Visit Two

We spent a few minutes in the play room this morning before going out for a walk.  How cute are her little leggies???

Here Elena is eating a 'hamburger patty'.  Jeff, Alla and I all got to have little bites too.

One of the cutest things today was when Elena jumped like a bunny.  

She is just cute as a button!  

God was so good to give us a really good visit today.  We are learning more about our little girl.  And she's learning about us too.  At one point, when Jeff was teasing her and she was giggling, she turned around and ran straight over to me, right into my arms.  I scooped her up and twirled her around and she squealed.  My heart flipped.  It was a little glimpse of heaven, a glimpse of what I hope will become part of our everyday.

We don't have too many pictures from today.  We went outside a few moments later and the camera sometimes feels like it hinders our playing anyway.  So we gave our camera to Alla, who gave it to the social worker, who took pictures with it of a sweet little boy in the baby house who's American momma is waiting waiting waiting to come get him.  I was able to email the pictures to her today and I hope it helps her tender momma's heart!

After our visit, Igor drove us to Arbat Street and we were able to enjoy walking up and down the street in the nice weather, checking out all the shops.  

It was nice to have sun.

Tomorrow (Friday) we have court at 9:30 am, which is 10:30 pm Thursday night for California.  (And 12:30 am in Kansas Amy!  :o))  I don't know what it will be like and the unknown always makes me jittery!  Prayers for an easy and smooth appointment would be so much appreciated!  

Visit One-Outside

Elena was just darling this morning.

It was so natural for her to grab our hands and go for a walk.

I don't think she remembered us, but she seemed excited we were there.  

She's happy.   She had definite ideas about what she wants and doesn't want.  She makes great eye contact with us.  

She is such a silly baby.  She loves to point at things and and then look at us and shake her head.  Then she makes noises and smiles.  

At one point she saw her groupa mates out walking too and she waved like mad to them and blew kisses.  It was the sweetest thing.  I can't wait to have those feelings of familiarity and love transferred to us.  I wonder how long that will take? 

Jeff set the timer on the camera so we could have a photo of the three of us.  This is what we got.  

I'm always exhausted after our visits.  I think because we're trying to soak up every second, so it's intense visiting time.  And then afterwards I'm left contemplating how we will incorporate what we just did into our home life.  I have so many questions, so many unknowns.  And I'm just constantly breathing prayers for wisdom and peace under my breath.  I have many online friends who have adopted several times.  I'm thinking the first time must be the scariest, and then once you get the first experience under your belt, it's not so scary anymore.  Sometimes I wish I could fast forward to a year from now, to a time when we will be transitioned to a whole and full family, where routines are settled and familiar.  Where I would have the reassurance that this is going to work, that it's going to be beautiful.  But instead, I think it's best to live in each tiny moment, even the scary or challenging moments.  I've been working really hard lately on having a child-like faith.  Not taking myself so seriously.  And not falling to pieces if something is challenging, but really just believing that God is in control, that He is present in every single detail, I really can count on Him, and that He wants good things for our family.

We are Here!

We are staying in an apartment this time, instead of a hotel.  This is the view from our kitchen window.

Slept well last night, which for me is a miracle!  (I heart melatonin.)

We have a kitchen this time which just makes everything 10 times easier and better.  

We also have a washer!  YAY!  Although I'm thinking this will be vastly more important on the 3rd trip when we are living with Elena, than this trip.

Hmmm....

Also, we have an iHome this trip, so we can listen to Jeff's iPod in the apartment.  I'm telling you, being able to listen to worship music any time I want to is a God-send.   I just listened to my theme song "Brave" by Nichole Nordeman.  

"'Cause it's been fear that ties me down to everything

But it's been love, Your love, that cuts the strings

So long status quo

I think I just let go

You make me want to be brave

The way it always was 

Is no longer good enough

You make me want to be brave

Brave, brave"

Oh, and Mandisa's Good Morning just came on!!  Top 'o the morning to you 'Disa!!! haha!  This is the best pick-me-up song ever! Thank you Kristen!!!  

Oh and Mandy, we had some yummy treats on the plane!  Thanks!!

We are off to visit Elena this morning.  Prayers appreciated for a good visit.  Love to you all.

PS.  I threw up on the plane.  Ew.