HEAR YE! HEAR YE!

Pictures: Proof that I actually used an iron; Kevin and I outside the courthouse where we became the legal parents of a certain little guy; Joy and Caleb; Kevin and Caleb who has no idea how much his life has just changed.

Just wanted to make an announcement that we are the proud parents of a bouncing baby (well, toddler) boy as of 9:55 or so this morning.

Billy, Scheri, Teresa, James: that little guy that we have looked at and prayed for so long is officially and legally your brother now. Isn't that great! James, I can hear you shouting 'I'm not the baby anymore!'

YEAH!

I was nervous about court but Dima prepared us on the way by asking the questions that would be asked and giving us tips about keeping our answers short and sweet. Court was held in Irpin. I don't think we were in an actual courtroom--maybe more like the judges chambers. Besides us and our translator, there was the judge (a nice lady), a representative from the orphanage (I think Dima said she was the orphanage lawyer), the inspector, the prosecutor (mostly to make sure all correct procedures were followed--not to oppose the adoption), a secretary, and a parakeet that kept making happy racket while the preliminary paperwork was being completed so the judge carried the bird and cage out before getting started on proceedings. The representative from the SDA did not come but sent paperwork giving their OK. Apparently jurors can also be there but none were present. Dima kept us informed of what was going on by translating quietly while each person was speaking. Most of the Judges's questions were directed to Kevin and then I had to state that I fully supported all he said. I was specifically asked if I felt mother-love toward this little boy, whether I wanted another child instead, whether I was going to change my mind (if medical problems arose, I think) Dima said we weren't allowed to take pictures in the courtroom but he did take a picture of both of us in front of the building. There was some more paperwork for Dima back out in the office where he needed our passports. Otherwise not one little scrap of paper was needed (not even pictures of my kiddos) out of the 50-pound notebook that I brought with copies of every legal paper I could imagine ever possibly needing. Well, we still have embassy stuff to do--maybe they'll want something :)

Then we headed over to Vorzel to see young Mr. McClain who was not in the mood to play with anything or anyone--not even for the caregiver or for Dima. He had the saddest look on his little face and tears kept sneaking out of his eyes. Finally I just held out my arms and he reached for me and I held him. It felt so sweet to have his little head on my shoulder. I think I got in a little bit of trouble because he actually fell asleep for a few minutes and he's not supposed to sleep until after he eats lunch. But I would have to say it was definitely worth it.

Joy