I KNOW I HAVE BEEN A BAD BLOGGER.....

SORRY FOR THE DELAY IN UPDATING OUR BLOG. LIFE HAS GOTTEN HECTIC WITH A NEW LITTLE ONE AT HOME. WHILE SHE NAPS I FIND MYSELF DOING LAUDRY AND CLEANING.

AVA IS REALLY GOOD. SHE HAS STOPPED EATING SO MUCH, I GUESS SHE FINALLY KNOWS THAT SHE CAN EAT THROUGHOUT THE DAY. SHE HAS GOTTEN A LITTLE ATTITUDE ABOUT HER JUICE, THATS ALL SHE SEEMS TO WANT AND WHEN I TAKE IT AWAY SHE HAS STRUCK ME HITTING ME, WELL I NIPPED THAT IS THE BUD REALLY FAST. SHE IS REALIZING WHO IS BOSS. SHE IS STILL REALLY ATTACHED TO MY HIP, I CANT SEEM TO GET MUCH DONE BECAUSE IF I LEAVE THE ROOM FOR A SECOND SHE SCREAMS. I HAVE PUT HER IS HER PLAY PEN WITH TOYS AND NEAR TV AND SHE STILL SCREAMS AND BOY OH BOY IT DOESNT STOP UNTIL I PICK HER UP.

AVA HAS STARTED TO TAKE A COUPLE STEPS BY HERSELF AND I BELIEVE SHE WILL START WALKING SOON MAYBE A MONTH UNTIL SHE FEELS COMFORTABLE WITH HER FOOTING, SHE STILL TRIPS OVER HERSELF BUT LOVES TO WALK WHILE HOLDING MY HAND.

WELL HERE ARE A COUPLE PICTURES FROM THIS PAST WEEK. SHE IS GROWING LIKE A WEED.

BEST OF LOVE FROM FLORIDA

Ava's Fever is getting better

So for the last 3 days Ava has run a high fever. This morning Ava woke and was good until after her nap she had 103.9 fever. We took her to the Doctors yesterday and we think it is a throat and ear infection so she is on anitbiotics. Right now she is doing better, but she is still wiped out. She is staying asleep through the night and I dont know if that is because she is so use from soothing herself in the orphanage.

My mom has had her fist dose of Chemo and is doing radiation everyday for the next couple months. Thank you for all your prayers it means allot to me. As I am close with my mom.


Lord please heal my Mother and anyothers who are in pain at this time.

6 WEEKS HOME.......ALREADY

WELL NEEDLESS TO SAY TIME GOES BY FAST. I CANT BELIEVE AVA HAS BEEN HOME 6 WEEKS. SHE IS DOING WELL. SHE HAS LEARNED HOW TO SAY "HI" SHE BLOWS KISSES GOODBYE AND CAN WAVE HI AND BYE. I HAVE BEEN SAYING THESE WORDS IN ENGLIGH AND RUSSIAN SO EITHER WAY SHE KNOWS WHAT WE ARE SAYING.
AVA WILL START SPEECH THERAPY AND THERAPY TO HELP HER WALK. THIS IS PAID FOR BY THE STATE OF FLORIDA IF INS DOESNT COVER IT WHICH IS AWESOME, THE PROGRAM IN FLORIDA IS CALLED EARLY STEPS. SHE WILL START THAT SOON.

THIS PAST WEEKEND DAN AND I WERE IN OUR FRIENDS WEDDING, DAN WAS THE BEST MAN AND I WAS A BRIDES MAID. WE HAD ALOT OF FUN. AVA STAYED HOME WITH UNCLE BRENT BECAUSE HER BEDTIME. AVA MET VICKI AND GREG WHICH THEY ADOPTED 3 FROM KEMEROVO.

AVA HAS STARTED A FEVER OF 102.00 TODAY THE FIRST TIME SINCE GETTING HOME. SHE IS STILL VERY HAPPY AND PLAYFUL. I WILL LET YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENS.

ASLO MY MOTHER HAS STARTED HER CHEMO AND RADIATION TODAY PLEASE SAY PRAYERS FOR HER.

GO EAGLES !

AVA HAS LEARNED GO...............EAGLES!!!!!!!!!!!! SHE HAS BECOME A TRUE PHILADELPHIA EAGLES FAN.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE

SORRY I HAVE BEEN A BAD BLOGGER THIS WEEK. AVA IS DOING GREAT! SHE HAS THE BEST LAUGH AND SMILE. EVERYONE STOPS US TO TELL US HOW CUTE SHE IS. WE ARE JUST IN AHHH RIGHT NOW.
AVA LIKES TO EAT. IF I DONT FEED HER FAST ENOUGH SHE HAS STARTED THIS NOISE LIKE A SCREAMING YELL UNTIL I FEED HER MORE. ITS FUNNY. SHE ALSO HAS A LITTLE ATTITUDE ALREADY. IF I TAKE HER CUP AWAY SHE TRIES TO GRAB IT BACK AND SMACKS MY HAND, I TELL HER NYET "NO" AND SHE CRIES.
AVA HAS STARTED TO STAND AND WILL TRY TO WALK AS LONG AS SOMEONE IS TOLDING HER HANDS. SHE RECIEVED A COUPLE PUSHING TOYS TO HELP HER WALK BUT SHE WONT ATTEMPT TO STAND WITH THEM SHE SITS AND WOULD RATHER CRAWL.
ALL HER TESTS CAME BACK PERFECT. SHE IS JUST PERFECT.

I NEED SOME PRAYERS FOR MY MOM, SHE HAS A TUMOR AND THEY WILL BE STARTING CHEMO AND RADIATION SOON, SHE HAS TO ALSO GET A FEEDING TUBE. I AM REALLY SADDENED BY THIS NEWS, BUT I KNOW THE LORD WILL TRY TO KEEP HER SAFE.

Pray often, for prayer is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God, and a scourge for Satan

WE WILL BE ON OUR LOCAL NEWS TONIGHT

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

WE WILL BE ON OUR LOCAL NEWS TONIGHT TALKING ABOUT AVA AND THE ADOPTION. THE NEWS HAS BEEN FOLLOWING OUR STORY SINCE OUR FUNDRAISERS.

CBS12.COM OR WFLX.COM PALM BEACHES.

PRAYERS FOR MY MOM

I have not told too many people that my Mother has been sick for about 6 months. She was having a hard time eating and the Dr's found a tumor in her esophagus. Last week her potassium levels were extremely low so they couldnt do any test. She is due to have a ultasound next week again depending on her tests. She may need chemo but we dont know yet. She is down to 80 lbs because she cant eat.
I am planning to go out to visit herin Dallas within the next month. Please pray for her.

AVA GOT HER EARSPIERCED

WELL LAST NIGHT DAN & I WENT TO HIS CHRISTMAS PARTY. MY REALLY GOOD FRIEND JENNA HAS BEEN WATCHING THE BOYS SINCE THEY WERE IN DIAPERS SO I FELT COMFORTABLE GOING FOR A LITTLE BIT. AVA GOES TO SLEEP AT 8 PM AND IS DOWN ALL NIGHT SO SHE DIDNT EVEN KNOW WE WERE GONE.

TODAY WE WENT TO THE MALL AND GOT AVA'S EARSPIERCED. SHE DID VERY WELL CRIED FOR A SECOND. THE STUDS ARE PINK, I WILL POST A PICTURE TOMORROW WHEN I GET A CHANCE. SHE IS DOWN FOR A NAP AND THEN WE ARE GOING TO A PLACE CALLED HOFFMANS'S CHOCOLATES WITH SOME FRIENDS, THEY DO A BIG LIGHT DISPLAY AT CHRISTMAS TIME AND WE GO EVERY YEAR, ITS OUR TRADITION. SORRY FOR SUCH A SHORT POST, I WILL POST MORE SOON.

NAP TIME FOR MOM

1 Week Home

What a week it has been. Ava has her check up at the Dr. She got two shots, and was fine but started to run a fever after, but we gave her motrin and she was fine. She sleeps well through the night from 8 pm - 8 am. I wish I could sleep like that.
Ava also got her blood work done last night. Since Dan works at the hospital I took her in and had one of our friends draw the blood, she did okay cried of course but thats expected, but after I picked her up she stopped crying.
We go on a walk every night with Ava and look at the christmas lights. I will post a picture of our home, we decorate a lot outside,
This weekend we will be taking Ava to get her ears pierced, and try to get picture with Santa. Dan bought her the most adorable velvet christmas dress. We will be trying to get some pictures this weekend so we can send out our Christmas cards (Late) and our Annoucements of Ava. I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE ISRAEL FAMILY

5 days home

Hi Everyone.

Ava is good. She just doesnt like to be put down or left alone. She is growing like a weed. The boys are loving her, Zachary our youngest especially. He takes her on walks in the stroller in front of our house and he reads to her and plays. He cant stand to hear her cry. Today she wouldnt take a nap at all. She will be going to bed early tonight. We are all doing good. Just tired. I will post pictures.

Have a Great Day!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

3 Days Home.......

Hello Everyone!

Everyone here is the Israel house is doing very well. Ava is adjusting okay. She has now become scared of our Great Dane "Lady" I would be too. Lady comes up to her and just licks her and Ava screams.
Ava has a little bit of attachment issue, let me reitterate that a BIG Attachment issue. She wont go to anyone but me. She is getting better but if she see's me forget it. Its been a little rough cant get much done. I know its only been 3 days but its seems like weeks and months at times. Ava had a really rough day today didnt want to nap and cried. She has to be attachedto my hip or she cries. I cant even put her down to play. Dan is off tomorrow so that will make life a little easier until this weekend.

Thank you to everyone that commented about Candy our Dog. She will be missed a bunch!

I will post pictures tomorrow if I have a chance. I got the cutest pictures of Zachary and Allen feeding her and of Ava sitting watching TV in her brother Allen;s lap. TOOOOOO CUTE !

WE MADE IT HOME! GOOD AND BAD NEWS

I WILL START WITH THE GOOD NEWS. WE MADE IT HOME, AVA DID OKAY ON THE PLANE RIDES, SHE SLEPT FOUR HOURS ON THE FIRST TRIP AND THE SECOND PLANE SHE SLEPT THE WHOLE TRIP 1 HOUR AND 30 MINS. IT FEELS SO GOOD TO BE BACK. AVA DIDNT SLEEP WELL LAST NIGHT SO I JUST PUT HER DOWN FOR A NAP WE WILL SEE HOW THAT GOES HER MORNING NAP WAS A FIGHT.

THE BAD NEWS IS OUR OLDEST DOG CANDY IS 9 LOOKED EMASIATED WHEN WE GOT HOME SO DAN TOOK HER TO THE VET AND SHE HAD A TUMOR WHICH THAT IS WHY SHE WOULDNT EAT AND WAS LOOSING WEIGHT. SO WE HAD TO PUT HER DOWN TODAY. THE BOYS ARE AT SCHOOL AND WILL BE HOME IN A HOUR AND DAN AND I HAVE TO BREAK THE NEWS TO THEM THAT THEIR CANDY GIRL PASSED AWAY AND IS WITH GOD NOW. I KNOW THEY WILL BE DEVISTATED, WE GOT CANDY WHEN I WAS PREGNANT WITH ALLEN, WHEN SHE WAS 6 WEEKS OLD.
SORRY SUCH A SHORT POST BUT LIFE IS CRAZY RIGHT NOW. I WILL POST MORE SOON.

We were next to the Building as this happened today.

Russian News
Send to friend | Print version December 10, 2008, 19:29
Two killed in Moscow building collapse
Two men have been killed and a number are reported trapped under the rubble after the ceilings and walls of a six-storey apartment building collapsed in central Moscow.

The building on Starokonyushenny Pereulok, near Moscow’s Old Arbat, a popular tourist destination, collapsed at about 3 pm on Wednesday.

Emergency services say eight people have been pulled out from under the debris, and two have been taken to hospital.

One person has been confirmed dead and two others are believed trapped, said Yevgeny Bobylyov, a spokesman for the city’s emergency services.

Rescuers say the building was undergoing renovation, and no one was living there at the time of the collapse.

It was not immediately clear if the casualties were building workers.

Police say they will investigate whether building regulations were broken.

LAST DAY IN MOSCOW .......GOODBYE RUSSIA HELLO FLORIDA

WE ARE SO EXCITED TO BE GOING HOME. IT SEEMS THAT WE HAVE BEEN HERE FOR MONTHS. AVA IS REALLY DOING GOOD WITH DADDY NOW. SHE HAS WARMED UP TO HIM. AVA IS ALSO ANSWERING TO HER NAME. BECAUSE HER NAME WAS SO DIFFICULT TO PERNOUNCE THE ORPHANAGE CALLED HER ANNA.
TODAY WE WILL SAY GOODBYE TO SOME FRIENDS WE HAVE MET DURING OUR STAY IN MOSCOW. THANKS TO EVERYONE THAT HAS MADE THIS TRIP INCREIDABLE. UNCLE BRENT THAT HAS TAKEN OUR BOYS FOR THE 3 WEEKS DRIVING THEM TO NJ AND DRIVING THEM BACK(HE WILL NEED A VACATION WHEN WE GET HOME) ALSO TO MOM & BILL (DANS PARENTS) FOR TAKING THE BOYS FOR THE WEEK IN NJ, PAULA & BRIAN FOR WATCHING THE HOUSE, ALEX AND KARI, GWEN & JASON AND EVERYONE ELSE THAT HAS MADE THIS TRIP POSSIBLE BECAUSE WITHOUT YOU AVA WOULDN'T BE AN ISRAEL.

OUR FLIGHT LEAVES MOSCOW AROUND 110PM MOSCOW TIME AND ARRIVES IN ATLANTA GA AROUND 5 PM, THEN WE GO FROM ATL TO PBI AND ARRIVE AROUND 10PM.

WITH LOVE FROM RUSSIA
GOODBYE COLD RUSSIA HELLO WARM FLORIDA

TUESDAY DECEMBER 9 TH 2008

2 MORE DAYS AND WE GET TO GO HOME.........................
HOME SWEET HOME WITH MY WONDERFUL HUSBAND, LITTLE ANGEL AVA, AND WE GET TO SEE OUR HANDSOME BOYS.

TODAY WE WENT TO THE AMERICAN EMBASSY AND GOT AVA'S VISA TO ENTER INTO THE UNITED STATES WHERE SHE WILL BECOME A US CITIZEN AS SOON AS HER FEET TOUCH AMERICAN SOIL (ATLANTA , GA) ON THURSDAY DECEMBER 11TH.
DECEMBER 11TH IS ALSO THE 10 YEAR MARK SINCE DAN AND I MET.
THIS TRIP HAS OVERALL BEEN GREAT! I HAVE HAD A REMARKABLE EXPERIENCE HERE IN MOSCOW. I CANT SAY I AM SAD TO LEAVE BUT THIS HAS TO BE THE GREATEST SECOND HONEYMOON FOR DAN AND I.
ANYWAY.....
NOW THAT ALL THE PAPERWORK IS DONE UNTIL WE GET HOME WE CAN SIT AND RELAX UNTIL OUR FLIGHT. I THINK AVA WILL DO FINE ON THE FLIGHT SHE HAS BECOME PRETTY COMFORTABLE WITH ME AND A LITTLE BETTER WITH DADDY. SHE POINTS TO DAN IN THE PICTURE BOOK AND SAYS DADA DADA. IT MELTS DADDYS HEART AND MINE AS WELL.

WITH LOVE FROM RUSSIA

Monday .....3 Nights Left YAY

Today Dan went to the Embassy with Ava's passport, all documents required for your appt to get her visa. Our Appt is tomorrow at 2 pm with the embassy. They will issue Ava's visa to enter into the US.

Allot of people ask why we had changed her name. Her given name at birth by her mother was Akbermet Typaymamatobha Sadieva. Exactly why we changed her name. I cant even spell it. We are not sure what the meaning is but we think its from Kyrgyzstan.
We decided to name her AVA which means "LIFE".
Just wanted to share a little history.

Well hope we get everything done by tomorrow. We leave Moscow Thursday. THANK GOODNESS ! I AM READY !

Weekend in Moscow

Ava is getting use to Dan little by little. i cant wait to go back home, i miss my boys so much. I will update this week coming up, as we get Ava's visa and get ready to depart Moscow.

With Love From Russia

FRIDAY IN MOSCOW

HELLO EVERYONE

WELL LAST NIGHT WE MET STEPHANIE, DENNIS & CASSIDY (KRAS REGION) AT STARLITE CAFE REALLY GOOD HAMBURGERS AND FOOD. I GAVE AVA SOME INSIDE OF FRENCH FRIES SHE LIKED THAT. NEW TASTES

AVA WENT DOWN AT 730PM LAST NIGHT AND WOKE AT 5 AM THIS MORNING. I HELD HER FOR A LITTLE BIT AND SHE FELL BACK ASLEEP UNTIL 6AM. SO I GOT UP FED HER AND WE PLAYED FOR A LITTLE BIT, AND SHE GOT TIRED AGAIN SO SHE WENT DOWN FOR A COUPLE HOURS AND SO DID MOMMY AND DADDY. IT HAS BEEN RAINING MOST OF THE DAY.
WHEN SHE WOKE UP SHE WAS STANDING LOOKING AT ME AND BABBLED SOMETHING AND I WOKE UP AND SHE SMILED. IT WAS PRECIOUS. SO WE ATE AND THEN PLAYED AND PLAYED SOME MORE.
AVA WAS A LITTLE WARM AND WE DIDNT HAVE A THERMOMETER SO WE GAVE HER SOME MOTRIN WHICH MADE HER TIRED SO SHE SLEPT ALLOT TODAY.
FINALLY AROUND 2 PM SHE WOKE HAPPY AND WE PLAYED MORE. DAN GOT BACK FROM GETTING HER PASSPORT AROUND 5PM. SO WE GOT READY AND WENT TOO SABARO'S PIZZA WITH PATTI DAVID AND THEIR LITTLE BOY DANIEL. IT WAS GOOD! I WAS SO HUNGRY. THE FOOD HERE IN RUSSIA IN NOT THE SAME. SO SUGGESTIONS TO ANYONE WHO IS TRAVELING HERE BRING MAC & CHEESE, CEREAL, TOP RAMEN ETC.

THAT'S ALL FOR NOW. WE WILL BE GOING HOME THURSDAY, WE CANT WAIT!

Thursday December 4th

Ava slept all night from 830pm -7 am. She did better than me. I woke up and checked on her all night, its a mom thing.

Anyway this morning Dan went with Olga to get passport for Ava, then they will pick us up to go get her medical. She is doing well, Better than I thought. She is still a little hesitant with Daddy but that will take time.
Ava is taking her morning nap now so I can have a little time to relax and get some things done.

Thanks to everyone for all the Comments, Love & Support. We couldnt have done it without you.

GOTCHA DAY ! HERE IS AVA

WELL WE DID IT. WE HAVE OUR LITTLE GIRL. SHE IS SO GOOD. VERY QUIET FOR NOW....
I AM SURE THAT WONT LAST FOR A LONG TIME. WE GOT HER VISA PICTURES TODAY AND TOMORROW SHE WILL HAVE HER DR EXAM THEN WE WILL GO DO HER PASSPORT THINGS AND EMBASSY STUFF.
AVA TOOK A BOTTLE NO PROBLEMS AND HAD BABY FOOD. SHE IS A GOOD BABY.

WE WILL UPDATE WITH LOTS MORE PICTURES SOON.

...GOTCHA DAY ! ...........................

TODAY IS DECEMBER 3RD GOTCHA DAY! WE DIDNT SLEEP WELL IT IS 730 AM AND WE HAVE BEEN UP SINCE 530AM. WE ARE HAPPY, NERVOUS, SCARED, ALL THE ABOVE. WE WILL BE GOING TO THE ORPHANAGE AROUND 1130 AM TO GET AVA, THEN WE NEED TO GO GET HER VISA PICTURES. I WILL UPDATE TONIGHT.

WITH LOVE

TUESDAY IN MOSCOW

CONGRATS TO ANGELA AND ROBERT ON THEIR COURT DATE TODAY.
DAN AND I WOKE UP AND WENT FOR A WALK AROUND THE CITY WITH PAUL ( AMERICAN FRIEND) AND ENDED UP AT THE MARRIOTT GRAND HOTEL AND ASKED WHERE THE STARLIGHT DINER WAS. IT IS A PLACE WHERE YOU CAN FIND REAL AMERICAN BREAKFAST. SO WE REALIZED WE HAVE PASSED IT 4 TIMES AND NEVER KNEW IT. DUH! IT IS RIGHT NEAR THE Маяковская‎/MAYAKOVSKAYA METRO JUST SOUTH OF THE METRO IN THIS COURT YARD AREA THROUGH THIS LARGE GATE. THEY HAVE 4 AROUND THE CITY. THIS ONE IS BY TVERSKAYA. ADDRESS IS 14C7 SADOVOYE KOL'TSO OR LOOK ON THEIR WEBSITE STARLITEDINER.RU.

SO I BELIEVE WE WILL GET AVA TOMORROW THAT WHAT OLGA OUR TRANSLATOR SAID AND WE WILL NOT GO UNTIL AROUND 11 AM AFTER HER NAP SO SHE ISNT SO CRANKY. WE HAVE TO GET HER VISA PICTURES DONE TOMORROW THEN WE HAVE TO MAKE A DOCTOR APPT WITH AN EMBASSY OKAYED DOCTOR TO HAVE AVA GET EXAMINED THEN WE GET HER VISA TO GO TO THE USA AND PASSPORT.
I HOPE THIS DOESNT TAKE TOO LONG.

WE WILL UPDATE TOMORROW.

APRIL DAN & AVA IN MOSCOW

IT LOOKS LIKE WED. WE WILL GET OUR LITTLE AVA

SO WED, WE WILL BE GETTING AVA AND GOING TO GET HER VISA PICTURES DONE AND HOPE TO GET HER PASSPORT STUFF DONE. I DONT KNOW HOW LONG EVERYTHING WILL TAKE BUT WE HOPE NOT LONG.

TONIGHT WE WENT TO DINNER WITH ANGELA,ROBERT ( MOSCOW CITY FAMILY), JUSTIN, DONNA& ALAYNA (TVER REGION. WE HAVE MADE SOME GOOD FRIENDS HERE IN MOSCOW. TOMORROW WILL BE OUR LAST DAY BEFORE AVA COMES HOME TO THE APARTMENT WITH US. I HOPE ALL GOES SMOOTH.

I WILL UPDATE TOMORROW NIGHT OR WED NIGHT IF POSSIBLE.


WITH LOVE FROM RUSSIA

MONDAY IN MOSCOW

SORRY I HAVENT POSTED OUR INTERNET HAS BEEN DOWN SINCE SUNDAY NIGHT. ITS FINALLY WORKING. DAN AND I DIDNT DO ANYTHING EXCITING TODAY WE JUST WAITED FOR THE I.T GUY TO FIX THE INTERNET. WE WILL BE GOING TO DINNER WITH DONNA JUSTIN ALAYNA AND MAYBE ROBERT AND ANGELA. WE WILL POST MORE LATER.

APRIL & DAN

SATURDAY IN MOSCOW

HELLO EVERYONE! WELL TODAY DAN AND I TOOK THE BUS AND ENDED UP PAST THE ZOO. SO WE WENT TO THE MARRIOTT GRAND HOTEL TO SEE IF DONNA JUSTIN AND ALAYNA WANTED TO GO TO THE ZOO WITH US. SO WE ALL WENT TO THE MOSCOW ZOO. IT WAS GREAT! WE HAD ALLOT OF FUN. ITS A BIG ZOO WITH MONKEY'S, GORILLA'S,ELEPHANT'S,POLAR BEAR, COYOTE'S, BEAR'S,DOLPHIN'S, SEA LION'S, TIGER'S ETC. IT IS A BIG ZOO SO WE DECIDED TO LEAVE AND MAYBE GO BACK WITH AVA. WE ENDED UP AT THE FRONT OF THE ZOO AND DECIDED TO WALK AND FOUND THE ZOO WAS REALLY CLOSE AND WE DIDNT EVEN KNOW IT. DUH!

OUR AGENCY HAS RECIEVED THE ADOPTION DECREE BUT THEY NEED TO GET HER BIRTH CERTIFICATE TUESDAY BEFORE WE CAN PICK HER UP. I DONT KNOW IF THAT MEAN I CAN POST PICTURES OR NOT?? ANYONE KNOW?

WE ARE GOING TO DINNER WITH PATTI AND DAVID ANOTHER COUPLE FROM A DIFFERENT AGENCY THAT IS ADOPTING A LITTLE BOY AND PICKS HIM UP THIS WEEK ALSO.
I NEED TO GO GET READY.

PAKA

FRIDAY IS MOSCOW

DAN AND I ARE HAVING A GREAT TIME. WE ARE ENJOYING OURSELVES WHILE THE WAITING PERIOD PASSES. WE TOOK THE BUS TODAY WITH PAUL OUR AMERICAN FRIEND. WE WENT BACK TO THE RED SQUARE AND SAW INSIDE ST BASIL'S. WE ALSO MADE A WISH ON THE CENTER OF MOSCOW IT'S A CIRCLE YOU STAND ON AND THROW COINS IN THE AIR AND MAKE A WISH.
WELL THE OLDER LADIES THAT DONT HAVE MONEY STAND AROUND AND WAIT FOR EVERYONE TO THROW MONEY SO THEY CAN CATCH IT OR PICK IT UP. IT'S SAD.
THEN WE WENT TO THE UNDERGROUND MALL AND LOOKED AROUND. WE HAD TO GO TO THE BATHROOM BUT YOU HAVE TO PAY TO USE RESTROOMS HERE, SO WE PAID 20 ROUBLES EACH TO GO TO THE TOLIET. ALL AROUND THE CITY THEY HAVE PORTA POTTY'S WHERE A LADY IS AN ATTENDENT AND YOU HAVE TO PAY TO USE IT. ITS CRAZY.
THEN WE CAME BACK TO THE APARTMENT AND ARE GOING TO MEET DONNA, JUSTIN AND ALAYNA ANOTHER CHI FAMILY. I THINK WE WILL ATTEMPT THE BUS THE OTHER WAY. WISH US LUCK.

OLGA HAS GOTTEN THE COURT DECREE BUT SHE HAS TO GET IT STAMPED ON MONDAY AND TUESDAY AFTER ANOTHER COURT SHE WILL TAKE IT TO VITAL STATISTICS TO GET BIRTH CERTIFICATE FOR AVA. THEN WE CAN PICK HER UP WED MORNING AND TAKE HER TO GET HER PASSPORT AND VISA PICTURES DONE.

WE MIGHT BE ABLE TO COME HOME EARLY.
CROSS YOUR FINGERS

THANKSGIVING IN MOSCOW

THIS MORNING WE WOKE AND GOT READY FOR AN EXCURSION AND TO HAVE LUNCH/DINNER WITH CHI MOSCOW REP'S.

WE MET JUSTIN, DONNA AND LITTLE ELENA WHO IS ANOTHER FAMILY THAT ADOPTED FROM TVER.
WE WENT TO THE RED SQUARE, KREMLIN, GUM MALL- WINDOW SHOPPED CAUSE THAT'S ALL YOU CAN AFFORD TO DO, WE SAW CATHEDRAL'S, THE MOSOCW UNIVERSITY AND MANY MORE THINGS WE SAW BY CAR.
WE THEN MET CHILDREN'S HOPE REP'S FOR LUNCH AT UNCLE SAM'S (AMERICAN FOOD) AND HAD SOME GREAT FOOD. IT WASNT TURKEY BUT THE CHICKEN WAS REALLY GOOD.

THANK YOU TO CHILDREN'S HOPE- MOSCOW FOR MAKING OUR THANKSGIVING WONDERFUL.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE !

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ZACHARY

HELLO EVERYONE. TODAY IS ZACHARY'S 7th BIRTHDAY. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUDDY.
WE MISS YOU GUYS.

WELL TODAY WE STILL HAS SOME SNOW ON THE GROUND. NOT AS COLD AS YESTERDAY. WE MET A GUY AT THE US EMBASSY AND HE SHOWED US AROUND A LITTLE TODAY. WE WENT PASSED THE RUSSIAN WHITE HOUSE, WE WENT TO THE EUROPEAN MALL AND TO A FLEA MARKET/MEAT MARKET. NOW THE MEAT MARKET IS JUST WHAT IT SOUNDS LIKE BUT WITH A TWIST IT HAD MEATS HANGING COWS, CHICKENS, LITTLE PIGS DEAD ON TABLES. IT WAS NOTHING THAT I HAVE EVER SEEN. AFTER THAT WE WENT TO THE EUROPEAN MALL WHICH WAS COOL. THE ESCULATORS ARE ALL SEE THROUGH WITH A BLUE LIGHT INSIDE AND SHOWS YOU THE MECHANICS OF IT. THERE IS A SUSHI RESTURANT IN THE MIDDLE THAT HAS A TRANSPARENT FLOATING FLOOR AND ITS SUSPENDED WITH CHAINS. THE ELEVATORS ARE ALL GLASS. VERY COOL....

NOW WE ARE HOME AT THE APARTMENT JUST HANGING OUT. DANS ANKLE HURTS AND IS SWOLLEN A LITTLE BUT WE DONT KNOW WHY, HE IS RESTING IT NOW. I DONT THINK WE WILL BE SEEING AVA UNTIL WE GET THE COURT DECREE WHICH STINKS.
THE COOL THING IS SINCE WE ARE IN RUSSIA FOR THANKSGIVING "CHI" OUR AGENCY IS TAKING US OUT TOMORROW FOR THANKSGIVING WHICH IS VERY NICE AND WAS UNEXPECTED.
I WILL UPDATE MORE TOMORROW.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM RUSSIA

Tuesday Afternoon in Moscow

Well today we woke around 9 am, and decided to walk 20 mins to the Red Square. On the way back Dan and I were underground and there was a little stand which the women was selling these wonderful smelling breads stuffed. So we go a pizza one, it was actually really good. Also we decided to stop at a coffee shop which there are many with this name K....??? and I got a Capuccino and Dan got Hot Chocolate. I DONT RECOMMEND HOT CHOCOLATE HERE. It was PURE Chocolate heated, Rich and not so good.

We are back at the Apt it will be cold here all week. We are going to try to go to the Russian White House and European Trade Center (Shopping) tomorrow. I dont know if we will see Ava again this week. We have to wait on Adoption Decree before we can have her. We are hoping to get it Tuesday Morning but if it isnt early enough Tues then we cant get her until Wed.

We will post more soon.

April & Dan -- FREEZING IN MOSCOW

It's Monday Morning in Moscow.

It's monday and Dan and I already went to the US Embassy this morning for some documents for Ava's Visa, Passport information. I went and got the documents that need to be filled out. We hope the have the court Decree by next Tues so we can get Ava and go do all the things that need to be done.

We are waiting for Alex and Olga to come get us to go to the Orphanage and see Ava. She naps until 11 am so we will be leaving soon. I hope she does good today. I hope to make more progress with her. I will post more later after our visit to the Orphanage.

With Love From Russia

Dan April Ava

Saturday in Moscow Russia

Today is a bit colder than yesterday. Dan & I went to McDonald's for Breakfast 10 min walk to Old Arbat Street. Then we got picked up and went to see Ava. She was fine until Daddy picked her up. She has never seen a man before now and it a little scared also I noticed anyone she doesnt recognize she cries. Dan is jealious that she is calmer in my arms. Ava and I bonded today, she likes to be held. I told Dan that in time she will come around. I hope she will be okay on the airplane cause it will be a long...... long.... Flight. But we will have her 9 days so we will try to get her out more so she is not so nervous.

The weather is suppose to get colder this week MORE SNOW. Monday we are going to the US Embassy to get some new forms so we know what to do the week after and to get it all done before. We will see Ava again on Monday and that will be the last time until Gotcha Day either Dec 1st or 2nd. We will have her until the 11th unless we can leave early, but it doesnt look like that will happen. Well that is all for now.

Best Wishes from Russia.

A short post

Well it is 9 pm here in Moscow. It was a nice day no snow today just cold. I hear we are suppose to have snow this weekend. Dan and I went to Moscow's HARD ROCK CAFE and celebrated our new daughter. I am finding that there are people that speak English around the Arbat area more so because it is tourist area.

Attached is a picture of Dan & I tonight at a place called "Floridita" A cuban resturant and Bar. They even play cuban music. Very cool.

We get to see Ava tomorrow morning at 10 am so we will post more tomorrow.
We can not post pictures of her until after 10 day wait.

IT'S OFFICAL......AVA IS OUR DAUGHTER

We are so excited, Ava is offically ours @ 10:50 am Moscow Time. She has two wonderful Brother's, I cannot wait to indroduce them.
We have to wait 10 days until we can have her which will be DEC 1 OR 2ND.
I will post more soon. Dan and I have been up since 2 am Moscow Time- ITS NAP TIME.

PS WE FOUND MCDONALDS AND GROCERY STORE YEA!!!!

COURT TODAY .

Well it's 4 am. Dan and I have been up since 2 am. Can't sleep. Excited, Nervous, all the above. Dan & I are hungry so I think we are going to find something to eat.

So we are staying on Novy Arbat(Picture is of our view) but I cant seem to get my bearings staight. North South East West is a blur. Not sure where we are. I know we went to Starbucks and Sbarro's for dinner last night on OLD ARBAT ?? IF any one knows where a Grocery store is and McDonalds please email me. marrazzoapril@comcast.net

I know we will find it if we keep walking. The snow has stopped for now but I am sure it will snow later.

With Love April & Dan

PS I can email out through Comcast account. So email me.

We made it ........... Burrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Well, we made it. IT IS SNOWING LIKE CRAZY... BURRRR
My first time seeing snow fall, it is pretty but cold.

We got to our apt ( Great View off Arbat Street)and dropped everything off and went straight to the Orphanage to see AVA. MY HAS SHE GROWN IN 2 MONTHS. She is tall. She is sick with a cold so I held her most of the time trying to comfort her. She cried and whimpered alot. I think she just doesnt feel well.

Tomorrow is Court. 10 am Russia time. I will post tomorrow evening when I can. Wish us Luck.

I am having trouble sending emails but I can recieve so sorry if I dont get back to you right away.

Paka !

IT'S TIME TO GO GET OUR DAUGHTER

CAN YOU BELIEVE THE TIME HAS ACTUALLY COME TO GO TO COURT AND GET AVA. IT'S BEEN SUCH A LONG TIME THAT IT HAS NOT HIT ME YET UNTIL WE ARE THERE AND SHE IS IN OUR ARMS.

WE DIDNT RECIEVE OUR VISA'S/PASSPORTS UNTIL THIS MORNING AT 930AM BY FEDEX, SO AFTER WE DROVE TO OCALA FL (N. FLORIDA 3.5 HOURS EACH WAY) TO DROP OFF THE BOYS WITH UNCLE BRENT SO THEY CAN GO STAY WITH GRANDMA AND POP POP IN NJ. IT TOOK US A LITTLE LONGER THAN EXPECTED DUE TO THE WHOLE TURNPIKE WAS CLOSED DUE TO ACCIDENT SO WE GOT HOME AT 6PM.

DAN AND I WENT THROUGH LUGGAGE TO MAKE SURE WE HAVE EVERYTHING. 4 SUITE CASES LATER. CHECKED BAGGAGE CONSISTS OF PACK AND PLAY ( FOR AVA TO SLEEP IN), 3 SUITCASES & STROLLER.

I WILL BE SURE TO UPDATE AS SOON AS I CAN. THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR THE WONDERFUL COMMENTS.

APRIL & DAN

3 DAYS LEFT......................

WOW! Pinch me, I cant believe time has almost come to go to Court. We leave Wedensday Nov 19th and Arrive Nov 20th in Moscow at 1120am Moscow Time. Our Court in on Friday Nov 21st but I am not sure what time.
We are staying in an Apartment on Noviy Arbat Street which everyone says is the best place to stay because there are a lot of shops and resturants. I hear that there is a Starbucks and Hard Rock near our apt. We are staying pretty close to the US Emabssay too.

Thank You to everyone the support has been Awesome.

I dont know if I will update before we leave but I will try if not look for my post while in Russia.

WITH LOVE FROM RUSSIA & FLORIDA

Packing For Our Court Trip

Sorry it's been a while since I last updated. Nothing new to report. Just trying to get all of our documents together for court and US Embassy.
I have been trying to pack for Dan & I plus guessing on what to bring for AVA. Its hard to pack for her because I really dont know her size so I am bring 12-18month clothing.
I also have to pack for Allen & Zachary because they will be going to NJ to stay with Grandma & Grandpa. We leave in 5 days to drive Allen & Zachary to North Florida (3-4 hour drive 1 way) to Uncle Brent's and then drive back to leave the next morning.

I will update before we leave and I will also be taking my computer with us.

Allen & Zachary's Birthday Party

Yesterday which was Sunday we had Allen's (Nov 11th)& Zachary's (Nov 26th) Birthday party which was so much fun. We got a 20 foot waterslide called Jaws. The weather held up and it was about 78 degress which was not too bad but windy. I went down it a couple of times Burrrrrr. Kids have a lot of tolerence when it comes to the weather. All in all we had a Great turn out and had fun.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALLEN - TOMORROW NOV 11TH

On the other hand Dan has been sick what ever is going around Cough, Fever, etc. He got antibiotics today and hope he will be better by the time we go to Russia (Nov19).

We leave Nov 19 - December 11th

Just a qucik update.

We have booked our Flights x2-the return date had to be change from Dec6 to the 11th.
We booked our apt through Peace Travel
We Sent for our Visa's- Go to Russia Travel
Made last payments to CHI

Nervous Brake down -Check that one too a couple times......

Allen & Zachary will be going to NJ with Uncle Brent and then staying with Grandma & Pop Pop up in NJ for a week. Then they will come back to Florida with Uncle Brent and return to school. Uncle Brent has been a Angel during all of this. He takes care of the kids like they are his own. THANK YOU UNCLE BRENT- LOVE YOU MAN !

My Sisters Angel & Kris my Niece Amanda and Nephew Matthew from California will be coming to visit the week after we get back. Yyyeppppppyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

I am exhausted, I will post more later.

PS If anyone is in Moscow the same time let me know we will be staying near Novy Arbat street.


GOOD NIGHT

WE GOT OUR COURT DATE !

YES IT'S TRUE. WE RECEIVED OUR COURT DATE TODAY. NOV 21ST IS OUR OFFICAL DATE. WE WILL BE LEAVING NOVEMBER 19 TH, WE DONT KNOW WHEN WE ARE RETURNING YET HOPEFULLY AFTER THE 10 WAIT IT WILL BE FIRST WEEK OF DECEMBER.

THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS

ALLEN (9TH) & ZACHARY'S (7TH) BIRTHDAY

IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN. MY BOYS ARE GETTING SO BIG, AND TOO FAST! ALLEN'S BIRTHDAY IS NOVEMBER 11TH & ZACHARY'S IS NOVEMBER 26TH. SINCE WE DONT KNOW WHEN WE ARE GOING TO RUSSIA FOR COURT WE WILL BE CELEBRATING ALLEN & ZACHARY'S BIRTHDAY THIS WEEKEND. THE FALL IS FULL OF BIRTHDAYS. AVA ALLEN & ZACHARY. ALL 2 WEEKS APART. FUNNY HOW THINGS HAPPEN. IT WAS MEANT TO BE AVA IS MEANT TO BE WITH US AND WE HOPE SOON.

NO WORD YET BUT I WILL POST AS SOON AS WE KNOW ANYTHING.


HAPPY BIRTHDAY AVA, ALLEN & ZACHARY - MOMMY AND DADDY LOVE YOU LOTS !

RUSSIAN HOLIDAY NOVEMBER 4TH-Day of the National Unity

Well, so now we are just waiting on Holiday in Russia to pass. Russia we have Monday Tuesday and Wedensday off for holiday so hoping to hear something by Friday.

Russian Holidays
The Official Holidays (Observed)
January 1-5 New Year Holidays
January 7 Christmas, Russian Orthodox
February 23 Protector of Motherland Day
March 8 International Women’s Day
May 1 Spring and Labor Day
May 9 Victory Day (Over German Nazism in the WW2)
June 12 Day of Russia
November 4 Day of the National Unity

We Celebrated Ava's 1st Birthday

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY AVA.....
Dan & I thought it would be a good idea to have a cake and celebrate with the boys their sisters 1st Birthday. Even though she is not with us physically she is in our hearts. The boys told everyone that we celebrated Ava's birthday. They cant wait to meet her.
It's so diappointing not being able to hold her on her first birthday and comfort her to let her know we are here. We love her so much already and she doesnt even know it yet. Her smile just brightens every saddness we feel. We have a picture of her in every room in the house and on our cell phones. Dan's mom put Ava's picture on the refrigerator at home in NJ and kisses it everyday.
Thank you to everyone who has been here, all our friends and family have been wonderful..... THANK YOU

Tomorrow is November 3rd it has been exactly 8 weeks since we receieved our first call to go to Russia. We hope that we get the call this week, I know that Moscow City did recieve the databank documents they were waiting for. I just hope they apply for court this week. KEEP YOUR FINGERS CROSSED & WE NEED ALL THE PRAYERS WE CAN GET.

WITH LOVE FROM FLORIDA & RUSSIA

HAPPY 1 ST BIRTHDAY AVA

ANOTHER DAY GOES BY,BUT STILL NO CALL AND IT'S A BIG, BIG DAY FOR AVA. SHE TURNS 1 YEARS OLD. TECHNICALLY IT IS 545AM IN RUSSIA NOW (8 HRS AHEAD EST).
WE ARE HOPING FOR SOME GOOD NEWS ON HER BIRTHDAY OCTOBER 30TH.
DAN SAT IN THE ROCKING CHAIR IN HER ROOM JUST THINKING ABOUT HIS LITTLE GIRL.

DONT WORRY AVA MOMMY AND PAPA ARE COMING JUST HOLD ON A LITTLE LONGER.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR SWEET ANGEL......... WE MISS YOU !

Passing the time

We are trying to keep busy while we wait for our call to go to court. I am stressing a little about when we will be going because the Holidays are coming up.. Also Uncle Brent is going to NJ for Thanksgiving and will be gone for 3 weeks so that is stressing me out about who will be watching the kids while we go away. Not being in control of the situation is tough. My sister said she would come out but the prices of flights from CA to here during the Thanksgiving is 700- 900 dollars which is crazy. I am trying to keep calm about the situation.

I think that Moscow will be getting the necessary documents this week so they can apply for court. I hope they can apply this week for court so we can travel in early November.

Thank you to everyone for the thoughts and prayers.

Maybe in November ..........We wont be there for Ava's 1 st Birthday : (

Well I have been calling my agency everyday hoping to hear that we get to Travel for our court date but yet again I am disappointed with the news. We may be traveling in November. That means we wont be with Ava on her first Birthday which we were hoping for. We are just waiting for the submission of documents to the court and not sure how long that will take. I hope for Ava's sak not long.
November is Allen and Zachary Birthday's not to mention Thanksgiving. I hope to update with some good news soon.

What's taking so long ............ Ava's room is all ready.

We built a new room for Ava. It turned out just Beautiful.
It's tough seeing an empty room and crib.
It's seems like an eternity waiting for our little girl to come home. We are hanging in there, hoping and praying we will hear something next week. I guess Moscow is waiting on the documents for the Databank which I am not understanding how the whole process works. There are 3 databanks which the child is listed and they have to get documents stating she was on all three databanks. I dont know exaclty what that means.
While we are waiting Russian Citizens can see Ava and decide to adopt her which scares us. PRAY SHE WILL BE WITH US SOON.

Waiting for Court Date Moscow City

25 days since we found AVA

The ticker hit 25 days today, 25 days since we found our little Angel Ava. We are waiting for court date and have not heard anything of when we might go.
Meanwhile we are building Ava's room, it is turning out so cute. I painted the top half of the room a very light light strawberry pink color and the bottom will have wayne's board which is white. Uncle Brent bought her a fan with pastel colors for her room. We are putting wood flooring down in her room. Most of it should be done today and then I can start moving her crib in and all her clothes, etc.

I will post pictures when it is complete and we hear anything about when we get to go back to Russia.

Sticker Shock............................

Most of you know it is very costly to adopt international. Before we travel on our second trip we have to pay our final fee's which was a SHOCKER. Our daughter is worth every penny though. We are excited to go on our 2nd trip and are on pins and needles waiting for court date. We know our Russia and St. Louis Reps will do everything to get us there soon. Thank you to Leslie in St Louis, and Elena in Moscow City for answering my 100 questions a day.

Wanted to give a shout out to Laura and Greg (we met them on our 1st trip on the airplane, they are with another agency but we hung out everyday and we talk everyday). Congratulations on your court date in Moscow City. Hope to see you in Russia soon.

Best Wishes Always

April & Dan

Paperwork is on its way

Today is a good day. Our Florida Dept of Law Enforcement check has arrived in St Louis and is on its way tomororw to Russia. We are waiting on our THE LAST PAPER FROM TEXAS Our Marriage License, which Dan called Dept of State Apostille office and it will be sent out TODAY. I AM SO EXCITED. I JUST HOPE OUR COURT DATE WILL BE SCHEDULED SOON.

A Family with another agency from Moscow City which they met their child the same time found out they have court this month maybe around the 13th. I just wondering what is taking us so long to get a date. Well now Moscow will have all the paperwork so I am praying it will be soon.

Thank you everyone for your prayers.

TAGGED............................

There is a game of tag going around blogland; and I'm it!
I got tagged by Kim that is adopting a little girl also
Okay, here are Six Random Things About Me:

1. I Grew up in Southern California in The O.C Fountain Valley and Huntington Beach. Went to school at FVHS where Michelle Pfeiffer went to school and I graduated with Summer Altice- Playboy Playmate.

2. I met Dan while I was living in Texas working for American Airlines in 1998, he lived in Palm Beach FL and called to make a reservation over the phone. We exchanged infofmation and kept in touch.

3. Dan proposed at my sister house in Texas on Wed April 7 1999 and we got married April 10th 1999, and drove all the way back to Florida in my little Toyota Paseo.


4. I am a neat freak. I cant stand things on the floor or on the kitchen counters.


5. I am the youngest girl of 8 kids. My dad is 82 years old.

6. Last I am going to be 30 in April. I was born on Friday the 13th.


Now I need to tag 6 people. Since a lot of us follow the same blogs, this is hard. But here goes... I'm going to tag the following people:


1)MEGHAN

2)Debbie

3) Ivana

4)Shannon

5) Monica

6) Clarion

If I have tagged you, here are the rules!
1. Link to the person that tagged you.
2. Post the rules on the blog.
3. Write six random facts about yourself.
4. Tag six people at the end of your post.
5. Let each person know they have been tagged.
6. Let the taggers know when your entry is up.

PRAY FOR US... WE NEED OUR COURT DATE !

Waiting for court and travel dates has been difficult. You wondering why everything takes so long, when you know that they have the same exact documents as the last time why does everything have to be updated it seems like 100 times. For instance our Marriage License they just had two originals sent to Russia in JULY O8,and they need more before the give us our court date. It's just frustrating, I am venting....Sorry. We just want our little Angel home.
PLEASE PRAY FOR US, WE HOPE TO TRAVEL SOON. YOUR PRAYERS ARE NEEDED.

"I have need of patience so that after I have done the will of God, I might receive the promise." Hebrews 10:36

"I waited patiently for You, Lord, and You listened to me and heard my cry." Psalm 40:1

Thank You Melissa for these prayers.

Ava's Baby Shower

Yesterday we had Ava's baby shower. But before that we had a very very busy day.
We woke up about 7 am, Dan took Zachary with him to his Heart Walk for Bethesda Memorial Hospital, and I took Allen to his Football game. Dan was able to make it to the game before it started so Allen was happy.
After the game I went to BJ's Wholesale it's like Costco where I had ordered the cake from. OH how adorable the cake was. I cropped her picture put the Russian flag with her Birthday on the cake. It was very cute!
I ordered a 4 ft sub sandwich and Uncle Brent made ribs allday which were AWESOME! Thanks UNCLE BRENT.
People started to arrive around 2pm I made a photo album with all her pictures and had a picture in a frame and everyone signed it.
Ava will be styling with all the clothes she has gotten. She has better clothes than me.
I put a slide show of pictures on the blog of her Shower.

THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO CAME AND CELEBRATED OUR DAUGHTER.

HOPE WE HAVE COURT SOON

No updates yet

We are waiting on our two documents, Our marriage certificate from Texas and our FDLE from our Homestudy H.S agency to be sent to Tallahassee to be apostilled.

We are Anxiously waiting for any news and hope we will be with Ava or have her home by October 30th her 1st Birthday. It's a long shot but anything can happen. All documents have to be in so we can get a court date. Pray we hear something soon. Thank you again, The LOVE & SUPPORT FROM EVERYONE HAS BEEN JUST WONDERFUL.

Half a world away
A child waits for a family of her own
While a half a world away
A family waits to come bring her home

WITH LOVE FROM FLORIDA & RUSSIA

WAITING FOR COURT DATE .........

As many of you know Russia requires two trips. We are waiting anxiously for our court date so we can bring little Ava home to join our family. We are getting ready for our baby shower this next weekend Sept 27th which is also a busy day. Dan has the American Heartwalk for the hospital, I have to take Allen to football and then Ava's shower.
We are getting together our last bit of court documents. I am waiting on my Marriage license from TX, and Our FDLE-Florida Dept of Law enforcement.
Hope it will be done within the next two weeks.

We wanted to say thank you to Gail for making a donation. It helps more than you will know.

That is all for now. I need to go get the boys ready we are going to order the cake for Ava's Shower.

We are Home

We are home. We had such a great trip. We are tired. I have never felt jet lag like this I cant seem to get enough sleep. We already slept twice today and I am ready for another nap.

The boys were so excited to see us. I didn't even bring my luggage in I just ran in the house and gave them the biggest hugs and kisses. Allen & Zachary gave me the biggest hug and didn't let go. They love the pictures of their sister. I was telling them she loves music and to dance and Zachary started laughing with the big grin. You could see in the boys faces they just lit up. They couldn't wait to see all the pictures of their baby sister. She is 11 months old this month. Her Birthday is Oct 30th so we are hoping we will either be in Russia for her Birthday or she will be here with us for her 1st Birthday. I WANT TO THANK EVERYONE FOR THE PRAYERS, GOD DID ANSWER THEM. PLEASE PRAY WE ARE WITH HER FOR HER 1ST BIRTHDAY, THAT WOULD BE THE BEST.


WE ALSO WANTED TO THANK YOU, SPASIBA TO OLGA IN RUSSIA SHE IS GREAT AND HELPFUL, AND ELENA IN RUSSIA. YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST. WE CANT THANK YOU ENOUGH FOR EVERYTHING.
ALSO THANK YOU LESLIE AND EVERYONE AT CHILDRENS HOPE.
That is all for now I am going to go take another nap.

ALSO DAN AND I ARE AMAZED BECAUSE ALL THE KIDS BIRTHDAYS WILL BE TWO WEEKS APART. OCT 30TH, NOV. 11TH. NOV. 26TH, BUSY MONTH THEN CHRISTMAS.


With Love

The Israel Family

We are coming home

Well unfortunalty how Russia works we have to leave Ava until court. We are hoping to be back before her 1 st birthday on OCT 30th. We are saddened we have to leave her but we have no say. PRAY all our courts docs are in fast.

With Love

April Dan Allen Zachary & Ava

Our Little Angel .........AVA MCKENZIE

I know everyone wants to know what happened today. This morning we went to the MOE to sign papers to decline the first referral then we went back into the office and they had a referral for us of a little girl, So the the picture came across the table and Dan and I didnt know really what to think because the picture was taken when she was 1 month old and now she is 10 months old so we said we will go meet her. We went into the Orphanage and it was love at first sight. She went to Dan with no hesitation not a peep. She was a little hesitant with me but after a couple minutes she was fine. We played for an hour and she had not had a nap so they went to put her down for one. She is perfect in every way possible. We unfortunatly leave tomorrow but know in our hearts that she is the one. YOU JUST KNOW. We wont see her again until we come back for court I hope it is really soon. PRAY everyday we come back soon.

With Love From Russia

PS We are not allowed to post any pictures that is the rules, sorry.

GOD ANSWERED OUR PRAYER. WE MET AVA

WOW ! We are blessed we found our little Angel Ava. I will update soon first I need to go call everyone.

Why .........................We are NUMB

Well as most of you have seen we turned down our referral. Due to Medical issues that could not be corrected we have decided not to accept. We dont know what will happen now. We are so Distraught and very emotional right now. I never dreamed we would ever turn down a child, you dont come here and do all the paperwork not to accept. We have as many questions as everyone else does. We just want a healthy little girl.

What broke our hearts tonight and made me break down was when my son who is going to be nine said send us pictures of Ava and we told him she was sick and we couldnt bring her home and Allen said "Daddy why you can't you bring her home a fix her" I just started to loose it in tears. Dan works in the ER and Allen thinks that Dad can fix anybody but unfortunatly not in this case.

We dont know what tomorrow will bring but we have to believe God has our little girl waiting it just is taking longer to bring her too us.

I am not mad or upset with my agency at all, they are wonderful. It's not there fault they dont have the medicals.


With Love
Hoping to meet our Daughter soon

Sad News

Unfortunatly we have denied the referral. I cant get into the details but pray they will have another referral for us by the time we go home or we might have to stay longer in Moscow or may even come back.

WE ARE PRAYING PLEASE HELP US THROUGH THIS DIFFICULT TIME. THIS WAS A VERY HARD MEDICAL DECISION.

2 nd day in Moscow- IT'S COLD

Hello - Здравствуйте!
We have had a busy day. We woke up at 4 am Russia time we couldnt sleep anymore so we rested until we met with Laura & Greg another family we met on the airplane from a different agency. Finally about 11 am we all met because they got lost. Moscow is a huge city. We walked around and did some shopping we bought a duffle bag because Delta Airlines Broke my Luggage and there is a big hole in it.
After that we went to eat at McDonalds which was crazy. About a 50-100 people in a little building waiting to order. Had a okay time ordering some people speak a little english but not much. After our belly was full we went to do more shopping and then back to our hotel to sit and talk in the Hotel Cafe'. We had espresso and Hot chocolate. It is FREEZING HERE. After we said bye to Greg & Laura who also meet their child tomorrow we went back to our room to get a little shut eye only to find out Debbie & David also from Florida tracked us down and had their little girl with them traveling through Moscow to go back tomorrow morning, Oh Danielle is her name she is just precious. We went to a place that said Italiano. Very good food not bad in price at all. Dont know what it was called but it was at the Olypmic Plaza.
After dinner we went outside to get some fresh air and it rained so it was about 10 degrees colder than when we got there. Burrrrrrrrrrr. So we said good bye to David Debbie and Danielle and went back to our hotel. Now we are going to sleep. BIG DAY TOMORROW.

With Love from RUSSIA -MOCKBA

Goodnight Spokoinoi nochi

WE MADE IT TO MOSCOW/ Tired

We arrived this morning at about 1030 am Moscow time. There were two other families from CHI on our flight with Tver region one was on 3rd trip the other was on referral trip. We all stood in Customs line for 1 hour or so. VERY BIG EYE OPENING EXPERIENCE. Our Translator dropped us off at the Renissance Hotel and we wont be seeing her until Tuesday morning to go to the MOE receive our referral and off to the orphange.
Dan and I got to the Hotel took a shower and went to sleep for about 3 hours then we decided to go venturing out. We are staying across the street where the olympics was held many years ago. They have converted the stadium into a HUGE flee market. One thing I suggest to anyone is learn Russian beacause it is very hard to communicate. We found Mcdonalds but nobody speaks english. We have a lot of respect for people that travel to the US not knowing english it is tough.

Tomorrow I think we will be going to the Puskin, Red Square and doing sight seeing. We need to find a sim card for the cell phone to make international calls. We did find calling cards after walking around for a while. There are no Internet Cafe's here so we have to pay for our internet through the hotel which comes out to be 15.00a day.

I hope to be able to update more tomorrow I am sure we will have time.

We miss everyone and cant wait to see our daughter.

8:40 pm Moscow Time/ 12:40 pmEst
April & Dan

We leave tomorrow..................... YAY

Wow! So the time has come to really get my butt in gear, I am slacking on packing. It really has not hit me yet. I need to pinch myself. Dan works half day today, Uncle Brent is driving down from Orlando area to watch the boys.

Poor Allen Asthma has been acting up because of the winds from Hurricane Ike. So he is on breathing treatments, etc. He is doing much better today than yesterday. We are picking up the kids early from school to spend as much time with them before we leave tomorrow morning. We have Football tonight and Allen has a game tomorrow ( GO DOLPHINS.) BUSY BUSY BUSY

I will be sure to post when I can. We dont get into Moscow until 1030am Moscow time and 230 am Florida time so time difference will be hard but well worth it.
Thank you to everyone for the thoughts and prayers. ITS REALLY TIME TO MEET OUR PRECIOUS DAUGHTER. WE ARE SO EXCITED !!!!!!!!!

3 Days until we go to RUSSIA. YAY !!!!

We are 3 days away from starting our Journey to Moscow to meet our princess. We are Anxious, scared, nervous, excited, All the above. It's normal to be nervous about the unknown. You wait for all these months, 17 months since we started this process and now we are getting close.
Dan is so funny all of sudden he comes and says are you ready with this big smile and grin. He does his little nervous twitch with his legs when he is nervous/excited. Poor thing is working and trying to keep concentrated on work but knowing we are leaving soon he can hardly concentrate. I brought him lunch at work today and I could tell how tired he is. His mind is wondering and its hard for him to sleep. We are so excited and can't wait to see our little girl.

Thank you everyone for all the support.

I will update our blog before we leave and while we are in Russia.

5 Days until we leave

I still have not started packing. I will start that process today. Thank you to everyone for your support we have had a lot of positive feedback and are greatful. People have really come together to help us while we are gone and I wanted to thank them personnally. Thank you Brent for coming to take care or the Boys and the house while we are away, Alex & Kari awesome neighbors, Meghan & Bill who have taken the time to send us things for Russia. Sorry if I left anyone names out THANK YOU TO EVERYONE.

DONATING FOR A GOOD CAUSE- GIVING A CHILD A HOME
Please help us by making a donation even $1.00 or any amount will help. Safe and secure and goes right to our adoption account.

1 Week until we travel to meet our Princess

Today is Saturday. I am getting ready to take Allen to his 1st Tackle football game of the season (GO DOLPHINS).
We have finished booking our Airline tickets which I have to give Dan credit where credit is do. He booked Tickets, I took care of the last bit of paperwork. The only thing we are waiting for is our Visa's which should arrive this week sometime. Hurricane Ike looks like it will be staying south of us but we still are not out of the woods yet. I will be sure to update all information this week.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

HURRICANE IKE/ TROPICAL STORM HANNA

SOUTH FLORIDA - WE ARE GETTING POUNDED WITH RAIN AND WIND FROM T.S HANNA BUT THAT IS THE LEAST OF OUR WORRIES. HURRICAN IKE IS SHOWING HIS UGLY FACE AND HEADED TOWARD US WITH SPECULATIONS THAT IKE WILL HIT TUES OR WED WE ARE NOT SURE EXACLTY WHERE IT IS HEADED. PLEASE PRAY FOR EVERYONE THAT IS DECIDES TO STAY AWAY FOR U.S COAST.

ON THE ADOPTION SIDE WE LEAVE NEXT SATURDAY AND ARE VERY EXCITED, BUT IT'S NERVE RACKING WHEN I KNOW I HAVE TO LEAVE MY BOYS AND MOST LIKELY NOT HAVE POWER. MOST LIKELY WE WILL NOT HAVE INTERNET, POWER, PHONE AFTER THE STORM. WE WILL BE SEEKING SHELTER AT MY HUSBANDS JOB-HOSPITAL WHICH IS A SAFE PLACE.


"When he hesitated, the men grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and of his two daughters and led them safely out of the city, for the LORD was merciful to them"

SEPTEMBER BRINGS HAPPINESS

AS MOST OF YOU HAVE READ WE ARE TRAVELING IN 10 DAYS TO BE EXACT. WE WILL BE TRAVELING A DAY EARLIER. WE LEAVE SATURDAY SEPT 13TH BECAUSE AIRLINE TICKETS COST ABOUT 1200.00 LESS. WE WILL BE STAYING AT RENAISSANCE MARRIOTT. WE ARE EXHAUSTED FROM ALL THINGS WE HAVE HAD TO DO TODAY. VISA'S, HOTEL RESERVATIONS, AIRLINE TICKETS, AND SINCE WE ARE ARRIVING 1 DAY EARLY WE HAVE TO FIND TRANSPORTATION TO OUR HOTEL OURSELVES, FUN!

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE THAT HAS LEFT COMMENTS, WE THANK EVERYONE FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT.

WE GOT OUR REFERRAL

How exciting! We got a call around 4 pm from our coordinator. The conversation started off like anyother call from Leslie except for one miner detail she sounded excited. She said so what do we have you working on, I told her and she said well you better speed it up cause you got your referral! I said no way you not kidding , right!? I started crying oh my gosh no way no way. Then I dont remember half of the conversation. I only called Leslie 3 x after that.

Now we have so many things to do before Sept 14th I dont know where to start.

SEPTEMBER IS HERE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

No ones knows how difficult it is to wait through the summer months unless you have been there. It is September in 3 days YEAH!!!!!!!! Can we be a little more excited! This is because things are starting to move again in Moscow City. We were told that we can't guarantee we will get a call this month but we are hopeful. It's been a long long long road, over 1 1/2 years. IT'S TIME.

Hope to update with good news soon.

TROPICAL STORM -FAY-

AS MOST OF YOU KNOW WE LIVE IN HURRICANE ALLEY (FLORIDA). WE LIVE IN PALM BEACH COUNTY WHICH IS ABOUT 1 HOUR NORTH OR MIAMI AND ABOUT 3 HOURS SOUTH OF ORLANDO ON THE EAST COAST. WE HAVE HEARD A LOT OF WARNINGS THAT TROPICAL STORM FAY IS GOING OVER CUBA AND THE TRACK WILL BE JUST WEST OF US. WE WON'T KNOW UNTIL AFTER TONIGHT WHERE IS REALLY IS HEADED AND IF IT WILL STRENGTHEN TO A HURRICANE,IT ALL DEPENDS ON THE WARM WATERS BY KEY WEST. I JUST HOPE WE DONT LOOSE POWER.

WE HAVE A GENERATOR AND WE GOT GAS YESTERDAY JUST IN CASE. PRAY WE DONT HAVE TO USE IT.

Moscow City - Registration

On August 13 th I had received a call from my Rep Leslie. She said I have good news you are registered as on August 12 th, I sat quietly and said after a minute, WHAT! We were told we were registered in May on the 8th to be exact. Well apparently when Arati wrote the email to me we were registered it meant something else. Moscow city MOE informed everyone in May that during the summer months they will be taking a break and not registering any dossiers between May and August. OKAY well we were registered in August so I am not sure what really happened. We still hope we will travel in Sept/Oct for our 1st trip. Keep your fingers crossed. I dont have anymore information but when I do I will post.

Also there is a Tropical Storm- Fay south of us and heading North through FL. I hope it's not a bad one. Keep watching the Atlantic.
DONT WE LOVE HURRICANE SEASON............
I hope school still starts Monday, depends on the storm.

Keeping Busy

Well, while most of my paperwork is on its way to Russia. I have one more Power of Attorney and 2 Petitions to adopt that are being notorized and will be sent to be apostilled in Tallahassee. I know it will take the state a little while to get them done so I will be sending them out today.

On the other hand I am keeping busy watching my neighbors little girl who is 2 years old named Chloe. Getting ready to have a little one around here, I need the practice again. Girl's are so different than boys that's for sure. So for the next 3 weeks I will keep busy watching her. Allen & Zachary return to school on Monday so it will be quiet. I have had a good summer spending time with them, they are growing into fine young men.

That's all for now. We are counting down the days until September, 3 weeks to go and hopefully we will hear something.

Updated Documents

So Friday I was so excited to received all our documents back from Tallahassee . Going through all of them with Leslie or coordinator we realized Department of State stapled two power of attorney's together with only one Certification. So in a mad rush I called them, no offense to Gov. workers but they could care less what was missing. I explained to the women over and over certification # was missing finally after 20 minutes of the phone with her she said they would send it to us they found which one they left out. So that was good, but then she states well our mail has already left for the day so it wont go out until Monday. Okay well it could be worse. So i still went to UPS took all other 21 pages to be mailed to CHI. I sent it by ground shipping since I was still waiting for the other document. It would be delivered Wednesday.

I have been waiting for the other document from the state No document Tuesday and Finally Wednesday I received it. The boys and I rushed it over to UPS they wanted 68.00 to overnight it. I am like no way, so I called Leslie and said since she was receiving the other documents today what could be the latest I could get this one document over to her to send to Russia by Firday. She said Friday morning so it was only 21.00 to get it to St Louis by Friday Morning 10:30am, okay its done. All documents should be going to Russia Friday. That is great. Hope we dont have too much more to update.

PS I found someone to do our Financial.

Now all we are waiting for is the call then we need to update our Medical's and Florida Department of Law Enforcement stuff. ALMOST THERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Allen - Football

This has no realation to our adoption but the love for our children. Allen has started football. Here is a pictures of him in his practice uniform with pads and all. He is on the Dolphins, of course we are big Philadelphia Eagles Fans but when it comes to our boys we can become Temporary Dolphins Fan's. Zachary didnt want to play tackle so we will most likely be putting him in Soccer.
I give all the Boys on the Dolphins team credit -2 hours of practice M-F for 2 weeks in this HOT HOT Florida Weather. We got rained on big time yesterday, but that is great football weather.

School starts in 2 weeks, YEA !!!!!!!!

Ava's Crib

Here is a picture of Ava's crib. It is all finished. Now I am working on her room.
More pictures will be coming soon.

August is Here !!!!

I am so happy that August is here. Hope to hear something next month when the MOE (Ministry of Education) gets back from Vacations. I FINALLY got our Documents back from Tallahassee. It took 3 weeks for them to get them back to me. My goodness i am glad it wasn't a rush. I will be sending all our documents to St Louis, MO and then they are off to Russia. YEA !!!!!!!! I am so excited.

Ava's room is getting there. I am still trying to decide what color to paint her room. Allen & Zachary are getting excited too.

Hope to update with more good news soon.

PS I wanted to say CONGRATS to Meghan & Bill whom are in Moscow City now and have offically adopted a little boy named Nick. Yeah !!!!!

NO NEWS YET.............

WE ARE STILL WAIITNG FOR OUR DOCUMENTS TO COME BACK FROM TALLAHASSEE,FL AND AUSTIN, TX. I KNOW TALLAHASSEE IS 2 WEEKS BEHIND ON THEIR APOSTILLING DOCUMENTS SO I HOPE NEXT WEEK WE WILL GET THEM. ONLY ABOUT 4 MORE WEEKS AND THE KIDS GO BACK TO SCHOOL. THIS SUMMER JUST FLEW. CAN'T HELP BUT THINK THAT SEPTEMBER IS ALMOST HERE.

THE BOYS HELPED ME PUT TOGETHER AVA'S CRIB THIS PAST WEEK. THEY WILL BE HELPING ME PAINT AND GET THE ROOM DONE. I DIDNT WANT TO RUSH TO GET IT DONE BECAUSE ITS PAINFULL SEEING AN EMPTY ROOM, BUT NOW THAT WE ARE WORKING ON IT AND I HAVE BEEN NESTING MAYBE THAT IS A GOOD SIGN.
ALLEN HAS BEEN ASKING WHEN ARE WE GETTING AVA? WHY IS IT TAKING SO LONG? HE PLAYS A THOUSAND QUESTIONS BUT I TRY TO EXPLAIN THAT ALL THE KIDS IN THE WORLD IT WILL TAKE TIME AND PATIENTS. ZACHARY IS JUST HAPPY GO LUCKY, HE JUST WANTS TO HELP WITH EVERYTHING. WE ARE EXCITED AND CANT WAIT TO COMPLETE OUR FAMILY WITH OUR LITTLE GIRL.

Dossier Update Done

I finally got all the Dossier Documents together. Dossier was notorized and is now in Tallahassee being apostilled. Our marriage license in is Austin, TX being apostilled. As soon I receive them they will be going to CHI in St Louis, then off to Moscow City.
We are counting down the summer months, August is almost here. I pray we hear something soon about our referral. It's in the Lord's hands now.

I hope to update with good news soon.