An update from afar...Nola is in-hand!

Guest Author here today! Like on the first trip, Internet access is proving challenging for Jackie, so she asked that I provide you all an update. For one day, GoogleTalk was working, but even that has stopped cooperating, leaving text messages as the only way to get all the good news out. (She does seem to be able to read incoming email) So...

The good news is that Nola has been in-hand for a few days now. She’s a cheerful baby and is really very perky. Jackie reports that the smiles keep coming, feeding is going well and Nola is even trying to sit up a little. It also sounds like hiring the nanny between trips was a wonderful decision as the Little Squirt gained about a pound and a half over that time period and appears to be very spoiled. Yay, Nola!!!

Jackie and her mom are undoubtedly taking lots of pictures and short videos, so with any luck, perhaps some will be posted later in the trip once they relocate from the “Internet from Heck” hotel in Kyrg to Almaty for processing out via the US Embassy. In the mean time, I know Jackie, Nola and Helma will appreciate your thoughts...as an adoptive parent myself, I assure you those things go a long way to help with the stress of traveling and “the process”.

And we're off part II

In just a few short hours we will be enroute to Miami Airport and on our way to Kyrgyzstan where I will finally be reunited with my Dianochka. I can't wait.

I want to take a quick moment to say THANK YOU to so many people for their kind support, love and friendship. So many family and friends have gone out of their way in some way to show me support through this journey. I will always be grateful and I can't wait for each and every one of you to meet Little Squirt some day.

So, goodbye for now. Look for updates here and please keep sending those good thoughts.

Love, Jackie & Helma (Oma)

Question: Am I packed and ready to go?

Answer: No and No

The only items ready to be packed are the things I'm bringing for Little Squirt and a few things I'm leaving for the orphanage. That's not so bad, right?

I'm definitely not ready to go at this moment, but I will be ready on Friday. Today will be spent running around picking up some last minute items and cleaning the house (joy). I'll start the formal packing tomorrow.

I'm doing ok, and despite the craziness over the past 2 weeks I am very much looking forward to sitting on that airplane, jet setting to Central Asia and reuniting with my Dianochka. I just cannot wait to see and hold her. Mostly, I cannot wait to start our life together.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Yes, of course Little Squirt has a proper name

What's in a name? A lot of thought!

Many who know me would not be shocked to hear that I thought long and hard and analyzed every name known to man. I even created a spreadsheet with many of my favorites over recent years. Complete with origin and meaning. In varying combinations of first name and middle name. After all, there is much to consider when naming your child. You have to consider the last name - how long it is, how many syllables, etc. Then, if you decide on a long first name, you should have a shorter middle name, but you shouldn't have 3 long names. If the first name is 3 syllables, it will flow best with a middle name with one syllable less. You have to consider their new initials to be sure it doesn't represent an acronym that would forever scar your little one due to teasing once they begin school. (note: all the above is from a baby name book) Mostly, you have to like how it sounds when you say: 'Noah, clean your room', or 'Zoe, you're grounded and don't come out of that room until you've thought about what you've done!'

There has been much inquiry around Little Squirt's name. First, let me share the name given by her first mother. Diana (pronounced dee-AH-nah) - if you need a quick audio lesson in this pronunciation, click here and scroll to Diana. For the few weeks before I traveled to meet Diana, she was known as Baby Di. During the first 12 days of our time together, we called her Dianochka. How cute is that? Then the day finally arrived and I was asked 'Jackie, what do you plan to name your baby?'

Well, I have always said, depending what her given name is and how she received her name, I would consider maintaining this name in some way. And I did.

I would like to introduce you to Nola Diana (pronounced NO-la dee-AH-nah). There you have it. My baby has a name and I love it.

So, how will you, or how did you name your child? What factors did you consider?

Less than 3 weeks and counting

Did you notice the countdown clock? Yes, in less than 3 weeks from today I will be on my way to pick up my girl. I cannot wait to see Little Squirt's sweet face again and give her so many kisses.

All our travel plans have been arranged and now it's time to focus on the many unfinished house projects, final touches to LS's room, and lots and lots of cleaning. My house looks like a hurricane hit! The good news is that my new kitchen counters and cabinets are finally installed and as soon as the plumbing is reconnected, I will finally be able to enjoy my kitchen (aside from some finishing touches that will have to wait for now).

I was looking at pictures from trip 1. I'm not sure if I posted about this, but I was pretty sick for about 36 hours during the first trip. On day 12 I could not even make it to the orphanage to see my baby girl. Mom had her all to herself on that day. Boy, was I bummed to have missed those hours. Here are just two shots from that day.

What are they talking and laughing about? Hmmm...

This face makes me melt!!