WE ARE COMING HOME!!!!!!!!!

We just returned from the US Embassy with Deanna's Visa, the last thing we need to be out of here. It was down to the wire but we will make our flight Saturday and return to Portland Saturday night.

We have been having a good time in Kiev even though our focus is going home. Deanna has learned the fine art of eating in restaurants and has fairly good manners although to Jon's dismay she usually spills her drink at some point. Restaurants here don't have any child menus, no plastic cups and certainly no cups with lids, so what do they expect?? You should see her handle a giant soup spoon and a cup of borsch!

Sorry I haven't answered personal emails lately, we've had internet issues. I have appreciated every email so much I can't thank everyone enough. It really is overwhelming to have so many caring friends and family. We can't wait to share our Deanna with you!

Above: Deanna at a playground in Kiev, Deanna in her new coat, and enjoying some "espresso" in the cafe.

A Beautiful Day In Kiev

Well we made it to Kiev this morning. It is blue sky and sunny. Pretty warm too.
After final paperwork yesterday we were able to pick up Deanna from the orphanage. When she saw her new clothes I brought she immediately stripped herself naked to put them on. We then had a little party with the kids in the group. She was so happy and proud of her new things. She was so anxious to leave and left with us, skipping all the way.
We went out to dinner and she was good, especially considering it was her first time in a restaurant. We hung out at the apartment and tried to keep her from climbing the walls with excitement.
Our train left at 10:30pm, which was another experience in itself. When the train arrives you have 2 minutes to get on, or you lose. So, everyone runs to their assigned car when it stops, because you have no idea where your car will land. We had 4 adults, about 10 bags, some of which were very large, and Deanna to heave onto the train in the dark before it pulled away. Afterward we had to organize all 5 of us, and all the luggage in a tiny sleep car 2 bunks up and 2 bunks down, about the size of a walk in closet. It was about 100 degrees with little oxygen in there by morning. Deanna had some trouble falling asleep but no crying or fussing at all, she was all smiles. She and I shared a bunk and she was a restless sleeper to say the least. I think she took 70% and I had 30% of the space. Several times during the night she would crawl over and kiss me and touch my face. By 6:00 she was up and ready to go.
Today we drug her all up and down the streets of Kiev. I know her feet were tired in her new boots but she was a trooper. I finally insisted she take a nap and that involved some crying but she finally gave up and is still asleep. Will post picture later, don't dare to go into the bedroom to get the camera.
Still hoping to be out by Saturday.

Pictures of the Baby House

We got some snap shots of the orphanage on the last day.  These were areas we were never before allowed in.

 She later told us they told the kids there was a ghost in the room, so they would stay in their beds.

 Would have been fun to be able to play with these toys!

 Our going away party.

This caregiver would sometimes sing to the kids.  Sometimes it was a scary song about a wolf coming to get them!

The Orphanage Goodbye

Here is Deanna saying goodbye to some of her favorite caregivers.

Finally Leaving for Kiev?????

If all goes well, we will be picking up Deanna at the orphanage today and going on the overnight train to Kiev. Yana will be going with us so it won't be so bad. Hope Deanna doesn't freak out!!

Almost Made It Out

We came within one signature from being able to TAKE Deanna and leave for Kiev today! All we needed is the orphanage directors signature and we could have gone. But...she was no where to be found today and won't be back till Monday. Hard to believe when everyone has a cell phone you can't contact someone!!! So we're stuck here till Monday. We do have the official court decree and a new birth certificate to show for our efforts.
We have changed our plane tickets to Saturday March 1. As long as the passport comes through we will be home then!!!!!

Above: We ate at an Indian/Vegeterian restaurant, a nice change.

No water in Dniprodzerzhynsk

We had a warning from Yana that they were turning the water off in Dniprodzerzhynsk. We filled up buckets, empty jugs and pans so we'd have water to wash and flush with. We found out from our Ukranian friends that there is some dispute with the neighboring down, so they cut off the electricity to the water plant. This does not seem unusual to them and we have no idea how long it will be off. Kiev is looking even better....................

Fun At The Orphanage

More of our daily visiting fun. Deanna stealing soap from the bath tub, Jon sledding with Deanna, and Auntie pretend painting her nails. We just try to do a variety of activities to keep us all amused. Today she was really trying to speak to us. She was making sure we all understood that she would eat, sleep, and then we would be back again.

New Ukranian Friends

Jon and I met a man who lives in our apartment building who spoke a little English.

Jon saw him and his wife later and found out she is an English Teacher at the elementary school. They invited us all over for a visit.

They gave us a full buffet and we have now spent the past 3 evenings with them, their 2 daughters one of whom is also an elementary school teacher, and their 2 grandchildren. Their granddaughter is learning English and wanted to practice her English with Americans. They are very interested in America and all about our society.

The eldest daughter in particular is fascinated with America and could ask questions for hours. She entertained us in her apartment the last night. Susan hopes to persuade her to come to The US for a visit, but so far she is too intimidated. We have really appreciated their hospitality.

The Waiting Goes On

We are just passing time during the 10 day waiting period. Then we are not sure how long it will be till we get her passport. I think we've now been in almost every shop here. Surprisingly there are a lot of designer clothes here, but not cheap (no bargains to be found). Susie has been having fun buying some things, I don't really care about my clothes right now, another day another turtleneck! I may throw away my clothes when I'm done here. We've tried some new cafes, and discovered some young kids know some English. They learn it in school.

Deanna is good, I think we are as bonded as we can be in this situation, but clearly the orphanage staff is still in control and we are just visitors. She continues to be very excited to see us each day, but sometimes gets bored playing with us in the coat room. She knows she is going with us at some point but I'm sure she has no concept of what this really means.

Aunt Susie Arrives

Susan arrived on Tuesday night after a very long journey. Jon and I picked her up with our driver Vlad at the train station in Dnepropetrovsk. Our first visits with Deanna went very well. Deanna was fascinated with her clothes and tried everything on as well as searching through her purse (she does this to me everyday). Think I'll have to break her of this habit. We did a little shopping and took Susie to my hat lady. When in Ukraine you need a fancy hat!!!

It's Official

Monday, February 11 2008 we went to court and were granted our adoption of Deanna, now officially named Deanna Sophia Gutwig. It was long and stressful, but over now! Above are pictures of Jon and I before court, and afterward with Yana for a celebration. Now we must endure our 10 day waiting period before we can have her in our custody. We should definately be on the down hill side of this experience, but still very ready to return home.

Pics

 One of our many visits in the coat room.  The kids each had a locker for their coats.  This was the only personal item they had.

 The love and obsession with cell phones begins.

This is orphanage director's husband, he was very nice.  He always gave her candy and let her play with the radio in his car and turn it up very loud.  One of the privileges none of the other kids had.

Sundays seemed to be bath day, and pajamas were on for our early visits.