We're home!!

Hi Everyone, we made it!! Boy, did that take a long time, huh? When our Mom has time to tell you about our crazy week last week she will fill you in, although we do keep her very busy. But we just wanted to say hello while we're awake and in a good mood! Can't wait to meet you all!

Love and kisses,

Julia and Jameson

Awww, the babies room

Hi Everyone, here are some pictures of the room and this will probably be our last post for awhile. Thank you for all your well wishes.

We finished it just in time! Julia has a beautiful set of furniture (thanks Mom!) that should last her a very long time since the crib is convertable. Our wonderful friends Melissa and Joe have let us borrow a crib for Jameson who will move into our room when the house is complete.

Russia, here we come!

Finally, we're on our way

I can't believe the time has finally come. Tomorrow we fly to Moscow. Almost to the day it will be a year for this adoption. I remember last St. Patty's Day running around trying to get our paperwork in so it would be "the day" but it didn't happen and the 23rd is the day. March 23rd our dossier was registered and we officially became waiting parents. For a good nine months before that we were researching adoption and agencies and going through the homestudy process. It felt like it would never come, there were delays, setbacks and more delays. Lots of "holding our breathe" waiting for documents and accreditation. Now yesterday I had the "I'm not ready for this" panic! I can't believe it's here.
This has been a crazy 2 weeks that I already hardly remember. Very busy getting everything ready and worrying we might miss something like a signature, picture or copy of something. Our paperwork all had to be redone because it was expired. Some expire every 90 days, the rest after 1 year. And all the paperwork we've done in the past 16 months has to come with us. I'm really glad we have a printer, copy machine and photo printer! Had I known how many times I'd be asked to overnight something I would have set up an account with Fed Ex...
Last night we packed and we have no idea how we're going to fit 4 pieces of luggage, 2 carry on's and 2 strollers into a Renault. Much less get it all there. Our good friends gave us bags of hand me down's for the kids so we can leave many things behind and 1 piece of luggage is gifts and donations so by the time we leave we should have a lot less "stuff" so we can carry Julia and Jameson. I am trying to picture us each carrying a backpack, baby on the front and 2 pieces of luggage. Does the weight in the backpack have to equal the baby weight so we don't tip over?! We did get them each a seat on the plane, even though they are not able to sit by themselves it will give us all some room to stretch out. We're hoping they'll sleep, but yes, it's going to be a long ride!
Tomorrow will be a long day as we will be in NY for about 8 hours waiting for the Moscow flight. I'm anxious now, I can't imagine what tomorrow will be like. We can't wait to see them again. There is a 9 hour time difference between Moscow and RI for those of you counting.
We wish you all a Happy St. Patrick's Day and St Anthony's Day! To our friends at the Celtic and the Lamoureux's on Saturday and anywhere else there is a celebration, we are with you in spirit and are toasting you about 9 hours earlier than you are toasting us!
Slainte and Nazdrovia! Health (Irish) and Cheers (Russian)
Steven, *Happy Birthday *May you live to be 100 years, with one extra year to repent (maybe 2!). And don't forget the pickle!

O What a Night

Almost 2 weeks ago our family threw an amazing baby shower in honor of Julia and Jameson coming home. I haven't posted earlier because we just finished opening the gifts! Just kidding, but really it was amazing and lots of fun. Julia and Jameson now have a beautiful room full of everything they need and more books and toys than they can play with. Everyone seemed to have a good time and of course the food was great! Prime rib and chocolate covered strawberries?!!
The amount of thought and detail that went into everything just shows how lucky we are to have such a wonderful, thoughtful family. How great were those centerpieces designed by two very special people at PAZO Designs? And the cake! The picture on the cake is a copy of a picture drawn by orphans at Maria's Children, an arts rehabilitation center in Moscow. Maria started teaching children to paint in the 90's and now her center teaches art, education and helps with job training. They have expanded to other cities and without these services many of these children would have aged out of the system and ended up on the streets of Russia. They wouldn't have known they could be someone. I met some women from the organization at an adoption conference when I was looking at the beautiful pictures they had brought and now we regularly buy note cards and calendars and donate art supplies. The picture on the cake is my favorite called "Russia and America" depicting well known buildings from each country and a rainbow connecting them. It was beautifully done. Thank you Kim.
Thank you to everyone for such a memorable night. Julia and Jameson are two lucky babies to come into such a big, wonderful family. We love you all.