No flapping zone.

Just a little more than 4 days till we leave! So exciting!

Today we went to WalMart and Old Navy to get clothes for the kids and a few other things we needed for the trip. We've heard that sometimes the kids don't come to the hotel with much in the way of clothing, so since we are supposed to bring gifts anyway we figured clothes would be good for part of the gifts. It was strange buying kid's clothes. We had to guess on the sizes since we don't know how big they are. I think I got pretty close, but we'll see! I was standing in the boy's section in Old Navy and there was a lady there (about 40 years old probably). I asked her what she thought a 10 year old boy would wear as far as size. Turns out she has three boys, ages 9, 10 and 11; so she was a good person to ask! She confirmed what I was planning on buying. So hopefully it will work! We bought shirts, shorts, pants and pajamas in different sizes. The ones that don't fit will either be returned or donated to the orphanage.

We still need to buy gifts for the caretakers (scarves, lotions, jewelry, etc.) and games/toys to keep the kids busy. Nothing too extravagant. We're just told that since they don't get out much and don't get direct attention much, we might want breaks. So give them stuff to occupy them during those times!

Still waiting on our INS approval... more than 10 weeks now! :( Most people get them within 4 weeks. ARG!

The adoption photo listing for Estonia was updated last Friday with about 20 new kids. It caused mixed emotions at first because I don't like having what seems like an abundance of choices. Makes me worry that I'll make the wrong choice. But in the end it made us feel relieved that if for some reason E&R aren't right for us, there are other choices now available for us to meet while we're there. We won't feel pressured to make the wrong decision. Honestly it did cross our minds about whether we could handle adopting a THIRD child; but that thought didn't last long. No third child at least for awhile. There are two really cute individual girls on there (one 8yo and one 10yo), and a set of 4yo girl twins. We are still more "attached" to Katya and Roman, but it's nice to see other nice kids pop up on the listing. Even for the future we know that we can find other kids on there for our future adopted ones! LOL

We're still not anticipating any real issues with E&R. Just preparing for them. You know, hoping for the best and preparing for the worst.

I don't think I mentioned that we got the video of the kids translated? Dad put me in contact with a family from the Russian group in his old congregation (Andy's cong.). They watched the video and typed out the translation for us. Very helpful and appreciated! It was interesting to learn the exact conversation. Too much to write here, and we already had picked out the most important details I think (the ballet, the English classes, etc.). One thing that Roman mentioned is that he'd like to find parents in America that don't drink... Hmm... Maybe that gives us some possible insight about why they're in the orphanage?

Also, we found out that the family that skipped out on their court date did that TWICE with the same kids. They say they want a third court date, but it doesn't look like anyone is giving them one. Families are supposed to jump at a moment's notice when they get their court date. Drop everything. After all, the kids and the parents are supposed to be anxiously waiting and hoping for the soonest possible second. What kind of people would be a no-show to TWO court dates? They must have more money than they have compassion and good sense. It's not fair!

We're trying to pack everything into carry-on luggage so we don't have to check anything. It's tough and I'd say right now that's the only thing I'm really stressing about. I know that sounds funny - but you know me... I don't really worry about stuff. But how are we gonna fit it all?! We already have one carry-on filled with clothes for the kids and to donate!

Jason, however, worries about just about everything. Mostly he worries that the kids won't like him. I'm doing my best to keep him positive. He just doesn't do well with any situation where the big details are unknown. He's not a "wait and see"-er.

So, I guess it's a good thing that I am! One flappable + one unflappable = only a little flapped.

Whew! Relax...

Love,
Molly