22 June 2009

so now...

So, what's next? Well, first I need to find my car. (Yep. Towed again. And I can't find it!) Then...

PAPERWORK!

D2b has a "diagnosis" in her paperwork that doesn't match up with my paperwork. We asked if they'd change hers, and they won't. So, I have to change mine.

I've had new fingerprints done (they'll be back in two weeks), a new psych update written (notarized copy to the agency on Wednesday), new bank details notarized (yea, agency) and am waiting for a new child abuse clearance. THEN we can update the US hs (and maybe the Russian hs, too) and my visa. Her visa.

THEN, when that's all done, my papers and all her papers will be presented to the court. If it's all okay, a court date will be issued. If it's not, more paperwork will be requested. (During the summer, there is only one judge working at a time, so things slow down. But, I'm still hoping we're home before my birthday in mid-September. It's possible.) Once I have my court date, I'll have my eight doctor medical exam done here. (There are no gp's in Russia, only specialists. So, to prove I'm healthy, I have to see a cadre of doctors. Fortunately I can do this at my local clinic.)

Then we have court. Then we wait two weeks. Then we fly to the US. Then we come home!

Please pray for my little one while she waits. I really don't think she understands why I'm gone. Pray for her to be safe, for someone to love her, for peace and reassurance. Pray that she'll remember, that this doesn't break the fragile trust that was forming. Pray that knowing she has a Mama who is coming back for her will give her strength and confidence.

Please pray for the people completing my paperwork and hers. Pray for the judge. And pray for a quick reunion.

Do you know what? D2b came into the orphanage the same time I changed agencies.

19 comments:

ko said...

I hope all the ducks get in a row soon and your court date is fast!!! Also that you can spend your birthday with your little girl!! I will be thinking of you! Could you visit her in-between? My daughter was placed in the baby house the month we started our paperwork, funny how life is. I also wanted to say I love the post below. She sounds like a treasure.

InventingLiz said...

I hope it all goes quickly and smoothly for you and for her, and that you are together forever very soon!

JennStar said...

Praying all these things for you and d2b!!!

Anonymous said...

So excited for you and hope all goes smoothly from here out for you and your little one.

Beckie

Unknown said...

My question too, are you able to visit her? Here is to speedy paperwork!

Unknown said...

Do you have a projected date to present your documents to the court?

Holly said...

See...your daughter just wasn't ready for you yet. Fingers crossed you're home in time for your birthday! Sending prayers.

Tina in CT said...

Hope everything goes smoothly and that the court date is sooner than later.

Sitko Family said...

I just love to hear you refer to yourself as Mama.

God will make sure that it all works out for both of you.

Anonymous said...

Hello Kate!
I just wanted to say how happy I am for you! I will be praying (along with keeping my fingers crossed) that it will be smooth sailing from this point on!!!

Espe

Anonymous said...

No coincidences . . . just the hand of God :-)
Barb

Calico Sky said...

All those prayers are now my prayers. Thanks for the explanation re what's next for you both. Here's hoping it is your best Birthday ever!!

MoscowMom said...

OH, Kate!!!! I just got back from Italy and have access to the internet so I can read blogs! SO MUCH WONDERFUL NEWS!!!!! I'm so thrilled for you! I have a bag of stuff from Rachael for you, plus all those dresses from my girls... When do you think you'll be in Moscow? My nanny could bring them to you if we're still gone (back in early August). Or is anyone coming from Moscow to St.P? Can't wait to see pics of d2b sometime once you're allowed to share!

Annie said...

Sometimes it can all go very quickly! I'll pray it does in your case. And, I HAVE heard of parents visiting - I have a friend here who flew all the way to Ivanovo to visit her boys mid-way.

I do not recall there being anything specific in our paperwork about "healthy" or anything "diagnosis-related". I think sex and age was about it. And I usually left it all really flexible. We could say something about hair color, eye color. I certainly didn't. I wonder if this is regional, or if they've made a change in the forms.

The 8-doctor medical thing is so odd. It seems so "Russian". Of course we'd already had medicals and tests galore by the time we got to Russia, so I expect they knew it was all sort of silly. There were only six of them there, to begin with. And only the psychologist and the oncologist spent any time with us at all. For some bizarre reason I was inspired to talk to the psychologist in RUSSIAN. Of all the times! She seemed to love it though.

Some other parents from our agency experienced either a) a one-doctor exam, or a b) no doctor exam, simply a payment. Perhaps they do the actual exams (or not) based on how busy they are that day! Interestingly there was a Russian couple there the day we were. I could tell by the time they spent in there that their exams were MUCH more complete than ours....so I am thinking that the doctors might just be using common sense.

Dee said...

Wow, Kate, I am SO excited for you! Reading this reminded me SO much of seeing my daughter in the orphanage, except you sound a lot better prepared than I was. My daughter had TB exposure and had to be x-rayed before I could bring her home. She was fine, though.

I said a prayer and I will keep praying for y'all to jump those hurdles and be together SOON!
Dee

Maggie Vink said...

Whew! Lots to do, but you have lots of practice with paperwork!

Regarding the doctor thing, the director of the Russian program at my first agency was from Tyumen originally. She was explaining the medical clearance requirements to me and the other families who were trying to adopt their host kids. When she explained the 8 doctor thing (which, actually, at the time wasn't required in the Tyumen region) she said "in Russia we have real doctors, not these ones who think they know it all."

All righty, then.

Debbie said...

Oh, the 8-doctor thing...yep, we know it!

I LOVE that last sentence... I got chills

Wishing you peace of mind during this wait and hope you locate your car!

Deb said...

The timing of her coming to the orphanage is neat. I love to hear those little details.
That sounds like a lot to get done in a short time but you say it can be done and I believe it. I'll be praying for no hiccups along the way.
Will you be able to visit her any while you wait or is it too far/expensive?

And by the way, I think going private is a good idea.

Anonymous said...

I have to say, of all the things about living in Russia you have described, the bit about getting your car towed to random locations still strikes me as the most hilarious. And also the most annoying, I suppose.

Good luck with the remaining paperwork and I hope d2b has some peace during the wait. Are you allowed to communicate with her? Send cards or anything? I'm sure she is holding tight to her elephant in the meantime. :)