WELL.... IT'S OFFICIAL!!!!!

As you can see in the picture, I am standing in the courtroom right after the judge made her decision declaring that Alex is our son AND we will not have to remain in country for the 10 day waiting period. This means we will be coming home on Saturday, May 27 after all. In the picture, from left to right: Me, the Russian Federation Prosecuter, the Judge, and then on the end, the Russian Federation translator. Not pictured: SCOTT (taking the picture), our Russian Federation court stenographer, and the Regional Social Worker/Inspector (who came to each visitation we had with Alex).

Court was a trying experience. In our hearts we knew everything would be fine...but it was a bit of a bumpy road during the proceedings. Prior to court, Scott and I spent time studying our home study and practicing answers to any possible questions that may arise. We even assigned ourselves certain topics of "expertise" so that when asked a question, we would already know which one of us would answer that specific question. Yeah, well, you know how they say "Best laid plans...."

After standing up in the courtroom and stating our names & addresses, we were told to sit. I then stood to answer the 1st question. Well, at least that's what we thought.... What the Judge meant was "Which one of you will answer a string of questions 1st?" So, about 35 minutes later, I was STILL answering questions while standing in front of the courtroom!!!!!! Scott was being very supportive and even offerred to take over the interogation, but he was told that it "Wasn't his turn." In any case, I was on a mission!!!!! So, after I was FINALLY done, Scott was asked to stand and his questions were more general, lasting about 10 minutes. We had to laugh. As for the content of these questions, that is far too much to write, so we will explain in more details later. Lastly, the Regional Inspector stood and vouched for us based on her observations of us with Alex. She was so warm & supportive, insisting to the Judge we were best suited for Alex.

Moving on... we were then asked to leave the courtroom after our questioning and asking the Judge to waive the 10 day waiting period in region. We then stood in the hallway outside for about 5 minutes and then we were asked to come back in and listen to her verdict. Obviously it was a positive one and we were thrilled!!!!!!

Following court, we went to the Archives Building to officially sign his birth & adoption certificates stating we are his parents. At that moment, it all became very real for us and I can't even tell you how many emotions came over us. *Tear-jerker moment* We then decided we wanted to make more of a donation to the orphanage so our facilitator, Alexei, called the orphanage director to see what they needed. They said clothes so off we went to purchase a bag-o-clothes to bring with us tomorrow. We were also told that it is Russian tradition to bring the orphanage workers a cake, bottle of wine, and a box of chocolates to show our gratitude- so we took care of that as well.

Tonight we ate dinner with the couple we came in with on Tuesday, Judy & Bill, and they surprised us with champagne at the table. It was incredibly sweet of them!!!! And just so you know...the champagne was incredible. It is very similar to Asti and guess what.... SCOTT LOVED IT! (<-- special note to dad & Matt, b/c you know how Scott is with Asti)

Our schedule for tomorrow begins with the VERY important task of going and picking up OUR SON!!!!! We will then be going to have his picture taken for his passport. After that, we are in a holding pattern here until the passport is completed, which should be Wed., the day we are traveling back to Moscow.

So, the next time we write we will have our little man with us here. It should be quite the adventure on our 1st day together!!!

love,
Cathy & Scott