Itsy Bitsy...

She wore an Itsy Bitsy...

Everything!

Tamara during her first stroll in the back yard. She doesn't like the feel of grass and insisted that Mommy carry her.

Itsy Bitsy Bikini

Tamara plays in her new baby pool. Although we were well stocked on 2T bikinis.. the bottoms kept falling off so now we're well stocked in 18 mo size. She is a peanut.

This week we also had some excitement due to the storm front that barreled through our area.

Below is a picture of the FIRE in our front yard tree. It was struck by lightening and fell on the power lines. Nothing like a burning bush some 30 feet up and about 20 feet from our row of pines which are right next to our house. Eeek!!!

After a few calls to 911 the troops came out in droves.

They assessed the situation, closed the road and we had a mini explosion which took out the power for most of our neighborhood. Luckily is was also pouring so the fire... once grounded put itself out.

Tamara watched the whole thing with us from the front porch. Unfortunately I wasn't able to get her to sleep til after 11 pm that night and she was testy the next day. Her whole schedule was off. Grrrr! Mommy is learning just how important those sleepy times are.. but I couldn't see putting her to sleep until I knew it was safe. :o(

Our stroller broke somewhere between Munich and JFK so we bought her a new one.

I think Mommy may need a bigger car? So much for cargo space?

Here we are strolling along our road.

Tamara loves her sunglasses

This is her Pouting chair... she goes to it was she's been naughty. Something she started?

Mean Mommy won't let her go out in the Summer heat and humidity?

OK... I'm getting up now...

Now she'll let me...
Please... please Mommy?
Tamara excited catching butterflies with her Elfin game.

Thanks Jane & Jessie .. the game is a hit! ;o)

Tamara is a doll.. no doubt about it.

She far exceeds what we had hoped.. prayed for in a daughter. I was told and had read that after a while she will start to test her boundaries and us... well she must be advanced as she has been doing so the last 3-4 days.

My little angel is now somewhat of a picky eater? Hum... so soon? And she does have mini melt downs when she doesn't get her way.. right away? Hum... so soon?

So while little Miss Sunshine practices pushing Mommy's buttons. Something I am told she will probably continue to do for the next 16 years or so? Mommy is finding some humor in her some what predictable toddler behavior. Perhaps the hardest part is that she will cry if I leave her even for a short time (minutes... like 1-2 or less?). On the upside I should lose some weight... I'm calling it the "toddler diet". Tamara prefers what Mommy is eating even if it's exactly the same. Tamara can feed herself and usually will until she sees Mommy picking up Mommy's fork... then Tamara hands me her fork for me to feed her. If it's something she likes she will insist that I give her mine as well. On the other hand if it's something she doesn't like she tries to feed it to me. Nice huh?
~

Things they don't tell you about Toddler adoptions. Toddlers want to try everything yesterday. Toddlers already have a little personality. They have very definite likes and dislikes. Toddlers hold grudges.. yes they do.. they may not last very long but they pout, shout, stump their feet and throw things. Tamara doesn't do this often (maybe once a day) but when she does.. she's too cute to ignore. Bed time is getting more difficult.. probably because the schedule has been messed with this week? We'll get her back on track.

So while we work on getting to know our daughter we can see signs in her behavior that are a reflection of what her life was like before. For example Tamara is potty trained. In the past 3 weeks she's had two minor accidents which happen by the potty when she could no longer hold it. She became hysterically upset when this happen and watched me to see if I was going to punish her? Interesting? She also gets very upset if she spills something .. and also watches to see if I'll punish her? Interesting... very interesting.

I had asked the staff while in Georgia how they discipline children in Georgia. Not the staff specifically but the general population in Georgia. Corporal punishment is apparently still the norm there. I suspected as much before even asking. While in the USA it is not socially acceptable nor legal to physically beat children it remains so in many parts of the world. The thought of what must go on in the orphanages around the world is very upsetting. When you visit an orphanage and see the level of discipline / order it takes to control / train the children of which there are many. You see the intense level of structure / schedule that the children become accustomed to. I hesitate in commenting on this method of discipline as their jobs are over whelming and their methods based on hundreds if not thousands of years worth of experience and custom. However the thought of these precious babies being physically punished breaks my heart. And it just reminds me of how important it is to support through training / awareness / understanding as well as providing the orphanage staff with the essential tools they need to preform their every day tasks. The less stressed the staff = less stressed children = better adjusted adults they become = better planet Earth. The math is simple... the task is great.

It reminds me that something as simple as a truck load of diapers could reach out and sooth more then a tiny tush. How stressful do you think it would be to be the official diaper changer in a baby house if you were about the run out or have already done so? 20-30-50 babies need changing and you're down to your last box? Hum... do you think maybe you might loose it for a second? Might raise your voice? Be a little rougher changing the little ones? You may think ... No... never but you might. Especially if it were allowed and if your own parents / primary care giver did years ago.

I'm bringing this delicate subject up as I think adoptive parents and others need to be aware. Again not to criticize the care givers but to help them. Adoptive parents... if they choose to be.. are in a very unique position. They can help the children they leave behind. And in many cases they can see the facility, meet the staff and access the situation. Which can then help the next family going overseas. For the "others" .. education / awareness is power. Please support these parents as many of you have supported our fundraiser.

As for Tamara I suspect she was physically disciplined over the last 3+ years. She's starting to relax in some ways and stress a bit in others. I don't think she knows what to make of us. I can see her little wheels turning.

"hum... if I cry they pick me up?"

"hum... Am I allowed to spill stuff here? Mommy says it's OK... please don't cry"

"hum... there's a draw full of Pull Ups? Maybe I don't use enough?"

Our little girl is amazing. She plays very well with others both children and adults. She shares what she has happily yet can hold her own when need be.

Yes... we're very proud of our little angel. Now if we could just get her talking. Yes I know some day I will be eating my words. I suspect one day soon she will start talking and there will be no stopping her. When that day comes and she won't stop chatting away and asking a million questions non stop. I'll look back on these days and remind myself how lucky we are and how much we longed for those first precious words.

~~~

I'm alive....

I'm alive...

Please put your sound on... Thank You!

Yes... we're breathing. I apologize for the silence... it has been a trip in more ways then one.

As we try to adjust to our new daughter / lifestyle... we are realizing that 24 hours to a day is simply not enough. Well not this week anyway.

Mom is still sleep deprived... but carrying on. Trying to catch up during sleep and nap time as Tamara is pretty much attached to my hip during waking hours.

More about that tomorrow.

~

Before we continue our journey home I thought I'd share some pictures we took the last day in Tbilisi as I know there is great interest in the process, country and staff we used.

One of Tbilisi's many wooden balconies.. this one covered in ivy. Rather pretty I thought. No?

A little humor at this cafe. ;o)

We found the Georgian people to be very warm , inviting and they all had a great sense of humor.

Another one of their many beautiful churches.

Heart of the city... cobble stone streets are slowly being replaced. Although I did notice some are being restored. Many side walks are very narrow. Some just enough room for one person.

Church... Mother Of Georgia Monument in background protecting her city and welcoming her guests.

We stopped at an intersection and I found this charming old world street. The people in the photo were washing their area rugs. There's something magical about finding a shot like this. A quick peek at everyday life. An opportunity to see, learn and appreciate their way of life as well as our own.
You can see from these photos how the older apartment buildings seem stacked against each other. No doubt something that happen over time out of necessity. Some of the iron work used on balconies, doors, fences and window guards are amazing.

A touristy type area although there really aren't many tourist in Georgia.

Tbilisi has tons of statues as well as fountains. Some very interesting pieces decorate this city.
Another beautiful old church.
Very pretty area... lots of cafes and gift shops.
Nina our interpreter was with us. She became my Turkish coffee buddy. Here she holds an out door cafe menu made from old books. Very artistic in person.
Our last night...

Our in country agency staff came for pastry and wine.

Saying Good Bye to Tamara was difficult for them.

Saying Good Bye to them was difficult for us. :o(

When you spend a few weeks with people who share the common goal, passion as you do it's almost impossible not to bond to them.

We will always remember the ladies of Tbilisi as they have changed our lives forever.

They genuinely care for the children, and are passionate about helping as many as possible.

It was also obvious that they enjoy their work. The rewards go far beyond the financial compensation. With each placement they know that have have most likely saved a child... and created a family.
~

We hope to stay in touch via email, skype and hopefully one day soon we will meet again?

Perhaps in the USA on one of their trips or on a visit to Tamara's native land when she's old enough to truely appreciate it.

Below.. Nina, Tamara & Mommy, Mariza and Anna

~~

Our Trip Home

In Munich we....

Yeah... I know I'm late... sorry :o(

We were planning on checking in from Germany but as it turns out Tamara had different plans for us.

Our Saturday AM started... well actually Friday night never ended for Bruce and I ... but this is about Tamara and her day started at 1 am. When mean Mommy woke her up so she could potty before dressing, brushing her teeth.. a hair do and quick snack.

Our driver was picking us up at 1:30 am to catch our 3 am ish flight to Munich.

We got there in plenty of time, sailed through customs and passport checks.

No hassles getting out .. Yuppie!

When we boarded our Lufthansa flight to Munich everything went fine. Tamara fussed a bit putting her into the CARES Harness but once Mommy figured out what she was doing she settled in. FYI .. for those traveling with toddlers and small children.. CARES is a must. So much easier then dragging a car seat along. Of course depending on where you're going you may need one anyway?

Tamara in Munich, Germany

Flirting with other passengers

Tamara was very good on the 1st flight. Eating a whole container of Gerber Graduate snacks during take off and landing which helped with the ear popping air pressure ear thing. By the way... no ear infection. Tamara was pulling on her ears for about an hour whining the day before we left. Thinking back now .. I think she was trying to tell me "Mommy I want my ears pierced?" She had been watching me put on earrings and I think she finally decided it was her turn? 1st time Mom... sorry ;o)

In Munich.. we had a 5 hr. lay over... seems like a long time but it went quickly compared to the other (going to Georgia 10hr lay over). We did intend to update from Munich but our little girl decided she wanted to join the airport security team. So every time someone went through a restricted access door she tried to go for it? Yeah... it was a fun 5 hours. lol. On the upside Tamara told me every time she needed to potty during the entire trip. Pssss . NO soiled pull-ups the whole way home. The 1st flight Georgia to Munich had a smaller bathroom and she held it. The 2nd flight had bathrooms on the lower level that were roomy by comparison. She went happily... giggling usually. I actually changed her on the 2nd flight just too amuse her as she really didn't need it. That's my girl ;o).

Mommy sleeping with one eye open. Not very flattering but Bruce insists it's cute?

Now this is cute ;o)

Our arrival at JFK went very well. We were greeted by immigration and it seemed as if they we expecting us? Perhaps it was that embassy call to DC the other night? We by passed everyone gave them "the packet" which they opened checked, stamped and signed.. sent us to another office as we approached I heard a man say "There she is... " ??? With out even looking at our papers he told his staff of officers.. "they're ok.. let them through"

Hum... interesting. No bag check... no questions? Just a welcome home!

Perhaps... it was our home land security clearance? Nah... it must have been Tamara... she's a charmer. Upon arrival at JFK we discovered our stroller harness broke? Somewhere between Munich and NY? Weird as it was in a gate check bag.

We arrived home Saturday evening around 5 pm. Our limo driver picked us up at JFK .. he FORGOT the car seat. GRRRRRRR!!!!!!!! Idiot! It's a good thing I like this guy or else I would have had more then his head. Anyway... after 2 weeks of having Tamara in my lap in Georgia it didn't freak me out as much. The driver was instructed to drive slower then usual and there really wasn't any traffic so we were fine.

When we arrived home and we told Tamara ... "We're home"... her eyes lite up. I think she recognised our house from the pictures? She was right at home. She likes the house, yard, Kitty cats (what a relief).

~

5:15 pm... phone rings.

"Hello?"

"LEE ? You're home?"

"Yeah"

"Oh My God .. we were so worried.. why didn't you tell anyone?"

"We just got in 15 minutes ago... Mom"

"Everything ok?"

"Yes... Mother.. every thing is fine."

~

How does she do that? Know... I mean?

~

Saturday night we attempted to un pack.. not easy. We open a suit case and Tamara shuts it. We unzip one and she zips it. Everything is a game to this child. Sunday we again tried to unpack... we still have 3 suit cases to go. I'm serious... we had 9 pcs coming home not counting my purse or her stroller.

Tamara zips it up

Helping Daddy.. well kind of..lol
OK.. Tamara let's unpack the toys first.

After several hours of house tours, playing and the eating some of Grandma's home made chicken soup it was bed time.

Tamara runs in to check out her room for the 1st time.

She likes her bed although we're using the Pack & Play crib for now.

She's a very active sleeper. Calming down a little bit every day. As soon as we think she can sleep in her bed safely we'll make the transition.

~

In her new high chair... she likes it.

Tamara sleeps extremely well. Although active .. she is a sound sleeper. She is using a Pack & Play crib that Joey's Mommy dropped off Saturday. Thanks Sondra. As it turns out they missed our arrival by minutes. Wouldn't that have been a surprise? ;o)

Tamara sleeps between 10 to 12 hours every night and still needs a 2 hour nap in the afternoon. Once she's asleep she doesn't wake up for anything. Seriously we accidentally set off the alarm one night and it didn't phase her. It takes her about 30 minutes to fall a sleep on average. Mommy stays in the room with her until she does. My biggest challenge has been not to fall asleep while pretending to. lol. Yes Mommy is exhausted but it's a welcome challenge.

Anyway... Sunday Grandma and Dido came over to meet their new Grand daughter. (My Parents) It took Tamara about a half hour to warm up to them. They brought her a few gifts and just like you'd expect from a toddler.. she played with the gift wrap. Pretty soon she was having a tug of war with them and giggles filled the room.

Grandma (Lee's Mom) and Tamara

Unfortunately we lost Bruce's Mom several years ago. She would have loved Tamara, her giggles, sense of humor and the way Tamara has her Daddy wrapped around her pinkie. I'm sure we have Betty's blessing from above.
~~

Get up Daddy... we have things to do. Notice how she pulls on the pinkie.

~~~

OH... Yeah... Does any body know Mel Gibson out there? Want him to read a movie script. Stop laughing... I'm serious. Something I wrote in my spare time...lol. NOT. Like I had any spare time. lol. Let me know. ;o)

Leaving on a jet plane

Well it's about time to say goodbye to all of the great folks we met here in Tbilisi with a wine and pastry get together. Of course we are still packing and packing and packing. Lee has had zero sleep and Tamara is making sure it stays that way, so it should be an interesting trip home. Just being a new dad I had no idea how much stuff I would find under things, behind things and in places low to the ground, but I'm learning quick. Besides that I better help Lee finish packing as Tamara just closed her hand in a drawer and has an ear ache.... Like I said it will be and interesting journey home. Hope to update from Munich!

Sondra... yeah you....

Sondra... yeah you.... over there... lady with the baby.

Yes... if it isn't too much trouble I would appreciate it. I get the feeling we're gonna need one?

Front porch is fine... just close the gate behind you so Bambi doesn't eat my flowers.

Thank YOU very much for offering.

Everyone else.. please disregard this post... just answering a private message. ;o)

~~~

I wanna go home...

I wanna go home...

Yes... It's time to go home.

Today started off with Tamara catching up on her sleep so she was in a wonderful, cute mood this morning. I envy her these days. I'm still up at 5:50 am. Packing, wrapping gifts and trying desperately to get organized.

~

We went to the embassy today and after all our brain storming and accessing records electronically... we were told. "OH we called Washington last night... they said you guys didn't need that" Grrrrrr! Ok.. so anyway... they couldn't be nicer to us today. Tamara got her VISA to the USA along with her baby American flag and a box of Crayola crayons. I'm surprised they don't throw in a Happy Meal... lol... that would have made her an American kid for sure. ;o)

As we left the embassy Bruce waved the flag for our driver and translator who were waiting in the car out front... well not really out front... sort of down the block for security reasons.

As soon as they saw the flag waving they knew we GOT IT! ;o)

It's rather interesting they give you an immigration packet that is sealed and has to remain so until you get to the proper authorities in the USA at the airport. We also got all our originals back.. which is cool. ;o) yup... tired but smiling.

~

After the embassy we headed off to the gold market again... some last minute shopping is still going on. And then back to the apartment as Tamara was there with Anna and we wanted to give her the great news. ;o)

This evening went rather quickly play time, dinner, bath, bedtime.

~

Then Bruce went to bed and I stayed up to start our packing. We purchased some rather large pieces that require some thought for packing but I think I got it?

Also had to wrap up gifts for the in country staff. It's one of the many things that we had to plan ahead for. I wouldn't say that it's a requirement but it is expected and considered polite to gift the staff. All international adoptive parents do this regardless of agency or country.

A token of our appreciation. So anyway... I think they should be pleasantly surprised tonight when they receive their gifts. They're getting some pretty cool stuff. ;o)

We were hoping to be able to treat them to a fare well dinner but it looks like we have scheduling issues trying to get them all together. So hopefully we can get them to all come over tonight for cheese and wine. It would be nice to get them all in one place, thank them properly, get some pictures and relax a bit before we go.

~

OK.. can you tell I'm running on fumes here? Yeah... and I'm trying to plan a wine and cheese party? LOL... If only I could do the shopping in NJ. It would be so much easier on home turf.

I'll have to be pretty creative to pull this off... honestly it's not easy as very few things are in English.

We're being picked up at 11 am to do some shopping... there are two stores I need to visit before I leave. Better go get some more Lari... the gold market wiped me out today.

~

So anyway... here are some pictures that we snapped while driving around Tbilisi.

River that runs through Tbilisi


I've been trying to get a picture of this guy for over 2 weeks. Finally today at 60 MPH I got him.

This one's for my Malibu Girls...lol. They tell me he's supposed to be a Greek God... like Dah? No kidding... ;o)

Traffic Circle Fountain... this is the one you'll see in all the travel brochures. Name escapes me.. no time to Google. ;o)
Fairly typical older apartment buildings.

Every day life

People selling goods on street. They tend to set up all over?

Needs a coat of paint.

Daddy takes the trash out... Tamara wants to help.

Court yard view

Using a zoom and finding a more direct view from our bedroom I was able to finally figure the top floor out. It's sort of a storage / tool shed in the attic space. They store firewood and tools up there. Amazing. ;o)

Time for bed Tamara...

OK I need a power nap... it's 7 am I have maybe two hours before cookie wakes up... no make that 1-1/2 need to shower.

OK.. It's time to go home...

I wanna go home.

We'll be leaving Saturday AM. Woohoo!!!

Please note... it is a very long journey home...especially with a brand new toddler in tow. We will be exhausted to say the least. We would appreciate a little space when we arrive. That includes FAMILY especially. Please remember that Tamara will be very confused, tired, cranky as will her parents. ;o) She seems to think she lives in this apartment and was very upset with me when she saw me packing. In fact she started to unpack as I was packing.

WE will have to have a whole other adjustment period to her new home, culture, country, language, room, bed, pets, stuff and more stuff. She may handle it well or she may not. She could get over stimulated, with draw or regress?

Also please remember that although you all feel as if you've known her as long as we have... weird huh? She has no clue you exist. Please do not freak her out when you see her. She is after all only 3 years old.

I thank you for your anticipated co-operation in advance.

I'll try and post again before we take off... otherwise we'll see you in Munich.

~~~