So the trip here was not the easiest thing I've ever had to do... There was never a time when I wanted to break down and sob, but I wasn't necessarily enjoying myself. I had to remind myself that my child is NOT the first NOR the last to cry on an airplane! Logan had such trouble staying confined to the seat. We walked around some, but it's just not as nice as it seems when your kid is big and the aisles are small. Never failed, every time we lifted off what when Logan decided he had to pee in the potty. Kian did pretty well with the entertainment part, but he did not sleep at all which was rough. My children, like many, get noisy and restless the tireder they get. Like a stream of whiney nonsense-noise. It's a lot of fun. All that negativity aside, though and the trip was only 6/10 on a 1-10 scale of unbearableness. And it's over, so that's a good thing! :) Carrie and Drew were wonderful to have along, they helped a lot. We were afraid that some of the transport pieces were going to be difficult because we did not bring our car seats (they don't use them in Ukraine like we do in the States). That was a non-issue, though, because we took a shuttle from the hotel to the airport, and then a bus from LaGuardia to JFK. Then... we were in Ukraine and it quit mattering. :) We were so so so so tired when we arrived in Belgorod after about 30 hours of travel, and the kids were beyond. Logan had fallen into his third nap/trance and Kian was playing ADHD style to fight off his stupor. They were in Carrie and Drew's quality care while we were taken on some paperwork tasks. Then with those done, we were finally able to sleep off some of our jet lag. I've never experienced my children falling asleep so fast as they did that night. Supper and baths and books and BOOM asleep before we had the lights out. Pretty similar for us. We stayed up to do a few minor things to get ready for the court and then we were asleep the moment our heads hit the pillows. This morning was court day! I wish someone would have told me to write down some of our answers to the court questions, so we didn't have to start every question with "Um". But with the help of our translator's briefing on what types of questions they would ask, it went pretty well. The best part is, they concluded that we should be Gianna's parents! We were granted permission to take her on a celebratory outing to eat and to the park. Then we hung out at our hotel with her until we had to return her to the orphanage. She was shy at first when we all were together (Kian and Logan included), but she warmed up to them over time. She was so excited about the doll and necklace we gave her. She colored a bunch while I did needlepoint and it was really sweet to see her so quiet and focused on a task. She was also very excited when I showed her the clothes that I brought for her. She wanted to try one of the outfits on and I was glad that it fit her. After we returned her to the orphanage I made supper and we went on a short walk to the grocery store and Logan passed out soon after. Kian followed soon after. All in all a very full, exciting time so far!!! Now starts the waiting. In 11 days the court decree becomes final and we can sign her out of the orphanage. We will be trying to find things to fill all 11 days and make them somewhat interesting, in between our visits with Gianna at the orphanage and to find things for the boys to occupy their days. The adventure continues!!!
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