Hello all. We are feeling very frustrated right now because we have some amazing pictures to share with you and are having trouble with WI-FI at our local restaurants. Argh! Jonathan just reminded me though that if this is the greatest problem that we have over here - really, we'll take it and deal with it.
Hi, this is Darren putting in a little context: right now we are in a dimly-lit basement room surrounded by about 15 adolescent boys playing boy video games. It's really pretty classic -- some things transcend culture. Now, back to Shona...
Well, you don't get any pictures right now but we can tell you that we are proceeding with the adoption of a very beautiful little girl named Ivanna. We have all sorts of details to share with you but they are on Jonathan's computer - our plan is to wander the city this afternoon until we can find a place where we can post the blog and pictures we have saved on his computer. But until then, here are some details to tide you (Tanis) over. We have begun the paperwork and took her today for her medical. The bottom line is: she is healthy. She is in the 95th %ile for height (we thought she was tall!) and is 12Kg with a 50th %ile head circumference. Developmentally she is actually not really delayed with regards to her gross and fine motor skills. The doctor thought that her vocabulary and social development are slightly delayed - but that will come with a loving home and parents. She seems to understand quite well and was pointing to the nose, eyes and ears on her little bear (thanks mom - she loved it!) when instructed to do so. She was a bit reluctant to do so on herself. We were told she is as healthy as most kids who grow up in families - a testament to a great orphanage. We have heard her speak a little more - she has a very cute little voice. While we were in the Doctor's office today, her nurse pointed to darren and instructed her to say 'daddy' and she did. She then pointed to me and said 'mama'. It was a precious, precious moment. Her little personality is becoming more evident to us (especially with her nurse present today). She sticks her bottom lip out when she is sad or scared and her eyes get teary. She cried through her physical examination by the doctor today but was easily reassured when it was done. She is very curious and as today was her first time leaving the orphanage, she spent much of the time in the car and all the places we stopped just watching and looking and taking everything it. I got to hold our daughter for the first time today and as we left the orphanage and went to get her photo taken, she clung on to me so tightly! I think she was completely overwhelmed by what was going on, but it sure felt good to hold her. As we drove in to Kyiv, she sat on my lap and held my finger in one hand and Darren's hand in the other. Our hearts are so filled with love for her.
That's it for now. We'll give you more later (today -- hopefully).
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19 comments:
Hey Guys,
That is awesome news! We are so excited for you!!
I know Tanis and Kristen are going to be mad that I got to see this post first. Kristen was refreshing your blog a lot yesterday looking for news :)
We love you guys.
Karmen
My heart is filled with joy and excitement for you all. The dream is coming true. Congratulations Mommy and Daddy on your lovely new daughter. I am glad to hear things are going well - technology is a pain in any country! I look forward to our first "meeting" of your precious girl. I am now officially addicted to your blog - checking it many, MANY times a day to see what's new. Savour the moments of the journey. You have so much love and support here for you - we are all living vicariously through you and wish for you all good things. Congratulations!!!
with much love and joy,
Jen
Thank you for sharing your journey with us. It was wonderful to learn more about your little girl today, and I can hardly wait to see your pictures! Ivanna is loved by so many people already!
I am sooooo excited for you two. It sounds like the beginning of some wonderful bonding. It seems most of your prayers are being answered. Can't wait to read more and see pics when they are availible. It seems you guys feel so far away and we are on the edge of our seats waiting for updates.
Love Jenn
Congratulations!
God is so Awesome. You are in the middle of His blessings right now. This is so wonderful and joyful that it brings me to tears. The three of you are already a marvelous family.
Daddy, Mama...aren't those the best words you have ever heard?!
You have us all on the edge of our seats. We just feel blessed to be a part of all of this. God is amazing. We will pray that it continues to go smoothly for you.
love,
Carala, Terence, Trennon and Ryden
My heart is filled with such joy for your family. What a special time of bonding- thank you so much for the way you are telling us your story. When I read your blog I feel like I'm experiencing it with you. What a gift it is to all of us at home, thank you. Ivanna sounds like a wonderful little girl. Just soak in the moment with her-enjoy being her mommy and daddy. Love you dearly and we are celebrating with you.
Wahooooo!
Can't imagine how awesome your day must have been. We are so happy for the three of you. Kendalina as the middle name then?
I think you should take out shares in Kleenex, their profits should be on the increase after all the people reading your blog.
We are so happy for you.
Kendal
This is so incredible! Shona, my heart is with you. I'm so excited for you. I check your blog all the time...maybe you could leave Jonathan at a computer and he could just constantly update every couple of hours? ;)
We are so delighted to hear your news, Mama and Daddy! Also to hear that Ivanna was healthy. We are looking forward to seeing the pictures and other news that you have stored on Jonathan's computer.
With love to all of you!
Wow. What wonderful news to wake up to. Thank you for sharing the little details of your experience. It took a couple of minutes and some kleenex before I could respond. I am so thrilled and excited and happy for the three of you. I can't wait to meet my little niece!!!
What a beautiful and appropriate name for her, too. Ivanna: "God is gracious".
I love you.
Auntie Val
I know we don't know each other that well, but we are so happy for you, nonetheless. We can't understand the emotional rollercoaster you have been on to get to this point, but we hope that in the end, it was worth every tear, heartache and hope. You have a little girl! Do you think that "Longueil" goes with Ivanna? Never too early to start scoping out the prospects...
Ivanna say just how pleased I am to hear this news. (sorry, I refuse to leave puns out of joyous events) It's a gorgeous name and how fantastic that she's part of our family! Uncle Jason is ready to go out and buy espressos and puppies for her. :) The shoe is on the other foot!
Kendalina and Longueil are excellent prospects for second names, but I suggest "Stormstrike." It means "named by her father, born in the video game generation."
So pleased to hear this great news. This is what it's all about!
Wow, this is so amazing! And it is so special and overwhelming (in a very good way) to read about. Thank you for sharing. You have a daughter!!! Congratulations, Mom and Dad! We can't wait to meet Ivanna. Love and blessings and much joy.
I have to comment on all the great responses you guys are getting from friends and family! It's in the tough times and in the joyous times(which I'm sure this situation is a little of both)that friends and family show their support in the most amazing ways. Though we don't know you as well as some...we have been blessed by you and this amazing experience. And, we've been blessed by hearing how much everyone loves you and your daughter. Like Kristen said earlier, your daughter is already loved by many. How true that is.
We pray God continues to show His love for you and Ivanna through your friends and family!
Sarah Oosman was in for a check-up today and told me about this blog. I just got home from work and had to check it out. It fills my heart with warmth to you hear you talk about YOUR daughter. She is a very lucky girl!! I look forward to having her as a patient...make sure you bring in a picture as I would love to add your daughter to my Wall of Fame!
Many blessings,
Kelly Dyck
So exciting! I got chills and tears reading the entry and supportive comments. Your family is blessed to have such a supportive group of family and friends. I can't wait to see pics and meet her in July!
Thank you for sharing your journey here with us. We are honored to share in the joy of your daughter. We cannot wait to meet Ivanna and welcome her home. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you.
You guys should seriously have a warning about needed at least 2 bozes of Kleenex...I'm sitting at my computer sobbing like a little girl.
Our hearts and prayers are with you.
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