The blog is set up so that the most recent post is shown first. If you want to catch up on what's been happening, start at the bottom and scroll up. You can also click "older posts" at the bottom of the page or use the blog archive on the left side of this homepage. If you want to know what time it is in the Ukraine, click on the link to the left that says "Clock and weather".

Saturday, December 30, 2006

Counting the days and thinking happy thoughts

Someone asked if we get to keep Alexandra now that court has been completed. We wish! On January 9th the ten day waiting period ends and then the three of us say a quick and courteous farewell to the orphanage. It is a nice place and all....and I am grateful for the care that they have given our daughter up to this point. But we are ready to hit the road and take her home.
After our morning visit, we walked home from the orphanage. Usually it takes about 25 minutes but the extreme icy conditions made it about ten minutes longer. Some poor guy nearly wiped out, and as he slid by us Candace started laughing hysterically.
Today, I read the book that Candace brought with her. It wasn't bad and I think I enjoyed it more than she did. More importantly, it passed a few more hours. I know I said it before...and at the risk of sounding repetetively whiny, the afternoons can be extremely boring here. I have resorted to downloading crossword puzzles from the internet to work on while Candace naps. I just can't get into the daytime sleeping. I think there is a limit to how much sleep my body is willing to accept. Even when I stay up late (11:00 pm) I still end up having around 9 hours. So afternoon naps are not really necessary I guess. Later in the afternoon, I spent some time at the nearby mall wandering from store to store, caught in the flow of the last minute holdiay shoppers. It is tomorrow night that Father Frost visits the Russian-Ukrainian children to give them their presents.
The evening visit was pretty quiet. I think Alexandra got a bit played out near the end of it. For the last half hour, Candace and I alternated carrying her around as she lay her head on our shoulder and relaxed. We thought about how neat it will be when we are home and Alexandra will actually fall asleep while we are doing this...and we can carry her into her own bed for the rest of the night. After our visit, we spent some time with our American friends in the newly renovated lobby-bar at our hotel before heading to the grocery store to pick up supper.
On Saturday, January 13th we get back to Manitoba. We'll stay overnight at Candace's sisters in Winnipeg before making the short trek home the following day. With much of the process completed and everything else on hold until after the upcoming holiday week, we are just counting down the days until we get home. Two weeks from today we will be in Manitoba. That doesn't sound so long. One image that keeps us focused is a vision of a Sunday morning in the not-to-distant future. We already can see the three of us spending time cuddled together in our bed before getting up to make breakfast together. Then we'll slowly get dressed and pull a sled around the neighbourhood to visit friends. Once we make it back home, I'll tip toe around while Candace and Alexandra have their mid-day naps. After maybe 90 minutes or so, I'll make a series of small noises loud enough to wake the little one. Then we'll quietly head downstairs, father and daughter, to spend the rest of the afternoon doing something together. I won't be selfish though...I'll wake Candace in time for supper.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

We can't wait till that Sunday morning and we see the sled coming down the street. Until then - we wish you a happy new year - we are also counting down the days.

Love Perry, Darlene and girls

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year to the David family.
We will see you in a few weeks.
All our love and best wishes for a safe journey home. We are counting down the days and hours and minutes. What time does the plane land?
Godspeed love papa nana and most of all Kelci

Waddell said...

Tonight was our first chance to share your Ukrainian Adventure (our computer died before Christmas!!) A daughter to love- one of life's greatest gifts! (speaking from experience of course, as we now have a grandaughter to cuddle). Our congratulations and best wishes. We look forward to meeting Alexandra in the near future. Wishing you all the best for the coming year and the years ahead. Duncan & Audrey

Anonymous said...

Wishing you a happy new year and every joy in 2007. I know it will be a year filled with new experiences and the creation of countless special moments to be treasured forever. Benita

Anonymous said...

Can't wait till you three come home. Sounds like Alexandra is really cute. Guess you guys should always make sure you have bananas around when you get home.
Katey

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Mommy & Daddy
We are so happy for all 3 of you. things will totally change now!! Get your sleep you will need it!! Less then 2 weeks and u will be home.
all the best and Happy New Year to you
The Fortunes

Anonymous said...

Hope you have a Happy New Year. Can't wait till you get home. I wonder if Alexandra would be exited to see her new home and meet some new friends.

Noelle and Jordan

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year Stephen, Candace and Alexandra! Your first New Years Day together! I'm sure waiting until you can pick up Alexandra and be totally together is hard but the time will pass and soon you'll be home. Enjoy the day!

Anonymous said...

Your ukranian adventure is soon ending and your lifetime of happiness is beginning. We hope all goes well in your journey home and cannot wait to meet your darling little Alexandra. Wishing you a happy new year, and a lifetime of memories.

Love Tina, Scott and Nathan

Anonymous said...

HI-YA

David Family;
Happy New Year & what a new year it will be 2007,just 10 more sleep nites .I have you & Kelci,s picture on my desk. Have a safe & happy trip home. I would love to be at the airport greeting you three home.

Love Mom & Nana
From the good old Cape:

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year, Mommy, Daddy and little Alexandra. I was so happy to hear your wonderful news. Alexandra is one lucky little girl, you will both be great parents. Enjoy your time together. I can't wait to meet this precious little girl who has brought such joy to your lives. Brent, Lisa & Family