Our First Night Out

Tonight we went out for the first time as a family to celebrate. We decided to go to the Hard Rock Cafe.

Dagny with her balloon

We weren’t to sure how Little Miss D was going react to the new surroundings but of course she did just fine. Once again she was soaking in the music, videos, and the objects on the wall. Everything is so new to her and she in not afraid of exploring new things which makes us so happy. She is such a sweet little girl. Our waitress couldn’t get enough of her. It was so cute to see how she interacts with other people. She’s open to new people, but still has her guard up. It’s nice to see that she sees us differently from other people. She lets us touch her but not strangers. I like that, that means she understands there is a difference.

Mommy and Dagny

Daddy and Dagny

We were also a little concerned with how well she was going to do in a highchair. She did great! I don’t think she even saw it as anything special. It’s probably because we’ve been using her stroller as her highchair, transportation and soother.

Dagny working hard

I would have to say that this was the best day since we’ve been in Moscow. It was such a special day and it was neat that all three of us went out as a family for the first time.

Bonus Dagny photos:

Our Daughter

We are a Family of Three!

The 10 days are up and Dagny Leah Johnson is officially our little girl. YEAH!

Dagny Leah Johnson

Today, Craig is going with V to start the paperwork for Dagny’s passport. Dagny and I are going to stay home and wait for Craig to get back and then we are going out for an early dinner to celebrate becoming a family. 🙂

Next week a doctor will be coming to our apartment to give Dagny a physical which is needed for the US Embassy. Then we will be going to the US Embassy for our interview and to get Dagny’s visa for her Russian passport. We will be flying back home on Friday 12/19/08 and when we land at JFK Dagny becomes an American Citizen.

Love,

The Johnson Family

Our Waiting Is Nearly Over

I know, I know where have we been? As I mentioned in my last post I have a cold. It has really taken until now where I can say I feel better. I can’t remember the last time I was this sick. Thank goodness for Craig, he ventured out and found some medicine for me, which helped greatly during the day. Nights are still tough but getting better everyday. With that said I was simply not in the mood to post. I am sorry. Craig has been busy working throughout the day and into the evening and I know the last thing he really wanted to do is write something. But, guilt finally over took us and we co-wrote this post.

Craig
Barbara and I have been here with Dagny for over a week now. And each day that goes by we are that much closer to becoming the family we deserve to be. We are enjoying our time out here in Moscow, and I think that this is the best thing that Barbara and I could have done for little Dagny. Each day we get closer and closer to her and she’s more trusting now than ever.

Something new that we have experienced with Dagny… She has started to reach up for us to pick her up. It’s the most cutest and beautiful site to see. To see that she has started to rely and trust in us is wonderful. We have made such great strides in getting close with this little girl.

But you know… our time here is starting to get to us all a bit. There is just so many things that can be done in an apartment in Moscow. And with the weather not cooperating there isn’t much outside that we can do as well. But, we are a family which is the greatest.

Barbara
Tomorrow is day 10! I can’t believe that she has been with us for so many days already. We are so grateful for these 10 day’s that the orphanage gave us. I think this truly put us ahead on the bonding curve. The fact that it’s just us three with no outside influences is making such a huge difference. We see changes in her everyday. The way she plays with us and interacts with us in general is changing daily. She is so sweet.

The new thing we found out about our daughter is that she LOVES music and loves to dance, well baby dancing. She will be sitting and if she likes what she hears she starts moving left to right and giggling up a storm. We are so happy that she is a music lover since we are too. 🙂 Another reason why this child is meant to be ours. The list grows everyday.

Dagny loves to stand and walk with assistants and not necessary ours. She will use anything that she can reach and walk around holding on. She has been blossoming in her motor skills far faster then we thought she would be. We think she will be walking in the next couple of months. :-O My baby is growing up so fast. Sigh.

Today Craig ran to the grocery store to get some more diapers while Dagny and I were finishing up lunch. When she was done I let her our of her stroller and she sat down in front of the washing machine while I was doing dishes. We have a bag that we use to collect the clothes that needs to be washed. Well, Dagny tipped it over and pulled out her little pants and shirt and then no joke she looked at me and pointed to the washing machine, I swear saying with her eyes “Mama, can we wash these?” So, I got all the clothes together while she watched and put it in the machine and started it up. She looked at it and was excited to see it spin. Then she crawled away. Lets hope she will be this eager to do laundry when she is a teenager. 🙂

I hope this makes up for the lack of posts and if in case it doesn’t then here are some photos. You can’t stay mad at the parents of this adorable baby! 🙂

Dagny watching cartoons

Dagny and Daddy

Dagny and Mommy having some fun

Dagny and Mommy laughing

Dagny and Mommy

Dagny and some of her toys

Someone’s ready for bed!

Who Needs Toys R Us? Not Dagny

Today the new family went to the grocery store and to Starbucks. This time to the other one. Dagny needed to try that one out too. While we were there Dagny learned how to hold her sippy cup all by herself. We find it hysterical that she learns all these new drinking techniques at a coffee house.

Afterward we got home it was time for Little D to take her nap. When she woke and ate her 4pm meal she was ready to play. We brought with us a good amount of toys, but she could careless. Well, she is actually into dropping anything and everything and having Mommy and Daddy pick it up for her. It was cute the first day, not so much anymore. 🙂 So, what does my daughter play with… a water jug.

Here is a crazy amount of photos of playtime.

Yes, Daddy?

What a cute face

Silly girl

How can I forget? Dagny learned how to clap today! How cute. We have video and I will try and put it up sometime this weekend. Unfortunately, I got my very first cold from Little Miss D and guess who forgot to pack medicine for the grow-ups?! Yup! Important thing is I didn’t forget to pack her medicine.

Sweet Sixteen!

Today Erika turns 16 years old. :-O I just can’t believe that my beautiful niece / goddaughter is getting so big. I remember always saying to myself if I have a daughter I would love her to be as loving, caring and smart as my beautiful Erika. We do have a very special bond that I know she will now share with Dagny because that is how she is.

Sweet Sixteen

Dear Erika,

All three of us here in Moscow wish we were with you on this wonderful day. Do know we are thinking of you. We are so proud of all your accomplishments. You are a wonderful person with a beautiful heart. We love you very much! Happy Birthday sweet girl. We will see you soon.

Love you always,

Barbara, Craig & Dagny