Today's Visit

I won't type long, I am exhausted and emotional (will go into later). Our morning visit took place outside. I helped to get Matthew dressed into his snowsuit. Is it snowing here, you ask? No. That's just how it's done. You go outside with full blown snowsuit, boots, mittens, and hat. All laced and tied as tight as you can. I actually snuck and loosened Ivanna's hat a bit because it seemed to be choking her. I was suprised they let Ivanna outside with them thinking she is so frail. Here are the pictures from the morning visit:

Getting my boy ready to go

Singing to Ivanna

Cuddling my baby girl

Matthew LOVES this sparkly ball we brought from home. Our friends, Luke and Mary actually purchased it for our other daughter, Chloe - we thought to bring it along. Well, it is a huge hit! He puts it near his eye to see the sparkles and then tries to lick the ball. So adorable.

More of the ball.

My sweet baby Ivanna, who will actually turn five November 26th while we are still here, but praise God we should have physical custody of her by then.

It is hard for her to sit up on her own, especially when dressed like an eskimo. Shhhhh.... don't tell. I opened up her snowsuit at the neck so she would not choke. Anytime a worker came near, I would quickly re-velcro it back.

Matthew loves bubbles and laughed at them.

Okay, this was fun. I saw that they had piles of leaves around. What are those good for? Well, kicking and picking up to throw! Matthew loved it. He started picking up leaves and throwing them everywhere with super cute giggles.

Matthew is so into his Daddy. Ofcourse, who wouldn't be. I think Phillip is probably the best Dad I have ever seen. So patient, loving and kind. Anyone who has seen him in action knows this to be true. Look at the sheer joy radiating between these two. Beautiful.

Ivanna. Sleeping. Poor sweetie. I am wondering if she is on medications that might be causing her drowsiness. She is so tired, and groggy. This evening I went with Isaac for our evening visit. I visited with Matthew for an hour and then went to Ivanna's groupa. Yes, they are in different areas. Matthew is actually with healthy children, Ivanna - she is not. Some may remember a post from another Mom who has adopted entitled "That Room" - well, I believe Ivanna is in that room.

I walked to the waiting area just outside her groupa, they left the door open. I could see inside where they had other chidlren, all disabled on the floor, in the cribs, and sitting in chairs. They all seemed well cared for. I saw Lori and Jewell from Reece's Rainbow. These are both girls found in the "other angels" section. They both have CP. Jewell was walking well. Lori waved.

However, there was no Ivanna in this room. They had to go to yet another room where they retrieved her from. They brought her out to me. Her legs are quite limp from what I assume is not physical therapy. She can move them, and even kick if I prod her to. Her feet are tiny, probably a size three or four - for a girl who is nearly five. Her mouth is quite dry, from being dehydrated. Her breath does not smell good from it. The lady brought Isaac and I an apple to eat but warned us to not feed Ivanna. Hmmm. So she must not have been introduced to solids. I took a bite to be polite, then hid the apple. I couldn't bring myself to eat in front of her. I did bring some cream with me, and when I could - rubbed some on her hands and cheeks. It looks as if she may be biting her little hands. I rocked and sang to her and even tickled her to hear some giggles. This was suprising. I love both children so much already.

I know that if Ivanna had been transferred - things would have been bleak. Praise the Lord that He has seen fit to allow us to bring both these beautiful children home.

It was good for Isaac to see these others in Ivanna's groupa. He asks good questions - like why don't others come? or Why don't more people care? I know many care - but don't know how to respond.

Pray. Pray for them - that families would step forward, that provisions be met, and that these children could know the love of a family.

This is why I am emotional tonight. I am thrilled at being here, but not. I am thankful for the opportunity, but feel helpless for those who I saw tonight that I can not bring back. I so desire to bring Matthew and Ivanna home, that it hurts to hand them back - especially Ivanna.

Anyhow - sorry for my rambling. Thank you for sharing this journey with us - and I am looking to the day we can come home with our babies in our arms.