Obviously I'm not having as much time on the computer these days. As I get the house more "Greta proofed" and she is getting accustomed to being here, it seems as though I am now having a little more time to do the things I need/want to do - in addition to playing with her! She had a big birthday on Saturday. So Sunday was spent recuperating.
Then on Monday we went to Vanderbilt's International Adoption Clinic to have her checked out. All went well. They were surprised by how bonded she already is to me. Which was a reminder to me at how quickly things are changing. When we got home, she'd barely sit in my lap. Now she is touching me most of the time, especially if there's anyone else (other than Robert) around. He's still her hero!

We're home and settled in. It took a few days to get the last suitcase home but it did arrive on Monday. I got over jetlag fairly quickly. I'm so glad that we don't have to go anywhere. Greta and I are enjoying a quiet morning.

Greta traveled so well! I can't imagine any almost 3 year old doing any better. We were very thankful to see so many friends and family at the airport. It was quite a welcome home! And Cassie showed up with Mountain Dew and Doctor Pepper! Greta enjoyed the attention, as well as the stuffed animals, balloons, and candy. She's liking being the center of attention.

Greta seemed excited to see the house. She seemed to recognize her room from the pictures we sent. She's still investigating the house. I am sure that every day will be a new adventure!

Robert is giddy with excitement about going home. I'm excited too. Greta seems confused about what is going on. My head is spinning. I can't believe I have a daughter! She already is a miniature Robert in many ways. It is so much fun to watch them together - fighting one minute and hugging the next!
I feel so indebted to Dr. Genyte. She has made the best out of a bad situation for so many children. And I can't imagine trying to get through this process without Elona and her crew. They took care of us each step of the way!
And now we're headed home to see family and friends who we've missed so much!

Time to get Greta in the tub and in bed early. Getting a toddler up at 3 am should be lots of fun!

I have Greta's passport and visa!!! We are headed to visit Trakai in a little while, then we finish packing. Early tomorrow morning we will be on our way home!

Evidently when Elona called she was headed to get the Visa. It wasn't ready after all. She assures me that it will be ready in the morning. If we don't get it tomorrow, we don't come home on Friday.

Elona called and is on her way over with Greta's visa! We're all set to head for home! We are so ready to be home but I'm dreading the 22 hours of travel!

When I was out walking yesterday, I heard Bing Crosby singing Christmas tunes. Today I was in a gift shop and heard Johnny Cash! I never expected that!

I knew I would have new compassion, understanding, empathy, etc. for adoptive families as I went through this journey, but I had no idea how much so! When Robert told me that Elona had called and was on her way over, I had to get busy cleaning the apartment, combing Greta's hair, and worrying about what she was wearing. Robert was amused!

I'm back from shopping. I bought a few souvenirs and found a bakery. The walk and fresh air were good for me. I've spent too much time in the apartment! Still no news from the embassy. I'm trying not to get worried. Here are a few picture from the street outside our apartment.

Received a call from Elona. The computers at the embassy are down so the visa is not ready. Hopefully it will be later today. I'm sure glad we have an extra day!

We're back from the US Embassy! Last step is done. Elona will pick up the visa and passport for us tomorrow. I expected the interview at the embassy to be a bigger deal. We waited for a little while, I was asked to sign a document saying that all of the info I was giving was correct, then told the visa is approved! We finally asked someone to take a picture of the 3 of us!

We finally did a little sightseeing yesterday! We went on a guided tour of Vilnius. I wish we had gone on it earlier. It was difficult to get many pictures because we were on a bus but here are a couple of pictures of Saints Peter and Paul's church. The church is very ornate inside. It is beautiful.

The chandelier is in the shape of a fishing boat. There was a chapel for the warriors which I found moving. It showed the warriors being given a time of rest.

Today we will go to the US Embassy. We're almost done! I dreamed about getting home last night!

Greta loves bathtime! She will enjoy her bathtime tea set when she gets home!

We got out and walked to Double Coffee for lunch. The sun is shining but it is still very cold. It's also a little windy. It was good to get out for a little while. I had hoped that getting out and walking would help Greta go down for her nap easier. It didn't help. She goes to sleep so well at night, but naptime is a different story! But she's sleeping now. I think I'm going out for a walk a little later.

Not much going on. Here are a few more pictures. We're eager to be headed home!

Greta is watching Dora the Explorer. It's the first cartoon that has gotten her attention.

We're trying to figure out what to do with the next few days. I don't have anywhere I need to be until Tuesday. The roads are too bad to rent a car and take off sightseeing. We'll have to see what is within walking distance. If nothing, maybe get a taxi to take us somewhere. I don't think I'll want to sit in the apartment for 3 days!

I now have Greta's passport so the last step is getting her Visa. We have an appointment with the US embassy on Monday.

We are having another good day. My entertainment each evening is watching the kids play. They sit on the couch. Their interactions are hilarious! When rough-housing, Greta goes after Robert as though she is as big as him! She'll wrap her arms around his head, then rub his head. Other times they'll be sitting there and she'll reach over and hold his hand.

She still enjoys looking at the photo book that I sent to introduce her to us and to our home. I'll post some of the pictures taken when she received the package I sent.

Here are some of the baby pictures of Greta

Greta did very well with her shots. Afterwards we came back to the apartment and she took her first nap since being with me. She's now playing while Robert is trying to take a nap. She's not letting him, though! She chatters and sings all the time. I wish I knew what she's saying!

Our bonding seems to be going well, although she still prefers Robert. The first 2 nights, she slept as far away from me as she could get in our bed. The next 2 nights, she slept in the middle of the bed. Last night she slept next to me. When she woke up during the night, she layed her head over on me and went back to sleep - almost made me cry!

Doing laundry here is interesting. The washing machines are very small and there are no dryers. But it is nice to be settled into one spot for the duration.

Sorry that there was no time or energy to post yesterday. Everything is going wonderfully, but very busy. Yesterday I received Greta's new birth certificate - Greta Rose Bass, mother Tammy Bass! Then we came back to Vilnius. That's the last move until we're moving to the airport! Greta got car sick on the way here - reminders of Robert when he was younger! We got back and settled into the new apartment. I spent the rest of the afternoon resting, doing a little laundry, and watching my children play! This morning Greta and I are going to work on getting her Visa. Unfortunately that means that she has to get 2 shots, immunizations that are required in the US but not in Lithuania. So I'm not sure if I'll be back on here today or not. It looks like things are on schedule for us to be finished a couple of days early! Yeah! A couple of days to sight see or rest will be nice!

A very good day. Greta wakes up smiling each morning! She wakes up gradually, which is good fit with us. I visited with Dr. Genyte at the orphanage this morning. She had hoped that I would bring Greta, but I decided that I was afraid that it would be upsetting and confusing for her. If we did not have the language barrier, I may have felt differently. Dr. Genyte seemed to understand. She gave me a CD of 190 pictures of Greta, her friends, and caretakers. I'll post some as soon as I have sorted through them. She also gave me a folder of Greta's artwork.

We also went to visit LCC which is a Christian university here in Lithuania. Sharon Brubaker (who adopted from two boys from the same orphanage as Greta) works there. We met with the president. I can't wait to tell everyone more about the university.

It's been a busy day and I need to give Greta some attention. All is going very well. I'll ty to post more pictures and info later.

We received the news! Greta is officially my daughter! AND the 40 day period has been waived! All 3 of us will be home on February 12! I'm so excited!!!

And she is doing very well. She still isn't taking a nap, but she's being pleasant about it!

It's good day! Greta didn't have as much trouble going to sleep. She went to sleep in the chair then woke up when I moved her to the bed. She cried for a little while but didn't get hysterical. Then she slept for 12 hours! When she woke up she was happy! A great start to the day. I gave her a snack and some juice since I knew it would be a while before Robert would be up for breakfast. After she ate a little she was ready to start teasing Robert, so he didn't get much more sleep! We went down to the breakfast at the hotel. Greta continues to eat very well. So we're back in the room. It's going to be a long day waiting for the court decision. I will also be going back to the orphanage to meet with the director. She is going to give me some pictures of Greta as an infant.
Now, back to playing with Greta - as she tries to put a bow in Robert's hair!