Just call us Mommy & Daddy!

We had a fantastic day!  We were picked up at 9am by our driver to take us to the baby home.  We arrived a bit early so we waited in the car while our driver checked to see if we could come in early.  It was almost 9:20 and it was pitch black outside.  It doesn't become daylight until nearly 10:15.  It is so unusual!  We were allowed to come in and soon a young caregiver came to the hallway to escort us back to Little Miss.  She took us back into her group area.  We were so interested to see where she lives as we were not permitted in this area on our last trip.  As the caregiver moved quickly, we passed a door with a window to a play area and I quickly spotted our girl!!  We continued to follow to another play room where she had us wait.  Soon she returned holding Little Miss!  She was a bit reserved at first but held on tightly to me while she took it all in.  It did not take long before she was comfortable to start playing.  This room had lots of toys in it.  One of which was stackable cups.  We had a tea party-she began to drink from one of the cups and offered it to both of us.  Bill put one on his head and let it fall off.  She liked that and tried to do it herself.  The caregiver returned at some point with her photo book that we left with her.  She opened it to the picture of our yorkie, Macie.  Best we could understand the caregiver was telling us that our little one likes Macie.  She did point to her picture.  A bit later, they brought her a sippy cup with juice.  She grabbed hold of it and chugged!  She could win a contest.  I joke, but clearly this is a result of her environment.  She did not stop until it was empty and did not want to let go.  In fact, she had a toy in one hand and the cup in the other.  She handed me her toy so she could hold with both hands.  As soon she was finished drinking, she reached for my hand to retrieve her toy.  After about 50 minutes, the caregiver returned to tell us is was time for her nap.  We were able to see where she sleeps, her bathroom, and feeding area.  Also, the group's pet cat!  That was a surprise!  It was a short but wonderful visit.  It was exactly what we needed to gear up for the unfamiliarity of court. 

Next we were driven to court where we met our coordinator.  The director of the baby home and the social worker for the baby home's municipality attended as well.  While waiting we met another couple from our agency that had a court appointment.  We also met the translator for court who told us a bit of what to expect.  At about 1:20 we were called in.  Along with us and the translator was the baby home director, the social worker, the prosecutor, the secretary and the judge.  After she announced our case and confirmed our identities, I was called to the podium.  She asked me several questions:  How long we were married?  Why we wanted a family now?  Why from Russia?  Did we have a room prepared for her?  Could we financially care for her?  I can't remember them all.  When she finished it was the prosecutor's turn.  She asked about our dogs.  She wanted to know what we would do if our child was allergic to the dogs!!  What??  I thought this was a trick question but I seemed to satisfy her.  Next was Bill's turn.  The judge asked him what he did for a living.  What was our childcare plan?  Did we have a room prepared for her? ( I guess she wanted to be sure of this one!) Would she be a financial burden?  What was Bill's religion?  Again, I can't remember them all.  The prosecutor had no questions for Bill.  Next the baby home director spoke of Little Miss and her history.  She gave a favorable opinion for us to adopt her.  As did the social worker.  The saddest part was when they both said we were her only chance for a family.  That just broke our hearts but also filled us with love to know we are thrilled to be her last chance.  The judge took a brief recess and quickly returned to give us a positive judgment.  That we would be the parents of this once parentless child.  Tears filled my eyes and as soon as she finished I looked at Bill.  He too was crying with joy as we hugged.  It was official-this precious girl is our daughter!  It is a privilege and an honor for us.  A duty we embrace.  We get to pick her up from the baby home on December 16th.  Until then we expect to visit her daily except on the weekend.

In the hotel lobby this morning.