We are alive! 2 week home update...

Okay, everyone.. I know you have been wondering after 2 weeks.. where is Tammy and Steve?....how is Olesya?... where are the facebook updates?

We are alive and well... Olesya has been keeping us very busy.... when she's quiet you know she's doing something she shouldn't be...lol...she is a busy girl... never sits still but loves everyone she meets.. doesn't know a stranger.. she is adapting well into the family.  She is very loved! 

We have had some rough bed times.. (she doesn't want to go BYE BYE - which means NIGHT NIGHT!)  she screams and throws fits.. I'm not sure if night time was a pleasant time for her at the orphanage... other than nap and bed time - she is a happy, easy going girl... of course as long as she gets her way...

As I say this.. she is giving her father a hard time... and being fussy..but it is getting close to bed time so she may be dreading what is to come.

She says "cheese" her first English word!

THE TRAIN RIDE - UGH!

Olesya does not like trains. At first she fell asleep and slept about 2 hours, then when she woke up she was screaming bloody murder and would not stop screaming.. she had herself worked up into a real tizzy (must have been a nightmare or something). Steve paced up and down the small area of the train car. She was inconsolable... she just wanted off the train. She was up until around 4 a.m. when she finally couldn't fight it anymore and went to sleep..... then something woke her up at 5:00 a.m. screaming again... she threw another two year old tantrum..she kept putting her boots on wanting to get off the train. Of course, we can't get off until we are in Moscow (not until 6:30)...she wanted her hat and her boots and her coat. The train stewardess talked with her a little to try and calm her down. It was the first time I'd see real tears... she'd been a little fussy... but not real tears. She is sleeping peacefully right now and for the first time... not sweating... the hotel we sweat all day everyday... when we went to the orphanage we sweat... UGH! I'm so glad to feel cool and comfortable... I just hope she doesn't catch a cold... it does feel much better to me though. Darlene - hope you guys have better luck on the train... (Steve says it was the train ride from hell--sorry for the bad news) Good news - that was the last train ride she will ever have to take! Me too!

We got to the apartment for the next 4 days (11th floor- we are high up). It is very nice with lots of breakables... and plug in's without any covers... OH NO...NYET-NO-NYET - NO..... I'm afraid that is all she is going to hear from us for the next few days. there is more room and a pack and play.. we might try laying her down in that tonight... When we got to the apartment, the doctor showed up to give his take on Olesya's health... Everything good.. no heart murmur or anything... he said they did a good job of fixing it. He picked her up and said 25 26 lbs...(no scale)  He told us of an ointment we can get (over the counter - I think it was neosporin) for her face and so Tatiana was going to pick us up some when we see her next. The doctor now will submit his report to the Embassy and that is all we had to do today.. YEAH! I'm not sure I am capable of much of anything anyway.

Tomorrow we go to the US Embassy - all three of us... I'm not sure how long I should let her rest today... but we were all so exhausted we slept from 7:30 to 12... It is 1 p.m. now...when should I wake her? should I? It could help us get on American time... if it weren't that we were staying until Friday...

Steve woke me up so he could run to the market and pick up some snacks and food.... now that I have a stove.. I can cook.. what I wouldn't give for a cheeseburger! Maybe he will come back with one... .hopeful thinking.

We are not far from downtown Moscow. Steve is checking out the sights while he is out so we will know where we want to go when we take Olesya for a walk later today (Tatiana is letting us borrow her stroller). She needs to get out and get some fresh air... It is a little windy and cool (though)...

I just looked in on her again.. Wonder what she thinks about sleeping without sweating... I hope so.

Steve just got back from the market. Olesya woke up on her own at 1:15 .. yeah! More later...

Gonna get a hot shower.  AAAHHH!!

Tired

Stephen, Tamra & Olesya

last day in Tambov, Russia

Well - We have the passport!  She is a doll... We can now board the train with her and go to Moscow to get her VISA and immigration paperwork done.  She is sleeping peacefully right now.  She needed a couple hours of naptime.. she was a little cranky.. to say the least.  Papa played music on her SCOUT dog (stuffed animal) and she went to sleep.  GREAT JOB PAPA... I wanted her to call him daddy.. but I think it will always be papa (Russian for father).. she is quite attached to him and him to her.. :)  I am very happy to report.  She is stirring now in her sleep.. she just took off her shoes.. and is trying to go back to sleep.. but I don't think it is going to happen... daddy just picked her up... and is rocking her... but she might be awake now.. that was only 1 hour 15 minutes... not good...oh well - that was the nap... better than nothing at all.. at least I hope so...she is not happy now... so I'd better get over there and help...
talk again later..
Train to MOSCOW tonight - get on train at 8:00p.m.  - 5 more hours in this hotel..
ARRRGGHHH!

Day 2 in hotel with Olesya

The hotel is not an easy place to raise a 2 1/2 year old.. We again have her to sleep it is only 7:45 p.m.  WOW - 2 nights in a row...She was so exhausted.  Larisa brought some balloons and she had a fun time with them.  I forgot how just the simple things are the most fun for toddlers.

She's been good - considering we are in a hotel.. She's been eating well and getting better at understanding us and we are getting better at understanding her.  She has quite a vocabulary for a 2 1/2 year old... she can carry on conversations with the Russians in the hotel.  She is a flirt...

Well - gonna get some rest.
Tamra Stephen & Olesya

She's here! and she's Ours! OLESYA DAWN LEWIS!

So, we finally have our little Olesya.. She is ours.. we will pick up passport on Monday....get to Moscow on Tuesday and leave Moscow on Friday the 9th...

She already went and sat on her little potty as soon as we put it on the floor... she didn't do anything - but it's a start...We watched her go yesterday - all by herself!  I was impressed.  OMG - as I am writing this she went to the bathroom... pulled down her pants and peed!!! whoo hoo... a momentous occasion!  Papa watched her the whole time.....

It is nap time per her schedule... but - no sleep is happening... Steve is flipping channels on the TV and she keeps telling him NYET... until he gets to cartoons...  Too funny!  Now she is getting fussy!  oh no.. it begins!

She does love her papa...

Here is our AMERICAN GIRL!

She pouts!

so this afternoon we had some snacks with us.. and we let her have a few and then we put them away for later... SHE POUTED!  went to a corner and stood and pouted... then she went to Steve, because I had to be the mean mommy...2 year old tantrums and pouting... forgot all about those... SO MUCH FUN!  she is testing us already... so see how far she can go...I'm going to post a picture of her looking into mirrors... it looks like there are 4 of her....OMG... no thank you!  She's sweet... but 4 would be way too many !!! LOL

This one will wear us out!..
Tomorrow at 12 we pick her up!
YEAH!
Tamra Stephen & Olesya

Thursday's morning visit..

Today the visit went well.  We brought crayons and coloring books... I don't know if she's ever seen them before or not.. we colored a little bit and she bounced on the ball with papa (father in Russian)

We will head back at 4.. - 2 1/2 more hours until our next visit.

More later.. Stephen & Tamra & Olesya

Wednesday means Friday.... LOST IN TRANSLATION

So we went for our visit... bag of clothes and all... When Larisa says that it will Wednesday and I said, that's today...and she said... Friday.. it's Friday... so we will be getting Olesya on Friday...(I think)...

Oh well... it will be soon enough...the good thing was we got to try on all her clothes.. they all fit.. Snow suit was 24 months... Jeans were 2 T - a little long... but the waist was adjustable so they work...Shirt was 18 months.. it fit.. but not for long...Shoes size 6.. she tried on her boots.. it was hard for us to get them back off... she kept putting them on... Guess she's a shoe girl!

3rd trip 2nd day at orphanage - FINAL DAY at orphanage?

So, we go to do our normal morning visit to the orphanage.. around 12 Larissa (our interpreter/escort) comes in and says that Olesya's group is full and they want us to take her... WHAT?  Sounds good to me!  I am giddy!  Steve is not so much!... we will work it out.... it will be difficult in a hotel room for 5 days... but it will all work out... there is a restaurant downstairs and they will be bringing in a crib.. so no problem... right? 

So... I guess we are going to go back at 4:00 with clothes and snow suit and get our Olesya... finally!!! FINALLY  - she is ours!  Reality is about to kick in!  HELP!  I'm becoming a momma to a 2 1/2 year old! 
I am LOL!  Steve is a bit nervous.. pacing the room! 

We will send pics when we get her here...
In the meantime... we will post a few from this morning's visit.
Wish us luck!  I think we are going to need it!
LOL
EXCITED!
Tamra & Stephen!

5:35 a.m. Russian time and I'm awake

Okay,, so I'm not traveling well this trip... my body still hasn't adjusted to the time change...I've been awake for the last few hours... can't get back to sleep.. body is all out of whack...I'm hungry in the middle of the night...and thirsty as heck  but stomach is rolling... that can't be good.... tomorrow a trip to the market so we have snacks and drinks in our room.  Steve was awake for a little while... but has drifted back to sleep...I'm hoping my typing doesn't wake him up... he's a heavy sleeper...Wish I were back home in my own bed... these lumpy twin beds are for the birds!  I want my cooshy mattress at home....even if Chloe is sleeping on my feet and taking all the covers.

Olesya was a sweetheart last night...a little too fearless and independent for 2 1/2.. but that will change - I hope.  I'm not sure how I will keep her occupied on train for 9 hours and plane for 10 hours....???? at least maybe she might watch a movie on the plane... we will see.. I think Toy Story 3 .. .Ice Age and The Smurfs are all playing...

Steve wanted to know where the pretty dress was?  I didn't pack any - it is cold here and I packed for warmth.. not style.... she's pretty no matter what she wears.  We'll see if we can find a store to shop in while we are here.

I need to schedule a portrait session with someone when we get back home.. I would love a holiday photo to send out as a christmas card..

well I'm going to try and sleep again..

maybe I'll have better luck tonight.
Sleepless in Russia
Tamra

3rd trip - 1st visit to orphanage

She saw us as we were looking through the door and came running to the door... when someone said something in Russian and made her come back to get her hair done... They put it in a Pebbles/Bam Bam look again.  She saw herself in the mirror in the play room and we weren't sure what she thought of it.

She seems really tired when we visit her in the afternoons.  by 5:30 she was ready to go back to her group.. but our driver wasn't coming until 6:00 so we played a little while longer... but I think she just wanted to go to sleep.

We are posting a few pictures here and more to facebook.. Grandma Linda these are for you!  Get better soon...
Love you

Stephen, Tamra and Olesya

Trip 3 - 1st day in Tambov

We made it back to Tambov, Olesya's home town.  We went to get papers and documents notarized and then we took everything to police station so that we could get her passport on Monday, December 5, 2011.  That took most of the morning.. so now we are waiting until 4 this evening to go visit Olesya for the first time since our last trip.. think she will remember us?  I think so.  We will post some photos when we get back from our visit this evening.  Can't wait to see her again!

Steve and I didn't sleep very good on the train last night.. JET LAG!  that is for sure... I hate this 9 hour time difference...

Here is her passport photo!  Isn't she adorable!
Waiting to hear an update on Steve's mom.

My cell phone is worthless....

Will see everyone soon....
Love Stephen Tamra and Olesya

3rd and final trip to Tambov, Russia

Hi Everyone,
Well, we've made it to Russia, AGAIN!  That plane ride SUCKS!  Too long of a time in a confined space.

Darn Verizon Blackberry still doesn't work - dialed *228 and CRAP still no signal.  I will call support when we get to Tambov from our room's phone.

We are at the train station and we are in a NICE room (sarcasm) - you rent it by the hour - so you can only imagine...I just need a place to lie down and get a few winks.....

I am attaching the view from our room's window.. Train doesn't leave until 10 p.m and it is only 1:30p.m.

Prayers for Steve's mom - she is in the hospital - had a mild stroke and getting a heart catherization done tomorrow... We hated to leave her.. but Olesya needs us here and Grandma wanted us to come and get her.  Hang in there Linda, in 2 more weeks she will be home for good!  We love you!  Please take care of yourself.
Tamra & Stephen

ANNOUNCING THE ADOPTION OF:

OLESYA DAWN LEWIS
BORN:  4/10/09 IN TAMBOV, RUSSIA
ADOPTED: 11/15/11
FATHER:  STEPHEN D. LEWIS
MOTHER:  TAMRA S. LEWIS

AFTER 10 MORE DAYS OF WAITING.. WE WILL RETURN TO GET HER - AROUND NOVEMBER 28, 2011 WE SHOULD BE BACK IN MOSCOW.
WHOO HOOO!
THE HAPPIEST COUPLE IN THE WORLD TODAY!
STEPHEN AND TAMRA LEWIS

Trip 2 - 2nd day of visitation

Today Olesya was a bit distracted... There was a Russian couple in the visiting room with a little boy and she was listening to the woman speaking Russian -- of course not really understanding much of what we said to her.

She had a barrett in her hair - it was metal and I ended up taking it from her.. she started putting it in her mouth... she tried to get it back from me... and I had to be a mom and tell her "no" because she put it in her mouth.... Then we were writing her name with a pencil and I was saying OOOOOO and then she started repeating me..... LLLLL EEEEE SSSSS YYYYY AAAAA.. it was a game... and she was giggling.  It was fun until daddy had to take the pencil away.. he was afraid she would poke her eye out!  LOL

We go back at 4:30 this afternoon.
Tomorrow we only get to see her in the afternoon... we have to get our speech ready for court and the other couple will be in the visitation room.  It should be a busy day again tomorrow.

There are no pictures of me today.. Steve didn't pick up the camera at all!  I did get a couple of good videos and will try and upload one to facebook.

We slept horribly last night.. our twin beds are bump, lumpy and the springs are sticking out and their was a wedding party in the banquet room below us...

We ate pizza today for lunch and it was yummy!

Lena our interpreter today, is very pretty.  She teaches English at the university... she looks really young, but she has been teaching there since 1997.

Talk again later this afternoon.
Stephen & Tamra

2nd trip- 3rd day - 1st day in Tambov

Hello everyone,
I know you are on pins and needles waiting for my blog!  LOL.
We arrived by train this morning at 7:30 a.m. and we then had breakfast and got changed.

Note to Darlene.... no food on train this time.. and blow dryers are in hotel...

We arrived at orphanage around 10:00.  The kids were all screaming... it was a little crazy.. They tried to give us a little boy - and I said "no"  "Olesya"  a little girl... she had been screaming for us.. she saw us through the door and they took her away...I was not happy.... we finally got Olesya... we went to a play room and visited with her until 12 and then we went and watched her eat.. they said she hasn't been eating well... but she ate a bunch while we were there.  Rice, peas (one at a time on a Tablespoon size spoon), and cabbage soup...she ate it by herselft with a large spoon and a cup of tea. 

When she was done.  She scooted in her chair.. they removed her bib and then she went to wash up.  We then left... we have been having trouble with internet connection in the room.. so we are in the lobby area.  I know you are dieing for pictures... so I will attach a few..

Again, they have put medicine on her face... there is nothing on her cheek unless there is a little pimple or something... the medicine is some kind of iodine.  The chin looks like a little rug burn.. who knows?

She has grown about 4-5 inches taller.. which is good.
We are excited to see her again this afternoon at 4:30.. it is 3:00 now... so not much longer.

Steve says he looks like his dad here.. which I totally agree..

that is all for now.. will post more pictures on my facebook page...
PS my phone is not working... I told them to turn on the international calling... but I must have been suppose to do something as well... oh well.. e-mail me or post on facebook if you need anything.
Talk with you all again soon.
Stephen & Tamra

Trip 2, day 2 snow!

There was hardly any snow yesterday when we landed... it started snowing 15 minutes ago.. and everything is already covered. 
We just had breakfast at a little cafe and Steve loved it... it was a croissant with cheese, cucumber, tomato, lettuce and mayo... It wasn't exactly what I was thinking of for breakfast... I was thinking more like Cinnamon and cream cheese...  It was okay.
Last night we had McDonald's..I wasn't being adventurest.
12:30 we have to go to the doctors for our physicals.. Hope it all works out well.  it is 11:15 a.m. Moscow time.
Well nothing more to report at this time.
More to come.  Still waiting to see our Olesya again.
Stephen & Tamra

Made it to Moscow

Steve and I boarded the plane in NY only to find out that we weren't sitting next to each other.  I'm sure he was relieved about that... he didn't have to listen to me talk for 10 hours.  I got stuck beside a old lady that was stinky(pewwee).  We just got to our apartment and then we took a walk down a street and stopped to have McDonalds in Moscow.  Steve said it tasted the same.  It is 2:30 p.m here and we are both ready to go to sleep. 

Not much snow here.. just a few spots here and there.  Most of it has melted away.

Tatiana is to meet us tomorrow at 12:30 so we can go do the physicals... then we will wait for the train to do the overnight train trip (9 hours) to Tambov so we can see our little girl again.  She probably doesn't know we are coming... I'm sure she will be surprised to see us again.

Steve is yelling at me to save the power on this laptop.  Gotta go!

Well not much else to say - more to come.
Tamra & Stephen

Trip 2 - Court Date - BACK TO THE USSR!

Hello everyone,
We are about to embark on our 2nd trip to Russia - Plane leaves Columbus tomorrow at 12 noon.  This one will be the one where the judge says Olesya is ours forever! (hopefully)  Prayers are requested on November 15, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. (our court date and time) for the judge to allow Olesya to be ours and for us to finally become parents after many years. 

The weather over there is freezing!  Totally opposite as it was back in June where we were wishing for air conditioning.   Steve and I are so very excited to get to see Olesya again.  It's going to be another long trip..grueling plane ride and train ride... but that is what it takes to get to my daughter.

From what I understand at this moment... the judge decides if there is a 10 Business day waiting period.. 10 day waiting period - or 10 days are waived... we are of course hoping that they are waived (even though it probably is very likely).   It takes 5 days to get Olesya's passport in Tambov (no exceptions)... then I am told it takes 3 more days in Moscow to get what we need from there... I know we have to visit the US embassy...and Olesya has to have a physical... not sure what else... lots of running around...hurry up and wait - exactly what we've been doing this whole process.

So here we go again... this time when we come home we will be parents.  Steve and I are so very excited and just can't wait to see Olesya again.... she is about to be covered in kisses and hugs!!!

3rd trip plans:

The plan (right now) is to fly out again on 11/26/11 and return sometime around December 7 or so...no exact dates yet.

Deep breaths....  Count to 10....  This process is about to be over.  God bless everyone going through this process. 

Hold on baby - we're coming!

Tamra & Stephen

Thank the Lord! We are so blessed! Court Date- November 15

I get up this morning and check my blackberry - there is an e-mail from Tatiana - her e-mails almost always have news... some good:) - some bad :(
I am happy to report it is GREAT news!  We are to be in Moscow by November 10... medicals - November 11 in Moscow.. take night train to Tambov...Arrive Tambov Nov. 12... visit Olesya 12, 13 and 14th (we both can't wait to hold our baby girl again)... 15th court date at 10:00 a.m.... Take night train back to Moscow - fly back out of Moscow on 16th....(unless the judge waives the 10 day waiting period- then this would change....).... wait 10 days - hop back on plane, train, car and then get Olesya - hop night train back to Moscow- apply for Passport and Visa for Olesya - wait 3 days - Fly home with Olesya!!!!!!  She should be home by my birthday in December!

So these are the plans - as what we've been told... they are not set in stone... if we are lucky - the judge is in a great mood and he/she lets up bring her home this trip!!! how exciting would that be!!!!

I've got to get plane tickets and apply for my visa - can't talk... anymore... gotta go!
SO EXCITED
It won't be long now!!!!!!!

Another document!

Hello everyone...

So I get an urgent e-mail yesterday.  The judge is requesting an additional document from my home study agency.  She worked on it yesterday and I should get it in a couple of days.  Once I receive it, then I will be making "yet" another trip to Columbus for apostilles.

Then I will fed-ex it all to Tatiana in Moscow.  She is leaving to return to Moscow on Wednesday.  So we probably won't be getting a date until after the 1st of the month of November. 

Tatiana said we'd be getting a court date in November... we just don't know for sure when. 

I just wanted to update everyone on our not so great progress.

Still waiting!

The impatient mother to be to Olesya!

Not much longer!!!!

E-mail from Tatiana-

She spoke wth the judge - they received all necessary papers from the local government and from the Department of Education.  This means - everything is ready for court.  After she looks through our last documents - we will get the court date!  It will happen in November.  She told the judge that we need 2 weeks to apply for visas and buy tickets....

Not much longer....YEAH!

Hope to see my little Olesya very soon!!!!
Missing and loving her..
Mommy and Daddy to be....

e-mail from Tatiana

Hello everyone,
Last night I got the following e-mail from Tatiana:

"Lusia has received your documents today.  It will take 3 days to get the documents ready to be sent to Tambov plus 2-3 days delivery.  I'll let you know immediately when I her from the judge.  Do not redo medicals.  Please, do the electronic scanning at the local police station for results for state and FBI.  PS I hope ot see you very soon"

What does this mean?  Great news!  We won't have to wait for the FBI again!  We can just do the electronic scanning that only takes a couple of days.  We don't have to redo medicals (physicals) - I'm not positive this includes the lab work.  That is still up in the air - but only takes a couple of days to complete.

The last sentence of the e-mail is my favorite - because it means she thinks we will be getting a court date very soon!

Just wanted so share the small amount of great news with everyone!

Lisa V.  - thanks for your help!  Guess we didn't need to worry about it, after all!  YEAH!
Erica Gr. - Thank you for your help- you helped me with your contact numbers ! 

You both are the BEST and greatest life-long friends.

and thanks to everyone for their continued support in our efforts to bring Olesya home. 

COME ON JUDGE!  WE ARE READY!

The impatient mother to be to Olesya

Tamra Lewis

Documents should arrive in Russia on Monday

Hello all!
So Thursday, Steve and I got the documents all court certified and apostilled for the judge in Russia.  Fed Ex says they should arrive on Monday - tomorrow... I hope to hear something....anything by the end of the this week.  Hopefully a court date for next week... I can get it all ready in a week... I've done it before..

Steve and I are still hopeful that we can get a court date in October and go get our Olesya before the holidays.  It would be so sad celebrating the holidays without her.... I'm not sure there would be anything to celebrate.  Life can be depressing while waiting on "the call".   We still feel in our hearts that she is to be ours no matter how much longer we have to wait for her.  Hopefully the judge will be a nice person and waive the 10 day period so we can just bring her home.  How exciting would that be!?

We went camping this weekend and Chloe (the boxer) found a skunk... we have been bathing her all day with special concoctions... but she still smells.. Not really bad... but it's still there.  Not sure where she's sleeping tonight.  Not in my bed!  Not tonight!  stinky girl!

Well gonna go snap some green beans and get them cooking for supper.
The impatient mother to be to Olesya Dawn Lewis

Tamra Lewis

Olesya and Daddy playing peek-a-boo

The judge wants more information... REALLY?

So yesterday I get this e-mail from my agency that the judge has looked over my papers but has a few issues with some of my documents....and they want to call me.  So, I call them and this is what they said: 

1. the social worker's license does not look "official enough" and the document for the social worker saying that they can do adoptions doesn't say "international adoptions with a NY agency" so now we have to get a letter from the state stating that the social worker is legal and approved by the state and her and her company can complete international adoptions with out of state agencies. 

2.  the Real Estate information that was completed - they are not happy with it either.  They want it signed by a court clerk.  But when I tried to have it signed by a court clerk nobody would sign this paper - for heavens sakes - it's going to Russia - nobody will ever see this document again! 

So the homestudy agency document - no problem - just don't know how long it will take to get it from the state.  After a few phone calls on Friday - I think I might have found someone to sign the other real estate document. 

Russia has a court certified copy of my deed - that says I own the property - now they want some Cadastral #... whatever the heck that is!  I'll be at the courthouse first thing on Monday to see if we can't get this figured all out.  I'm so tired of paperwork.

I was really upset on Friday - what a horrible day - we thought we'd be getting a court date - nope - not yet - still fiddling around with paperwork - going on 4 months now since we've seen Olesya - she'll think we forgot about her for sure.  Very upset and disappointed!  If nothing else this process is making us tough...our hearts break knowing Olesya is waiting and the judge is all that stands in our way of getting her and bringing her home.

Our agency contact in Moscow is calling the judge on Monday and see if she can't clear up these issues without us having to do anything else... but I am still prepared to get these documents and have them ready upon her request. 

Hopefully we can still get a court date and then e-mail them and then just bring those additional documents with us to court.

Still hanging in there.  Just upset but still hopeful to have Olesya home before year end.  Hoping to have her for the holidays! 

Waiting to adopt Olesya!

Tamra & Stephen Lewis

Court date update... news - but still no good news...

I received an e-mail from Tatiana (our Russian translator) today.  She says she is to call the judge next week....she says she doesn't expect a court date until the end of October, unfortunately... but she will see if the judge will NOT make us redo our medicals since we will have to do medicals in MOSCOW.


What am I going to do with all these sundresses? I guess I'd better buy some turtlenecks shirts in every color!

Why does this all have to take so long?

What is the purpose? Olesya is waiting!

Ok - I will stop whining now.... If they allow us to not redo our medicals that would be great...and I will at least be happy about that. 

I can't wait to see Olesya again.. It has been 3 1/2 months today since we've seen her last.  She probably is wondering what happened to us.

The impatient mother and father to be to Olesya
Tamra

The judge is on vacation!

Tatiana (our agency contact and translator) says: the judge is on vacation until September 20 and she is going to send our package to the courts tomorrow. 
She will let us know as soon as she gets any news.
So no news really... just enough to make me worry that our medicals will expire (Oct. 9 is the last day they are good for) so we need to pray that our court date is by Oct. 9... Lots of prayers, please.  Olesya is waiting.

Olesya's parents to be...
Stephen & Tamra Lewis

ALL DONE!

So, all the paperwork has been court certified and apostilled.  We made our last trip to Columbus today to get the final 10 documents Apostilled.  It took a whole 3 months to get all the paperwork needed for the Court.  We are so ready to go back over and get her.  It has been a long 3 months.  We can't wait.  So, now the court date wait.... time is ticking on our medical.... we need a court date by Oct. 9, 2011.... or we will have to redo medical.. that would suck!

We hope to hear something really soon..... Waiting again!

The impatient mother and father to be to Olesya..
Tamra & Stephen
Here is an updated photo of her waiting room...

Fingrerprints Apostilled in Washington DC

My first trip to DC.  Steve was stationed there when he was in the Navy for 6 months.  We saw a bunch of sites.. main thing was to get the fingerprints apostilled so we stood in line from 7:30-9:00 to get them done Friday morning.  The place was packed.  I recommend getting there when they open because they are only open 7:30 to 11 Mon - Fri.  You go in and get a number (a number for 1-4 documents or a number for 5-18) and then wait for your number to show up on the screen.  Once you hand over your paperwork... wait inside because they call your name from the window and if you aren't close by you will not here them call your name.

Okay, now to just get the letter from the state - that is my final document.

I am exhausted.  We walked way too much and I think we overdid it.

One step closer to Olesya and court date..

Impatient mother and father to be to OLESYA

Tamra and Stephen

My Fingerprints are here!

Our fingerprints are here!  Our fingerprints are here!  We're somebody now!  FINALLY!

Okay... so trip to Canton - Stark County Courthouse.... 15 documents court certified - 1 document with issues CANNOT CERTIFY - NOTARY STAMP MISSING!... (blah!)

Then on to Columbus where 74 documents were Apostilled... found fed-ex building and Fed-ex'd 76 documents to Happy Families - overnight to go with the next couple leaving for Russia on August 13.

Come home to find "fingerprint letters"  whooo hoo.... so now these need a trip to DC... this weekend - guess that is where we are headed.

Now, I have to get the one document (the messed up one) fixed, court certified and then apostilled along with a copy of my fingerprints.

Still missing document from the state - State Adoption Laws... gotta find out tomorrow where that is.  I don't want this simple document to be the one that holds the whole thing up.

So - we are getting there...  slowly but surely... hopefully - court date will come soon...
The impatient mother and father to be to Olesya
Tamra & Stephen

Olesya is doing good...

I just received the following e-mail from my translator, Tatiana....

 

 

Your daughter is doing good, spending much time outside the orphanage, which is good.

It's very,very hot in Tambov. The director said they put almost no clothes on the children

So I am assuming she is running around practically naked... but whatever it takes to stay cool. 

"letter of good standing" has arrived

Hello everyone.
Okay... they said it would take 2-3 weeks.. - it took exactly 2 weeks.. but we got the "letter of good standing" from the state about our doctor.  Yah! 

Come on FBI people... and home study agency.   I am waiting on other people now.. I've done all I can do.  Olesya's room is ready.  Hope she likes butterflies....
Now... back to the waiting....
Olesya's mom...Tamra

FBI fingerprinting - the wait continues

Last Tuesday I called the FBI once again to verify that they received our prints.  We are finally in their system!  WHoo Hoo!  So they say they received it on 6/15/11 - 8 weeks from then will be August 10, 2011... so I expect to receive the letter sometime that week. (I hope).

The doctor's letter of good standing has been requested.. 2-3 weeks to get this letter.

We are still waiting on the documents from our homestudy agency as well.  They are in the process.

So it looks like everything is lined up to get here about the same time.

Then I will need to take the documents all to the courthouse to get court certified.

Then I will have to make a trip to Columbus to get it apostilled at the Secretary of State's office.. $10/document - this could be a really expensive trip....probably around $300... whew!  just for apostilles.  Hopefully our final apostilles...

So I've decided to do Olesya's room in butterflies.  I will take a picture when it is all done.  It is going to be adorable.  I hope she likes it.

Tatiana is suppose to call the orphanage and check up on Olesya.  I'm sure she is fine, but we are worried about her.  We are both barely able to focus on the day to day.  It feels like something is missing... it's Olesya - she is missing.

Audrelle is coming on Saturday (my niece who is 4).  She has been training Chloe not to jump.  It isn't working very well yet.. Maybe just a few more days of training and she will know not to jump on little girls.  She likes to follow Audrelle around the house... wherever Audrelle is - Chloe is.  It is cute.  I have been keeping a close eye, but I think Chloe will be fine with Olesya.  I'm just not sure what Olesya will think about Chloe.  I doubt if she has ever seen a dog.  We will see.

The waiting soon to be mommy of Olesya,
Tamra Lewis

1 month update...THE WAITING CONTINUES!

Well - it's been a little over a month since we had our first trip to Russia.  We are missing Olesya more with each passing day.  Once I get my hands on her again, I'm  not sure how I'll be able to let her go - not even for only 10 days.  Okay - well I have most of the paperwork done and the doctor appointment is scheduled for next week.  It takes 2-3 weeks for a "letter of good standing" from the state for the doctor so we thought we'd better go ahead and get our blood work and X-ray's completed. 

Steve's family was at the house this weekend for a cookout and then we all went to Old Man's Caves for a day of hiking yesterdaty.  I think everyone had a great time.  Here is Abbi and Daisy the dog.  The only thing missing was Olesya!

So now, still waiting on the FBI reports and then we can get it all sent to Russia.
So Much Paperwork!  ARRRGHH!  UGGGHH! The waiting...
The impatient mother to be to Olesya
Tamra

1 week home - update

Okay, so I finally got the list of documents that is needed for the court day.  2 apostilled copies of everything we've already done, plus additional papers from accountants, doctors and letters of employment.  The FBI fingerprinting says it may take 8-10 weeks!  WTF (excuse my language)but my little girl is waiting and now I have to wait for the FBI - this is our government hard at work.  Does anyone know an FBI agent in Clarksburg we can get on this?  So I am waiting on the fingerprint cards from Happy Families and then we are to take them somewhere (?) and be printed - 3 copies! - then we have to send 2 away and keep the 3rd incase they get lost or are unreadable.  I have already be fingerprinted 4 times!  2 times in Marietta and 2 times in Columbus - they were electronic scans.  Why do they need cards and ink?  I will look like a convict walking around with ink on my fingers!  I just keep repeating to myself - "IT IS ALL FOR OLESYA"!

So I guess the report from the FBI is only good for 90 days.. and the medical reports (blood tests and whatever else) are only good for 90 days.. so everything has to be timed just right so that we have as much time as possible in case the courts are backed up.  Well you never know and we are talking about a foreign country. 

I hope she doesn't think we aren't coming back.  Because by golly we are.  Paperwork... oh well... I do paperwork all day everyday.  No big deal... It's the waiting that is the craziest thing!  Knowing she is waiting on us to come back.  She doesn't really have a clue what she is in for. 

I've been getting presents for her since the moment we stepped off the plane in Columbus.  Michelle (a great friend and co-worker) met us and had bags of toys and clothes... and then I went to the office on Monday and there were clothes and books and shoes for her as well.

We are filling up her closet in anticipation of her arrival.  In a couple weeks I will begin painting her room and putting in new carpet.  Uncle Gary is working on her bed (he is the best uncle!)

The Doctor we brought with us said she would send us a medical report on Olesya by Sunday - I thought she meant last Sunday - but I still haven't heard back from her.  I have e-mailed her twice with no response.  Maybe she is just busy.  It doesn't really matter what it says.  We will deal with whatever happens whenever it happens.  No child is perfect!

well I guess we just wait and start on the pile of paperwork. 
I'm doing the best I can my dear Olesya - hang in there!  We are coming!
The impatient mother to be to Olesya

Tamra

Okay Cassie - this one is for you!

Some more great photos

Home Sweet Home

Well we made it back home safe and sound, but without our little sweetie.   We hated leaving her, but the sooner I get started on the paperwork, the sooner we can make our next trip.  I guess it is a 3 trip region.  It is a 10 day waiting period after our next trip and before our final trip to get her!  We are so excited.  She is such a sweetheart and we are not sure how we are going to get through the next few months without her.  She already has Steve wrapped around her little finger.  Definitely daddy's girl.  They played peek-a-boo and we played on the swings. 

She is so very sweet!

2nd day - 1st trip

It is 1:10 p.m on Thursday - Russian time.  Just got back from trip to see Olesya and signing papers to adopt.

How could anyone say no to this face?  Not us!
She recognized us right away and the other children came running to see us as well.  She is adorable, very independent and very bright.  Steve blew her a kiss and she blew one back!  It was great!
We are both very excited to come back and show all the photos and videos we have taken. 
We should be back home on Saturday.
Love to all
Tamra and Steve

1st day in Tambov (pronunciation is Allisa)

We arrived this morning in Tambov around 7:30.  We got to hotel.  We got paperwork and visited orphanage.  Olesya came running to me as soon as she entered the room.  I don't know if they told her to do that or not.  But it was all of the sudden and she was there.  She played with all the toys.  She would follow directions when spoken in Russian and this afternoon even repeated an easy Russian word. 

We are very excited... and we will be going again to see her tomorrow.  We will try and update blog again tomorrow if battery doesn't run dead on computer.  We are missing an item to get it to all plug in and work.

Steve is exhausted - he has only been to sleep for a few hours since Monday morning.  We are hoping to sleep in a little tomorrow before going to visit with Olesya.  She seems to like Steve.. see picture I posted. 

The driving in Russia - is intense to say the least.  People drive like maniacs and they seem to have very little patience for waiting in line.  Pedestrians do not have the right away.. you will be honked at!  U turns are made with disregard to oncoming traffic.  It is crazy to say the least.

Here is our first family photo.

OLESYA

In Moscow safe and sound

Okay.  So we are in Moscow.. Just saw the Red Square and took some photos. Exhausted..We are at a "flat" of a friends of Tatiana's for a few hours.  We are going to get some rest before heading to the train station to head on our 9 hour overnight train rides.  Train leaves at 10 P.M. Moscow time.  Whew.. what a day.. That was a heck of a long plane ride.

the impatient mother and father to be
Tamra and Stephen