More Progress

After an extremely cold winter here in Minnesota, we're really getting excited to be in the Ukraine for some warm weather. When we arrive the temperatures should be in the 30's and maybe we'll hit some 40's! Now, most of you would be running from temperatures like that. But, as Minnesotans, who have been surviving a winter where -15 degrees F. has been more the norm than the exception, 30 degrees really feels balmy. Yesterday it climbed to 17 degrees and my light jacket came out of the closet.

We have moved Zach and Lauren to the large, lower level bedroom and have everything down there for them. Lauren came over and seems to be OK with the arrangements. I think she thinks that it is cool that she is down there with Zach. They stayed up late on the computer and "hung out". Kind of like a slumber party. Lara and I finished the second bedroom this past weekend.

After six paint samples, we actually chose one that we had not put on the walls. A muted green color. We also moved the bed into the room along with the bookshelf Lara painted. Even with the toys and other kids stuff Lara has purchased, the room looks a little sparse as you can see in the pictures. It could use a rug on the wood floor, a dresser and a night stand. We'll probably wait for

the detailed decorating to know if we're bringing home a girl or a boy. I also have spoken with the physician in the Ukraine who will work with us once we select a child. Apparently he has examined around 300 orphans for US and Canadian Citizens and sounded very knowledgeable. He also provides a course before we go to the Adoption Center in Kiev to teach us what to look for and what to be and not to be concerned about in the medical records of the children presented to us. We will do this on the Sunday afternoon after we arrive in Kiev. Lara is in the process of contacting someone from the University of Minnesota. They have a program that works with adoptive parents adopting internationally. We may use them as a second point of reference and opinion.

We have also been getting ready for the arrival of Clarke, Jane, Norman and Maxine. All the airline reservations have been made. We have hired out the snow removal and dog walking to our friend's kids. After calling "professionals", I would rather Lucas and Emma have the money. They will do a great job. The "pros" were less professional and kind of winy about working more. Lucas and Emma will be much more reliable. We spent time Saturday getting all of our bills set up for automatic payment and buying bulk (Sam's club!) amounts of everything so our house sitters don't go without.

Also, we now have a cleaning person. Nice woman who happens to be from the Ukraine (just coincidence). It has been good having her. It forces us to get organized on Saturday morning before she arrives and the house looks great after she leaves. Gets the weekend off to a good start and gives us more time to do the things we would rather be doing. This is a part of our lifestyle modification plan to ensure more quality time with each other and the kids. We are nearing two weeks and counting before we leave! Stay tuned. Next post..... "General Update and Packing Strategy"!