Mac N Cheese

I thought I should focus on something positive after my last post so I decided to brag about my husband. I should talk about Russia and how we got to tackle some big issues like - what if we are meant to raise a special needs child and what if we are meant to not have children. He had perfect answers to both. I could talk about how he totally held it together in Russia and didn't get mad that I was totally losing it. But the real reason I know I found the perfect person for me is because today when I asked him what he wanted for dinner and he replied Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. Being the wonderful wife I am I went all out and made the spiral kind!! Last night I went out with some of my oldest friends Sara, Becca, and Maren. I don't remember life before these girls were part of it so it is always fun to catch up. Sara brought us to a tiny restaurant in her neighborhood The Blue Door Pub. There are probably only 9 tables so we were prepared for a wait. I took the opportunity to try a new beer, Surly Cynic which I thought was appropriate for my mood this week. I also got to try my first stuffed burger, the juicy blucy. I know I am a bad Twin Citian for not trying one before especially since I drove by Matt's every day when I lived in Lakeville and my step sister lives above The Nook. My opinion - GENIUS!

No Place Like Home

Well we are "that" family. The one unheard of family in Russian adoption who makes the first trip and comes home without a referral. This is supposed to be the entry where I complain about an unknown court date. Needless to say we are heartbroken, sad, angry, stressed, frustrated.... but so happy to be home! We were welcomed home to a clean house(thanks Mom!,) a fridge full of comfort foods (thanks Maren!,) and lots of cards, e-mails, love and support (thanks everyone!) Sorry about the lack of updates while in Russia (the reason I started this blog) wifi went out in the city of Perm for the second half of our trip.

Our second referral was an easier decision than the first. We were more guarded after letting ourselves fall in love with the first only to be crushed by the medical report. We met a little boy and could tell right away he had some issues we were not prepared for and the medical report confirmed it. He is a sweet boy and we will pray for a family to come for him quickly. We were told that would be our last referral this trip, so we came home.

I kept busy this weekend which helped keep my mind occupied. The Chiang Mai Thai book club got together to "discuss" The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. Very good!
Jeff came home and we headed to the apple orchard. Ahhh the Midwest! Surprisingly it was Brian's first apple orchard experience so we even did the hay ride and corn maze.

I think this family could use some kids!!

I also celebrated Jen's upcoming wedding at Tryg's by Lake Calhoun.

We aren't really sure what happens next..... stay tuned.

Высоко от Россия

The sign above Brian says Perm. That is where we are right now. We began our trip about 3 hours north in a small town called Smolikamps. We had very limited internet access. Part of the "fun" of Russian adoption is traveling blind or semi-blind, which is what we did for this trip. We had an older picture of a child and a sentence about her general health. Nothing was concerning so we decided to make the trip. However, when we got the medical report back there were some severe issues we were not prepared for. It has been a long emotional week for both of us. The baby is beautiful and we hope that she finds a family soon that can meet her needs. The baby home was very nice, we even got to experience a music class. Everyone we met has been extremely friendly and helpful. We were very thankful for our translator Reysa. She is a local school teacher in Smolikamps who keeps up her English by also being a translator. It was nice to have a mother figure while we were going through this very difficult decision.
We are fortunate that they have another referral for us so on Monday we will be going totally blind to meet another child. Needless to say we are a little scared. So we have a weekend in Perm we were not prepared for. Those of you who have traveled with me know I like to have my time in a foreign country all planned out so this is hard for me. After about 3 hours on skype changing our travel plans we went out to explore Perm. Fun facts about Perm.... It is the Eastern most city in Europe. There are about 1 million people that live here. The trans Siberian railroad and Kama river run through making Perm an ideal location. They love dill on everything; eggs, potatoes, fajitas. They drive a little crazy for my taste. This sign made us laugh because is is so true. Hopefully we will be able to update with better news next week.

The Tornado Class

There are not many opportunities in life to go back in time. Last week at my 10 year reunion I felt like I got that chance. Yes, I'm old. I was not excited to go since it was the day after we got our referral and I was stressed with Visa applications, booking flights and hotels, last minute court documents, appointments, notaries, IAC assessments, apostilles.... but Raphaela flew in from Connecticut and needed a buddy, so I went. It ended up being a blast, so I'm glad I did.

The campus is completely different thanks to a tornado that went through my senior year. They have come a long way from FEMA trailers and generators. I think it is fitting that Gustavus will never be the same again after the class of '98.

Fortunately some places never change!

Best Birthday Ever**

Brian celebrated his birthday last week. We went out for sushi at Origami Sushi in Minneapolis. I would stick to the one in Ridgedale unless you like sitting at a table with others, it is a little cramped. The Sushi is amazing though I recommend the Hime Roll and Tomago.

This was also a great birthday because it was Brian's first day in 14 years as a civilian! The RNC will always hold a special place in my heart as Brian's Very. Last. Military. Commitment. Ever. EVER!! We did have to wait out the month to make it official. I know you are all thinking, "But can't they.....?" No. "But what if ......?" No!! He's all done. We celebrated this and Valentine's Day 2007 with dinner at the Melting Pot. I know not very original but still a favorite.
The very best part of his birthday was we got the invitation to travel to Russia and meet a child! Sorry we don't have much info to give until we get back or at least until we are in Russia. We would appreciate prayers for a healthy child and safe travel.

Oh and I forgot in my last post Livy Lu turned 2! Brian even got to enjoy a spot of tea with the birthday girl.
** This is only my opinion of Brian's best birthday ever.