The End and The Beginning

We really couldn't be happier people than we are right now. The journey of adoption has been an incredible experience. Last Monday we waited anxiously with our parents at O'Hare airport for Nora to arrive. We saw her coming down the escalator and we thought our hearts would explode! I will remember the moment that Oleg placed our baby girl into Dana's arms the rest of my life. I will also remember she and I falling asleep on the couch late that night. Now we can enjoy life together as a family. She has only been here physically almost a week but in our hearts and souls a long time..... Nora is getting adjusted - she fights sleep but loves food! We look forward to the many joys and adventures of parenthood. We look back and reflect on all our memories and friends made along the way. As I reflect upon my experience of becoming an adoptive parent I now know what my parents felt for me when I was adopted many years ago. Life has come full circle for the Spyker Family, we thank God for his blessings in our lives.

She is on her way!

Well Nora has left the baby house. Amy our dear friend and traveling companion for the first trip was with her when she left. She advise she smiled the whole ride to the airport. I am so happy Amy is with her. The next day Amy and her daughter Karina was picked up to go the the US Embassy to have the medical exams. And there in the car was Nora again . She was with her nurse who is watching her until Oleg takes her to America. Amy said the exams went smoothly. So pretty soon Nora will be with us. And then we will be able to breath again. It's been so long. I can't wait to see her. Please continue to pray for her safe return home. And for us to keep it together until then.

A LONG TWO WEEKS......

Believe it or not, we've been home from Kazakhstan now for 2 weeks. Nellie (our dog) and everyone else is wondering, "Well where is she?" and "When will she be here?" Right now it seems like an eternity since we were there and we miss Nora terribly. We keep busy by working and getting ready for her arrival (and watching videos of her and pictures). We have dedicated an area of the basement for her to play in..... My (Bill) poker table has taken a back seat! We're also planning for her baby shower which is next Sunday, April 13th. Our hope and belief is that we will hear something early next week. We'll be sure to keep you updated!

Back At Home

We apologize for not updating the blog earlier! We had every intention of updating our blog a lot while we were in Kazakhstan but technology doesn't always make that possible. Our computer was unable to connect with their internet so we had to use their computers in the "business center" and that very difficult. Anyway, we are now back home in Chicago, Illinois and miss Nora very much. We left Kazakhstan and are having her escorted back here for several reasons and all are in Nora's best interests. Legally Nora is now our child (the 15 day waiting/appeal process has passed). We expect that she will be with us in approximately 3 weeks if all goes well with the visa/passport paperwork and the escort process. So we will recap and blog some experiences until her arrival, we miss her very much!

Hockey Night/Court

Sorry for not putting more updates and/or quicker updates. The internet frequently goes down and when its up we're at the baby house (go figure). When it is up, there is a mad dash for the 2 computers that are probably 10 years old. So anyway, hockey night was a lot of fun although the home team lost 2-0. Everyone seemed to have a nice time and it was nice to get out for a couple of hours.

Court for us was on Thursday March 6th. Everything went well and we were very relieved. It was an emotional landmark for us. We were excited, relieved, happy, and emotional all at the same time. The 15 day waiting period is now in day 3 for us. After 15 days, we can bring her back to the hotel. We are anxiously awaiting that date of course...... After that, the paperwork for us to leave can begin and we can look forward to returning home.

As I write this, most everyone has returned home to the U.S. We hope that everyone made it home safely to their families. Some will be turning around and coming back in two weeks. Of course without Amy here it just isn't the same.....

Dana has been battling some type of sickness the last few days. Nora has been pretty much sick the whole time we've been here. I battled some home sickness yesterday but am better today. When we left the baby house today, Nora cried as we left her - a good day believe it or not......

Hope all is well back home, we'll write more as we can!!

When does March Madness Begin and End????

The Little Russian Is Doing Well

Well today's events started off with making razberry noises. The Russian was keeping up with the Americans at first. But in the end, the Americans won but only because they are more obnoxious. But in the temper tamtrum event, the Little Russian conquered all and took the Gold. The Americans were in awe as the Little Russian destroyed them - maybe tomorrow we'll have a rematch. HA

Speaking of sports, Bill is going a little crazy due to the lack of US Sports to watch. He can only watch so much soccer or skiing. So who could be surprised back home to hear that Bill set up a hockey night. He bought 20 tickets for the adoption families to have a night out - Ust versus Russia. We have heard that there are actually 8 players from Kazakhstan in the NHL. One is even on the Chicago Blackhawks, he will be our new favorite player. We can walk to the game and the price was right - 250 tenge or about $2.25 per ticket.

Well Nora is still fighting congestion in her chest. She doesn't cough as much but when you hold her, you can feel it. Her behaviour hasn't changed because of it thankfully. She crawls, crawls, and crawls it is so hard to keep up with her. I swear I do my hair and make up every day but after one hour with Nora I am a complete wreck.

I can't wait for everyone to see her facial expressions. She has several different smiles. One look for her and you want to give her whatever she wants to see a smile. She's a looker and cute as a button.

Its hard to believe we have been here for 2 weeks. I miss home, I cried when the internet went down. I wish I could see Nellie my dog and I want my mother too. Everything is ok though because Bill is here. No way could I do this without him, he is my rock. We have been watching the series 24 (1st season) with Kiefer Sutherland, its pretty good and fills up our nights.
Well, I better go for now. If anyone doubts that the United States of America is not the greatest country leave it for a while, you will change your mind. Yes we are very patriotic these days. There is no greater place in the world to me than home: The South Side of Chicago in a little house in the Mt Greenwood neighborhood. Love, Love, Love, Dana

Hello everyone. my name is Nora and this is my mom and dad. They love me very much. I'm having a great time playing with them and they give me tons of kisses. I can't wait to come home to Chicago and see my family. Will my cousins David, Lauren and Alex come over to play with me? I sure hope so. I hear a lot about my grandparents and anties and uncles and it seems like they love me too. Oh the waiting is hard but it's worth it.

love to America!!!!
Nora