Friday, December 19, 2008

Day 7 of the 10 day wait...

Here are my 3 cuties!

Last night was nice because we had more time in the apartment since we didn't eat dinner on the way home. We played a few games of Go Fish and Old Maid and just hung out as a family of 3 for one of the last times. Unfortunately, Ryan got another bad night of sleep. He woke up after 3 hours of sleep at 2 AM and couldn't go back to sleep and was then up until 8 AM. He was able to go back to sleep for 2 hours before he needed to get up to get ready to go to the orphanage. So, Ryan and Kiara turned in earlier tonight in hopes that Ryan gets more sleep!
We had probably our best visit with Vera today so far! She was so fun! Once we got to the orphanage, Ryan and Kiara waited in the orange room and I went up to her room to get her. I knocked on the door and I could hear the clinking of spoons. I started to open the door because I thought they might be busy feeding the babies when one of the caregivers came and she motioned to me that they were eating and I asked if she wanted me to wait downstairs by pointing down. I was hoping I could wait for her while she ate to see how the whole process works, but no such luck. So, not long after they brought her down and she again cried a little when they gave her to me. Then, Ryan and Kiara took out the phone that we always bring to play with her and she sighed and had a big smile, it was so cute. After that it was all smiles! Too bad she doesn't do that when she sees me!!
She looks so big when Ryan is holding her like this!

Vera was very active during this visit. She is getting louder, too, so I think she will fit in with the other 2 in our family. I feel like I am always telling someone to be quieter! I would shake my head and say "crazy baby" and she would do the same. I have quite a few videos from today, so get ready for some major cuteness!!

In this video, she would stand on my lap and bounce up and down. It looks like I am making her do it since I am holding her, but it is all Vera.

Here is the best part of the day! Vera will kiss me. I really think she is and it isn't just me hoping she would. See what you think. She did it several times. She is probably thinking, maybe if I kiss that lady, she will stop kissing me so much! LOL

And here, we got her to giggle, it is so cute!

If there was still any hope of us getting Vera early, then it is shot now! The deputy director, the one who won't give us custody early, came through our room and at that time Vera had been crawling around on the wood like floor. I don't know exactly what she said, but I could tell she wanted us to have her on the rug because the hard floor was too cold. Oh, my, I am sure the 3 layers of clothing weren't keeping her warm enough! I can't wait to get my baby home!

So, they usually come and get her around 2 PM, but they never came! So, at 2:30 PM, I took her back up to her room. We could tell she was getting tired. Today was great because we had an extra long visit with her, we had her for 2 hours today. By the time we usually get her, we only have 1 1/2 hours at most and usually less.

Since we really don't have anyone to take a picture of the 4 of us, here is the best we can do.

I have been forgetting to tell everyone that Vera's cold is much better. She kind of feels like she has a slight temperature at times, but I am use to Kiara whose normal temperature is below normal. The last couple of days it has been colder here. It is now in the 20s instead of the 30s. We only get flurries every once in awhile. It sounds better than the weather back home!

After the orphanage, we planned to meet a couple from our agency that is here for court. We got off one Metro stop before we normally do and found our way to the Courtyard Marriott. The Metro station that we got off on is one of the fancier ones. Below is a picture, but it really doesn't do it justice. Thankfully, we found the hotel without any problems. We were early so we just made ourselves comfortable in the lobby. It felt so good to be warm and just be able to sit.

K & B met us not long after we got there and we ate at the restaurant in the hotel. I am so happy that I have been able to meet so many other adoptive parents on these trips. It was great to talk to them. I think K and I have been emailing since probably at least July. They are also adopting a little girl, but from a different orphanage. At the Courtyard, they have a play room for kids. So, we went in there for a bit. It was nice for Kiara to have some new things to play with. K and Kiara built the Kremlin and the Kremlin wall out of Legos! Can't you tell?

7 comments:

Coles Mom and Dad said...

You guys are in the home stretch! I know how relieved you'll be the day Vera is handed over for the last time:) You may look like, or remind her of her BM, and that's why she cries when she first sees you??? I mean let's face it, nobody would ever guess that you weren't Vera's BM by looking at you two, seriously. It's amazing how much you look alike:) Can't wait for you guys to get home...big hugs for Vera & Kiara!
XO, Fischer Family.

Holli said...

From the first picture you could tell Vera looks happier! She looks more comfortable! Can't WAIT for you to get HER!!! but how dare you let her on the wood floor!:) Miss you and CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU ALL!!!!

www.russiansweetbaby.blogspot.com said...

Vera is TOTALLY kissing you! That is so sweet to have on video, too! We had heard there was a playroom at the Courtyard, but never found it, plus we didn't have our little one w/ us yet, but nice to know there actually is one there!

Jennifer said...

Oh, she's just SO sweet, Nichole! I about cried when I saw the one of her kissing you!

NCHLSN7 said...

Absolutely that was a KISS if I've ever seen one!!!!! How sweet. I know you are so anxious to get home. Hang in there. You all look darling.
Missy

Sandy Forney said...

I DID cry when I saw her kiss you!
Man I gotta start taking my pills again!
Give those girls a big hug from me!
Oh what the heck Ryan too!
Love you all
Aunt Sandy

Dani said...

I was just re-looking through all the pics and video...and I agree with Holly....the last few days of video she is a different little girl...all smiles and comfy with you guys.

Oh...and the kiss..that was definitely a kiss...you could see her interpreting what you were saying and doing and processing that...and then went in to kiss her mommy!

Ugh...can't wait to meet her and see you guys again. Love you!