Маybe not home this week at all

Bad news at the embassy this morning. They need Bill's signature on two documents and a statement from him that says he intends to adopt Y back in the USA. It seems someone should have read the embassy website fine print more closely. I think all of us thought that a "married adopting singly" would only require my signatures on everything, since technically I am Y's only parent right now. But the USA requires proof that he won't be a burden on the state as soon as I get him home.

So, I had the distinct pleasure of waking Bill up at 5:30am this morning to tell him that the embassy had emailed him pdf files of the two documents he needs to sign, and that he needs to have a notarized statement about his intention to adopt Y. Actually, one of the documents has to be notarized as well. Good thing we have a great relationship with the couple that own our local mailbox store. They've notarized all of our adoption documents for free. We've only paid for shipping there.

Bill had everything written up and printed by 7:30 this morning, but unfortunately the local shop doesn't open until 8:30, so he went to the one down the street and they don't open until 8:30 either. So, even when he gets there in a few minutes, he has several things to ask them. First of all, what's the quickest guaranteed way to get it here; second, can they call for a special pick up so that we may have the chance of getting it onto a plane to JFK today? With awesome luck and tons of prayers, maybe they could even have it onto the plane to Kiev tonight. Most likely it will get here on Wednesday at the earliest.

I don't even want to think about what this will cost, but staying in Kiev costs almost $200/day for Y and me (the boy can EAT, that's all I'll say). At least this apartment is a little cheaper at $110/night with internet access and a washing machine. I'm gonna make use of that tonight, I hope. If we're gonna be here a few days, my jeans and Yarek's orphanage clothes should have time to dry on the heated towel racks. For those of you that've been here before, we're in an apartment above the Koffee Time shop. You actually walk through the Koffee Time shop doors and then through another set of doors to get to the elevator to our apartment. It's one building closer to Independence Square than my first apartment was.

Anyways, the doctor's visit was long, but no real problems there. Total cost there was about $165, $110 for the visit plus $10 for some vaccinations he needed, a chest x-ray to verify that he had no lingering affects from being exposed to TB, and a psychiatrist visit. The psych visit was required because of several cut marks/scars on his left arm and not because of the burn on his right hand. Turns out he was cutting himself on purpose, but not because he's emotionally distressed. Apparently a group of 9yr old boys at summer camp decided to cut their arms to see if it really hurt and also to see who was the biggest/strongest/bravest of them all. Another dare that he didn't back down from. I see a pattern here. The psych doctor said no problems with Yarek and we can pick up the medical paperwork tomorrow after 1pm.

Bill just called from the mailbox place. Apparently he misunderstood me. He thought all three docs had to be notarized and the notary wanted him to fill out the I-600 before notarizing it. Good thing that one didn't need to be notarized! Trying to read Bill's handwriting would've been impossible for the embassy. They said the earliest it will be here is Wed, depending on customs. No word yet on cost. DHL to the rescue!

Poor Squirty, he's patiently waiting in the truck. Today he gets to join Goofy at the Man's Best Friend training facility. Luckily, Squirty's stay there is free. He's there for some updated training for himself and to teach Goofy not to beat the crap out of him.

More updates later when Bill calls back with the final cost. Standby - Skype call coming in!

Good news, only $91.oo to ship it via DHL. It should be in Ukraine by Wednesday, it just depends upon when their customs releases it to be delivered.

Natalie
TX