we continue the daily routine of visiting lena in the orphanage from 9:30-11:15 & 4-5:30. and we LOVE time with her...she is really such a fun kid! {{matt does such a great job of explaining how our hearts are trying to process this whole experience}} now that there is a break in paperwork, while it gets processed back in kyiv, we have started walking (instead of paying a driver) to the orphanage from our hotel. it is about a 30 minute walk & we both enjoy it for some exercise & change of scenery, but we'll see how we feel about it in the weeks ahead when temps drop & snow comes:)
lena loves us holding her to stand up, but her favorite part is when her legs give & we catch her as she falls...she gets so tickled when she "falls". she had these hand-knitted booties on the other day & i think they are so great!
she also loves us pulling herself up....how great is that smile?!
yesterday was, as hazel would say "a big day"! friday night, olga called & said we would go the next day to get pictures made of lena. to have for her file & for much later in the process when we get her passport. she said "ginny, i need to ask, do you have clothes for lena? coat? hat?" YES! i tried to contain my excitement for using these sweet things i brought for her. "yes, olga" i say like a normal person, "i have those things for her & will bring them tomorrow".
so here i am, dressing my daughter for the first time. it was so great. she was content & sweet.
she thought we were playing, most of the time, so i went with it.:)
but, of course, her caretakers kept stepping in because i wasn't going fast enough. here, lena isn't too sure about the mittens. she loves to clap & touch her eyes, so she wasn't a huge fan of the mittens.
getting her coat on.
& walking down the steps with my girl
she kept looking around & at any light she saw...taking it all in. not sure she's left the orphanage much...or at all?
she was really unsure about the car ride. she was very still & sweet & would just look out the window or lean her sweet face into my face.
she did awesome taking pictures! sat in the seat so great. checking everything out.
& of course, kept wanting to look at the lights:)
what a beauty!
when we were done, we went back to the orphanage & changed her back into the other clothes...& i just dream of the day that is getting closer & closer...that we dress her in her own clothes, walk her out & bring her home:)
Ginny (and Matt)- I found your blog through your organization. No words other than rejoicing with you and we're praying for you as you continue the process. {Ukraine= process.} Don't be shy about calling/writing for anything you need!
ReplyDeleteTara and Phil
AAAHHH!!!!! I LOVE IT!!!!!! SOOO fun that you guys got to leave the orphanage for a bit with her!!! And yes, she will get to leave with you, FOR GOOD, very soon!!! So fun that you got to dress her in her fun winter clothes!!! Praying for y'all!!
ReplyDeleteoh Ginny. tears. lena in your arms, outside the walls of the orphanage. love it so much.
ReplyDeleteI just love all of it! Soaking everything up you're writing. The chill of cold air on her nose {for maybe the first time}. Love reading it all. Love taking this journey with you guys {via the blog}. Praying for you daily!
ReplyDeleteYou and Matt are so sweet to share these beautiful, beautiful moments with precious Lena! Prayers continue : )
ReplyDeleteOur thoughts and prayers are with you each day!
ReplyDeleteLove reading about your journey with Lena, and all your sweet children!! She is just precious. Praying for strength and endurance in the days ahead as you are "waiting", praying peace as you are away from Hazel and Anders. xo lots of love!! Jessica Bottomly
ReplyDeleteoh Ginny, i dream of that day too. What a treasure to get a glimpse of the future with your girl.
ReplyDelete