tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4386450345656981252.comments2020-01-08T06:45:20.095-05:00Sugar & Spice (Ukraine adoption)Veronicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04823095068011488884noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4386450345656981252.post-9580896398456275312012-07-05T14:12:32.606-04:002012-07-05T14:12:32.606-04:00Adoption is NOT selfish! It is a wonderful way to ...Adoption is NOT selfish! It is a wonderful way to build a family and give an orphan the security of having a family to call their own. I think those that view adoption as selfish don't understand two things: 1. that the decision to adopt isn't instantaneous - it is often difficult to arrive at, takes much careful thought, and in some cases grieving and 2. that adoptive parents aren't "buying" a child - the fees associated with adoption (at least international) are almost all social services/court/official fees and that we do this because these children deserve a family no matter how difficult it may seem to get them home. I can't believe people actually think adoption is selfish! I'm with you - I just don't understand that.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4386450345656981252.post-52310215465694301272012-06-18T00:13:23.231-04:002012-06-18T00:13:23.231-04:00We adopted an almost 16 year old, who was 9 months...We adopted an almost 16 year old, who was 9 months older than our oldest biological child. Our boys are only 3 months apart. When we pursued our son we had three possible birthdates and didn't know for sure until we picked up the actual referral and were on a train to meet him! Both are doing well in our family now 3 years and 5 years home. I am so sorry for your difficult process in trying to do the right thing. For all the scoffers- you are DOING something about the problem of others, may God bless you for it!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4386450345656981252.post-9107988338850831572012-06-15T23:19:47.831-04:002012-06-15T23:19:47.831-04:00Many thanks.Many thanks.Veronicahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04823095068011488884noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4386450345656981252.post-61543251172793973972012-06-14T11:07:15.549-04:002012-06-14T11:07:15.549-04:00Difficult situation :( I'm thinking of you and...Difficult situation :( I'm thinking of you and your family and hoping things turn out for the best and that your yellow room is filled with laughter and love sooner then laterrobyncalgaryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13594204112813740304noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4386450345656981252.post-89989606870693602362012-06-08T13:41:34.164-04:002012-06-08T13:41:34.164-04:00Amen to that, Veronica!
Dear Anonymous: As an ...Amen to that, Veronica! <br /><br />Dear Anonymous: As an American adoptive parent of a Ukrainian child I can assure you that, while the process was indeed a wild ride, it was no "free-for-all" and EZ Pass to any child we thought we might want We were thoroughly screened, both by our US Homestudy Agency and the Ukrainian Government, and thoroughly advised about the issues we could face in adopting a (then) 12-year old boy. We had hosted him the previous summer and that was indeed a helpful experience.<br /><br />But to pass judgment on ALL adoptive and potential adoptive parents by lumping them together with two well-publicized adoptions that went horribly wrong (and in which the adoptive parents did not seek out appropriate and available resources) is completely and utterly ignorant. It is like pointing to people who dump their newborns in bathroom stalls or trash cans and taking the ludicrous position that because of their actions no one should have babies, or, if they are to be allowed to have babies, the process must be governed by "best practices" in terms of timing of pregnancies, etc. <br /><br />Does the Ontario Government also prescribe mandatory time limits between pregnancies? Does it prohibit giving birth to twins, triplets, etc.? Does it prohibit the integration of children of the same age in blended families brought about by divorce and re-marriage? Oh No, it doesn't? Why not? What makes adoptive families so different? <br /><br />Shame on you, Anonymous, but I guess I shouldn't be surprised. You purport to be an authority on adoption, but if you had any guts and the courage of your so-called conviction you'd identify yourselfAlyciahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07634386032800976295noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4386450345656981252.post-42228505853599471292012-06-07T21:50:07.322-04:002012-06-07T21:50:07.322-04:00OMG!! How horrible of Ontario to have put in place...OMG!! How horrible of Ontario to have put in place best practice requirements based on *GASP* best practices!! It is so awful that Ontario puts regulations in place that statistically increase the odds an adoption will succeed!! What are they thinking ?!?<br /><br />It'd be sooooo much better if it could be an adoption free for all like in the USA. You could've brought home a kiddo only to disrupt a few months later like Autumn Winkle (buh-bye Yuri) and Kari Reilly (auf wiederstein Victor!!), and blog about how kicking the newly adopted kiddo you promised to be a "forever family" for is exactly the same thing that Jesus would have done!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4386450345656981252.post-56770024445543591502012-05-23T04:46:28.650-04:002012-05-23T04:46:28.650-04:00Thank you. :)Thank you. :)Veronicahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04823095068011488884noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4386450345656981252.post-36935451075312732622012-05-22T19:20:52.283-04:002012-05-22T19:20:52.283-04:00Just read your blog from archives to now and wante...Just read your blog from archives to now and wanted to wish you all the best. I look forward to following along with your family as you make your dream come truerobyncalgaryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13594204112813740304noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4386450345656981252.post-68999161611759458162012-05-22T19:17:41.013-04:002012-05-22T19:17:41.013-04:00Here here!Here here!robyncalgaryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13594204112813740304noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4386450345656981252.post-719516910424457872012-05-17T11:17:20.869-04:002012-05-17T11:17:20.869-04:00Veronica, here is a link with photos of the Childr...Veronica, here is a link with photos of the Children's Home in Mariupol where we know of successful adoptions.<br /><br />http://sonychko.blogspot.com/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4386450345656981252.post-55661333628986707262012-05-16T02:55:12.848-04:002012-05-16T02:55:12.848-04:00Thank you,and we will certainly keep the region in...Thank you,and we will certainly keep the region in mind for our next appointment. I have to agree with your comments about the Ukraine, there is a rawness to it that is lost to North America.Veronicahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04823095068011488884noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4386450345656981252.post-80232540090041041932012-05-15T17:25:10.509-04:002012-05-15T17:25:10.509-04:00Veronica, we adopted our children from the Donetsk...Veronica, we adopted our children from the Donetsk region of Ukraine five years ago. I highly recommend this region if at all possible. Over the years, we have watched several adoptions from there--all were successful. At the time of their adoption, our daughter was 9 and our son was 4. Like you, I fell in love with Kiev and the culture. In my mind, Ukraine is beautiful, simple, and raw all at once. I think this side of the world could learn alot from them.<br /><br />Your journey is not an easy road and it is apples to oranges compared to having children biologically. Yet, your family will be a blessing and be blessed by the child who will join your family. <br /><br />With prayers for you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4386450345656981252.post-10606543728536151562012-05-09T13:44:09.113-04:002012-05-09T13:44:09.113-04:00So pleased to hear it is all working out for you. ...So pleased to hear it is all working out for you. Can't wait to hear more news, please keep posting!<br />SarahAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4386450345656981252.post-34457230103012930432012-03-15T23:25:15.197-04:002012-03-15T23:25:15.197-04:00Thank you! <3Thank you! <3Veronicahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04823095068011488884noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4386450345656981252.post-76249314849892141182012-03-15T19:56:15.423-04:002012-03-15T19:56:15.423-04:00I'm praying for you.I'm praying for you.Christyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04637612531675451453noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4386450345656981252.post-58153203747824594942012-03-01T15:04:45.121-05:002012-03-01T15:04:45.121-05:00Your are very welcome. Best of luck to you.Your are very welcome. Best of luck to you.Veronicahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04823095068011488884noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4386450345656981252.post-44494628056035563352012-02-27T13:57:14.967-05:002012-02-27T13:57:14.967-05:00Hi Veronica. Thanks for the info and congratulati...Hi Veronica. Thanks for the info and congratulations on your recent approval. So happy for you. I will be sure to check back regularly to keep up with your progress.<br />Thanks again, Sarah.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4386450345656981252.post-32449281464647490672012-02-22T15:18:25.027-05:002012-02-22T15:18:25.027-05:00Hi Sarah,
The Ontario government discourages old...Hi Sarah, <br /><br />The Ontario government discourages older child international adoptions. This is due to the extreme high number of children adopted from Romania in the 80's & 90's that were surrendered to the CAS, (I believe it was over 50%). <br /><br />It is possible to adopt and older child internationally in Ontario but read up extensively on RAD (Reactive Attachment Disorder), Special Needs Children, Parenting an older adopted child, children in orphanages, attachment issues, and anything else you think you should know. I will confess I read anything that I could get my hands on, even took parenting classes. I also have a tutor helping me learn Russian once a week. <br /><br />I didn't want there to be any doubt that I wasn't commited, and would do whatever it took to make this happen. <br /><br />I am assuming that because I did all this there was no issue with us adopting.<br /><br />I hope this gave you some insight. <br /><br />Cheers.Veronicahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04823095068011488884noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4386450345656981252.post-15197751884749592392012-02-22T14:59:10.668-05:002012-02-22T14:59:10.668-05:00Just wondering about a post from much earlier. In...Just wondering about a post from much earlier. In it you mentioned that you had heard it is sometimes difficult in Ontario to adopt children internationally over the age of 3. Did you ever find out any more details about this. I, too, have heard this. Just wondering.....Thanks, Sarah.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4386450345656981252.post-42052574268723156132012-02-03T07:29:30.274-05:002012-02-03T07:29:30.274-05:00Thanks for your comment Jo. We will find out toda...Thanks for your comment Jo. We will find out today, when we pick it up at the clerk's office. The City Councillor we are dealing with figured out with the Clerk's office that they can use our tax information. I hope this will be of use to other Canadians who are adopting from the Ukraine.<br /><br />I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they got it right. <br /><br />All my best to you both, and plenty of good luck!Veronicahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04823095068011488884noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4386450345656981252.post-11764077510307477712012-02-03T02:09:11.076-05:002012-02-03T02:09:11.076-05:00Good guess....the 8 year old boys we have hosted i...Good guess....the 8 year old boys we have hosted in the summer and winter were wearing 6's in summer and 7's this winter. :-)Johttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03194537563584309933noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4386450345656981252.post-88321709565459555862012-02-03T02:06:23.276-05:002012-02-03T02:06:23.276-05:00This one has been a bit annoying for us as well. (...This one has been a bit annoying for us as well. (But we are renting right now) Our property manager was really resistant to signing anything that listed the square footage of our house on it....we still haven't worked it out yet. :-/ <br /><br />I'm glad you guys have though!Johttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03194537563584309933noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4386450345656981252.post-60768583759339903642012-01-10T17:30:35.820-05:002012-01-10T17:30:35.820-05:00Much appreciated. Thanks!Much appreciated. Thanks!Veronicahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04823095068011488884noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4386450345656981252.post-21787894039738736472012-01-09T22:54:51.468-05:002012-01-09T22:54:51.468-05:00small roll of duck tape, a few safety pins...
The...small roll of duck tape, a few safety pins... <br />They do sell toilet paper in every store though... although you may want to take some with you when your out and about as they don't always provide it!Aaron & Elizabethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17897151626036525556noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4386450345656981252.post-67716545056410913602011-06-24T08:45:56.476-04:002011-06-24T08:45:56.476-04:00Enjoyed reading this post. Thanks!
KellyEnjoyed reading this post. Thanks!<br />KellyAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04910258636674801379noreply@blogger.com