The Medical!

Today we went to the clinic for the 8 doctor medical. It really wasn't a big deal. No shots or invasive exams. You do go into a room take off your shirt and shoes and stand in front of 6 doctors in your pants and bra next to your spouse in his pants while the doctors look you over. They do use a stethoscope. They tested reflexes had us close our eyes and touch our nose (neurology test). Only pause was when we said we had been to India in a year ago last March. That stopped everything until we verified all the vaccinations we took to go there. (and yes, we did do all those nasty shots). Then the exam was back on. They did their best given the circumstances. We had a short interview with the psychologist. Also painless. Actually really fun. She spoke some English and was very curious about us. She asked what I do when I get stressed like when my kids stress me out. I said, "my kids don't stress me out. My husband stresses me out. And I talk to him and then call my girl friends and talk to them about it." She laughed. I think marriages around the world are all the same. Waiting gave us time to catch up with Jana and Breck on how their week went. They went to a very interesting orphanage that is more like a foster home. It was very interesting hearing about everything.

We went home and had a nap and then rode the metro to Arabat to eat at a Ukrainian restaurant. Yummo. We met Dinia and Ron, Terri and John (their friends and Houston Expats) Jana and Breck (CSS), Tamara (her new daughter Mia) and her mother Terri. I met Tamara on FRUA. Part way through another FRUA couple who just had a successful court hearing, the Pattersons, also joined us. We had a wonderful time sharing photos and hearing every one's stories. For those interested, this was right behind MyMy's (Moo Moos in Russian). After the obligatory trip to Starbucks we came home because Ian has a conference call.

We are already pouring over our video and photos of our daughter. How am I ever going to survive without her? You think it will be easier once you see her little face. Not so. It is only worse. Can you imagine leaving your child on the other side of the planet? Torture.

I miss my boys like crazy. I just wish I could have all my kids at home together.

Dear Lord, please bring us back for a successful court hearing in Moscow the week of July 21st. Make all the documents arrive where they need to be. Put on every one's heart the desire to help us get to court by the 25th of July 2008. Lord, please keep Ariana healthy. Fill her heart with love. Let her know we will return. Bless her caregivers. Nurture and comfort them and inspire them to take extra special care of our baby girl. Bless them for the good that they are doing. May the community around them lift them up and provide for all of the caregivers, the orphanage and the children in abundance. Lord, help Ariana to continue to grow developmentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically. Provide the nutrition and stimulation she needs to surpass the developmental chart's expectations for her age. Heal her and bring her home to our family quickly.

Thank you all for your continued prayers and good wishes.

Paka!
Michelle