Our Journey

We left O'Hare Airport on Monday afternoon. The flight to Warsaw, Poland took about 8 hours. It went well, but we did not sleep much. We had a little over an hour layover there and then had an 1 1/2 hour flight to Kiev, Ukraine. We had very little trouble with customs, and seemed to get thru with our luggage quickly. We were met by our translator, Tatyana (Tanya) and our driver, Kostya. They took us to a small store to get some basic water, bread and sausage, then they took us to our flat. We have a one bedroom flat with a small kitchen and bathroom (even hot water). It is not very big and the beds are not the greatest, but all in all we are happy to have a safe place of our own. We both slept the rest of the day and night on Tuesday.

Oct 22

We decided to use the services of Tanya and Kostya for a day of sight seeing. The weather started out cloudy and cold but it became nice and sunny, though cold later. Tanya took us around and showed us her city that she is very proud of. We saw many of the sights including the beautiful churches and other architecture. We had a very good lunch in a park near the university, we both enjoyed the traditional Ukrainian food, Connie said it was very similar to what her grandmother used to make. We also did a little shopping in an open market (Our families can safely assume we will be bringing back Christmas items from here). We also now have a cell phone for emergency contacts to or from home. Thursday we begin the adoption process at the AC!

Oct 23

We started the day by venturing to the local electronic open air market. I forgot a patch cord to download pictures from my camera to the computer. It was an interesting place to shop and it was near our flat, but we were unsuccessful, I will go back with Kostya and may have better success. Around noon Kostya came to get us. We first went to get Tanya and some paper work then it was off to the AC. We arrived early but still had a short wait before going up to the offices. Once upstairs, there was more waiting before we got to see the counselor. During that time we met a nice couple from Alabama adopting using an agency. Tanya went with us to see the counselor, she really went to work on our behalf. We were shown many photos of young children under the age of six. The first had some possible leg problems, and the next they called on was confirmed to be HIV positive unfortunately. We had another possibility and then we were shown a picture of a little girl just 22 months old that was at an orphanage in Kiev. Her name is Isabella, they say she is a beautiful girl with curly hair. The picture we saw was of her as an infant so it was hard to tell. They made a phone call about her and she is available. She may have some easily corrected heart problem, but otherwise OK. After we said yes, it was of to a notary to get power of attorney for Kostya and then for some dinner (Chinese of course). Tomorrow we get permission to visit either on Saturday or more likely on Monday. We are excited and tired and look forward to seeing Isabella. Our trip back to the flat was exciting as Kostya was rear-ended in traffic (no one was hurt and only a scratch in the car). Traffic hear is interesting since we had to slow down as a car left his lane and was heading down the wrong way to get ahead. Thank goodness Kostya is such a good driver.

Oct 24

We received a call in the morning that we would be moving to a new flat today that is on the west side of the river and closer to the orphanage where Isabella is. Kostya and I went back to the electronic market but with no luck, so sorry all but no pictures yet. Kostya will try to call the local Fuji dealer to find the needed USB patch cord. We went with Kostya to lunch, and then met Tanya at the AC. There Kostya was able to get our referral information. Next it was on to our new flat. Unfortunately we experienced Kiev gridlock and spent almost one hour and never moved more than 100 feet. Ask us later about our experiences with traffic here, I look forward to traffic on the Kennedy now! After about a two hour trip we finally made it to our new flat. We are on the fifth floor of a nice apartment building, in a much nicer and cleaner flat (the bed looks much better also). On Monday, we will try to meet with the inspector to get our appointment to see Isabella. We have planned some more site seeing on Saturday, and we might go with Kostya and a friend of his to a local futbol (soccer) game. One last note for today, it snows much earlier here than in Chicago, it was very pretty, but cold and probably caused all the traffic problems.

Oct 25 & 26

The weekend offered an opportunity to relax while we wait to see Isabella. On Saturday, we went to the city and met Tanya. We did a little sight seeing and shopping in the underground mall and then headed back across the river to meet up with Kostya to go to a soccer match. We saw a game played by 17 yr. old boys, and one was the son of Kostya's friend. It was interesting, but very cold. On Sunday, We again went to the city, but this time we went to the Opera house to see the ballet (The Nutcracker). The cost was only $5 each and it was wonderful. Afterwards we did some more site seeing, We went to the Lavra (a religious site were many saints are entombed in caves), we also went to a war memorial but it was getting dark so we will have to return another day.

Oct 27

A day of waiting and excitement. We were met by Kostya and Tanya early. Kostya had already been to the inspector and got permission for us to go to the orphanage. We went about 11:00 a.m. to a nice orphanage not far from our flat. It was a cold and snowy day today. We had to wait to see the director before meeting Isabella. He did not arrive until 1:30 p.m. After meeting with him about Isabella, we were told we must wait until after her nap and feeding till we could see her (about 4:00 p.m.). We went to get some lunch and then returned. We finally got to meet Isabella at around 4:45 p.m. She is a very beautiful and bright little girl. She seems very normal and took a while to warm up to us, but eventually began to play with us. We liked her a lot, but there needs to be a test done to determine if she is HIV negative. We will take her to an American hospital on Tuesday to get the test done. We pray it is negative, and if it is she will be ours. The heart problem is minor and we will have surgery on it at home. This will be a very difficult time for us because if she tests positive it may add another week to our trip. (We only pray for the best!). We were with her about 1 1/2 hours.

Oct 28

A nervous day of waiting and happiness! This morning we took Isabelle and a representative from the orphanage to the American Hospital to have a blood test done to determine if she had HIV. She was happy to see us today and liked the book we gave her (more than the bear, miska, from yesterday). She rode on Connie's lap, and fell asleep on the way (No car seat laws here). We both went in for the blood test, she was angry but did very well. Afterwards we had to get her back to the orphanage for her lunch. We took a cab (by the way, anyone with a car and a license in this country is also a taxi driver for cash) back to the city, had lunch with Tanya and then had a few hours on our own. We did some more sight seeing and bought many gifts for family and friends. We did some e-mailing and updated this site without rushing. Later we met up with Tanya at Independence Square. There Tanya gave us the great news that Isabelle tests for HIV were negative. All of our prayers have been answered! We are so very excited to add a new daughter to our family. There is still much work ahead, but we now know who we are bringing home. We know some about her background but not all that much. Her birth mother was a 30 yr. old Ukrainian University student who was about 180cm tall. Her father was a Nigerian University student some 190cm tall. Isabelle is a skinny but tall bi-racial girl that seems very bright and alert. She will need surgery after she gets to the US to correct a minor heart problem (coretriatriatum). We could not be happier, we told Ben today and he sounds happy. We hope everyone is happy for us also!!

Oct 29 & 30

Paper work and more paper work. On Wednesday we were picked up and went to the local notary in the morning. This took just about an hour (very quick compared to everything else), then we went to see the inspector. This also went fairly quickly, we were asked some questions and showed her our family book that Connie's mother had made for us (this has been very helpful, it is a book with many family pictures neatly arranged, everyone seems to really like it). We hope to get approval from the inspector in just one day. Next it was on to the orphanage and to pick up Isabelle. We took her to get pictures taken for a passport. Afterwards we went back to the orphanage for an hour or so of time with our daughter. She is starting to open up, especially to Connie (FYI: Isabelle will turn 2 on December 20th!). On Thursday, we spent the morning walking and exploring the area we are living in (we even managed lunch on our own, even though we did not get what we thought we ordered, our Russian is poor but the meal was great). Tanya and Kostya took care of paper work today. In the afternoon Tanya took us to see Isabelle for a few hours. On Friday, we will venture there on our own.

Oct 31 - Nov 3

4 days of waiting, boredom and home sickness. On Friday, we managed to get to the orphanage on our own using cabs. We spent 2 good hours with Isabelle and played with her in a different room with balls and toys. We also got to see her and the other kids celebrate the birthdays of four of the children. This was very neat to see! On Saturday, we took a day off from seeing Isabelle and did one last day of site seeing with Tanya. On this day we went to the war history museum and display. This was very educational, we saw the other side of the war with Germany that we did not learn much of in the US. We also went to a traditional 18th century Ukrainian restaurant for lunch. On Sunday, it was back to see Isabelle, this time we took her outside to play. We also got to see were she lives and sleeps. Her area is very nice and it seems all the kids are well cared for. It was a nice day so we decided to walk the 6 kilometers back to our flat (it kills time if nothing else, also we did watch Trading Places, dubbed in Russian on TV). On Monday, another walk to the orphanage and another visit, Kostya picked us up later, and I finally had a chance to recharge my computer in his car (Kostya has been sick, so he has stayed away for a few days). He told us he went to the AC today, but will not get the final conclusion until Tuesday. Hopefully we will see a judge on Wednesday, and if the 30 days are waved we may all be back in another week (Dan will probably return home after the meeting with the judge). Keep us in your prayers that all goes quickly and we get to return home soon. We really appreciate all the nice messages and the e-mail we are sent, unfortunately we cannot always respond but messages from home really help.

Nov 4

Today we got out of the flat and spent time with Kostya. In the morning we went to see Isabelle, while Kostya did some errands. We then went with him to the AC to get our conclusion. The lines were very long today, as they once again changed the rules for those people making appointments (this no longer concerns us, but we hope it does not inconvenience others too much). We went and had a nice lunch then spent some time at an internet cafe that we could email from, it was nice to be able to write some of you back, we hope to do more soon. Later we returned to the AC and waited outside as Kostya waited inside, there we got to talk to 2 other American couples also waiting to adopt (it was nice to have a good long conversation with others). Kostya waited until almost closing time but he did get our conclusion (no more hurdles with the AC for us). We have an appointment with a lawyer on Wednesday morning and with a little luck we will see the judge either then or on Thursday.

Nov 5

A long day with a happy ending. We spent much of the day running around Kiev getting needed paper work. We also went with Kostya to a local auto shop to have some work done on his car while we waited for a 2:30 meeting. Kostya handled the meeting to see if we could expedite the procedure with the local courts and waive the normal 30 day waiting period (ask us later about this process). When all was finished we found out the we would see the judge on Friday morning and have the waiting period waived. This means that Isabelle will be with us by Friday afternoon. We also found out that we will be able to expedite the normal 10 day process to get Isabelle her passport, and only wait one day. All this means that the entire family should be home by the end of next week. We must first check into all the procedures in Warsaw to see if Dan can return earlier, but hopefully he can so he can take care of Ben and return to work. Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers, it all seems to be falling into place even though it seems awful slow over here.

Nov 6

Today we were on our own and anxiously awaiting Friday. We went and had a nice visit with Isabelle in the morning (she is starting to warm up to daddy). After our visit we walked to a large outdoor market with many kiosks full of children's clothing. There we bought some essential items for when we get Isabelle (Coat, hat, 2 outfits, tights, socks, shoes and an umbrella stroller). We did all of this for just over $100, not to bad and looks like good quality also. We later got news from Kostya that Dan will be able to go home after our visit to the judge and a trip to do some paperwork at the US embassy (If we are lucky he will get on the flight either Sunday or Monday). Tomorrow is the big day!!

P.S. Tim we enjoyed your email, their are more mints in my office credenza!!

Nov 7

The good the bad and the ugly. It was a long day that had many ups and downs. First we were introduces to a new translator Alla as Tanya has some family issues to deal with. She took us to the store to purchase items we would need to care for Isabelle and to buy gifts and party supplies for the orphanage. Next we went to court, this was long and interesting. We had to give testimony along with the Director of the orphanage and the Inspector for our case. We were even cross examined by a prosecutor. All in all, this went well and we are now the parents of Isabelle and the 30 day waiting period has been waived. Next was the ugly bureaucracy of dealing with all the necessary paper work for us to take possession of Isabelle and be able to leave the country. Kostya worked very hard for us and even got us to the AC and a lawyer right before closing at 6:00 p.m.. There is lots of hurrying and waiting. In the end, we have almost all the paper work, but sadly not enough to go get Isabelle yet. This has been very hard on her new mommy. On Saturday we hope to get her new birth certificate and get Isabelle. Dan will also deal with travel arrangements for him to get home early in the week. Unfortunately it looks like Connie and Isabelle will be staying longer as a new legalization form is now required for Isabelle to leave the country and this may take up to 10 days, Kostya will try his best to shorten that time.

Nov 8

When Kostya came to get us today he gave us the good news that we would be able to get Isabelle at 7:00 p.m. today. We were told that he would have to travel with us if we went with her beyond the local grocery store, and that we would have to keep her on the same feeding and sleeping schedule as at the orphanage. We must also give Isabelle a similar diet as what she receives at the orphanage. After the good news we went with Kostya to downtown Kiev to get on a good internet site (we were able to e-mail some of you), and we did the last of our souvenir shopping. After a few hours at home it was time to get our little girl. Kostya took us to the orphanage. For the first time it took very little time to get something. After we went in and gave them the gifts for the caretakers and children, they got her dressed in her new dress. After one signature we were on our way to our flat and our first night with Isabelle. Connie is as happy as can be, and although there will be a long wait to come before they go back to the States they are at least together.

Nov 9-10

On Sunday Dan took a chance and went to the airport to see if he could fly out today. Tickets to Chicago were all booked but, he made plans to travel of Monday. We had a nice day with Isabelle as she is getting used to both of us but it is still difficult to communicate since she speaks Russian. On Monday it was a difficult goodbye as Dan left early in the morning for home and Connie and Isabelle must continue to wait for paper work (it could be another 10 days). Dan's flight was delayed 4 hours in Warsaw (for a total of a 9 hour layover) and he did not get back to Chicago until late on Monday (He will return to work on Wednesday).

Nov 11-13

On Tuesday, Kostya was able to expedite both the passport and legalization process. If Kostya can get Connie to the Polish embassy today, she could be in Warsaw by the end of the week. Connie took Isabelle for a nice walk today. In the evening, Tanya came over with a cake and spent some time with Connie and Isabelle. On Wednesday, Connie and Isabelle again had a nice walk around a nearby lake. Later, Kostya took the girls to get Isabelle's passport. Back at home, Dan and Ben spent Tuesday catching up on sleep and paying bills, on Wednesday, Dan returned to work and Ben went back to school. Thursday, was a busy day, Connie had her appointment at the American Embassy in the morning to get an ID number for Isabelle so she can get her Polish Visa. The Polish Embassy turned out to be difficult later in the day. Kostya had to take the girls to the LOT airlines to purchase tickets before the embassy would grant a visa. Connie and Isabelle returned to the flat to pack!!

Nov 14-16

Friday morning, Kostya picked up Connie early and they first went to the Polish Embassy to get the visa. Next it was on to the airport. Customs was easy, but passport control made Connie go back to the LOT office to get a ticket for Isabelle. After going thru customs again, there was a long wait at passport control, Connie was concerned that she might miss her flight but they held the entire flight until she finally got thru. Isabelle did well on her first plane flight to Warsaw, Poland. Connie got a cab to the Sheraton Hotel, just one block from the US Embassy. At the hotel she met up with a couple we had met at the AC at the beginning of our trip. Bard and Jerry Barnes are from the Milwaukee area and have adopted two children (George and Maria) from Ukraine. They all had a nice dinner together and then Connie and Isabelle enjoyed their nice room at the hotel (everyone speaks English at the hotel). On Saturday, back in the US, Dan and Ben began preparing for our new little girl, we now have bunk beds, and the house is backed to being baby proofed. Connie and Isabelle relaxed on Saturday, they did a little sight seeing and met up with the Barnes family again. Connie has made appointments for Monday morning with the doctor and the US embassy. Connie and Isabelle plan on returning home on Tuesday, they will arrive at O'Hare on LOT airlines at 3:15 pm. The journey is almost over!!

Nov 17

On Monday, Connie and Isabelle had an early morning appointment with Dr. Kruk. They were done in 15 minutes! After going back to the hotel, they walked to the embassy. The rain on the walk did not bother Isabelle, she just enjoyed barking at the pigeons. They filled out all the paperwork and had their interview with the counselor, unfortunately they could not get the visa until the I600 form Dan had signed and sent from the US had not yet arrived. Connie was sent back to the hotel with the promise of a call if the paperwork arrived. Finally at 3:45 in the afternoon the embassy called and said the paperwork had arrived and she could come pick up Isabelle's visa. After getting back to the hotel Connie began packing for home!

Nov 18

After breakfast and a walk around the area Connie and Isabelle headed to the airport. There were no problems with customs and passport control, but the flight had been delayed by one hour. The flight was very long and tiring. Isabelle had her moments on the trip but she survived (Mom also survived). Finally at 5:15 pm Connie and Isabelle came thru customs and were met by Dan, Ben and two of Dan's sisters and a brother-in-law. After an hour drive they were finally done with the trip and at their home!!!! The total trip was 29 days, and after some frustration and many emotions we had finally added a new little girl to our family Isabelle Georgia.

July 2004

Isabelle is now 2 1/2 years old. She is a very normal little girl who has adapted to American life quickly. She has learned the language very fast and is extremely bright. She loves her brother and follows him everywhere. She also love to bounce on the trampoline. It would be hard for anyone to tell her apart from any other 2 year old. We had her heart checked out and the problem as diagnosed in Ukraine turns out to be a very simple hole between the atria of her heart. This can be repaired with a simple procedure (and not surgery). The doctor recommended that we wait a year or two before having the procedure to let her get a little bigger and stronger. She continues to grow and she is very strong for a skinny girl. She has added a lot of joy to our hearts and is a very loving little girl!