Friday, October 17, 2008

It's a Boy! And a Girl!

Jill and Tyler have met their children!!! Unfortunately they are without internet at the moment (they are still looking for a converter for their laptop), so I (Valerie) will be updating their blog for them until they are able to connect to the outside world again.

They flew into Donetsk late last night and spent the night there. This morning they drove to the orphanage in Donetsk City where they were to meet Irene, the 4 year-old girl who they were told had severe mental delay. They sat down with the orphanage director and went through the medicals in her file. Apparently, all of the tests that had been performed declared her healthy, but her overall diagnosis was that she was an "invalid" (you've got to love Ukraine). They told them that she was delayed and that she was not talking much. They brought Irene into them and she walked right up to Jill and Tyler and started talking and singing to them. Jill says that she talked the entire visit! So. . .apparently she is talking! It did not take long for them to decide that Miss Irene will be joining their family along with Keith!!!!

After they had visited with Irene and formally accepted her referral they drove to Artemovsk (about an hour away) to meet Keith! They received his medical file, reviewed it and then it was time to meet the little boy they have been waiting for for so long! Apparently the care takers woke him up from his nap, so he was a bit disoriented when they brought him in. Jill said that he never cried, but he looked like he might and he seemed a bit wary of them. They brought a few toys with them and he relaxed a bit as they played with him. They even got a few smiles and giggles!

They are staying in Artemovsk for the time being (at a hotel just two blocks from Keith's orphanage). Jill is not feeling very well. She told me that her stomach is a mess and she is feeling a bit woosy. It has been a long and stressful week for them both physically and emotionally. If you could all remember them in your prayers, I know that they would greatly appreciate it.

They are hoping to be connected to the internet soon and Jill promises to update with all of the details and lots of pictures as soon as she is able to!

Congratulations Jill and Tyler!!!

24 comments:

traceylynndel said...

What wonderful news! Congratulations x2! I can't wait to see pictures of precious Keith and Irene. I have been praying for Keith for a long time.

Tracey

DoveFamily said...

So glad that things went well with both children. Wonderful news!

Hope Jill feels better soon. Both my husband and I felt pretty icky our first few days there (time change, jet lag, mental and physical exhaustion, changes in routine & eating, emotions, etc). After being there just over a week, we were feeling much better.

Best wishes!

Tami said...

YEA!!!! Congratulations! What wonderful news! We'll be praying for a smooth process and that Jill will start feeling better soon.

Angela said...

I am so excited for you both!!!!!
Sounds like the same Hotel where we stayed to adopt Kristina. There is an internet cafe about 5 blocks away from where you are staying. We also found 2 restaurants that have English speaking menus within walking distance from the Hotel. Let me know if you need info.
Congrats!!!
Angela

Amy L said...

I am so HAPPY for you! How wonderful that you got to see little Irene for the darling little girl that she is. Congratulations!
Amy
RR

Blaine said...

This is great to hear! Have her get some of whatever the facilitator recommends for her stomach. You can get it at any pharmacy in Ukraine, no prescription required. When we ran low on pepto and Imodium, the Ukrainian medicine did the trick for us!

Also, have them check the label on the laptop plug. Most (I'm not saying ALL) laptops can handle 120V OR 240V on them. All I needed for my laptop was a plug converter and I plugged it right in. If the laptop can handle 120 to 240 V it SHOULD be fine.

Kathy C. said...

Wonderful news. Can't wait for pictures.

Conethia and Jim Bob said...

That's wonderful!!! I can't wait to hear more.

June Berger said...

Yeah!! How wonderful! I'm so glad they found their daughter as well as their son! Praying Jill feels better soon.

THE CAMPBELL FAMILY said...

AWESOME!!!! ENJOY MEETING YOUR NEW KIDDOS!!!! JODY

schoolmother said...

Wow what an answer to prayer! I'm so glad they took the opportunity to meet Irene. God answered the prayer for direction.
Joy,RR

MamaPoRuski said...

What a wonderful update! Jill and stomach in our prayers!

nicole said...

Woo-hoo!! That's such great news!!We're so excited for you guys to finally meet your sweet children. We'll definitely keep you guys in our prayers! :)

adoptedthree said...

That is awesome! Blessings on a great journey.

Leanna

Kerry Shealy said...

Yeah!!! An answer to prayer! I can't wait to see pictures of both children!
Kerry RR

Natalie said...

Yeah! on the kids. Hope Jill is feeling better soon.

Hugs and prayers,
Natalie (RR)

Julie said...

HOW WONDERFUL!!!!!! This is the greatest thing I have heard all day!! CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!

Debbie said...

That is so awesome! I am so glad that you have been able to meet them and have had prayers answered along the way. I hope Jill feels better soon. You're in our prayers

Bethany said...

Congrats on meeting your kiddos! This makes me miss Addison sooo much! Can't wait to hear more! ;)

Melisa said...

Yeah! Can't wait to meet them! Hope you feel better soon!

Steph said...

Waht wonderful news!! I am so excited to hear that you were able to meet your new little ones. They are so blessed to be able to join your wonderful family!

Diana said...

Yeah! Congratulations!!!!! We're looking forward to reading about the rest of your journey. Hopefully you won't be stuck without internet as long as we were. Best wishes for the rest of your journey!

Ticklemedana said...

yea! I love you guys...can't wait to see pictures! I'm sure miss anna wants to see pictures of her new sibs!!

Alabama Apples said...

Hooray! I'm so excited for you and your wonderful children. The Lord has a plan...it is so wonderful that you and Tyler are close enough to the Lord to hear and understand.