Birthday Girls and Isaac (sort of)

Three parties in seven hours and I still got up for work at 5:30 am. Can you tell I hate to miss out!?
First we celebrated Nora's 4th birthday with yard games.
Then Downtown for Krista's girls only party.
Finally meeting up with the Lisaac party in Uptown.

FLAIR

Russia and U.S. officials will work out a final draft of a treaty on child adoptions in mid-June, children’s ombudsman Pavel Astakhov said Friday. (From May 17th Moscow Times article.) This is good news! However, we know from our first attempt at Russian adoption that even if things don't totally close in Russia each region can decide if they want to continue U.S. adoptions. Time will tell. Anyone want to borrow some stress?

3 Month Update

Yikes! What a month! I don't really have any clear answers at this time. The delegation met April 29th and talks were "productive." You can read more about it here if interested. They will meet again May 12th.

This month I added to my adoption parenting library. I have already read Parenting Your Internationally Adopted Child - twice. Lots of advice and ideas that seem practical. I would recommend this book
This month I read Toddler Adoption A Weaver's Craft. Probably a better book for someone trying to make the decision if toddler adoption is right for them. Luckily it does seem to be the right choice for us.
Next I will start Real Parents, Real Children. No this is not a book about a child's biological parent. We will be our child's real parents. Just a little lesson on positive adoption language.
I'm not sure if the 4-8 month timeline still stands but we've kind of given up on timelines anyway :)

We Love You Ben

We were honored to be chosen as Cousin Ben's sponsors at his baptism almost 14 years ago. We were not able to be there today as he confirmed his faith but he was definitely on our minds. Ben, we are so proud of you!

Happy Hannah Day

Happy 5th Birthday Hannah!

Isn't this the face we all make when the wait staff gathers to sing Happy Birthday?

April 19, 2010 - Bilateral Meeting Postponed

The meeting between a U.S. government delegation and their Russian counterparts, originally scheduled for April 20th in Moscow, has been postponed due to travel difficulties resulting from the volcanic ash cloud over Iceland and much of Europe. The U.S. Department of State is attempting to reschedule the meeting which was to address the Russian government's request for a bilateral agreement on intercountry adoption. (from jcics website.)

Travel is now planned for the week of April 25th. While things haven't officially stopped they have slowed to almost a stop especially for families in the waiting for a referral stage. I'm anxious to know one way or the other!!

April 20, 2010

April 16, 2010
The Department of State has received no information to confirm a suspension of adoptions from Russia to the United States. Our Embassy in Moscow and other Department of State officials are talking with Russian officials to clarify this issue. (from the jcics website)

It looks like we probably won't know anything for sure until officials meet on Tuesday. Since the last couple posts have been way too serious I thought I would share a picture Ken sent me that made me laugh. Nothing like siblings to cheer you up!!