Children Museum

Not too unusual but Sanija but she woke about 1 o'clock in the morning and could not fall asleep. She did what I had asked, if ever she can’t sleep to wake me up……. and woke me up.  As the TV can be a little complex we asked her if she would like to sleep in our bed with us. Mommy rolled over and Sanija tucked herself in and before long was fastest Asleep.

With the sun rose so did Sheri and decided to go out for a morning run.  By the time she returned we were all awake and Sanija it was set to make breakfast.  

Before school work would start the girls enjoyed an All-American TV show series. They were introduced to the classic Brady Bunch!  For the first episode I thought I would send them on the Grand Canyon adventure.

Homework was next on the agenda and the girls worked for about an hour to an hour and a half. Sanija was showing some tears as she could not get a grasp on the math that she loves so much.  Sheri worked with her as best she could but I think Sheri started to cry as well when she try to understand common core.   Nata and I worked on spelling and math for our session.  Surprisingly to me she was actually able to read English fairly well.  I take that back, I was very, very impressed at how well Nata was able to read English.

Before long it was time to get ready to start our day. As Sanija had taken your shower last night only Nata and I needed to get ready at this point.  While mommy was getting ready she had asked me if I could take the girls out to lunch.   Without hesitation I accepted as it was the first time since we picked up Nata that I was able to take the girls off on my own. After we got out of jail… Only kidding!   By the time we returned Sheri was ready and we set out for the children's museum.   This museum is very much an interactive museum for the girls to try all sorts of science experiments and the girls had a blast doing it.  They even set out on a quest to locate  items around the museum on a scavenger hunt.   While waiting for the girls to complete their time at the museum Sheri decided to read the book she has been interested in. The book titled was SLEEP and you know what, she fell asleep! I guess the book worked.

It was difficult to pull the girls away but we needed to head home. Along the way we stopped off for some needed clothing items for Nata. Days before and we inspected all she had brought from the foster family and it wasn’t much. In fact, it was the same clothes we bought her for her trip out to S.D. for hosting and nothing more. We did notice the double lined winter coat we had bought her was absent. She told us it was too small and gave it to the 5 year old. Funny, how all the other clothes still fit. Buy ya know what? We didn’t care. I will we could have help out the last forster family a lot more. I’m still impressed with that foster mother and all she does.

Anyhow, Try buying clothing for 1 child and see if it goes over well for the other. Let’s just say Sanija got a few nice pieces of her own.

Upon arrive at our apartment, Sanija dicided she was going to make dinner for everybody. An assortment of vegitables was made for everybody. Ummm…….except me. I had to run down to the local KFC to get a chicken sandwich.

Tonight was family movie night as we snuggled up on the couch together. Tonights screening of the Live-Action Cinderella was on the dockette.  Sitting by Sanija, Sanija had other ideas. How this night tranlsted to her was….”oh good, Daddy’s sitting by me. Time to Pinchy pinch, tickle, poke, pillow smoother and a host of other assorted wrestling moves. Nata and Mommy finally had enough and told us in a not so,,,,,pleasant voice….to kindly stay seated and STOP TALKING!

After the movie ended (10:30) for some reason the girl ran to their studies. Sanija to Math and Nata to her workbook. Wait…..what…..school work………No bed time!!!!!  With much resistance we finally tucked them in.

We did a call from Ilze today and her voice was finally back. She said she was feeling better and would be coming by tomorrow. We hope so.

This adoption is sooooo different than our last one.  Whereas, we needed to convince Sanija to be with us and with Nata it’s not even a thought.  She speaks about going back to San Diego often. Both girls were in a very different situation and each adoption has it’s own characteristics.

Nata continues to be very close to Sheri. Nata cares for me but I think from a distance. In reviewing the history of both girls and the current history of Nata we know that men were not really present in their lives. There is/was more to say here but that is not for publication.

For those reading this blog who read our last adoption blog, I’m sorry (not really) that this new blog just does not have the same emotional heart strings attached to my writings. As mentioned before, very different adoptions.

Master of all I survey

School Day

A beautiful morning with a crystal clear blue sky slowly changed to a gray, cloud heavy rainy forecast. The aroma of wet stone slowly filled the small, narrow streets and ally’s.  A perfect receipy  for some at home indoor activities. School work, dancing, shopping and eating would be the quest for the day.

Apparently, a great nights sleep for everyone. After breakfast the girls started right up doing their homework. With all the excitement of the first couple of days we let Sanija slide a bit on doing her studies. She has been doing her travel log everyday but her assigned home…well…..

But now it’s time to buckle down. Both girls worked hard at their assignments. Sanija’s teacher, Ms. de Goede was kind enough to set Nata up with an online account to a school program. Nata worked hard on her math for a couple of hours. Sanija has daily assignments in Math, Reading, Writing, Spelling and reading comprehension. Although working hard, every time Nata had a question, Sanija was the first to help, rather than let professor Daddy or scholar Mommy help her. Soon, she realized that her work would not be done unless we helped out. Mommy and Daddy each helped out in a variety of way.

After reading some of her math problems such as: equivalent decimals, Compound this, Exponent that….maybe I need a quick refresher course…..maybe, just maybe.

Since I have a little time on my hands let me tell you about our apartment. First off, it’s right in the heart of Old Riga. The street name literally translates to Sinner’s Street! Well, maybe in days of old but now it’s full of restaurants, cute family owned shops and souvenirs stores. The apartment is rather larger for a two bedroom space.  It’s located on the 5^th floor but luckily this building has an elevator. The elevator, if that is what you want to call it is a bit…….small. Putting two people in it can be very cozy to say the least. Three people and you have to literally squeeze into it. Can you say claustrophobia? The building itself looks fairly new but I’m sure it is just the facing. As far as the kitchen…it’s a kitchen, very basic and small but it does have everything a bachelor would want. Unlike our last apartment in Riga, this apartment has an actual stand up shower. Until you go without one (for a month) you don’t realize just how important a stand up shower is.  We also have a handful of T.V. station that are in English but Sanija tends to watch many shows in Russian, a language she doesn’t understand. Go figure?!

As I’m writing this passage, Sanija has move on to Antonyms. I’m impressed how well she understand the opposite of words – good going Sanija.  Hopefully, as the week goes on we will get more efficient at school and our routine should improve.  

It’s now 2:15pm and soon the four of us will get ready to venture out for the day.

While everybody was getting ready, I… yes I, am the master of all things electronic. Last year I tried to use chromecast with our Latvian T.V but my own mastery of all thing electronics was only equaled by my own monumental  failure to get the darn thing working. Yet, I push on with superior intellect in my attempt to make this….this ….Pandora box to work properly.  Once again, my failure to rival the unknown piece of electronic left me with an uncertainty of my electronic skills. But with the urgency of the upcoming trip to Latvia I once again sought to conquer this satanic device to once again have my hopes and dream smashed against the rock in the sea of despair.  Not knowing “WHY”, I brought this piece of frustration with me. Alone, I was going to give it one more try. I connected my external hard drive to my Surface table. I then connected my Chromcast to the HDMI  input on the T.V. I then went to press the “Menu” on the clicker and pressed it firmly I did.  Up on the T.V popped the menu  in %$#%^& Russian. What they……Russian. This couldn’t be happening……Holy……… For one hour I went back and forth with setup direction learned to read Russian (or at least the pretty colored pictures) eventually what was on my computer was magically transferred to the big screen T.V. Yes, I became the MASTER to all things electronic. What was my odyssey for over one year slipped into the history books for all to read and relish in my Mastery.

The girls heard my cheers and when I told them of my technological feet….they could have cared less. Daddy, my eldest says, lets go to store. Well, so much for super Daddy!

We went to lunch at Sheri’s favorite Steak House. She absolutely loves the heads and the skins that adorn the walls. Sanija asked to barrow my camera and took her own private model both inside and outside for a photoshoot.  I will try to post some of the photos on FB.

Soon we went off to Remi’s for a more detail shopping spree. Soon, it will be family movie night as we all snuggled up together on the couch and watch Disney’s

30 minutes later………

Okay, so much for the movie. It’s now arts and craft time.

Thoughts for the day:

I wish I could tell you just how lucky me and Sheri are when it comes to these two girls. These girls are truly the inspiration in my day. They are both entertaining and just hysterical to watch when they are on a roll. They are loving to each other as well us Mommy and Daddy. Because of their backgrounds they get so much enjoyment out of the little things in life. Having Nata now part of this family shows us just how much Sanija has grown into her own person. As Sanija becomes a young lady, I can’t wait to see the person she was destine to be. To Nata the world is an open book for her. I’m looking forward to see the wonderful story she will write.  I love these girls (including Sheri) with all my heart and soul. If you think our life is a story now, wait till chapter two starts.

Court Date

Court Date

The cobblestone streets were wet, the sky was gray and a cold wind blew the autumn leaves down the street. Somehow it was still a beautiful day and all I could see was the true majesty around me. For me, this was the day I’ve waited for since my precious daughter walked down an airport terminal in Seattle on that day I had to say goodbye. Today I would see an Orphan Court panel grant us our care and supervision rights which will lead to the ultimate adoption. Today, Nata be in my arms forever.

Sheri woke us up at the crack of 9:30 in the morning. I could have slept for another 30 or 40 .... days. Somehow, Sheri already had run a couple of miles and still got back before we awoke... how in the heck does she do that?

Today, is our official court date with the Orphan’s Court. Today we will get

Care and Supervision rights for Nata. I am so lucky that today I get to wear my favorite suit and hard uncomfortable shoes. I cannot wait! Shoot, do not forget I also get to wear one of the choking devices, I think they call it a tie. I hope these girls know just how much I love them, I mean come on, I'm wearing a suit for them. That's got to be worth something !!

So today is finally here! What we all have been waiting for this day and not just us, but Nata as well. From this point on and one day past forever, it will be the four of us. Sanija will get the sister she always wanted and Nata will get the sister she always wanted. Sheri and I will get the two girls we've dreamed of. In just a year, plus a few days our lives have changed in a way that I cannot even yet comprehend. 

We just received a call from Ilze and she will be here to pick me up in 10 minutes. Sheri and Sanija went down to ... guess where? Yep, it get breakfast. If they do not return I will run off with Ilze to pick up Nata. Gotta go!

After returning from meeting the foster mother and picking up Nata we had a couple of hours to spend together before the court hearing. Nata needed some new shoes so we ran off to the mall to pick some appropriate sparkling shoes and of course a new pair of boots. So when does a 9 year old need two pairs of shoes for a 45 minute court hearing. I don’t know, ask Sheri! As a refresher, Sheri brought 17 pairs of shoes for a 14 day cruise!

My girls, including Sheri, looked great as we entered the court proceeding. Ilze could barely speak (she’s not feeling well and did not have much of a voice) and brought in an interpreter to translate for us. The courts only asked Sheri and I to enter. I was a bit bummed as I wish Sanija could have been standing side by side with us.  There were three ladies plus the court reporter and our team there to discuss care and supervison of Nata. The questions they asked were much “lighter” than the questions asked of us for Sanija.  After 10 minutes they asked us to leave and brought in Nata to speak with the cpanel. They could not have asked much as she was back out in less than 3 minutes. Once again, they ask Sheri and I to come and read the decision.

For care and supervision we were granted custody. Yeah……

To celebrate the four of us went to the top of the Radisson Blu with one of the best views of Riga and the girls feasted on ice cream sundays.  After dinner we returned home so that the girls could write down their adventures for the day in their travel journals.

By 9pm they were off……by 9:30 they were off t……by 9:45 they went off…..by 10:00 they were off to bed……by 10:15 pm we got them to actually lay down.

Doesn’t help much when Mommy and Daddy wrestle (Tickle bug) with the girls….could have been our fault….not really sure but either way today was an exception.

I haven’t had time to measure the scope of what happened today. In mean, like WOW! The family is complete. Little moments like watching my family walk down the street together or holding hands or asking for a table for 4. That last one, was kinda special for me. I’m sure over the next day or two it will really sink in. Right now I just need to take a deep breath, inhale-exhale and try to relax. My complete family is together, two of them are in bed and a wife…doing her wife things. I’m happy!

.

The Sun is Shinning

To say we are tired would be like saying the Grand Canyon is only a hole in the ground. With the Lack of Sleep and the high emotions of today, the excitement of the last few hours and everybody is ready to crash .... but we cannot. Soon we will taking Nata back to the foster house in Baldone.

Let me see ....... Oh yes, the daffodils are blooming the Birds are singing, and everything is just right. Okay, so it's a bit corny but what can I say, our family is complete!  As mentioned before, Ilze was to meet us at our apartment at 9:30 and then a 3 minute walk to the Orphans Court. For those who followed our adventure last year you may remember our 2 hour drive into Ogre. However, the Riga Orphans Court is literally right around the corner from our apartment. We were led into a small room where her social worker went through with us Nata’s medical background. We learned more about the "old Foster," her bio-parents and new foster parents. Ilze of-course translating as she went. Some new facts came out about the "old Foster" and the death of Andre. Each time something was said bad about the old foster family I would glance over at Sanija to see how she was doing. For the most part she was good but on several occasions I could see Sanija face go blank as she listened intently. While others stayed engaged with the OC, my attention was diverted Sanija. I wish I could tell what she was thinking when she found out the foster dad didn’t put any real value on Andre’s life. Or how they did not do their jobs in prepping the girls for adoption and…… the list is too long. My sweet, strong little girl. How I wanted to just hold her.

To be honest, I think if the OC Representative would have known this was the ‘famous’ Sanija I do not think she would have spoken so strongly about the old Fosters in front of her. As it turned out near the end of that part of the session, she found out that this “was” the other girl and actually had met her before but could not recognize her because of how much she has changed.  But it was good for Sanija to hear the truth for an outside source. I just hate that there may have been pain in her heart.

After about 20 minutes or so, the rep got a buzz on her phone. She said that is was Nata. With excitement we all stood up and waited for her to arrive. In walked a smiling little girl. Both Sheri and Sanija were the first to give her a hug but Sanija will tell you she got the first. She was happy, very happy as we all gave our littlest girl hugs and kisses.

We met the new foster mom and she seemed very nice and supportive. But we needed to get back down to business. Nata took a seat on Mommy’s lap as we finish up with the second portion of business.  Unfortunately, the foster mom could not join us for drinks (coffee or water or juice) after it was done.

The two girls, Ilze, Sheri and I went over to the Fat Pumpkin (surprise, surprise). Soon it was just the Rossini family and we set off for the dressmakers shop. This is the same shop that Sanija got her traditional dress made. We learned from the last time that we needed at least 2 to 3 weeks to have her costume made. It was so fun watching everybody dote over her. Even Sanija took a back seat to her and she acted like a great sister all day long.

Next stop was the 3D ride that Sanija loved so much last year. Hearing the girls scream (fun scream) during the ride was so entertaining and so satisfying to me, it just warms my heart.

Watching my two girls act like sisters today was so much fun. The tricks on each other, the hugs and kisses, tag, racing, laughing, more laughing was just so special. I now have my perfect family and Nata is just where she is supposed to be. There is no doubt in my mind…….there never was.

Nata has picked up right where she left off when it comes to Sheri. I saw Nata grab Sheri’s hand to hold several times throughout the day. Although she still calls me Daddy, she was a little apprehensive of me. It will take a few days for her to feel comfortable with me again…..I can wait.  We come to realize

That there are no real men in her life. Even at the new Foster Home (FS) the Foster Father travels so much they really don’t see him.  It’s no wonder why Nata is afraid of men.

Before we left to take Nata back to her foster home, Sanija and Nata put on a dance recital for us. People in the building across from us must have had a fun time watching two girls shake their booty.  Both Sheri and I agreed that this is one of our favorite moments.

After a long drive to Baldone we had a chance to be with the foster family for about an hour. The kids were great and one girl in particular keep watching me. Her name was Anastacia and by the time we left I would get many hugs from her goodbye. It breaks my heart to see these kids all up for adoption. By the way, there were 5 of them not counting Nata. We exchanged gifts but Ilze has a bit of a cold. We said our fairwells and set off to return to Riga.

There is more but we just got back and I still have not slept. I’m exhausted. Tomorrow, we will meet with Ilze around twelve and the foster mom where she will hand off Nata. Our court hearing is at 2:50pm and we can’t wait. Neither can Nata.

Good night all.

Less than an hour away

Well, none of us have slept. Sanija and myself up since 1am (went to bed around 11pm). Sheri got a little more but not enough to be functional.

I sit at the dinning room table. Everybody is ready to go. In less than an hour we will meet with Ilze and a short walk to finally be reunited again with our youngest daughter. I'm trying to relax but it's difficult. I keep hearing those words of Nata over and over again, "can you come sooner". Today is the day but still an hour away. Way too long for me. I'm ready to go get her NOW!

I can't help to think whats going through her mind, what are her thoughts? The three of us have a bet going to to who she will run to first. I say me, Sanija thinks her and Mommy think she will be the chosen one. To be honest, I don't think Sheri nor I will have a chance of winning that bet. Our only hope is to cut off Sanija, tie her down and leave her at home. But it's fun to tease Sanija.

This is the beginning of the end for us. Our forth family member is about to join us forever. This time next year the Rossini family will be complete and our new lives will begin. I feel like I need to keep typing.....I need my mind to stop thinking about Nata and Sanija, I need to relax but I can't. My daughter is not with us right now and I need her to be with us.

It's 8:45am and I feel like I've been on this keyboard for hours. ....I gotta go...I'm too....wound up. The anticipation is killing me. I'm going to go build a building or something.  Oh wait....Let me take a family photo. The last of the Rossini's with only 3

Party at 4......am

Just an update: Right now it's 4:30 am...that's in the morning...like past midnight...before the sun comes up. I'm up because at 1am our daughter came into our room around 1am. She couldn't sleep. When we probed around she told us she was too excited to sleep. She couldn't wait to see Nata. We tried to get her to lay between us and fall asleep but all she did was stare at the ceiling. Being an insomniac I understood that nothing we did could make her mind relax. I made her a promise that we would both go out to the living room and watch Disney Channel but only if she laid on the couch with a pillow and blanket. My mistake! Apparently, this translates to "Time to play".  After about an hour Sheri came out and joined us. She snuggled up but apparently this translated to "More people to play with". Sheri could only take about 2 hours of this and eventually went to bed.  At some point we got the idea to facetime with Savannah. Anyhow, it's now....5am.

If there is a good point to this it is......the excitement Sanija has to see Nata and become sisters.

Eyeing my baby!

Our first full day here in Latvia. It started out....well....late in the day. I think Sheri was the first to awaken sometime around...... noonish.   It was a late night. I think we went to bed sometime around 2oclock in the morning. Keep in mind that we are 10 hours ahead of PST. There was a 23.4 hour flight (San Diego to Chicago to Stockholm, Sweden and Sweden to Riga Latvia.) I did the calculations by adding in the time difference against the circumference of the globe divided by air speed

and came up with the equation that we are all really, really tired.  Now, I won't mention any names but someone did not want to go to bed last night. She was bouncing off the ceilings and needed somebody to play with. Guess who she turned to? Yep! The biggest child of them all. It became a game for me to drag her from the living room to her bedroom, tucking her in, which usually included 5 minutes of wrestling. giving a kiss goodnight and leaving to only have her 1 minute later run back into the living and with a flying leap and shouting "incoming". Repeat

But this is our first full day in Riga. After the girls had breakfast.......or lunch at the Happy Pumpkin it was time to get cleaned up. Sanija wrapped our gifts to for the foster family and we all set out to pick up some things we needed at Rimi's. Rimi's is our local grocery store. Not like our supermarkets back in the states but still a well-stocked corner store.

Although we walked around a little it felt like putting on an old glove.  We stopped by a few of our favorite stores and picked up some needed items for survival. While at the mall we had a Mommy and Daddy moment. While in one of the stores, I saw some kids coming our way. As they passed by Sanija, about 5 yards in front of us, I purposely watch a young boy...excuse an older boy about 13 or 14 years old "eye" by baby girl. Thank God, my baby girl didn't notice the guy checking her out. After the passing, I had to tell Mommy and Sanija. Sanija didn't really care. In fact, she asked what was "eyeing". I told her but I don't think she really cared. Now Mommy on the other hand was a bit more concerned about this.  I on the other hand was not shocked as I knew it was just a matter of time. My daughter is a beautiful girl and when she dresses up...watch out!  My job is to protect her and when she starts to show an interest in boys.......I will make sure.....that......well.......I'm done talking about this!!!!!

I forgot, this morning we spoke with Ilze and it was so good to hear her voice. We spoke about the plan for tomorrow and it goes something like this:

Meet with Ilze around 9:30am
Meet with Orpahn Court representatives around 10
We will speak about any medical issues Nata may have and her background. We will then meet with Foster Mother and ask her about Nata's Likes and Dislikes, behaviors, her routine and so on. What I find funny is that she will be filling us in about all of her behaviors. Keep in mind Nata has only been living with her for 4 months and we have Sanija who was her foster sister for 4 years not to mentioned that Nata lived with us for one month.

My heart is beating faster even thinking about hold Nata again but I'm getting nervous. It's been two months since we have seen her and a lot can happen, Those darn "what if's" keep flying into my mind. What if, we are not like how she remembers us? What if, she doesn't want us to adopt her? What if.... What if...  I know she wants to be with us but it's those "what if's" that keep us on our toes.

Today we stopped by the toy store and Sanija picked up those temp tattoos she likes so much. Apparently, she will be wearing several of them tomorrow for our meetings.

Today was a bitter sweet day for me. Today was the last day that Sanija will be our only daughter. She holds a special place in my heart and I worry about her. For a year now, she has been an only child. We are still working on a few items but the two of us have connected in a way  that is too hard to describe. A bond, that that has hit both high and low points. But it was those low point that forged a unique relationship that is so special to me, I never want to give it up. Without those "rough" times we would not have become so close. I'm a bit worried that may change when Nata enters the picture. My love for Nata is just as strong as it was and is for Sanija, These ARE my two daughter and I love them both equally. But I'm afraid That Sanija might be upset by this as she sees me interact, play, talk to, hug and kiss her. I love Sanija so much I never want to see her hurt,,,EVER! But this is something else, a NEW family member.

On the other hand, I have a new daughter. I HAVE A NEW DAUGHTER! Sheri and I have the family we always wanted. My two girls are the world to me and I will do anything for them. Both girls are so different in their personalities I can hardly wait to experience life through their eyes.

These girls may not have known me for most of their lives but I have known them from the moment they were born. They have always been there, in my dreams, hopes and desires. They were there when I went to bed and there each morning I woke up. They are the best part of me and I promise to be the father you have always wanted and need.

a Special Day

What defines a day to greatness? Is a day that you overcoming some personal barrier that has been holding you back.  Is it a day that nothing and I mean nothing has you worried.  For each and every person out there must be a different answer. Yet for me September 24 is a day unlike any other day. A Great Day!

Here is sit with my two girls asleep next to me. Our daughter lies asleep between Sheri and I as we fly 40,000 feet above the Atlantic Ocean heading East.  Today will have to rank as one of the top days in my life. One year ago to the date, I gazed upon the eyes upon Sanija for the first time. If that doesn’t make this day a Great day, nothing will. But what could even make it better? On the same day we met Sanija, one year later we leave to bring home another daughter. So today, September 24, is a great day!

It started out with a family (Sheri, Sanija, myself, Kona, Tiki and Kai) walking up to our local Starbucks for some hot apple cider for the girls. After a relaxing morning our driver was to show up at 8am to drive us to the airport.  With 4 large suitcases, 3 carry-ons and 3 backpacks we made our way through the airport with little delays. This trip we flew American Airline with SAS as our connecting flights. Our international leg of the journey would start at O’hare Airport in Chicago. Now, just an hour way from arrival in Sweden we flying high over Norway. This is the long leg of 8 hours and I think Sanija was getting a little KooKoo. For the first hour of the flight I think Sheri was getting a little upset with Sanija and I. Sanija had me cracking up and her humor really came out. She was on a roll like I’ve never seen before. It literally brought tears to my eyes.

It’s been about three hours since our arrival here in Riga. Our first celebration was all of our luggage arrived at the same time we did. That was a first for us. But the next celebration brought a tear to Sheri’s eye (I think). You see, last time we here, about four months ago, the restaurant, two girls have grown to love, Happy pumpkin, was closed down.  Well, as good luck would happen, literally right next door to our apartment is the reopening of the happy pumpkin.  No sooner did our new landlord hand us the keys the girls need to visit the Happy Pumpkin.

With little more and 40 minutes sleep in the last 24 hours if Ilze  would have called and told us we could have picked up Nata, I would end in a heartbeat.

It’s late here, and very late and I’v had very little sleep if any.  I’m going to bed.

a Mermaids Message

By this time tomorrow, we will be journeying down that isolated road that is seldom travel by so few. A road that is not unfamiliar to us yet we have no knowledge of what lies ahead. If one is to take guidance from past journeys it will be difficult at best yet we have a sense of assurance given to us by an 8 year old's quivering lip-ping little girl that asks "why can't you come now" as our guide.

I can't help to, once again, recount ancient Greek stories to our  4 1/2  year odyssey to united this family. Whether it was Hercules and his twelve labors or Perseus being assigned to complete a seemingly impossible task. Somehow, each man succeeded where they were expected to fail. Like them, we have had many hardships and countless obstacles but each time we have triumph and sought for a new challenge.

When we reflect back upon the early days of first deciding to adopt, little did we know what arduous labors, tasks, impossible odds, uncertainty and heart-break that laid before us. The rewards however, so great that I can not give words to express a mere thought of the elation that these two girls have and will continue to give us. If only my tongue could articulation that happiness and joy that these adoption have given us I would become the most famous poet of past and present.

But now my minds eye, that little movie screen inside of our heads keeps playing over and over again that heart-breaking moment when my littlest girl said, "can you come get me now". I wanted to jump through the screen and pull her into my chest and wrap my arms around her and tell, "Daddy's here baby, I'm here". But I can't, for now I am 5838 miles away but she might as well be on the moon. (funny I use the moon as a reference. I'll fill you in more in just a minute) I hear those words over and over and over again.... and I have for two weeks now. It been ripping me apart inside but I can't show it.   Now, I can finally "almost" rest and I want  to say to her, "I'm on my way littlest princess, Daddy's coming!" I look to moon and whisper those words in the hope that she too will look up towards the night sky and Selene (Greek goddess of the moon)  will deliver my words.
 But time passes so slowly at this point. The day on the calendar nor the hands on the clock don't seem to move. 96 hours till I can hold my girl again. It's too long, it's got to go quicker.

Explanation:

As a mariner, I reference the moon (or Luna) a lot. It's how I communicate with Sheri when I'm on a long trans-Atlantic adventure delivering a yacht. At sea, there are no communications with the world for weeks and sometime months at a time. There are many Seafarers Tales but one of my favorite is how seamen would send messages of hope and love to theirs families back home and tell them they are on the way home.  On a moonlit night, a sailor would look out to the seas and whisper a message, just load enough for the mermaids to hear. Just before moon-set at the last glint of light before the moon sinks into the sea the mermaid would swim up the moon passage or as some call it, the shimmering road (that is the moons shinny reflection the shimmers off the water) and deliver the sailors messages to Selene, the moon goddess.  The following night, when the moon is high, if the loved one gazes upward into the night sky and looks for moon, Selene would deliver the message, not by words or actions but a feeling of love and of warmth the radiates within the body.

So at night, I whispered to the mermaids to send Nata our love and to let her know, we are coming for her.......    All she needs to do is .....look up.

So next time you look to the moon and a gentle wave of comfort or satisfaction or whatever emotion you have....... comes over you. Just remember my story and know someone sent you a message.

Wednesday Update:

Just  quick note: Sanija hurt her foot/toe last night, while playing around. We are going to Urgent Care once she is done with school.  If it is broke, she will be on crutches and can't carry her luggage. If you need me while at the airport, look for a Sherpa - I will be easy to spot!



SCROLL DOWN

Quick update (Thursday) : Not broken!

Vastly Difference

As I sit here wacking away at my computer keys I can't help to ponder the difference roads this second adoption has taken us.  The two (Sanija and Nata) are so vastly different in many ways its hard to imagine they came from the same fosters within a year of the 1st adoption.  Forget about each girl having a different personality, lets just look at the facts:

Foster Home:  Sanija 8 years   / Nata 4 years
Age of entry:  Sanija 2 yrs old   / Nata 4 yrs old
Hosted in America:  Sanija - No  / Nata - Yes
Prepped for adoption: Sanija - No  / Nata - Yes
Comfort Level with new family (Us);  Sanija - None   / Nata - Sanija did first...so good!

When I think back upon those early days of the first adoption  I still can't fathom how strong Sanija must have been. I wrote about it back in those days but almost a year has passed and I realize I way under estimated her courage that I wrote so strongly about.  I am simply at awe when it comes to courage that Sanija had shown. I could not be a more proud Daddy every time she looks at me with the wonderful smile that radiates from the beautiful face.

Soon we will have a tenacious ball of cuteness with manipulative powers only rivaled by the best of any Disney characters. Her puppy dog eyes will not only have you eating out of the palm of your hand but her divisiveness will have stolen the glove right off of it ....and done all with a smile!

The countdown is officially underway. Its, Tuesday and by Saturday we will be heading out for the next chapter in this incredible story. Preparations are in full gear. Once again, I find myself as the cruise director and technical engineer. If it has a battery, cable, charger or on and off switch it falls under my domain. With two brand new Surface tables all the apps we have come to depend on need to be installed, tested and somehow remember all the old passwords. Old tablets need to be cleaned up and loaded with all the kids favorite games. Ipods playlist updated and loaded with new music.
Camera SD card wiped clean and ready to go. Selfie sticks and cables of all sort checked and doubled checked. European converters found and ready to go and we can't forget the wireless speakers for dance night.

As cruise director I need to make sure our games are packed, silly novelty toys brought and a whole host of geo-token ready to be exchange all around Latvia. Coloring books and school material ready to go. I'm sure there are ten other things I forgot to mention but you get the point.

As a farewell, at least for the next 30 days I need to make sure I visit all my SoCal staples like Panda Express and In-&-Out.

I'm visiting banks, call credit card people, visit the vet, Pick up this and that (no less than a hundred time because there is always something you forgot) go to cleaners, pick up from cleaners, Go to United States Department of State to pick up Sanija new American Passport. Meet with Sanija teachers, check on-line accounts, check boat and a million more items.  Now add in that I have a sinus cold and can't breath, especially at night...which means no sleep.

But we have a little girls in a distant land that needs us and we need her. So somehow, we'll get it done and go get our youngest daughter.

One week and Counting

Sitting in a farm house in Baldone, Latvia sits a small girl with a quivering lip that breaks your heart and a smile that warms your soul. This morning was our last Skype call to Nata before our quest to join our littlest daughter. She was so excited to see us and we were just as eager to speak with her. But throughout the day I must say I was sad with a heavy heart. We are only 7 days away from leaving, 10 days away from being able to hold her and 11 day away from our daughter being with us full time. Yet, to her this is an eternity. We know she was excited that we are almost on our way but all she could say is, "Can't you come sooner", it bring tears to your eyes.

(This is the foster home she is staying in)

The new foster parents and foster siblings (4 girls and 1 boy) seem wonderful. Nata looks and acts happy and we are sure she is getting the support she needs from them. But for several months now, not to mention the 4 years before, she knows we are her family and love and miss her very much. She wants to be with her family and we want her. For the past few months we have Skyped her almost every Saturday and each time she asks us when we are coming to get her. But today she really pulled those heart strings.

Sanija is so excited and not just because she getting the sister she has always wanted it because apparently it means she gets a new wardrobe for the journey. Oh did I forget, not just clothes but a new look as well. I was about to post a photo when my daughter about ripped my head off. You see, she wants it to be a surprise for everybody in Latvia and some of those friends are following this blog as we speak. So NO PHOTOS of the new look.

Well today was our first "real" get ready for the trip / packing day. You ask how did we do? Well, let me just say that tomorrow will be our first "real" packing day.

Here I sit on a Thursday afternoon waiting for the Parent  / Teachers open house to begin. We are just over 1 week away from departure. Things have been moving in a...somewhat...slow gear.  We are yet to start laying out...anything. Yet to starting thinking of the clothes we will need. Yet, yet, yet... However, we did run down to the U.S. department of State to get Sanija her new American passport. We have been told it can be hard to get Sanija back into the states with out one.  You see, she is a citizen of the United States, legally adopted by us. However, her current passport is issued from Latvia and her new name on it.   We don't know if this will be an issue but we don't want to take any chances.

Let's see...what else. Oh, last week we made our reservation for both the Airlines and our accommodations in Latvia.  We are not staying in the same place we had booked before (we learned from it). No, no we did not have a desire to climb up 5 flights of stairs, 10 times a day for 30 days. Now, we have an elevator in our new residence. Don't worry, we are still in Old Town but on the outskirts where cars can actually travel on the cobblestone street.

This weekend the "plan" is to get ready. We have a million things to take care of but the tasks are divided up equally.

Daddy - 3 items

Sanija - 1 item

Mommy - 999,996 items

We're Back!

Boy, it seems like just a year ago we were packing for Latvia and getting ready to meet Sanija for the first time. Wait, umm....it was a year ago! Yes, it was almost exactly a year ago when we travel over to Latvia for the first time and now we are doing it again.

The first year with Sanija has been exciting to say the least. You would hardly recognize that girl today standing side by side. Before we left I wrote a passage that has become a beacon for so many parents hoping to adopt. Our agency even posted it on their website for all to see.  The words I wrote then are still true today.

"Have you ever looked into the eyes of someone and in that instant, a moment in time that is un-measurable by any standards and truly you were connected in a way that words can’t describe. The outcry of an emotional state of truly finding that one person you know is part of you.  And, in that instant, you saw yourself in her eyes. Although we are two worlds apart we shared the same heartbeat in that moment?  If you haven’t, than my words can’t describe the instant I looked into Sanija eyes.  For me, I will run through any gauntlet that is laid before me, fight any odds in bring home our little girl. "

...and bring her home we did. So many of you reading this have shared a moment with her, better yet, a "thread" that has and continues to be woven together in the most beautiful way to form a spectacular tapestry of her life. Both Sheri and I want to thank you for all you do and will continue to do.

But as much as I could fill a library with my loving words of Sanija, this blog is about another. An 8 year old little girl by the name of Natalija or Nata as she like to be called. A precocious whirlwind of confidence wrapped up in the tiniest of frames. It was June 20th, when I set off for Seattle to pick her up on a hosting program for one month. During those 30 days we needed to convince her  that we were the perfect family for her and she should allow the adoption.  Please let me digress for a few minutes and give you a little background information to help you understand what the challenges are ahead.

It was May 20th when the Rossini family (Sheri, Sanija and Myself) set off for Latvia for the third and final visit to officially make Sanija our legal daughter...forever! Shoot! I have to digress a little bit further back in time........It was April when Sheri and I got an email that informed us that Nata would be available for adoption if Sheri and I wanted a second child. Of course we reply, but we needed to speak with Sanija first. Without hesitation, Sanija said "yes, when can we get her." Well, it wasn't that easy. You see, Nata was not up for International adoption nor was she on enrolled in any hosting program. Here, I could fill you in on a lot of insider stuff but it would be wrong to post at this time, in fact, anytime in the future. Just know that there was many, many people working overtime to make this happen. No, not just on the U.S. side but mainly on the Latvian side. Once again, our hero can to the rescue. Many of you already know her and somebody that Sheri and I call a friend, Ilze.

I truly hope that one day all of you will get a chance to meet her. If you do, she will probably just tell you she was just doing her job but we all know the truth. If it wasn't for her.....well, you know the rest!

Okay, where was I....oh yes, I was speaking about our third trip to Latvia for finalization of Sanija. Ilze has worked out a date for the head of the Orphan Court in Riga to bring Nata to a park to privately reunite these two lost foster sisters together. It had been almost 9 months since Nata eyes had seen Sanija. For all Nata knew, she would never see Sanija again.  As the two, strolled along, Nata was only told about the meetup minutes before. From 200 yards apart, I think Sanija spotted Nata from across the park. Within seconds, Nata saw Sanija. The two ran or I should say sprinted towards one another. Arms stretched out and time stood still. Sheri, Ilze and I could not keep up and all we could see is that two young girls became one in an instant. By the time we manage to make it over to the girls we could see it was much more than two sister seeing each other. No, it was something even more special than that. There wasn't a dry eye in the house. For what seemed an eternity the girls were locked in an embrace that only those two will understand.

As I'm writing this passage I recalled an email I sent to myself on June 3.  If you don't mind I would like to post it now:
________________________________________________________________________________

Once upon a time is a great opening for a wonderful fairy tale. But fairy tales don't always involve a young princess and a handsome prince. Sometimes they involve a 10 year old and the evil foster parents.

Our story of the adoption of Sanija is over. Sheri and I watched our princess, for the first time, sign her 1st official name on a government document, Sanija Rossini.  She turned in her old passport today and became a Rossini.  We visited the doctor and was given a clean bill of health.

From every corner, people who met Sanija months ago and are seeing her for the first time since leaving Latvia are overwhelmed by her change. Sure, most of you will think it's the much shorter hair or the 1.5 inches she has grown. Nope, everybody comments on how happy see she looks. And internal grow that radiates from the inside.  Sanija is not the same little girl we met those many months ago. For the first time she now knows what real love is and it has changed her in a way we can't not describe.

Tomorrow we have one more visit to get her new passport and that will be that.  The odyssey that has taken us around the world to find our daughter is over and our life as a family has begun.

But in the third act the evil queen always returns and in our fairy-tale the evil Foster will certainly make life difficult.

Let me go back a few chapter and fill you in on the subplot to the story. Once upon a time in a  land called Latvia lived a young princess and her foster sister.

As most of you know, we had a deviation for the finalization of Sanija. Today, Monday's.we had a chance to meet Nata, Sanija Foster sister of 4 years. Before the medical exam, There would be a meeting between Sanija and her Foster sister, Nata. As most of you know there is the thought that we will be able to adopt Nate in the months to come. Anyhow, a secret meeting we set up to take Nata to a park where Sanija would be waiting.  Little did we know at the time that Sheri and I would also get a chance to spend time with her as well.  Apparently, Nata was only told about Sanija 3 minutes before the actual meeting as they were walking to the park. As we strolled through the park looking for them,  Way up there in the distance we saw what we thought was a very little girl, maybe 4 or 5 years old and her mother. But Sanija knew who it was as we got within 200 yards of each other Sanija handed us her bag and took off running towards the little girl. Within moments we saw the little girl start run with open arms towards Sanija.  We were quite a distance away with two girls met but you could tell that to missed each other more than you can imagine.  By the time we got to them they never stopped hugging one another and Nata was a ball of tears.  It was oblivious she would not let go of Sanija and it brought tears to everybody's eyes.  After what seemed to be an hour Sanija got Nata to step back and gave her the present which she was so excited about.  

Sheri and I tried to introduce ourselves to her but we might as well  been chopped liver as she would not let go of Sanija.  We let the girls run off and just be together without any interference from any adults.  But this was a planned meeting and there were a lot of things that needed to be discussed with Nata including hosting and adoption.

Sanija is well-equipped with her tablet full of pictures and videos to share with Nata. There was a lot of confusion as things were said that this little girl could not comprehend. Now, when I say little girl I am not kidding, she is tiny. If you look at her you would guess she was four or five years of age, not a nine-year-old girl. For those who know Sanija's cousin Sammy this little girl, nine, was smaller than him.

We've come to find out through some medical records that she is severely malnourished which is one of the issues by the foster parents are losing their rights....among many.

The girls spent a couple of hours together simply talking and playing. Meanwhile, Sheri and I were update on the latest news happening from the Fosters.  News that will bring tears to your eye and angry to your heart. 

 At this point I have deleted the rest of the passage I wrote as it is not appropriate for publication.

Later this evening we met up with another family who in in Latvia on trip one. As we were exchanging stories, the mother blurted out...Oh my God, those were the kids we were trying to adopt at Christmas time that the foster parent ruined for them.  Because  of the two fosters, Andre and Nata would have had a forever family and would have been adopted.

There is still so much to this story but that is the gist of the day. Nata is being taken out of the home on June 3rd and transferred to another Foster family that knows we will be hosting her and hopefully adopting her in a few weeks. These new Foster know that they will need to help Nata and encourage her to join our family.

We will gladly fill you in on all the details upon or return. With everything I have mention there are 10 more issues that go. 

Good night everybody.

Bobbi

RECAP OF THE TRIP

I sit at our table in our 5 star hotel room trying to reflect upon the last two weeks. What a journey it's been. I laugh at my own words when I say two weeks. It should really say 4 years so many months, so many days, who knows how many hours and a couple of seconds thrown in. But this is the final journey in the odyssey that started back in September of 2015, some 9 months ago.

Arriving here in Latvia was a bit like seeing an old friend again. I remember that street, let's eat at that restaurant, let's go to that old store and so on. This two week trip would be divided up into two separate entities. The first being the conclusion of the adoption, also know as trip three. While the second part would be a vacation to see the surrounding countries.

With barely time to rest upon our arrival, we had one day to recover from jet lag and hopefully retrieve our lost luggage. Little did we know that single piece would show up some 4 days later. No, Sunday was an acclimation day with Monday being the sub plot to this story.  In the weeks leading up to our arrival we tried to prep Sanija with the tools she would need to hopefully convince her Foster sister of four years to join us for a hosting program and even more hopeful of a future adoption.  We hoped for the best but expected the worse. That was our motto for the meeting.  The dreaded, "what if" need to be dealt him with. What if we ran into the foster parents. What if, Nata does not want to see you. What if, the fosters create a multitude of issues. What if..... Yes, we need to be prepared

Our attorney and friend called us that morning to say the meeting was on and we would meet her in the park. The fosters were led to believe something else and did not know we were even there. At least not until Nata told them so. But before the meeting we could take care of the main reason why we were there, to finalize the adoption. We met Ilze out front of the hotel at 9am for the first of two scheduled meetings that day. The first being a medical exam and the second a visit to the U.S. embassy. 

Afterwards, at 11am the meeting was scheduled.  SEE ABOVE NOTES

The rest of the week was somewhat uneventful and we were glad of that. The only hiccup we had was that Sheri forgot to bring the original birth certificate with her and we need to order another. Ilze once again, took care of the entire thing.

On Wednesday evening we were invite to Ilze home for a BBQ dinner. Ilze picked us up at the hotel and drive not to far in the suburbs of Riga. There we meet her three sons, one we had met before and her husband. They owned a Soviet Union single home that they were in the process of converting into a two story home. There was still much work to be done but we could see it was going to look great. The had a great yard to the kids to play in and Sanija had fun running around with the kids. 

All the paperwork was scheduled to be completed by Friday and we told Ilze we would run out to the  embassy  to pick it up.  As the cab driver pulled away Sheri realize that she had left her phone in the car. One of the security guards was so helpful in helping us to retrieve it and called the cab company to come back out and give it to us. We were also grateful for the ride home.

With the documents in hand, it was done. Sanija was ours for forever and a day and nobody could change that. What a relief and jubilation it was.  The next morning we were being picked up by our private diver to take us up to Estonia but before that we needed to see Ilze for one last time (at least for this trip). That night Ilze stopped by and we told her how much see meant to us. She had a little gift for Sanija and it meant a lot...to all of us.

The next morning we were off. A simple 11 hour drive (normally 4 hours) but this was also a sightseeing trip.  We stopped off at Segulda, rock river walls, and a couple of old castles on our way up to Tallinn, Estonia.  We saw much of the country side of both Latvia and Estonia. 

Arrival in Tallinn. What a unique and beautiful city. Once again, we stayed at a 5 star hotel that was spectacular.  We took an historical walk of the city and learned about about the people and the county of Estonia. On a side note, I found the worlds greatest beer there, it's called Alexander and it was fantastic.    

Tallinn was a short visit of only 1 full day. I wish I had booked one more day there, oh well. The following morning we set sail on Viking cruise lines for the two hour ferry boat ride over to Helsinki Finland.

Helsinki is / was a much different city that Riga or Tallinn. Much more of a big city feel to it.  By the water front we found a great open air market with vendors of all sorts. One such vendor was my Belgium waffle guy, where I would eventually eat ever breakfast at. Sanija found a great crepe place that helped insure that's where we would eat.

We took a bus tour of the city and for one of those cheesy tourist tours it was very good. On the last day would be a excursion out to the countryside and a stop at Provoo, a seaport (river port) town.  But one day would be set aside for Sanija. It would be amusement park day. 

Now, I sit on a plane heading west. My two girls asleep on my side. One of them will soon be the newest American citizen once she steps a foot on American soil. 

The odyssey has come to an end and now life begins. Then that little voice in my head whispers in my ear. There's still another that needs you and you need her.  Then I realized, there is always a sequel to a smash hit.

Good night all.

______________________________________________________________________________

Well, that was a read...wasn't it! Finally, let me jump back to almost present day. For the hosting we needed Nata to say yes, she wants to be adopted.

So, now we are hosting Nata and have a little background on her. But this time we have a secret weapon, Sanija. If this adoption was to work, we knew it was in Sanija's hands.    During the four  time span that Nata I ask her if she wanted to stay with us. In the first week she kept replying she wanted to be adopted but by a Latvian family and would literally turn her back to me and walk away. This however changed by the second week and her attitude had changed dramatically. At first, She would simply nodd her head "yes" but not look at me. As time went on especially during the fourth week, she was openly excited and verbally expressive as she kept telling us how excited she was at becoming our daughter and Sanija's sister.

The last two days of her being with us was heartbreaking. She told us she did not want to go home and why can't she stay. Our hearts melted ever time she said this. But what could we do? Sorry, rhetorical question!

On the last day I took her up to Seattle to meetup with the rest of the hosted kids going back to Latvia. Nata was very quite that day and it was obvious she was very sad. I stayed as optimistic as I could but my heart was in pieces as well.  But I'm the adult, at least my I.D. keeps telling me that, and I had to not show her my true feeling. At the airport after rendezvousing with the others, I watched my littlest girl disappear down the terminal that led to the international departures. It just so happened to be the worst time for my allergies and my eyes were all red and teary. Funny how that works.

Arrival at home seemed empty for all of us. We all wanted our daughter/sister back with us. This motivation put Sheri into overdrive. Over the next few weeks I can't imagine the calls, paperwork, more paperwork and appointments Sheri had made for us. Somehow, in a few weeks it was all done.

Now, we just needed for Latvia to send us the referral. By the way, I need to give thanks to the many...and I mean many people that helps us out, both in America and Latvia to make this adoption go through. THANK YOU!

Updates to follow.