I couldn't make this stuff up if I tried. Yesterday was a blissfully happy day. House all cleaned up, homemade soup on the stove, chocolate eclairs, Jim home from work, and company over for dinner. The blissfulness ended at 9:00PM when I checked my email, you can read about that in yesterday's post. It wasn't the news we were wanting.
This morning I'm close by my computer and phone waiting for people who are on vacation or near vacation to care and help guide me through fixing yesterday's issues, and fix they did! Our coordinator in the US heard from our coordinator in Russia about what we need to do to remedy yesterday's drama, and thankfully it is simple and does not cost hundreds.
The cure
Take our Nebraska home study and have it re notarized by our new agency here in Kansas. Our Kansas caseworker will write a little note about how she approves it and looked it over. I'll take that and have it apostilled in Topeka and send it off to Russia with some family that is traveling there on January 10th, saving me $100 of FedEx shipping costs. Could it be that easy? We will have to wait and see...
Also, our coordinator in Russia received our release letter from Moscow meaning we get a court date. A court date, yes you read that correctly. The current plan, knowing things change all the time, leave January 19th, court on the 25th, Jim goes home, and I stay until February 16th.
If you read the previous post and said a prayer, I blame you for this! Thank you. Continue to pray that it could just go on from here as planned.
Current temperature in Kansas a balmy 61
Current temperature in Kemerovo -4 with flurries
Thursday, December 30
Wednesday, December 29
any news from russia?
It's been everyone's favorite question. My standard answer is the following... No, no news yet Russia is going to be closed for the holidays things will start up again a bit later in January. We are still praying to travel in February. Then people say "ooo February, that's so soon" Yeah, February might feel soon to you, but its not. Not when you haven't seen your kid since the beginning of August. February is still a long time away.
However, today we receive an email from our caseworker here in the US. Let's just say I was happier with the previous answer of Russia is closed waiting till February than with the news she had for me today.
Our coordinator, In Russia, sent an email to our caseworker here telling her that she is nervous about our home study. She suddenly (it's been there since November) thinks it's not detailed enough and our judge will not accept it. What?
Well originally our home study was all completed and lovely and sent to Russia with dossier #1. We moved, re did our home study, sent it back in...you know the story I've told it before. Anyway, the home study update was just on things that changed like Jim getting a new job, me not having a job, and the safety of our new home. Unlike the first home study it did not have details about our personalities, families, and desire to adopt a child. So yeah it's not as detailed, but why does it even need to be? I'm still related to the same people, still am the same Pollyanna (well that might be wearing a bit thin), and still would like to adopt a child. Can't a judge just look at the two home studies side by side? Can't the documents be sent to the judge "as is" while we work on fixing this, then if she indeed does not like it we will already have our new documents in process and not waste soooo much time? So many questions.
Hopefully this can be sorted out tomorrow and we can get whatever they want/need and send it off soon.
Goodbye February, Hello?
However, today we receive an email from our caseworker here in the US. Let's just say I was happier with the previous answer of Russia is closed waiting till February than with the news she had for me today.
Our coordinator, In Russia, sent an email to our caseworker here telling her that she is nervous about our home study. She suddenly (it's been there since November) thinks it's not detailed enough and our judge will not accept it. What?
Well originally our home study was all completed and lovely and sent to Russia with dossier #1. We moved, re did our home study, sent it back in...you know the story I've told it before. Anyway, the home study update was just on things that changed like Jim getting a new job, me not having a job, and the safety of our new home. Unlike the first home study it did not have details about our personalities, families, and desire to adopt a child. So yeah it's not as detailed, but why does it even need to be? I'm still related to the same people, still am the same Pollyanna (well that might be wearing a bit thin), and still would like to adopt a child. Can't a judge just look at the two home studies side by side? Can't the documents be sent to the judge "as is" while we work on fixing this, then if she indeed does not like it we will already have our new documents in process and not waste soooo much time? So many questions.
Hopefully this can be sorted out tomorrow and we can get whatever they want/need and send it off soon.
Goodbye February, Hello?
Monday, December 27
living room & kitchen
Aside from the red red dining room the rest of our downstairs was various shades of brown, tan, and caramel. Out with it all and in with the sage. Our house was also filled with awful awful cloth blinds. My guess is that they were once white and lovely, by the time we showed up they were more greyish and filled with dust...gross and now gone.
Kitchen
When Jim's dad was downsizing and selling his house he let us pick out some photos that we wanted. Jim's father took all these pictures when he was in college at RISD (Rhode Island School of Design) back in the day. They are quirky and really quite random. We never found a place for them at our other house, well they had a place in a box in the basement but I'm not sure that counts. They have a much better place now.
Ledge above our kitchen table
Other random photos, not related to our house being painted...
Below the above ledge are a bunch of windows. Outside the window is our deck and a bird feeder. We call it our "bird tank" You know, like a fish tank but with birds. Here are a few photos I caught of a cardinal. He comes around with some lady cardinals, a woodpecker, and some assorted finches, I just couldn't catch them with the camera.
Purchased this orchid at Lowe's in the clearance section for sad dying plants. I only purchase the sad dying ones, all they need is sun and water and I totally have those things. This one was was a sad flowers less $6.99. Ya!! I knew it would come to life.
Living room
Kitchen
When Jim's dad was downsizing and selling his house he let us pick out some photos that we wanted. Jim's father took all these pictures when he was in college at RISD (Rhode Island School of Design) back in the day. They are quirky and really quite random. We never found a place for them at our other house, well they had a place in a box in the basement but I'm not sure that counts. They have a much better place now.
Other random photos, not related to our house being painted...
Below the above ledge are a bunch of windows. Outside the window is our deck and a bird feeder. We call it our "bird tank" You know, like a fish tank but with birds. Here are a few photos I caught of a cardinal. He comes around with some lady cardinals, a woodpecker, and some assorted finches, I just couldn't catch them with the camera.
Purchased this orchid at Lowe's in the clearance section for sad dying plants. I only purchase the sad dying ones, all they need is sun and water and I totally have those things. This one was was a sad flowers less $6.99. Ya!! I knew it would come to life.
Tuesday, December 21
dining room
Our dining room is right off the front door, it was a bright welcoming to our house...too bright. Too much like a candy cane.
right after we moved in
right after we moved in
photo we had to take for our dossier (I hope Russian judges like red...)
new paint, quiver tan...looks better than I thought it would
please note the high chair (come on Russia) and my slight attempt at Christmas decorations
please note the high chair (come on Russia) and my slight attempt at Christmas decorations
Friday, December 17
christmas?
How non Christmas is it at my house, it's so non Christmas we still have pumpkins on the door step and gourds in the dining room. Our house is so non Christmas every bit of our Christmas decorations are tucked away in their respective boxes in the basement.
It's not my fault. I like Christmas, Jesus, decorating, gifts, etc. First, I blame the painters. They made us put everything in the middle of each room, it's like living on an island in a construction zone. So if all our stuff is in the middle and all the painters stuff is on the perimeter were do you put the tree or anything else? These painters are moving at the speed of slow, so there isn't even an end in sight. The painters listen to the easy listen station on the radio. I had the day off on Thursday and had to endure hour after hour of the annoying easy listening station's version of Christmas music. Decided that mommy kissing santa, have yourself a merry little christmas (bad previous experience with the song) and anything sung by a chipmunk just make me more annoyed than "in the spirit"
Second, I blame my husband, he has told me numerous times he does not want to exchange gifts...I can't even discuss this because I can't relate, that's just ridiculous. He seems to think it is too difficult.
I need a kid because Christmas can never be canceled if you have one, I'm sure of it.
Speaking of expecting a kid...
It was 10:00 this evening, butter is on sale at the local grocery store (I use a lot for this cookie business), there were hardly any cars in the parking lot and I park in the expectant mother parking spot. I didn't know it was the expectant mother spot until I already pulled in. The spot is so close to the door and expectant mothers with children actually growing in them should be home with their feet up at 10:00 at night. I was fast.
Praying Russia invites us for court soon. We hear "February, If you're lucky"
It's not my fault. I like Christmas, Jesus, decorating, gifts, etc. First, I blame the painters. They made us put everything in the middle of each room, it's like living on an island in a construction zone. So if all our stuff is in the middle and all the painters stuff is on the perimeter were do you put the tree or anything else? These painters are moving at the speed of slow, so there isn't even an end in sight. The painters listen to the easy listen station on the radio. I had the day off on Thursday and had to endure hour after hour of the annoying easy listening station's version of Christmas music. Decided that mommy kissing santa, have yourself a merry little christmas (bad previous experience with the song) and anything sung by a chipmunk just make me more annoyed than "in the spirit"
Second, I blame my husband, he has told me numerous times he does not want to exchange gifts...I can't even discuss this because I can't relate, that's just ridiculous. He seems to think it is too difficult.
I need a kid because Christmas can never be canceled if you have one, I'm sure of it.
Speaking of expecting a kid...
It was 10:00 this evening, butter is on sale at the local grocery store (I use a lot for this cookie business), there were hardly any cars in the parking lot and I park in the expectant mother parking spot. I didn't know it was the expectant mother spot until I already pulled in. The spot is so close to the door and expectant mothers with children actually growing in them should be home with their feet up at 10:00 at night. I was fast.
Praying Russia invites us for court soon. We hear "February, If you're lucky"
Thursday, December 2
Tuesday, November 30
chicken and black bean soup
I go through food phases. Current phase, beans. Over the weekend it was Indian spiced vegetables with chick peas, really good!! Today it's a black bean soup. I found this recipe in my favorite Rachael Ray 365: No Repeats cookbook (thanks Audrey)
ingredients
-2 tablespoons olive oil
-1 pound of chicken cut into bite size pieces
-1 tablespoon of cumin
-1 1/2 tablespoons of coriander
-1 chipotle chili pepper in adobo sauce, chopped (add more if you like the heat)
-1 large onion
-10 oz package of frozen corn
-1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
-3 tablespoons of flour
-1 quart of chicken stock
-can of black beans
-juice of a lime
1. Heat a soup pot over medium high heat and add the oil.
2. Add the chicken, cumin, coriander, chipotle pepper, salt and pepper. Cook for about 4 minutes.
3. Add the onions, corn, and red bell pepper. Cook for about 3 minutes.
4. Dust everything with the flour and cook for a minute then add in the chicken stock and black beans.
5. Simmer for 15 minutes. Squeeze in the juice of a lime right before serving.
I like to eat this soup with a toasted tortilla. Just brush a tortilla with some oil, add salt, and bake until it looks crisp and delicious.
ingredients
-2 tablespoons olive oil
-1 pound of chicken cut into bite size pieces
-1 tablespoon of cumin
-1 1/2 tablespoons of coriander
-1 chipotle chili pepper in adobo sauce, chopped (add more if you like the heat)
-1 large onion
-10 oz package of frozen corn
-1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
-3 tablespoons of flour
-1 quart of chicken stock
-can of black beans
-juice of a lime
1. Heat a soup pot over medium high heat and add the oil.
2. Add the chicken, cumin, coriander, chipotle pepper, salt and pepper. Cook for about 4 minutes.
3. Add the onions, corn, and red bell pepper. Cook for about 3 minutes.
4. Dust everything with the flour and cook for a minute then add in the chicken stock and black beans.
5. Simmer for 15 minutes. Squeeze in the juice of a lime right before serving.
I like to eat this soup with a toasted tortilla. Just brush a tortilla with some oil, add salt, and bake until it looks crisp and delicious.
Friday, November 26
weakness
I go shopping on black friday. Not crazy Thanksgiving night shopping, or line up at 3am shopping, no running and pushing shopping, more like non aggressive 7am shopping. I visit my favorite places then go home and make breakfast.
This year I picked up a few good deals, a printer, some fleece lined pants for our kid, and a mop (thrilling). However, no shopping trip is complete without a trip to Banana Republic. They were having a 40% off everything sale, which is good because the store is so very over priced. Of course I found a skirt, I can always find a skirt, I have so many many skirts. But listen, it was $79.50 marked down to $12.97 with 40% off that equals $7.78. Well it is a size too big but nutella was on sale at Target, so I'm sure everything will work out.
This year I picked up a few good deals, a printer, some fleece lined pants for our kid, and a mop (thrilling). However, no shopping trip is complete without a trip to Banana Republic. They were having a 40% off everything sale, which is good because the store is so very over priced. Of course I found a skirt, I can always find a skirt, I have so many many skirts. But listen, it was $79.50 marked down to $12.97 with 40% off that equals $7.78. Well it is a size too big but nutella was on sale at Target, so I'm sure everything will work out.
Thursday, November 25
happy anniversary
Today, our little blog is celebrating it's one year anniversary. I started our blog, not because I have anything very exciting to say, but because when researching adoption I poured over blog after blog. Regular people just writing the stories of what happened to them, how their journey went, how to pack for the trip, the joy, the pain, every detail with no reason to fabricate. Regular people not representing anyone but their family and their journey willing to share and help others...a wonderful thing. A thing that I wanted to be a part of.
This first "blog year" was adventurous to say the least...
-decided to adopt
-switched from Kazakhstan to Russia
-learned as much Russian as my brain could hold, an on going process
-became a master a paperwork
-psych test says I'm a pollyanna, it's all good
-got a referral
-Jim got a new job
-2 canceled trips to Russia
-our first referral was adopted by Russians
-got a new referral
-added insane amounts of adoption jargon to my everyday vocabulary
-decided not to be a teacher this school year
-became a tutor, nanny and cook
-moved to Kansas
-missed Nebraska
-learned that I'm not a criminal in Nebraska or Kansas
-sold our house (in 5 days)
-went to Russia
-figured out the Moscow Metro and Airport Train
-visited our kid at his orphanage
-bought a new house
-cheered for the Chiefs
-started a little cookie club (the most fun ever)
I'm still positive that next year is going to be even more exciting.
This first "blog year" was adventurous to say the least...
-decided to adopt
-switched from Kazakhstan to Russia
-learned as much Russian as my brain could hold, an on going process
-became a master a paperwork
-psych test says I'm a pollyanna, it's all good
-got a referral
-Jim got a new job
-2 canceled trips to Russia
-our first referral was adopted by Russians
-got a new referral
-added insane amounts of adoption jargon to my everyday vocabulary
-decided not to be a teacher this school year
-became a tutor, nanny and cook
-moved to Kansas
-missed Nebraska
-learned that I'm not a criminal in Nebraska or Kansas
-sold our house (in 5 days)
-went to Russia
-figured out the Moscow Metro and Airport Train
-visited our kid at his orphanage
-bought a new house
-cheered for the Chiefs
-started a little cookie club (the most fun ever)
I'm still positive that next year is going to be even more exciting.
Monday, November 22
let's just calm down
Turn on the news and at some point in the broadcast you will get to hear about TSA body scanners or pat downs. People are angry, outraged, protesting in their underwear. It's all a little crazy to me. Part of the adoption process involves me trusting that I am on an airplane filled with people as boring and threat-less as me. Come on, wouldn't you be upset if your adoption was finalized and you just had to make it back home then some foolish angry person did some crazy thing with a bottle of water, a nail file and more than 3oz of toothpaste? I'm not willing to risk it. Scan me, scan our Russian, scan Jim, scan everyone.
Now I have no idea why on earth you would choose the pat down option. That is nuts. I don't need people that close. If the pat down was the only option I would be unhappy. But people this scan takes less than 5 seconds and I'm pretty sure these TSA workers could care less about anything on the image accept that long list of highly dangerous forbidden airplane items.
Walk in, arms up, next...it's just that simple.
Now I have no idea why on earth you would choose the pat down option. That is nuts. I don't need people that close. If the pat down was the only option I would be unhappy. But people this scan takes less than 5 seconds and I'm pretty sure these TSA workers could care less about anything on the image accept that long list of highly dangerous forbidden airplane items.
Walk in, arms up, next...it's just that simple.
Thursday, November 18
cranberry bliss bars, order some soon
The cranberry bliss bar is how Starbucks welcomes the holiday season. These things are delicious. A chewy ginger spiced brownie filled with crasins and white chocolate topped with a cream cheese frosting, just perfect. Well mostly perfect. Downfall...over priced.Instead of supporting Starbucks consider supporting our adoption through this excellent holiday offer.
-24 delicious cranberry bliss bars
-delivered to your door or your mother's door, or your grandmother's, or your friend's door, etc..
-$20
How to order
-send me an email at trisha.tylick@gmail.com
Monday, November 15
today, not my favorite
Went out to Topeka this morning to get our documents apostilled. Was feeling very optimistic. However, Georgia the lady from the secretary of state's office tells me she can't take care of documents from other states. Well of course she can't. How did I let that slide? Whatever, I figure it can't be too hard to fix. Our letter from the realtor was notarized in Missouri. I drive from one Secretary of State's office to another keeping in mind that I need to pick up a three year old kid I nanny from preschool at 11:20. Cranky lady in Missouri doesn't like the wording on my document. I tell her "Russia told me to do it" then I start crying like a crazy person, which is pretty uncommon. She takes the document and says she will see what she can do, I calm down, she returns, they can't do it. Turns out they can't do it because the notary had a bad certification number. Annoyed.
I break the news to our realtor that her notary girl is no good and I would like her to please print the document out again and find a different notary. She gets it done, but I can't make it back to the cranky ladies office because I have to work...sending Jim to do it tomorrow because I have to drive to Lincoln after work tomorrow to visit their Secretary of State.
Dossier in the mail, hopefully Wednesday. Social worker seems to think travel is not going to happen until February or later. Annoyed.
I break the news to our realtor that her notary girl is no good and I would like her to please print the document out again and find a different notary. She gets it done, but I can't make it back to the cranky ladies office because I have to work...sending Jim to do it tomorrow because I have to drive to Lincoln after work tomorrow to visit their Secretary of State.
Dossier in the mail, hopefully Wednesday. Social worker seems to think travel is not going to happen until February or later. Annoyed.
Sunday, November 14
but blue is my favorite and my best
When you know what you like, why would you switch to something else? Today we met with our painter. I thought it was going to be a fun time and easy time. Man, I was wrong. When we bought our first house, in Boston, the whole thing was builder beige. I like beige because it's a nice neutral and very easy to change and change we did. Bold blue in our tiny living room. A fun green in the hallway. Sunny yellow in the office and Russian Blue (actual name) in our bedroom. Colorful. No one said it looked bad I guess my friends are just nice. In Lincoln we kept most of those colors. However, our living room was very large so we moved on to a nice green/grey. (Fisherman's net)
I'm okay with change, but again when you know what you like why would you. The painter guy stops by today and asks if we thought about colors. We say yes but we would like his input. He mentions green is very popular these days, great I like green. Okay this painter guys definition of green is much different than mine. His green is brown trying to dress up as green, and I'm just not a huge fan. I show him our Fisherman's net sample. He says it's too light and if you're going to have light trim you need to have dark walls, but I don't want dark walls. He has forgotten I'm in charge and now Jim is starting to agree with him. It's going down hill. Somehow instead the lovely net color "we" end up picking relaxed khaki for the main living areas. Okay, could anything sound more lame or boring than relaxed khaki? Clearly this man does not know we are young and fun 20 somethings. People in their 20's do not paint their house relaxed khaki. He mentions that due to our "track record" we need to keep resale in mind. Well we have sold two house so far and the last one sold in 5 days. I'm not sure our paint choices held us back.
Moving on. Some other green dressed up as brown is chosen for the dining room. Yeah, anything is better than the santa red that the room is currently rocking. At this point I'm still okay, but not nearly as happy as I had hoped to be. We go up stairs to the under two year old's room. I show him the paint sample that I want. It's a nice light blue color called atmosphere blue, sounds lovely...right? He tells me that no one here paints anything blue. No one likes blue and your house will not resell if the rooms are blue. But I love blue. Blue is my favorite. I've been looking at this paint chip for months. Just do what I say! He can tell I'm getting upset and finally says well if we go with this blue I should change the curtains. Well I'm not.
Some other awful earth tone color is chosen for our bedroom and guest room. I have given up and am clearly out number by the earth tone loving men in the room. Finally, the painter leaves and we carry on with the day. Watch the Chiefs loose, have bible study, watch a little of the Patriots game, go to bed, and then I loose it. I don't want stupid mid west earth tones. I like blue and back home in Boston that was always okay.
Wow, a whole entry about paint. Sorry.
I'm okay with change, but again when you know what you like why would you. The painter guy stops by today and asks if we thought about colors. We say yes but we would like his input. He mentions green is very popular these days, great I like green. Okay this painter guys definition of green is much different than mine. His green is brown trying to dress up as green, and I'm just not a huge fan. I show him our Fisherman's net sample. He says it's too light and if you're going to have light trim you need to have dark walls, but I don't want dark walls. He has forgotten I'm in charge and now Jim is starting to agree with him. It's going down hill. Somehow instead the lovely net color "we" end up picking relaxed khaki for the main living areas. Okay, could anything sound more lame or boring than relaxed khaki? Clearly this man does not know we are young and fun 20 somethings. People in their 20's do not paint their house relaxed khaki. He mentions that due to our "track record" we need to keep resale in mind. Well we have sold two house so far and the last one sold in 5 days. I'm not sure our paint choices held us back.
Moving on. Some other green dressed up as brown is chosen for the dining room. Yeah, anything is better than the santa red that the room is currently rocking. At this point I'm still okay, but not nearly as happy as I had hoped to be. We go up stairs to the under two year old's room. I show him the paint sample that I want. It's a nice light blue color called atmosphere blue, sounds lovely...right? He tells me that no one here paints anything blue. No one likes blue and your house will not resell if the rooms are blue. But I love blue. Blue is my favorite. I've been looking at this paint chip for months. Just do what I say! He can tell I'm getting upset and finally says well if we go with this blue I should change the curtains. Well I'm not.
Some other awful earth tone color is chosen for our bedroom and guest room. I have given up and am clearly out number by the earth tone loving men in the room. Finally, the painter leaves and we carry on with the day. Watch the Chiefs loose, have bible study, watch a little of the Patriots game, go to bed, and then I loose it. I don't want stupid mid west earth tones. I like blue and back home in Boston that was always okay.
Wow, a whole entry about paint. Sorry.
Saturday, November 13
kansas question
Monday I'm going to drive out to Topeka to get our dossier documents apostilled. I am hoping to wait for them to do it but I have to be at work at 11:15 and it's about an hour drive Any idea how long it takes to get the documents apostilled?
I figure if I have to leave for work I can give them a FedEx envelope to mail it to me, but I prefer the instant gratification, who doesn't?
I figure if I have to leave for work I can give them a FedEx envelope to mail it to me, but I prefer the instant gratification, who doesn't?
Friday, November 12
big leap....forward
Our updated I-171H arrived today, our documents have all been approved by our caseworker, and a trip to Topeka, to get everything apostilled, has been planned for Monday morning. Granted everything goes well I'll be able to submit our court dossier Tuesday or Wednesday.
Here are the next few steps...
-submit court dossier to our agency in IL
-dossier gets sent to Russia to be translated
-dossier gets delivered to our judge and she reads it
-hopefully the judge takes one glance at our dossier and thinks "I need to meet those people. Get them over here, now."
Here are the next few steps...
-submit court dossier to our agency in IL
-dossier gets sent to Russia to be translated
-dossier gets delivered to our judge and she reads it
-hopefully the judge takes one glance at our dossier and thinks "I need to meet those people. Get them over here, now."
Monday, November 8
the database
The Russian database for orphans is a huge Russian website that lists many many children that are up for adoption. I find this a little odd since Russia is so fussy about not leaking photos of the orphans. I guess they think if the site is in Russian we will leave it be. However, google translate can help you read anything! For a large number of parents adopting, from Russia, this is where you will find a photo of your child at their youngest...unless you are lucky and get one from court or the orphanage.
When we received our first referral, last February, I went straight there to find a picture of his younger self. It was sweet and I recognized him right away. I'll admit I was a little jaded after we lost our referral. I was thrilled he was adopted by a Russian family that also adopted his older brother, but it was still a little of a loss for us.
When we received our current referral I didn't go search for him. When we arrived in Kemerovo, this summer we were taken straight to some adoption worker at some important office building (jet lag and lack of sleep make the details a bit foggy) I can't remember her title, but her job is to look intimidating in a tweet suit, not smile, and check through your paperwork then decide if she is going to give you a referral. She decided we were good enough to be offered a referral then went rambling though his brief medical history and flashed us a small grainy photo and asked if we were interested....um yes!
Tonight, I finally decided to go search for him on the database. I wanted a closer look at that grainy image of his younger self. Besides a photo they have a section that says character. His character description says lively and smiling, well that was the translation according to google. Man, if only the U.S. government could get it together we could be on our way to our seeing our lively and smiling under two year old before he turns eight.
When we received our first referral, last February, I went straight there to find a picture of his younger self. It was sweet and I recognized him right away. I'll admit I was a little jaded after we lost our referral. I was thrilled he was adopted by a Russian family that also adopted his older brother, but it was still a little of a loss for us.
When we received our current referral I didn't go search for him. When we arrived in Kemerovo, this summer we were taken straight to some adoption worker at some important office building (jet lag and lack of sleep make the details a bit foggy) I can't remember her title, but her job is to look intimidating in a tweet suit, not smile, and check through your paperwork then decide if she is going to give you a referral. She decided we were good enough to be offered a referral then went rambling though his brief medical history and flashed us a small grainy photo and asked if we were interested....um yes!
Tonight, I finally decided to go search for him on the database. I wanted a closer look at that grainy image of his younger self. Besides a photo they have a section that says character. His character description says lively and smiling, well that was the translation according to google. Man, if only the U.S. government could get it together we could be on our way to our seeing our lively and smiling under two year old before he turns eight.
Wednesday, November 3
no, just do what I say
I hate doing paperwork. It was, in my mind, always the worst part of being a teacher. For almost the past year my life has revolved around perfecting paperwork. Each adoption document needs to be treated as it is the most important paper you have ever printed and carried around, or is that just me? Anyway, everything needs to be just so...spelled properly, formatted as instructed, signed the right way, blah, blah, blah. This is all fine when I'm in charge of the papers, but when I need someone else to do something it is such a production.
Last week we got our medical forms filled out by the doctor. His attitude was wonderful, and he
"jumped through all the hoops" just like I needed him to. He only mildly complained about Russia's requirements. Perfect.
Fast forward to today. I take a stack of 6 cover sheets to the bank that I need to get notarized. I get Jim to leave work for a little while so we can get this taken care of. I've made a bunch of these cover sheets before and gotten them notarized. All the notary needs to do is fill in the date, sign, stamp...it's not rocket science. Well this guy has taken notarying to the next level. He is a notary guru, in his mind. He does not like our cover sheets. What? It's not for you to judge. Russia says this is what they like, this is what we do. Not notary guru, he cares little about Russia. He starts writing all these extra things on our papers, Jim looks at me like "yeah I know print them all again and try a different bank" This had not happened to us before but now when we go we will bring multiple copies and be more forceful and certainly not go back to that particular bank of america branch.
Still waiting on that promise of a rushed I-171H...say a prayer it comes this week.
Last week we got our medical forms filled out by the doctor. His attitude was wonderful, and he
"jumped through all the hoops" just like I needed him to. He only mildly complained about Russia's requirements. Perfect.
Fast forward to today. I take a stack of 6 cover sheets to the bank that I need to get notarized. I get Jim to leave work for a little while so we can get this taken care of. I've made a bunch of these cover sheets before and gotten them notarized. All the notary needs to do is fill in the date, sign, stamp...it's not rocket science. Well this guy has taken notarying to the next level. He is a notary guru, in his mind. He does not like our cover sheets. What? It's not for you to judge. Russia says this is what they like, this is what we do. Not notary guru, he cares little about Russia. He starts writing all these extra things on our papers, Jim looks at me like "yeah I know print them all again and try a different bank" This had not happened to us before but now when we go we will bring multiple copies and be more forceful and certainly not go back to that particular bank of america branch.
Still waiting on that promise of a rushed I-171H...say a prayer it comes this week.
Tuesday, November 2
don't save it for good
As a kid I played with all my toys. I never collected anything and left it in its perfect packaging with hopes of scoring big on ebay sales. I'm the same way now. For our wedding we got some pretty Spode Christmas china. It's lovely and really should only be used from after Thanksgiving until New Years Day. That's a short time frame, so I better use it for every meal between those two holidays....Jim has a different view on the Christmas china. In his mind we should "save it for good" I say well, I cooked you dinner so it seems like a good day for you!
Finally, Jim gave me my birthday present. Gift day = November 2. Actual birthday = August 18....better late than never? I guess. Anyway, it was a new cookbook. If you know me, you know that's a good gift choice. It's a Top Chief cookbook that shares recipes and lessons from various Top Chief contestants. The book is signed by Rick Bayless. Rick Bayless is a great chief. I enjoy his thoughts on food and like watching his show on PBS. I'm just not sure him signing my book is going to improve my cooking in any way. I only mention this because the other day I was watching a TV show that said you should photocopy pages out of your cookbooks...especially your signed cookbooks, so they don't decrease in value. Value? The value in a cookbook is how many pages have olive oil stains on them. The value is how much fun you have when you make the food and share it with others.
Stop saving for good! Today is as good a day as any.
Finally, Jim gave me my birthday present. Gift day = November 2. Actual birthday = August 18....better late than never? I guess. Anyway, it was a new cookbook. If you know me, you know that's a good gift choice. It's a Top Chief cookbook that shares recipes and lessons from various Top Chief contestants. The book is signed by Rick Bayless. Rick Bayless is a great chief. I enjoy his thoughts on food and like watching his show on PBS. I'm just not sure him signing my book is going to improve my cooking in any way. I only mention this because the other day I was watching a TV show that said you should photocopy pages out of your cookbooks...especially your signed cookbooks, so they don't decrease in value. Value? The value in a cookbook is how many pages have olive oil stains on them. The value is how much fun you have when you make the food and share it with others.
Stop saving for good! Today is as good a day as any.
Monday, November 1
can you love him like your own?
This time last year Jim and I traveled back home to Boston to see our friends and family. Adoption was on our mind and we talked to everyone about our idea of possibly adopting from Kazakhstan, wow a lot can change in a year. Most everyone we talked to supported the idea and seemed excited. People who had previously adopted gave us advice, our pastor said why wouldn't you, and our friends seems excited. Overall it was good.
However, there was one couple that questioned our thoughts on adoption. Besides wondering about common things like speech, language, and attachment they wondered about our ability to love this child "as our own." Forget about the "as your own" language. It hurts when people say that, but I understand what they are saying. I know they mean as your biological child (which we don't have). The problem is questioning our ability to love a kid, our kid. What? This "issue" never crossed my mind, should it have? A year has gone by since encountering this question and it has always been there in the back of my mind. I brought it back to the foreground and decided it is a non issue.
However, there was one couple that questioned our thoughts on adoption. Besides wondering about common things like speech, language, and attachment they wondered about our ability to love this child "as our own." Forget about the "as your own" language. It hurts when people say that, but I understand what they are saying. I know they mean as your biological child (which we don't have). The problem is questioning our ability to love a kid, our kid. What? This "issue" never crossed my mind, should it have? A year has gone by since encountering this question and it has always been there in the back of my mind. I brought it back to the foreground and decided it is a non issue.
Wednesday, October 27
my version of going green
Okay, I'll admit it. I'm becoming obsessed with craigslist. Actually, I'm obsessed with transforming old lame inexpensive furniture into slightly more stylish furniture. Since I have finished refinishing the stuff I already own (dresser and dining room table), I'm turning to craig and his magical list.
Yesterday I picked up a breakfast sized table and two stools for $40. It's a tallish table that I am going to saw down to kid size, paint the legs, and call it a craft/puzzle table for our kid.
Tomorrow, I have a date at 3:30 to pick up a pair of night stands for $25. He needs to put his lamp and water cup on something, right?
Not killing trees to create new furniture or packaging, that's my green...photos eventually.
Yesterday I picked up a breakfast sized table and two stools for $40. It's a tallish table that I am going to saw down to kid size, paint the legs, and call it a craft/puzzle table for our kid.
Tomorrow, I have a date at 3:30 to pick up a pair of night stands for $25. He needs to put his lamp and water cup on something, right?
Not killing trees to create new furniture or packaging, that's my green...photos eventually.
Tuesday, October 26
politics
I don't know a lot about local Kansas politics. I just moved here, that's the excuse I'll use for now. This is what I do know, Senator Sam Brownback is my favorite. I don't know anything about him. I don't know if he is a Republican, a Democrat, or if he likes having Tea Parties. None of that matters in this case. All I know is that when my husband called and asked his office for help, he helped!!!
We have been waiting to receive our I-171H. It's the form, from the US government, that says we are approved to adopt a child. We received one for Lincoln, and it took about 7 months. We resubmitted everything to get another one on October 6, 2010. I call the USCIS office daily, as instructed by my adoption caseworker. I leave a kind enough message for our USCIS caseworker explaining that the Russians are ready to see us and that our silly government is currently the only think holding us back. I don't know that anyone cares, I do know that she never answers or responds. I have been told that the backlog is 25,000 cases and that no cases are being expedited. I also know that I am not willing to wait months on end for them to get around to us.
So, I've heard of others contacting their local senator to get things done. I figured I give that duty to Jim. Jim calls the senator's office and explains the story. Someone at the senator's office calls our USCIS caseworker then they tell Jim to call her. Jim then calls the caseworker and amazingly she answers the phone. She says she will order our paperwork to her desk, which should take 3-5 days. She says if there are any issues with it or she has any questions she will e-mail us or call us to get the information. WoW! I-171H I can't wait to see you in my mailbox, maybe next week!
While writing this I did a little research on the senator. He has two adopted children.
We have been waiting to receive our I-171H. It's the form, from the US government, that says we are approved to adopt a child. We received one for Lincoln, and it took about 7 months. We resubmitted everything to get another one on October 6, 2010. I call the USCIS office daily, as instructed by my adoption caseworker. I leave a kind enough message for our USCIS caseworker explaining that the Russians are ready to see us and that our silly government is currently the only think holding us back. I don't know that anyone cares, I do know that she never answers or responds. I have been told that the backlog is 25,000 cases and that no cases are being expedited. I also know that I am not willing to wait months on end for them to get around to us.
So, I've heard of others contacting their local senator to get things done. I figured I give that duty to Jim. Jim calls the senator's office and explains the story. Someone at the senator's office calls our USCIS caseworker then they tell Jim to call her. Jim then calls the caseworker and amazingly she answers the phone. She says she will order our paperwork to her desk, which should take 3-5 days. She says if there are any issues with it or she has any questions she will e-mail us or call us to get the information. WoW! I-171H I can't wait to see you in my mailbox, maybe next week!
While writing this I did a little research on the senator. He has two adopted children.
Monday, October 25
adventures in baking, you should join the club
Our cookie-of-the-month club is off to a promising start. Six delicious orders were filled and delivered this month, with two left to go (just received payment). Comments have been positive and from what I can tell people are thrilled to receive yummy treats at their doorstep...come on who wouldn't?
A few, brilliant, people have signed up for a subscription for themselves to start now and another for a friend or family member to start after the holidays. They will receive a gift card with a menu so their friend/family member can choose just what they want.
If you're interested in receiving a tasty treat on your doorstep each month just check out the details on the right side of the page and send me an email at trisha.tylick@gmail.com
In the oven tomorrow....Mint Brownies
A few, brilliant, people have signed up for a subscription for themselves to start now and another for a friend or family member to start after the holidays. They will receive a gift card with a menu so their friend/family member can choose just what they want.
If you're interested in receiving a tasty treat on your doorstep each month just check out the details on the right side of the page and send me an email at trisha.tylick@gmail.com
In the oven tomorrow....Mint Brownies
Sunday, October 24
have a question, just ask
I have a pair of black high top converse. I found them at my favorite used clothing store in Boston. They were unused and only $16. I would say that these are an extremely common pair of shoes. Many people have them and they are all over the place, nothing too special. Right?
This afternoon we go back to church for an all church meeting to vote on hiring a worship pastor. I come in from yard work throw on a less smelly shirt, some jeans, and the shoes described above. The meeting goes well and the church votes to hire this guy, excellent. After the church lets out people are milling around and chatting. I notice this lady I don't know (I don't know many people, we just moved here) looking at my feet. I turn to say hi but she turns around the other way. I turn back to chat with Jim and she spins back, bends over, and lifts up my pant leg to check out my shoes. Or is she shaming me for wearing black shoes and brown socks? Come on, they are high tops I didn't plan on anyone seeing the socks. I quickly turn back and she has disappeared into the crowd. Hmmm.
This afternoon we go back to church for an all church meeting to vote on hiring a worship pastor. I come in from yard work throw on a less smelly shirt, some jeans, and the shoes described above. The meeting goes well and the church votes to hire this guy, excellent. After the church lets out people are milling around and chatting. I notice this lady I don't know (I don't know many people, we just moved here) looking at my feet. I turn to say hi but she turns around the other way. I turn back to chat with Jim and she spins back, bends over, and lifts up my pant leg to check out my shoes. Or is she shaming me for wearing black shoes and brown socks? Come on, they are high tops I didn't plan on anyone seeing the socks. I quickly turn back and she has disappeared into the crowd. Hmmm.
Thursday, October 21
cash back
Before we actually made it to Russia, in August, we had purchased and canceled two previous trips..April and May. Many thanks to the crazy in Tennessee. Our travel agency, who we loved at first, helped up book all these flights with Delta. The whole thing was crazy. Change fees, credits, charges, it was all too much for me to keep track of. When we arrived back home from Russia and were going through all the charges we noticed that we were significantly not refunded. Our travel agency, who we have broken up with, denied these over charges. Delta was confused. We got our credit card company involved and they too were a bit lost at the whole crazy story.
Finally, our estranged travel agency decided we were indeed over charged about $2,000 and decided that they would finally pay us back. That should cover a good portion of our next trip!
Anyone able to get a good deal on their flights to Russia? Who did you use? We were with Russian Connections, but that relationship has ended. Our trip isn't scheduled yet, but I am hopeful that it will be sometime in the next couple months.
Finally, our estranged travel agency decided we were indeed over charged about $2,000 and decided that they would finally pay us back. That should cover a good portion of our next trip!
Anyone able to get a good deal on their flights to Russia? Who did you use? We were with Russian Connections, but that relationship has ended. Our trip isn't scheduled yet, but I am hopeful that it will be sometime in the next couple months.
Monday, October 18
how did this even start?
I never thought much about adoption and, as far as I know, Jim hadn't either. Last September Jim & I and our neighbors went to see a Tenth Avenue North concert. They are an awesome band with a lead singer that is also a very gifted speaker. This concert was a compassion concert, meaning they were looking for people to support children in need. You know "a dollar a day can help her have the food and education she needs"
I've been to a number of Christian concerts that are asking for this kind of support. It never really struck me before. We didn't sign up to support a child, but it sparked a conversation. Jim and I got to talking that maybe we should adopt. I can't really remember the train of thought. I don't know exactly how it happened. Something like "there are lots of kids without a home and we have a home without a kid" We were just starting to try and have a biological child and suddenly adoption sounded so much better, so much more like what we were supposed to be doing. I found myself begin so much more excited about adoption, and figured that must be a sign...right?
I'm a very fast decision maker. Jim is not. As soon as adoption was mentioned as a possibility I was all over it. Jim thought we needed to think about it. September-November of last year were spent "thinking." Well I guess Jim was thinking. I was too busy researching. What was there to think about?
This time last year we had the joy to travel back home to Boston and tell all our friends that we were thinking of adoption. Everyone seemed excited, supportive, and interested in the details. Minus the couple that questioned if we could love them like we could love our biological child. I never thought of that until they mentioned it. I couldn't find the words to say that didn't matter all I knew was that, in my mind, it didn't.
Tomorrow, I'm going to pick up some Tenth Avenue North tickets for a concert at the end of October. We invited our neighbors down to Kansas to come to the concert with us. Should be a wonderful time.
I've been to a number of Christian concerts that are asking for this kind of support. It never really struck me before. We didn't sign up to support a child, but it sparked a conversation. Jim and I got to talking that maybe we should adopt. I can't really remember the train of thought. I don't know exactly how it happened. Something like "there are lots of kids without a home and we have a home without a kid" We were just starting to try and have a biological child and suddenly adoption sounded so much better, so much more like what we were supposed to be doing. I found myself begin so much more excited about adoption, and figured that must be a sign...right?
I'm a very fast decision maker. Jim is not. As soon as adoption was mentioned as a possibility I was all over it. Jim thought we needed to think about it. September-November of last year were spent "thinking." Well I guess Jim was thinking. I was too busy researching. What was there to think about?
This time last year we had the joy to travel back home to Boston and tell all our friends that we were thinking of adoption. Everyone seemed excited, supportive, and interested in the details. Minus the couple that questioned if we could love them like we could love our biological child. I never thought of that until they mentioned it. I couldn't find the words to say that didn't matter all I knew was that, in my mind, it didn't.
Tomorrow, I'm going to pick up some Tenth Avenue North tickets for a concert at the end of October. We invited our neighbors down to Kansas to come to the concert with us. Should be a wonderful time.
Tuesday, October 12
2072
Trips to the doctor are not my favorite. I like the eye doctor because, beside that puff of air, they don't poke or annoy and at the end I get to pick out new glasses...good times! The dentist might be my second favorite, some poking, extreme gaging during the x-ray, but usually no cavities (3 in my life) and a new toothbrush when you go! The general practitioner however...yuck. I only go when I am forced. Usually something like "you need a physical or you can't have this job" fine. This time it was, "you need a physical or you can't have a Russian" fine.
I get there at 9:30 and the place is already busy. I know I need blood taken so I'm a little nervous, I'm such a baby. However, I have to stay calm or my blood pressure will be through the roof which I'm sure makes you have to visit the doctor even more. Stayed calm enough to pull off 118/64. Oh and I grew a half inch since I was measured last year.
After height, weight, blood pressure girl leaves I get to sit alone on that annoying table in the examining room. I've grown a half inch but my feet still don't touch the foot rest. The walls in the room are thin and I can hear the people on either side of me being examined. I try to listen to the buzz of the light but it fails to drowned out these load aging ladies on either side of me. Since I had to experience this, now you shall too. "Well I feel that one of your ovaries is lower than the other, but don't worry it is not falling out yet" Falling out! Oh my. Closely fallowed by the woman on the side being reassured before her rectal exam "don't worry I have small fingers" Oh lord, this is my future. Shortly after that the doctor with the "small fingers" voice came to my room. Lucky for me everything seems to be in its proper location.
The doctor asks me what fertility problems led to us adopting. I guess that's what everyone thinks. Co-workers would say "oh I know what you are going though" or "my daughter has the same problem" I tell the doctor my fertility "problem" is we decided to adopt first. Biological kid, maybe later.
After my exam I give the doctor the form he needs to fill out for our adoption. He writes no or negative to all the diseases in the sheet. Then there is a spot for him to write my life expectancy. As if this doctor could possible tell from the 15 minutes he spent with me, but we do what Russia says. Anyway, yesterday he wrote on Jim's sheet that he was going to live to be 90 and he wrote the same for me..hello 2072!!
I get there at 9:30 and the place is already busy. I know I need blood taken so I'm a little nervous, I'm such a baby. However, I have to stay calm or my blood pressure will be through the roof which I'm sure makes you have to visit the doctor even more. Stayed calm enough to pull off 118/64. Oh and I grew a half inch since I was measured last year.
After height, weight, blood pressure girl leaves I get to sit alone on that annoying table in the examining room. I've grown a half inch but my feet still don't touch the foot rest. The walls in the room are thin and I can hear the people on either side of me being examined. I try to listen to the buzz of the light but it fails to drowned out these load aging ladies on either side of me. Since I had to experience this, now you shall too. "Well I feel that one of your ovaries is lower than the other, but don't worry it is not falling out yet" Falling out! Oh my. Closely fallowed by the woman on the side being reassured before her rectal exam "don't worry I have small fingers" Oh lord, this is my future. Shortly after that the doctor with the "small fingers" voice came to my room. Lucky for me everything seems to be in its proper location.
The doctor asks me what fertility problems led to us adopting. I guess that's what everyone thinks. Co-workers would say "oh I know what you are going though" or "my daughter has the same problem" I tell the doctor my fertility "problem" is we decided to adopt first. Biological kid, maybe later.
After my exam I give the doctor the form he needs to fill out for our adoption. He writes no or negative to all the diseases in the sheet. Then there is a spot for him to write my life expectancy. As if this doctor could possible tell from the 15 minutes he spent with me, but we do what Russia says. Anyway, yesterday he wrote on Jim's sheet that he was going to live to be 90 and he wrote the same for me..hello 2072!!
Friday, October 1
the judge
Our caseworker called USCIS to see what we can do to expedite our new I-171H. The USCIS lady said we should write a letter explaining the situation. Then she said we should try to get a note from the judge that wants to see us. I love that this judge is wanting to see us. I think it's great she wants to see us in November. I am doubtful she will write a letter stating so, but hey I guess it's worth a try. I hope we don't upset the judge if we can't make it by November.
Thursday, September 30
in my dreams
Our caseworker would like our court dossier done by the beginning of October. I'm pretty sure that right now is the beginning of October. She says the we will probably invited to court in November and it is imperative that we get moving. Listen, I'm moving but most of it is out of our hands. She wonders why we haven't done our doctor visits or had our criminal records checked in Kansas. Well here's the thing. When you get a new home study (remember, we moved) I assume you need to submit it to USCIS and get a new I-171H. It's a form from the government that says we can adopt a kid. Anyway, the first one took 7 months to get. I know it's not going to take that long this time, but it is going to take more than a week.
The criminal checks are only good for 6 months and the doctor checks are only good for 3. My goal is to update as little as possible, so I was planning on waiting until sending things to USCIS then getting the other checks done. Seems like the right thing to do. No? Am I missing something?
November would be amazing, but I know it's not going to happen then. I am aiming for the end of the year or the beginning of next. That reminds me of registering. The computer asks you when you are due. I really have no idea, so we just picked a date. 1/11/11 -does it only amuse me...most likely.
The criminal checks are only good for 6 months and the doctor checks are only good for 3. My goal is to update as little as possible, so I was planning on waiting until sending things to USCIS then getting the other checks done. Seems like the right thing to do. No? Am I missing something?
November would be amazing, but I know it's not going to happen then. I am aiming for the end of the year or the beginning of next. That reminds me of registering. The computer asks you when you are due. I really have no idea, so we just picked a date. 1/11/11 -does it only amuse me...most likely.
Tuesday, September 21
Friday, September 17
draft
This evening I received a draft of our new home study! Only a few things that need to be fixed. Waiting on our Kansas fingerprints to pass.
Anyone out there move during your adoption and have to send your new home study in so you could get a new I-171H? How long did that take?
Anyone out there move during your adoption and have to send your new home study in so you could get a new I-171H? How long did that take?
Thursday, September 16
approved
"It has been determined that you are able to furnish proper care to an orphan as defined in section (blah blah blah) of the Immigration and Nationality Act"
-Your friends at the Department of Homeland Security
Ya! We have been approved to have a kid!
I wonder how long it will take when we send them out updated home study...
Also, you can pat me on the back, Kansas just told me that neither Jim or I have abused children. Go us.
-Your friends at the Department of Homeland Security
Ya! We have been approved to have a kid!
I wonder how long it will take when we send them out updated home study...
Also, you can pat me on the back, Kansas just told me that neither Jim or I have abused children. Go us.
Wednesday, September 15
childproofing?
We don't have our child, yet. We have done little to actually prepare our home for our under two year old. However, I was walking around our yard this morning and wondering if I should take some childproofing tips from nature.
A super spiky Hawthorn tree and two gardens full of roses will surly keep a child away
Tuesday, September 14
double chocolate chip cookies
three dozen, freshly backed, double chocolate chip cookies
securely packaged among shredded fidelity statements andold credit card bills
the cookies were mailed off just hours after being made
these are the three I saved for myself
email me at trisha.tylick@gmail.com to get your own
Monday, September 13
a visit to the CPA
There are, what feels like, a million documents that need to be created and then approved by various people in order to get our dossier together. From what I have heard one of the most difficult is a certain financial form that we fill out and a CPA (certified public accountant) approves and signs.
It's not particularly hard. We know how much our house is worth, how much we make, our debt, our life insurance policies, and all that other business. However, the difficulty is finding a CPA that will sign off on the financial information you have listed, give you a copy of their license, and then have it all notarized. We thought it would be even more difficult since we moved to Kansas and we don't have a regular "tax guy" down here. I've heard of people asking and asking to find someone willing to do this.
We got lucky! We have been going to a new church and we asked the pastor if he knew of anyone at the church that is a CPA. Yep! Jim called the guy and he said come on down with all your information and I'll help you out. Just like that. Jim had the day off today so he stopped by and got it taken care of. Easy. Lovely. Done with that.
Many people keep asking, when are you going back? Great question. We still need to...
-Get a copy of our updated home study (waiting on Kansas fingerprint approval and child abuse clearing...fingers crossed)
-Get approval from the Department of Homeland Security (could they be any slower?)
-Be cleared by a doctor. Not looking forward to getting blood drawn. Can I be a mom if I'm still a baby?
-When all that is done and notarized I'll take a trip to Topeka to have it all apostatized then send it to our agency and wait, wait, wait.
It's not particularly hard. We know how much our house is worth, how much we make, our debt, our life insurance policies, and all that other business. However, the difficulty is finding a CPA that will sign off on the financial information you have listed, give you a copy of their license, and then have it all notarized. We thought it would be even more difficult since we moved to Kansas and we don't have a regular "tax guy" down here. I've heard of people asking and asking to find someone willing to do this.
We got lucky! We have been going to a new church and we asked the pastor if he knew of anyone at the church that is a CPA. Yep! Jim called the guy and he said come on down with all your information and I'll help you out. Just like that. Jim had the day off today so he stopped by and got it taken care of. Easy. Lovely. Done with that.
Many people keep asking, when are you going back? Great question. We still need to...
-Get a copy of our updated home study (waiting on Kansas fingerprint approval and child abuse clearing...fingers crossed)
-Get approval from the Department of Homeland Security (could they be any slower?)
-Be cleared by a doctor. Not looking forward to getting blood drawn. Can I be a mom if I'm still a baby?
-When all that is done and notarized I'll take a trip to Topeka to have it all apostatized then send it to our agency and wait, wait, wait.
Wednesday, September 8
ready for some cookies?
Scroll down for the updated menu! New items are marked with a *
This little cookie club started to help us raise money for our adoption. Our adoption is finished and everything has been paid in full, but I don't want to be done. I love to bake and I've received very positive feedback from my current subscribers, so let the cookies continue...
What you have to do
Choose your subscription
Decide what you want (1 choice each month) and when you want service to start.
Send me an email at trisha.tylick@gmail.com
Upon receiving your check I'll get started on your order.
*gift cards are also available and can be mailed directly to the person of your choice
The menu
Chocolate chip cookies
Chocolate chip cookies with pecans
Double chocolate chip cookies
Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies
Cowboy cookie (oatmeal chocolate chip with coconut, chocolate chips, and pecans) this has been, by far, the most requested item!
Oatmeal butterscotch
Peanut butter cookies
*Coconut-Pecan shortbread cookies (think pecan sandies)
*lemon sugar snaps
Brownies –Chewy and Chocolaty
Regular
Mint
Double chocolate
Turtle (pecans and caramel)
The Blondie -not so chocolaty
Bars
*Shortbread bars
Chocolate shortbread bars
Bread/Cake
*Marble Cake with White Chocolate Glaze (baked in a loaf pan)
*Banana Bread (walnuts, chocolate chips, coconut) I'll gladly omit any of the stuff you don't want but trust me it's amazing.
*Cherry Cake-a not too sweet white cake studded with dark sweet cherries and dusted with powdered sugar (a thin cake cut into triangles)
Everything is made with really real ingredients like butter, sugar, chocolate, nuts, homemade caramel, etc. No margarine. Everything will be made and shipped on the same day to ensure the best possible freshness.
Subscriptions
3 month $60
6 month $120
9 month $180
12 month $220
All subscriptions include 3 dozen cookies or 16-20 brownies/bars, packaging, and shipping. The profits will be put into our son's bank account (how much will college cost in 16 years?) or to help support other family's adoptions.
If you are a past or current subscriber, leave a comment about your experience. The delicious, the crummy, your favorite, your least favorite, and whatever else you can come up with!
This little cookie club started to help us raise money for our adoption. Our adoption is finished and everything has been paid in full, but I don't want to be done. I love to bake and I've received very positive feedback from my current subscribers, so let the cookies continue...
What you have to do
Choose your subscription
Decide what you want (1 choice each month) and when you want service to start.
Send me an email at trisha.tylick@gmail.com
Upon receiving your check I'll get started on your order.
*gift cards are also available and can be mailed directly to the person of your choice
The menu
Chocolate chip cookies
Chocolate chip cookies with pecans
Double chocolate chip cookies
Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies
Cowboy cookie (oatmeal chocolate chip with coconut, chocolate chips, and pecans) this has been, by far, the most requested item!
Oatmeal butterscotch
Peanut butter cookies
*Coconut-Pecan shortbread cookies (think pecan sandies)
*lemon sugar snaps
Brownies –Chewy and Chocolaty
Regular
Mint
Double chocolate
Turtle (pecans and caramel)
The Blondie -not so chocolaty
Bars
*Shortbread bars
Chocolate shortbread bars
Bread/Cake
*Marble Cake with White Chocolate Glaze (baked in a loaf pan)
*Banana Bread (walnuts, chocolate chips, coconut) I'll gladly omit any of the stuff you don't want but trust me it's amazing.
*Cherry Cake-a not too sweet white cake studded with dark sweet cherries and dusted with powdered sugar (a thin cake cut into triangles)
Everything is made with really real ingredients like butter, sugar, chocolate, nuts, homemade caramel, etc. No margarine. Everything will be made and shipped on the same day to ensure the best possible freshness.
Subscriptions
3 month $60
6 month $120
9 month $180
12 month $220
All subscriptions include 3 dozen cookies or 16-20 brownies/bars, packaging, and shipping. The profits will be put into our son's bank account (how much will college cost in 16 years?) or to help support other family's adoptions.
If you are a past or current subscriber, leave a comment about your experience. The delicious, the crummy, your favorite, your least favorite, and whatever else you can come up with!
Saturday, September 4
A month
It's been one month since we said "see ya later" to our baby. He turned into a 15 month old and I bet he took his first step, or is really really close.
In the past month we moved into our house, sent in our application to a new home study agency, updated a few forms, and are continuing to wait for our I-171H. This Friday our new caseworker is coming out to approve our home.
Hoping for a productive week.
In the past month we moved into our house, sent in our application to a new home study agency, updated a few forms, and are continuing to wait for our I-171H. This Friday our new caseworker is coming out to approve our home.
Hoping for a productive week.
Sunday, August 29
inheritance
Usually when you move into a new apartment or house there is something left behind, either purposefully or accidentally. Our condo in Boston had no such treasures as we were the first people to live in it after it was gutted and converted into condos. In Lincoln we found $5 up high on top of the kitchen cabinets, a bottle of cheap champagne in the fridge, and assorted containers hidden behind a drawer. Below are some of the "treasures" we found here in Kansas.
We have two hoses and a sprinkler tractor that drives around watering our grass. Clearly the driver of this tractor must have been on strike due unfavorable working conditions (too hot) because our lawn is brownish and crunchy. Jim managed to get him back to business this morning.
This hidden gem was located in our closet.
ooo, fancy
We have two hoses and a sprinkler tractor that drives around watering our grass. Clearly the driver of this tractor must have been on strike due unfavorable working conditions (too hot) because our lawn is brownish and crunchy. Jim managed to get him back to business this morning.
This hidden gem was located in our closet.
ooo, fancy
Monday, August 23
helping amy
My dear Amy just wrote a lovely entry about one of her students and a giant zucchini. Clearly the previous post on jalapeno cornbread is not going to help her with this larger than average vegetable.
Maybe something here can help...
Simply Recipes is my go to food blog. It is so well organized and you can find anything. Elise, the author, is amazing.
Stuffed zucchini
Zucchini Fritters
Then of course there is Martha who knows every thing about anything including zucchini
Then there is my mother. When I was a kid we had a garden that also produced an enormous amount of zucchini. After making all the fried zucchini, zucchini bread, and anything else should could think of she turned to freezing it. She would shred the massive vegetable and then divide it into the proper amount for a loaf of zucchini bread. Then freeze each section in its own ziploc bag making fresh zucchini bread possible anytime of year.
Amy, make that kindergarten student proud. Bring him a picture of your creation! Actually, knowing you I bet you already have a scrapbook layout in mind.
Maybe something here can help...
Simply Recipes is my go to food blog. It is so well organized and you can find anything. Elise, the author, is amazing.
Stuffed zucchini
Zucchini Fritters
Then of course there is Martha who knows every thing about anything including zucchini
Then there is my mother. When I was a kid we had a garden that also produced an enormous amount of zucchini. After making all the fried zucchini, zucchini bread, and anything else should could think of she turned to freezing it. She would shred the massive vegetable and then divide it into the proper amount for a loaf of zucchini bread. Then freeze each section in its own ziploc bag making fresh zucchini bread possible anytime of year.
Amy, make that kindergarten student proud. Bring him a picture of your creation! Actually, knowing you I bet you already have a scrapbook layout in mind.
this might be rushing it
Summer is not my happy time. It's hot and yuck outside. The calendar tells me that Fall is coming up soon. The stores are showing me that it is time for Halloween, I see all that tempting candy. If I had a TV it would show me that it's almost time for football. Oh Fall my love, I'm glad you're on the way. However, the weather outside tells me it's not ready to let up..whatever.
Jalapeno Cornbread
Makes one 10inch round cornbread or
Makes four small loafs or
A vast number of muffins (12)
Ingredients
-1 tablespoon vegetable oil
-4 fresh jalapeno, diced
-6 scallions, white part and green, thinly sliced
-2cups stone ground yellow cornmeal
-1 ½ cups of flour
-2 tablespoons of sugar
-2 tablespoons baking powder
-2 teaspoons salt
-2 eggs
-2 cups light cream, half-and-half, buttermilk, or milk… whatever you like
-1 stick unsalted butter, melted
-1/4 cup cilantro leaves
If you just want regular cornbread take out all the fun stuff (jalapenos, scallions, cilantro) and increase the sugar to 1/4 cup
I only like my spicy food to be slightly spicy, so there is no way I am using 4 jalapenos. Also, I'm not the biggest cilantro fan so I'll cut that out all together.
Directions
1.Pour the oil into a small sauté pan and add the chilies and scallions. Place over medium heat and cook just until slightly wilted, about 2 minutes. Set aside.
2.Set a rack in the middle level of the over and heat to 375.
3.Combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl and stir well to mix.
4.In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, cream, butter, the cooked chilies and scallions, and cilantro.
5.Add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture all at once and use a large rubber spatula to fold them into the liquid.
6.Scrape the batter into whatever buttered and floured pan you decided to use. Bake until the cornbread is risen and passes the toothpick test. About 3o minutes for the 10 inch round pan, less if you make muffins
7.Let it cool for 5 minutes or until you feel like eating it!
8.Enjoy
Jalapeno Cornbread
Makes one 10inch round cornbread or
Makes four small loafs or
A vast number of muffins (12)
Ingredients
-1 tablespoon vegetable oil
-4 fresh jalapeno, diced
-6 scallions, white part and green, thinly sliced
-2cups stone ground yellow cornmeal
-1 ½ cups of flour
-2 tablespoons of sugar
-2 tablespoons baking powder
-2 teaspoons salt
-2 eggs
-2 cups light cream, half-and-half, buttermilk, or milk… whatever you like
-1 stick unsalted butter, melted
-1/4 cup cilantro leaves
If you just want regular cornbread take out all the fun stuff (jalapenos, scallions, cilantro) and increase the sugar to 1/4 cup
I only like my spicy food to be slightly spicy, so there is no way I am using 4 jalapenos. Also, I'm not the biggest cilantro fan so I'll cut that out all together.
Directions
1.Pour the oil into a small sauté pan and add the chilies and scallions. Place over medium heat and cook just until slightly wilted, about 2 minutes. Set aside.
2.Set a rack in the middle level of the over and heat to 375.
3.Combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl and stir well to mix.
4.In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, cream, butter, the cooked chilies and scallions, and cilantro.
5.Add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture all at once and use a large rubber spatula to fold them into the liquid.
6.Scrape the batter into whatever buttered and floured pan you decided to use. Bake until the cornbread is risen and passes the toothpick test. About 3o minutes for the 10 inch round pan, less if you make muffins
7.Let it cool for 5 minutes or until you feel like eating it!
8.Enjoy
Friday, August 20
sale
I stopped at Boarders to pick up a book for the girls I tutor. I was shocked that no library in Kansas City had a copy of Mouse Paint, that's just wrong. Lincoln, has by far, the best library system of the four states I've lived in.
Anyway, in the vestibule area of Boarders where they pile sale books was my second favorite baking cookbook. Second to Martha's Baking Handbook. It was on deep discount, only $5.99 for a beautiful hardcover book filled with bunches of delicious recipes and pictures. Don't tell Jim, but I bet I've paid more than that in late fees borrowing it from the library.
Happy to finally own it and for such a great price. Only 7 more days until I have a really real kitchen again
Anyway, in the vestibule area of Boarders where they pile sale books was my second favorite baking cookbook. Second to Martha's Baking Handbook. It was on deep discount, only $5.99 for a beautiful hardcover book filled with bunches of delicious recipes and pictures. Don't tell Jim, but I bet I've paid more than that in late fees borrowing it from the library.
Happy to finally own it and for such a great price. Only 7 more days until I have a really real kitchen again
Wednesday, August 18
8-18-82
I really enjoy birthdays. I mean a celebration all about me, or whoever happens to be having one that day. Today it happens to be me. However, not all my birthdays went the way I hoped they would. Here are some examples...
Once on my birthday I really really wanted it to snow so I wore a turtleneck shirt and a pair of pants (no air conditioning) Sadly wearing snow appropriate close won't make it snow in August.
On your birthday you get to choose what kind of cake you want, right? I mean it's your birthday. I always wanted vanilla cake, vanilla icing, and vanilla ice cream. My mother refused to make it, said it was too boring and no one else would want it. What does that matter for?
It's not like anyone is actually coming! When your birthday is in August in New York no kids come to your party because they are all still at camp. Don't even get me started on mid August in the mid west. Why do you start school so darn early?
Moving on to this year. Jim has decided that the my birthday should be postponed. Can he even decide that? I guess our shabby apartment does not easily lend its self to the carrot cake creating that I demand of him on this occasion. Homemade, double layer, cream cheese frosting, carrot cake takes some space and equipment.
So now I get to pick a new birthday. Just for this year...I hope.
Once on my birthday I really really wanted it to snow so I wore a turtleneck shirt and a pair of pants (no air conditioning) Sadly wearing snow appropriate close won't make it snow in August.
On your birthday you get to choose what kind of cake you want, right? I mean it's your birthday. I always wanted vanilla cake, vanilla icing, and vanilla ice cream. My mother refused to make it, said it was too boring and no one else would want it. What does that matter for?
It's not like anyone is actually coming! When your birthday is in August in New York no kids come to your party because they are all still at camp. Don't even get me started on mid August in the mid west. Why do you start school so darn early?
Moving on to this year. Jim has decided that the my birthday should be postponed. Can he even decide that? I guess our shabby apartment does not easily lend its self to the carrot cake creating that I demand of him on this occasion. Homemade, double layer, cream cheese frosting, carrot cake takes some space and equipment.
So now I get to pick a new birthday. Just for this year...I hope.
Monday, August 16
just thinking about it makes me want a big glass of milk
A few people commented on the previous post. Most people I talked to had positive things to say so lets give it a try. No fancy site or pay pal account yet. I'll use the blog, facebook, and my email to manage everything for now. Thanks to Jen, Courtney, and Audrey for being my potential first subscribers/guinea pigs.
The menu -for now -photos to come
Chocolate chip cookies
Chocolate chip cookies with pecans
Double chocolate chip cookies
White chocolate chip cookies with craisins
Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies
Oatmeal chocolate chip with coconut, chocolate chips, and pecans (yum!)
Oatmeal butterscotch
Peanut butter cookies
Chocolate Nutella Cookies
Brownies –Chewy and Chocolaty
Regular
Mint
Double chocolate
Turtle (pecans and caramel)
The Blondie -not so chocolaty
Chocolate shortbread bars
Cranberry Bliss Bars (think Starbucks at holiday time)
*Everything is made with really real ingredients like butter, sugar, chocolate, nuts, homemade caramel, etc. No margarine. Everything will be made and shipped on the same day to ensure the best possible freshness.
Subscriptions
3 month $60
6 month $120
9 month $180
12 month $220
All subscriptions include 3 dozen cookies or 24 brownies/bars, shipping, joy in knowing you are helping a baby make it from an orphanage to a home.
What you have to do
Choose your subscription
Decide what you want and when you want service to start
Send me an email at trisha.tylick@gmail.com
Upon receiving your check I'll get started on your order.
Note-September is the first possible month I can send anything out. I don't have a house yet!
The menu -for now -photos to come
Chocolate chip cookies
Chocolate chip cookies with pecans
Double chocolate chip cookies
White chocolate chip cookies with craisins
Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies
Oatmeal chocolate chip with coconut, chocolate chips, and pecans (yum!)
Oatmeal butterscotch
Peanut butter cookies
Chocolate Nutella Cookies
Brownies –Chewy and Chocolaty
Regular
Mint
Double chocolate
Turtle (pecans and caramel)
The Blondie -not so chocolaty
Chocolate shortbread bars
Cranberry Bliss Bars (think Starbucks at holiday time)
*Everything is made with really real ingredients like butter, sugar, chocolate, nuts, homemade caramel, etc. No margarine. Everything will be made and shipped on the same day to ensure the best possible freshness.
Subscriptions
3 month $60
6 month $120
9 month $180
12 month $220
All subscriptions include 3 dozen cookies or 24 brownies/bars, shipping, joy in knowing you are helping a baby make it from an orphanage to a home.
What you have to do
Choose your subscription
Decide what you want and when you want service to start
Send me an email at trisha.tylick@gmail.com
Upon receiving your check I'll get started on your order.
Note-September is the first possible month I can send anything out. I don't have a house yet!
Saturday, August 14
what do you think?
Jim and I fall into the financial range where we don't really qualify for grants to help fund the adoption but yet it still feels a bit like a stretch on our budget. It's the typical middle class story.
So forget the grants on to the fund raising. I already shared my problem with garage sales in a previous post...nothing to sell. I'm not young enough or cute enough to set up a lemonade stand in my neighborhood. Could I make the kids I nanny for sit at a lemonade stand? Probably not. Plus I can't charge $5 for a glass of lemonade so it might not be worth it. I don't have a giant spinning circular griddle so a pancake feed (Mideastern term) is out.
I really like to bake. Some have said the things I make are yummy. I think I want to start a 'snack of the month club' You have heard of those 'of the month clubs' wine of the month, flower of the month, salsa of the month, etc.
Here is how my pretend 'of the month club' works in my head...
You choose what you want off the menu, how many months you're interested in subscribing, send the check (or use pay-pal if I set it up online), receive delicious homemade snacks delivered right to your address, enjoy eating your cookies, brownies, scones, bars, knowing you are helping an adorable Russian make it from an orphanage to a home (our home to be specific)
So...thoughts?
So forget the grants on to the fund raising. I already shared my problem with garage sales in a previous post...nothing to sell. I'm not young enough or cute enough to set up a lemonade stand in my neighborhood. Could I make the kids I nanny for sit at a lemonade stand? Probably not. Plus I can't charge $5 for a glass of lemonade so it might not be worth it. I don't have a giant spinning circular griddle so a pancake feed (Mideastern term) is out.
I really like to bake. Some have said the things I make are yummy. I think I want to start a 'snack of the month club' You have heard of those 'of the month clubs' wine of the month, flower of the month, salsa of the month, etc.
Here is how my pretend 'of the month club' works in my head...
You choose what you want off the menu, how many months you're interested in subscribing, send the check (or use pay-pal if I set it up online), receive delicious homemade snacks delivered right to your address, enjoy eating your cookies, brownies, scones, bars, knowing you are helping an adorable Russian make it from an orphanage to a home (our home to be specific)
So...thoughts?
Thursday, August 12
what a disgrace
I tutor two sisters. One is going into third grade and the other into kindergarten. Sometimes I play Jenga with the girls. Read this sight word correctly and you can remove a block. Answer this multiplication question and you can remove a block. And so on...
Recently they went on vacation to Ireland to visit some friends. Today was my first day back since their trip. During the older daughters session I asked what was something fun she did. She mentioned she got to play giant Jenga and didn't even have to answer multiplication questions to play. End of story. We got to work.
Next it was the kindergartner's turn. Here is how it went.
Me -"I heard you got to play giant Jenga on your trip"
Her-"Yeah, it was a disgrace"
Me-Trying not to laugh "A disgrace, what happened"
Her -"Conrad knocked it over" (two year old brother)
Me-"That is disgraceful, did you try playing again"
Her-"We tried but it was unsuccessful"
I need to get my under two year old home quick because in order for him to be this funny, and me to understand it, I need to start teaching him English.
Recently they went on vacation to Ireland to visit some friends. Today was my first day back since their trip. During the older daughters session I asked what was something fun she did. She mentioned she got to play giant Jenga and didn't even have to answer multiplication questions to play. End of story. We got to work.
Next it was the kindergartner's turn. Here is how it went.
Me -"I heard you got to play giant Jenga on your trip"
Her-"Yeah, it was a disgrace"
Me-Trying not to laugh "A disgrace, what happened"
Her -"Conrad knocked it over" (two year old brother)
Me-"That is disgraceful, did you try playing again"
Her-"We tried but it was unsuccessful"
I need to get my under two year old home quick because in order for him to be this funny, and me to understand it, I need to start teaching him English.
Tuesday, August 10
you're just making it hotter
I went to Whole Foods today, you know it, the overpriced super crunchy grocery store I wish I could shop at on a regular basis. I just stopped in to see if they had any delicious Indian food on the lunch buffet. I pull into a parking spot and the Land Rover in front of me is running but no one is in it, not a very "Whole Foods" kind of thing to do. It's like 103 outside, but still. I go in and do a lap around the store, you know, just to see if there are any free samples. There was some juice it was good but mostly just because it was really cold. Watched the fish guy show off some huge fish to a very impressed toddler and then headed for the buffet. Found, paid for, and ate some yummy Indian food and drank a large glass of water. How many minutes does all that take? Maybe 30ish. The Land Rover in front of my car is still running. I think that just makes it hotter outside.
Sunday, August 8
back in kansas
The journey to Russia was simple. The trip back here was not nearly as smooth...
We woke up Friday morning in Moscow, packed our bags, double checked, and waited for our driver to arrive. We were planning on taking the train, but changed our minds. Good thing! The weather report in Moscow that day... HOT, SMOKE. Due to the crazy heat and drought there are forest fires east of Moscow. It's a bad day when smoke is in the forecast. Yuck. It looked like a thick fog but as soon as you took a breath you knew it wasn't. The van had air conditioning and we were able to keep the windows shut.
We arrived at the airport to see that our flight was delayed already, that meant we would also miss our connecting flight. We got the Delta lady to get us on a different flight. The airport is not air conditioned, which I am fine with. However, the smoke from outside is starting to make it's way into the airport and misery is settling upon us. On top of the smoke for outside people are also smoking cigarettes inside, give your lungs a chance people. Eventually, it's time (3:00) to get on the plane and begin the 10 hour flight. I sleep the whole time, minus the time they bring us ice cream. I will wake up for ice cream.
We arrived at JKF sometime in the afternoon. JFK is a horrible horrible place. When you arrive from an international flight you are herded into the basement and yelled at as you go through customs and security. Not looking forward to doing that alone with an under two year old. Oh please let me fly into to Boston or Atlanta the next time.
Finally we are in Kansas City on the airport shuttle bus on the way to our car. I open up my purse to retrieve the keys and they are....no where. I made it half way around the earth and back and I can't get 36 miles back to my house because I have lost my car keys. It's then that I realize we live in a land where we have yet to make friends. There is no one I can call at midnight and ask for a ride home to get our spare keys. UGH. We ride the shuttle back to the airport, have them look on our plane, give up, call a cab, and use our Holiday Inn points and book a room.
Morning arrives and we wonder do we even have friends we can call on a Saturday morning for help...Nope. We try a co worker of Jim's and he does not return the call. We try our real estate agent, but she is busy. We call Geico because they are paid to help us. They hook us up with a tow truck, he picks us up at the hotel, and we drive to the airport parking lot. Turns out my car is too boxed in by other cars and can only be towed if I would like to inflict injury upon it. Instead the tow truck driver gives us a ride to the apartment, we get an apartment key from the building manager, find my spare car keys, and drive back to the airport.
As for the keys they are somewhere between Russia and Kansas. I am certain of it.
We woke up Friday morning in Moscow, packed our bags, double checked, and waited for our driver to arrive. We were planning on taking the train, but changed our minds. Good thing! The weather report in Moscow that day... HOT, SMOKE. Due to the crazy heat and drought there are forest fires east of Moscow. It's a bad day when smoke is in the forecast. Yuck. It looked like a thick fog but as soon as you took a breath you knew it wasn't. The van had air conditioning and we were able to keep the windows shut.
We arrived at the airport to see that our flight was delayed already, that meant we would also miss our connecting flight. We got the Delta lady to get us on a different flight. The airport is not air conditioned, which I am fine with. However, the smoke from outside is starting to make it's way into the airport and misery is settling upon us. On top of the smoke for outside people are also smoking cigarettes inside, give your lungs a chance people. Eventually, it's time (3:00) to get on the plane and begin the 10 hour flight. I sleep the whole time, minus the time they bring us ice cream. I will wake up for ice cream.
We arrived at JKF sometime in the afternoon. JFK is a horrible horrible place. When you arrive from an international flight you are herded into the basement and yelled at as you go through customs and security. Not looking forward to doing that alone with an under two year old. Oh please let me fly into to Boston or Atlanta the next time.
Finally we are in Kansas City on the airport shuttle bus on the way to our car. I open up my purse to retrieve the keys and they are....no where. I made it half way around the earth and back and I can't get 36 miles back to my house because I have lost my car keys. It's then that I realize we live in a land where we have yet to make friends. There is no one I can call at midnight and ask for a ride home to get our spare keys. UGH. We ride the shuttle back to the airport, have them look on our plane, give up, call a cab, and use our Holiday Inn points and book a room.
Morning arrives and we wonder do we even have friends we can call on a Saturday morning for help...Nope. We try a co worker of Jim's and he does not return the call. We try our real estate agent, but she is busy. We call Geico because they are paid to help us. They hook us up with a tow truck, he picks us up at the hotel, and we drive to the airport parking lot. Turns out my car is too boxed in by other cars and can only be towed if I would like to inflict injury upon it. Instead the tow truck driver gives us a ride to the apartment, we get an apartment key from the building manager, find my spare car keys, and drive back to the airport.
As for the keys they are somewhere between Russia and Kansas. I am certain of it.
Wednesday, August 4
paka paka (bye bye)
They, other blogs I read, say that the second day is so much better than the first. I never really believed it, but it was totally true.
When we arrived the director asked if we had any other questions for her. We pressed her for a bit more details about his story and she was willing to share what she knew...well I assume so the writing was all Russian I kinda have to take her word. After a bit more questions the caretaker brought him in wearing the cute outfit we left him in yesterday and of course his socks and sandals.
We went off to the gym to play. The gym is a room covered in those rugs that have tracks for toy cars all over them. It has balls and slides and mats on the floor and ladders to climb. We sit down like yesterday and we can already tell he is clearly calmer. Only a short time of lip quivering and then we are good to go. We change him into a new outfit, have a little snuggle time and move on to playing.
Jim really wants to see him crawl. The director says he is crawling and standing with the help of furniture, but we have yet to see it. He loves the snacks we brought so we feed him some the put them a short distance away so he will crawl over...no such luck. He just sits there. We get out some toys and figure we will work on crawling later. All the sudden he catches a glance at a ball that the other family is playing with and bolts off in their direction...yep he can crawl, but only when he wants to!
The rest of the time we are there follows much the same. Stacking blocks, knocking them down, hugs, snacks, hugs, crawling, etc... It's sweet to see him interacting with the boy that the other family is adopting. Turns out the boys are in the same room and they do know each other. Hopefully we can keep it that way even when they get home, what a special connection. Then the caretakers come and sweep the kids away to take a nap. We leave him with his study guide, stuffed owl, and some disposable cameras (thanks Nathalie). Just like that. All done. See you in??? Who knows how long...
--------
Note about the giant stuffed owl...
I bought this stuffed owl on amazon, you can see pictures in the study guide. It is a great shade of green, so soft, and has these huge crazy eyes. Lets just say the owl was a lot larger than I thought it would be. Honestly we thought he would be scared of it, quite the opposite. He loves that owl. When we handed it to him yesterday he grabbed it by the neck and squeezed and proceeded to rub it and pull on the ears. It was so precious and the same happened today. We are so happy for it to be with him in his crib or bed or where ever it is he hangs out at night. We will order another just in case this one doesn't make it home.
Pictures, Details, Name.
Nope, Sorry, Not now. This adoption isn't finished and nothing is certain until we pass court and wait out the ten day waiting period.
When we arrived the director asked if we had any other questions for her. We pressed her for a bit more details about his story and she was willing to share what she knew...well I assume so the writing was all Russian I kinda have to take her word. After a bit more questions the caretaker brought him in wearing the cute outfit we left him in yesterday and of course his socks and sandals.
We went off to the gym to play. The gym is a room covered in those rugs that have tracks for toy cars all over them. It has balls and slides and mats on the floor and ladders to climb. We sit down like yesterday and we can already tell he is clearly calmer. Only a short time of lip quivering and then we are good to go. We change him into a new outfit, have a little snuggle time and move on to playing.
Jim really wants to see him crawl. The director says he is crawling and standing with the help of furniture, but we have yet to see it. He loves the snacks we brought so we feed him some the put them a short distance away so he will crawl over...no such luck. He just sits there. We get out some toys and figure we will work on crawling later. All the sudden he catches a glance at a ball that the other family is playing with and bolts off in their direction...yep he can crawl, but only when he wants to!
The rest of the time we are there follows much the same. Stacking blocks, knocking them down, hugs, snacks, hugs, crawling, etc... It's sweet to see him interacting with the boy that the other family is adopting. Turns out the boys are in the same room and they do know each other. Hopefully we can keep it that way even when they get home, what a special connection. Then the caretakers come and sweep the kids away to take a nap. We leave him with his study guide, stuffed owl, and some disposable cameras (thanks Nathalie). Just like that. All done. See you in??? Who knows how long...
--------
Note about the giant stuffed owl...
I bought this stuffed owl on amazon, you can see pictures in the study guide. It is a great shade of green, so soft, and has these huge crazy eyes. Lets just say the owl was a lot larger than I thought it would be. Honestly we thought he would be scared of it, quite the opposite. He loves that owl. When we handed it to him yesterday he grabbed it by the neck and squeezed and proceeded to rub it and pull on the ears. It was so precious and the same happened today. We are so happy for it to be with him in his crib or bed or where ever it is he hangs out at night. We will order another just in case this one doesn't make it home.
Pictures, Details, Name.
Nope, Sorry, Not now. This adoption isn't finished and nothing is certain until we pass court and wait out the ten day waiting period.
Tuesday, August 3
what, what?
It didn't hit me until the first night at the Moscow Holiday Inn. I'm in my twin bed and Jim is in his. We are listening to Russian pop music mixed with Backstreet Boys being played on the built in night stand radio. I wonder...what on earth are we doing here?
It happened again at our hotel in Siberia. I'm in my twin bed, after an overnight flight that robbed me of sleep. I'm watching Russian MTV (which is completely hilarious) and wondering, what made me think this was a brilliant idea?
9:00 this morning we met our translator and she prepped us about the events of the day. We drove about 45 minuted to the orphanage. Today I got to sit in the back and the drive was much slower on country roads, so not as exciting as yesterday. Anyway, we get to the orphanage, learn about our child's history, ask questions, and then BAM they bring him in. There he is in his mismatched orphanage clothes rocking the socks with sandals look wondering who on earth we are and why we are so excited to see him. We stay in the "official" office a bit longer just holding him and trying to keep that quivering lip from breaking into a cry. Finally they take us and the other family that we are traveling with to a room where we can play.
I can tell he is feeling sad. I'm strange and I know it. But he never really cries. His eyes are watery, his lip keeps quivering, and he occasionally takes those quick little breaths that you need when you are feeling nervous. He enjoys the toys we brought as well as just being held and he especially enjoys the snacks. I know the way to a person heart is though food and I'll use that trick on anyone!!
Then it hits me. All the stuff I was wondering about, what have I gotten myself into, what is going on? It melts away. This is our story. This is how it's meant to be...random hotels, crazy music, adventurous rides, mysterious food and the adorable under two year old waiting there at the orphanage.
After, I'm not sure how long, you can clearly tell it is nap time. The caregiver comes in to take him for a nap. Tomorrow, we sign the paperwork and give him a new name (nope still not telling)
It happened again at our hotel in Siberia. I'm in my twin bed, after an overnight flight that robbed me of sleep. I'm watching Russian MTV (which is completely hilarious) and wondering, what made me think this was a brilliant idea?
9:00 this morning we met our translator and she prepped us about the events of the day. We drove about 45 minuted to the orphanage. Today I got to sit in the back and the drive was much slower on country roads, so not as exciting as yesterday. Anyway, we get to the orphanage, learn about our child's history, ask questions, and then BAM they bring him in. There he is in his mismatched orphanage clothes rocking the socks with sandals look wondering who on earth we are and why we are so excited to see him. We stay in the "official" office a bit longer just holding him and trying to keep that quivering lip from breaking into a cry. Finally they take us and the other family that we are traveling with to a room where we can play.
I can tell he is feeling sad. I'm strange and I know it. But he never really cries. His eyes are watery, his lip keeps quivering, and he occasionally takes those quick little breaths that you need when you are feeling nervous. He enjoys the toys we brought as well as just being held and he especially enjoys the snacks. I know the way to a person heart is though food and I'll use that trick on anyone!!
Then it hits me. All the stuff I was wondering about, what have I gotten myself into, what is going on? It melts away. This is our story. This is how it's meant to be...random hotels, crazy music, adventurous rides, mysterious food and the adorable under two year old waiting there at the orphanage.
After, I'm not sure how long, you can clearly tell it is nap time. The caregiver comes in to take him for a nap. Tomorrow, we sign the paperwork and give him a new name (nope still not telling)
Monday, August 2
in the driver's seat but not driving
Sunday night we left Moscow on a 11:40PM flight to Kemerovo. After a 3 hour flight we arrived in Kemerovo at 7:00AM and were greeted by our coordinator, swept off to a cafe for some food and prep for the day.
We knew we had to do something with paperwork today but no idea about details of the situation. We met with some official lady, who wore a lot of tweed and didn't smile much. She looked through all our documents, while chatting on her cell, and then decided we had everything she showed us our referral's photo and gave us some information about him. She asked if we would like to sign the paperwork to meet him...um yeah I think that's what I'm here for.
Our coordinator left us with our driver who took us on the 3 hour trek to Novokuznetsk. Now I don't know what you picture when you think of Siberia, but what I saw was not what I thought. It's lush. One side of the road is all towering stick straight birch trees and the other side is a mix of grass, trees, and fields of crops. Every so often we slow down as we pass a town. Our driver rolls down his window and the cool (65) Siberian air fills the car...glorious. Towns consists of some assorted houses, babushkas selling vegetables on the side of the road, and a couple cows that seem much to close to the street.
Some how it was decided, back in Kemerovo, that I got to sit in the front. I'm fine with that. The view was great. It's a little different because our driver's steering wheel is on the passenger's side, which put me in the driver's seat but with no controls. It's odd but it seems fine, until our driver decides that the person in front of him is going to slow and he wants to pass. I can see there is traffic, but how can he? He is so close to the truck in front of us. It seems like a funny little dance. Pulling over into the other lane and then ducking back in when you realize that you will be hit head on if you don't. Repeating until it's "safe" to pass the truck. I decided early on that fear was going to have to be set aside.
We knew we had to do something with paperwork today but no idea about details of the situation. We met with some official lady, who wore a lot of tweed and didn't smile much. She looked through all our documents, while chatting on her cell, and then decided we had everything she showed us our referral's photo and gave us some information about him. She asked if we would like to sign the paperwork to meet him...um yeah I think that's what I'm here for.
Our coordinator left us with our driver who took us on the 3 hour trek to Novokuznetsk. Now I don't know what you picture when you think of Siberia, but what I saw was not what I thought. It's lush. One side of the road is all towering stick straight birch trees and the other side is a mix of grass, trees, and fields of crops. Every so often we slow down as we pass a town. Our driver rolls down his window and the cool (65) Siberian air fills the car...glorious. Towns consists of some assorted houses, babushkas selling vegetables on the side of the road, and a couple cows that seem much to close to the street.
Some how it was decided, back in Kemerovo, that I got to sit in the front. I'm fine with that. The view was great. It's a little different because our driver's steering wheel is on the passenger's side, which put me in the driver's seat but with no controls. It's odd but it seems fine, until our driver decides that the person in front of him is going to slow and he wants to pass. I can see there is traffic, but how can he? He is so close to the truck in front of us. It seems like a funny little dance. Pulling over into the other lane and then ducking back in when you realize that you will be hit head on if you don't. Repeating until it's "safe" to pass the truck. I decided early on that fear was going to have to be set aside.
Saturday, July 31
so far, so good, so tired
I've never had such an uneventful international plane trip. Last June we went to Spain out of JFK and spent 5 hours just waiting to take off. We actually arrived early to Moscow. Customs was a breeze and we quickly located our driver. He dropped us off at the hotel. Jim is sleeping, but I refuse. It's 2 in the afternoon! I have to hold off until at least 6 or I'll be up and ready at 2am.
Tomorrow we venture out to see a bit of city (if we don't get lost) and then fly out to Siberia at 11:30PM. It's like 67 in Siberia, be jealous.
Tomorrow we venture out to see a bit of city (if we don't get lost) and then fly out to Siberia at 11:30PM. It's like 67 in Siberia, be jealous.
Friday, July 30
ready? I was ready in may!!!
It's finally time to go to Russia. No really! Time like I need to be at the airport in an hour. Time like I'm going to shut my phone off so you can't call me and tell me no. Time like Jim saying "Trisha pack the computer we need to go"
For the past few weeks our minds have been consumed with a mash of houses and house related drama. However it is finally time to forget that, for now, and go meet our son. On this trip our mission is to learn more about our referral, fill out some paperwork, give him a name, and officially decide yes or no.
Russian travel plans. Friday June 30 - Friday August 6
Day one -Leave Kansas City
Day two -Arrive in Moscow, take a free shuttle to the hotel, and sleep.
Day three -Venture from the hotel to the Moscow metro, explore the city a little, take the Aeroexpress train to the other airport, and fly out to Kemerovo
Day four -Arrive in Kemerovo, do some paperwork, and drive to Novokuznetsk
Day five & six -Visit the orphanage!!!
Day seven -Fly back to Moscow and explore some more
Day eight -Fly back to Kansas
Rumor has it the Russian metro is beautiful! Crowded but beautiful. Okay, not all the stations are that beautiful but still awesome. We turned down our agency's driver and opted for the adventure. More fun. Less money. Less chance of me getting car sick.
For the past few weeks our minds have been consumed with a mash of houses and house related drama. However it is finally time to forget that, for now, and go meet our son. On this trip our mission is to learn more about our referral, fill out some paperwork, give him a name, and officially decide yes or no.
Russian travel plans. Friday June 30 - Friday August 6
Day one -Leave Kansas City
Day two -Arrive in Moscow, take a free shuttle to the hotel, and sleep.
Day three -Venture from the hotel to the Moscow metro, explore the city a little, take the Aeroexpress train to the other airport, and fly out to Kemerovo
Day four -Arrive in Kemerovo, do some paperwork, and drive to Novokuznetsk
Day five & six -Visit the orphanage!!!
Day seven -Fly back to Moscow and explore some more
Day eight -Fly back to Kansas
Rumor has it the Russian metro is beautiful! Crowded but beautiful. Okay, not all the stations are that beautiful but still awesome. We turned down our agency's driver and opted for the adventure. More fun. Less money. Less chance of me getting car sick.
Wednesday, July 28
got paint?
I met our home inspection guy, our pest control dude, and the radon testing man over at the new house today. The inspection guy found a hand full of minor things. Some wood rot on a few windows, a broken sensor on the garage door, a loose toilet, some downspouts that need to be extended, and most windows are painted shut minus one that is painted open. Ha! However, all the major really important things(heating, cooling, roof, electrical)are in good working order. The sellers will be given the list of items to repair. Oh how I love being a buyer!
The pest control dude says No bugs! Excellent because I'm not a huge fan. He recommends we pull some of the mulch away from the house because, termites are not living there now but they would love to.
The radon testing man said he would get back to me in 48 hours with the results of the test. Lets hope for a low score because radon terrifies me. If the score is above a four the sellers have agreed to install a radon mitigation system (stuff to get rid of the toxic lung cancer causing gas)
So great we are bug free and structurally stable on to the cosmetic aspect of the house. Let's just say the owners loved to paint...everything. They painted the cabinets, the trim, the doors, the fireplace, the walls, the deck, everything. Everything in the house is either white, brown, or red with seemingly no rhyme or reason. Some trim is white some is super glossy white and some is brown. Upstairs all the walls, trim, windows, and doors are an interesting shade of brown. The dining room is RED really really red. Our solution. Hire the pros to fix all the trim and doors. Unify the house with nice white trim, doors, and stair railings. When they are done I'll paint the walls. None will be red and not so many will be brown. If you don't like painting don't plan on visiting me over the next few months. If you do like painting and homemade treats well come on by. Closing is at the end of August.
If you live in the Kansas City area and have a recommendation for a painter to use or a warning about someone to not use, that would be great.
The pest control dude says No bugs! Excellent because I'm not a huge fan. He recommends we pull some of the mulch away from the house because, termites are not living there now but they would love to.
The radon testing man said he would get back to me in 48 hours with the results of the test. Lets hope for a low score because radon terrifies me. If the score is above a four the sellers have agreed to install a radon mitigation system (stuff to get rid of the toxic lung cancer causing gas)
So great we are bug free and structurally stable on to the cosmetic aspect of the house. Let's just say the owners loved to paint...everything. They painted the cabinets, the trim, the doors, the fireplace, the walls, the deck, everything. Everything in the house is either white, brown, or red with seemingly no rhyme or reason. Some trim is white some is super glossy white and some is brown. Upstairs all the walls, trim, windows, and doors are an interesting shade of brown. The dining room is RED really really red. Our solution. Hire the pros to fix all the trim and doors. Unify the house with nice white trim, doors, and stair railings. When they are done I'll paint the walls. None will be red and not so many will be brown. If you don't like painting don't plan on visiting me over the next few months. If you do like painting and homemade treats well come on by. Closing is at the end of August.
If you live in the Kansas City area and have a recommendation for a painter to use or a warning about someone to not use, that would be great.
Sunday, July 25
maybe the third time?
So far we have offered to purchase two homes and have gotten no where. This afternoon we went out with our agent again and saw some more potential homes. We put an offer in on one of them and will hopefully hear tomorrow morning.
The best part is the back yard. It has two big trees that are just screaming to have a hammock put between them.
The best part is the back yard. It has two big trees that are just screaming to have a hammock put between them.
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