I knew...

This past summer when I read blog after blog about adoption and Down syndrome, I remember the mamas who "knew" before they were born.  The mamas who had dreams and feelings that their child would be special. 

I, too, had a feeling these past few days.  In fact, I was already crafting the words in my mind to share with you that our court date was postponed or canceled.  So when the phone rang during our morning visit with Sarah, I was not surprised.  And then I saw Andy walk away as he talked, and I heard the words, "It doesn't seem like it should be this hard," and I knew our court appointment was not to be.

I am dealing with this setback better than he is.  In his mind of mathematical formulas, processes, equations, and problem-solving, when information is given, it is accurate and followed.  That is not the case in this country.   Even our translator and lawyer do not understand why our case, specifically, is not moving faster than it is.  There isn't anything in Sarah's nor our paperwork that should be causing delays. 

So, I'm looking for some good today and here's what I found:

*My friend, Marianne, sent me an orphan link from an Eastern Europe website.  It was Sarah's baby picture, the one in her SDA file, the one I wasn't allowed to get yet.

Baby Picture

"One" Year

"Two" Year

Three Years

Yes, I'm thrilled to have pictures of my baby girl from every stage of her life.

**After music class, Sarah walked straight to us instead of being cautious.  She throws her arms around me for a giant squeezable hug.  I never know when she "feels" the urge to hug, but I'm happy to be on the receiving end, just the same.

***We've come to recognize and wave at a few other families, waiting on their court dates.  Surprise is registered when they learn we are from the U.S.  Everyone else is from the City by the Sea.  We're all there for the same reason...to bring someone home to our families to love.

***If there ever was a saying about "Muffin Tops" in shoes, Sarah would be the model.  In her locker were a pair of white shoes half the size she wears, so I motioned too small.  They gave me these and she wore them for one day before another pair appeared in her cubby.

****The produce is super fresh and I've been making tomato, mozzarella, cucumber salads marinating in balsamic.  Delicious.

*****  The Sound of Music is my all-time favorite musical, and I watched it annually growing up.  Do you remember the scene where Julie Andrews has resigned to being the governess?  Where she sings, "I Have Confidence In Me" as she walks to their house.
The street she kicks up her heals?

I was trying to make Andy laugh this evening, so I began singing this song, kicking my heals, on the orphanage street, while waiting for our taxi.

Similar views, don't you think? (Minus the cars:)  Can you picture me with my red bag, skipping along, all the while belting out "I have confidence in springtime!"

He wasn't amused:(

Here's the only youtube video short clip of the song with help:(
But, you can see the street I'm talking about.

Off to finish my tiramisu from yesterday.

Another day shines with hope for tomorrow!  My glass is Half-Full, baby...

Sunday Sights

Sunday Afternoon walks with new ballet flats. 

A bookstore is around the corner from our apartment.  After much perusing in the children's section, no Brown Bear:(

 

Outdoor cafes are expanding for the summer season.  Even in winter, people sit outside to eat, talk, and enjoy one another.  Wool blankets and outdoor heaters help keep you warm.  I've seen this place and wanted to try the pastries, while sitting outside.  Perfect people watching venue.

Fascinating car sighting

Mental Math

 It's Achievement Testing Week in my state, and students are required to show every step of the problem and are penalized if they use mental math.

FYI: Test Makers

All I have used over here is MENTAL MATH.  $1 is equal to about 8 hryvnia(pronounced grivna).  Every time I see a price, I am mentally dividing by 8 in my head to see how many U.S. dollars it is.  My eyes bugged out when I learned of how much a dress cost yesterday.  Andy said my expression was priceless.  Needless to say, it did not come home with me.

Dinner Check at Pizza City

The first place we've seen multiple pizzas listed with mayonaise on the menu.  I'll stick with the Margarita pizza, please. 

Ready for a brand new week.  Are you?

To Market, To Market

Shopping here is an experience all its own.  Grocery Stores are frequent, and the locations differ.  Some are in the basement of malls, or buildings.  No preservatives, and mostly organic.  The yogurt is creamy, and the produce is always fresh.  We are very fond of the ripe, plump tomatoes and make tomato/mozzarella salads often.  Tap water is not for drinking, unless you are married to a water quality expert engineer.  Then, you're in luck:)   Andy purifies the tap water in a bottle for his drinking.  I prefer to buy it in 6 liter jugs, and pour into my water bottle. 

I do miss having a Target.  Last week, a button on my coat came off, and I've been obsessing over it since.

Only I would take a picture of a missing button:)

Every store I venture in, I'm seeking a needle and thread.  No go, and other buttons are becoming loose.  The laces on Andy's boots are wearing thin, but we can't seem to find laces, either.

Outdoor Markets are the all-out shopping venue.  The City By The Sea houses the very first and largest outdoor market in the entire country.  We were in awe our first trip, unsure of how to navigate.  This past weekend, we found another building that houses shoes and clothing.   If you're seeking that ONE item you need, it's difficult to find unless you know your bearings.

 

I'll be making another trip.  I think the pants I brought for Sarah may be too small. 

***********************

What the orphanage street looks like Monday-Saturday

Sunday Views

All morning until mid-afternoon, people walking up and down the street.  Notice the baskets?  The Paska Bread, along with other items were being taken into church for the blessing.  Beautiful experience.

 Happy Monday:)