Thursday, July 31, 2008

Gotcha



Shhhh…. he is sleeping right now. Yes, here. Right in the very next room! He looks like a little cherub.

Sorry to keep you waiting. I tried to post a blog entry last night, but the internet was down. I knew I wouldn’t get the chance to post again until tonight because Mr. Milo is keeping me on my toes!

What an amazing couple of days. Yesterday (Gotcha Day) was so emotionally charged it's hard to describe. As wonderful and exciting as it was, it was sad in many ways. It was especially difficult to see his sweet caregiver crying as she handed me his little bundle of clothes and kissed him goodbye. Everyone was choking back tears, even though we were all smiling. Thanks to Alysa, we have some photos of our departure.

Milo got in the car with me without a problem, but once it started moving he started to cry, and then wail! I don’t know if he thought he was going to the doctor (the only reason they are ever in a car) or if he was just plain scared. He clung to me for dear life. His little arms and legs were totally wrapped around me and his cheek was pressed hard up against mine. I felt so sorry for him. I held him tightly and reassured him the best I could. After a minute he calmed down and started looking at all the things outside, but he never let go. He was so nervous and fascinated at the same time. Poor baby.

He is now feeling very comfy and relaxed here in the apartment. I just love having him here! He’s doing well considering all the changes, but we are having some sleep issues as well as some overstimulation I suspect. Waking up to his grinning face this morning was one of the sweetest moments I can ever remember. We’ve been down to the playground twice and he met some of the local kids the second time. We also had our first outing together – to sign some papers for his passport. That was interesting because we had 3 minutes notice to be downstairs and neither of us were dressed. But I did it! He LOVES taking a bath and isn’t afraid of the water one little bit – even when it splashes in his face. He even puts his face completely underwater and blows bubbles. A little fishy he is!

I will try to write more details when I can, but it may be awhile. As I expected, I don’t have the time to write about all the ten thousand things I wish I could right now. I need to try to get some sleep while I can. I just wanted to share some photos and let everyone know we are finally together and doing relatively well. A forever family! We miss you so much, daddy!

Thank you so much for all of your sweet comments and good wishes! Please continue to keep us in your thoughts as we both figure it all out.

One Final Signature


We weren't allowed in his living quarters,
so on his last day I asked a caregiver to please
take a photo of Milo's crib with my camera.












41 comments:

Kaz Blog Reader said...

Hooray!!!!!Congrats and lots of love!
Judy and the rubino gang

Karla said...

My first instinct was just to write a one-liner email ... "whew" ... but then who can resist writing a novel. I love you. I love our family. I can't wait for more (when you can). We all know you're busy and are glad to hear it! We couldn't take that away from you!!!! So, go be busy with Milo. Glad to hear you've started the passport process. That's exactly what I told the girlie-girls on the way to day camp this morning! I can't wait to update them later when I call them! Sending hugs and kisses to each of you. I emailed Frank already (was anxious for word, as you already know since you got email from me, too) - thanks so much for keeping us all in your bubble - you've been great about it. Know you miss us as much as we miss you. Can't wait to give you both a huge hug!
xoxoxo
KK

Susan and Robert said...

Regina,

There is nothing like a sleeping child!

I know you must be so glad to finally have him with you! He's adorable and adjusting so well...you both are troopers!

Susan

Our Family of Bloggers said...

I am so glad the first days are going smoothly. As much as we all complain about feeling like "when will we ever get to take them out of the Baby House?" it is so clear that the time spent visiting really helps with the adjustment. I love that he loves the bath- good entertainment. And the water splashing over his face- just wait until you get him into a pool or the beach.
Congratulations- and yes, get some sleep!!!!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! So happy to see the update and it sounds like the transition is beautiful.
Shannon

Tenneva said...

If you feel a slight tremor I'm sure it is all of us over here jumping for joy :) I am so happy for you guys! He is so precious. I can't wait for the 3 Ruopoli's to visit Indy and we all get to meet him. Hugs and love to you all.

Kjersten, Steve, Aitugan & Nurai said...

We are so happy for you. Wonderful to hear that the early stage is going well, and that Milo draws you close for reassurance. Tougy absolutely lost it the moment we went to the car from the baby house. It caught KJ and I by surprise, but I think that it had just been such a busy few hours leading up to the leaving and she was overtired and overstimulated. As you experienced with Milo, once in the apartment Tougy was a much calmer and happier child, and like Sara commented, all that getting to know you time in the Baby House pays huge dividends after the child goes home with the family.

Find some rest, know that we are all here thrilled for you and that we can't wait for that plane to land in Charleston so that the three of you can begin the next phase. Good luck with the ensuing officialdom and paper-chasing. Take Care.

Love,
Us

Kaz Blog Reader said...

The last photo looks as though he put a quarter in the wild underwater seahorse ride and is trying not to get bucked off! Hang on my little one, mommy is right there. Bring it on home.

I'm glad I went to the store last night and bought a baby pool. Little Flipper looks right at home in the water. Nice Black Square!

I also see he is smoozing the "ladies" at the playground, what a playa!

Devin, Margaret, and Nigel brought me some awesome brownies last night. Sorry, I could not share them with the both of you, cause they were deeelisssh! You need some cause you looked like you lost some weight. Looking Good, as always!

-Papa

P.S. Paco and Delilah say hey!

Kaz Blog Reader said...

Congratulations!! We are so very happy for you all - the airport will provide a sweet reunion with Frank :)

I remember the 3 minute notices to be downstairs - gotta love it. Kazakhs are known for taking their time with nearly everything else, so I never understood this!

Enjoy when Milo is sleeping - you need your rest :) Remember that all of the adjustment challenges that you go through in Kaz will change and get better once home.

You are a precious, forever family!

-Julie

Kaz Blog Reader said...

So happy to hear that you have Milo with you now! Like everyone else, I've been checking very often for your update. Enjoy every moment of your first days as a family. Hopefully the rest of the process will go smoothly and quickly so all three of you can be together soon!

Best wishes!
Lisa (and Corey)

marsrob said...

YAYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!! THIS IS SOOOOOOO WONDERFUL!!!! JOY JOY JOY!!!!xoxooxoxoxox

Anonymous said...

Wooo Hooo!!! HAPPY HAPPY DAY!! Milo, As I am writing this the big jets are flying overhead. Rattling the camper. I think they are saying congratulations!! How'd they know?

Patrick & Eileen said...

This was the update I was waiting for!!! I'm so glad you wrote. I knew that it might be a little while considering the adjustments that you two have to make.

He looks like one happy little boy - a water baby that's for sure!

Congratulations - Big Hugs, Eileen

dnd82001 said...

Congratulations Regina & Frank on your son Milo!!

The blog world is so very happy for you guys!!!


YEAH YEAH YEAH!!!!

Rest up my dear and we so look forward to when yo can share some more!!

Darlene

Kaz Blog Reader said...

That is the SWEETEST little sleeping cherub picture! So happy that things are going well so far....he joins a long list of Kazakh fishies....what is up with all of the fish from the landlocked country! What a hoot!

You look radiant holding Milo in the car as he seeks comfort from you! The journey continues!

Karen (Nick and Pat too!)

John & Jenny Morgan said...

Milo looks like such a sweet and happy baby! Congratulations!

AJ said...

That bathtub picture is priceless!

But of course, my favorite has always been the first sleep photo. It is by far the most amazing part of this process - all the work pays off when you see that peaceful sleeping child.

Great job, Regina. You have a baby who looks like he enjoys life very much!!
AJ

Jennifer said...

Congratulations Mom!!! The sheer joy on his face in the bath tub has me grinning from ear to ear. And the first picture is just the sweetest ever. So be honest, were you torn in two pieces wanting to run in and kiss that precious mouth and cheeks yet wanting to leave him be to sleep? It seems to be a problem that never goes away! (I suppose that's a good thing.)

I'm so happy all went well for you guys. He is a little dumpling and I am so relieved and joyful that he is finally yours and you are his.

Stephanie and Gary said...

Congratulations for a wonderful start to your life together!! I waited anxiously for updates and seeing that first sleeping photo was like .... ahhhh ... at long last!!

Enjoy!
Steph

Kristi Gruizenga said...

OMG look at the big smiles! Congratulations! I'm thrilled that you're finally together.

Love from,

Kristi and Mieke in Mexico

The Kieffers said...

Custody is such a sweet feeling. He is so beautiful and sweet. We are so excited for you all. We call Rhys baby sunami because he splashes so much adn loves the water too. I also love that he is already an American wearing his little Crocs at the playground. Can't wait to see you in Charleston.

The Kieffers

Kaz Blog Reader said...

Well .. imagine my disgust when I couldn't sign on to your blog, after a whole day I figured out what I did wrong. I have been anxious to see and I missed alot! He is so cute and looks like a water baby for sure. He will show you more and more each day and his personality should blossom beyond belief. I want to thank you for sharing your blog as it has been most interesting and the pictures are wonderful! I look foward to reading the blog that follows the reunion with daddy! Gena,Jaimie and Berik

Karla and Ben said...

Waking up to a smiling toddler is awesome! Congratulations!!! -Karla

Julian and Sara said...

Congrats!! Love the photos. Look forward to hearing more.

Teresa said...

There could not possibly be a more beautiful sight than a sleeping baby! I used to pull a chair up next to the crib when mine where small & just watch them sleep.
I am sooooo happy Gotcha Day has arrived & Milo is almost where he belongs. He will be where he really belongs when the plane touches down in Charleston & the three of you begin the new chapter of "Ruopoliville" ;)
ths

Sandi said...

Regina,
What an awesome post. I am so happy that you've had your gotcha day and that Milo is adjusting.

Big smile on my face. These are the moments we all dream about.

Sandi

Kim said...

Yeah! Congratulations!!!! I am so happy for you guys. Almost home!

Happy said...

I was anxious to hear more, as surely everyone was, yet I knew that you would be exhausted and have little time to do anything except be a mommy. From the long list of well-wishers in front of me, I may well be the last one to see this, but it was worth the wait. I got weepy just seeing Milo sleeping. Those are the moments I think every parent treasures. No matter how horrible the day goes, when they sleep, they are all angels. Yes, Karla, even you. Enjoy enjoy enjoy. I can only say that those baby years go way too quickly. Happy

Alysa said...

The little sleeping cherub is so precious!!! And boy is he loving the bathtub! Definitely a little fish. Or maybe an otter. :)

Those last few minutes when you were leaving the babyhouse with Milo were so poignant. They went quickly, a little disorganized (as is everything here), and almost as if just any other day, but you could feel the change in the universe at that moment. It is something that still brings tears to my eyes and I feel so honored to have witnessed and will certainly never forgot.

Congratulations and all my love to the three of you for a wonderful life as a forever family!

Lady said...

Hi Regina,
I am so happy to know the transition is going well, Milo seems to be very happy there, with you. Congratulations mami, you are the best mom he could have ever wished for.
Love
L&D

Kaz Blog Reader said...

Congratulations on your Gotcha Day!!! The picture of Milo sleeping is so precious!!!

Best Wishes-
Holly and Dean

Amy said...

Congratulations to you all!!! Wonderful wonderful wonderful news!!!!

Unknown said...

Hey Ruopoli FAMILY!! conratulations. You guys have been in our thoughts and we are glad that your gotcha moment finally arrived. Welcome to a great and loving family Milo.

We can't wait to meet you! have a safe trip home.

Steve,Cher,Madison and Jack

Kaz Blog Reader said...

Congratulations! That is a beautiful photo of him sleeping.
Tricia H.

Deb-DnD said...

My happiness is OVERFLOWING for you. Your post on the threshold of becoming a 'forever' Mom moved me to tears, and they are still streaming down my face as I read and respond to this latest happy post!

It has been an honor and a privilege to have been allowed to witness this momentous and joyous occasion in your lives.

Words are truly inadequate to express how I feel. But, from the bottom of my heart, my wish is that the love between you, Frank and Milo will continue to grow beyond any love you ever imagined was possible.

Deb (Tabacco) Murray

Kaz Blog Reader said...

Congratulations!!! This is so exciting! You must be so happy and relieved. You are all in our thoughts as you navigate the next few weeks of mommyhood!

(Can't wait to meet him!)

Julia and Sean

Kelly and Sne said...

I've been out of town without my computer but I just had to make sure that the big day went off without a hitch! Congratulations forever family! He looks like one happy boy!

Nell said...

And baby makes 3!!!! Congratulations!!!!!!

Somebody is happy in that last pic!

cindy said...

Congratulations mommy and daddy!!! you are a family forever :) cindy, Matt Astrid and coming soon... Akeyla

Amy said...

Hi Regina!!! Hopefully you are doing well. If it is a little crazy that is to be expected. It can be challenging to raise an older child and the first six months are the worst. I am just over the three month mark and I can tell you behavior improves, attachment forms more strongly (for her and for me) and life starts to make sense again. I have heard that by six months things are vastly improved. Having just been through where you are now feel free to vent and ask questions if you are feeling overwhelmed. Hopefully you are not and you are just having so much fun with your little Milo man. Just know that there is a small group of people that totally get what you are going through with the challenges of raising an older child and we are here as a resource.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! I know this will be quite a transition for him, but with great parents like you, he has everything going for him to thrive in his new environment. And I can attest: This is a fun age.