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!

What a journey! Sleeping is difficult for Greta. No nap either day. After she finally fell asleep last night, she slept until 7 am this morning! Robert had to get out of her sight for her to go to bed and go to sleep. She counts on him rescuing her from the mean mama!

We took her out to play in the snow. When we were getting her snowsuit on, she thought we were taking her back to the orphanage. She misses her friends. When we came back in, she had a major meltdown. I held her while she cried (and flailed). Eventually she calmed down. Afterwards she has been happier than she was earlier in the day. I expect that bedtime will be rough again. I can't imagine what is going on in her mind. She seems happy with us, but I'm sure she is missing her friends and her familiar routine.

We have Greta!!! I've usually posted something earlier in the day than this, but I've been busy with my daughter! She has had her first Happy Meal. She has refused to take a nap. I tried, she cried, I gave in, and Robert laughed. Oh, well, there will be plenty of time to get the routine down later. : - )

Greta was obviously ready to leave with us when we got there this morning. We changed her clothes, then she went in to say good-bye. That was hard to watch. The younger ones gave her hugs. The older ones did too, but they were more solemn. The oldest boy cried. I'm sure his tears were for himself as well as for saying goodbye to Greta. He is old enough to realize that he doesn't have a family and may never. Greta went around and gave each child a hug and kiss. Those moments will stay in my mind forever.

By the way, Greta can wear the 3Ts but she doesn't have any growing room. I'll be buying 4Ts when we get home.

We're back in Klaipeda and just had a visit with Greta. She still favors Robert which I was told to expect. Right now she probably sees me as another caregiver but Robert is something new. He's also more fun! I get plenty of hugs and kisses though. He was riding her on his shoulders today, which she loved! She also had fun combing my hair. I'm sure my hair looked wonderful when she was done!

The plan right now is for me to pick Greta up from the orphanage tomorrow morning! I'm trying not to get my hopes up too much since it's not official yet. However, it seems as though the caregivers are prepared for me to pick her up tomorrow. I didn't see Dr. Genyte at the orphanage today to talk with her about the plans. We will talk tomorrow morning to confirm. I'm fairly sure that I will at least get to take her out of the orphanage for the day. I'm so ready for her to be with me!

Court is over. I would be more relieved if I had the decision. Egle says that it went well and to celebrate. I think I'll wait to celebrate after the decision has been given, which will not be until Monday afternoon. The judge asked the state/government workers about Greta's older sister, who is 17. She asked whether she may want to adopt Greta when she's older. I couldn't understand all that was being said, but the girl is with a foster family. She doesn't know Greta and there's not telling when or if she'd ever be able to care for her - or even if she would want to. It was heartbreaking to hear Greta and Greta's mother's story in court today. I'm so ready to have her home and so that she can learn what it means to have a family.

Tomorrow Robert and I return to Klaipeda by train. It's about a 4 1/2 hour trip. We will be able to visit with Greta tomorrow afternoon. We are missing her!! We will be visiting with her over the weekend. I think we will be able to take her out of the orphanage during the day, but she will probably not be able to stay with us overnight until we get the court decision. I'm going to check on that to make sure.

Once we get the court documents (which will probably be Wednesday), we'll take them to get Greta's new birth certificate - with me listed as her mother and with her new name - Greta Rose Bass. I'm told it takes a couple of hours to get the birth certificate. Then I take the birth certificate to get her passport. All of this is in Klaipeda. As soon as we get these documents, we will return to Vilnius to start the process of getting Greta's visa.

The meeting went well with the attorney. She said that she is 99% sure that the judge will waive the 40 day appeal period. Egle, the attorney, said that we have a very nice judge and that she expects the process to go smoothly. She said that it may be Friday or Monday before we get the court decision - which will make Greta officially my daughter - but when we get the decision it will be final!

After meeting with the attorney, Robert and I went to a mall to shop. We bought a couple more activities for Greta since we will have so much time in an apartment for the next couple of weeks. It is too cold to have her outside any more than is necessary. It was -5 F yesterday!

We have arrived in Vilnius and are settled in our home for the next few days. We were surprised by having internet access in our apartment. It's a nice apartment and warm - which is nice considering it's -2 F outside.

I'm still amazed at Dr. Genyte and the orphanage that has been Greta's home. Dr. Genyte told me that after court she will give me a CD of pictures of Greta since she was an infant. She keeps a scrap book of each child that has been adopted from the "baby house" - at least of the ones she receives pictures of. I am committed to sending her pictures (and donations) in the coming years. This woman makes quite a difference in many children's lives.

Robert and I enjoyed our time with Elona this evening. She is a great lady. She has taken such good care of us on this trip.

It's getting close to midnight so I'm going to get off. Tomorrow is the meeting with Egle, our attorney.

We had a good visit with Greta this morning. Then we met with the orphanage director, Dr. Genyte. She shared pictures of Greta's sister, Maria, who was adopted by a family in Virginia. She is going to contact the family to see if they want to be in contact with me. They are Lithuanian but live in America. I was glad to have the opportunity to tell Dr. Genyte what a wonderful job she has done with this orphanage.

We are getting ready to catch a bus to Vilnius!

A few of my favorites from the last few days...

We had a wonderful visit with Greta this afternoon. We were able to watch her group in music class. Robert took some videos. I have been so impressed by the people who work at this orphanage. Greta has been more subdued today but she was happier this afternoon than this morning. We will visit with her tomorrow morning before leaving for Vilnius. We will return to Klaipeda on Friday, but I don't know what time yet. So I'm not sure if we'll pick her up on Friday or on Saturday. I'm not sure how much internet access we will have while we are in Vilnius. We will be staying at an apartment rather than a hotel, so we will probably have to go to a cafe to use the internet. As cold as it's been, we will probably not go if it is much of a walk! Wednesday we meet with the attorney and then we go to court on Thursday. I'll be so glad when we are through with court. I was reassured today when I found out that Dr. Genyte (orphange director) told Elona (our adoption worker here) that the visits were going well and that Greta understands as well as she can. I have a new appreciation for the fear adoptive parents have until their adoptions are finalized! I have been so afraid that we would do something to offend Dr. Genyte and she'd decide I shouldn't adopt Greta. Such an emotional roller coaster!

We just got back from our morning visit. We weren't able to bring Greta with us because it is too cold. It has now warmed up to 1 degree F. This was a hard visit. Greta did not want to leave her group to go to the play room with us. At first we all stayed with the group, which is fine with us. The children didn't get as wild today. I guess we're getting to be familiar. I enjoy watching Greta play with the other children. After a while we were encouraged to take Greta to the play room. She was not happy! After a while, they brought another child from her group to play with her, which made her happy. This worked out fine since he was not as demanding for attention as the little girl from a few days ago. He is, however, ALL BOY! He was constantly getting into things he shouldn't!

I wonder what is going on in Greta's mind. This has to be so confusing for her. Although I was tempted to take her back to the group when she wasn't happy, I know that in a few days that won't be an option - hopefully, at least! I know that Robert and I miss home already, so I can't imagine what it will be like for her.

I'm ready to go back to visit Greta. I'm waiting for a call from Elona - hoping she'll tell me that Greta can leave with me for a day visit today. Tomorrow afternoon I'll have to leave her for a few days to go back to Vilnius to go to court. I'll be back here on Friday.

I've started getting nervous about court. What if they tell me I can't adopt her? Or even that I have to wait for the 40 day appeal period. I'll be so glad when court is over on Thursday!

Today is the first day I have felt "normal" since we've been here. I slept well last night. Our visits are going very well. We are having a lot of time alone with Greta. She has enjoyed play dough. She squeezes it between her fingers. She tries to figure out how I make logs with it. She'll make a ball with it and toss it in the air (copying her brother). We have also been having fun with bubbles. She has a picture book that she enjoys. Robert will point to the picture and she will push the button with the same picture that says the word. So far the only English she has said has been to copy me when I said "goodness gracious!" - after she splashed water all over the bathroom and herself (I'm going to have to learn to move faster again!). Greta has a sense of humor. She likes to tease and she laughs easily. There have been very few tears so far. I know she starts missing her group after a while. Although I want to spend every minute I can with her, I also want her to be comfortable. So we're taking it slowly. As much as I would have been happy to take her with me the first day, I know this process is much better for her. I am still excited and nervous!

Greta was jumping off the chair into Robert's arms. Robert won't need a gym with Greta around. She gives his arms a good workout!

Greta

seems so comfortable with Robert. The caregivers at the baby house are touched by how she runs to him. Of course I melt when she greets me by running with outstretched arms yelling "mano mama! mano mama!". Hopefully we'll get a picture of the 3 of us soon.

Greta loves to take Robert's cap off. Sometimes she wears it. Sometimes she throws it down so that she can rub his head! She'll rub his head, then run her hands down the sides of his face with her face close to him. Yes, he melts!

Our first pouting session together. She was so tired! If we had been home, I would have put her down for a nap. She lets me know she is ready to go back to her group by packing her backpack. We went back to the group and played for a little while. We left a little early since she was tired and our presence causes chaos in the group room.