Quick Update
Well, we did it. We changed our flight to leave Ukraine on December 14th! We are so excited!
We bought a new coat for Ethan today. One that is his size! The first coat we bought will be worn by 5-yr old Nicholas who is being adopted by Stan and Lydia from Michigan! They loved the coat! We are glad it worked out that way, for us and for them.
We have just a few more days that won't be busy. We're glad about that too. This weekend we will be buying gifts, food, and supplies for Ethan's farewell party on Monday. Monday will be busy as well. We will have to pick up the official court decree, get his new birth certificate and passport, have a party, and then get on the train! To comfort you all, please know that yes, we have Benedryl.
Ethan tried out a new flash light last night. He loved it so much, we couldn't get it away from him when it was time for us to leave! But today, we were able to snatch it so we can entertain him with it again tonight. We've been taking walks with him outside most days. The doctor says we have to carry him, and we do...some. But, he wants to walk, in fact he screams to get down and walk.
Everyday when we leave, he gives us both kisses and says Pah-Kah which means see you later. We have been teaching him to say bye-bye. He now knows please, light, and bye-bye. And of course, Papa and Mommy. He will repeat certain english words like again, fish, butterfly (that's funny to hear), boat, and bee. There is a large mural in one play room at the orphanage that has pictures of those things. He has learned to say again when Joe tosses him in the air and askes Ethan, "again"?
We heard that it is cold at home. That's too bad! The weather here has been almost perfect! No snow, no rain, no ice, no sun, no nothing! It has been really nice for walking. The temperature has been steadily in the 30's and the wind isn't too bad.
As nice as the weather has been, we'd like to get home to our own home with our own furnace and wood stove!
Thank you all for the prayers and for reading our thoughts!
We bought a new coat for Ethan today. One that is his size! The first coat we bought will be worn by 5-yr old Nicholas who is being adopted by Stan and Lydia from Michigan! They loved the coat! We are glad it worked out that way, for us and for them.
We have just a few more days that won't be busy. We're glad about that too. This weekend we will be buying gifts, food, and supplies for Ethan's farewell party on Monday. Monday will be busy as well. We will have to pick up the official court decree, get his new birth certificate and passport, have a party, and then get on the train! To comfort you all, please know that yes, we have Benedryl.
Ethan tried out a new flash light last night. He loved it so much, we couldn't get it away from him when it was time for us to leave! But today, we were able to snatch it so we can entertain him with it again tonight. We've been taking walks with him outside most days. The doctor says we have to carry him, and we do...some. But, he wants to walk, in fact he screams to get down and walk.
Everyday when we leave, he gives us both kisses and says Pah-Kah which means see you later. We have been teaching him to say bye-bye. He now knows please, light, and bye-bye. And of course, Papa and Mommy. He will repeat certain english words like again, fish, butterfly (that's funny to hear), boat, and bee. There is a large mural in one play room at the orphanage that has pictures of those things. He has learned to say again when Joe tosses him in the air and askes Ethan, "again"?
We heard that it is cold at home. That's too bad! The weather here has been almost perfect! No snow, no rain, no ice, no sun, no nothing! It has been really nice for walking. The temperature has been steadily in the 30's and the wind isn't too bad.
As nice as the weather has been, we'd like to get home to our own home with our own furnace and wood stove!
Thank you all for the prayers and for reading our thoughts!
posted by Baldwin at 6:40 AM
11 Comments:
Great news! So glad you got your travel arrangements for the 14th. By now today is almost over for you, so you are that much closer! As Ethan is learning our language seems like he is eager to please you and imitate you. It sounds like you are doing well and ready to come home - so are we! I hope the rest of the week and weekend pass by quickly for you all. Does Ethan know he is preparing to leave?
Hi Joe and Steph-
Well, I am sorry that you had some frustrating days, but it sounds like to me Ethan is becoming very comfortable with his new parents. As the old addage goes...kids are always worse for their parents.
I am very excited to see the Dec. 14th coming home date. We certainly will be praying for you to have a pleasant train ride and plane ride. Really looking forward to you returning home. Hope the opera was cool.
Continue to enjoy the time you have remaining there and prayers that it goes quickly for you.
Love to all three of you, Stacy
Hey Guys,
The 14th will be here before we know it! I can't wait to see all three of you.
Why does the doctor not want Ethan to walk? Does Ethan know he's leaving? So many questions, but must of all we just want you all home safely. We will be praying for a plesant trip especially for Ethan.
Love, Marjorie & Family
Hey Joe
This is Eric from your IALI group. Congrats on the adoption from what I know you will both be great partents. Look forward learning more about Ethan at the next session.
God Bless and Congrats!
Eric Schilling
Hello!
Congratulations on finding your son, he sounds adorable. And don't worry, as soon as he is out of the orphanage, he will be even more comfortable with you in your world. When we adopted our daughter last year in Kiev, someone told me that she won the lottery of life. But we said, no, we won the lottery, we are the lucky ones.
Our facilitator was named Natasha too and the way you describe how fabulous she is, I'm wondering if she is the same Natasha. If you could ask her if she helped Laura and John in February 2005, that would be so cool. My email is:
llessnau@umich.edu
(please delete my email address after you read this, if you can! Thanks)
Good luck with the rest of your journey. Godspeed!
Laura
(a blog fan)
Yeah..Dec 14th! I already have it marked on my calendar to specifically pray for the train ride on the 11th. Gosh, I love this blog, makes us feel like we are right there with you! It gives me so much joy to read it everyday. You guys are doing great! Even though there is some frustration you can tell the bonding that is taking place between all of you. We love and miss you bunches! Mark and Heather
Congratulations Joe & Stephie! I hadn't checked the blog for a few days, so had been thinking that TODAY was the big day :). You have been in my prayers daily, praying that the process would go smoothly & that you would soon be on your way back home. I'll continue praying over the next several days as you prepare for & begin the journey home. I'm so excited for you!!! Jodell
Joe and Steph
sounds like things are going good for you. Ill be thinking of you on Monday and on the 14th. Cant wait til you get back. Prayers are with you in abundance. Hope Ethan's party turns out well. Talk toy you soon I hope. Shelley
Joe and Steph...it's been so much fun following your days with Ethan on your blog. We're so excited for you! It will be great to meet Ethan and welcome him to Winchester. We love you...John and Karen
Hi---this is the message I have been waiting for. Wow, a week from tomorrow!!! We can't wait so see all three of you. Check e-mail for more lengthy message. Love Mom H
Joe & Steph,
I've been folowing your progress with Ethan. It has been great! This is so exciting for all of us.
Since your departure date is the 14th, I better get busy and get Ethan's Christmas stocking ready. I have everything I need to do it...now to find the time. But IT WILL BE READY! I PROMISE!
Love, Aunt Becky
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