Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Max arrived early at our hotel room (6:15ish), and we began our day of planning. The two most important steps today are: Getting a court date if possible, (at least meeting with the judge) and getting the Inspector's letter. If both of these are accomplished today (or really, if only the Inspector's letter is gotten) Max will be on his way back to Kyiv tonight. If not, we have a roommate. And, we still need to go over the medicals at the orphanage, just so we know everything in his file

 

Also, on the "to do" list, is to make a decision about staying in our current hotel, or trying to find more fiscally responsible accommodations. This place is nice; western rooms, downtown location, close to many things, but not walking distance to the orphanage. And, EXPENSIVE (2 days here is more than 3 weeks at the Ivankiv Hilton)... but it IS air-conditioned, and a very nice oasis. I'm voting for staying put.

 

Also, the medical form from the orphanage needs to be redone-I'm not sure according to whom, but it does, which requires someone to accompany the orphanage doctor to all of the specialists for stamps next to their signatures,, while Max hangs at the courthouse to accost the judge and try to nail down a court date.

 

We took a cab to the orphanage, taking note of the proximity of the number 7 bus route, and vow to use that mode of transportation from now on. We arrived a little early, (before the doctor), so Jim and I got Daniil, and visited a little with him and his group outside. The workers keep trying to keep the other kids away, but they want to see the pictures too. We honestly don't mind showing all of the kids and although Daniil is somewhat perturbed at having to share attention, it is a good thing to begin to teach him.

 

After a while, we were able to secure permission to remove him from the orphanage grounds—this is caretaker dependent—and walk to the corner store.  

 

Max is ready with the orphanage doctor, and two cabs are waiting for us. Jim goes with the doctor, I stay with Daniil, and Max reports in a the courthouse. Everything is going as planned……

 

Then, Jim called me.  Daniil and I were playing a sort-the-leggo-blocks-into-colors game, and I was trying to talk to Jim, write a number he was giving me, AND keep Daniil happy all at the same time. Seems one of us should call the SDA and ask/remind them about our case, to see if the 5 day processing time could be shortened. More of a reminder.   Who has the phone number of the translator? Not me—it is in the hotel room. Jim's cab stops there first, and he calls me back with that number. I tried it, but the number was not valid. We tried a variation (both Jim and I) and neither one got the SDA translator. Max called me with 3 other numbers to try-and I gave up trying to do anything with Daniil, the backpack, the computer case, a liter of water, and the phone, all needing my hands! I took Daniill back 30 minutes early to his groupa, and tried to explain I HAD to make these phone calls.

 

I did get through to the SDA, and they got our translator on the phone for us. She remembered us (I don't think there are too many people who are adopting kids with Down syndrome) and said that although she could not promise, and Max would have to ask when he turned the papers in, she thought it would be by Friday! I called Max back and he is trying for a Tuesday courtdate, giving us a cushion day, should they not be inclined to get this finished BY Friday.

 

And, here I sit, at the orphanage, waiting for the guys to return. Thankfully, we have two cell phones (THANK YOU Melanie! You are a lifesaver. ) and could do all of this rather quickly. The last word is that everything will be ready to be filled, registered, stamped, signed, sealed, sewn, delivered, and whatever else they do here (everything short of having a hard bound edition of the documents prepared!).by 1pm today.  

 

Mary