Monday, November 27, 2006

Ready to come home, but can't yet

Joe here..
As far as we are concerned it is time to come home. Too bad we have to finish up all the formalities and legalities. As of right now, court is scheduled for 12/6, may be a chance that this is moved up some. If not then it looks like a return just before Christmas.

We are enjoying reading all the comments. Thanks for all the prayers, I think it is great that we can share this experience with our friends and family despite the fact we are 6,000 miles from home.

Here's a fun story. Before we met Ethan, another little boy in his room met his new parents. These parents brought their boy a toy car. Well, when Ethan heard that a Mama and Papa were coming to see him, he asked if his Papa was bringing a 'machina' (ma-shee-na) for him. So, when we arrived at the orphanage for the first time, he just kept saying, "Papa, machina." over and over. Of course we had to buy him a machina! Now he carries it with him everywhere he goes.

We went shopping yesterday and purchased clothes for Ethan. It was funny, we tried to measure him before going shopping, but he didn't want to be measured. He really enjoyed playing with the tape measure but didn't want any part of someone stretching it along his legs and arms. So we guessed. He is either a 2T or 3T? Here it is just "3" or 192--whatever that means. We bought some jeans, shirts, socks, underwear (He is already potty trained!), and a winter coat. We tried the clothes on him last night. He enjoyed showing off in his new duds!

Some things we are glad we packed:
1. Zip lock bags.
2. trail mix. (even though the food is good, once we are back at the apartment its nice to have a snack)
3. Carnation Instant Breakfast. (the food is good but the milk here tastes different--read 'not very good'
4. Books. A lot of downtime. Nice to have some light fiction, but sure glad to have my Bible as well.
5. Computer. Many said 'not needed' I say, can't live without. Laptop takes up almost as much space as a mini DVD player, but has other uses too. We are putting pictures on the computer as soon as we return home each day, also can download video from camera and watch DVD too!
6. Dryer Sheets. Excellent to put with dirty clothes that you will wear again or to hang in the closet. Also, easy to pack.

Some things that were not necessary:
1. Sunglasses. Not sure if the sun ever shines in Doneztk
2. Baseball caps. Want to be sure you look like an American--then wear a Purdue or a Colts baseball cap!
3. So many clothes. We way overpacked. We have available for our use a washing machine. But no dryer, Steph did a load (which was a pair of jeans a t-shirt and some socks and underwear--very small washer!) last night. I draped my jeans in front of the heater and they were nearly dry by morning.

We have started sleeping with the window open. The apartment has no thermostat control. The entire building is heated by a boiler with radiators in each room. You just take the heat as it comes and we have found that it is too hot for sleeping.

We have to hire a driver each day. I pay him about US$6/hour. He gets paid even when he is not driving. So, that is getting kind of expensive. But it is nice, we do not have to wait on or call a taxi. Vladimir is ready to go when we are. He is not a driver by trade, he is just a friend of Natasha. He makes sure we get to the apartment safely each night. I pay him cash daily. Having a personal driver is a convenience that I am happy to pay for, makes me feel safe.


I'll give Steph a chance to write now...

Hi everyone!

Just in case you were wondering, that red mark under Ethan's nose is just a boo boo. They put something red on it for healing...not sure what that could be, maybe beet juice? LOL We've seen lots of kids with this mysterious red stuff on their heads.

We've noticed that Ethan is the best child in the whole orphanage! He has been crying every time we leave. That is exciting for us, yet sad too. We hate to see him upset.

We got to see his bare feet today. They looked much better than we were led to believe. The surgeons who did the work on his feet had to break his legs to create a heel on his foot. They told us today that he didn't walk until after recovering from that surgery, but that he was a very patient child and started walking in his casts. They also ordered new orthopaedic shoes for him 5 months ago, and they just arrived today. So, they are probably too small, but that's ok because we'll take care of that when we get home.

We have been showing the pictures of our family to Ethan several times each day. He will repeat the names of everyone. It is really funny to hear him try to say Ella. He says Tricia, Mamaw, and Babushka (grandma) really well. We're still working on that one.

He loves to be picked up and tossed in the air. He also likes hanging upside down. He has a new game of running down the hall and waiting for us to chase him and pick him up to run back.

We have introduced him to fruit juice boxes. He loves everything we give him, even water!

Each day is more fun than the last. Soon, we won't have to see him cry when we leave, because he'll be going with us!

That's all for now! Thanks again for your prayers and your thoughts.

19 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

We are so happy for you guys. We have been praying for the safe return of your family. You guys are so special to us. We can't wait to meet Ethan. I am glad that he is so close in age to Hannah. We will have to plan a trip to Indiana soon. We are enjoying your messages. I love technology. We love you guys and we will continue to pray for you.

Love,
Brent & Adrienne

7:49 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Joe, Steph, and Ethan,

Interesting to hear how well all are adjusting to your new lives. As we know there is no place like home!
I'm praying that this "holding pattern" time will go smoothly and safely as well as your trip home. One day at a time, I believe I've heard somewhere!
Praying for you today.

Carol

8:24 AM  
Blogger Karen said...

We're so glad Ethan is bonding so well with you! He is so adorable. Thanks for sharing all your experiences...it's the next best thing to being there with you. We love you! John and Karen

8:31 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You took a lot of things that I wouldn't have even thought of. I guess that's why you are The Master Packer! (Did you remember the collapsible toothbrush?)
The pictures were great! I will be praying that everything goes well with the court date and that you can come home soon.

10:36 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I love to read your blog, and we check it all the time. It is great that you are bonding so well. Can't wait till Ethan can leave with you!

11:38 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

It's been exciting for us to check the blog each day to see what new has been going on with you guys and Ethan. We're really looking forward to you being able to bring him home with you. We'll continue to pray that the court date gets moved up to speed things along for you. We love you guys and look forward to seeing another update soon.

Karen, Brett, and Brookelyn

3:57 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Steph & Joe,
I read this posting first thing this morning, but didn't post till now. Tomorrow I will take the pictures in to work - (was in Indy today) - b/c the firewall won't let us view Ethan's pictures. We are ready for you to come home as well. It is great to read your stories - what a great life when a simple "machina" makes us so happy! I suspect soon that machina will be a John Deere! I know it is hard to leave Ethan after your visits - but it is good that you are all bonding. He is one lucky little guy! I can't wait to hear Ethan stories each day. Take care, you are in my thoughts constantly! J

4:01 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

hi guys
just was able to respond to the post! being in classroom today plus internet was down plus as Jean told you firewall wont let us view pics there.Everyone was wanting to see the pics so hopefully Jean can bring em in.(my printer doesnt work) That "machina" will be the first of many things "you just have to buy for him" trust me! MAny good thoughts and prayers are being sent out for you, keep us posted and send more pics as you can! Love Shelley

8:05 PM  
Blogger Jenn said...

Hey Guys,

I think that Ethan looks like a heartbreaker. He is definately blessed by the Lord and through him Ethan now has you, and you Ethan.
I can see just through reading your blogs that you are already bonding as Mother, Father and Son.
Steph, when you bring him home, let me know if I can help with any situations that arise (even if that means my being peed on again :) I can't wait to see you and your family-----we miss you and please be safe (WHAT IS THIS ABOUT A BULLET PROOF DOOR????) :)

8:44 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Glad to hear things are still going well. It is exciting to read your posts and it gives us new things to think about. We are wondering if you feel like your your in a James Bond show with Natasha and Vladimir. I guess that is better the Vladimir being a Boris then that would make you Rocky and Bullwinkle. Sorry that was a little lame but you always need a little humor to breakup the boring.

What can we do for you here other than just pray? (yes I know that is important and we are doing it.) Stuff at the house or get things for Ethan before you come home? Is everything Winterized out side at you place its been beautiful here but sposed to snow by friday. Just let us know.
Steve

9:19 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Joe,Steph and Ethan, YES we are ready for you to come home NOW!!!Ethan looks so adorable(boys can be adorable too).Printed photos at Wal-mart, took them to school today, they were a big hit.Love the pic of the 3 of you!! Also the one from the window, you can see the anticipation on Ethan's face. Shared pics with my classes, they want him for show and tell. haha This last blog did not come up on my computer at school, so didn't see it until I got home. Actually Dad saw it first.Seems you have been gone forever, and it has only been a week. We are praying for that court date to be ASAP, and for all to go smoothly.We love you, are praying for you,and be sure to teach Ethan "Grandma"!! well, and "Grandpa" too!!! Much love, Mom and Dad

10:24 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is so exciting! I am so happy for the three of you! The time may go a bit slowly now, but soon you'll all be safe at home, looking back on these special, unique memories of your early days together!
Ethan sounds wonderful, just perfectly chosen by God for your family! God bless you all.

Michelle Miller

9:39 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

God is so Good! We can't wait to have all three of you home again. What blessings God continues to pour out on our family! Ethan is wonderful! Jace can't wait to play cars and tractors with him. Yeah for more cousins!! We are praying for you all the time. Let us know if you need anything before you get back.
We Love You!!!
Byron, Marjorie,Jace & Patricia

9:40 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Joe and Steph,
Kari told us the wonderful news about your appointment right before we left for Japan! We were overwhelmed with happiness for you both. I sat at the airport thanking God for His faithfulness to you and answer to all of our prayers. We even had people praying in Japan for you! I was anticipating what the news would be when we got home. Thank you for e-mailing Mark and letting him know about your blog. It has been a blessing and joy to read each day. When I saw Ethan's picture my heart just melted. What a cutie pie! Emma asked that we pray for her cousin Ethan at hide and seek sunday night. Once again I was about in tears knowing the life and love that he will have when he gets home. Cant wait to see all of you, we miss you so much.

Sharing in your happiness
With our love,
Mark and Heather

12:49 PM  
Blogger Amy said...

Hi Baldwins,
I just found your blog tonight. I am from Noblesville Indiana and we just got home from Ukraine adopting our son's bio sister in October. I am so excited to see another Hoosier in Ukraine. You know you are a Hoosier even though you are a Boilermaker Fan! We would love to meet you sometime after the holidays and you get settled. It looks like your about an hour and 1/2 away from us. I think Ethan is a beautiful little boy and both of our children were in the Donetsk region. However they were in Kramatorsk, about 1 hour away from Donetsk City. Keep your chin up and your prayers to God. He will bring you through this long trip. We were there for 5 weeks and we leaned on God everyday of our trip.
Amy W.

6:58 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

5 Weeks? That's like.... 3 payrolls. Alas, God is faithful, so I ain't scared! :-)

7:28 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

5 weeks?... Oh my... Gateway will get no work done,between watching th blog and praying and ooh ing and aahing over the pics! but thats okay i cant think of a better distraction than that sweet little Ethan.....S

7:59 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Agreed!!!
We are hooked. Can't imagine how you must feel, if we are this endeared. :)
PS We really ARE working. And, sharing in your joy.

8:33 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi, Joe and Steph -

I had the extra pleasure of being with your family in Indiana as all the great news was coming in. I either read the blog on your dad's computer or when he printed it out and brought it to your grandparents' house where I was staying. You were missed at Thanksgiving but we are all very happy for the three of you.

Any chance of a stopover in LA on your return?

Mason

9:10 PM  

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