Monday, March 8, 2010

There's No Place Like Home

Home sweet home! I arrived home around midnight on Saturday. Richard met me at the airport and, after a LONG day of traveling, what a welcome surprise to walk into a beautifully clean house full of peacefully sleeping children! My husband is such a gift!

My last visit with Alayna was a good one. We looked through pictures and went over names and faces again, drew more pictures and talked about when I would return to bring her home. During our Thursday afternoon visit Alayna asked if I would visit her on Saturday. I explained to her that I had to return home on Saturday, but that I would come back for her soon. She told me that she would cry when I left. It broke my heart! Toni explained to her that we would have to complete a few more documents before I could return to bring her home, but that we would work fast so that she could come home soon. To help quantify the time, Toni told her that, once she had finished first grade, I would return for her.

I left her on Friday with lots of hugs and kisses, her photo album, her bear, and a promise that I would return for her as quickly as possible. I already miss her terribly! Fortunately, the deep longing to return for my girls has motivated me into getting this next round of paperwork and approvals done as quickly as I possibly can.

My I800 with supporting documentation is ready to go and will be mailed first thing tomorrow morning! I am praying that the approval will be swift! Once the approval is issued it will be wired to the US Embassy in Sofia who will issue a letter to the Ministry of Justice stating that we may proceed with the adoption. More signatures are needed from the Minister after which our case will then enter the courts and a judge and a court date will be assigned. Once the adoption has been declared final in court, we will be able to proceed with obtaining new birth certificates and passports and Richard and I will travel to pick the girls up. On average, this next phase takes 3-5 months to complete. We are hoping that we will be able to return to bring them home by the beginning of June.

I promised videos once I returned home so here is the first installment! I accidentally uploaded both Alayna and Lily's videos into the same montage so you will have to watch the entire video to see both girls! All of the videos I have of Alayna are of her singing. This girls LOVES to sing (and she loved to watch her videos and sing along after I recorded them). Lily's videos generally consist of her giving me the stink face and then ignoring me (she LOVED operating the camera but didn't care much for being the subject)! I hope you enjoy my little ladies as much as I do!


16 comments:

mommajeane said...

They are so sweet... I have been axiously waiting to see them and it was worth it. I will be praying for your quick process and return to your sweethearts.

Kelly said...

Too cute! :) Praying your process will be moving quicker than mine! ARGH! You are already a step ahead with mailing your I800 tomorrow! Hooray!

Kelly said...

okay, just watched it again. And I have to say more! They are both darling!!!!! I LOVE IT! I love their faces, their voices, their little expressions! I am just so excited for you!!!!!!!!!!

Amanda said...

The girls are so precious!! Thank you for posting it for us to see.

Charity Brown said...

Loved watching the videos! Too cute!!!

Sarah @ The Pumpkin Patch said...

I can see why you are in love with them. So happy for you!!

the Gower Fam said...

I love it! They are so precious! I've enjoyed following your blog!

Stacey Kirchner said...

Welcome home. You have been missed. I loved the video, especially of Lily and the look she gave you when you said good girl. :)

The Baxter Family said...

Thank you so much for sharing this journey. I have been following your blog since just before you left for Bulgaria, and it was so heartwarming to see everything unfolding with your girls. We are considering Bulgaria for our second adoption, and your blog has given me so much hope. God bless. Teresa

perchancetodream said...

Thank you SO much for sharing your journey. As a first (and probably only time) PAP who just send her dossier in, it's wonderful to be able to peak in on the process from someone who is actually going through it.

Yvonne said...

Valarie,

The videos are precious... cherish them... it has brought me to the end of my wait... I leave in just 11 days to pick up my little girl.

You should look at the post on the Bulgaria Adopt group from Gail. She posted about a Children's CD with Bulgarian songs... bet Alayna will love it!!

Pray that your 800 and court move along swiftly!!

Yvonne

Arizona mom to eight said...

OMgoodness, what adorable girls! I looked over at our two and smiled, knowing yours would be there with you this summer. Adoption is such a wonderful gift.

Praying everything goes as fast as it possibly can.

Yates Family said...

That was so fun to watch! Alayna is so precious! That song is very catchy...you can tell she loves to sing! Poor Lily hated every min being the center of attention but she is so cute you just can't help smiling as she is givng you those dirty looks! What a fun adventure you have had! I am glad you have given me to oppurtunity to be a small part!

Cynthia Rieben said...

Thank you for the videos. They see so very real , more real every time I read about them and see their photos. Grandma DD

Mom of 2 said...

So cute! Lily reminds me so much of my younger son. He looked so similar at that age and always looked a few years younger than his age. He is 15 now and finally growing. I bet you can't wait to get them home!

JennyH said...

You are one blessed mommy!

I hope the rest of your adoption goes smoothly. LOVE Lily's eyes. Both girls are beautiful.