mattie's baby brother/sister from Russia

I am back

2010-08-08T20:59:00.003-04:00

Silly me thought being off from school would have given me more time to blog, WRONG, not with 2 very busy boys. We are having a GREAT summer and have been on the move, my dad calls us Gypsies!! It is hard to believe Jake has been home for 4 almost 5 months it seems like he has always been with us.

I will a short outline of our summer then the pictures. Jake understands EVERYTHING everyone says and his speech is minimal but he goes to speech therapy and EI school once a week so I am sure he will talking a lot more soon. He does say Mom, Bubha ( that is what he calls Mattie) Auntie Ooo (Sue), Boat and the rest is sign language. He loves the beach, pool, seeing trucks, boats and any thing else that moves. At the beach he loves to play in the sand, eat the sand and swim. Mattie's favorite thing to say at the beach is "Mom Jake is making friends again", he likes to play with all the kids at the beach.

He is still a little peanut only 27 pounds and 12 month clothes but he eats plenty but he is always on the MOVE, no TV watching for him. The Dr. says he is fine and keep feeding him high calorie food and he will gain so we have been eating lots of ice cream so if he is not gaining weight I know I am YIKES.

OK well my 2 sweet boys are wrestling upssairs so I will end here but I will add photos. I will write more when I get some free time?!?!?!

Sorry if the pictures are side ways I do not know how to fix them??

Home 2 months tomorrow!!!

2010-05-19T21:36:00.004-04:00

Hello,

Well Jake has been home 2 months tomorrow and I thought I would post tonight since it is MHS's prom tomorrow and I am chaperoning!! Jake is doing great!! It is amazing how much he understands and he is starting to say more words. He loves being outside and as you can tell by one of the pictures he LOVES water wait till I open my pool. He started swimming lessons and he loves it!! The two boys get along like your typical BROTHERS!!! Mattie loves the show I Carley so as you can see in one of the pictures Mattie likes to make spaghetti tacos for Jake. This week daycare/babysitting has been a little challenging so Jake came to school with me for the day. I work at a school with physically disabled kids and they are all in wheelchairs. Jake was so well behaved and loved being with my kids and helping them and they loved having him in class. That is him with one of my students and she just loved him.

Things I have learned over the past 2 months about Jake is that he LOVES animals, music, playing in dirt, snacks, books, and being with people. He is very independent, stuburn, and he gives kisses to everyone!! He is a little peanut wearing 12month shorts and `18 month pants for the length and he loves his sneakers. Completely toilet trained and loves to wash his hands which is wonderful!!!!

Mattie and I just love having him home and can not imagine our family without our little peanut!!!! OH and Mattie said to me the other day when is my SISTER coming home, I had to tell him I think it is just going to be me and you boys and he said oh no I need a sister. YIKES the thought of all the paper work and the waiting I think he will have to settle for a puppy in a couple of years!!!

A year ago!!

2010-04-27T22:36:00.006-04:00

I can not believe it was a year ago today that I found out Mattie was going to have a younger brother and I was going to be a mom to another son!! Yes it was 1 year ago I arrived in Ekat Russia to receive my referral for my 2nd child!! I remember getting my referral, seeing Jakes picture and heading for his baby home #5. I was so excited and nervous but lucky for me my representative Svtlana was great and every thing went great!! I was able to meet Jake and get information about him from the head doctor. I sent the information to an Dr in RI to see what he thought about Jake's medical information but to tell you the truth no matter what the Dr told me Jake was my son and I was going to say yes and sign the papers. Luckly the Dr. emailed me back saying everything looked fine so it made it easier to except the referal.

Now Jake has been home with us for a little over a month and like Mattie says it is like he has always been here. Mattie has been the best big brother ever, he truely loves his brother. Jake has had a few behavior issues with Mattie and Mattie has been so grown up about it and I am so proud of him.

What is the most amazing thing about Jake is that he understands every thing that is said to him in ENGLISH!! Yes home for one month and he understands us it is amazing. I still can not get over how little he is one of his many nick names is Peanut!! He wears 18 month pants and 12 month shorts and he is 2 and a half. He does have a good appetite but he is also very active. I like to call him Forest Gump because he LOVES to run.

I know how lucky I am to have my son home from Russia and I hope everything works out with future russian adoptions because I have made so many friends during this process still in the process of bringing hoem their children.

2 weeks together

2010-03-31T22:00:00.003-04:00

WOW I can not believe it Jake has been with me for only 2 weeks and with Mattie for a week and a half it seems like he has been with us forever!! Both boys are adjusting so much better then I could have ever imagined. Mattie is a loving, proud, and very helpful big brother. He only cries when his brother has to nap and he can not play with him. I told Mattie to nap also he chooses to watch Sponge Bob instead of napping. Jake is doing fantastic!! The amount of things he understands is incredible when I tell him or ask him to do something. After my 3 visits to Russia could not understand any thing in Russian and here is a 2 year old understanding English after 2 weeks.

Ok what does Jake like to do?? He LOVES music, food (especially the snack draw), water,giving kisses and of course his big brother. OK he is potty trained and goes to the bathroom does what he needs to do then lets me know when he is done. I think he goes to the bathroom so much because he LOVES to wash his hands!! Has become attached to his coat and sneakers so I do not know what I am going to do when it warms up this weekend not to have him wear his winter coat. He gets very excited when Auntie Sue comes over and when Grandpa comes to visit. And due to my basement flooding again Grandpa has been over alot!!

He started trying to climb out of the port a crib so he is sleeping in a big boy bed with a side rail of course. Now if Mattie would stay in his bed then I will have my own room.

Unfortunately I need to go back to work on Monday so Jake will be going to Day Care next door on Monday. He is going to go over tomorrow for a short trial period. Lucky for me April school vacation is in two weeks so I will have a week off then. And if Jake is not adjusting well to day care well then I will take more time off.

Happy Easter to all my blogger friends!!

Brothers First meeting!!!!!

2010-03-24T15:17:00.004-04:00

Well we are home and things are going great!! I thought I would post some pictures of the brothers meeting for the first time. It was definately LOVE at first sight. After a day of traveling we were not looking pretty but Jake was a trooper and did great on the 10 hour plane ride, then running across JFK airport to get on our connector to Boston. We called Mattie from New York and he said to me am I going to be introduced to my brother tonight!! Yes you are we are on our way home. It was so sweet seeing Mattie come running to me and Jake he was SOOOOOO excited. Jake was tired but he did great.

SInce we have been home they have been getting along great Mattie takes being a big brother very seriously and does not let his brother out of his sight. WHen Jake needs to nap Mattie cries and just wants Jake to stay up and play. WHile Jake is napping Mattie will lie in my bed and watch tv till his brother wakes up. Yesterday when we took Mattie to school Jake took his coat off and put it in Mattie's locker it was so cute. Mattie did fine going to school knowing Jake would be home with me.

Enjoy the pictures and I will post pictures of our last snowy day in Moscow when I get another free moment.

Will we be home Saturday???

2010-03-18T16:39:00.008-04:00

Little bit of a scare today found out my CSI fingerprints expired on January 14th and well WHFC told me they expired in April so there was a problem at the Embassy for me. So Mike picked us up and we were off so I could get finger printed here in Russia now I have done it all when it comes to fingerprints. So a little nerve racking when I am told we might not be going home till maybe tuesday or Wednesday. How would I explain this one to Mattie. Well after a couple of nervous hours waiting the American embassy in Russia calls me at my hotel to tell me they could use the expired ones so we should be all set with getting Jakes VISA tomorrow.

So to celebrate after Jake s3 hour nap we headed off in a taxi with the new carriage since he likes to RUN and we went to the Hard Rock Cafe in Moscow. He loved it dancing to the music eating french fries it does not get much better then that. We did a little shopping and then tried to get back to the hotel by taking the Metro which was an experience with a 2 year old and a carriage but people were helpful. Well we got so far and I got a little confused and it was getting late so we took a cab the rest of the way. What an adventure Moscow is MUCH bigger then Ekat and less muddy!

So after our busy day Jake is sleeping and I should be to. So off to the embassy at 1 tomorrow then to Red square for pictures and a little more shopping. Hope things go smooth at the embassy I can not take any more surprises. How could WHFC be so OFF with my finger prints???????

Pcture of us leaving the baby house #5 and Jake waiting for his first plane ride!! Enjoy

Moscow here we come!

2010-03-18T08:52:00.003-04:00

Well we made it to Moscow last night. Jake is doing great, he is so happy and loving the outside world. He finds everything funny and loves to RUN and sing all the time. I picked him up at 6 pm Wed night and got him dressed in this St Patty day shirt. Ok I left a bag of clothes in the directors office last week because she said it would be fine?? Well where did the 3 or 4 outfits go WHO Knows?? Lucky for us they found the coat I left and I had shirts for him but no pants why would I bring some in I just left 4 pairs last week. Well they could not be found and said the kids were probably wearing them whick I hope is true but I mostly see tights and shorts on them?? So I had to use a pair of pants from the baby home which was fine because enow he has something from his baby home like Mattie. And I must confess before I knew the pants were missing I put the tank top he had on in my bag I can not have baby home cloths for one son and not the other.

So off to the airport. He was great in the car. Some how Svtlana got lost but we made it on time , just part of the adventure. When we were waiting I went to get a diet coke and before I could stop him he had opened a bag of MM's that is my independent boy.

Still everything was going smooth and fun then it was take off time and he looked at me and then you guessed threw up and laughing about it. So I cleaned up the banana and apple juice that did not sit well and on to outfit number 2 which were his PJs. He was happy the whole flight eating yes eating bread and cheese and the stewardess loved him so she kept coming to visit him. Then he was running up and down the aisle and oh yes just screaming "um pa" as loud as he could and laughing. SO there was no sleeping on our 10 pm flight!! And if anyone knows what Um Pa means in Russian can you let me know. TO me he sounds a little Greek??

SO the driver Mike picked us up with all our bags and Jake in his PJS and off to the Raddison. A brand new hotel with WHITE comforters I do not think they will be inviting adoptive parents back after we leave. He finally fell a sleep around 2AM in the bed with me because he wanted NO part of the crib!!!!!!

Surprise visit

2010-03-16T12:06:00.005-04:00

Well we started the day finishing the last part of the paper work chase. Svtlana picked me up at 10 and the race was started, she really should drive for Nascar!! Any ways we are all set to get the passport tomorrow. We went by the baby home to do the last part of the paperwork and the girl from the baby home went to "sign him out of Russia." So we should be all set to leave for Moscow tomorrow night.

While at the baby home we got to talk with the new head doctor who is very sweat!!! I got 2 pictures of Jake one when he is 2 months old so cute and one more recent. Also I was surprised to find out he was baptized at the baby home so I got that certificate and a cross that was given to him which I will keep for him. And then I was asked if I wanted to wait till 4 to see Jake after his nap well of course I did. So Svtlana went to finish some things and I waited in the play room for about an hour. I think I snoozed for a bit myself while waiting.

At about 4 he came running in looking like on of Santa's elf and came right over to me and gave me a big hug. He had 2 cookies and shared with me actually feeding them to me so cute. I could tell he was looking for my toy bag and I had none since I did not know I would see him. But I had a pen, my camera and some hand cream so that entertained him for a short while.

Well the playroom got very busy 3 French families and one single mom from New York adopting 2 so there were lots of kids, toys and fu to be had. Jake found some tools one of the boys had so he was having fun with the hammer and saw and I told him he has lots of tools and a work bench waiting for him at home along with a big brother.

One of the little boys were opening the tv stand and is mom would say No but he did not listen till he was told something in Russian then he walked away. Well then Jake went over to him I think telling him No and pointing his finger at him so I think I have another Bossy boy in the house!!

we played till 6:30 then I had to go Svtlana came to pick me up. When I brought him to his unit he gave me a kiss and a wave good bye and then one of the little boys points to me and says Gena"s (Jakes russian name) Mama it was so cute. I wonder if Jake reliezes this is his last sleep at Baby House #5 and that tomorrow starts a whole new adventure??? I hope he is ready!!

I am HERE

2010-03-16T00:25:00.003-04:00

Ok just in case anyone was looking for me I finally made it to Ekat Monday night at 10pm!! Another travel adventure for me thru New York. I got to New York Sat morning at 10 am and had a flight to Moscow at 4:30 that day. While waiting I met a couple Paige and Scott who were also going to Moscow to pick up there little girl so now I had some one to chat with . Little did I know then I would be sleeping next to them on the floor in the airport!!

So it was raining and windy in New York and flights were being canceled but mine was not. We got on the plane at 4 then sat for about 1 hour then due to the wind they had us get off since it was now delayed, then it was cancelled and they sent us to a section to rebook then it was on again then no cancelled again and so on. So I think to keep the peace Delta kept sending people to different places I think they thought if people were moving they would not be upset. So I stayed with my new friends and got in line to re book. Oh and Delta was handing out drinks, cookies and peanuts again to try to keep people happy. Well we were in line for HOURS!! Finally it is my turn and I am told I can not get to Moscow till Tuesday night!! What oh this is not good. SO of course the tears start and I just want to get out of New York and pick up my little guy.

So now it is about 11pm and my friends try to get us a hotel room well of course none available due to the storm so we grabbed some delta pillows, blankets and found a corner to call home. Mind you there are people sleeping every where it is not pretty at JFK. I think I actually slept some.

So now it is SUnday I am still in the same clothes but have brushed my teeth. After a few diet Pepsi's I get on the computer and the phone to try to get to Moscow Sunday. I am on the stand by list for the flight tonight but it was not looking good. I finally got thru on the phone to a delta rep. and some how she was able to confirm me on the flight Sunday night, YAH for me. Unfortunately my friends were on stand by but did have a confirmed flight with 2 lay overs and would not get into Moscow till 2 am Tuesday. So after a long day in the airport and yes I did have a change of clothes I finally got a seat on the plane 40 G and my friends got on also so all is good with the world right now!

So after a 9 hour flight I get to Moscow, meet up with Lala and go to get my next flight which now that I am late I do not have a ticket even though my travel agent said they re booked me so after paying for another flight I finally get to Ekat. Svtlana and her son picked me up and off to the new hotel. I am staying at Novetel in Ekat it is brand new and so far so good.

Today I will be running around with Svtlana to finish Jakes paper work for his passport and tomorrow night I pick him up and off to Moscow.

So that is my story I know I should of taken pictures of the maddness at JFK but think I was to tired and worried to pul out my camera. So stay tuned to the Gotcha day news on March 17th St Patrick's Day!!!!!!!!

And I am off AGAIN

2010-03-13T11:44:00.003-05:00

Ok so I had a crazy busy week home. Mattie was very happy to see his mom, he did not get out of his PJ"S on Sunday just so we could "Just Stay Home" his favorite thing to do. He loved the new shoes I bought him in Russia and of course I bought a pair for his brother Jake, I have to get use to buying things in pairs to keep my boys happy. He had a GREAT time in FLA with Auntie and Grandpa, and he let everyone know he is the boss.

I went back to work Monday morning still tired from the Jet lag/time change. That actually lasted till about Thursday. Any way the kids were glad to see me and they did great while I was away. It was awsome seeing pictures of Jake everywhere at school. I have the best aides in my class so of course everything went smoothly with lots of crafting and I went to the Craft store again so they will be busy easter crafting while I am away.

On a sadder note my Dads dog Oliver who is almost 16 with bad arthritis unfortunately had a rough time so the we made the decision and poor sister Sue had to take him on Wednesday and he is now in Doggy heaven. We have not told Mattie yet he knows Oliver was sick and if he asks where he is we will tell him rehab. until I get home. I think Mattie might sense something since he has become very attached again to his Oliver Stuff dog. And well not a good week for the Hurley animals one of Matties frog either couch or chair went to frog heaven on Thursday so hopefully this week will be better.

SO last night I repacked for my last trip to Russia to pick up m boy on St Patrick's Day!!! I had to pack clothes for him and some toys. Svtlana my rep. in Russia had some things deliered to my house so they went in the bag to. Also a teacher at school gave me 3 boxes of hand made dolls and baby blankets to give to the baby house I think they will love them. Of course Mattie got sight of them so I think I have one blanket and maybe 4 dolls at home!!

Ok so now I am in New York the flight was on time this time so no problem about missing my connector to Moscow which leaves here at 4pm. It is rainy and very cloudy so hopefully everything leaves on time. So my LONG journey of adopting little Jake is finally done and he will be home with me and his older brother this Saturday YAH!!! Then the real fun begins with the Brothers.

For my Ekat friends I am staying at a new Hotel the Novel, Svtlana took me there durng my last visit and it just opened so I decided to try it out. It is brand new, not to far from the Park Inn now lets just hope the Breakfast buffet is as good.

The Judge said YES!!!!!!

2010-03-04T12:10:00.003-05:00

Well court went great and the judge said yes I can officialy be John Henry Hurley's Mommy!! SO Mattie is finally a Older brother because we do not know how long Mattie will be bigger then Jake. As Russian adoption famlies know court day is nerve racking, especially in Ekat. We had lunch in the court cafe while we were wating and who walks in but "The Male Judge" so now I can put a face to the person who was in charge of ALL my paper work and the REDUE list , really my birth certificate expired?? But as you all know I bit my tongue and re did what ever he wanted.

So court starts with me telling my story, luckely I had it all typed up, and as am talking I see the judge looking thru my paper work I can see those shinney gold Apostile seels and it was kind of weird seeing him look at pictures of my house. So after that the questions started most where about how i was going to treat my two boys equally. Then he wanted to know aout discipline so being the positive person that I am I said I would talk to them about what they did wrong and what they should do and he said I thought Americans do TIme Out, I said oh no at my house we call it gong into the room to think about it. I got the judge to laught as well as everyone else in the room he asked who would help care for the boys I said my sister, dad, my dad's girl friend then the laughter started I guess grandpa's in Russia do not have girl friends!!

When the person from the baby home talked she said how much Jake likes to perform I thought perfect now he can be on America Has Talent with Mattie. Oh and Jake's social worker said when she saw my age she was surprised I was adopting she said most women my age are expecting grand chIldren, YIKES I am not that old. But she said we were a great match.

So now the 10 day wait. I will come home this Saturday and come back next SUnday and pick up Jake on March 17th!! I will have to get him a nice Irish knit to wear to Moscow.

So now that court is over I do not know what I am going to do with all my free time no more documents to collect and notarize and Apostile.

getting ready for the JUDGE

2010-03-02T13:32:00.004-05:00

Hello Had another great visit with Jake today. Do not tell Mattie but he had tights on again with shorts YIKES, but he did have his camo sneakers on that I gave him!! I brought a coat for him to try on he did not want to so I put it on. His social worker came today to observe me with him and I think I passed. Well court tomorrow at 2pm so I have been busy working on my speech. I think I am finally done with it , I feel like I am back at college doing a term paper but the topic is Jake, Mattie and me, I hope the judge gives me an A!!!

One of the families got to take their son Thomas out of the baby home and they are heading to Moscow. He looked so cute and so scared being out in the big old world but he is almost home.

When I was at the baby home the other couple I met Sandy and John were there visiting their twin boys, they are adorable. I can not wait till we can all get together with our boys!!

Well i am going to try to sleep now and be ready for my big day tomorrow so tune in tomorow night to see how I made out at court!!

Another great visit with Jake

2010-03-01T11:13:00.004-05:00

OK his face should say it all who knew balloons were so funny! Had another fun visit with Jake even though he is still called Gena he will catch on to his new name once he meets his brother and will say Jake non stop. We played with water, books, a balloon, and oh yes there was a miny trampaleen so he was JUMPING. And his first english word was JUMP, so cute. And again no tights he has pants on. I brought some shoes and he picked the camo sneakers and they fit perfectly!!

Since I did not visit until 4 I took a walk and found an outside carnival yes outside with kiddie rides and all, Mattie would have loved it and they had beautiful ice scuptures of course I forgot my camera so I am going to go back to take pictures. Can you believe a otside carnival in -11 degrees but the kids were having a blast.

When I went down to dine alone with my book I met 2 couples adopting. One I knew was going to be here I have been emailing her and she brought a package to Jake for me this summer they are actually here to bring there son home. They other couple is here for the first time to get their referral and all our children are at the same baby house which is pretty cool. The 2nd couple is from New Jersey so we might have to make a road trip to visit my new friends. So it was great to talk and hear about the couples court date since mine will be one Wed so I better get ready for my big day.

I made in FInally!!

2010-02-27T11:28:00.005-05:00

Ok so I finally made it to Ekat Russia Friday night at 9PM. Yes one day late due to a unforeseen delay in New York. It was not pretty, I was 5 minutes late to get my boarding pass in New York on Aeroflat due to Delta's delays weather, no pilot and light broken on landing gear. So I land at 5:50 get to Aeroflat check in at 6:10 for a 7:00 flight and they told me check in ended at 6:05. Oh was I frustrated and upset the plane was there, they would not check me in and Delta was no help even thougth it was there fault due to all the foolish delays. So I spent the night at the Best Western and not sure where my luggage was.

Thursday I go to check in I actually was the first one in line of course in the same clothes so I am sure they recognized me and they had the pleasure of telling me that my ticket was never changed by my travel agent. Now I talked to the travel agent Wed night and told everything was all set WRONG. So after a few calls a few more tears I have a ticket and I am thru security Jake here I come. Tired and in dirty clothes hping my luggage is on its way.

For my MHS friends of course I had Flat Jackie in my carry one so to cheer me up we shared a diet coke at the Best Western in New York. I do not know how to rotate the picture so here is Jackie side ways!!

Ok now for the HAPPY stuff i got to Ekat and the Park Inn no problem Sytlana picked me up at the airport, my luggage arrived in Moscow so now I have clean clothes YAH so back to LIFE is GOOD. I check into the Park Inn and rest before my big visit with Jake.

We get to the baby house at 10 am and in comes Jake to the new play room. He was so cute came over to me and h had pants on no tights so Mattie will be happy to hear his brother had pants on not tights. Not sure if he remembered me but he did not cry and loved playing with my water bottle especially the water in the bottle. So I think he likes water Yah since we have a pool and love the beach. We played for about 2 hours he was laughing and running having lots of fun. They came and took him for lunch and can visit tomorrow at 4.

So back at the hotel I took a nap then went to the toy store to get Matties new Russian police car because the last one I brought him home was broken so he will be happy. Then I took a walk in the -20 degree weather but it was not so bad found a store to get some diet pepsi and then headed back before it got dark. So day one in Ekat was GREAT!!! ENjoy the pictures of my boy and me!!!

Court date!!

2010-02-21T21:20:00.002-05:00

Hello, I finally got THE CALL this past Thursday telling me my court date in March 3rd so I leave for Russia this Wednesday and get to see Jake Friday the 26th. I am so excited and busy trying to get things done at home, spend time with Mattie, pack and plan my trip to Russia.

So I will be in Russia for a week and a half then I will come home for about 6 days then back to Russia. If all goes as planned I will pick up Jake March 17th so Happy St. Patricks day for us. I think I will have to get a nice Irish knit sweater for Jake on Gotcha Day!!!

Mattie is excited that his brother is finally almost home and is picking and choosing what toys Jake can play with and what he can't let the brotherly LOVE begin!!!! Oh and of course Mattie wants a new car from Russia so off to the toy store when I am there.

Possible court dates!! YAH

2010-02-11T21:51:00.002-05:00

OK I got the best email of 2010 today!!!! I have two possible court dates either Feb 26th or March 3rd, so yes 2 weeks from tomorrow I can be meeting with the judge in Russia and be one step closer to bringing Jake home!!! Yes Jake mommy will be seeing you soon maybe in little over a week!!

So Feb. school vacation starts tomorrow so that will give me time to pack, make plans for Mattie, finish my MCAS Alts for work , and get the house ready for Mattie's little brother Jake to finally come home after almost a year!!

Well it is 10PM and Mattie and I still have to frost the cupcakes for this school party tomorrow so I will post more details when we get them.

Almost There!!

2010-01-20T19:45:00.003-05:00

OK I am almost done!! WHFC has all my paper work except my letter from my accountant which I got today and my friend Christine's Dad came with me to notarize it, so I am off to Fall River first thing in the morning to get it Apostiled. Now my car loan paper work that has been a night mare. I am HOPING it was faxed to WHFC tonight and they will find it tomorrow morning. Oh yes and I am waiting for a letter back from the State of MA about my accountants credential so with any luck WHFC will have it all by this Friday and a court date will soon follow.

Mattie is still waiting patiently for the arrival of his baby brother and he blows him a kiss every night and he hopes it makes it to Russia!!!

This weekend we went shopping for a new dresser so now Mattie and Jake have their own full of clothing. So the house is now ready for Jake to come home to his mom and big brother. So I am now hoping for a court date early February!!

Good News, NO GREAT NEWS!!

2010-01-07T19:44:00.002-05:00

Ok so on Tuesday Jan 5th I got an email from WHFC and guess what the Judge finally looked at all my paper work and I got my redue list for paperwork!! Mattie and I was so excited to have heard from the Ridiculus Judge ( that is what Mattie calls him) about baby Jake. So there are 15 things I need to get done but I already gave WHFC my medical forms, Dr. certification forms and my FBI finger prints so that leaves 12 items. Well as of tonight the 7th I have 6 done and 6 to go so I am half way there!! WHFC wants them by Jan 22nd but I am hoping to get them done by next Friday the 15th so wish we luck. I am waiting to get my employe letter, letter from my car loan company and the rest of the information I need to get from my Act. so I think it is do able.

Yes everything needs to be apostiled so I will be making a few trips to FallRiver but it will get done. It is just nice to know the Judge has read my stuff and he knows I am working very hard to bring Jake home. So hopefully I will get a court date in Feb. which means I will be going to LL Ban to get some WARM boots!!!!!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-14T21:07:00.005-05:00

I do not have all my blog friends address so here is a Christmas card to you from Mattie, Jake and Beth.

Still no news from the judge, I do not know what he is waiting for??? But Mattie said it the BEST the other day he asked me if people where your family even if they are far away and I said YES of course they are!! He really wants to meet his brother NOW. So hopefully the judges list will not be to long and hopefully I get it soon so I can work on it over my school vacation!!!

I will keep you all posted

we are still here WAITING

2009-12-07T20:28:00.003-05:00

Hello, Well I talked to Jennifer from WHFC and NO news yet from the Judge maybe tomorrow!! Mattie and I are getting a little no a lot inpatient waiting to hear from THE JUDGE about what else he wants. I did get my Dr forms notorized on Friday because the last one expired??? ANd I think my FBI clearance will be here tomorrow I hope because I got a call Fed Ex is coming tomorrow and I am not expecting any thing else unless it is a early xmas gift. Poor Mattie just wants his brother home now it is getting hard to explain this whole waiting process to a VERY smart 4 year old! Well I have to get back to baking cookies for Mattie's school bake sale tomorrow, hopefully I get the list from the judge tomorrow I will update when I get the list I promise.

The Judge

2009-11-05T20:28:00.002-05:00

Well I got a email from Svetlana today and she is going to see Jake tomorrow so I should be getting updated information and maybe some pictures YAH!!!! Also she said ALL my paperwork has made it to the courts so I should be hearing from the judge in the next 2 weeks to see what he wants redone so it is getting closer!! I can hope to travel before the end of 2009 but not sure if that is possible. Mattie asks about his brother everyday, he was even ask questions about him at day care so he is READY for his brother to come home!!

Mattie's newest thing to ask me is when is his baby sister is coming?? I tell him I just think he will be having a baby brother and he says no he needs a sister to YIKES!! I think I have to say no to him for the first time I do not think I can go thru another 2 years of ALL this paper work!!

SO I am keeping my fingers crossed that the judge only needs a few things redone and I can get the needed documents quickly. I already sent for an update from the FBI for the fingerprints so one thing started who knows how many more to go???

Still Waiting

2009-10-04T22:31:00.003-04:00

Well I am still waiting to hear from the Ekat judge to see what he wants me to redo!! I hope I hear something soon, Mattie can not wait till his brother comes home. This weekend Mattie and I went to a Moon Festival party and had a great time. Thought you would love to see a picture of us from the Festival.

Happy Birthday Baby Jake

2009-09-22T20:36:00.004-04:00

Happy 2nd Birthday baby Jake!! Mama's last bit of paper work was sent to Russia today. Your big brother can not wait for you to get home, he talks about you everyday!!

This is one of my favorite pictures of Jake. He is wearing the shirt we sent him, and Mattie picked out the Pooh Bear to send him.

DONE Yes DONE for now!!

2009-09-21T20:51:00.002-04:00

Ok August was VERY busy for us. Finished all my Doctor appointments, went to CA for Sandra and Eric's wedding and YES Mattie was the cutest ring barrier and back to school for me. Mattie turned 4 , and now sits in a booster seat he is so proud of himself. And when talking to him about his brother Jake he gets very excited and DO NOT say to him he is going to be a big brother because he will CORRECT you and say he is ALREADY a big brother. He can not wait for Jake to come home every time we do something he says " I wish Jake was here". He also says he wants to go to Russia NOW and steal baby Jake and bring him home he is sick of waiting for the judge, as am I but I tell him we need to wait and have patience!!

So now it is September!! Well I finally was able to get ALL the Dr's notorized which was not an easy feet. Today I went to Fallriver to finish getting things appostiled again not as easy as it sounds but I did not leave Fall River till every thing was correctly notorized and appostilized, thank goodness I have wonderful 1 to 1 aides in my class to cover my room this morning. OK and after work I was off to Waltham to WHFC to drop off my last documents. So now all my 40 or so documents are in Russia or on there way to be translated then off to the judge to look over. So now it is back to waiting I hope the judge sends me a short list to redue but who knows.

Lucky for Mattie and I we did receive some more updated photos of Jake. He looks great and he received the cloths and stuff animal of Pooh bear Mattie sent him which made Mattie's day.

So Close and yet so far

2009-07-29T20:16:00.000-04:00

Here is Jake. Sytlana emailed me some updated pictures and Mattie and I were VERY excited!! We are not sure what he is eating?? But we know it is not Papa Gino's Pizza!! I know I am not a great cook but I hope I can do a little better then that?!?!?! WOW it has been 3 months since I first meet Jake and I hope he is home with us soon.
Well all the paper work is DONE and APOSTILED except one more Dr Apt next Tuesday and Mattie's Birth Certificate which has been a night mare to get and still have not received it!! That is another LONG story for another day or blog.

I have a meeting at WHFC on Monday and will hand in all the paperwork I have done and they will be sending it to Ekat to get translated so YAH some progress.

I sent a care package over to Jake with a family and I know he received it and I have another one on the way with another family so Mattie is excited about sending things to his brother.

Oh and Mattie does not want to be called a little boy any more he wants to be called "Big Brother" and since he is a big brother he does not know WHY he needs to sit in a car seat. Oh yes I am in trouble with him.

Almost Done with paperwork

2009-07-15T22:08:00.000-04:00

Well tomorrow I have an apt. with the neurologist then 2 more Dr apts and they will be done. I was able to find a oncologist and a Psy. to see me so I will be done on Aug 4th with the apt!!! YAH and since the sun has finally come out I should pass my psy. apt. LOL!!!

After my apt tomorrow I am going to head to FallRiver for more appostilling. WHFC said they will send what I have done to Russia and then wend the medical stuff when it is done so that is some POSITIVE news! Mattie and I have been waiting patiently but Mattie does ask nearly every day when is his brother coming home and he has big plans for him and his brother when he gets home. I hope he is this excited when Jake is actually home with us.

Not much more to report the judge in Ekat. comes back from vacation on August 3rd so hopefully he had a great time and is well rested and ready to look over some adoption paperwork. I can not believe it has almost been 3 months since I met Jake, I hope he will be home soon.

Since the weather finally cleared up Mattie and I have been enjoying the pool and the beach so that is a good thing. Here is a picture of my little surfer dude. And also a picture of us that I am putting in my paperwork packet hopefully the judge likes it.

Check list

2009-06-17T20:16:00.000-04:00

Ok my list is getting checked off day by day YAH!!! FBI fingerprints back and once again no crime has been committed. Psy eval done, guardianship letter done, birth cert. and divorce cert updated since the judge in Russia considered them expired, so now I just need to finish my Dr apt. and Mattie needs a physical then I will be done. I am still trying to get an appointment with an oncologist and a psychiatrist so if anyone knows of one in my area please let me know. I live 20 minutes south of Boston. On Wednesday I am going to go to FallRiver and get what I have done Appostilled.

Three more days left of school then my summer vacation begins. Mattie is very excited to go to the beach and swim in the pool so all we need now is some SUN!! I checked the weather and it will be warmer in Ekat. Russia then here go figure??

Mattie is getting excited about being a big brother. Every day he asks when is Jake coming home. Today he started to pack his back pack and he thinks he is going to Russia with me?? YIKES, I am telling him he needs to stay home to get the house ready for Jake, but he wants to go. I do not think I can handle 2 little ones alone in Russia so Mattie will have to stay home.

2 doctors down 6 to go

2009-06-02T20:23:00.000-04:00

Well the pool is almost clean and Mattie is ready to go swimming!! I am so excited I was able to see 2 doctors this week so just 6 more to go. And I got my Psy. eval done so now I have documentation that I am sane!!

Mattie new thing is that he can not wait for his baby brother to come home because he wants to be taller then someone. So lets keep our fingers crossed that Jake does not get to tall over the next couple months so Mattie will be taller then him for a little while any way.

Paper work Part #2

2009-05-28T18:18:00.000-04:00

It is hard to believe that it has been one month since I meet my son Jake. I hope he knows mommy is home working hard to get back to Russia to bring him home. Mattie is so excited about being a big brother. Any time he puts on something that is to small he gives it to me and says to save it for his baby brother. I do not think Mattie understands that Jake will probably be 2 years old when he comes home, Mattie has plans on carrying him around and he is picking what toys he can play with and what ones BABIES do NOT play with!! He even finally shared a picture of Jake with his daycare which was a big move since he would not talk about Jake over there at first and would say "it is a secret".

Ok I am about half through round 2 of the paper work for the judge in Ekat. It is like having another full time job. I have made some of the Dr. apt. but can not see some of the Dr.'s till July so trip 2 will probably not be till November at the earliest!!!!

I am hoping to find some one who is going to Ekat. Russia this summer so I can send Jake a care package and I am hoping to maybe get some pictures between now and trip 2.

Well time to give Mattie dinner but I just thought I should update my blog.

Last day with the little guy

2009-04-30T07:33:00.000-04:00

Hello, And yes it was my last visit with the little guy today. The nanny's said he knew his mommy was coming ok now I need to get the paper work so I can get back here. We had a great visit!! We went outside and of course he was all bundled up.

They let us take him to the grocery store today so we could buy cookies for the kids. I think it was his first trip to a store but it won't be his last. Wait till he gets home Mattie will show him around the mall and tell him Mommy's favorite word in on sale.

The nanny's said they loved the lotion I brought them so back to Target to get some more. And thank you Auntie Carolyn the perfumes were a huge hit. I bet these Nanny's would be regulars at our school store. SO I took lots of pictures and video so Mattie can see his new baby brother. I just talked to Mattie and he was very excited to hear only one more sleep till Mommy comes home and he can not wait to get the cars I bought him. Wait till he has to start sharing his toys with baby brother YIKES we better start working on that.

Well for my last afternoon here I walked around the city and got caught in a rain storm so yes I was soaked and muddy. That should be fun packing muddy clothes maybe I should just leave them here?? I hope you like the pictures from today and I will be home word bound at 3AM Russia time Friday morning. Why bother going to bed.

Day 3

2009-04-29T12:59:00.000-04:00

Hi,, Got to visit my little guy this morning. It was drizzling out so we visited inside. He seems happy to see me I get smiles and no tears. He plays with the stacking cups, likes the photo album of me Mattie and the family which I am going to leave him. Today he had fun taking everything in and out of my bag. He giggles and babbled some words today.

The hardest part of visiting the baby home s when all the little kids look at me and some say MAMA I told Sylanta they are so sweet and I wish I could take them all home!!!!!! She said all are not available for adoption some parents are still involved and some parents are in jail and having their kids in the baby home may be there ticket out . How sad. Lucky for me Gennadly's parents did not sign his birth cert. so no one will be coming back so it will make court easier for me.

Today I had my first real russian meal. Sylanta took me out to lunch. I had salad, cabbage soup and some kind of chicken/rice dish not so bad and herbal tea. ANd yes a diet coke can not have a meal with out my favorite. Sylanta has been great and works very hard for us and the children so as soon as I get home I will work on my paper work so I can get back here quickly to bring home Mattie's brother.

I talked to Mattie on the phone today. He seems to be doing great I told him 2 more sleeps and mom will be home. I found him cookies and cars so he will be happy because that is what he told me he wanted from Russia.

Thanks everyone for all your messages and emails I love to read them!!!!!!! OK I will post a new picture then to sleep for me it is 11pm here.

Beth

Out side visit

2009-04-28T13:00:00.000-04:00

I am back in my room. Here is a picture from today visit. We went out today, it was not that cold but they sure bundled him up. He was giggling today it was so cute. 2 more days to visit then home to do more paper work.

Out to eat

2009-04-28T11:28:00.000-04:00

Ok I brought my computer to dinner so I can maybe ICHAT with my classroom. I am at the hotel resteraunt which is pretty good. I am just getting a burger I am not that daring when in other countries by myself. Do not want to get sick so a old fashion burger and a diet coke. For my weight watcher friends I am not sure how many points it will be, but I did lots of walking today.

OK I think there is some kind of party /function going on. Picture this, me and my computer in the corner and long tables of people laughing, talking drinking and now a man is talking on a microphone. DO not know what he is saying hopefully he is not talking about the girl in the corner on her computer they are laughing now and now there is music. I feel like I am the uninvited guest to some kind of party???

Oh well a girl has to eat. At least some of the music is in english, do not worry I will not be dancing.

Beth

No More Waiting

2009-04-27T23:30:00.000-04:00

Great Report

2009-04-27T23:26:00.000-04:00

Hello, This morning I received a email back from the Dr. in RI. I had sent him all the medical information I received on the little guy along with the photos that were taken of him and he said HE LOOKS FINE. That made my day, I know he looked great and the medical information did not sound to scarey but it was nice to hear from the Dr.

So right now I am waiting to go spend the morning with him. I have my bag full of toys and some animal cookies so I am ready to go. And yes I have my camera and video camera so I will be taking lots of pictures.

Beth

OK, OK, THE NEWS YOU ALL HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR!

2009-04-27T09:25:00.000-04:00

Hello, Well here I am in Russia. The trip to get here not so bad. MyWHFC rep. Svetlana picked me up at 9:45 am and off we went. Yes it is cold here so the winter coat was on!! NO flip flops n Russia

We had to notorize a paper then off to the Ministry to find out my referral. Now I have been trying to get in touch with Mattie other wise known as the BOSS to tell him first but he is not at day care yet and no one is answering my home phone so I am not quiet sure where my 3 year old is. Maybe out for coffee with grandpa. Now do not worry I know he is fine with either Aunt Lizzy or Grandpa, and I will call day care again to make sure he is not skipping and at the beach or working with Grandpa.

So are you ready to hear brother or sister for Mattie? I wish I could have Malcolm (my student) do a DRUM roll for you. So with out any more delays or me babbling on I would like to announce that Mattie is a BIG BROTHER to a baby BOY!!! I know we were thinking pink but who knows what Mattie would have done with all those poor barbies and dolls in the house. He would have been stuffing them in his trucks using them as base balls etc., etc..

HE is adorable and his birth date is Sept 22 2007. He is in baby home #5 for all you Ekat families reading this. His birth name is Gennadily (old Russian name), so I think we might be changing it, I will have to consult with THE BOSS. From what was told to me he seems very healthy and I have sent the info. to Dr. in RI so I am waiting to hear back from him.

Unfortunately we got to the baby home at nap time so was able to see him for a short time (5 minutes). He smiled at me, walked over to me. let me pick him up and again he is adorable brown hair and eyes and small so he will have to start eating out of the snack draw with his big brother when he gets home to fatten him up. Svetlana took a few pictures on her phone camera so if she emails me them I will post them, if not I will take LOTS tomorrow to show him off!!

OK I am going to get dinner now then get some rest for my big play date tomorrow with my son. And I hope my students in room 5 add checking my blog to their morning meeting.

Happy Mother of now 2 boys!! Beth

Germany

2009-04-26T09:46:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone, I am half way there. I am in the Sheraton in Frankfort Germany. My flight was no problem. I had 2 very large diet pepsi's before I got on the plane and a slice of pizza, not sure what I will be eating the rest of the week?? The plane was huge I sat between 2 very nice people and watched the airline movie ink heart(strange movie). Landed in germany 6am germany time and checked into my hotel. I know this is a boring post but just want to keep yo all updated of my adventure.

I slept for about 8 hours off and on and now I am ready to go. Mattie still thinks I am bringing him home both a brother and sister so I hope he is not to disappointed when there is only one. I hope everyone is enjoying the warm weather at home I have my winter coat and boots and am ready for Russia and to meet my little one.

So tomorrow (Monday) is the BIG day. I will get picked up at 9:30 do some paper work then off to the Minestry to find out if it is a girl or boy??? I am getting very excited and can not wait to meet him or her. I should be able to meet the child on Monday so stay tuned for information and PICTURES!!

Well I am off to find a diet pepsi and some breakfast or lunch, I think lunch here in Germany and then get my plane at 7:30. I do not think I will venture to far today maybe next time since I will be taking this route 2 more times. Does anyone know can you get frequent flier miles on Luftansa???

Until tomorrow keeping wondering boy or girl or as Mattie would say Baby Lyla or Jake.

Beth

My bags are packed almost.

2009-04-25T00:36:00.000-04:00

Hello, Well it is 12:30 and Mattie finally fell asleep at about 11:30pm so now I can finish packing. I think I have everything I need, warm clothes, gifts, camera, video camera, toys, movies and my paper work. SO my LONG journey begins tomorrow. Mattie keeps asking to go with me but I tell him he needs to stay home to take care of grandpa and auntie. He is excited about being a big brother and I can not believe I am 3 days away from meeting the newest member to the Hurley family! Mattie wants a brother and a sister so if he had his way I would be getting twins!! I think one more will be fine for me and Mattie.

The next time I update I will either be in Germany or Ekat Russia so stay tuned and follow along as the journey to Matties brother or sister continues. Well I should probably get some sleep since I have some traveling to do. Beth

On your mark get set go

2009-04-19T19:37:00.000-04:00

Here is the update you have all been waiting for. This week for me was like running a race a couple times. I had to hurry and sign papers, get them noterized then apostilied, then scan and email them to WHFC not once but had to do this twice this week. Well I finally got confirmed travel information on Friday the 17th.

So here are my travel plans, I leave Logan at 4;30 pm on Saturday April 25th, arrive in Frankfort Germany at 5:20 am and leave Frankfort at 7:30 pm and land in Ekat Russia at 4:30 am Monday April 27th. Yes what a travel agenda. I am actually on planes for 7 hours then it is 4 hours to Russia. It is all the time differences and yes you read it right the 14 hour layover in Germany. So when in Germany I might get a hotel room at the airport sleep for a couple hours and then if possible maybe do some sightseeing?? I will have to talk to the travel agency about my time in Germany I do not want to get stuck there.

So fast forward to Monday morning 4/27/09 I land in Russia 4:30 am, get a ride to my hotel and get picked up at about 9:00 to go get my referral and see a picture of the newest addition of our family. We still do not know if it is a girl or a boy and I am in big trouble because Mattie is now convinced he is getting a brother AND sister so we will see how this goes. After I get the referral it is off to the baby house to hear all the information on the child then the 1st meeting so Monday will be one EXCITING day.

Of course this week is my school vacation I guess my timing is not good but you have to go when Russia wants you so here I go. So this week I will do school plans, MCAS alts and any other school stuff that needs to be done at the beginning of the week. Thursday and Friday will be spent packing ( I think it will be cold there so now spring clothes), get things organized for Mattie and Landscaping and just having fun with Mattie maybe a visit to the zoo or to the circus if we can ft it in. Beth

So get ready to follow my next adventure and I am one week away from completing my family and meeting my little girl or boy.

Fed EX pick up

2009-04-06T18:25:00.000-04:00

Hi, OK yesterday I got everything ready to send for my VISA. I called Fed Ex and he said "leave the envelope outside the door and it will be picked up at 9AM". So Mattie and I left it in the door and off to work/daycare we go. Me thinking at 9 am the envelope is being picked up and is off to New York for my VISA. We get home at 5 and the Fed Ex envelope is STILL in the door. I get a little panicky and MAD so I call FED EX and the nice lady tells me he ment any time after 9AM and the truck should be there soon. At about 6PM Mattie sees the FED EX truck pull up. He is very excited and hands the envelope over to the man, then the questions start. Can I go in the truck, the man answers you do not want to do that it is really dirty!! Mattie of course being Mr. I will clean it says well why doesn't he clean it!! I said first mommies stuff needs to be delivered so she can get to Russia then he can clean it. One more step closer to seeing my little cuttie waiting for me in Russia!!! Beth and Mattie

Happy Birthday Grandpa 4/3/2009

2009-04-04T15:50:00.000-04:00

Hello, I got "The Call" on my dads birthday, 4/3/09 at 2:19 while I was at work. My cell phone rang and I did not recognize the number but had a feeling I should answer it and it was Vica from WHFC!! I was so excited jumping around and screaming not proper behavior for school but my students did not seem to care they were so excited for me, I could see it in all their faces. So yes I have a referral but do not know if it is a girl or boy?? Vica mentioned traveling maybe the week of April 20th which caused me to yell right in her ear (sorry) because that is my April vacation so that would work out perfect where work is concerned. But believe me when they tell me to travel I am going!! I told Mattie he is offically a big brother and his brother or sister are waiting in Russia for me. So what does he say "I am a big brother and you are a big mamma." All I could do is laugh and tell him he does not need to use the BIG word for mamma. So I made some calls and printed out more paper work to be filled out and notorized before I can travel.

So my next step is to get my Visa. Then the packing begins and luckly the weather seems to be warming up a bit there but I think I can leave my flip flops home. Beth

Waiting, waiting and still waiting!!!

2009-03-30T18:40:00.000-04:00

Well here we sit and wait for the referral for Mattie's baby brother/sister. My agency is telling me I should hear something in April so luckly April begins this Wednesday. Mattie and I have been keeping busy. Saturday the weather was great so we were outside all day. Grandpa came over and helped us with yard work and he put the training wheels on Mattie's 2 wheel bike so he is ready to go. Now we just need to get him a new helmet. Today the guys went out working so the landscaping season has offically started and I work I have my MCAS ALTs to keep me VERY BUSY. So as I wait I have plenty to do but it would be nice to get my referral and travel dates soon.

Maybe things will work out perfect for me and travel to Russia will be over my April school vacation week. Right now a couple I met at a Russia travel meeting for WHFC are in Yeketerinburg Russia meeting their 2 boys so lucky for me they have been giving me tips so my trip should run smoothly.

Hopefully my referral comes before the Easter Bunny or maybe the Easter bunny will deliver it himself wouldn't Mattie love that candy and news about his baby brother/sister.

We will keep you posted, Beth and Mattie

practicing putting in photos

2009-03-10T20:22:00.000-04:00

Well I figure it is best if I learn how to add photos now so when in Russia I can add them for all of you to see as I travel. Here are some photos of our big shopping spree. Hope I can do this!! Beth and Mattie

Shopping

2009-03-08T20:58:00.000-04:00

Mattie and I went shopping last night and what a bargain we found. As I have taught Mattie wait till it goes on sale and boy did we find a sale. At Old Navy we found hats and mittens for 47 cents, yes that is right 47 cents each so we picked up 20 for me to donate to baby H's orphanage. I am sure I will be gong back to pick up more, they will be easy to pack and very useful in Russia!!

New Adventure

2009-03-07T20:24:00.000-05:00

Mattie and I decided to start a blog so everyone can follow along as our family grows. I am hoping to travel to Russia the end of March or the beginning of April to meet Mattie's brother or sister. This is my first time designing a blog so bear with me. Beth and Mattie