Tonya and Jason arrived home Friday afternoon without incident. Tonya would like to thank some very patient and very helpful flight attendants for their assistance on the 9 1/2 hour flight from Kiev. The entire Eastman family is doing well and happy to be at home together in Hillsboro. Thank you again for your thoughts, prayers, and well wishes throughout this amazing journey. Several people have posted that they are in the process of their own adoption adventure and we would like to wish you the best of luck. I am signing off of the blog. Tonya and Joe will take it from here.
God Bless,
Rachel
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Coming Home!
God is Good. Tonya apparently woke the Doctor up this morning at 8 a.m. and they had received info from the CDC that the negative test was acceptable for Jason to travel home.
Tonya and Jason will pick up his Visa this afternoon and be on a plane headed for NC tomorrow!
Thanks to all of you for your prayers and support throughout this amazing journey. Tonya and Joe are very appreciative. I am assuming that Tonya will update the blog after she arrives home.
Tonya and Jason will pick up his Visa this afternoon and be on a plane headed for NC tomorrow!
Thanks to all of you for your prayers and support throughout this amazing journey. Tonya and Joe are very appreciative. I am assuming that Tonya will update the blog after she arrives home.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Three home two to go
Ok, where do I begin...
The good news. Joe, Lyda Oksana, and Mathew Dima are safe and sound in the U.S.A. We had a wonderful visit with them yesterday. Oksana is shy but warms up quickly and took immediately to Lindsay. She has a very pleasant demeanor and is very intelligent. With her English and a book for translating we were able to communicate pretty effectively. Mathew has a million dollar smile that makes you just want to hug on him. He and Madison immediately started coloring, working on puzzles, and eventually ended up outside playing tag. We had a very nice visit and are excited to have cousins that live so close.
Nothing in this process has been without incident and the trip home was no exception. Joe, Lyda, and Mathew missed the flight out of Kiev literally by 5 minutes because they needed the one piece of paperwork that they didn't have. By the time Ramon delivered it they had just closed the gate. They were able to get on a later flight out of Kiev and were told that they would still make their connection. Despite sprinting through the NY airport they missed the connection again by just 5 minutes. Turns out that Delta had actually closed the flight early so they put the Eastman's and 7 other travelers that also missed the flight up in a hotel for the night. At 5 a.m. they headed back to the airport to finish the journey home. They arrived safely at RDU on Sunday morning but no sign of the luggage. This led to the first of what I am sure will be many, trips to Wal-mart for necessities. I am confident in saying that Joe had probably never set foot in the junior girls department before, but he apparently navigated it like a pro. Oksana seemed to be very pleased with her purchases as we were admiring her new clothes during our visit. Joe said both children were troopers through the entire trip and that it was very cool to see them experience everything for the first time. Mathew was amazed at everything on the airplane right down to the tray table. Both Lyda and Mathew slept over 12 hours on Sunday night and the luggage arrived sometime in the wee hours Monday morning. All is well that ends well and we feel very blessed to have them home.
Now for Tonya and Jason Vitali,
This gets confusing but here are the facts as I understand them. My last update was that Jason had an infection that needed to be treated with penicillin. The physician at the department where the physical was conducted said that it should be 10 consecutive days of anitbiotics in the form of a shot. However, they don't administer the treatment there. Tonya and Joe tried a couple of different clinics last week that had been recommended but they were "private" clinics and wouldn't administer the treatment. Tonya had another appointment on Monday with a different physician who said that she would recommend one shot per week for three consecutive weeks but after retesting Jason to verify the diagnosis her test was negative and revealed no infection. So she contacted the physician who had done the original test and apparently after a 45 minute discussion he agreed to accept her negative result. However, he doesn't have the authority to release the records without agreement from the CDC in Atlanta. Meanwhile, we have been on a mission stateside to try and seek assistance from anyone that can possibly get the records released so that they can come home (State Department, Senators, CDC, etc....). Please pray that tomorrow will result in the release of his records. Tonya has now been in the Ukraine a really long time!!!! Imagine trying to entertain a 3 yr old in a hotel room in a foreign country where you arent' very familiar with the surroundings and you can't speak the language! On top of that, she was charging the blackberry through Joe's computer that he had to bring home with him so she doesn't even have the release that she previously had of communication through e-mail. Once again let me just say that I have nothing but the utmost respect for both Tonya and Joe. Parenting is full of sacrifices and they are truly being tested right out of the gate. We are all praying that the physician in the Ukraine will arrive to work tomorrow and see a fax from the CDC accepting the negative result and releasing the records. I will keep you posted. Never underestimate the power of prayer.
The good news. Joe, Lyda Oksana, and Mathew Dima are safe and sound in the U.S.A. We had a wonderful visit with them yesterday. Oksana is shy but warms up quickly and took immediately to Lindsay. She has a very pleasant demeanor and is very intelligent. With her English and a book for translating we were able to communicate pretty effectively. Mathew has a million dollar smile that makes you just want to hug on him. He and Madison immediately started coloring, working on puzzles, and eventually ended up outside playing tag. We had a very nice visit and are excited to have cousins that live so close.
Nothing in this process has been without incident and the trip home was no exception. Joe, Lyda, and Mathew missed the flight out of Kiev literally by 5 minutes because they needed the one piece of paperwork that they didn't have. By the time Ramon delivered it they had just closed the gate. They were able to get on a later flight out of Kiev and were told that they would still make their connection. Despite sprinting through the NY airport they missed the connection again by just 5 minutes. Turns out that Delta had actually closed the flight early so they put the Eastman's and 7 other travelers that also missed the flight up in a hotel for the night. At 5 a.m. they headed back to the airport to finish the journey home. They arrived safely at RDU on Sunday morning but no sign of the luggage. This led to the first of what I am sure will be many, trips to Wal-mart for necessities. I am confident in saying that Joe had probably never set foot in the junior girls department before, but he apparently navigated it like a pro. Oksana seemed to be very pleased with her purchases as we were admiring her new clothes during our visit. Joe said both children were troopers through the entire trip and that it was very cool to see them experience everything for the first time. Mathew was amazed at everything on the airplane right down to the tray table. Both Lyda and Mathew slept over 12 hours on Sunday night and the luggage arrived sometime in the wee hours Monday morning. All is well that ends well and we feel very blessed to have them home.
Now for Tonya and Jason Vitali,
This gets confusing but here are the facts as I understand them. My last update was that Jason had an infection that needed to be treated with penicillin. The physician at the department where the physical was conducted said that it should be 10 consecutive days of anitbiotics in the form of a shot. However, they don't administer the treatment there. Tonya and Joe tried a couple of different clinics last week that had been recommended but they were "private" clinics and wouldn't administer the treatment. Tonya had another appointment on Monday with a different physician who said that she would recommend one shot per week for three consecutive weeks but after retesting Jason to verify the diagnosis her test was negative and revealed no infection. So she contacted the physician who had done the original test and apparently after a 45 minute discussion he agreed to accept her negative result. However, he doesn't have the authority to release the records without agreement from the CDC in Atlanta. Meanwhile, we have been on a mission stateside to try and seek assistance from anyone that can possibly get the records released so that they can come home (State Department, Senators, CDC, etc....). Please pray that tomorrow will result in the release of his records. Tonya has now been in the Ukraine a really long time!!!! Imagine trying to entertain a 3 yr old in a hotel room in a foreign country where you arent' very familiar with the surroundings and you can't speak the language! On top of that, she was charging the blackberry through Joe's computer that he had to bring home with him so she doesn't even have the release that she previously had of communication through e-mail. Once again let me just say that I have nothing but the utmost respect for both Tonya and Joe. Parenting is full of sacrifices and they are truly being tested right out of the gate. We are all praying that the physician in the Ukraine will arrive to work tomorrow and see a fax from the CDC accepting the negative result and releasing the records. I will keep you posted. Never underestimate the power of prayer.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
So close yet so far away
I am so annoyed to have to update that with only a few days to go until the Eastman's board the plane for home there has been a minor setback. The results from Monday's medical appointment showed that Jason or little V-man as Wendy affectionatly calls him has an infection that has to be treated before he can be cleared to leave the country. The good news is that it is nothing that won't be cured with a round of antibiotics. The bad news is that it is going to require one dose per day for 10 days and it has to be administered in the Ukraine. My first reaction when I read the e-mail was "Are you kidding me? Seriously, can they not just get on the plane already and come home." But those thoughts were followed by thank the Lord that it wasn't anything more serious and what a blessing that it can be taken care of with just a round of anitbiotics.
So the new plan is that Joe, Lyda Oksana, and Mathew will return home on Saturday as scheduled. Tonya and Jason will remain in the Ukraine for at least an additional 10 days. It is hard not to be a little disappointed that they won't all be coming home together but they have made it this far and they will make it another 10 days. Please pray for safe flights home, a successful round of antibiotics, and patience for Tonya and Joe as they each attempt solo parenting for the next few days.
Have a Happy Memorial Day Weekend,
Rachel
So the new plan is that Joe, Lyda Oksana, and Mathew will return home on Saturday as scheduled. Tonya and Jason will remain in the Ukraine for at least an additional 10 days. It is hard not to be a little disappointed that they won't all be coming home together but they have made it this far and they will make it another 10 days. Please pray for safe flights home, a successful round of antibiotics, and patience for Tonya and Joe as they each attempt solo parenting for the next few days.
Have a Happy Memorial Day Weekend,
Rachel
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
A Good Day
Things are going well in Kiev. Below are some of the e-mails from Tonya and Joe:
Monday:
Medical Appointments were fine this morning. All were tested for syphillis/HIV and because Lyda is over ten she had to get a couple of vaccinations. The actual medical check did not consist of much - a listen to the heart and lungs and a check of the lymph nodes. Planning on going to the circus on Friday night!
Tuesday:
It it 8:00 PM and so far the day has been pretty good. Boys had grits for breakfast, the instant ones I brought, and ate them like they were candy. They were actually pretty good and I wasn't expecting them to be because they were instant. Lyda on the other hand hated them and spit hers out and ran to rinse her mouth out. As an aside the boys have not had a thing put in front of them that they did not eat like it was their last meal. Probably they have some making up to do. We never saw a meal at the orphanage to know about portion control or how much they got. They have the refrigerator figured out and are constantly drinking water and juice. Since Sunday afternoon we have gone through 12 liters of water (not sure how that translates to gallons but it seems like a lot to us). Nowhere to be this morning so we slept in. That meant seven something before the little feet pitter-pattered. We actually got Lyda up at 9:30.To get out of the house we decided to go walking toward the main square. We ended up at a park near the Hyatt (Mom the one with the brass lion that you can sit on and the playthings that look like a dragon). Met a lady there from Fargo, North Dakota - also adopting, 6 1/2 year old boy. He seemed much more filled out than Matthew. (Might explain the bottomless pit.)Lunch we had at a sandwich shop on the way back to the apartment. Pretty good. When we got to the apartment it was nap time and Jason went to sleep for 1 1/2 hours. I . After nap we went to the park near the apartment and had some successful play time. The little store near us had pasta and sause (pretty good). Joe cooked the entire package of noodles and I thought he was crazy but we ate almost every bit, again, bottomless pits. Even Lyda had seconds. Jason has learned the phrase "Did Mama say no?" We practiced our bear hugs today with much success. We are thankful for many things a few follow - sippy cups, screw on caps, wipes. Lyda spent some time today talking with her friends and was in a more jovial mood this evening. She has also discovered Joe's tetris game (thanks to whoever gave that to us). The perfect ending to a good day was that Jason went to sleep tonight without so much as a wimper.
Tonya and Joe
Monday:
Medical Appointments were fine this morning. All were tested for syphillis/HIV and because Lyda is over ten she had to get a couple of vaccinations. The actual medical check did not consist of much - a listen to the heart and lungs and a check of the lymph nodes. Planning on going to the circus on Friday night!
Tuesday:
It it 8:00 PM and so far the day has been pretty good. Boys had grits for breakfast, the instant ones I brought, and ate them like they were candy. They were actually pretty good and I wasn't expecting them to be because they were instant. Lyda on the other hand hated them and spit hers out and ran to rinse her mouth out. As an aside the boys have not had a thing put in front of them that they did not eat like it was their last meal. Probably they have some making up to do. We never saw a meal at the orphanage to know about portion control or how much they got. They have the refrigerator figured out and are constantly drinking water and juice. Since Sunday afternoon we have gone through 12 liters of water (not sure how that translates to gallons but it seems like a lot to us). Nowhere to be this morning so we slept in. That meant seven something before the little feet pitter-pattered. We actually got Lyda up at 9:30.To get out of the house we decided to go walking toward the main square. We ended up at a park near the Hyatt (Mom the one with the brass lion that you can sit on and the playthings that look like a dragon). Met a lady there from Fargo, North Dakota - also adopting, 6 1/2 year old boy. He seemed much more filled out than Matthew. (Might explain the bottomless pit.)Lunch we had at a sandwich shop on the way back to the apartment. Pretty good. When we got to the apartment it was nap time and Jason went to sleep for 1 1/2 hours. I . After nap we went to the park near the apartment and had some successful play time. The little store near us had pasta and sause (pretty good). Joe cooked the entire package of noodles and I thought he was crazy but we ate almost every bit, again, bottomless pits. Even Lyda had seconds. Jason has learned the phrase "Did Mama say no?" We practiced our bear hugs today with much success. We are thankful for many things a few follow - sippy cups, screw on caps, wipes. Lyda spent some time today talking with her friends and was in a more jovial mood this evening. She has also discovered Joe's tetris game (thanks to whoever gave that to us). The perfect ending to a good day was that Jason went to sleep tonight without so much as a wimper.
Tonya and Joe
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Busy Days
The Eastman's have had a busy couple of days. Yesterday they said goodbye to the ophanage and headed to Kiev. I can only imagine how hard it had to be for Oksansa to say goodbye to her friends and the familiarity of the orphanage. She is so brave and I cannot wait to meet her in person.
Below is an update from Tonya:
We went back to the ophanage on Saturday. It was a special day at the Orphanage - no school because a school group from Kiev came to do a program. We went and despite the fact that it was in Ukrainian I am pretty sure it was about the founding of Ukraine. The people at the orphanage are very nice people and are very sad to see the children go. We gave them one of the NC picture books we brought with our family picture and contact information inside and they really liked it. Everyone has - who wouldn't, we have a beautiful state.
We loaded up a very tearful Lyda Oksana, a concerned looking Matthew Dima and a pretty happy Jason Vitali. Ramon said Jason was the happiest person there he also commented that he is never still. Seems like I have heard that said about some other youngsters I know. Oksana withdrew into the corner of the van the entire way to Kiev. Matthew wanted to look at everything that he could get his eyes on, from the lining in the top of the van to every " machina" on the road. Jason played with a water bottle all the way and was pretty good in general with minimal squirming. Remember, there are no car seats or apparently the using of any safety devices by anyone here so the five of us were in the back seat of Nikolai's little Renault van. Once in Kiev - at the same apartment you and I stayed in Mom- Matthew and I went around the block to the store and got some bread, jelly (which I thought was grape but I am pretty sure now is some other berry), water and chips. I had given Oksana a taste of the peanut butter Friday night and she liked it so we lit in and made PB & J's for everyone. They all liked the "American Sandwiches". Immediately after eating (about 1:30) Lyda said it was time for the boys to sleep, took them into the room and two seconds later she was back and the boys were asleep until 5:00. Wanted to write then but left crackberry in room with sleeping children.When boys woke up Joe and I took them to a playground right at the end of the block. Good thing Mom and I had already covered all this territory so we know where everything is - including the nearest McD's which we did not eat dinner at (I want to know who won the pool). Instead we went to a pizza place that was very close (other end of the block) that Nikolai showed us when he let Mom and I out. It was like fast food pizza - high counters to sit at and no low tables so we got a couple of pizzas to go and went back to the apartment to eat. After dinner the boys played a bit and then Oksana said it wat time for a bath. We actually gave them a seudo-shower. The tub has a hand held shower nozzel, so the boys stood in the tub, Lyda soaped and I rinsed em down. I am pretty sure the boys have never experienced a tub before based on their reactions. Mom you are just going to have to imagine what that was like.
Lyda emerged from the van in Kiev much better, though it still took a while for her to really seem comfortable. She has been a fantastic help today (sandwiches, washed the dishes up - boy do I hope that impulse lasts forever-, boys naps and baths). She did spend some time today on the phone to her friends and got a text tonight from Yeva saying that she was sad and crying. Yeva and Oksana are the closest but Lasia was so upset she did not come see us leave today. I actually put a picture of Lyda and Yeva in a picture frame in her room and when she was looking at the pictures of her room on the digital camera she zoomed in on that picture right away and was very happy about it.When we get back we can fill you in on other details - which I would tell you if I was able to keep up with this thing every day - but since we have been quite busy, I have not had time.
Tomorrow is Medical Appointments and Embassy so do not expect any updates until later. Hope this has whet your appetite and gotten you caught back up pretty well. Jason only took an hour and a half to ge to sleep tonight though I am pretty sure it had to do with gas - two brand new foods to his system (peanut butter and pizza). He settled down pretty quickly after giving him a children's Pepto (thanks Ribble).
Tonz (up waaay past my bedtime)
Below is an update from Tonya:
We went back to the ophanage on Saturday. It was a special day at the Orphanage - no school because a school group from Kiev came to do a program. We went and despite the fact that it was in Ukrainian I am pretty sure it was about the founding of Ukraine. The people at the orphanage are very nice people and are very sad to see the children go. We gave them one of the NC picture books we brought with our family picture and contact information inside and they really liked it. Everyone has - who wouldn't, we have a beautiful state.
We loaded up a very tearful Lyda Oksana, a concerned looking Matthew Dima and a pretty happy Jason Vitali. Ramon said Jason was the happiest person there he also commented that he is never still. Seems like I have heard that said about some other youngsters I know. Oksana withdrew into the corner of the van the entire way to Kiev. Matthew wanted to look at everything that he could get his eyes on, from the lining in the top of the van to every " machina" on the road. Jason played with a water bottle all the way and was pretty good in general with minimal squirming. Remember, there are no car seats or apparently the using of any safety devices by anyone here so the five of us were in the back seat of Nikolai's little Renault van. Once in Kiev - at the same apartment you and I stayed in Mom- Matthew and I went around the block to the store and got some bread, jelly (which I thought was grape but I am pretty sure now is some other berry), water and chips. I had given Oksana a taste of the peanut butter Friday night and she liked it so we lit in and made PB & J's for everyone. They all liked the "American Sandwiches". Immediately after eating (about 1:30) Lyda said it was time for the boys to sleep, took them into the room and two seconds later she was back and the boys were asleep until 5:00. Wanted to write then but left crackberry in room with sleeping children.When boys woke up Joe and I took them to a playground right at the end of the block. Good thing Mom and I had already covered all this territory so we know where everything is - including the nearest McD's which we did not eat dinner at (I want to know who won the pool). Instead we went to a pizza place that was very close (other end of the block) that Nikolai showed us when he let Mom and I out. It was like fast food pizza - high counters to sit at and no low tables so we got a couple of pizzas to go and went back to the apartment to eat. After dinner the boys played a bit and then Oksana said it wat time for a bath. We actually gave them a seudo-shower. The tub has a hand held shower nozzel, so the boys stood in the tub, Lyda soaped and I rinsed em down. I am pretty sure the boys have never experienced a tub before based on their reactions. Mom you are just going to have to imagine what that was like.
Lyda emerged from the van in Kiev much better, though it still took a while for her to really seem comfortable. She has been a fantastic help today (sandwiches, washed the dishes up - boy do I hope that impulse lasts forever-, boys naps and baths). She did spend some time today on the phone to her friends and got a text tonight from Yeva saying that she was sad and crying. Yeva and Oksana are the closest but Lasia was so upset she did not come see us leave today. I actually put a picture of Lyda and Yeva in a picture frame in her room and when she was looking at the pictures of her room on the digital camera she zoomed in on that picture right away and was very happy about it.When we get back we can fill you in on other details - which I would tell you if I was able to keep up with this thing every day - but since we have been quite busy, I have not had time.
Tomorrow is Medical Appointments and Embassy so do not expect any updates until later. Hope this has whet your appetite and gotten you caught back up pretty well. Jason only took an hour and a half to ge to sleep tonight though I am pretty sure it had to do with gas - two brand new foods to his system (peanut butter and pizza). He settled down pretty quickly after giving him a children's Pepto (thanks Ribble).
Tonz (up waaay past my bedtime)
Friday, May 16, 2008
Welcome to Parenthood!
This is Rachel and it gives me the warm fuzzies to finally be able to post that Tonya and Joe have possession of the children! They left Raleigh early yesterday headed back to the Ukraine. I think they were both up at 3:15 a.m. in order to get to the airport on time. When Wendy read the e-mail below she summed it up best by replying "Welcome to parenthood".
Thanks for all the prayers! Joe, Tonya, Lyda Oksana, Mathew Dima, and Jason Vitali are all scheduled to arrive back in Raleigh next Saturday.
Here is the e-mail from Joe (When it came over is was 12:30 a.m. in the Ukraine).
"Long day without much sleep! Tonya and I arrived this morning without incident. We went straight to the orphanage to sign paperwork that we were taking custody of the kids, but the plan was that we would actually take possession on Sunday afternoon. Best laid plans...instead we took immediate possession, had dinner (all with great appetites except Oksana), took showers and donned pjs, and have spent the last 3 hours trying to coax Jason Vitali to sleep. Oksana is trying to work some magic with Tonya in the other hotel room, while I listen to Matthew Dima snooze away."
Thanks for all the prayers! Joe, Tonya, Lyda Oksana, Mathew Dima, and Jason Vitali are all scheduled to arrive back in Raleigh next Saturday.
Here is the e-mail from Joe (When it came over is was 12:30 a.m. in the Ukraine).
"Long day without much sleep! Tonya and I arrived this morning without incident. We went straight to the orphanage to sign paperwork that we were taking custody of the kids, but the plan was that we would actually take possession on Sunday afternoon. Best laid plans...instead we took immediate possession, had dinner (all with great appetites except Oksana), took showers and donned pjs, and have spent the last 3 hours trying to coax Jason Vitali to sleep. Oksana is trying to work some magic with Tonya in the other hotel room, while I listen to Matthew Dima snooze away."
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Meet The Eastmans
We've posted a few pics of Lyda Oksana, Matthew Dima and Jason Vitali below. The Ukraine court confirms that we are now official parents!
More to come soon.
joe & Tonya
More to come soon.
joe & Tonya
Thursday, May 1, 2008
It Is Good To Be Home
I have been home since late Monday night. My flight on Monday seemed like orphan flight. There were three couples with ten children between them that were all heading home from their adoption journey. I sat across the aisle from a man from Holly Springs who has adopted two children and was returning from a trip to get a visa for a third. While I also wished we had our three on the flight too I know that we are close to getting them here. Now that I am back in the house I cannot look around without imagining them here.
The flight was long and got even longer because of the thunderstorms heading up the east coast. We were on schedule arriving into New York before we got to start circling the airport waiting for the opportunity to land, that added an extra hour to the ten we had already been flying. On the ground I do not have much to say for the organization or efficiency of the customs process at JFK. I am sure if they would give me one day I could have them straightened out! By the time we got through we had 30 minutes before the flight to NC was to leave so we race-walked to the gate. We need not have worried because that flight was delayed too. First from 4:05 to 6:50. Then to 7:55 then back to 7:20 (which was better). Really they were not sure when we would leave because we were waiting on both pilots and flight crew. The co-pilot arrived first, then the pilot and finally a flight attendant. The plane lifted off the ground at 8:40, four hours and forty minutes after it was scheduled to. We were so happy because there were many flights that were completely cancelled.
Touched down in Raleigh at 10:05 by the time we got the luggage it was after 10:30 getting on the road home. Felt so good to be smelling NC air.
Despite having been up at that point for 25 1/2 hours there was no way I was getting in bed without washing the Ukraine off.
Didn't really sleep that late Tuesday or Wednesday. Actually today, Thursday, was the first day I really slept in. Tuesday I didn't do much of anything but wash clothes and lay on the couch. Although, I did have the Bo for breakfast, sweet tea has got to be the bes thing on earth! Tuesday I got back to normal with a trip to Wal-mart and checking some e-mails. Joe and I also had dinner with Rachel and Tadd.
Several people have asked if we are going to put pictures of the children on the blog now that they are officially ours and the answer is yes, but it will probably be this weekend before we get some time to sit down and get them on. So check back on Monday.
We plan to return to Ukraine on May 15th. My fervent hope is that it will be for about a week. Hopefully while we are here in the US new birth certificates and passports are being made and all that will be left will be medical appointments and a trip to the US EMbassy for visas for the children.
Thanks to everyone for your prayers and well wishes. They have been much needed and much appreciated. The journey is not over yet but we cannot wait to get our new ones home and settled in and have them meet all the wonderful people in our lives.
The flight was long and got even longer because of the thunderstorms heading up the east coast. We were on schedule arriving into New York before we got to start circling the airport waiting for the opportunity to land, that added an extra hour to the ten we had already been flying. On the ground I do not have much to say for the organization or efficiency of the customs process at JFK. I am sure if they would give me one day I could have them straightened out! By the time we got through we had 30 minutes before the flight to NC was to leave so we race-walked to the gate. We need not have worried because that flight was delayed too. First from 4:05 to 6:50. Then to 7:55 then back to 7:20 (which was better). Really they were not sure when we would leave because we were waiting on both pilots and flight crew. The co-pilot arrived first, then the pilot and finally a flight attendant. The plane lifted off the ground at 8:40, four hours and forty minutes after it was scheduled to. We were so happy because there were many flights that were completely cancelled.
Touched down in Raleigh at 10:05 by the time we got the luggage it was after 10:30 getting on the road home. Felt so good to be smelling NC air.
Despite having been up at that point for 25 1/2 hours there was no way I was getting in bed without washing the Ukraine off.
Didn't really sleep that late Tuesday or Wednesday. Actually today, Thursday, was the first day I really slept in. Tuesday I didn't do much of anything but wash clothes and lay on the couch. Although, I did have the Bo for breakfast, sweet tea has got to be the bes thing on earth! Tuesday I got back to normal with a trip to Wal-mart and checking some e-mails. Joe and I also had dinner with Rachel and Tadd.
Several people have asked if we are going to put pictures of the children on the blog now that they are officially ours and the answer is yes, but it will probably be this weekend before we get some time to sit down and get them on. So check back on Monday.
We plan to return to Ukraine on May 15th. My fervent hope is that it will be for about a week. Hopefully while we are here in the US new birth certificates and passports are being made and all that will be left will be medical appointments and a trip to the US EMbassy for visas for the children.
Thanks to everyone for your prayers and well wishes. They have been much needed and much appreciated. The journey is not over yet but we cannot wait to get our new ones home and settled in and have them meet all the wonderful people in our lives.
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