Celebrating 6 Months Home!!!

I can’t believe we just recently celebrated our 6-month anniversary of being home! It has been an amazing continuation to the journey..... Looking at the photos on the blog bring back the memories of those first few days home. What a special time that was…… It has been totally mind-boggling to watch Agella go from a handful of English words to being totally conversational. We were told she would pick it up quickly. They were right! She doesn’t have a shy bone in her body so even though she isn’t always “grammatically correct” she can carry on a conversation with the best of them – her Dad included! :) She adjusted well to American school and made some really wonderful friends before the end of the school year. Len took her to UC for Take Your Child to Work Day - she loved seeing a "university" and wants to go there when she gets out of high school - so she can still live at home and sleep in her own bed!!! :) Soon after we were home we celebrated her first Easter and Passover in America. She met many of her cousins and aunts and uncles. We thought she might be overwhelmed, but she absolutely loved it!

She attended a summer camp that included swim lessons and daily swimming sessions, outings to the Indianapolis Children’s Museum, Coney Island to name a few. We bought her her first bicycle. She loves to ride. She took karate and ballet lessons over the summer too! We went on vacation with the our cousin's the Pax’s to St. Simon’s Island, GA and Isle of Palms, SC. It was so fun to see Angella’s face the first time we approached the beach and her excitement when she found her first sand dollar and conch shell. By the 4th of July, she had met all three of her big brothers! She loves having brothers and although she doesn’t see them often she runs to the phone whenever they call!

Starting school was a breeze as she was so excited to be in the 5th grade with her best friends Maddie and Vanessa. The Montessori environment and her teacher Ms. Jill have proved to be the perfect fit for her! We found a life saver in Zebo. A graduate student from UC that is from Uzbekistan (near Russia). She speaks Russian and is studying linguistics. She and Angella hit if off immediately. Nice to have the "tutor" responsibility off of my plate! We’re wrapping up her first soccer season. She absolutely loves soccer! She scored a goal last game! We celebrated with snickers and Indian food that night. Her favorite. She and Len go out golfing whenever possible. Last time she had a 150 yard drive right onto the green! Needless to say, Len was a proud papa! Angella also loves to cook and puts garlic, cayenne pepper, and pepper jack cheese on just about everything. She “mans the grill” anytime she has the opportunity! She eats more fruit than you would believe! And a whole cucumber and tomatoes accompany her to school each day in her lunch box.

She has learned a handful of magic tricks that are actually quite unbelievable. Her latest interest is making jewelry. Gail, Len’s sister was so impressed with the pair she made for her, that she asked Angella to make an assortment for her gallery in Chapel Hill, NC. We spent hours searching for beads and now she is in non-stop production mode. We’re creating a logo and artist statement – she’s already written the copy! It's nice to see her innocence and hear her laugh out loud as she watches her cartoons. Not a day goes by where she doesn’t get her “sponge bob fix”!

We celebrated our 6-month anniversary with Bubbi and Grandpa Marv and Grandma Norma and Frank. We ordered Indian - of course and showered her with a few special gifts. It was a special evening for all of us.

Mom and Dad are doing great. We are enjoying sharing the responsibilities of parenthood. It’s definitely different from our quiet and spontaneous lifestyle we were accustomed to. For Len it’s been great experiencing a daughter. Fortunately she loves sports but the sweetness of being scared of monsters at night and fashion shows after a little shopping spree, are always a hit! He affirms girls are definitely different than boys! Motherhood has come very naturally and the connection that Angella and I share is indescribable. It’s not to say there aren’t challenges with adopting an older child, but it’s certainly been easier than either of us imagined. Most of the time, she is a complete joy to be with. We love having Angella in our lives! She truly is a blessing!

Look for another update just after the holidays. A lot of “firsts” coming our way! Angella’s 12th birthday is January 7.

Enjoying the days of our lives……….

Pam, Len and Angella

Home Sweet Home!!!!!!

I am touched by the love and support we have had during our adoption journey! Unless you have been there, you may not realize how much it meant to us……. We feel blessed to have you all in our lives.

Angella is truly a special spirit and when you meet her you will feel the gentleness of her energy. In as much as she is “spunky” and extraverted, she is sensitive, sweet and kind.

She absolutely loved the plane ride home and made friends up and down the aisles….. it was nice for her to be exposed to English while she was still able to converse so naturally with the other Russians on the plane from Kiev. We were so happy to see our friend Michele at the airport. She greeted us with a bouquet of flowers for Angella, water bottles and girl scout cookies…… Can you tell she is a mom!?!

Coming home was so exhilarating…… she nearly crawled out of her skin! She was so giddy and excited, she just keep jumping up and down. It was the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen. “WOW” was all she could say and then “this is my room?” She rubbed her eyes, as if she simply couldn’t believe it….. it still brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it.

She slept soundly but only till 5:00am. Was up, yet very quiet, enjoying the privacy of her own bedroom…. It was a rainy day but she seemed content being at home….. a trip to our local grocery store was our only outing…… Her cousin Chelsea stopped by for breakfast. They were instant friends! Today we went to my hair salon, as I desperately needed a cut. At first she said she didn’t want hers cut, but changed her mind when she met Emily. Out to lunch so Papa could watch the Xavier Muskateers and then to the Crohn Conservatory for a little touch of nature. Friday we went to her school, Sands Montessori, where she met her Principal and her ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher, Mrs. Green, who happens to be Russian. She starts school on April 1st and can’t wait.

Over the past two days she has met Babushka Norma and Florence and Dadushka Marv. Her brother Zach came into town at the last minute, so she was able to meet him as well. Last night, our friends the Bambergers, joined us for pizza and an outdoor fire. She, Abby and Aaron hit it off immediately! We’ll be celebrating Easter on Sunday with my family! Passover will be here soon and then she will have met both clans!

It’s been an incredibly journey and we are both so glad that this part is over…… we missed our home, our country and all of you that that fill our lives with joy. The best is yet to come!!! We look forward to sharing this blog and your comments with her each year on the anniversary of our journey to Bring Angella Home!

Will post again sometime soon,

Till then, Happy Spring!
Love,

Pam, Len and Angella

Day 45 – 49……………………… Rounding Kiev and Heading for Home!!!!!

Well it’s been a roller coaster of highs and lows and a journey like no other. We have spent the last few days with our little Angella in the comforts of our own environment and have found great comfort and connection as we strengthen the bonds of our family unit. She’s an absolute pleasure to be with, has a really great sense of humor and is extremely sensitive and thoughtful. We’ve had some emotional moments, as one would imagine, along with utter joy and happiness.

We found out on Thursday that a mistake was made when the social security office entered Angella’s name into the system. This would most likely delay our departure until Thursday, as it’s the first step in processing her passport. The wind was completely knocked out of our sails….. After three days of stress and anticipation we found out that the passport was making its way for a Saturday arrival, via train, from Kiev. However, the passport agency is closed on Saturdays, so even though Galya worked with our new facilitator in Kiev to “expedite” things – (again) we wouldn’t be able to get it until Monday. Friday afternoon, with a little pleading, a woman Galya knows at the passport agency, offered to come in on Saturday to process Angella’s passport. This gesture of kindness will enable us to make on flight on Tuesday!!!! It was nice to end our experience in Sevastopol on a high note.

So tonight we packed and cleaned our “home away from home” and prepared for the final leg of the journey. Monday in Kiev, will consist of an appointment at the American Embassy and a medical exam. We have changed our flights and are now booked on the 10:00am flight to New York. I can’t wait to land on American soil and see the expression on her face!

We’ve packed games, books, snacks and other little surprises to help us pass the time. Angella seems up for the journey and cannot wait to get home!!! We’re hoping she’s up for a little Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday, but will wait and see how things go……..

Before signing off from our “international location”, I’d like to ask for those of you that haven’t left a comment but have been following along, to please sign in. We’ve been told that we have many “friends of friends” following our journey. It would mean a lot to us, and no doubt to Angella some day, to know who you are and who told you about us. This “electronic journal” as Joann so appropriately coined it, will be a keepsake, no doubt.

We’ll no doubt be very busy once we are home. Doctor appointments, enrolling in school and play dates that we’ve arranged…… but I will post again soon to let you all know how the “transition to home” is going…….

Your comments and emails have made all the difference. We love you all!


Sharing a few quotes that have helped us endure the journey. Enjoy!!!!

If you can’t fight, and you can’t flee, FLOW! Dr. Robert Elliot

Success requires three bones---- a wishbone, a backbone and funny bone. Kobi Yamada

Families are like quilts…… Lives pieced together, stitched with smiles and tears. Colored with memories and bound by God’s love. Unknown

Day 44…………………………………. Surprise!!!!

What a great day! Our first bit of unexpected good news in 6 weeks. Galya called to say she thought there was a chance our court decree might be ready a day early so we should be ready at 8:45 to head to the court house. After waiting for the judge for 1 ½ hours, sure enough, we had his signature and the race was on.

We made it to every office we needed to get to just before either they closed for lunch or took their mid afternoon break! One step leads to another and she had it perfectly synchronized! We took a break from the paperwork action and headed to the Desky Dom to pick up Angella. She was expecting us for our typical 4-6 visit but thought something was up when we arrived at 3 with all of the gifts she had picked out for the girls in her group and her “mamas”….. We said “suprees” (surprise) and she knew today was the day! She nearly jumped out of her skin! It was a hustle bustle, as we had a 4:00 appointment with the notary and still a stop at the passport office, which closed at 6:00. So gifts were given, good-byes were said and off we went!

6:30 we finally arrived home. Exhausted yet exhilarated! Our process is 90% complete! WOW! It was a neck breaking day but wonderful to get it all done so quickly! We’re just waiting on her passport which if all goes well, will be ready on Friday. We’ll head to Kiev on Sunday and fly home on Tuesday, March 18th for a 7:30pm arrival!

Made our Ukrainian version of Stir Fry! Trying to introduce a little Korean cuisine to test the waters….. She picked at it but really did quite well considering she didn’t know what more than half of the vegetables were…… and had never had soy sauce! Next we suggested a “bubble bath”….. Took a little explanation, again, more gestering and hand motions, but she got it and was very excited! Incense, candles and soft music, the perfect setting for her first bubble bath experience……..

Day 41, 42 and 43………………. Mother’s Day, Mountains and Music

Saturday
Started the day back at the apartment with a quick breakfast of egg sandwiches and fresh fruit. Angella surprised me with a Mother’s Day card. It’s in Russian so I need to have Galya translate it for me, but the look on her face said everything. Len confirmed that it was her idea – he had nothing to do with it – well, except to provide the grivna ($). I was very touched. She is a sensitive child. I don’t know which of us was happier….. The new mother, or the one who now has a mom…

Took a long ride to the countryside and hiked to the top of one of the Crimean mountains… home to a 15th Century settlement that the Tatars inhabited for 500 years. We had taken an assortment of sundries with us and enjoyed the most magnificent picnic ever……. There was a monastery there as well – built into the side of the mountain. Amazing…….

Sunday
We heard about the record snow in Columbus and Cincinnati. Sorry we aren’t there to enjoy it but it was a gorgeous day here! 60 and sunny! We headed to the market to get Angella a Russian doll. (wooden dolls beautifully painted – 5 encapsulated in descending sizes) We came back to the apartment for our ritualistic snack: cookies and cappuccino. Angella showed off her dancing skills. She started out gracefully performing ballet to the ethereal sounds of Enya. Followed by an encore performance of improvisational modern dance to some hip modern tunes we brought from home! She is quite the dancer!!! Dropped her off at the Desky Dom at 5pm. Wendy and Chad invited us, along with Galya, Kostia and Olga to their apartment for Chad’s Gumbo. It was delish! and a wonderful night out!

Monday
Decided to spoil ourselves and went to McD’s for lunch. Took a long walk in search of a gallery featuring the work of local artists. The building was closed either for renovation or Women’s Day. We’re hoping to visit again tomorrow. I went off on my own. I want to surprise her with a few DVD’s that we can watch with her in Russian once we get home. I met back up with the two of them at the market in search of a pair of earrings. Finally we found a pair we could all agree on. No dangles and no “faux” diamonds….. Simple, small blue crystal studs. It’s amazing how the culture and the “bling bling” captivates the children. It’s insidious. We came back to the apartment so Angella could finish the scarf she’s making for Mama Nikolya. Had cream of potato and corn chowder for dinner and ice cream for dessert.

Our last 4-6 visit tomorrow and then she’s ours!

Day 39 and 40…………………….Forty Days and Forty Nights

We’re counting the hours now….. one of our last 4-6pm daily visits…. We will miss the girls…. It’s endearing how they run up to us now with hugs and hold our hands as we walk the orphanage grounds….. the ones that were the most distant at first, are now the most attached. Saying good-bye to them will be difficult. The past two days have gone remarkably fast! We took a jump rope for some outdoor activity. The girls loved it. We also spent a lot of time playing volleyball and 4-square.

We took a 3-mile walk today….. our destination, the market, of course and the World War II monument that you can see from almost any vantage point in the city. It is by anyone’s standards, impressive. We saw our 5th bridal party since landing in Ukraine – we believe that brings good luck! Something about brides and grooms and the innocence of young love……

Tomorrow we’re off on another adventure with Galya and Kostia. It’s a three-day weekend here. Saturday is Woman’s Day – the equivalent to our Mother’s Day. I am spoiled. I get to celebrate my “first” twice this year!!! Since the holiday falls on a weekend, the kids don’t have school on Monday, so we get to have Angella for three days in a row – all day each day.

Then Wednesday, she’s ours for good!

Day 36, 37 and 38……………………. Realities, Routines and Reconstruction

Thank you to those that have emailed us off line! It’s been great hearing from you and getting the updates on the primaries, the weather and the “going-ons” in your lives…..

Lynn, the woman who owns our apartment here in Sevastopol, said that her adoption a few years ago reminded her of ground hogs day…… oh she is SO right! Bill Murray has nothing on us! It seems like we do the same thing, at the same time, with the same amount of energy each day. The energy seems to drain by 8:00pm as we if have worked a full day!!!

Monday
On our morning stroll to get flowers, I commented to Len that being here feels as if we’re illiterate. We can’t read signs, menus, any paperwork anyone puts in front of us, etc……. Helps us relate to what Angella will feel once she is home, but at least she knows the English alphabet! The Russian alphabet is the one thing I wish I had spent more time on before we left the States…… Oh well, we have learned over 100 words, per Len, in Russian and are expanding our vocabulary with each passing day.

Had a meeting with Lubov this afternoon. Offered our donation that per her suggestion will provide a new sofa to the young girls area. We’re happy that our donation will go to something that they need. In addition, we are also hoping to find some swings for the “swingless playground” and a few soccer and volleyballs.

Tuesday
Had some errands to run regarding the adoption so we forewarned Angella that we would not see her today. (we’re learning!) Galya accompanied us and on our way she took us to another orphanage that is a 5minute walk from our apartment. It was immaculate and colorful….. we were somewhat envious and wondered how this environment would have affected Angella had she been fortunate to have been placed there…… no need to think about it, what is, is. Galya shared with us that our orphanage has an HIV ward. We did not realize this was the case…… then she told us about the (5) little boys that we had seen last week, so sweet and adorable, playing outside…… they are from there as well as (1) 7 year old girl. They are not eligible for adoption to the States (not sure whose ruling this is) and will probably live the remainder of their lives in confinement…… Heartbreaking…… Again, another reminder of the reality of the world in which we live.

Wednesday
On a happier note….. Today we requested to get Angella out for a bit. We picked her up at 2:00 to have her passport picture taken. A wonderful sign to all of us that the journey does have an ending! And went to a bookstore to get her some books in Russian for the first few months at home. Next, we headed to the Sevastopol Art Museum. It was a great collection, although small. We both noted that it was obvious Angella was enjoying the visit. She went off on her own and was studying each piece with great attention. We were thrilled to see this! Len made the comment that the Germans had probably destroyed most of what they found in WWII. Galya confirmed this with a stern nod! We also recently learned that all but 9 buildings were destroyed in 274 days of continued attack on the city. The city committed to rebuilding in the Neo Classical style that we are now seeing here today. It’s impressive. If you didn’t know that, you certainly wouldn’t realize it.

I’ve uploaded a few previous pictures for your viewing pleasure! I know how much you all like the photos! Will write again soon!

Day 34 and 35……… Another Incredible Outing and Time Together

The weekends seem to go by quickly, fortunately……

Len is working on a watercolor of our outing yesterday to Chersoneses. A 5th century BC ancient Greek city…… it was absolutely amazing! The ruins are located within the city of Sevastopol, and is situated on the shores of the Black Sea next to an 19th Century cathedral. The contrast of all these elements is incredibly beautiful and very peaceful. Galya and Kostia were, again, our hosts. They have shown us some of the most wonderful places….. We feel fortunate to have this opportunity to see the country with Angella as well as with them.

For those of you that donated things to the “orphanage suitcase” at my shower in November, you’ll be happy to hear that we delivered everything today. The girls all crowded around and smiled gleefully as each and everything was pulled out. They were thrilled to see such colorful and wonderful things. And excited for things that they could “do” and with which they can be creative! So Thank You! for helping to make a real difference in the lives of 8 special girls! :)

Back at the apartment, we decided to finally show her the clothes that we brought for her. It was so fun to see her model each and everything and giggle with excitement. The jeans I bought were too big and actually fell to her knees! We all got a great chuckle out of that!!! The dress and tights we bought for the court date looked adorable. See photo above – taken upon her request! She wore an outfit from the Desky Dohm at the court hearing so this was the first time she saw this. She loved it!

We headed to the market to get a few things and came back home to work on her English. I’ve started a little “homemade” workbook for her with various phrases in English – similar to the ones we learned before coming to Ukraine….. It seems to be working and she enjoys reading/studying together…. So later tonight, I will work on tomorrows lesson! We watched Animal Planet (fortunately, we can follow along even though it’s in Russian) and worked on another art project. We fixed an early dinner. Pasta with sautéed vegetables and spinach in a concoction of spices, garlic, onions and olive oil. So far we haven’t made anything that she has turned her nose up to!!! Len compares her eating capabilities to that of Zach, Ian and Eric….. I can’t imagine my trip to Sam’s Club for a dinner with all of the them! She loves to help in the kitchen and as she says “kuke”, her way of saying, “cook”! She insisted on making the cucumber and tomato salad. After an assortment of spices and pre-made olive oil vinaigrette she was finished. I must say, it was quite good! :)

We are starting to feel homesick so please, send comments and emails to us at pam@entwinedonline.com as much as you’d like…… it really means a lot to us…… and helps to pass the time. Tomorrow we move into another week of daily 4-6 pm visits……

We’re counting the days to March 12. That is the day we get our court decree and the day she will say her good-byes to her home, friends and “mamas”. From then on, she will be with us… She, like Len and I, can’t wait!

Day 32………………… An Orphan Never More

Yesterday was court!

It was a beautiful day, sunny and warm. We all waited outside for about ½ hour… mindless chatter and individual thoughts of what the court appearance would bring. Present were the three American families and four Ukrainian families…. All to appear at 9:30 for what seemed to be a long day. No real appointment time…. We figured the Ukrainians would go first, so we brought books, knitting, crocheting, cards and snacks to help us pass the time…

We all headed in and were corralled in a 16x20 room. Dingy white walls and a Ukrainian flag, hung crooked on the head wall. The back of the room was filled with wooden church benches, a table at the front with an old decrepit high back chair (funny to me that even in this old worn-out building, hierarchy is ever present)…. side tables for the various witnesses, court staff and prosecutor. The room also was equipped with a small jail cell, white metal bars, a rust covered bench and old padlock. An eerie indicator of why most Ukrainians comply with the law.

We were called first! Everyone else left the room and the honorable judge and staff entered. Angella was told to leave our bench and sit with Lubov, the Orphanage Director, in the bench behind us. We were told to stand. For a moment, I sort of felt like I was being interrogated but then Galya’s soft voice started translating next to me and immediately I felt a sense of calm……

It was very quick and seemed almost nonchalant. He asked us if we had the financial wherewithal to provide for her, if this was our first marriage and if I thought having never been a mother before, I would be a good mother. We answered with a lot of Da’s and Niet’s to keep things succinct and the to point. Next, he asked Angella to come to the front and stand before him. Lubov accompanied her…… she walked confidently to the front but was uncharacteristically timid and shy when she spoke. He asked her why she wanted to be adopted, what she thought of us, and what she would call us. He asked her if she knew where she was going and if she had seen it on the globe. He told her no one would speak her language there and wanted to know if she realized this.

And with that a few more sits and stands later, it was final!

I was asked to write her new name on a document that would be used by the court…..
Angella Shin Thomas
(the two “L’s” so that hopefully those in the States will pronounce it correctly, Shin is her Korean last name, and of course, Thomas, her new last name, one she is VERY proud of!

We were free to leave and wait out of next 10 days until our court decree is ready. Unfortunately, we found out that since “Woman’s Day” (the Ukrainian equivilant to our “Mother’s Day”, falls on March 8th, our decree won’t mature until March 12th. So we now know we will not make our flight on March 15th and are hoping for the following Thursday, March 20th.

It was disappointing but then it dawned on me that our first day home with Angella will be the anniversary of our first date, the first day of Spring and now, her first full day in America! So, with that, we will somehow find patience & strength and practice positive thinking until we are able to start the journey home.

Later that day, we all met at McDonald’s (Len thought that would be a fun and ironic way of celebrating the day) and then went back to our place for cake and ice cream.
There was laughter and light hearted chatter flowing from our windows….. (wide open to due to the mild weather we are enjoying) I remember thinking once during the evening….. In a country where celebration and frivolity is rare, I am sure we had passerby’s wondering what all the excitement was about.

I know Angella went to bed last night with peace in her heart. Probably her first night…
knowing that she had a family that loved her, that would care for her and would offer her happiness that she would have not known otherwise. For this, we are thankful.