroe county docs certified today, check!

homestudy update complete and approved by the EE team, now to get it to albany, check!

2 more doorframes calked and prepped to paint, check!

New Letter of Obligation completed, check!

Simon saw ENT and audio today, lots of crusty fun removed from those asian DS ears, check!

Falling asleep as I write...check!

Danielle ice skated for the first time today on a school field trip, check!

The gift of life, God’s special gift, is no less beautiful when it is accompanied by illness or weakness, hunger or poverty, mental or physical handicaps, loneliness or old age. Indeed, at these times, human life gains extra splendor as it requires our special care, concern, and reverence. It is in and through the weakest of human vessels that the Lord continues to reveal the power of His love. Terence C. Cooke

the paper chase continues and my feet are getting tired!

2011-01-23T20:12:00.000-08:00

So "today for Shea"...

-monroe county docs complete, have to get to the county clerk this week
-have to make a trip to batavia for one document, hopefully this week
-waiting on one document each to arrive for our wayne and ontario county clerk trips
-we received our homestudy update rough draft today, I sent her the revisions and hope to have that back shortly, as this is a critical piece of the paperchase that a few other steps are waiting on right now like immigration clearance
-started a grant application this week also

Dear paperchase...you are not my favorite hobby, hurry up would ya? I'm only pretending I like you to get my little Shea home...please don't be offended....but you seem pretty obnoxious and I get the strange feeling I've already done this twice before in my recent history!

Family update... my lovey dovey hubby had a birthday on friday. I don't think I'll divulge his age! We had a lovely date night thanks to babysitting from godparents vinny and judy.

Simon ate like a pro at the Kulp family Chili cookoff yesterday! Grandpa Kulp's Chili took first place in the blind competition. This was certainly a highlight of our little man's weekend!

Danielle had a play date with one of her classmates at our house this weekend...giggles gallore, lots of fun to be had. She also had a fun time going to bed at aunt Judy's house and sharing a bunk with her friend Katie...they both actually went to bed, do you believe it??

And my highlight of the weekend....my dear husband realizing that his wifey poo was utterly exhausted got up with the kids this morning when they arose at the crack of dawn (why oh why?? can anyone tell me the answer to why children insist on waking up so durn early?) and gave me the luxery of sleeping in until 7:50 am! At this time Danielle snuck away and jumped into bed with me, giggling and telling me to GET UP!
Ohhhh just wait until she's a teenager and actually wants to sleep in late....I'll get her back.... (evil laugh inserted here :)

Back to work tomorrow, it is frigid here, zero without the windchill.....so tomorrow in and out of patient homes all day tomorrow promises to be full of shivers....yet here I am eating a popsicle....can't seem to get enough of these lately....what's up? Paper pregnancy cravings I guess???!!!

DEAR GOD,
Keep our Shea warm, surrounded with some measure of joy, and prepare his heart and mind for his new family. Help me to manage the many many plates I'm so delicately spinning right now. Keep Danielle and Simon safe and healthy, and help us to teach them and help them develop and grow to their highest potential possible, while being happy and full of joy always. Give our little ones communication methods to help prevent frustration. Help us with those hard parts of parenting that comes along with every typical child, and those little extra challenges that come from their special needs. Lord if you could convince simon to wear his shoes in the car and out in public while it's so stinkin cold, I would greatly appreciate it! Bless and keep my husband as he handles his many responsibilities and prepares his daddy heart for our growing family, please energize us as we plug away at finishing the downstairs projects, and ohh yeah, don't forgot about the magically appearing minivan in our driveway....chuckle chuckle. - as Simon would say BAHMN and as Danielle would say AHHHHHMAN, AMEN....

a tiny lull, today for shea

2011-01-16T19:49:00.000-08:00

Well....
-I have a large stack of papers to be notarized in macedon....but tomorrow is a holiday (hmm, I'm still working what's up with that?)
-we are anxious to get our state level background check, but our fingerprints are not until tuesday
- USCIS has cashed our check, but is waiting for our homestudy update
- Our homestudy visit is complete, but we need to be patient and wait for the write up to come back.
- waiting for a letter to arrive from our tax preparer

hmmmm I feel a tiny bit stalled! More time for praying and fundraising now I'm sure!

Dan is working tonight at a youth event...I'm so thankful for my helpmate....he's having a birthday on friday, so if you see him make sure to give him some spankings.

Simon did wonderful at school on friday when I went in for a half day observation, soooo proud of him.

Danielle went to see a brand new baby today, Elijah Seeber, - she was enthralled.

Shea....what are you up to right now buddy? Playing and content I hope...full belly? Healthy? All prayers from mama going up for you.

Lot's of good progress on the renovations this weekend....thank you Wood Family and crew!!

And I'm super happy to hear there is another Reeces Rainbow child coming home to some friends in Rochester.... yeah!.... who's next, hmmm?? anyone???

living in fast forward....temporarily

2011-01-12T18:56:00.000-08:00

Before I get started... notice the pink barbie shirt. Boy do we need to get him home! My poor boys spent there first years dressed as girls! :)

Wow, just thinking about this week is making me sleepy! This mamma needs some rest... (so duh, why am I blogging and not in bed?? good question!)

So we've been in hyperdrive this week....
-getting all the last minute documentation finished for our homestudy visit on friday,
-finishing the painting downstairs,
-preparing for our "work day" on saturday
(thanks to some wonderful friends The Wood family and a church they belong to)
- living life with Simon and Danielle who are keeping us hopping!
-and oh yeah....going to work.... my time to rest! :)

So this week Simon's belly has been doing well, finally! I hope it can continue like this. As many of you know he did fall asleep on the toilet this week....what a boy! He's been enjoying his tent, and falling asleep in there as well....hmmm kulp men....they love their rest that's for sure! (But that's because the Kulp women keep them so busy when they're awake!) He smothered me in kisses tonight...sheer bliss for this mom.

Danielle had a very good hearing test, and a good eye exam recently. No pressure changes from her skull closure so that is a very good thing! She has been hamming it up putting on dance shows for us. Her new favorite food this week is oranges! We need to buy stock in the produce section of wegmans I think.

As for Shea.... much more paperwork has been done this week. Our homestudy visit is friday. Our passport renewals are back, we have our fingerprint appnt for NYS (not the uscis yet) scheduled for tuesday, UPS security called us wanting to know why we were mailing documents to Eastern Europe! Good grief! ....and a bazillion other little things that I'm too tired to write about now.

But all is well....we are surviving the snow storm, and the kids are both snuggled up in their beds. Dearest Dan is being quite the trooper doing all the URGENT assignments I have been giving him. Have I mentioned what a good husband I have...putting up with such a type A, semi OCD wifey poo?

I'm off to bed now, I hope :) ...thanks for checking in....hugs from the Kulp Family

Dear God, our prayer tonight is that you protect our family, our health, and our finances as we move forward in this journey toward Shea. We thank you for all your little "surprises" in life, you sure do have a sense of humor. Help us to cherish the moments even as we are in a phase of "fast forward living"....and give us a sense of peace that we are closing in on the paperwork....and there will be rest from this cross eyed craziness someday soon. Protect our Shea, please close any doors that would lead to his transfer....and bless those who have been blessing us as we bring Shea home to his "peeps"! Oh and dear God, I almost forgot - please let a minivan miraculously appear in our driveway....cause I can't smoosh any more kids in my honda civic! AMEN

Today for Shea...

2011-01-04T18:11:00.000-08:00

I had a few hours this afternoon when the kiddies were still at school to press forward on the paperchase. Dear Shea, we are a bit closer today...
-marriage license arrived
-home owner decree notarized
-homestudy update documents so close to being done
-passport renewals have arrived for processing
-"creatively budgeted" to be able to pay for homestudy update so we can now set the date
- and much more....

Don't worry all, I did feed and bathe my children, read them bedtime stories and keep them from bodily harm....I'm just super skilled at multi tasking...but will be soooo pleased when the paper pregnancy is over!

On a personal note...prayers for my health would be appreciated...I'm fighting a nasty cold. Thanks all -

All Things Are Possible With God...

2011-01-02T12:50:00.000-08:00

Mark 10:27

All - big and small, simple and insurmountable

Things - adoption, special needs, keeping up your home, work duties, paperwork....

Are Possible - doable, tangible, likely, promised

With - walking with me, tugging me, carrying me, cheering us on

God - Abba Father, Love above all Loves I can comprehend....

Gods twists and turns are orchestrated and perfect.....

The Paper Pregnancy, We're working on it Shea! Hang in there....

2011-01-01T19:54:00.000-08:00

So far...

-We've initiated our homestudy update and the million forms that go along with it.
-Sent lots of green to the US gov to renew our passports
-Have our CSP's and POA's on the way to Albany, which will hopefully prevent his transfer, (pray)
-Sent out forms for our background checks
-Ordered our new marraige liscense
-Worked on financial statements
-Scheduled our physicals....
-Trying to plug along on that basement!!!
-chuggin along on all the dossier forms
-Paid our promise trust deposit
-And about a million other things that I'm too tired to write about right now!
-And I always said I would never do the paperchase again! Good grief....never say never!

Danielle, Simon, and Shea.... I like the sound of that....

The little hairs on the back of your neck....

2010-12-30T20:21:00.000-08:00

Do you ever get so moved by something that it raises the little hairs on the back of your neck? This has happened to our family. I recently began reading about and then actively researching the orphanage system in Eastern Europe. There is a specific country that has a gut wrenching reality. When orphans who have physical or mental disabilities turn 4 years old, the government starts the process to have them transferred out of the "baby homes". They are moved to mental institutions right along with adults. Many reports describe children isolated, left in beds with no stimulation, and even locked away. I know things like this happened even in our country years ago, but I cry to think of it still happening anywhere in the world today. Thank God in some places reform has happened, but to think of the places where it has not....

My Simon is 6, my Danielle is 8, they would have been in these mental institutions for 2 and 4 years by now if they were born in this particular country and orphaned....I can't imagine this for one moment....my heart is ripped into shreds thinking about it.

So, our plates are full, our lifes are crazy, our house is too small, our bank account is even smaller....but our hearts have been broken for the least of these. Guess what friends? One of these boys will be ours!! The Kulp family will expand by one in about 7 months. We are actively in the process of adopting Shea. He is a four year old with good cognitive health, but he was born with Spina Bifida, so he has some physical challenges.

Simon and Danielle have another sibling to welcome to the tribe. Our heads are spinning, but our hearts are full! Dear Lord, bless our new child, protect him from transfers, and give our paperwork wings like eagles!

Saving Shea...

2010-12-18T20:45:00.000-08:00

This isnt just any bracelet! This bracelet is fighting for a little boy named Shea. Shea is a little boy who is an orphan and because of his age and his diagnosis of Spina Bifida will be institutionalized very soon if a family doesn't adopt him. 5.00 of every bracelet purchased will go to helping save Shea. So this Christmas give a gift that truly makes a difference. Every "Saving Shea" bracelet will come with a small card explaining to the recipient where the money is going and the difference it is making.

catch up!

2010-12-11T21:25:00.000-08:00

Well this will just need to be a catch up of the last few weeks as I have neglected my new blogging hobby lately. So much has happened since the last time I wrote....and by the way, it took simon all of 24 hours to figure out how to get those boots off of his feet....so much for my victory!
As most of you know our Danielle had a stay at Strong Hospital...you could never tell by looking at her now! She needed to have appendicitis ruled out, and ended up with a nasty pneumonia, oxygen needed, high fever and all of that fun that comes with it. She was a trooper though. Daddy was out of town, and I am so thankful for all the help I got from people with juggling my crazy life:)

We've started our Christmas decorating, but no tree yet....I'm building up the courage.

Simon is healthy other than the ongoing journey of trying to keep his GI system in balance....I wish I had a magic window into his intestines. His mood can be directly related to his "belly comfort" and it is such a fine line to keep him....shall we say "just right". I hope someday we will master this skill for our guy. He has a new fascinating hobby of balancing all of his toys on the corner of anything he can find....4 animals on the 4 corners of his bed, 4 cars on the 4 corners of the table etc etc....quite cute. He has been showing us a bit of...hmmm shall we say "stong willedness" lately that we are trying to nip, but he still dishes out plenty of sweet and cute and lovable each day too.

I am happy to report that my cardiac symptoms have been much better since the week before thanksgiving...I'm feeling like a normal 33 year old woman again...almost. I'm praying that it will continue to improve, or at least hold steady.

I'm looking forward to Christmas time....Danielle's second with us now...last year was a bit overstimulating and difficult for her, so I am happy to think of how special this one should be for her. I have also been plugged into the 9p- parents network and have learned a few new things about danielle's diagnosis....knowledge is power, and that makes my feel a little more in control of our zany life....but the Big Guy in the sky knows all so I'll just try to "take a chill pill" and not be so ocd about things....(or at least I'll try!)

The month of thanks has begun -

2010-11-02T17:34:00.000-07:00

Well tonight has been pretty much a Norman Rockwell night, with the exception of the fact that my house is a mess. None of those Norman Rockwell paintings showed a pile of laundry, and dirty dishes that I can remember, but all in all it's been a nice evening. How could it not be? I finally found a pair of shoes that Simon can't get off no matter what (at least so far) His bus driver will be so pleased - no more flying nikes past his head, and no more socks landing on the dash. Boy the ride will sure be boring now!

Norman would have loved painting the picture of Simon falling asleep with a toy in his hand, and sitting upright just a few moments ago, I could almost visualize the Z Z Z Z Z's floating up into the air.

Norman could also paint the scene that is occurring right this second, as I type I can hear my daughter sneaking cookies in the kitchen...let's see she just sat down hiding a bowl under her sweatshirt...hmm hold on I need to go count. One, two, three....nine! She snuck 9 cookies! Oh she is her mother's daughter. I'll let her keep 2, I'll just have to take care of the rest, hee hee.

Dan is off at one of his many meetings tonight, and he will return soon. Then we will enter whirlwind mode as he packs for being out of town for the rest of the week, and I get as many odds and ends done as I can to prepare for being a 'single parent' for awhile. Come on Norman, I have a full load for the next few days...keep the warm fuzzy's coming if you would. I appreciate it! And Dear God, thanks for making Norman!

Crazy Land

2010-10-28T17:35:00.000-07:00

There once was a home full of crazy,
the queen longed for a day to be lazy,

but there were patients to see,
and places to be,

pukey sickos to nurse,
and no poop that's the worst!

The laundry piled high,
right up to the sky,

Walls wanting for paint,
new meds, yikes I'll faint!

PTA to attend,
missing buttons to mend.

Mouths to be fed,
then drop dead into bed.

Fast asleep, there's a snore,
and I dreaming of more..

:) The End?
last verse, same as the first, a little bit louder and a little bit worse!

Stolen quote of the day...

2010-10-24T18:10:00.000-07:00

So often I wake up with aspirations to be June Cleaver, yet go to bed feeling like Roseanne!

Just a general update tonight...no inspiring muses have come my way with anything witty or charming to compose, so I will just give you a snippet of our controlled chaos that we call the weekend!

My son, decided to "set his shoes free" from the sky ride at Bristol Mountain today, I should be mad, but I just can't stop laughing. There is something unusually comic, yet serene about watching a shoe, followed by a sock float it's way through the air, and then thump onto the mountain....gone forever! I'm certainly not brave enough right now to hike up or down that mountain with a shoeless child, and of course he "freed" his shoe from exactly the midway point of the ride.

Danielle is riding that horse like a pro! She uses the staff person who guides the horse, but has graduated from needing a sidewalker anymore. Nervous nelly mommy has a little trouble with that, but Dan and the stable staff have convinced me she's ready. Simon's sidewalker only needs to hold an ankle now. It's so fun to watch his face light up as that horse starts to walk.

Say a few prayers for us tomorrow night, Danielle goes in for her sleep study...lots of wires and gadgets she will need to "be at peace with". Our little princess snores like a trucker, and I've diagnosed her with night time restless body syndrome! This hopefully will give the ENT justification to remove her tonsils which did wonders for simon. (she has closure of her frontal sutures, and a facial boney structure which makes her airway passages very small...removing the tonsils could improve her airflow at night, and maybe help her sleep better)

Simon is now fast asleep in a big boy bed....danielle had a tea party with mommy and grandma tonight, and Dan should be home soon. Thank you God, - counting my blessings....

When Love Takes You In - Steven Curtis Chapman

2010-10-23T19:52:00.000-07:00

On the road again

2010-10-23T08:20:00.000-07:00

Sooo, I've decided that whoever decided it was dangerous to drive while talking on a cell phone probably didn't have 2 children in the backseat of their car. I would rate driving while talking on my phone, while alone 100 times safer than driving with my 2 kids in the backseat sans phone...

I mean, really, is my arm supposed to twist and contort that way to reach the ever unreachable car toy, and what did Bob the Builder do to deserve to get thrown out of a moving car at 50 mph? and ohhh, danielle that's so sweet that you're sharing your drink with your brother...but oh, oh, no stop honey he's going to spill.....oh crud. Potty? Potty? But you just went 2 minutes ago...OHHH you're serious, I'm pulling over NOW! Does anyone else have 3 rearview mirrors, one for driving and one for each child to ensure they are not mugging their sibling? Ahh ahh choo...oh shoot, SNOT!... don't touch! I'm getting a kleenex, hold on...........ohhh never mind you got it....everywhere. :)

Hmmm, talking on my phone while alone in the car....seems pretty safe to me in comparison. Maybe they should ticket me for driving with my kids in the car. (and no I did not get another ticket!)

By the way I am again energetic enough to get back to priming downstairs...I think I am the slowest painter alive! I am so longing for the end of this project, meaning more space for our family! Can't wait to spread out a little and get the kids into their own rooms!

I will note however, that although I'm much improved, I was embarrassed last night in the Long Acres Corn Maze when 2 of my prego, semi-waddling friends (sorry you two, no offense!) were easily able to out walk me in both speed and distance...hrmph.

Signing off now for a trip to Never Say Never Stables to take the kids riding. Thank you God for our many blessings, help me not to ever take them for granted!

Sunday Lessons

2010-10-17T17:27:00.001-07:00

Information I'm sure you can not live without...

I've learned certain ethnic practices still linger in my daughter's brain. Caught my daughter trying to pee standing up over the toilet today, yikes!

I've learned that after giving a 5 year old a enema (thank you soooo much pediatrician, shouldn't you do this? it seems pretty medical to me!) you should not let him move with out his tushy properly covered. His waterworks display rivaled that of the geysers of our country's national parks!

TMI, I know....but that was my day, what can I say?

I've learned that crossing a canal bridge with my 2 children, cars on the right, water and height beneath, my son who is obsessed with the patterned metal grid we were walking on, and my gal who became very overwhelmed with this venture may not have been such a good idea! I didn't even consider that this could be scary...but looking through her eyes...

I've learned that even if we can't find any ducks to feed, the bread we brought certainly still gets eaten!

I've learned this weekend went by way to fast! Wish I could control the clock!

Crazy, crazy, thoughts...

2010-10-17T17:05:00.000-07:00

So last Saturday I was able to go to the Women of Faith Conference - my spirit was refreshed. Thank you Dan for arranging this.

This weekend Dan and I had a get away to Letourno - I was physically refreshed. Thank you to our sitters by the way...it was marvelous.

I have a new medication which I've been on since Thursday, and my cardiac symptoms are significantly decreased...I took the kids out for a hayride and a trip to the canal to feed ducks - all by myself! I could never have done this last week...I feel thankful and refreshed! Wow!

Alas, there is danger in feeling refreshed, with recharged batteries. My husband will testify to this. I came down with "a fever" - not medically related in anyway shape or form. You see when I feel close to God, and rested, and just a little in control of our chaos, I start thinking crazy crazy thoughts.

The thoughts have been swirling around in my head for a few months now - but they had been pushed down into the shadows because of our "ahem" trials and tribulations of late. Now, though...I'm feeling a bit better, I've had time to recharge, and it's obviously noticed that I have a big girl 8 year old, a big boy who is almost 6, and no babes in the Kulp home what so ever. Hmmm, this might be a problem. Gosh, this medication I'm taking is not safe for a mom to be...but gee whiz, there are an awful lot of kids out in this world who don't have a mama or a daddy. Does anyone know anything about adoption?? I'm just sayin'....

Oh, maybe I just better wait until Wednesday when life has spiraled out of control again, laundry is piled high and my paperwork is once again late! But I'm just saying.....

A Good Man...

2010-10-09T17:38:00.000-07:00

My husband wins an award this week for being a good guy. As many of you know, this month has been one of struggles for me in regards to my health, and pacemaker issues etc. I've had multiple conversations with my body, my doctor and that chunk of metal keeping things going. It goes something like this...

"Dear self / metal chunk / all knowing doctor - I really don't have time to slow down right now, the end" The problem is, I keep talking, but they are not listening. I even had another fun 48 hours of wearing that sexy holter monitor again. Anyway, my point is I'm frustrated, but my hubby has been a gem. He's holding his own, and then some. He is speaking my love language of helps and teaming with me to keep all those balls that we are juggling from hitting the ground. Thank you hubby for painting the ceiling last week, making yummy dinners, and sending me off to Women of Faith. You are a good man.

One thing I've discovered while exploring this new thing called blogging is one major difference between a journal and a blog. I've noticed you have to blog with a good attitude. With my friend the journal I can spew and whine and vent....and the pages do not mind, no one is the wiser, and I've gotten some things off my chest. Ahhh very therapuetic. Now with the blog...ohh dear, me oh my, but wait...people might read this stuff, so I better not pout!! This surely is a helpful tool, to ensure I tell my life stories with the glass 1/2 full and no whining allowed...(for the most part!) I think this is a nice feature...because of course we always have more good than bad to report...so why waste time on the whining?

OK, God, no whining today. I have the stamina of a 60 year old woman...but that's good news, because a week and a half ago, I felt like an 80 year old. Please fix my ticker, and don't teach my children how to run any faster quite yet! Amen.

Weather report

2010-10-06T18:56:00.000-07:00

hmm where to start?

Today a 5 year old taught me how to poach and egg....I didn't know really, but now I do. Well, it was kind of cheating because he had a cool machine that did the work for you. I think I want one! And a shark, yeah one of those cool floor sweepers....definitely need one of those. And a window cleaning service, yeah...ohh ohh and a professional painter to finish the downstairs rooms.... ahhh I digress....and dream a little! (Boy my dreams are kind of lame this week :)

Anyway, you know that saying, when it rains it pours? Well my little Simon is stuck under a rain cloud this week! It's not a thunderstorm, and no hail is involved....but a nice steady sprinkle that he can't seem to shake. This little guy is tough though. His latest ailment is an intestinal impaction. A new experience for simon and mommy who is playing nurse now. What a fun treatment regimen...no details needed. Dan's mom told me today that I have inherited her poop ministry. I feel so proud.

Our family certainly has had a lot going on lately...kind of funny and discouraging all at the same time. I think though, that there has to be a sunny patch just up ahead, with no colds, stitches, short circuited pace makers, injuries or "plumbing" problems. November...sunny with a chance of normalcy?? I hope so.

To end on a comic note....Danielle had a big school event last night. I was of course on pins and needles, hoping for good behavior and a smooth evening around all of the staff, parents and peers. You know, because my daughter is just like yours....right? Of course right. Danielle greeted her principal with a high five and lots of friendly chatter. I think she was proud to show off her school to us. Then she promptly took her little pink umbrella and rammed it right up in between Mr Principal's legs. Oh my, oh dear, bury my head in my sweater and non-chalantly take Danielle by the hand and say good evening, on to the next stop. He seemed to be a good sport about it all, and no injuries! Arghhh.

That is our life...I could go on, but I'm sure that's enough for now!
Thank you God, for diaper wipes, and nasal spray, for silly times, and bedtime stories....AMEN.

Norman Rockwell moments

2010-10-04T19:11:00.000-07:00

Priorities

2010-10-04T17:20:00.000-07:00

I'm exhausted...but my son smiled for 5 hours straight tonight.

I have dishes in my sink....but my little girl prayed out loud before bedtime.

My veggie garden needs desperate attention....but we played in a pumpkin patch this weekend.

Simon needed abdominal x-rays after school today....but he flirted with the secretaries and told secrets to his bunny rabbit friend.

Dan and I have the noisiest house on the block tonight....but the kids played chase tag forever with no injuries!

I Still have paperwork to finish from my job tonight... but we read a new book with the kids.

I should be catching up on all of my to do's right now....but instead, I'm content,

And once again - counting my blessings. Amen

"Killer" chickens, sort of!

2010-10-03T04:00:00.000-07:00

Danielle has been home for over a year, and she is still encountering culture shock at times. Our family attended a birthday party yesterday. Danielle is getting to be a pro at these. She was anxious to play outside, so out we went, bubbles in hand. Outside for a total of about 45 seconds I witnessed a look of fear, and horror overwhelm my daughters face, promptly followed by cries and shrieks. Within seconds my 50ish lb daughter, (who is getting almost as long as her mother) had climbed up me like I was a tree. She was holding on and burying her face for dear life! I looked around to see what had caused this reaction....and 100 feet away was a lone chicken!

I am a mean, mean mommy, because I started to giggle. We've had enough of these episodes in the last year - I knew she would forget her trauma in a matter of minutes (once the birthday cake was in hand I'm sure)

Poultry....I never knew they could be so horribly scary. Alas, to my gal who lived 7 years of her life not exposed to animals....it makes sense. So giggles and all, I squeezed her, hugged her and reassured her that I wouldn't let those mean nasty chickens eat her alive! And of course the birthday cake did make everything all better. -

Morning Conversations With God

2010-10-02T04:03:00.000-07:00

Liz: Saturday 6:30 am....please God, no, just a little more sleep...that's not Danielle I hear right?? Must be noise from outside, or the boogie man, or maybe just a burglar....I think I'll just go back to sleep. Thump thump thump, my daughters not so delicate steps bring her to my doorway.

Danielle: "all done, all done" She proclaims time for slumber is history.....

Liz: Argh, sigh....whine

Dan: snore, pleasantly sleeping, or at least pretending to be.

God whispers: this is your beautiful daughter....I'm giving you even more time to spend with her by waking you both early - smirk.

Liz: mabye if I climb into Danielle's toddler sized bed with her, she will think cuddling is fun and drift back into marvelous sleep....and shhhh please don't wake your brother....oh crap. He's wide awake....cue giggle from the boy child. Ok, pretend you don't notice he's awake... holy cow I'm too big for this bed.

Danielle: Ohhh cuddling with mom is great!.... for 2 minutes. "all done, all done" Thump, thump, thump....she escapes.

Liz: maybe I'll just lay in this miniature bed for a few more minutes

God: ohhh brother lady, I'm rising the sun for you...go take a look.

Liz: prys one eye open, and has the chance to see my children holding hands on the other side of the room. Oh wait, No, they're holding toes, foot to foot, ohhh, well that's cute too.

God: see....blessings, get up lazy

Danielle: thump, thump, thump.... "ma ma, ALL DONE!" Whoosh, blanket is yanked off mommy.

Liz: Brrr, it's way too cold now to lay in this miniature bed. I guess I'll get up now.

Simon: giggle, giggle, giggle, squeal!

God: Get movin' my daughter, you can sleep when you're old. Now it's time to play!

Counting the blessings...

2010-10-01T23:55:00.000-07:00

I'm going to try this "blogging business". I used to love to journal the old fashioned way....but then I was the only one who would see it. Everyone is just dying to know the daily adventures of the Kulp family right? Well, maybe not! - but with my writing I can be proud, vent, express, keep memories, bore you, and make you laugh....so why not? Let's see how it goes, and I would love to have you all along for the adventure. The last 2 times I journaled we were expanding our family! Don't worry, that's not the case this time. (knock on wood).

God has given me many blessings, in a strange way putting them into writing will be a fun way to say thank you to Him....and for the craziness He has made my life. Pure joy, sweat, fun, frustration, but I don't think I would change a thing. In what other house would my entertainment come from watching my 5 year old shake his booty, and my 8 year old shove donut holes into her mouth until she looks like a chipmunk?

I think of where my children came from, Simon a forest, wrapped in a sheet, in deep snow....Danielle left at 3 years old alone at a hotel. Now they kiss my face, give me raspberries, and have profound decisions to make like do we watch Elmo or Curious George tonight? Thank you God for transformations. As a mother I can be a bit OCD (shush up...you who are giggling or rolling your eyes!) I tend to stress daily about whether I am teaching them enough. Have we practiced our counting? Did I remember to let them put their own socks on? Did they take their vitamins? Well at the end of the day, I know one thing....they are happy kids. God has given them to us, and now we are family. A family of chaos, which I try to control. Sometimes I succeed, sometimes I fail....but we are "each others people" now. I couldn't think of a nicer miracle for God to give me, and I will try to remember this when I am woken at 2 am for a poopy diaper, or a runny nose.

Goodnight -