The most anticpated Gotcha Day ever!!! I'll start from the beginning and you should expect a very long and detailed post! We arrived in Razgrad at at about 6:30 last night. We had the room that our interpreter had the last time and she had our room. We had a very nice dinner in the hotel restraunt. I was VERY jetlagged from the the long flight.and only being able to sleep about two hours the night before we left. I probably got 3 hours sleep on Friday and maybe 2 hours sleep total on the plane.  When we got there, we asked the hotel for some boxes for our orphange donation and the  gifts for the caregivers. After dinner, I boxed up the clothes up for the orphange and wrapped the gifts for the caregivers. We went to bed at around 8 and were sound asleep by about 8:05. Unfortunately, I woke up around 12:30 and could NOT go back to sleep till about 5:00 till 7 and then it was time to get up and ready. I decided to get up and get showered and then I got Kaytis clothes packed up and a bag ready to take for her. We met Maggie for breakfast at around 8:00 AM. Wow Dejavu!! We had trouble finding the orphanage this time, but not too much. We were there shortley after 9. We were taken to the directors office first. She asked for Kaytis clothes and we gave them to her along with the gifts for the caregivers and donation clothes. I had asked if we could take some pictures of her group of kids and with the caregivers.  Unfortunately, I was told no on the children photos. So my fellow Razgrad adoptive parents, I was not able to get this done. Our driver did video tape for us though and I believe he got some shots of them when they werent looking. We will see how it turned out. Denise, I was able to deliver your gifts and ask how they were doing and was told they were doing well. I am not sure they would tell me anything else though! I would love to have loved on them for you. They would not let us go in with the kids. We could look at them through the glass window and they were all playing so that made me happy that they do seem to have a little play time. That may have been because we were there though. Then they brought us her stuff. Her photo album, see n say, bear, and book. We had to search for the photo album though. I also got back the DVD I sent her. We really dont know if she ever got to see it or not. Then we signed some papers and the director told us we could go and see where she slept and the room and look at the other kids in the playroom. We were told we could take a picture of the care givers with her too. Then, it was time to go see Kayti. Saw the one caregiver who spoke English in the hallway and she smiled and said hi to us. She told us the shoes we brought were too big and she was looking for a pair for her to wear. I will keep those for her. They told us she eats a soft, liquid diet. No real reason why. We were told again she is lactose intolerant which was in her medical report and she takes a medicine for that so she can eat dairy.  They also told us she doesnt like to drink liquids, ie water, juice. Sorry I got off track. We went upstairs and went to the bedroom area. She was sitting on her bed. They were just puttingzzzzzzzzzz (LOL Kayti just put the zs on there as she is sitting on my lap) her shoes on when we came in. I really dont think she remembered us at first until I got down and started talking to her then she started smiling and looking very happy. Holding her in my arms and knowing this time was forever was PRICELESS. My tears were flowing. We took the photos of the caregivers, went to the directors office, and then stopped and got a memory card with some photos of her and her group. Our translator has them right now and will download them to my laptop tommorow. My laptop battery died and had the wrong type of converter plug, but Dale made it work tonight. After getting all of this it was time to walk Kayti out of the orphange forever.. One less orphan as of about 10:30 Bulgarian time. Such a surreal, happy moment. I know she has no idea the magnitude of changes coming her way. We then headed to the bank to exchange money. Then back to the hotel to collect our luggage and head for Sofia. The car ride is about 4 hours. Was REALLY concerned about car sickness, but she was such a good little traveler. We stopped at about 11:30 for lunch. She ate a whole plate of mashed potatoes, a few bites of my chicken, and some white cheese off Dales salad. Also a few slices of bread. The only thing she did not like was corn. Tried three times and all three times it came back out. The corn did not really taste like our corn though. So maybe that will change. There was also a yellow cheese on Dales salad she would not eat. She also drank some banana juice and some water on the way here. Oh, before I forget, when we were done eating, Maggie and I had to go to the bathroom. She went ahead of me and I told Dale I better go too, and left Kayti with him and the driver. I was not even able to go, because I could hear her crying from the bathroom and Dale saying Mommy got out of your site huh. Maggie went out but nothing stopped her till I got out there with her. Needless to say I didnt get to go. I can not be anywhere out of site or her lip turns up immediately. That didnt take long! Got her some drink boxes. She loved it. Gave her her sippy cup tonight in the room and she is drinking from it herself now after I showed her once. Once we got to Sofia about 4:20, we had to go to the passport office and have some photo taken for her medical appt. tommorow. That took till about 5:00. Then Maggie our translator left us and the driver took us to our hotel. Maggie is picking us up at 8:00 in the morning for the Dr. appts. She is seeing 3 drs. Not sure why, but I guess that is standard? One is a family dr, an ear nose and throat dr., and I am not sure who the other one is. The hotel is very nice. Not really a good view, but the room is clean and big with a kitchenette, etc. Almost like an appartment. It is now almost supper time. We talked to our moms a bit ago. Both grandmas were glad to hear from us. Mom talked to her. She listened intently. Now she is starting to have some fun with us now. Making faces in the mirror and playing with her toys. Taught her pattycake. She thought that was great fun. She is not potty trained but I already expected as much. She does not care for me changing her diaper yet. Hopefully we will work on that at home so we dont have to have one any more soon. Well, Dale and Layti are ready for supper and so am I. Sorry this is so long. Wanted to try to get as many details of our day in as possible. So far it is going very well! Will write more later! Love from Bulgaria!!

WE ARE HERE!!!!!!

Wanted to post to let everyone know we made it to Razgrad at 6:30 pm Bulgarian time. That's about 11:30 am home time. We arrived on time in Sofia and drove 4 hours to Razgrad. Lets hope Kayti doesnt get car sick tomorrow!! Had a nice dinner at the hotel restraunt. Got the clothes ready to go to the orphanage and the gifts for the caregivers and director. Our suitcases should be a lot lighter. Poor Dale looked like a pack mule at times. LOL!!!! Can not believe in less than 12 hours I am going to see my girl again! Can not wait to post GOTCHA tomorrow!! The plane rides were all very smooth, except the one from Pittsburgh to Dulles, which had propellers and was very loud. The drive here was definately an experience and I will tell you all about it another time. Let's just say I thought my hair may be white by the time we pulled into the hotel!! Miss everyone at home! Keep the facebook post coming! It helps to hear from everyone!! Love to all from Bulgaria:) Looking so forward to my post tomorrow!!!

In less than 70 hours we will be taking off to go pick up our daughter! I am currently testing out my new laptop which I bought for the trip and am loving it so far!!  So many thoughts are running through my head right now. So surreal that after 3 years of waiting, this next week we will officially be parents! I really thought I was prepared, but the closer it gets, I am starting to get nervous. Worrying about everything from the language barrier (which was NOT an issue when we visited her in October), to how she will react to us taking her away from the only world she has known for the past 2 1/2 years. Any last minute advice from my fellow adoptive BG parents would be appreciated. I ask everyone to please take a moment to pray for us and Kayti as we begin our life as a family of three! Thank everyone for their support again and keep watching for more posts! The next one will be from Bulgaria!!!

Packed and ready!

For those who missed the link on FB here is a link to the video of some of  our first visit o[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btu0TYNQepA&feature=player_detailpage




We are officially packed. I dont think we could fit one more thing in our suitcases. We leave in just 8 days. I haven't been nervous but am getting there a little now. We made hotel arrangements Monday. We are staying at http://sofiaplacehotel.com/index.php Have any BG adoptive friends heard of this hotel or stayed there? I would really like input. I am trying faithfully to use this blog now to update everyone and will use it often while we are there. Can't wait to board that plane! More later!

16 DAYS AND COUNTING!

Praising God! The countdown is on. 16 days till we leave to pick up our Kayti and take her out of the orphange and into her forever family. Can not wait!! Most of you know we had court on March 20, 2012 and were declared Kayti's legal parents. Got travel dates on April 9, 2012, and bought tickets. We leave May 5, 2012 from Pittsburgh at 10:09 AM. It has been an incredibly long 3 year journey and to think we are this close to the end is exciting and surreal at the same time. I would be lying if I said I wasnt a little nervous. Dale and I want to also take a minute to thank everyone for their support and love during this emotional rollercoaster. We could not have got through it without you! In particular, our BG adoptive family friends. Nobody understands what we have been through more than another family who has been through or is going through the same process. It has been 184 days since we saw her and another 18 till Gotcha Day. Way, way too long. I am hoping she remembers us just a little bit. For those of you who have followed our journey this may be boring, but since I have finally figured out how to Blog, I am going to recap our first trip and also put in the link for pics of our first trip as well as a video of our first trip, so bear with me! I will also be using this blog in Bulgaria if I can.

Video of our first trip...

Pics of our first visit!!!

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October 12, 2011 Tried to post to by blog, but couldnt figure out how to do it. We arrived safely and have been trying to call home but it seems impossible to reach the US by telephone from here. Will try again later. We met our daughter today and I will NEVER forget this day or that moment for as LONG as I live. We arrived at the orphanage and they went to get her and we heard her giggling coming down the hall. She came in the room smiling and the caregiver said something to her and she came right over to me and took my hands and looked up at me and smiled. Oh my, I almost lost it. Dale says when the caregiver said this she clapped her hands. I was too busy just taking her in and didnt notice that. Then we took her into a room to play and had a great time. She laughed and giggled and played with both of us and the one care give had her say I love you Mama and she said it pretty good. Another moment I almost lost it! She also said thank you in English and Bravo Stella. We have to go back at for as we played so hard they wanted her to take a long nap before coming back. The flight over was EXTREMELY long, but overall not bad. I am not sure I would get Dale to say the same thing. Overall, it is going better than I ever imagined. Her smile will absolutely melt your heart! And she smiles A LOT....I have to say this day was well worth the agoinizing 2 year wait. Will post more later!!! Having a great time!

October 13, 2011

Day 2 in Razgrad. Another great day. I forgot to mention yesterday I got to feed her lunch and found out three important things. 1. She does NOT like bread. She will either throw it or if you manage to get her to eat it she will spit it out. 2. When she is full she will let you know by spitting the last bite out. 3. She LOVES peaches. Had another great day today. Just cant wait to show everyone pi...ctures and video of her. Was trying to figure out a way to post a couple of them on here but could not find a place to burn them on to a CD and my camera has the wrong USB cable for the computers here. Yesterday when we left she followed us to the door and really wanted to go with us. Broke my heart! She prefers me, but is warming up to Dale more and more. Having such a good time with her. She is just SOOOOOO happy and joyful. Always smiling and giggling. Got Dales cell phone to work yesterday and was able to talk to Mom. It is virtually impossible to call the US from here...The town where she is a very small. We ate at the hotel restraunt last night. It was actually VERY good. I had chicken and Dale had pork and cabbage. Starting to get a little homesick, but am enjoying EVERY second... There is another little boy in the room with us that is being adopted by a couple from Sweden. Dale played with him a lot today. He's very cute and wants to be held all the time. His parents are coming in about 2 weeks to pick him up. Almost time for us to grab some lunch! More tomorrow. Thanks everyone for your comments...Nice to hear them and keep them coming as it helps with the homesickness.

October 14, 2011 

Day 3 of our journey....We got to take her for her visa photo today and got to stop at a bakery for a piece of cake for a treat for her. She loved it. Cant even believe our time here is growing short. I dont want to think about tomorrow as I know it is going to be very emotional. The weather is cold and rainy today. Michael and Linda, thanks, I agree and would not post any pics of her or say her n...ame until we are LEGALLY her parents. Not taking ANY chances. Over the last couple of days, she has started to trust me  more and more. I cant wait to bring her home! She is just soooooo beautiful. She imitates anythng you do! Soo cute. Learned she does not really care for bananas yesterday. She ate some of it and started to throw the rest on the floor. This is because if it is on the floor, she doesnt have to eat it. Her care givers all seem so nice and kind. They keep saying that God has meant her for us because we are getting along so well. She loved going out today. She is facinated with ANYTHING with wheels..., cars, bikes, trucks, etc. There is a dump truck she likes to play with at the orphange and Dale says he is going home and buy her a dump truck! She is opening up more every day. The first day we were here she didnt even know how to go down the slide. Now she is doing it by herself. We were counting the steps on the slide and saying one, two, three and she is trying to say that now! So cute. We have to go to the notory tomorrow between visits, so I am not sure I will have time to write. Will try though. Miss everyone at home and will see you all soon. Love hearing from everyone and glad you are all following our journey!

October 14, 2012

Our last day in Razgrad with our pumpkin, and then a long journey home! Cant believe our time has gone so fast. Every day we have spent with her has been better and better. Today she finished her lunch for me and that was a first. Had to notorize a bunch of papers at the notory today and that seemed to take forever. Their notories are very thorough! Even though we had seen pictures and video of her, I have to say they do not do her justice! I thought she was really cute and sweet in her pic and video, but in person she is just so much more. Am not looking forward to leaving today...I have tissues ready. I am going to try my hardest not to cry in front of her. I can only hope and pray we finalize everything and get a court date as soon as possible. Also found something she really likes and thats Teddy Grahams. Took a bag of them for her the past two days and today she went looking in the bag for them!! We leave at 4:00 AM here, which is 9pm home time for Varna. Fly to Sofia and are there overnight and leave for Paris at 6:00 AM Sunday which is 10:00 PM sat home time. From Paris to Pittsburgh and we will be home by 2:15 home time on Sunday! Cant wait to see everyone! Our last vist was the best one yet and also the hardest. She really opened up to Dale this afternoon. Was blowing kisses, sighing, and trying to whistle just like he did. It was too cute. Pray for me as we have to say a temporary goodbye....Hope to be back within 4 months.

 

Pics of our first visit!!!

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64 days and counting....

64 days and counting since I have seen her sweet face and held her in my arms. Found out a few weeks ago that her group had chicken pox, but she had not had them yet. Pretty sure she has by now though. So wish I could have been there to take care of her..The good news is our I800 was approved. However, our I800A expires on February 15. At this point, I am really hoping we travel before then, but seems like we are not going to make that. Have to file for an extension of at least our fingerprints. I have lost count of how many times we have been fingerprinted for this! More than most criminals I am sure! Please everyone pray that we get good news after the holiday and our Article 5 letter gets issued quickly. Then signatures from MOJ and off to court. Each step can take 4 weeks. Hope not!! Missing her so much. I am collecting clothes for the orphange when we return, which I have mentioned before, so anyone having any 4T and bigger kids clothes boy or girl, summer or winter to donate, let me know. I have a HUGE suitcase to fill. I have also rearranged her room about 1000 times and bought a few surprises for when we get home. Christmas has been keeping me busy, and I am so excited about going back for her but there is a sadness in my heart that we wont be together for Christmas. I really hope some of my friends who have adopted from Bulgaria can give me some advice on how to get through this time apart. Hope everyone has a wonderful Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year, and I will update when I hear any more. So cant wait to share her beautiful face with everyone.

We have been away from her for 37 days today. Will give everyone our time line so far. We received our official referral and travel dates on October 3, 2011 and left for Bulgaria on October 9, 2011. We returned home on October 16, 2011. I-800 was sent by AA on October 30, 2011. Reveived by USCIS lockbox on October 2, 2011. It is currently with our USCIS agent awaiting approval hopefully this week. Praying nothing is amiss! Will update on that as soon as I hear. Once that is done, it is one big step closer! It has been SO hard to be apart. I have looked at her pictures and watched the video hundreds of times. It helps some, but there is an emptiness in my heart right now. With the holidays coming up it will keep me busy, but it she is always on my mind. Does she understand we had to leave her and that it was not our choice? Does she miss us or think about us? After meeting her caregivers, I am quite sure she is being cared for. I am sure those of you who have been through this already know what I am talking about. I can't even explain how much she touched our hearts and how much we love her already! Hoping to have a court date scheduled by the end of the year, but I know that is probably not going to happen. Will update again when the I800 is  approved.