Three weeks from today I meet Greta!

My head is spinning with making travel plans! We will leave Nashville on January 19, fly to New York (JFK), overnight flight to Prague, then on to Vilnius, Lithuania. We spend the night in Vilnius then go to Klaipeda on the 21st to meet Greta. We'll go to the orphanage twice a day to visit with Greta for a few days. We'll have internet access in our hotel during this time so I'll be able to post lots of pictures of Greta! Then go back to Vilnius to meet with the attorney on the 27th. Court is on the 28th. The judges decision may be given within a few minutes of court or up to a couple of days afterward. The judge we've been assigned to typically waives the 40 day appeal period. If everything goes as planned, we'll be back in Nashville on February 13.
It seems as though buying a video camera is a good idea for after Christmas shopping!

I've just received my court date in Lithuania! It is on January 28th. I will need to be in Lithuania by the 21st to finally meet Greta in person. I had really hoped to be with her by Christmas, but at least I can start making travel plans. I can't believe I'm finally to this point!

I received an e-mail from Elona in Lithuania. A judge has been appointed to my case who is likely to waive the 40 day appeal period, based on Greta's health. This means that there won't be the typical second trip or, as I was considering, an extended stay in Lithuania.
I should know the court date on Monday but have warned that it will be the end of January - at the earliest. So it looks as though we'll have a Christmas tree up until February because Christmas is not happening until I have Greta and Robert together at home!

I found out yesterday that my file/Greta's visa approval were sent from our National Visa Center to Vilnius, Lithuania. One more step towards getting that very important court date. I'm still counting on spending Christmas in Lithuania!

I finally have "provisional approval" from USCIS to bring Greta home as my daughter. Now for that ever elusive court date! I really thought I'd be in Lithuania by Thanksgiving, now I'm hoping for Christmas.

I found out that Greta has received the presents I sent. Message from Lithuania:
"I have spoken to the directress of Klaipeda Home for Babies, Doctor Genyte. They have got the package with Tammy’s presents to Greta. The directress said that Greta rejoices over all the presents and is waiting for mommy to come."
Still waiting (not so patiently) on NBC approval so that we can get a court date!

I was surprised by coworkers, friends and family with a baby shower today. It was such a nice surprise! I'm still waiting for the court date!

Elona let us know that the package I sent Greta has arrived in Lithuania. I hope that someone will take pictures of Greta as she gets her gifts and sees her photo album for the first time. Elona also sent a copy of the petition that will be filed with the court. They are asking to have the second court date waived. I know I won't know that until I get there. I'm waiting for that court date!

With all of the paperwork done, waiting for the court date is next. And planning for travel. I really want to go to Lithuania prepared to stay until I can bring her home. With Lithuania, that could be a couple of weeks (if the second court date is waived) or a couple of months (if it's not). As I looked at the financial piece last night, I'm not sure I can afford to stay in Lithuania for the 40 day wait period between hearings. But I can't imagine having Greta with me then having to leave her behind in the orphanage. I know other families have been through this and it's all been okay. I'm applying for adoption grants. If they come through it will make staying much more financially feasible.
I keep telling myself...One step at a time.

I797C received and forwarded to Michelle!
DS230 scanned and sent to Michelle to send to Elona in Lithuania!
I800 and I864W to USCIS in Texas!
Now on to completing grant applications! I just love paperwork! But keeping a picture of Greta in front of me reminds me that it's all worthwhile.
Still hoping and praying to be home by Christmas!

I have USCIS approval again! The first time was for Rachel/Austeja. Now I send off the I800 as soon as I get the needed documents - which are in the mail. Another step closer to knowing when I travel. Is there a chance I'll actually have Greta home by Christmas? I hope so!

I sent Greta her first presents from me and Robert - a backpack filled with goodies! A stuffed animal, a baby doll that giggles, a quilt made mostly by Chris with a little help from me, and a photo album to introduce her to her new family, friends, and home. I sent a disposable camera in hopes that someone at the orphanage will take pictures of her as she is getting her package. Robert set up her crib in my room last night. I'm getting anxious to go get her!

I received update info! Greta was seen by a cardiologist in September. Although she still has a functional systolic heart murmur, she is doing well and observation and further consultation in 2 years is all that has been recommended. She also was seen by a neurologist who did not find any problems. The eye doctor has diagnosed her as being farsighted with astigmatism. She and Robert really are siblings! The best news: The doctors think that Greta's positive reaction to the hepatitis test was due to the antibodies from her mother. Her liver is healthy! She does not have the diagnosis of hepatitis! They did express concern about another issue - she sucks her finger. :-) They clarified that this is not a problem, only a habit. If that's the biggest problem we have, we are in great shape!

Greta is 34.6 lbs and 3 feet tall. I'm eagerly (anxiously? definitely not patiently!) waiting to find out when court will be.

David

I thought I should introduce all my children. Here's David. I wish he were here.

Robert

This is Robert and Rocky. Robert is 19 (almost 2o but I don't want to talk about that!). He is working at Angel Heart Farms. He is learning to rehabilitate horses.

Greta Rose

Here's my Greta! She is currently in an orphanage in Lithuania. She will be 3 years old on February 20, 2010. Robert says she has our cheeks. We are very excited about adding her to our family.