April 14, 2010

Well, today, April 13th is our Gotcha Day. Where to begin? I hardly slept last night, maybe 5 hours, so this morning could not come fast enough. Victoria and Kulash picked me up a little after 9 and we went to buy cakes for the baby house. As we drew closer, all my feelings just came up. I was so excited. Oliver has been sick and was in isolation, so we were not able to dress him, so while we waited, we went to his old group to give our gifts. One of our favorite care givers was there and was so happy to see me and asked if we would come in before we left to say good bye. Next, we headed for the directors office to sign more papers, and then as I turned around, there was Ollie all dressed up for winter. At first he just looked at me and then I said Hi Ollie, and he smiled and reached for me, so did he remember me, not really sure, all I know is he is mine.

We stopped in his old group to take pictures and the care givers were all crying. They really do love these children. After we headed to the airport in the car; he was so scared just sitting there so quiet and wide eyed, but after about 10 mins he began looking around and talking. We were not able to buy the ticket until just before the plane took off, so we waited in the car. Ollie was getting hungry, so I made him a bottle and prayed he would take it, which he did and drank it all in record time. I was so happy.

Finally, we were able to buy the ticket and that meant it was time to say a final good bye to Victoria. We were both in tears. She is one very special person. As I boarded the plane, I could feel my eyes filling with tears. I was really leaving a part of my heart here. As happy as I was to be getting a step closer to coming home, I was also sad. As the plane took off, Oliver had the same scared look on his face and I just kept saying its ok. At the same time I was crying. Ollie was great on the plane; he was awake the whole 2.5 hours and fell asleep right as we landed. Getting off the plane was not so easy I used the ergo carrier and it worked great. A bit for those of you who have flown the YAK will know there is no room to turn around, so I carried him, the diaper bag, and carrier. One very nice man gave me his hand to help me on to the run way. The same man also got a luggage cart and my luggage for me which really helped.

Tatyana met us with a sandwich and tea for me and said we had to go to the SOS clinic. Ollie weighs 21.5 pounds and is 76 centimeters long. He has a very wet cough and runny nose, but everything else was good. Next we came back to the apartment. Valentino, a cook, had prepared dinner for Ollie and I which was so wonderful. I looked at my watch and saw it was almost 6.30. Ollie’s 1st real bath…he loved it. Sorry, I forgot to take the camera in the bathroom…tomorrow I will. He smells so good and right after that he drank 6 oz of milk and fell asleep in my arms. Not sure if I should wake him or not, I think I am going to just wait and see.

So today is a day to remember forever. This has not been an easy journey, lots of bumps and turns, but as I look at our son sleeping, I would do it all again in a flash, if I were younger!!!!!!!!!!

I am falling asleep. More tomorrow. For now, I will be lying next to my son thanking so many people who helped make this happen. Pictures will be posted once I am home.

Part II

Today was our 1st morning together, and it began at 4.30. Ollie was not crying, just scratching the pack and play, but he last ate at 6.30ish last night so I turned over in the bed and whispered good morning sweet boy. He looked at me and gave me such a huge smile as if to say wow you’re still here! I picked him up and just sat on the bed hugging him, thinking how lucky I am to be his mommy. He was very hungry and drank an 8 oz bottle very fast. I looked at my watch and it read 5.00, play time was about to begin. Ollie is moving every where and getting every thing that he should not, so now everything is up high.

I went to get a tissue for his ever running nose and he burst in to tears so I went back to get him. I think he was scared because when I picked him up his little heart was racing, so that’s the last time I do that, for a while anyway.

By 7.00 am he was getting tired and Carolyn has just called I looked down at him and he was sucking his thumb fast asleep, so very slowly I laid him down in the crib where he slept an hour. He woke up and took 4oz juice from the sippy cup, I will use bottles for the milk and cup for juice, and he also loves the Gerber puffs and does really well with them.

After breakfast I could not decide what to have him wear, having a 10 year old daughter, she decides what she is going to wear so this is so much fun. Thanks to Lea and Carolyn, Ollie will be the best dressed baby in town; he looks so different in real clothes.

I am trying to use the ergo carrier as much as possible. I just have to figure an easier way to get him in, but once in he loves it and it is so good for the bonding. He was in it almost an hour this morning and feel asleep in it at 10.30 I hope he continues to like it.

As he is sleeping I have time to think how lucky we are to have Oliver as our son, all the waiting time, paperwork and more is now behind us and we have the best prize of all. I now know we waited because he was just not ready for us. I feel he is going to teach us a lot, he is such a sweet baby and I hope he already is beginning to feel my love. Being here alone is tough, but is great for Oliver and me to bond without any thing we have to do. That said, I will be glad to go home and really begin our life as a family of 4. I am missing Dominic and Isabel, but speak to them every day. Isabel cannot wait to show her brother off, she is going to be a great big sister, that I know.

Tatyana came after lunch and said it was a nice day for a walk. Yay, fresh air; we walked for about an hour. Almaty is difficult to get across the roads; they have underground tunnels, but no ramps only stairs. Oliver slept for most of the walk. I bought a painting of a yurt to hang in our house as a reminder of this beautiful country that has given us our son, took a few photos…sorry Carolyn, not as many as you, but enough for memories. Again, we will post from home.

We are now back in the apartment. Oliver ate lunch and is playing. He is really good as long as he can see me, if he cannot, all the apartments could hear him. If all goes well with the passport in Astana, we may be able to go to the embassy on Friday. I will let you know when we have any news.

Oh, I have to go. A little tired boy needs me.

The Vigale Family

Adoption Journey to Kazakhstan

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