GOTCHA Day!

It finally happened, June 26th! It was a tough day to say the least. The twins were so overwhelmed with the change in routine. They were super-hyper, wanting to touch everything. And obviously, why would they listen to this guy that goes to play with them twice a day? Who does he think he is?!

In the morning we had a lot of running around to get Isaac’s medications, close his benefit account, buy gifts for the orphanage and director, etc. Finally we made it by 11am but we had not had a chance to get groceries. Olga needed to go to Dnepropetrovsk with the passports documentation and she was running tight on time. Oh, and did I mention it was so darn hot?? We were dancing around 100F and had to walk around everywhere. No A/C luxuries around here!

We got to the orphanage, delivered the gifs and donations and Irina, the new director, was very gracious and appreciative. She took time to show us around and explained her next project. The money will be used to build a new fence and slide in the baby room upstairs.

So in the meantime, Alla was getting the twins ready. Here are some pictures that Carol snapped. I wouldn’t have any visuals captured of this day if it wasn’t for her!

Isaac is ready in the background, while Isabella gets all prettied up in her new clothes. I really need a crash-course in how to do Isabella’s hair! They have some great skills and I can barely do a pony tail.

 

 

Isaac gives his sister an examination before we left. Irina is holding Isabella.

 

 

 

And finally, a nice group photo before the departure. The lady is white is Nina and the one in blue is a nurse. They all love the kids a lot, and even though Isaac (well, it’s both really!) is quite a handful, I’m sure they already miss the twins. But perhaps they’re enjoying all the peace and quiet they left behind.

Back in the apartment, I did some oatmeal porridge for lunch and tried my best to put them to bed for an afternoon nap. Needless to say, all efforts were futile. I couldn’t get them to stop bouncing around. Here’s Isaac pretending to call Mama.

Carol was going to come back at 4pm so we could go get Isaac’s medicine and try to pick up some groceries. The trip went surprisingly well. We took the stroller, as the walk was quite long and Isabella walked all the way to the pharmacy as Isaac rode. Then we switched and went to Billa for groceries. Isaac rode well in the cart. Isabella was obviously wanting to touch everything, so we made it as quick as possible. Then on our way back, we stopped at ATB grocery to get big jugs of water (closer to the apartment). Isabella’s shoes were hurting, so I carried her on my shoulders and carried the water. Needless to say, I was soaked in sweat by the time we got to the apartment.

Carol helped me get some dinner ready for them and after a bath, I successfully put them to bed. Isaac slept deep, but Isabella was dreaming and shaking her head. At one point she even started crying, with tears and sobs. I finally woke her up, went to the kitchen for some water, held her for a bit and then put her back to bed. Papa was then finally able to eat something for the day and get some rest.

So as for coming back, we’ll have to postpone it by a few more days at least as the passports are expected to be completed on Friday 3rd. July. That means we should be able to get to Kiev on Sunday and get the visas and doctor visits done in two days, with a possible travel date of July 8th.