Sleep, I remember you?

Can you believe it has been over a month since we picked up Jacob from the baby home. The time is going by so fast. The picture of him falling asleep was so unplanned he was playing, jumping and humming one minute and then quietly sleeping the next. He likes this toy it lights up and plays music that he sort of dances to, super cute.

It does feel like Jacob is the only one catching any ZZZ's in the house. I have to check on him and I swear he can hear my creaking bones or smell me, something. As soon as I peek over the crib rail he starts to fidget. If he wakes up and needs a bottle or diaper change and I am not moving fast enough. He'll start to cry and then Rich will sometimes check to see if everything is OK. This is happening once or twice a night. Not sure if he will sleep through the night or not. We will have to wait and see. Of course he is adjusting to so many new things and changes. It does seem like the last week he is getting caught up with some mobility. Standing, walking while holding on to furniture, feeding himself finger food, saying Dada, tons of baby talk and trying to go everywhere. I turned my head for a second and he was half way up to the landing on our stairs, WOW! Need more gates! He did gain about 11 ounces and he is eating well. A whole bunch of smiles!

Good news he is not allergic to Molly (dog) or Tutty (cat)! They did get a little worried because they have figured out the pecking order around here. Should know what this rash is soon. It did go away the first week so a lot has been ruled out. I hate thinking he might be uncomfortable.

Hope everyone is doing well. Does anyone know how to incorporate the blog into facebook? I am still learning how to use it but it does seem like a fun site.

Showered with support!

We are so thankful! On Sunday Jessica, Mom - Jessie, Brenda and Ila - Mom gave us a Baby Shower. It was so much fun and we Loved seeing everyone. Jacob came with Rich for awhile and everyone got a chance to see him in real life. It is not often you see the baby the shower is for. It was the first time we had taken him anywhere other than the Doctor or a quick trip to the grocery store. I know there are pictures of the actual shower but I still have to work on getting them on my lap-top. The dining room and den are filled with boxes and gifts. I hope to have thank you cards and some organization completed this weekend. Rich also had a shower at work for baby Jacob. He was so surprised, hehe. We are so appreciative of all the well wishes and support. Thank you all so much!

Last post we asked about medical records, thank you for sharing. We do not have anything for Jacob. I am assuming something was given to me in the region that needed to be part of the paperwork for the Embassy. No one told me to copy the paperwork. In fact they asked it to remain "as is" to be given to the Moscow representative. We have been calling and e-mailing the agency for more than two weeks. After not hearing back from them I decided to stop by yesterday after a Dr. appt. Jacob was with me and he was so patient during his nap time. Of course I really did not want to drag him around anymore but we feel it is important to have some medical information. At least the vaccination history. Hopefully they will get back to us? .

First Birthday

Yesterday was Jacob's first Birthday. He really likes chocolate cake and ice cream. His Gram got him a lazy boy chair and the all important old English "D" Tigers gear. Aunt Bren and family gave him all we would need to go to the beach including three beach balls (a favorite around here.) Grammy gave Jacob a spinning top that he is fascinated by and stacking blocks. Aunt Jennifer gave Jacob a pelican that talks when you drag it behind you, it also collects balls. We all had fun celebrating this very important day. As soon as the cake was on the table he was grabbing for it. We had to quickly blow out the candle. Both Rich and I feel he is adjusting well. The Doctor really liked Jacob and thought he looked in good health. They took a lot of blood and he was such a good boy for the nurses. We should have the results in a couple of weeks.

Just a quick question for families that have their little ones home. Did you receive medical records or any documents that detailed the vaccinations your child had been given?

More pictures (edited pics no longer avail - site OOB)

We are doing good. Yesterday was an interesting day for me. I had a kidney stone, yuck! Very painful and hours in an emergency room. I am so glad that we did not have to deal with that in Russia. Rich has two babies to take care of, lot's of work for a new Daddy. His Mom has been a angel coming to help us when I was sick, Love You, Mom. Jacob's rash is pretty much gone and he is doing really great. We mailed / sent out a lot of paperwork this morning. You still have paperwork to do when you come home but it is not a big deal.

Jacob

Here he is, our precious little boy. Just a couple of pictures from our third visit on the Court trip.We are home, the best feeling in the world! I was so happy to be off that plane. Rich was waiting for us and Jacob and I where so thrilled to see him. There was balloons for us at home and the Grandmas came over to help last night. Little one has a rash so we are going to the Dr. in a few hours. Jennifer, Jacob and I are taking naps when needed. Later we will share more.

They have his visa!

Jacob had his embassy appointment today and BOOM just like that he has his visa! I think because of the upcoming long weekend, the embassy was just jamming on the paperwork and getting things done. Finally a government holiday worked in our favor. Right now everyone is back in the hotel getting some rest and some food(it's been a long week). Jolynn will be checking into getting an earlier flight back home - not sure when yet.

Back in Moscow

Jacob, Jolynn and Jennifer are back in Moscow tonight. Jacob did really well on his first flight and he seems to be liking his new diet of American baby food. Everyone is exhausted because it's been non-stop since they left here Sunday morning. They have another busy day on Thursday. In fact I just gave them a wake up call (it's 4am there now).

Oh, and I was way off on the movie selection. Apparently Delta planes don't have that personal entertainment system that Northwest planes have.

That's really all info I have for now.