Warsaw 10/22/2011
We arrieved in Warsaw yesterday evening. Directly after Court we grabbed the kids and our suitcases, and did a 7 hour drive to Warsaw. It was a long trip but Preston and Kinga did GREAT! We only needed to stop one time for dinner. We are in Warsaw until our required right of recision (which the judge shortened from 21 days to 15 days is over) and until we can get Kinga's passport and birth certificate issued. Unfortunately Phil and Preston fly out on the 25th of October and Kinga and I will remain until the 17th of November. Assuming we can get her passport in time we are hoping to be able to visit our extended family in France for a few days! Add Comment Court Date 10/21/2011
I didn't sleep much last night. Today is the day we have been dreaming of for almost 2 years. It feels sureal! Since kids are not allowed in the court room, an English speaking social worker was sent to our apartment to watch the children. We were picked up by Magda (the interpertor) and Irene (our attorney) at 10:30 for an 11 am court hearing. On the way they briefed us on certain things to say and what not to say. The court room was soooo intimadating. We walked in and there was a raised pulpit area where a judge sat in the middle and a juror on either side. Then there was the stenographer, our attorney and the state's attorney there. First I was brought up to speak and the judge asked me questions for about 25 mins. Questions about family, history of child, health care, my work and daycare situation. What experience I have with the Polish culture and am I willing for her to visit and meet her bio family in the future if she chooses so. Phil was questioned more about finances and how he is with his parents and how they feel about the adoption. She asked if we are cose to our siblings. The questions were ok, but the judge ws soooo serious the whole time and no one smiled at all. It was VERY formal! We also had Kinga's Guardian that was required to speak on her behalf. After all the questioning was done we were asked to leave the room. We waited outside for about 20 mins for the judge to make a decision. She then called us back into the court room and read a bunch of legal documents then said that the court appointed attorney agrees with the adoption, the jurors agree with the adoption and the judge also agrees with the adoption. At that point I started officially crying, but the whole time I was holding back tears which was VERY obvious and I was watery eyed most of the time...lol! It was very emotional and I am glad that part is over.   Update. 10/17/2011
So since we have gotten our car we have spent more time touring and less time online and blogging. So here are some of the things we have done over the last few days! On Saturday we spent the day at a local hotel. They had a small AquaPark with an indoor pool, kiddie area, and waterslide. Kinga loved the water. She had arm floaties on and she thought she was invinsable. She splashed and even jumped into the pool no problem. Preston kept going on the large twisty waterslide. Kinga wanted to join his so bad but I thought for sure she would be too small. Aparently in Poland if she is on a lap she can go. After about 6 times down the slide she was pushing us away and going down by herself. She is definately a dare devil. Sunday we went to the Oliwa Zoo in Gdansk. It was a large zoo with many animals. We spent 4 hours there. Kinga loved all the animals but the monkeys were her favorite...like mommy! Preston did a zip line and tree climbing adventure. It was awesome! I was more nervous watching him then he was actually doing it. After the zoo we went on a tour of Gdansk. The architecture and views take your breath away. I was brought to tears touring the worlds largest brick cathedral (St Mary's) built in 1343. The city is amazing, we all enjoyed it. Today we finally had our re-scheduled apointment with the social worker. It lasted about 1 1/2 hours and they asked pretty basic questions about daycare and Kinga. Her reaction to us and our daily routine. They were very nice and even gave us some tips for court. The reccomend not mentioning that Kinga will be going to daycare 3 days a week...lol! I guess working moms are not a positive thing! I believe the meeting went well, and Kinga and Preston were very behaved. Today were are going to relax from sightseeing and enjoy a quiet day. Here are some new pics! 
Sopot 10/14/2011
Today we went with the director of the orphanage Elizabeth to Sopot. It is a beautiful upscale beach town with a mall, cafes, historical churches, and Europe's longest wooden pier. It was another great day, but the weather didn't really cooperate. It was cold with heavy rain showers on and off throughout the day. Although we did get a great rainbow over the Baltic Sea. Here are a couple pics. 
Slupsk 10/13/2011
Our evaluation from the court psychologist needed to be postponed last minute. We were all dressed and ready. The apartment was clean, snacks were out and coffee was brewing! That was a little frustrating, but we are rescheduled for Monday at 1:00. Our court date is already next Friday and this appointment needs to occur before then, and a report must be drawn up. They are cutting it close. We ended up making the best of the day and headed (in our car...finally) to a town called Slupsk, pronounced as Swoop-ska. It was very nice and Kinga did pretty good for her first car ride. She likes the car but HATES the car seat. She spent the entire time trying to unbuckle. Slupsk had some great architecture and beautiful buildings. There was a large mall with a kid area, a train ride and escalators! Yes...escalators...this was Kingas favorite part of the day. I totally took for granted that she had never been on an escaltor before. Her reaction was priceless. We must have gone up and down that escalator 12 times. She screamed like crazy when we finally stopped. Yet another simple thing that we take for granted...the magic stairs...lol!  Director's Visit 10/10/2011
Today the director of the orphanage visited with tons of information. First we have our appointment with the psychiatrist that is required by the court on Thursday of this week at 12:30. I am nervous because this is right during Kinga's lunch and nap time so we have to feed her early and I am hoping that she doesn't get too cranky without a nap. They will come with an interpreter and will be evaluating us and Kinga. It is similar to a home study appointment. From what we have been told, they basically are looking at how Kinga is adjusting to us and how we handle her. They will ask us a ton of questions and the process will last for about 2 hours. They will then draw up a report that will be used by the judge at court. We went to the grocery store today and bought some cookies and pastry to have out for them and I will make some coffee and tea! A little bribery can't hurt...lol. Elizabeth also told us that she is now comfortable with us renting a car. We will be getting our car on Thursday and we will have it until the 20th. Now we can start planning some day trips. That will help pass the time along. I am looking forward to this! Finally on Friday the director Elizabeth will be taking us to Sopot to do some sightseeing with her. Preston is VERY excited because he loves Elizabeth. It will be nice to have some company for a change and someone new to speak with and show us around. Kinga Facts 10/09/2011
Here are some fun facts about Kinga: 1) She loves music, her favorite song right now is Pump It from Black Eyed Peas. 2) She already knows a few English words and will try to repeat everything I say. 3) We are working on potty training and she about 1/2 way there....go mom! 4) She sleeps through the night and doesn't wake up any earlier then 8, most mornings 9...love it!! 5) She eats everything except for rice and hates soda. 6) She loves taking baths and brushing her teeth. 7) She knows how to play Angry Birds on the IPad.   Kinga! 10/07/2011
A friend of mine edited this photo...I love it!! Thanks Jen L! 
Bath time! 10/06/2011
Kinga is officially the cleanest child on earth! Her favorite thing to do is take a bath. Today she took 5 baths. She goes into the bathroom takes off all her clothes including her diaper and sits in the bath until we turn the water on. We now have to lock the bathroom door!! Today we received a disk from the director of the orphanage with 155 photos of Kinga growing up in the orphanage. There are some great photos. Here are a couple from the disk!   Some of My Favorite Random Pics so far!! 10/06/2011
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