April 22, 2010

As I sit in our transit hotel writing this, sweet Ollie is snoring away. To say he is a good traveler is an understatement, so far anyway. We still have the long flight to take to New York. He slept almost all the way from Almaty to Seoul. We were able to upgrade, don't know how or why, but we smiled and said thank you. Interesting breakfast on the plane - beef and rice. Everybody has been so helpful taking luggage and stroller for us. We are really glad we brought the ergo carrier, it has worked out really well. Dominic booked us a room for the layover time, such a wonderful thing. It even came with a crib for Ollie although he was afraid, so we both slept in the double bed for almost 4 hours. Not sure what time it is for him, but he is doing great. I cannot imagine having him escorted home. We would have lost this whole 10 days of bonding, which I hope will make it an easier transition to home.

The airport here is huge. Everybody seems so interested in Ollie. It is also so nice not to have him so over dressed, no hat or coat as we walk around the airport. He seems to like it. We are due to leave in 3 hours. The time here has flown by. I even took a shower as Ollie is still sleeping. I am so excited to see my husband and daughter and to start our life as a family of 4. I am wondering what our dogs will think of our new addition and also what will he think of them. Between my job and home, he will have 5 dogs. I hope he is, or becomes a dog lover, time will tell!!!

I really hope the next flight goes by as fast as this long layover. It is our last one for a long, while that's for sure. By the time you read this, we will be safe at home; tired but so happy to be home. One journey ends and another is about to begin. I remember this time last year we were just about to complete our dossier and now less than a year later we can say we have completed our adoption. Words at times I thought we would never get to say, even at the Almaty airport at check in they said his passport had a problem. After what seemed for ever, but was only about 10 mins, she smiled and said you are free to leave. It was such a relief. I kept looking back at Tatyana and was so happy when I was able to give her a final wave. She had bought meds for me in the airport. I seem to have a nasty cough and cold, hope it is from Ollie, that way he is safe for a while longer.

To say we are really coming home is wonderful, we were even able to get rerouted with out paying a penny. Tatyana spent a whole day working this out even though she was not feeling well and her nephew had just died. We owe her so much. I did not expect her to do so much for us that went above and beyond the call of duty. One thing I will say is you should never go on first impressions!!!!!!!

The Vigale Family

Adoption Journey to Kazakhstan

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