Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Coming home soon!

Sorry it's been a while. To say we've been busy - and exhausted - since picking Elvis up from Graceland would be an extreme understatement.

Saturday was a long day. Left our apartment at 7:45 AM, arrived in Kyiv at our apartment just before 7 PM. LONG day. Elvis was extremely over-stimulated. Couldn't sit still. Couldn't contain his excitement. Couldn't stop talking. You cannot imagine how this boy talks. He doesn't care that we don't understand him. I think he might possibly have my niece Alli beaten for the most words spoken in a single day! We did have one 20-minute period where I convinced him to listen to my iPod (old Allies songs) and he almost fell asleep. But that was it.

Saturday night was rough. First bath was great - he'd probably take a bath every hour if we'd let him. Brushing teeth was also a big hit - he loves for mommy to help with the ones in the back. But he'd been in the car all day and didn't want to sleep. Was up early Sunday. We spent the morning at the park, hung around the apartment in the afternoon, and met the Loraines for dinner.

Sunday night was a little better. Sleep came a bit easier and lasted a bit longer.

Monday was even better. Went early for his medical exam - were there for about 1 1/2 hours. (There's a playroom there, yay!!!) Then to the embassy to apply for his visa - in & out in less than 20 minutes.

Monday lunch at McDonalds - the same McDonalds where William had his first Happy Meal experience! Elvis loved the french fries & ketchup, and tolerated 2 chicken nuggets.

Dinner at "Papa John" pizza - probably the best pizza we've had in Ukraine.

Tuesday has been our best day yet, overall. Morning walk to Independence Square. Visit from our facilitator, "S". Lunch at Puzhata Hata. Back to the embassy for 2 hours to get his visa. Shoppings for last minute souvenirs. Dinner with the Loraines and the Airharts at Il Patio.

The boys are in bed. L&L will be here in 3 1/2 hours to take us to the airport.

Wednesday will be a long day. Flight to Frankfurt, 5 hour layover, and @10 hour flight to Atlanta. Arriving in Atlant @4:30 PM!!!! Can't wait to be home.

Here are a few more pics from the last few days...

Matching pajamas








Hanging out at Independence Square











Standing outside the gates of the SDA, where we first laid eyes on each of them for the first time (well, their pictures anyway)







Kyiv Fire Department
















At the playground
































Mommy trying to entertain a boy who was feeling grumpy







Suds on his head helped, too!























13 comments:

The McEacherns said...

Those first few days are a doozey, aren't they?! Praying for safe, on-time flights for you all to get HOME... so we can finally find out Elvis' real name!

Klugh's said...

So excited about the sunflower picture! Mike and I still talk about how beautiful those fields were but never got a picture because we were flying by on the train! We can't tell you how excited we are! Ukie boys are definitely "worth the wait." Hug L & L for us one more time.

Just Another Day In Paradise said...

I love all of the photos! Love the matching pjs, the rainbow roll in action, picture in front of the SDA, theyre all great! You are so good about finding the perfect spots that mean so much looking back!
Praying for easy and safe travels with on time, comfortable flights.
And they all lived happily ever after... :)

Jodi said...

We love the pictures my friend. I can't help but to keep shedding tears of joy. Very happy you are on the home stretch. We have craved your posts each day as we are very anxious to get there. Safe travels. The Tark's

junglemama said...

Woo-hoo! Safe journey home!

The Land Family said...

Thanks for sharing. We know that you have been busy with all the paperwork.

So glad that you will be on your way home soon.

Prayers for safe travel and good kids for the flights.

God Bless,
Amy Land
http://www.savingorphansforjesus2010.blogspot.com

Everything Beautiful Shay said...

Loved reading about what has been going on!!! I think you all are doing GREAT!!! Sure hope your flights go smooth and you make into Atlanta right on time!
Blessings!
Sharon

Mom to Mine said...

So glad that you are finally coming home! I was driving this afternoon and felt like I should be praying for you all and Elvis to have a safe flight so I did some eyes wide open praying lol Can't wait to find out his name!

Maria Keith said...

Praying for safe travels for you all as you come home. Praying for that little man as he enters his forever home and greets his new family. So happy for you all. Sending you a big hug. You are a great Mom Jen. Always knew you would be from our doll days. Safe travels.

Kathy and Matt said...

It's wonderful to see this latest post! Congrats! Hopefully next post will be from home.

Thanks for sharing your journey.

Anonymous said...

I notice your new little boy is a special needs FAS child by his facial features. I am in early stages of adoption and wanted to know if you could help me understand if you will have special needs for him when he gets home.....i.e. schooling, etc.

Did they tell you at the SDA appointment that he was FAS?

Best wishes to you.

Mama said...

Your boys are so adorable together! And I love the worth the wait t-shirts! I gotta get one of those for my little man!! :) I can't believe you are so close to getting home!

Anonymous said...

CONGRATS! Love all the photos of your journey. We have been following your blog every step of the way. Looking forward to meeting ya'll face to face soooon! Congratulations on your newest lil blessing. Paula, Sean & our Groupa #2 Girls