The sun is finally shining!

To all of you who have been basking in the sunlight it might not seem like a big deal but to us in the cold, overcast ...the sun is wonderful!After just a few short days here the weather turned really cold and produced a fine drizzle of rain. On some of the days I have worn three layers of shirts ,a coat, scarf and gloves! I am a true coastal dwelling Texan and I have realized that I flourish in the heat and sunlight! The weather is promised to continue to be good this weekend which is good because we pick up Ms. Priss on Saturday. We visited her yesterday at the hospital and she is so much better! In fact they removed her IV just before we got there. She is being transferred today(Thursday) back to the orphanage, so we will pick her up from there on Saturday. It is amazing to us how different she is after each visit. She now puts her hands out for you to pick her up.She mimics everything you do. Bret would make faces at her and she imitated them perfectly! She also said "mama" yesterday! Now, that really makes your heart smile! It is so wonderful to see what a forgiving little heart this child of ours possesses.
Today, we move into our own apartment. It is located in the same building but different floor.We figured two kiddos in the same apartment could be somewhat chaotic! We have had a great time with our roommates,the Kellams.They have helped pass the time here.We all have approached it with a great deal of laughter. I think humor is a must in a situation like this! So, we are now in the final stretch! I can actually see the "light" at the end of the tunnel.
We are ready to get this little monkey home and see our boy's!!!!!!!So, that is all for now! Check back on Saturday !
N

Answered Prayers!!!

We got the most wonderful phone call today from Violet our translator! Ava is so much better and maybe getting out of the hospital on Monday and going back to the orphanage!Thanks Violet for taking such good care of us and keeping us informed.
We were blessed twice today! We received more wonderful news from my family everyone is okay and my home had no damage. What a relief!
Thank you everyone for the prayers!
N

No such thing as too many prayers!

We were able to visit Ava as she had been released from the intensive care unit. We were very alarmed by her breathing. It is so labored and she is very uncomfortable. Despite how she felt she would reach out for Bret and I both. She would also look at you so sweetly and smile. We requested that she be placed back in IC despite the fact we cannot visit her in there. She will receive a better nurse/doctor to patient ratio.We are deeply concerned about her condition and are requesting many prayers for this little angel.She has a very good team of doctors and nurses taking good care of her
On another note ,we live in Houston and my family is facing Hurricane Ike. We live about 1 hour from the coast. Both of my boys are there with my family. I pray that God keeps them safe while we are away.
Well all I can say is ...When it rains it certainly does pour!
N

Another day without baby girl

On our way to visit this morning our translator received a call stating that Ava was still in intensive care and could have no visitors. So, we traveled to the hospital and spoke to the doctor directly. She said that Ava would be moved to the general area tomorrow and can have visitors in there. It was good to speak to the doctor directly .She said that Ava was better and did not have pneumonia. It was really hard to turn around and walk away knowing that your little baby was just beyond that door and all alone .Anytime my children have been in the hospital, I have stayed with them. I could not imagine being anywhere else.Just the simple touch of another human being has a comforting and healing effect.When we first visited Ava she was in the hospital due to exposure to chicken pox.Isolation had a tremendous effect on her. The child that we met on day 1 was transformed by day 5. Even the hospital staff commented on the change.After next week she will never have to go through anything alone again.When I get that baby in my arms I will never let her go!
N

One step forward two steps back

We were surprised to learn that Ava was admitted into the hospital last night due to her cough and fever. The orphanage medical staff were concerned about her bronchitis developing into pneumonia.While we were there yesterday we assisted them with the nebulizer to help with her cough.Despite her cough she was so active yesterday. It was hard to keep her still!She was really silly and laughed alot. This is a very strange place to be right now. You have been declared her parents in the court but are caught in the middle of the 10 day wait. Kind of a helpless feeling.They asked that we not visit today.We will get to visit her tomorrow. Please keep Ava in your prayers. We will post tomorrow... hopefully with better news!
N

Better late than never!

We arrived in Moscow on Sunday afternoon and are just now starting to recover from the jet lag!It hit us both like a freight train. On Monday we had a successful court and are now officially mama and papa to Ms. Ava Alexandra! We are thrilled beyond words! After court we got to visit Ava at the orphanage . She was a little under the weather but they let us take her outside for some fresh air. She has gained 2 lbs. since we saw her last and her hair is longer and curly! I cannot post pictures yet until the 10 day wait is up and we officially take custody of her on the 19th.So you guy's will have to wait!
We have another family that we are sharing an apartment with and have had a great time . But I am ready to get Ava and head home to my boy's! I miss them so much! Well, that is all for now.
N

Organized Chaos!

I am really not sure if there is such a thing but that sums up life at the Settle house this week! We are preparing our house ,children, pets and family for our final departure to Russia. And I have to say this is not an easy task! We have survived the first week of school. Nick did great ! Jake on the other hand had a slow start and so did I.We spend all of time together so it was like having that umbilical cord officially cut! He seems to be settling in his new routine and so have I.Now, I just have to get my Mom ,Dad, Aunt and Grandmother into our chaotic routine for the next few weeks while we are away. We are so excited to get back to our little girl but I absolutely dread being away from my boys. I pray that the time fly's by for all !
A huge thank you to Uncle Jim and Aunt Carol !!! Today,I was informed by the Secretary of State that some documents needed for court on Monday would not be returned to us for another 10 days! Well, they saved us an unexpected trip to Austin(and a good case of the hives!) and I will forever be grateful!
And last but definitely not least I would like to congratulate Michelle and Ian on the arrival of their daughter,Ana! Welcome Home Curly!
Well, I have to get back to my organized chaos!
N