Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Jailbreak...aka Gotcha Day

To say that yesterday was a LONG day... would be an understatement. The hubby and I woke up bright and early to head to Charlotte's birth town for her "vital records"... and to switch over her old birth certificate (her name and parents on it) to her new name, and our names are on it as well. We were able to take in a few "glimpses" of the town in which Charlotte was born... and we must say, it was actually a sweet little place. Most people either walked or biked around, and there were some older cars and buses... and most of the apartments around, looked like old Communist Block Housing. According to our translator for the day, the town's name means, City of Glory.


Once we were back in the main region (an almost 2 hour drive each way), we headed straight to the orphanage and started the lengthy of process of "jailbreaking" Charlotte (lots of "sign here's and stamp there"). Finally at the end of the day we needed to finish the paperwork that would get Charlie her first and only Ukrainian passport. So - guess what we did? More paperwork and waiting...only this time imagine a crowded narrow hallway filled with about 100 people (lining both sides) in line before you. Our crisp US Dollar bills moved us to the front. For all of you who are appalled at bribing government officials, it's the way of life here... and unfortunately it's something we've had to grab a handle of, time and time again. Charlie and I were then shuffled into a small closet (felt like it) to take her picture. Charlie loved the people in the room, loved the desks and random office equipment, the windows, the plants - but for some reason (unknown to us) she and the chair that you have to sit on for the picture couldn't have gotten along worse. Ensuing meltdown commences, our gentle little Charlotte turns moderately "Exorcist" - 100 people now in line behind us get hostile...it didn't end well... (Side note: We came back today and had an additional 30 minutes of meltdown followed by 4 seconds of an odd silence and presto: we got the picture.) We ended up dropping Charlotte off back at the orphanage in hopes that she could squeeze in a little nap. The only thing left to do in the day was to close out her bank accounts and then head back to the orphanage for more paperwork... Finally around 5 o'clock, we made our way to her room for "pick up" and there walked in a tired little girl... who never went down for a nap, not even at the orphanage. None of her favorite nannies were working (a little bit of a downer for us), but we were able to give the other kids in her room some little "tickles" goodbye, and then we headed on our way to our temporary apartment. Our little girl scarfed down some homemade macaroni and cheese (this is where we praise the Coleman Family and again are just so BLESSED to have them here alongside us). Charlotte was on "auto" mode, and just shoved the spoon in her mouth, whether there was a macaroni noodle on it, or not. After her bowl was cleared, we headed straight to our room, and after changing her diaper and putting some "jammies" on her... she PASSED out. She slept all through the night, until 6 am this morning. Papa on the other hand, spent most of the night just starting at his little girl. It was a long day, but it was a great day... for we get to celebrate every June 14th as Charlie's "Gotcha Day"!

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14 comments:

  1. I can not be more happy for you, mama and papa, right now!

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  2. YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY!!! I have been anxiously checking my blogger updates waiting to hear if you actually had your Gotcha Day! Praise God! Must be awesome to have your little girl with you now! Praise God!

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  3. What a blessing!!! Am so happy for your little family!

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  4. Love it!! You are parents, you have Charlotte, and an official 'gotcha' day. Enjoy many moments watching your little angel sleep. :-)

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  5. Congrats to you both. So happy for all three of you.

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  6. Yay! I'm so glad you've officially got her now! How exciting! When are you coming 'home'? We MISS you!!!

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  7. Aw I'm so happy for you! I've been watching your blog to see this update. And I was even more happy to see her cuddled up with that blanket. :-) I'm a little partial to it. ;-) What an awesome day for you all.

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  8. hooray! I am just thrilled...praying for you as your journey in parenthood is truly underway!

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  9. Happy day for you! Congratulations on your sweet girl. :)

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  10. Happy Parents Day!!!!
    Kristi G

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