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Thursday, December 14, 2006

New beginnings...and frequent flyer points

After perhaps three hours sleep between the two of us, we woke up at 5:00 am. We left for the airport at 6:00 for a 7:50 flight to the eastern side of the country. We were met at the airport by one of the ladies who had a driver waiting for us. We drove about an hour and a half through what I will describe now as a whole different world. We arrived at our new destination...which will likely be our home for about three weeks. When we were dropped off at the orphanage by the driver we actually arrived before our new translator. After sort of becoming familiar with Ukrainian, we have ended up in a city filled with Russian speaking people. When our translator arrived, we went into the large office of the orphanage director. We started speaking (through the interpreter) to one of the doctor's of the orphanage. He told us everything was fine with the little girl we were visiting. As we were talking, the door opened and in came a beautiful little girl with a beret in her hair and a fancy blue dress. She said "Mama" and "Papa" and then came right over to me. I picked her up, put her on my lap, and maybe forgot what my name was for a moment. Candace gave her a cookie and that's how we met our daughter. Okay...where to start, she is normal height, short fair hair, dark brown eyes, and skinny as a post. Our goal now is to fill her full of protein in the next couple of weeks to put some meat on her bones. Given the diet of many of the children in orphanages, there are not many plump children that aren't infants. Her name is Mila Alexandra and she goes by her middle name. Alexendra is her birth name and we are adding Mila (its Russian meaning is "loved by all"). She is three and a half and pretty shy, although she warmed up to us quickly. We spent the day getting settled into our new place, going back and forth to the orphanage, and visiting the travel agent (three times). This new city is a lot different from Kiev.
It's just after eight now and Candace and I are heading to bed soon because we are leaving tomorrow at 3:00 am for a 90 minute ride to the airport. We are flying back to Kiev with Alexandra and one of the doctors for her medical at the Canadian Embassy...which I mentioned before is mandatory for adoptions. We will spend the night there before returning back here. It will be great to have a day-and-a-half to spend with our new daughter. I say "daughter" because she is the one. It takes a couple of weeks of meeting with local inspectors, a court appearance, and then a compulsory 10-day waiting period for it to become official. That being said, a piece of paper will only be a formality. For the plane trip we picked up some quiet toys and healthy snacks.
We better get going...thanks for all of the supportive comments. Once we get back on Saturday I will try to figure out how to post some pictures.

37 comments:

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! It was nice to read all about Mila Alexandra - she sounds like a wonderful little girl. We are excited for your return and to meet the new addition to your family.
Take Care.

Megan said...

Megan,Cheryl, and Holly say:
We are so very happy for you three. We are all having a little cry and having trouble remembering our names. We can't wait to see pictures. Do you get to have Alexandra with you for the 10 day waiting period?

Perry, Darlene, Chelsey & Brittany said...

Wow - you had me crying at my desk. Send those pictures a.s.a.p. I'll stock up on some extra fatty food for little Alexandra for when she comes over to visit.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! She sounds perfect. As per usual I need kleenex as I read your happy news.
Safe journeys!
Bob

Anonymous said...

Congradulations

Chelsey said...

Wow, I don't have words to express how happy I am for the three of you! Along with the rest of the sucks at our school, I was crying too! Congratulations!

Anonymous said...

Omg thats so kool.. Congrats!! I'm so happy for you and candace and i'm glad you have found the right one. I can't wait to see Mila Alexander when you guys return. I cant wait to see some pictures and when you return hear all your stories. I even had tears in my eyes too .. I'm so happy for u guys i can't even explain it lol im at like an AWWW... See you guys in the New Year

kimellingson said...

Congratulations! Mila Alexandra will have a lot of extra family when she gets home. Take Care .

Anonymous said...

Hey Candace, Stephen and Alexandra! I've been checking your blog daily, and have just figured out how to put on a posting! You've had me crying for days! Can't wait to meet your fair haired little sweetheart! Congratulations Mama and Papa!

Anonymous said...

Congrats! Thats so awesome!

Rob, trish, Michael & Christian said...

Hi Guys,

Today muct have been extremely exciting for you both. The next few weeks should pass quickly as you will have your daughter, Alexandra with you.

Looking forward to the photo.

Congratulations and best wishes.

Anonymous said...

I am so happy for you guys!! That's the best news I've heard all day!! Congrats!

Anonymous said...

Congrats!
What can we say, this is probably one of the best things that could happen. We're sure you both will be awesome parents!
Praying that everything continues to go good!!
Jodi, Allison, and Adrienne

Anonymous said...

Congratulations to the new mom& dad
and also warmest welcomes to Alexandra our newest grandgirl. We can picture the three of you shopping, playing, having tons of joy and most of all being a family. Take care love mom & dad and Alexandra papa and nana love you lots. Hurry home.

Roza said...

I am so happy to hear you are now a family! How incredible, one day a couple and the next parents! Mila is as blessed as you are. Emma and Mia will be thrilled to have a new friend, as will I. Praying everything continues to go smoothly, Roza

Anonymous said...

This is one of the most exciting stories I've ever read. Your anticipation, excitement, and love shine through so clearly. Thanks for sharing such an important part of your lives with all of us. Eagerly awaiting pictures of the three of you!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! I couldn't wait to get to work and read your blog. I'm so happy to hear the news of your daughter. Can't wait to see some pictures of little Alex she sounds beautiful. Lots of love, Paula

Anonymous said...

Congratulations to you! Now you are three and we couldn't be happier for you. Travel safe and take good care. We can't wait to meet Alexandra.

Anonymous said...

I'm so happy for all of you, Candace, Stephen and Alexandra!! I get a tear in my eye whenever I read your blog.

Janet

Carol said...

Brought happy tears to my eyes when I read about your little miracle, Mila Alexandra! Congratulations & can't wait to see pictures of your family!

Anonymous said...

Congrats!!! So happy to hear your first meeting was so positive...here's hoping the positive influence you have continues throughout your trip!!! Can't wait to see some pictures!

Anonymous said...

Congrats to the Happy Family
This is so exciting to hear. like all the others, this has brought tears to our eyes too! We are so happy for the two of you. Alexandra is such a lucky child. I do hope everything goes well and you will be home soon with your DAUGHTER!!
Travel safe
Andrea, Alycia, and Krissi

Anonymous said...

congratulations candace steven and alexandra. Can't wait to meet your beautiful daughter. You've had me bawling like a baby in excitment for you. Can't wait for pics. Hope the rest of your journey goes as well as the first part. Hope you have a safe journey home with your beautiful daughter.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! We've all been reading your blogs and following your daily events (with a box of kleenex of course!). Hope all goes well and hope to see you soon in the new year. Imagine that, you must have been awesome this year! Santa must have picked favourites this year!! cya soon.

lori said...

Congrats Steven and candace,
Both you and Mila Alexandra are lucky people. Take care of each other on this emotional rollercoaster.
Lori

Anonymous said...

Congratulations guys and welcome to parenthood. We can't wait to see you all back at home.

Anonymous said...

Candace, Stephen, and Alexandra;
Congratulations. I can't wait to meet Alexandra. Love Aunt Donna

Anonymous said...

OMG Thats so exciting!! i definetly had tears in my eyes!!! oh i cant wait to see her!! lol I love that name by the way alexandra lol Congrats and have a safe trip home and MERRY CHIRSTMAS

Megs said...

Hey Mr. & Mrs. David! Congratulations! Very excited to hear the good news! Hope you have a good trip home! Merry Christmas!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Candace and Steven! I am so very happy for the both of you, for Alexandra, and for your family back home who will have a new addition. I wish you a safe journey back to Canada soon as a family of three!

Anonymous said...

CONGRATULATIONS Mr&Mrs.DAVID!!!
this is very exciting news,and I know you guys are going to be great parents! Just like the others, your wonderful,amazing story borught tears to my eyes as well. I do have to say Mila Alexandra is one of the luckiest girls alive to have parents so outgoing as yourselves!! Cant wait till Mrs.David brings her to school to show all of us in Shoal Lake, cuz I know we are all excited to meet her! she sounds amazing!

I would have to say this is one of the BEST christmas's ever, and the greates gift anyone could recieve. Congrats again! and I hope you have a safe trip home with your new daughter.

~Britney~

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