Friday, June 20, 2008

The Only Thing That's Constant

We have been asked to be in Aqtobe on July 7th - a full week before court – because they don’t know when the judge and prosecutor will be able to observe bonding, and they want to err on the side of caution since we are the first family to go through this new process there.

The happy news is that we get to see Milo sooner. The sad news is that because of this and other factors, we have decided to both come home during the waiting period.

When all the post-court waiting and paperwork are finally complete, we will return to Kazakhstan again for a quick third trip to bring our son home. It should be in mid-August. Fingers crossed. Yep, you read that right. Three trips. Who'da thunk?

This wasn't an easy decision, but we feel it's the best answer in our unusual situation. I just don't know how we will bear leaving him again. We'll need cardiac team on standby because it will undoubtedly rip our hearts out. Sigh...

But we're not going to wallow. We're going to look on all the bright sides, which are still aplenty. Yeah, plenty of bright sides. Tons of 'em. Ok, can someone please remind me what they are???

Since I was on blog hiatus when Father's Day rolled around, I wanted to take a moment to wish a happy belated Father's Day to all the daddy's out there! Especially to you, honeybunchesofoats! I just love watching you with Milo. It will be one of my life's greatest joys (if we can ever get his hiney home.)


Air Giggles


And to our own wonderful dads, thank you for everything you've done for us.
We love you very much!

Frank's dad, James (Pop), making the best man's toast at our wedding.


My dad, Rodolfo (Rudy), dancing with me at our wedding.
A moment I will never forget.



19 comments:

Patrick & Eileen said...

First of all wonderful photos and video!! I do feel a tug at the heart seeing Frank hold his child. What a special moment.

July 7th is my father's birthday & July 14th would have been my parents anniversary (they are good luck days).

I am sad that you two have to go through so much. It really shouldn't be so hard for you or anyone else. There are children who need love and a home. We are parents who have proven time and again that we can provide that - so why the mess just to get the child? It just kills me.

I have my moments, being sad and being annoyed....but like you I am looking to the bright side of things.

Hugs,
Eileen

Jennifer said...

This seems like it's taking soooo long. It's very hard to maintain my patience. YOU may not be wallowing, but I am. :-)

Happy Father's Day to Frank!

I feel like I haven't talked to you in forever. I'll try to email this weekend. I miss you though!

Angela said...

GOODNESS! Anything else? I am sorry that it is one thing after another. Milo will be home really soon. The end of the summer isn't too far away . . .

Lovely Father's Day Tribute!

Alysa said...

Happy Belated Father's Day to Frank as well. The pictures and video are so touching.

Wow. Three trips. I prefer to go back early prior to court and it if is required, I might be doing three trips as well. Sigh. I'll be watching how things go for you, then decide. I'm so sorry it is working out this way for you. I can't imagine (and am not looking forward to finding out) how hard it is to leave your child once, let alone twice.

But, on the bright side, there is that much more family leave time when you bring Milo home.

Only a couple of weeks now before you see him again! Hang in there.

Karla said...

Great post, as always. Whoa, did the pics bring back some memories, or what - who were those skinny minnies in the wedding get-ups - LOL!!!! Frank without facial hair and Pop with it!! Ha ha ha...
Ah- thanks for the memories!
And can we just pause for the cause - what can we do for your 40ths before you disappear on us?? I can't wait for Milo's celebration!!!! Whoo hoo - it will be here before we know it! And so will he!!!! Everyone is in my thoughts! xoxoxo

Anonymous said...

You'll get his hiney home, and I'm sorry Aqtobe has taken the long route. In Taraz, I was with a few families who did the 3 trip route. It does suck. I can't wait to see more photos when you return!!
Shannon

Angela said...

I know that must have been a tough and exhausting decision and one you will probably struggle with until you leave the second time. Kuddos to your agency for doing what they think is in the best interest of your adoption. I can't imagine being the first family for anything in a Kaz adoption. I'm sure you will be fine though. Can't wait to see you reunited with Milo

Catalina said...

Sorry to hear you will make 3 trips, this must be so difficult. However, at the end of the third trip you will be reunited with Milo forever and this is the most important, The pictures and videos are very very cute, as always. Did I mention I love Milo`s name so much and I think it really fits him.

Stephanie and Gary said...

Hi Regina, your posts never fail to simultaneously move me to tears, amuse me to laughter and inform me with fantastic information. I am frustrated for you as well that your journey to bring Milo home has been extended to three trips, but the powers that be must have their reasons. I love seeing the new videos. I feel excited for you each time I see them. Wishing time to pass quickly for you until you are "getting down" with milo again!
Have a wonderful weekend -
steph

Susan said...

Happy Papa's day to your "honey bunches of oats" He is really precious with Milo and i love seeing the pictures of them together.
You guys were such hotties on your wedding day!!!


I am sorry the road to Milo is a long and winding one, uphill, in snow, both ways, with no shoes, for many many miles.
We will probably end up making 3 trips as well. Should we be forunate enough to bond with a child, pre-court is usually a much as a week after bonding, then court is 30 days out. With school going and work going on, it will be hard for us to stay the 3 weeks after court too. So, it's all up in the air, but 3 trips is a real option for us. I know that when I"m there, you will support us and give me encouraging words when I need them.

Milo will be worth every blood, (literally), sweat and tear you put into the journey to get him.

You and your hubby are TOTAL HOTTIES.

Sandi said...

I am sorry that your journey to parenthood has taken so many detours, at least now you know what your prize is, wonderful beautiful Milo. Hopefully knowing what will be at the end will help you get through the waiting. Three trips is unbelievable, but the time you will be able to spend with him once you are home will be priceless.

I can not wait to follow along on your 2nd trip and excited to see new photos of Milo.

hugs to both of you.

Sandi

Our Family of Bloggers said...

I am sad and broken hearted for you two and little Milo. But as others have commented, there is an amazing little boy at the end of this drawn out, insanely ridiculous process. I know it will break your hearts to leave him again, but just think... in two months, you will ALL be home in SC getting ready to celebrate Milo's birthday TOGETHER! And boy will there be reason for celebration!
By the way- you are entitled to wallow in self pity, you know. It might not change or fix anything, but you are allowed to wallow.
Lots of hugs from AZ---

Amy said...

Sorry I have been out of commission...my trip to Europe got cut short because my g-dad died 3 days into the trip and mom and I had to come back to the states. Haley stayed with a mom in our travel group and finished out Paris & Italy. Needless to say, the past two weeks have been pretty awful, but Haley got back safely to Charleston yesterday and had a great time and was so responsible and mature about it. We're really proud of her. So goes life and mom and I will go back to Italy very soon...I'll tell you more about it later. Sorry about your news and more delays, but you just have to roll with it and know that Milo will be home with you guys forever before you know it. Hope to see you before you leave for Trip 2~

Kaz Blog Reader said...

Man - you guys really are being thrown a ton of curve balls. I am sorry you will have to go through leaving Milo again. The family we traveled with left after court and did 3 trips. You guys are strong, which will help you get through it. In the big scheme of things, it is a small period of time - though hearts don't really understand that!!! One day at a time :)

marsrob said...

3 trips. OY VEY! But, you will see Milo so soon, so I am thinking that this is a HUGE BONUS! Oh you guys are going through SO MUCH!!! It is crazy! But we are thrilled that you are on your way. August is just around the corner, and pretty soon, before anyone knows it, Milo will be HOME! JOY.

Those are beautiful photos.

xoxoxoox

cindy said...

Can't they just look at these videos and see that you are a family already?? And let Milo come home? Oh my goodness, three trips.... Hang in there, the best is yet to come. We love you. Cindy, Matt and Astrid

Amy said...

Wow that bites! Sorry I just am posting now. A very short and cute person has been keeping me very busy lately! ; ) You will understand soon!!! Will be checking in on you guys to see the happy reunion(s). Drink a glass of cherry juice for me when you are back in Kaz!

Kim said...

Yup - totally sucks but Milo will be home and in a year you will look back at this time with fond memories. Well, maybe not "fond" but you know what I mean. :)

Kami said...

Yippee you are heading back soon! Best of luck with court all though I am sure it will be a breeze. I am looking forward to seeing more family photos and hearing how this new process works out.

I have to be honest, ever time I see a picture of Milo my heart skips a beat. I am SO SO HAPPY for all of you!! Would it be too forward of me to say I would love to come down to see you guys once you get home and settled into your new life?? All these Aqtobe kids melt my heart.