We got a court date!!

We are heading back to Russia to bring Ayden home. We are scheduled to leave for Russia on September 16th. Court is on September 18th. We knew it was fate when we quickly realized that Jordan and Ayden will be sharing the same "gotcha day." Phew... I only have to make two Russian meals a year now. Bonus!

We have a lot to prepare for our trip. Garrett is having eye surgery next week and it will be nice to leave him with Nana and Pop Pop (Kristen's parents) knowing he can swim his heart out. Goal... tire him out! I think keeping him out of the pool for two weeks is going to be the hardest part.

We are very excited...

Garrett's first day of school.... success!

We had some trepidation as to how Garrett would respond to going to school, but my fears seemed to be a waste of time. Garrett had his first "functional" backpack day today and absolutely loved every aspect of school. Particularly the unlimited hand washing. I asked him on the car ride if he was excited to go to school... I think he was more excited that he was carrying a snack. Once in the room the routine is to take the snack out of the backpack and put it in the ledge. The backpack was history but the snack bag was not about to leave his sight. He carried it everywhere and guarded it with his life.

I thought for sure he may have some separation issues, but those fears were short lived. He confidently walked into the room and started to play with the play dough. As I was walking out the door he was waiving and blowing me kisses. I walked away thinking he could have given me at least ONE tear!

Big success! Maybe not for mom.

Jordan's first day of school...

School starts so early down here, but I can't say that I am complaining.
Jordan was more then happy to head back to the letter people and meet some new friends. She was over the moon when she saw a friend of hers from class last year and even mentioned that she met God today. Hmmm. I may stick around tomorrow and check this out. I could use him on my side. Her snack slot was labeled in red and I thought she would fall over with excitement. I wish I can bottle this stuff up because I wonder when she is 15 if she will be as excited with her name written in red. She made sure that Garrett was included in the festivities. She spent the car ride telling him how much bigger she was and that she always got to do special things because if it. Garrett was sad to see her go, but he had bigger things to think about... like the traditional Dunkin Donuts stop we make and a morning trip to the park. It will be interesting to see how he does tomorrow on his first day.

He spent the last couple of days at Chris's aunt and uncles beach house nearby. What a fantastic way to end the summer. Garrett will be having some eye

surgery in September so we celebrated his last day today of having to wear glasses. (Anything for an excuse to have chocolate cake!)

We are hoping to get a court date to finalize Ayden's adoption in the next couple of weeks. Keeping our fingers crossed.

August Update...

We have already been home a month and counting down the days until we return to get Ayden. We were certain we would be traveling in August, but recently found out that Orenburg is closed for the month of August (summer holiday). We are hopeful that we will be traveling in September. We have been keeping ourselves busy while we wait... mostly relishing in the ease of having just two kids. We have been working on our zone defense. Garrett gives us some trouble, but his giggles make him easy to find.

My sister and her family came into town this past week and while we didn't take many adventures, we had a lot of fun swimming and spending time together. Jen put together a surprise shower with some of my friends while here and I was touched beyond words. She has so much going on in her own life, yet she always finds the time to do such meaningful things for me. I can only hope that Ayden and Jordan will be able to share this special bond as I do with Jen.

Garrett and Jordan have been a huge help in getting ready for baby Ayden. Jordan will often show me how she is going to rock the baby. So if anyone is looking for something to buy little Ayden... a helmet would probably be very welcomed. Garrett has really surprised us lately with his awareness of the addition. He will go up to the computer and say Ayden's name or just baby. He brings books into her room and launches them into her crib. (See another use for a helmet).



We will keep you posted on our travel plans. We are so eager to have her home! Keeping our fingers crossed that everything goes smoothly.