Labels: FRUA, Russian Adoption

I just finished putting Piney to bed.

I put her in her warm p.j.'s and cuddled her under her warm blankets.

We talked about how it was cold, dark and freezing outside, but we were so happy to be in this warm house, in a soft bed with our little lamp.

Then we played with her magna doodle for awhile.

She made the whole thing dark because it was dark outside.

But then she was sure to include the moon. She went on about the moon for a long time.

Then we played with her little leapfrog bus and she kept asking me if the buttons were too loud for me.

I would agree that they were loud, so she would turn it down or off.

Then she would turn it on again and ask me if it was too loud.

Of course it was really never too loud.

Then we read several books.

She always wanted to skip to her favorite parts.

Finally I whispered a song in her ear, but she wouldn't let me go until she whispered one in mine.

As I was leaving her room I thought of how far she had come in the past year.

She was a completely new child.

No longer a baby who could not understand us, who rocked herself to sleep and could barely walk.

Now she is tall, strong, confident and happy.

And then I remembered.

I came in my bedroom and said M, "Isn't today the anniversary of the day we brought her home?"

Has it really been one full year since she has been with us?

And right at that moment (I am telling the truth here!) I looked over at our computer and (we have all of our photos rotate as a screen saver) the photos of her homecoming came on the screen.

You will appreciate the significance of that if you knew the huge amount of pictures on my computer!

So I sat down and I went back into my blog archives and sure enough!

We touched down on the 14th and the 15th was her first day home one year ago today.

Re-reading over those old posts made me remember what an exciting and special time that was.

Only one week away until her birthday on January 21.

She will be three!

Hooray!

What a special joy she has been in our lives!

We love you Piney!

Labels: Russian Adoption, Russian Pineapple Princess: our adopted daughter

The reason that I don't feel as bad as I thought I would feel passing my goal day is because now that my six-month wait has past, my referral really, really, really should come any day now.

I have this little excited feeling inside that now my referral HAS to come. This week might be it guys.

Before my six-month wait I was just hoping that it would come early, but now that it is over due I feel actually happier and more excited than before.

I WAS feeling kind of depressed on Friday, disapointed that I didn't get it before my goal day, worried that it was never coming and that something was wrong, but I have talked myself out of that- and your comments certainly helped.

So now there is no where to go except to just accept our referral will be coming so so fast- and after waiting this long, just a little bit more shouldn't be too bad.

I will just have to keep my mind on other things and then "boom" we will have it.

Now if our "boom" never "booms" after a few weeks, you might see me singing a different tune.

I might have to go and toilet paper Russia. Anyone willing to join me? :)

Labels: Russian Adoption, waiting for referral

It is June 24, 2006. My goal day. My six-month mark.

No News. No referral.

It is Saturday, so I am really not expecting to hear anything today. I am beginning to worry that the Russians have rejected us. Perhaps they are thinking we are not a good match for any of their little girls.

Perhaps something is wrong with our dossier.

I AM wearing shorts in one of my dossier pictures. That might be making them think I will not be a good mother.

Maybe they don’t like my unsophisticated American smile…


I spent a long time sitting in Pineapple’s not-cute bedroom yesterday (thanks for all the help with that BTW).

I sat in there by myself holding Pineapple’s little Russian Anna doll and pushing her talk buttons.

Anna told me that she loved me over and over.

“I Love You. Ya-tebyA-lyublyU (Я тебя люблю )”

It was good.

Labels: Russian Adoption, waiting for referral

The latest news from my agency was: “We expect to match all our dossier-ready families over the next couple of months” so that sounds promising. By tomorrow we will have waited officially 5 months. I am hoping that we will receive a referral sometime in the next few weeks. I really feel ready for the first trip. I do not feel quite ready for the second trip and for bringing her home. I still don’t completely understand what I need to do to prepare for that- especially all of the post adoption stuff I need to do (i.e. testing with her pediatrician, re-adoption, social security number, attachment stuff, toddler needs, post placements etc.) I am working on getting a better hold on everything I need to know. I am glad that I will have some time in-between trips to get this sorted out. I am anxious about meeting our daughter for the first time. I just don’t know how I will feel or she will feel. I want to feel a connection, but I know it might take some time.

Every time I think of the moment I will meet her or the moment we can take her out of the court room as officially ours I get butterflies in my stomach. Of course I don’t know what she looks like so I imagine her- and she looks different every time. Sometimes I dream about how she looks. Again, always different.


My biggest fear is the lack of sleep I know that is going to come. Right now I can just fall asleep and take a nap whenever I feel tired. I can sleep all the way through the night and no one wakes me up (for the most part). I know that this luxury will end with a new toddler in the house. I think it is so hard to be tired and sleepy and not be able to sleep. It isn’t that you just aren’t able to sleep- it’s that you have to be tired and then cope with life and all that is going on around you and at the same time try to stay cheerful. I know there will be some tough adjustments at first. It is hard to mentally prepare for this, but I believe over time the rough edges will smooth out and she will be able to integrate in to our family. I am very excited for this new personality to come in to our home!

Labels: Russian Adoption, waiting for referral

------------------------------------------

On to the cool sighting topic of today- I have found a new favorite Russia website. It is called waytorussia.net.

Here are some of the useful web pages from it:

Useful facts about Russia - practical advice

Planning a Trip to Russia: practical advice, health, customs regulations, and more...

Russian Character and Customs

Health and Safety advice for Russia

Passing the Russian Customs

Practical advices about money in Russia

Internet access

Telephones, Post, Courier Services in Russia

Prepaid Telephone Cards Information

Prepaid Telephone Cards to Purchase

What to do in case of emergency in Russia

Travel Advice for Women in Russia

Russian language tutorial & online phrasebook

Video about a day in the city of Moscow

Introduction to Moscow and City's Highlights

Transportation in Moscow / Getting Around

Moscow Metro Map

Central Areas of Moscow: Tverskaya, Arbat, Kitay Gorod, Parks

Eating Out in Moscow, Russia: The Best Restaurants and Cafes

Moscow Entertainment: What's On Listings, Clubs, Theaters, Cinemas, Sport Activities

Moscow Sightseeing: From Kremlin to Contemporary Art

Another site I found useful was this:
Conversion Charts



Let me know if this was helpful. Thanks!

Labels: Russian Adoption, waiting for referral

Here are my TO DO lists for the first part of the adoption. If you think I should be doing something that I am not thinking about, please let me know so I can add it or if you think there is something on here that is unnecessary- let me know. If you would like to copy it for yourself, please do. Thanks…

Things to do while waiting:
Check all dates to make sure nothing has expired, or will be in a month or two.
Homestudy (expires one year)
Fingerprints (expires 15 months)
BCIS approval (expires 18 months)
Passports (must be valid 6 months from court date?)
Copy 4 Visa applications, print in Block letters, leave off 8, 10-13, 15, 16, 39 for later, sign
Take passport photos, print and sign the back of each photo
Staple 2 photos to corner of application
4 applications (2 each person)
Come up with a list of tentative names for child, decide on one
Start collecting needed items to pack
Collect orphanage donations and caregiver gifts
Check out the CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/easteurp.htm#vaccines
Get immunized for travel



AFTER REFERRAL
Ask agency if all requirements have been made for this child to be adopted, i.e, relatives notified and seen by Russian families, the child has been on the database for the required time, the termination of parental rights document signed

Call IA doc to review medical record

Notarize and sign documents to accept child

Check travel health at https://www.tripprep.com/scripts/main/topframeset.asp?DocID=destina_full-

Email consulMo@state.gov or call Embassy in Moscow to confirm the INS (BCIS 797-C) cable has arrived 011-7-095-956-4231, Tel: +7 (495) 728-5000 (Moscow is 8 hours ahead of Washington) Emergency after hours: 728-5025 (bring confirm email)

Complete any extra paperwork

Gather visa application with passport, cover letter, photos (check date of passport- has to be valid 6 months after visa expire date) Visa- one extra day cushion before coming back. Fill out #8, 10-13, 15, 16, 39.

Call various travel agencies for best fares. Ask for adoption fare. Lisa highly recommended Red Star Travel in Seattle- they take care of the visa (Flights that arrive in Russia in morning have shorter lines at customs, etc.)
(Find out if we need single entry, double entry, and what processing speed- processing speed does not include days needed for submission and delivery)Single entry is most probable unless really short wait between trips. When receive visa check if it is completely correct- return if wrong dates, etc. put with passport to pack. Make sure don’t stop over in places needing visa, Confirm travel dates with program coordinator before buying tickets
(consider refundable tickets)

Contact parents and family members

Get work days off as soon as we know travel dates

Call bank and tell them we need brand new bills yr 2000 or newer: mostly $100 bills, with a small amount in $20s and even less in $10s, $5s and $1s (Ask agency for recommended amount) Divide money between 2 money belts- put money in envelopes for specific purposes, keep dollars handy out of money belt

Pack for first trip:
Carry on: I.D.,medical insurance cards, prepaid calling card/access # or rent a cell phone, notebook with papers (see list below), snacks for pockets, Medicine: “No jet lag" pills, melatonin, vitamins, aspirins, allergy pills, money, book, camera, battery chargers, antibiotics, Imodium, hand lotion, sanitizer, kleenex, notebook and pens, towelettes, Tylenol, Motrin, Pepto bismol, Dramamine, sunglasses, video camera, airplane pillow, warm socks, clean change of socks, underwear and a clean t-shirt, toothbrush and toothpaste

Luggage: Baby wipes refill, Disposable camera to leave at orphanage (labeled), Portable Alarm, 220 Converter, Orphanage Donations: baby lotion, diaper rash ointment, developmental toys, toothbrushes, towels, bibs, blankets, new clothing, shoes, A bunch of lollipops, goldfish, balloons to blow up, one toy to leave with child, casual clothes (2-3 outfits each- layers), one nicer outfit each, electric fan, sunscreen, insect repellent, garbage bags for dirty clothes, small personal fan, , small regular pillow, sheet, small febreeze spray, small portable voice recorder, umbrella, pajamas, under clothing, shaving gear, soap, deodorant, small flashlight/ radio

Lisa's tip: Don't take one of those rolling suitcases that supposedly fits in the overhead bin. The bins fill up too fast and you end up having to planeside check it anyway. Take a backpack (Eddie Bauer) or bag with a long strap that can go across your chest (hands free).

Keep paperwork in organized booklet in carry on, include; phone numbers of contacts (facilitator, agency in States, agency in country, US Embassy, phone number, email address of Congress rep- copy for each person), itinerary and instructions from agency, plane tickets/airline or travel agent phone #, calling card/access number, passports & copies/visas & copies/custom forms, extra passport photos,, I-171-H & US Embassy confirmation, Questions to ask at children’s home & copy of medical record, map of Moscow and region and tourist sites, notebook paper, foreign currency exchange chart & chart that converts centimeters and kilograms. Phone number/email of pediatrician or IA doc, name and address of hotel, chart with normal child development milestones (normal delay is one month for every 3 months in orphanage, Have a metric conversion table handy: Multiply 2.2: 2.8kg X 2.2 lb./ = 6.16 lb or 2800 gm = 2.8 kg, Length 30 cm = 11.81 inches, 35 cm = 13.7, 40 cm = 15.7 in, 50 cm = 19.7, 70 cm = 27.5 in (45 cm = 45 X .3937 = 17.7 in), page with simple Russian words and phrases with English translation that might come in handy (to practice on the plane), card with money for driver, Other phone numbers: US Embassy 7-095-728-5000, American Citizens 7-095-728-5577, emergency 7-095-728-5577 or after 6PM 7-095-728-5990, 01 fire, 02 police, 03 ambulance

Check weather in region for when traveling

Check travel advisory www.travel.state.gov, www.state.gov

Recharge camera batteries

Power of attorney form- incase one parent has to leave early for emergency

Call credit card company to let them know the amount of money will be spending in Russia and when will be there (if using credit card to pay for hotel)

Check if Russian holidays over days traveling www.russianembassy.gov

Weigh and measure luggage if wanted- check guidelines

Stop mail; newspaper

Confirm flights with airport

Write kid’s schedules for while we are gone/ information, kid’s medical cards, power of attorney for medical emergency, leave a copy of our passports and visas with babysitters

Ready

Labels: Russian Adoption, waiting for referral

We have news- we found out that we will be adopting from the Bryansk region. Here are a few things I read about the area from FRUA comments:

“It's a very quaint town and the orphanages are supposed to be very good. The town of Klintsy is extremely poor. Most adoptions in the Oblast (ie, "province") of Bryansk are due to poverty. They call the children the Bryansk Beauties. It is a 6-7 hr train ride from Moscow- SW, near Ukraine.”

I was a little concerned, though, when I typed in Bryansk in the search engine for the first time and the top link that came up was www.chernobyl.info . Yes, Bryansk was (is still) affected by the Chernobyl incident. According to this article the Bryansk region was the Russian region MOST affected by the radioactive fallout.

It is interesting that I found out that we will be adopting from that region on May 2, 2006 and April 26, 2006 marked the 20th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster. Also, I just finished my final school paper on April 28 on Environmental Problems, specifically mentioning health problems and referring to the Chernobyl disaster. At the same time I have been reading the book: Obsessive Genius, The Inner World of Marie Curie. (I had actually started the book a while ago, but was too busy to finish it before it was due back at the library, so I just recently rechecked it out a couple of weeks ago). And of course, Marie Curie discovered Radium. I highly recommend this book by the way. The question I have now is- is this a coincidence or is God trying to tell me something? Am I supposed to be learning something here? . Maybe God is just trying to tell me that this is where we are supposed to be. Everything that I have read about helping the kids in that area have been the same: The only proven way to save the children from the ravages of the Chernobyl radioactive contamination is to remove them from the area permanently. It sounds like the most common lingering affect is thyroid cancer.

I think it would do us all some good to remember and to realize that the affects still linger. See UNICEF’s recent photo essay here.

See article here

Labels: FRUA, Russian Adoption, waiting for referral

It is rainy and it is Monday, so I had to write a bad day post.

You know it is going to be a bad day when:

(A Few of My Real Life Personal Bad Day Scenarios)

• I can’t find the lid to the blender, so I try using my hands.
• My husband or best friend has something really stressful coming up and is taking it out on me.
• I open the dishwasher and the “clean” dishes are covered with dried black spots from an unknown source.
• My husband or child has deleted my emails and/or phone messages before I had a chance to check them out.
• I forget to be my child’s tooth fairy AGAIN.
• Well-intentioned people are telling me what to do all day.
• Everyone is painfully aware that the laundry hasn’t been done in a while.
• My favorite jeans are feeling tight.
• I see the photos that my friend took of me at an event and I think to myself, “No way that’s me.”
• I am serving leftovers for the third night in a row.
• I am super tired and about to fall asleep when I suddenly remember some horrible chore that absolutely has to be done tonight
• My child uses our broken toilet
• I am sentenced to a life wherein I can no longer compile lists

Very Possible Adoption Bad Day Scenarios (now this is real- no jokes!)

• You just get home from traveling several hours to get documents apostilled and your agency calls and says, “Hi, we need just one more document apostilled.” You finally get that document completed and your agency says, “Oh, just one more thing.”
• You look at your adoption fund and you see the balance is close to zero, with thousands of dollars still due.
• You lose your first referral
• Long lost grandma or relative decides to drop by and visit (delay), your child right before your court date
• Your luggage that was supposed to meet you in Russia is headed for Japan
• A flight delay causes you to miss your court date which is then rescheduled a couple of months away
• Your driver doesn’t show up at the airport
• Even though you made hotel reservations, they say they are all booked up and you can’t find a hotel room available anywhere except at Cockroach Motel.
• You get mugged, you use a compromised ATM or your credit card gets illegally skimmed
• Your electrical adapter doesn’t work
• You accidentally drink the water you are not used to and get really sick
• You have been in- country so long you are starting to get addicted to foreign language soap operas
• You must travel several hours in grueling heat or freezing temperatures in your “car” to get to your orphanage
• Your excitement over your newly adopted child is dimmed when you notice he or she is sick, so not only do you feel horrible that your child is feeling miserable and crying uncontrollably, you also get clean-up duty on both ends (throw-up and diarrhea)
• You try to treat an infection or sickness in your child, are unsuccessful and catch it yourself
• Your child throws screaming temper tantrums in the airplane on the way home and acts like you are aliens from another planet
• You lose your passport
• You are still in-country and notice your visa expired yesterday
• You call your adoption agency in an emergency and they say, “Who is this?”
• But the worst yet is- you lose your mind waiting and waiting and waiting for any news or hope of going to get your child!

I am so sorry for any of you that have experienced any of these adoption bad days. I feel that as long as I am prepared for these type of worst-case scenarios I can only be pleasantly surprised…. And if I’m not pleasantly surprised, than this is where all of those lectures my parents gave me about having a good attitude will pay off.

And whatever we have to go through to bring our new daughter home will be worth it!

Labels: Russian Adoption, waiting for referral

Lisa recommended a great book called The Russian Adoption Handbook by John H. Maclean. It is a really good resource to guide you through a Russian adoption. This book has some very interesting information about Russian culture starting on page 243. The first time I read this stuff out loud to M we were laughing ourselves to tears. I think it was the mood we were in. Now that I reread it I do not find it all that funny, but it is still interesting.


1. If you smile and look up a lot, Russians will think you have a mental illness, that you are the village idiot or that you are an American.
2. A Russian might join your table at a restaurant if he or she came alone.
3. It is impolite to show people the soles of your shoes. (No flipping off necessary, just lift your feet, or cross your legs if you want to be offensive).
4. Russians are all members of the “hat” police. If you are not wearing a hat something is wrong with you. A ball cap is not a hat. Your child better be wearing a hat.
5. Swimming in August is bad luck. (So... swim in January??)
6. Russians love a good dip in a banya (homemade spa) and then to run out in to the snow. (How nice and…cold)
7. Fresh air and breezes cause diseases. (Of course)
8. Stick garlic or honey up your nose if you have a cold. (This is sure to work)
9. You will lose all of your money if you whistle inside a building. (Just don’t appear happy anywhere and you will be safer.)
10. Only give an odd number of flowers, even numbers are for the grave only. (So, I suppose a gift of two or four flowers is a wish for their death? Unsure here.)
11. Plastic flowers are also only for graves.
12. Men openly kiss men. Women openly hold hands while strolling. (Such affectionate people)
13. Many English words, such as "FUN," have no exact equivalents in Russian. (Is this related to the somber faces?)
14. Russians do not stand with their hands in their pockets. (You should not either, of course.)
15. Russians do not sit directly on concrete unless they want to become sick and/ or sterile. (Concerned for your welfare, a babushka might scold you for doing this.)
16. Russians do not announce that they have to go the restroom. (Don’t embarrass yourself.)
17. Russians never serve drinks without food. (Any food will do)
18. Be careful in complimenting something in a home. (Your host may offer it to you.)
19. Russians pick and choose the laws they want to use. (These laws may or may not serve to protect your safety.)
20. If someone gives good wishes, or you talk about your good fortune, you must spit three times over your left shoulder and knock on wood to keep your good fortune. (I am assuming that the spitting part is not offensive unlike the display of the bottom of your shoe.)
21. Russians do have a sense of humor; such as, the following:

Favorite saying in Soviet times: “They pretend to pay us, and we pretend to work.” (This should have been my motto when I worked at Little Caesar’s Pizza- my first job)

Chuckcha bought a refrigerator.
Neighbor asks: “What do you need this ‘fridge” for? You live in Siberia.”
Response: “To warm up during the winter. Imagine the joy- it’s -40 outside and +4 in a refrigerator.”

A man shows some friends his apartment in Russia.
One guest asks, “What’s that big brass basin for?”
“That’s the talking clock. I’ll show you how it works.”
He pounds the basin with a loud hammer.
Suddenly, a voice on the other side of the wall screams, “It’s 2AM, you jerk!”

Ha Ha!!

For more Russian etiquette check out:
http://www.infoservices.com/stpete/342.htm

Maclean, John H. The Russian Adoption Handbook, New York, iUniverse Star, 2004

Labels: Russian Adoption

Sometimes people think of international adoption as a last resort if you are unable to have biological children or haven’t been successful adopting locally. Many people who choose to adopt from overseas and share this news with family, friends and acquaintances are not met with a warm response.

We have had all sorts of responses to our adoption plan announcement, such as; silence with a forced- “That’s great. Why, do you want to do that?” to,” I could never do that.” to, “I would never even consider doing something like that.” to, “How could you really love somebody else's kid?” to, “Why don’t you just adopt a baby from the United States?” to “You are young…you need to just have your own kids.” to, “You know, those orphan kids have a lot of problems. You should be careful.” to, “Adopted kids just can’t fit into a family. If the genetic tie isn’t there, than the child will always seem foreign.” etc.

I have a hard time not getting angry at these types of comments. I have to hold my tongue many times in order to resist a defensive argument. People need to understand that international adoption is not a last resort. It is a choice that gives hope to a child. It gives children a place to belong, a place where they matter. It gives love and attention to a starving soul. It brings added personality, joy and love in to our homes. We give to them, but they give even more to us. Yet, we find ourselves increasingly trying to defend our choice in the face of ongoing criticism.

This is the sad state of affairs lately in the face of those that are ignorant of the process or those who have gotten false information from the media or other sources. However, the truth is that if international adoption ended because bad press closed down country programs, or because of a growing indifference, fear, lack of interest or understanding among people, it would sentence millions of kids to grow up languishing in under-funded orphanages or life on the streets, with future prospects of drug dependency, prostitution, crime and prison. Growing up in an orphanage is harmful to children’s physical, intellectual and emotional development. Even the nicest, well-funded institutions for orphans do not offer the attention, care, nourishment and development that a forever family does.

I wonder why there are just handfuls of us who are grateful and passionate about investing our lives and time into these kids and recognize how valuable and important this is in the world. We need to get the word out. I think that it is important that we all share our personal adoption stories with anyone who will listen. Through posting our positive stories on the internet and letting our friends, family and acquaintances know of our wonderful experience with our children, we can make a difference. The more people hear about our joy in this choice, the more others might change their views. As more positive stories spread there might be more people who choose to adopt and more people to support programs that help these children.

Labels: Russian Adoption

O.K. this is where you can all help us. We want to be able to have a new name at the ready, in case we want to change our new daughter’s name (likely). Originally we had decided on Natalia, but then we changed our minds about it. Now we just don’t have any idea. M is partial to Russian names. However, I don’t mind American names. Please send us a couple of your favorite girl name suggestions. Margaret has already suggested some great name ideas: Ekaterina, Marina and Nadezdha- keep the suggestions coming. Hopefully we will find the magic one. I will let you all know what we decide as it gets closer. Thanks for your help!!

Labels: Russian Adoption

The Russian saying goes, "People meet you [judging] by your dress and see you off [judging] by your intelligence.”

Do you know that I just recently realized that I should wear black socks with my black shoes? I knew this was a given for men, but for some reason I didn’t think it applied to me. I just wore my same white socks with all of my shoes. I didn’t really think it mattered because no one really sees, or notices socks- right? I mean my pants cover them up for the most part. However, I realized that this is not true. People can see your socks when you sit down, especially when you cross your legs. I just never really thought about this before. I know, I am a fashion failure, but there is hope for me yet.

M surprised me today by taking me to the mall and telling me I could get some new clothes. Now, I NEVER buy new clothes. There is this once a year clothing exchange at a nearby church where I usually obtain my clothes for the year. So I never shop, especially at the mall. As a child and teenager I shopped at the mall. In fact I was one of those, “Mom, I need your credit card” and off to the mall I would go. Money was not real to me then. However, then came real life and I was locked out of the mall. UNTIL TODAY…

Now I have to tell you that it was quite a shock to my system. Prices have gone way up since last buying clothes at the mall 15 years ago. I mean I have been in the mall for other reasons besides clothes shopping over the past 15 years- like trying out the massage chairs in electronic stores, listening to headphones to sample music in the music stores, browsing the bookstore and other such window shopping, but I never really noticed the clothes I wasn’t buying or the prices of these items. I mean I always considered stores like the Gap to be fairly reasonable. Not anymore. Those days are long gone. Now, they want to sell you wrinkled coats for $80! But the biggest shock to me was the new fashions. O.K. I admit that not shopping from a mall in 15 years has plunged me into fashion frumpiness, along with my white socks, but to put me into the forefront of modern fashion I had to do some adjusting. Wow, when did the hippies come back in to style? Well, it isn’t exactly like the ‘60’s hippie fashion- but it is a modern version of it. That is what the stores are selling. I had to get used to this. I had to take a deep breath and absorb this new fashion. Because I have not been there with each season’s subtle fashion changes- this was a huge change in my mind. I was still thinking 1992 and I am sure I looked it. But those days are over now because I found the greatest store called H&M. Not only did they have the same styles as Bloomingdales, but way better prices. I got a really cool sweater for $9 and shirts for $6. O.K. the quality might not be quite as good, but for those prices, who cares! And after I brought up all of my purchases to the front desk they just took $10 off the total bill- just like that for no reason. This is a great store.

However, even with my new “cool” clothes I am sure I will still look like a washed-up fashion failure to those Russians -with all their black high heel boots, mini skirts and furs.

Labels: jeneflower, Russian Adoption

I fixed some earlier type errors in the English and Russian- so please re-copy this if you used it. Thanks!

When visiting your new child at the orphanage it is a good idea to ask the home doctor and caregivers some questions. By having the list of questions also translated in Russian before them- this makes the process easier for everyone. Below I have written a list of questions in English and then the translation in Russian. You can copy and paste this if you would like to use it.

Before you arrive at the orphanage make sure that you tell your facilitators/translators that you want complete translations of your questions.

February 19, 2006

I fixed some earlier type errors in the English and Russian- so please re-copy this if you used it. Thanks!

When visiting your new child at the orphanage it is a good idea to ask the home doctor and caregivers some questions. By having the list of questions also translated in Russian before them- this makes the process easier for everyone. Below I have written a list of questions in English and then the translation in Russian. You can copy and paste this if you would like to use it.

Before you arrive at the orphanage make sure that you tell your facilitators/translators that you want complete translations of your questions.

Children's Home Questions

1. What is the child’s nap schedule?

1. В какие часы ребёнок спит днём?

2. What is a typical schedule for a 24-hr period?

2. Каков его обычный суточный режим?

3. What type of bed is used?

3. На какой кровати спит ребёнок?

4. Does the child sleep alone in the bed?

4. Ребёнок спит в кровати один?

5. What type of foods does the child like? Any favorites?

5. Какая еда нравится ребёнку? Какое самое любимое блюдо?

6. What type of foods is the child served?

6. Чем кормят ребёнка?

7. How much food does the child eat? Does the child eat well?

7. Сколько ребёнок съедает ? Хорошо ли он ест?

8. When are the children fed?

8. Когда кормят детей?

9. Are there any foods the child dislikes or is allergic to?

9. Какая еда ребёнку не нравится и от какой у него аллергия?

10. Does the child sleep well at night?

10. По ночам ребёнок спит хорошо?

11. When and how does the child go to the bathroom?

11. Когда и как ребёнок ходит в туалет?

12. Does the child have a favorite friend?

12. Есть у ребёнка близкий друг?

13. What does the child spend most of the time doing?

13. Чем ребёнок занимается большую часть времени?

14. What is the child good at?

14. Что у него хорошо получается ? (Что он/она хорошо умеет делать? )

15. What is hard for the child to do?

15. Что ребёнку делать трудно?

16. Has the child had any prior illnesses, s or injuries?

16. Были у ребёнка какие-то заболевания, несчастные случаи, травмы?

17. How does the child act when sick?

17. Как ведёт себя ребёнок, когда болеет?

18. How does the child bathe? With others? How long? Warm or cold water?

18. Как ребёнок купается? С другими детьми? Как долго? В холодной или тёплой воде?

19. How does the child react in the bath/shower? Is the child afraid of the water?

19. Как он реагирует на купание/душ? Боится он воды?

20. What makes the child happy? What toys, games, or songs does the child like?

20. Чему ребёнок радуется? Какие игрушки, игры или песни ему нравятся?

21. What self soothing behaviors does the child have, if any?

21. Каким образом ребенок успокаивается сам, если такое бывает?

22. What makes the child upset?

22. От чего ребёнок расстраивается?

23. How does the child act after doing something wrong?

23. Как он ведёт себя , если сделал что-нибудь плохое?

24. How does the child act when tired?

24. Как он ведёт себя, когда устаёт?

25. When is bedtime and how long does the child sleep?

25. Когда ребёнок ложится спать и как долго он спит?

26. Are there any baby pictures of the child I can have?

26. Могу я получить фотографии ребёнка в младенчестве?

27. Who named the child? Does the child have a pet name or nickname?

27. Кто дал имя ребёнку? Есть ли у него ласкательное имя или прозвище?

28. Where and how was the child brought to the children’s home? What is the child’s story - the history up until now?

28. Где и когда ребёнка принесли/привели в детский дом? Какова история жизни этого ребёнка - его история до настоящего времени?

29. Is the child potty trained and what is the bathroom routine?

29. Ребёнок пручен к горшку? Как часто он ходит в туалет?

30. Is the child afraid of anything, or do you have other emotional concerns?

30. Ребнок боится чего-нибудь? Вас (не) тревожит его эмоциональное состояние?

31. Does the child have any siblings or half-siblings?

31. Есть у него родные, единокровные или единоутробные братья и сёстры ?

32. Are there any mementos of the child’s life I can keep? Toy? Shirt? Etc?

32. Есть какие-нибудь вещи, напоминающие о жизни ребёнка, которые я мог бы взять себе? Игрушка? Рубашка и т.д.

33. What is the child’s ethnic background?

33. Кто ребёнок по национальности?

34. Is there anything special about the child you can relate?

34. Есть что-нибудь особенное в отношении этого ребёнка, о чем вы можете рассказать?

35. Are there any funny stories?

35. Какие-нибудь смешные случаи?

36. Does the child have a favorite caregiver?

36. Есть у ребёнка любимый воспитатель, нянечка?

37. What are your impressions of the child?

37. Каковы ваши впечатления об этом ребёнке?

38. What is the child’s general personality?

38. Каковы личные свойства и особенности характера этого ребёнка?

39. How is the child comforted when upset?

39. Как нужно успокаивать ребёнка, когда он расстроен?

40. Can I have the complete medical record explained to me?

40. Можете вы досконально разъяснить мне медицинскую (обменную) карту ребёнка? (Будьте добры, объясните мне, что написано в медицинской карте)

41. What treatments or tests are recommended for the child after returning home?

41. Какое лечение или анализы рекомендуются ребёнку по возвращении домой?

42. Does the child give and receive affection easily?

42. Ребенок легко отдаёт и принимает любовь? (Как ребенок реагирует на ласку? Ласкается ли сам?)

43. Does the child maintain good eye contact?

43. Ребенок смотрит вам в глаза без проблем?

44. What is the child’s attention span?

44. Каков у ребёнка объём внимания?

45. Is the child equal in language and physical development with the other children in the age group?

45. Ребёнок равен своим сверстникам по развитию речи и по физическому развитию ? (Ребенок как-нибудь отличается от сверстников по физическому равитию и речи?)

46. Where are the birth parents from? What is knows about them?

46. Откуда родом биологические родители ребёнка? Что о них известно?

47. Date of birth of mother?

47. Дата рождения матери?

48. Is the passport number for the mother and/or father available?

48. Имеются ли паспортные данные матери и/или отца?

49. What do the birth parents look like?

49. Как выглядят биологические родители ребёнка?

50. What is the birth parents health like?

50. Каково состояние здоровья биологических родителей ребёнка?

51. Were the birth parents educated? Talents?

51. Родители ребёнка имеют образование? Обладают они какими-либо талантами?

52. Any personal knowledge of birth mother’s truggles?

52. Есть какие-либо сведения о личных проблемах биологической матери?

53. Was it a healthy pregnancy? Full term? Any complications?

53. Беременность была здоровой? Нормальной продолжительности? Без осложнений?

54. Is there any information regarding birth mother’s parents, siblings, etc?

54. Есть какая-нибудь информация о родителях матери, её братьях или сёстрах?

55. Do you have height information on birth parents?

55. Есть сведения о росте родителей?

56. Are there any other records available? i.e. prenatal records, birth certificate, medical records, immunizations, growth records, weight records, milestone records?

56. Есть еще какие-нибудь документы? Например, дородовые записи, свидетельство о рождении, медицинские справки, список прививок, отметки о росте и весе ребёнка?

57. What state of health was the child in when brought to the orphanage?

57. Каково было здоровье ребёнка в момент его поступления в детский дом?

58. Is there any history of prenatal alcohol or exposure or abuse?

58. Есть какие-нибудь сведения о том, что родители злоупотребляли алкоголем или наркотиками до родов?

59. Do you know why has the child not been adopted before now?

59. Вы(не) знаете, почему ребёнка не усыновили/удочерили до сих пор?

60. Will you write your name and a small greeting to the child to be remembered by?

60. Пожалуйста, напишите своё имя и небольшое приветствие ребёнку, на память.

Children's Home Questions

1. What is the child’s nap schedule?

1. В какие часы ребёнок спит днём?

2. What is a typical schedule for a 24-hr period?

2. Каков его обычный суточный режим?

3. What type of bed is used?

3. На какой кровати спит ребёнок?

4. Does the child sleep alone in the bed?

4. Ребёнок спит в кровати один?

5. What type of foods does the child like? Any favorites?

5. Какая еда нравится ребёнку? Какое самое любимое блюдо?

6. What type of foods is the child served?

6. Чем кормят ребёнка?

7. How much food does the child eat? Does the child eat well?

7. Сколько ребёнок съедает ? Хорошо ли он ест?

8. When are the children fed?

8. Когда кормят детей?

9. Are there any foods the child dislikes or is allergic to?

9. Какая еда ребёнку не нравится и от какой у него аллергия?

10. Does the child sleep well at night?

10. По ночам ребёнок спит хорошо?

11. When and how does the child go to the bathroom?

11. Когда и как ребёнок ходит в туалет?

12. Does the child have a favorite friend?

12. Есть у ребёнка близкий друг?

13. What does the child spend most of the time doing?

13. Чем ребёнок занимается большую часть времени?

14. What is the child good at?

14. Что у него хорошо получается ? (Что он/она хорошо умеет делать? )

15. What is hard for the child to do?

15. Что ребёнку делать трудно?

16. Has the child had any prior illnesses, s or injuries?

16. Были у ребёнка какие-то заболевания, несчастные случаи, травмы?

17. How does the child act when sick?

17. Как ведёт себя ребёнок, когда болеет?

18. How does the child bathe? With others? How long? Warm or cold water?

18. Как ребёнок купается? С другими детьми? Как долго? В холодной или тёплой воде?

19. How does the child react in the bath/shower? Is the child afraid of the water?

19. Как он реагирует на купание/душ? Боится он воды?

20. What makes the child happy? What toys, games, or songs does the child like?

20. Чему ребёнок радуется? Какие игрушки, игры или песни ему нравятся?

21. What self soothing behaviors does the child have, if any?

21. Каким образом ребенок успокаивается сам, если такое бывает?

22. What makes the child upset?

22. От чего ребёнок расстраивается?

23. How does the child act after doing something wrong?

23. Как он ведёт себя , если сделал что-нибудь плохое?

24. How does the child act when tired?

24. Как он ведёт себя, когда устаёт?

25. When is bedtime and how long does the child sleep?

25. Когда ребёнок ложится спать и как долго он спит?

26. Are there any baby pictures of the child I can have?

26. Могу я получить фотографии ребёнка в младенчестве?

27. Who named the child? Does the child have a pet name or nickname?

27. Кто дал имя ребёнку? Есть ли у него ласкательное имя или прозвище?

28. Where and how was the child brought to the children’s home? What is the child’s story - the history up until now?

28. Где и когда ребёнка принесли/привели в детский дом? Какова история жизни этого ребёнка - его история до настоящего времени?

29. Is the child potty trained and what is the bathroom routine?

29. Ребёнок пручен к горшку? Как часто он ходит в туалет?

30. Is the child afraid of anything, or do you have other emotional concerns?

30. Ребнок боится чего-нибудь? Вас (не) тревожит его эмоциональное состояние?

31. Does the child have any siblings or half-siblings?

31. Есть у него родные, единокровные или единоутробные братья и сёстры ?

32. Are there any mementos of the child’s life I can keep? Toy? Shirt? Etc?

32. Есть какие-нибудь вещи, напоминающие о жизни ребёнка, которые я мог бы взять себе? Игрушка? Рубашка и т.д.

33. What is the child’s ethnic background?

33. Кто ребёнок по национальности?

34. Is there anything special about the child you can relate?

34. Есть что-нибудь особенное в отношении этого ребёнка, о чем вы можете рассказать?

35. Are there any funny stories?

35. Какие-нибудь смешные случаи?

36. Does the child have a favorite caregiver?

36. Есть у ребёнка любимый воспитатель, нянечка?

37. What are your impressions of the child?

37. Каковы ваши впечатления об этом ребёнке?

38. What is the child’s general personality?

38. Каковы личные свойства и особенности характера этого ребёнка?

39. How is the child comforted when upset?

39. Как нужно успокаивать ребёнка, когда он расстроен?

40. Can I have the complete medical record explained to me?

40. Можете вы досконально разъяснить мне медицинскую (обменную) карту ребёнка? (Будьте добры, объясните мне, что написано в медицинской карте)

41. What treatments or tests are recommended for the child after returning home?

41. Какое лечение или анализы рекомендуются ребёнку по возвращении домой?

42. Does the child give and receive affection easily?

42. Ребенок легко отдаёт и принимает любовь? (Как ребенок реагирует на ласку? Ласкается ли сам?)

43. Does the child maintain good eye contact?

43. Ребенок смотрит вам в глаза без проблем?

44. What is the child’s attention span?

44. Каков у ребёнка объём внимания?

45. Is the child equal in language and physical development with the other children in the age group?

45. Ребёнок равен своим сверстникам по развитию речи и по физическому развитию ? (Ребенок как-нибудь отличается от сверстников по физическому равитию и речи?)

46. Where are the birth parents from? What is knows about them?

46. Откуда родом биологические родители ребёнка? Что о них известно?

47. Date of birth of mother?

47. Дата рождения матери?

48. Is the passport number for the mother and/or father available?

48. Имеются ли паспортные данные матери и/или отца?

49. What do the birth parents look like?

49. Как выглядят биологические родители ребёнка?

50. What is the birth parents health like?

50. Каково состояние здоровья биологических родителей ребёнка?

51. Were the birth parents educated? Talents?

51. Родители ребёнка имеют образование? Обладают они какими-либо талантами?

52. Any personal knowledge of birth mother’s truggles?

52. Есть какие-либо сведения о личных проблемах биологической матери?

53. Was it a healthy pregnancy? Full term? Any complications?

53. Беременность была здоровой? Нормальной продолжительности? Без осложнений?

54. Is there any information regarding birth mother’s parents, siblings, etc?

54. Есть какая-нибудь информация о родителях матери, её братьях или сёстрах?

55. Do you have height information on birth parents?

55. Есть сведения о росте родителей?

56. Are there any other records available? i.e. prenatal records, birth certificate, medical records, immunizations, growth records, weight records, milestone records?

56. Есть еще какие-нибудь документы? Например, дородовые записи, свидетельство о рождении, медицинские справки, список прививок, отметки о росте и весе ребёнка?

57. What state of health was the child in when brought to the orphanage?

57. Каково было здоровье ребёнка в момент его поступления в детский дом?

58. Is there any history of prenatal alcohol or exposure or abuse?

58. Есть какие-нибудь сведения о том, что родители злоупотребляли алкоголем или наркотиками до родов?

59. Do you know why has the child not been adopted before now?

59. Вы(не) знаете, почему ребёнка не усыновили/удочерили до сих пор?

60. Will you write your name and a small greeting to the child to be remembered by?

60. Пожалуйста, напишите своё имя и небольшое приветствие ребёнку, на память.

Labels: Russian Adoption, waiting for referral

Russia Adoption: I found the most up to date list on current and newly accredited agencies here: http://www.usembassy.ru/consular/consular.php?record_id=adoptions
You have to scroll down to find the list, but it is there.

I subscribe to this great email service called Google alerts. My subject: Russian adoption. So all of the current news articles on Russian adoption are sent right to my email box once a day. There was a really moving story today about an adoption of an older child and the hunt for her sibling from the Boston.com news. I think I might consider adopting an older child when I am older. I am not sure. I will think about it. Right now we have requested a little girl 0-24 months. I think that will fit best into our family.

I will really try to keep this blog current. I don't like it when I am following a blog that interests me and then all of a sudden they stop writing, or there are big chunks of time between submissions. So, I will try not to do that. I also like to see photos on other's sites, so I will try to post photos periodically.

Labels: Russian Adoption