Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Today Was A Success!


Why?? Because we are the proud parents of ALEXEI MATTHEW REED! Court was at 9:oo am this morning-- we had the same judge and the same prosecutor. Even with 10 of us crammed into a little courtroom, it was still cool, thank the Lord.

It has been decided, and plane tickets have been changed..... John and Dennis are heading back to Kiev tomorrow night and Julia and I are flying out early morning on August 7th!

Julia was very helpful with Dennis during our court hearing. Thanks Julia!

Doesn't Dennis look cute with his hands folded all nice?

Since John is leaving, we had to transfer power of attorney over to me at the notary. While we waited, we watched the baby frogs swim around in this shut-down fountain.

The weather was fantastic today too so we walked from the notary all the way home. Since we are in the city, all we see is tall apartment buildings--- no one-family homes.
Since we were at court in the morning, we were only able to visit Alex in the afternoon. Note, the name change--- we are trying to get him used to the name Alex since that is what he will most likely go by in school and at church.
Visits are getting harder---- mainly because we are all bored doing the same thing day in and day out, so we bought some new toys for the boys to play with.
Whenever I can, I try to get Alex to sit with his legs out or to the side instead of them bent back and I noticed that his left leg does not straighten out completely. I wonder if this is something that can be corrected with therapy or possibly surgery?
For the moment, the boys were content with their phones-- but it didn't last long. They both wanted the Spiderman phone.


Near the end of our visit, we took the boys for a long walk all around the orphanage. It looks like there was a fire here at Anotshka a few months ago. Not only is there this pile of burnt debris behind me, but there are workers rebuilding a wing at the back of the orphanage. There are burnt little beds and I have to wonder if they were empty at the time. I sure hope so.


For dinner, John bought Celantano pizza--- which was a nice change and very similar to American pizza. And the whole pizza cost only four American dollars.

67 comments:

Sally-Girl! said...

What a great day for your family! I know tomorrow will be hard having John and Dennis leaving you and Julia. All your supporters back home will be there for ya! Enjoy the time with just the two of them, reality will quickly settle back in on August 8th!

Congratulations!

Milena said...

CONGRATULATIONS! I'm glad court went well! I've been checking all day to see if you've updated and now finally! I'm so happy for you and I bet you can't wait until you're home!

Your cousin must feel honoured that you chose Alexsei's middle name to be Matthew! Nice names, and I'm glad you didn't change the name Alexsei to something else, it's such a nice name.

I hope your last days in Ukraine will be calm and pleasant, and that the bonding with Alex will grow deeper!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on the newest Reed! Alexsei Matthew... I love the name!

Tina in CT said...

Congrats and it's official! Do you have to go to Kiev to complete paperwork before leaving the country with Alex?

Nice name.

Safe trip back home for John and Dennis.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!

TJ said...

Yay!
I have tears in my eyes and am so joy-filled to know that Alex has a mom and dad and sisters and brothers who are going to love him! And, I look forward to watching him maximize his potential in your care.
God is Great!
Terri

Tracy said...

I amn so thrilled for you! Welcome Alex!

Amanda said...

Congratulations!!! I love his name. I'll be praying for all of you!

Missy said...

Congratulations!!!! (Did you put in a good word for us in court? lol)

I love the name you chose, and I think that he will easily get used to being called "Alex". He sounds like a smart kid!!

How do you think Dennis will do leaving you behind? Glad you're keeping Julia with you - she sounds like a HUGE help!

Christy said...

Congratulations! So happy for you!

Troy and Rachel said...

Woo Hoo - Congratulations to you and the newest member of your family! So glad things are going so well.

Lucie said...

Alex Reed- What a great journey you are starting!!

Jill (& Bob) said...

Congratulations! Also glad to hear that Julia is staying with you so you don't have to travel solo, as you had been concerned about! What a blessing to have so much mother-daughter time!

About Alex's leg not going flat when he is sitting with them out in front of him, he likely has shortened hamstrings from not sitting like that. Encouraging him to sit with his legs out in front will help slowly but surely and if you don't get there with that and physical therapy, they can do hamstring lengthening surgery. Hopefully that won't be necessary!

Tracie said...

Congratulations!!!! So happy for you guys and rejoicing that all went so well!

lovey said...

Hi Christine,
If you remember, I am an occupational therapist. It might be short hamstrings, which responds to stretching, and sometimes needs the lengthening surgery. Or he might need botox injections to relax the muscle if it is contractured. The other possibility is that it has to do with his hip alignment. A problem there (with spina bifada this would make sense to have a problem there) could need surgery or maybe just therapy.

You are right to correct Alex on his legs-- in one of the pictures he is sitting in a "W" position. This is often used by a person who is compensating for hip issues. He might have been sitting in this position too much, so he has developed problems because of it.

Congratulations on the newest Reed.

RACHEL .J.REED said...

That is really cool that Dennis and Alex like that same thing. The phone. I miss you all. When is Dad is cameing home on monday are friday with dennis. love you all

Cammie Heflin said...

Congratulations Reed family!

Julie said...

How wonderful! I hope our trip goes as smoothly and as quickly as yours has! CONGRATULATIONS!

Cara and Doug said...

I am so glad to hear that court went well and you now have another son!
When Hannah first came home she sat in a W sit ( and still does sometimes) and her legs didn't straighten out totally. With time, therapy and botox, Hannah's legs are much straighter!

Congratulations. Hope your time passes quickly!

Kathy Cassel said...

Yay! It is hard to keep kids busy away from home for long times. Even short times.

MoonDog said...

congratulations!! how wonderful for all of you! when you come home on the 7th will you bring Alex home?

Unknown said...

All I can say is... Mazel tov! :-D

Carol G said...

Congratulations to the new Mom and Dad!!!! I'll pray for a safe and peaceful trip home for John and Dennis. I'm so glad that Julia is there. I know she's having some unforgettable experiences, as well as being good company for you and Alex.

MyLinda said...

I love reading about your trip. So happy things are going smoothly and you'll be bringing your son home soon!

Amanda said...

congrats!! have a wonderful time and safe journeys home!

Joan (Nana) said...

You and your family, which includes Alex now, are so blessed. God is good.

Amy...who wanted 4. said...

You gave me goosebumps!!!
I am so happy for all the wonderful Reed's!
Alex seems like he was always there. Fits like a glove! ;>
Congrats to all!!
Amy

Jenny said...

I am so happy that he is now a Reed. Congratulations! Before you know it you will be flying home.

Renata said...

Congratulations!! I'm so pleased all went well.

Sarah Lynn said...

CONGRATULATIONS! So happy for you!

kitzkazventure said...

So happy for the you all and the newest member of the Reed family! Can't wait to see him in action in his new home! :)

Karen Combes said...

So happy to hear that court went well. Congratulations to the newest Reed family member! Praying for you all as your make your travel plans!

amyl4 said...

Congratulations! It's a BOY!:)
Amy

Sarah said...

Yay God!!!!! And congratulations to ALL the Reeds! :-D

Nataliya said...

Congratulations!!!

deb said...

*wiping tears*
Congratulations to the entire Reed family! There are no words to express how happy I am for all you.

Blessings!
Deb

Dave Baldacchino said...

Wohoo! Congratulations. Court day is a special day for sure. Now let's get those next 10 days out of the way :)

Rachel said...

I am so excited to read all of this, as I have been on vacation and hadn't any computer access. Congratulations!!!! This is such a neat story and it's awesome to see Dennis and his new brother playing and doing some bonding. Can't wait til he's home! :)

Emily said...

CONGRATULATIONS! I am so excited for your family!

Q said...

The type of sitting you are talking about is called W-sitting. My daughter with CP does it a lot too. Her therapists say to discourage that as much as possible.

And yes, a lot of his orthopedic issues can be treated with surgery and therapy. I would look into Shriners Children's Hospitals.

Anonymous said...

Mazel Tov!!

Also, Does Dennis still seem to understand Ukrainian? Do he and Alex ever converse in Ukrainian when they are playing?

thedickinsonfamily said...

Congratulations! What a special day for ALL of you. Alex is blessed more than he can even imagine. Just wait until you get him home, he's gonna love it! Enjoy the rest of your time there. It won't be long now before your ALL home together as ONE big happy family.
Blessings,
Meghan

Contact Mark and Theresa said...

What a splendid day!!! I will post the news on www.Miraclesfororphans.blogspot.com

Theresa

Martha said...

:) More smiles! :)

Chelley said...

Congratulations on the newest Reed! Alexsei Matthew

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your newest son! :)

Dawn said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! Can't wait to see this little guy THRIVE in your loving home!!! :)

Cath said...

Congratulations! :) What a wonderful day for all of you, I'll bet everyone back at home is cheering just as I am sure you are still. What a great name for a great future...Alex Matthew Reed how your life will change! :) More love and hugs than ever before!

Catherine, Jamey and Oksana

Terri said...

WOOHOO! Congratulations!! I am so happy for you all!

Love the picture of Dennis. He looks so big with his hands crossed like that!

Dawn said...

Congratulations on your new addition. You all look so happy :0)


Dawn

Matt Penman said...

Congrats!

Tami said...

Congratulations!!!!! I guess they didn't waive the 10 day wait? No worries, you will all be home soon and little Alex can begin his new life as part of your beautiful family! :) So happy for all of you!

((HUGS))
Tami

Tami said...

YAY!!! Congratulations! So glad court went smoothly. We'll keep praying for you during the 10 day wait! :)

crispy said...

Congratulations. That is wonderful news. May God bless this little child in your home.

Melissa E. said...

congratulations!! May God bless you on the rest of your stay. I am so glad that your little boy is so close to being ready to go home--forever!! God bless you and your family.

Julie said...

Wonderful news! Thanks for posting and allowing us a glimpse into your life! You are a very uplifting family.

Alan said...

Congratulations for your new son!

Debora Hoffmann said...

Congratulations, Reed family! I am so happy for you! I am following along quietly and am praying for you. So happy that Alex is part of your family!

Amy said...

Whooo hooooo!!!!
Congratulations!

Praying for safe travels for John and Dennis... and of course best wishes to you and Julia while you enjoy your time together!

Congrats to the newest Reed - little Mr. Alex!

Hugs!

Rayna said...

wow!! that is so great! congratulations!!

Rayna said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Living Life Happy said...

Congratulations!!! :-)

Laura said...

Congratulations to Alex for being the latest blessing to the Reed Family.

Godspeed to John and Dennis as they head home...where everyone will eagerly await you, Julia and Alex so your family can be complete.

~Laura :)

Salzwedel Family said...

Congratulations on your precious new son! A wonderful day indeed!

Annie said...

I will be the 589th person to congratulate you - but you know it is from my heart. I think you are so blessed....so many Ukrainian adoptions seem to go on and on and on...

Alexei is the most adorable child - what a face. If we'd just been a little younger, he would have been ours....but of course God knows what He is doing! One of Sergei's friends was adopted by a family in Indiana, and they simply call him "Losha", which is rather nice, I think. But, perhaps older children give up their names less readily.

I do love that prim little photo of Denis....can't help but think that he picked up on the formality of the occasion.

Anonymous said...

I am injoying siting on anna's lap looking at alex
love dennis.

Anonymous said...

Dennis is going to type some letters. bbkfcjcxdethyhnbcki,kvxsgt/.;i.kj,hj,hj,,nhjnjhjh n lhjbhjbzsgf l,hjhyuvgfkjk
love dennis.