They Picked Us

Yes, it’s true. We traveled half way around the world to find the children who would pick us to be their parents. As Bill’s colleague Sam said: “You have to be absolutely out of your minds to do this.” In retrospect, Sam was right. But we would do it again without hesitation.

One year ago today, October 3rd, 2007 at 9am Petro time neither they nor we knew anything about one another. After arriving in Kazakhstan on Friday September 28th, we spent the weekend in Petropavlovsk seeing the sights with Masha before traveling to Volodarskoye in search of our children, but they were not at the Airtauskiy orphanage so we returned to Petropavlovsk knowing that the two children God intended us to find were there somewhere. We just had to keep looking.

It’s absolutely amazing that we ended up where we did since it was such a long way from where we started. We first considered adopting an infant from China several years ago, but put that on hold due to an upcoming move from Illinois to Tennessee. Things were quiet for a little bit, then Cathe brought the subject up again and we started the process all over. Since Russia and Ukraine had suspended adoptions while they did complete process reviews, those countries were off the possibilities list. While we were waiting for them to re-open their adoption process, our former agency told us about Kazakhstan (Kaza-where?). After a little research and decided to press ahead with Kazakhstan. During the Home Study process we thought about adopting an infant, but decided that it would be better for us to adopt one (ONE) toddler in the 3-5 year range. As the process dragged out, that became two, a 3 and a 5. Then a 6 and an 8. Then 10 year old twins. Then we actually brought home a 10 and a 12. God walked us through many small steps in preparation for where we would end up. Had someone told us point blank that, no matter what we thought we wanted, we were going to bring home two older children, we would have pulled the plug on the entire process, especially after all the headaches and speed bumps we encountered along the way. Without a doubt, God’s intervention ensured that we found the two children we were supposed to bring home. Had we traveled as soon as our former agency led us to believe, we would have never met them.

Several years ago one of us read a quote (though we don’t remember which one of us) which essentially boiled down to something about an advantage that adopted children have in getting to pick their new parents instead of the pure luck (and in their case, misfortune) associated with birth parents. Although we went to Kazakhstan for the one and only purpose of adopting a child or children, it was more important to us that they a) wanted to be adopted, and b) wanted to be adopted by us. We would know when it was right.

After our flase start in Volodarskoye, we couldn’t sleep, so we stayed up all night talking. On the way to the RBS that Wednesday morning, Bill talked with Masha (in German so they could talk freely) about what we had stayed up all night long discussing. Sasha was driving, and the D.o.G. Lady (we still get a chuckle from that abbreviation for Dept. of Guardianship) was in the front passenger seat, while the two of us along with Masha were sandwiched in the back seat of Sasha’s Lada.

Soon we were in the Director’s office, starting over. Masha went into high gear and explained what we had discussed to the Director, Assistant Director, and RBS Social Worker. Without hesitation, the Director pulled his Big Book from the shelf and went to work to help us find our children. We only looked at one set of information cards and decided they were the ones we wanted to meet. A quick call from the Director brought the children to the office. Kate had come from Gym class and obviously had a little help getting a bow in her hair before coming. David, on the other hand, was in English class (how prophetic!), so he was ready to come running (although we learned later that he hoped our initial meeting wouldn’t take too long because it was almost time for his gym class).

We have since learned that David and Kate also had a false start once before we came. They met another American family who had come to Kazakhstan, but it wasn’t meant to be. That family ended up adopting another boy named Igor (congratulations and best wishes, wherever you are!). David tells us that it was hard for him since he wanted a family so much. They had both waited and wished for a family for so long that they thought it would never happen for them. At first Kate would often ask David if we were really their American family and had come to take them home. David wasn’t 100% sure, but told her not to ruin it because we seemed to be nice people.

So, here we are, one year later. In some ways it seems like yesterday, but in other ways it seems like another lifetime ago.

Happy Meeting Anniversary David and Kate! We love you and wouldn’t have it any other way.

Мы любим вас. Любовь, мама и папа.


Family Portrait #1.................Family Portrait #2

Waxing Poetic and Thinking Back

Happy September 26th!


Ok, so it's not a holiday for everyone, but it is a significant day for our family: One year ago today, in fact exactly as today's entry is coming together, we were at the Memphis airport boarding our 7:25pm flight to Amsterdam, the first leg of our trek to Kazakhstan.

Where did September go? With the days getting shorter, there is less time in the evening to do outdoor stuff. Between soccer practice and Boy Scouts, we have activities three evenings a week. Last weekend and this weekend we have soccer games both Saturday and Sunday (at least there is only one game each day this weekend!).


Academics have been a challenge this month. Both children are doing very well overall. Unfortunately, they are good at giving the impression of full comprehension even when they're not 100% sure what they're supposed to do. Thank goodness our school uses Ed-Line so we can keep up with assignments, even when our two forget to write everything down. Whenever we get a little frustrated with having to repeat instructions, all we have to do is think back to when Stephen was their age to realize that they are 100% normal, especially when it comes to using the dictionary (they would rather try to guess the meaning of a word than break out the big book, but usually end up looking up the word anyway...). Their grasp of English and the rate at which they're learning is absolutely amazing.

One of the things Bill added to our blog while in Kaz was "The Morning Weather Report" since so many people were asking what it was like in Petropavlovsk (all the pictures of people in heavy coats with hats and gloves should have been the first clue...). Anyway, we added Petropavlovsk as one of the weather sites on our msn page, along with Baghdad since Scott (our house and Bob-sitter during our time in-country is over there for a few more weeks). Back to the weather: it's interesting to note that yesterday, Sept 25th, the length of daylight in Perto and TN was both 12 hours. Back in June the days in Petro were almost 18 hours long but soon they'll be MUCH shorter.

Apryl Brock has been sending us a few pictures of David and Kate's friends. The Antares Foundation which helps provide support for the North Kazakhstan region orphanages has been very active this fall and has several events they're working on. We helped support the Back-to-School efforts. They're also working on a Siblings Reunion activity to bring children together for a day when they are placed in different orphanages (Hilton and Suzanne have provided some great support for that effort!). Be sure to visit the Antares blog at: http://antaresorphans.blogspot.com/


During our trip, we came to enjoy the "For Men" chocolate bars. Despite instructions to keep out of the hands of women, Bill did share. We also heard about the "Women's Ice cream," but never found it. Here it is!


What about Bob? He was at home, sadly laying in his bed, waiting for us to come home with his new children... He's much happier now!

Where did the Summer Go?

Wow! September! Where did the summer go????

Although we are in no way complaining about the Memphis temperatures getting back to a more humane range, we sure could use some more summer. It just seems to go a lot faster than it did when we were children. Fortunately there is still a weekend or two to get in a little more swimming before it gets too chilly.

School started August 18th, but Cathe had to be back on the 11th to begin setting up her classroom and attend all the requisite meetings. This year, setup was a little more stressful since her classroom had been painted and new carpet installed so she couldn't start early. David and Kate wanted a few more days off, but were very excited about getting back to school and seeing their friends. They also have been following the Antares Orphans blog (http://antaresorphans.blogspot.com/) to see what their friends back in Petropavlovsk are up to. (Monday September 2nd was their first day back at school). And there is no escape from school uniforms!

Summer was also a time for many visitors. In addition to Masha, Svetlana, Katya, and "the younger Masha," Cathe's sister and niece visited from Michigan, Hilton, Suzanne and Darryn visited from Richmond, Virginia, and Paul came from Baltimore, Maryland. It was a busy time for us, but nothing compared to the very busy schedule "The Masha's" maintained while trying to visit as many families as possible. This past summer was also an opportunity to grow more as a family and for David and Kate to further prepare for school. No time to be bored!











Now that school has started, so has fall soccer. Both our athletes are off to a great start with their teams winning their first games today. However, Kate almost didn't make the starting line-up. Since she was in such a hurry this morning, Kate grabbed the first two cleats she found in her size. Unfortunately, only one was for soccer. (We recently learned that softball/baseball cleats aren't allowed for soccer since they have an "extra" cleat in the front). Fortunately, we were early and there was enough time for "Pops" to run home and pick up the misplaced soccer cleat.

As Paul would say, in his most Homer Simpson-ish voice: "Doh!"

In addition to keeping busy, both David and Kate have been busily growing. Each month we have been marking the kitchen door frame as they grow. But all the growth isn't just in height. On the top is one of Kate's new shoes from last October. We bought them a half-size large so they would last. The bottom shoe is one of Kate's new PE shoes, also just a half-size large for her current foot size. We hope it lasts until the spring semester!

This month has also been a nostalgic one for us as parents since we have been thinking back on what we were doing just one year ago "today." We had just worked out our travel dates and tickets and Bill made one more trip up to Nashville to have another set of documents apostilled.

What does any of this have to do with the two pictures to the left? Well, that's a very special tree for us. Our "stick tree" started as a volunteer in one of our flower beds about the time we made our decision to pursue adoption in 2006. In March of 2007, Bill transplanted it to the front yard. At that time it was about as tall as a broomstick and had no branches. By the time we left for Kazakhstan, it was about 7 feet tall and had some stubby branches. Now it is at least 10 feet tall and filling out nicely. (All the prayers and fertilizer are having the same affect on our tree as they have had on the children).

So, as the summer winds down, we are still on the look-out for fun things to do. Two weekends ago, the Animal Planet Expo visited Shelby Farms while Paul was visiting. Both our youngsters made their "fashion statements": Kate in her typical "easter egg" colors, and David wearing a "homework protest shirt" advising teachers to save trees by reducing the amount of homework (thus paper). He has such a great sense of humor! Too bad it won't save him from homework!

If I had a Half-Birthday, it would be Groundhog Day

Happy Birthday Kate!

Since we now have all the summer months covered, so our cake man has been BUSY!

Although he only makes cakes part time as a hobby, he delivered another winner. Just a couple ideas and a choice of flavors is all he needs. If anyone needs a GREAT cake guy, just send us an e-mail. Duff (the Ace of Cakes guy) had better watch out if our guy decides to go full time!





After cake and ice cream, Kate opened her many presents, then the the girls watched "Enchanted" (Kate's current favorite movie).




















Thursday we went downown to see "Sleepless in Seattle" at the Orpheum. It's one of Masha's favorite films, so when Cathe found out that it was being shown on the big screen at the very ornate, art deco theater, we had to go. All summer long they show classic movies on Thursday and Friday evenings. If you time it just right, you can watch the ducks at the Peabody at 5, get a bite to eat, then catch the 7pm show.

Meanwhile, David and Kate are trying to squeeze in just a little more fun before summer ends. David's not very happy that only a few days of summer vacation remain, but Kate is excited about getting back to school!

Hot July in Memphis!

July has been Hot and Dry!

Well, not much rain, but VERY humid. There is little if any breeze in the afternoon, and you're drenched in sweat as soon as you leave the comfort of the air conditioner. After all, it is summer in the Midsouth.

Again, we have to ask ourselves: Where has the time gone? All we can say is that it's flying by and there are only a few more weeks of summer vacation left, but we're going to pack in as much fun as we can!

Once the temperatures started hitting 90+, both the kids started complaining about how hot is is here. Taking a daily look at the temperatures back in Petropavlovsk is still a habit. Daily highs there are usually only slightly warmer than the Memphis lows, but this past week they have been hitting the low 90's while we have been hitting the 100 degree mark. Stifling! Another interesting Petro factiod is that on June 21st sunrise was at 4:42am and sunset at 10:06 pm. That also accounts for how short the days were in November when we were getting ready to come home. Despite the complaints about the heat, we don't seem to recall hearing them complain about how cold it was in January (at least not in Memphis!)... 8-D

We took in several fireworks shows in honor of the 4th. Several suburbs coordinate their shows so that there is opportunity to see more than one. Bellevue Baptist put on a great show June 29th. We met up at the school parking lot where Cathe teaches and had an unobstructed view. Several other families and friends we know took advantage of the show, so everyone had fun while waiting for the show to begin.

There have also been a few opportunities to dress up for dinners and church events. David and Kate like to come to an occasional event, but when given a choice a pizza and a good movie usually wins out over boring adult conversation. Fortunately, we have a couple high school students and an ever growing social network, giving us the opportunity to get out for some occasional mom and dad time.

We are truly amazed at how much progress the children have made and how much they have changed in such a short time. Looking back at photos from October and comparing them to today's photos, it's as if years have passed as we have grown into a family. Even Bob is happier to have someone to always play with!






In addition to playing with friends and savoring the occasional invitation to go swimming, we have also taken in a few baseball games. David took a few minutes to have Rocky Redbird sign his baseball cap.



This past Tuesday, July 22nd, we had the honor of taking Masha and Svetlana (our translator and attorney from Kazakhstan) out to the ball game as well. They came to the states to meet with some agency representatives and to visit as many families as they could fit into their busy schedules.

Although we know how much progress the children have made in just 8 months, we don't see the day to day growth since see them every day. Both Masha and Svetlana were beyond amazed! They have stayed in touch with many families over the years, so they have see children blossom in their new families, but never so much change over such a short time.

In addition to the baseball game, we went across the street to look at the Peabody Hotel fountain where the ducks swim every day. The ducks actually live in a penthouse on the hotel roof and are brought down to the lobby at 10 am. The red carpet is rolled out, defining a path from the elevator to the fountain. When the doors open, the ducks waddle down the carpet and hop into the fountain. The process is repeated in reverse at 5 pm. Masha had to try on the duck footprints for size before we headed up to the roof to see the ducks and take in the evening view.

The highlight of Svetlana's visit was a "reunion dinner" at Grisanti's on Thursday before her return to Kazakhstan. (Masha will be traveling around a little more before heading home). Lynn, who was Masha's first client, came as did Amy who has used Svetlana's services when adopting from Pavlodar. There was also a couple whose dossier is now at the MFA, hoping to receive their Letter of Invitation any day now. Svetlana's daughter and Katya who translates in Uralsk were also with us. It was really a neat event and we took well over two hours out of our hectic schedules to visit and relax.

Stray observation:

Remember the "For Men" chocolate bars we mentioned back in October? (Oct 5th and 27th posts have photos...)

We were in the "World Market" store by the mall and found the Yorkie Bar ("It's not for girls"). Both are made by Nestle'. Yorkie has a Wikkipedia entry and you can even Google a "For Men" tv advertisement.

Grand Slam!

Hey Ken Griffey Jr: Watch out! Kate is getting a head start on your record!

Who says Friday the 13th is bad luck?

Kate was batting 1.000 today with two base hits when she scored a Grand Slam Home Run for her third at-bat. It wasn't quite enough to win the game, but she did win the day's game ball!

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Here she is, right after telling grandpa all about it.

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Both Kate and David are adjusting to the Memphis climate, which is quite a bit warmer than they were used to in Petropavlovsk (and it's only June!)... Though the past few days have been quite a bit warmer back in Petro, hitting the mid 80's all week. Maybe it's due to the very long days they're enjoying: Sunrise today was at 4:44 am, and sunset at 10:03 pm...

That sure is a lot better than the cold and short days back in November!

13 Going on 30

June 11th we celebrated another milestone: David's 13th birthday! Although shamelessly using the title to a recent movie, it's very applicable since he is maturing beyond his years.

First came many Birthday cards. He was impressed with one that Bill bought in Kazakhstan since the picture on the front even looks like David, but REALLY liked the ones which came with money or gift cards.

As quickly as he and Kate mstered the art of gift cards, you would never suspect that they weren't born in a mall somewhere! David has also dubbed Toys-R-Us as "Toys for Us!" (afterall, the backwards "R" is "Ya" in Russian, which means "me")

In all honesty, David was overwhelmed and thought that all the gifts were just too many.

One of the most thoughtful gifts came from our neighbors Carl and Suzie a few doors up: Two Harry Potter books and "Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator" (sequal to Charlie in the Chocolate Factory) in Russian. (http://www.adoptedfromrussia.com/ is a great resource!)

In addition to the books, cash and gift cards, David scored a few other cool gifts like a tennis racket, a couple games for his Nintendo DS, Charlotte's Web and Stuart Little (also in Russian) and a couple gag gifts which parents everywhere will appreciate: socks and pajamas (we decided not to embarass him with new Панталоне (underwear)).

Before long, it was time for cake and singing. Cathe found a guy a few years back who makes custom cakes as a hobby. Who knows, he could give the "Ace of Cakes" team a good run for their money!










Last, but not least, was a very thoughtful card that Kate picked out. Her inscription: "To a great brother. I love David." She really appreciates all that he did for her during their though years and really shows it.