Hanging on by a thread

"Little universes hanging onto a thin thread.......like we all do"

This is how my life feels at the moment. Today is the day that our little miss's paperwork should be able to finish being processed in Russia. I haven't heard anything new and am trying to believe that all is still going well as I haven't received any bad news. I hope I hear something next week about where our paperwork stands and when our case can get submitted to court.

Dylan's Sponge-tacular Party

Whew....we survived :o) Actually, it went great, especially considering their were about 26 kids. Now I get to figure out where to put all the new toys......always a challege!! We actually did Dylan's party about 2 weeks before his actual birthday. With the adoption and having no clue when we'll actually get to go back to Russia, I just wanted to make sure we got the party in, and now I can focus on Christmas.

The 3rd picture is of my mom and Dylan.....doesn't she look fabulous? If only I were aging as well!! Just love that hot Gramma!

Our visit from our agency went well this weekend also. It was to update our homestudy, but it was more of a chance to visit and ask questions and show off the baby's room. I don't know anything new. I'm still waiting on a reply from the staff in Russia to find out if court papers will be ready to be submitted the first part of December.

Met someone from Vlad who is being sooo helpful!!

My aunt works with a lady who is from Vladivostok and still has many friends and family there. I met her for lunch, it was wonderful. She helped me translate a thank you note to give to caregivers and agency staff and is putting me in touch with people who live in Vlad. Such a small world!! Can you believe she even had her first wedding at the Vlad Motor Inn?? She put me in touch with an American who has lived there for a long time as well, and all are willing to help/entertain me during the loooong second visit. This is especially great as my husband will be returning after court. Of course due to the winter weather there I'm thinking I'll be hybernating a lot, but I'm sure I'll be stir-crazy enough to want to come out of the cave on occasion. My agency seems to feel pretty certain that I won't be getting custody during the 10-day wait, so some fun outings will be very welcome.

We will be entertaining a lot of kiddos this weekend.....I'll have the Crabby Patties ready! In the midst of party planning we also get to have our social worker visit for our homestudy update. I can pretty much guarantee you I won't be killing myself cleaning like crazy this time. Its looking like we're going to have close to 30 kids coming, not to mention parents so hopefully the visit will be short and sweet.

Everything should be ready to submit to courts...

by the first part of December (but with my luck I'm guessing mid-December). Our homestudy should be all updated, I sent off updated medicals yesterday, FBI clearances are still good until February, and our updated USCIS papers get sent over to Russia via an electronic file so thats great and should all be in order. All I can do is hope the courts don't ask for additional paperwork and can set a fast court date. I'm still guessing mid-January if all goes well.

Meanwhile, I'm getting ready for a fun Spongebob party for my big boy.....6!! How in the world did THAT happen?? It will be at a local bouncy house place so it won't be near as much work as our usual "home" parties. Anyone have a good crock-pot appetizer recipe, suitable for a kids birthday party?? After that I can concentrate on the holidays. I certainly have plenty to keep me busy, but it never keeps me from missing our little miss and wanting to finally be her mommy and getting the chance to show her what its like to have the love of family.

Is fall finally here?

Of course I wish that were the Russian snow he is playing in. This So. Cal girl is really ready to brave a Russian winter to bring our little miss home. But, I'm afraid we will have to stay put for a few more months. Our delay should be resolved at the end of the month, now I'm afraid our updated I600a won't be in Russia in time to get papers submitted to the courts at the first of December. I'm trying to light a fire under our agency to get things done. It better work. We've done everything we need to do. I have no idea how long it takes USCIS to extend the I600a after getting everything.....?? Its really frustrating just how long everything takes. Then, updated docs will need to head to Sacramento for apostilles before heading off to Russia for translation, and only THEN ready to be submitted to the courts. Big sigh......I just want her home.

Happy Birthday my precious angel ~Sarah Kay~

7 years since we had you.....7 years since you were laid on my chest and pierced my heart......7 years since I held you........I remember it all so well. You held all my hopes and dreams, my miracle after years of infertility.......you were so alive, kicking so strong inside my belly........you were so perfect and beautiful. You taught me what it meant to truly love. You are with me always.....I know you are with us now, I am a better person and better mommy because you were in my life, even if for such a brief time.