Phoebe and Bella

I haven't posted since court because I guess I really haven't been sure what to post. There is so much information that I probably couldn't fit it all on this blog. Court was scary. I mean, we were prepared for the worst. Matthew was prepared to speak, but when they asked which one wanted to speak...he looked at me and said please, so I did. I can remember thinking my back hurt because I was standing so straight. I was sweating and sure that I was beginning to stink. It went amazingly well. The judge was strict, but fair. We were prepared. That is what happens when you have a great agency and great facilitators.

Matthew left the next day after court. After he left, I went to see Phoebe. That girl is a hoot. I admit, I don't like being alone. I spent the last night in the hotel by myself. I got up the next morning and our facilitator helped me with my bags. We went to see Bella. Bella has changed so much. The first day we met she just laid there in my arms. Now, she plays. She smiles. She imitates. Bella was even looking at herself in the shine of the piano and making all kinds of sounds. She was dancing. Bella truly is changing. After my visit with Bella, our facilitator helped me move to the apartment. It is really nice. That afternoon, the landlord took me to the grocery. I was excited to find Mt.Dew. I prefer Diet, but I am not going to complain. Today I saw Phoebe again. She was full of energy. I took a banana for her to eat so I could see how she did chewing. She devoured it. Phoebe doesn't seem to have any issues chewing. There was a little boy visiting with his family (from Spain.) Phoebe took it upon herself to go over and knock over his blocks. He didn't like it very much. I told Phoebe to be nice and she smacked me in the face. I told her, "Nyet." Phoebe just looked at me like..."Why not?" I don't want her to think it is ok to do that. So I am sure it is going to take some gentle and kind redirection for her to learn that it isn't ok to hit. They are both great. Really, they are.

Being alone in a foreign country is different. I want to get outside and walk. To view things. It truly is a learning experience. Although I would like to, I most likely won't. My safety mode says no. I feel safe in the apartment...but there is something about walking the streets alone in a foreign country that tells me not to. This city is neat. There are a lot of things to see. To explore. There are plenty of places to eat. There are a lot of shops. There is a zoo. Not to mention historic stuff. There are no visits during the weekend, so I probably won't post much. Unless I decide to venture out.

I wanted to say thank you to everyone that has supported us throughout the adoption process. If it be by a kind word, prayers, donations...whatever. It all has made a difference. I cannot wait until we take them home forever.