Sweet Success!!

Sweet success in Court! Yesterday we went before a judge in Kemerovo City, and she approved our request to adopt baby Owen! It such a sweet relief. We were worried before court. Our translator again scared us by telling us quite sternly that the judge would NOT understand why we wanted to adopt a third child. We tried explaining ourselves to the translator, and she just shook her head No, and said "she won't understand." So we had ourselves worked up a bit, and the 3 hour drive from Novokuznetsk to Kemerovo City in the rain was dismal. But court went very well. Her first question, directed to Jim, was why we wanted to adopt, and Jim made a passionate speech that appeared to resonate well with the judge. The rest of it was quick and easy, and they approved the adoption request. We stepped out of the courthouse and the sun was shining, and all was right with the world. It really felt like a weight was lifted, and we were almost giddy. The 10 day waiting period was not waived, but we didn't really expect it to be and at that point it didn't seem to matter.

I will post more later about Owen. We have been able to visit him twice now. He is even more adorable than we remember. His eyelashes are the longest I've ever seen on a baby. He warmed up to our cheerios and snacks this time. But he is very worried about us. I don't blame him. When I try to speak a few Russian phrases to him, he shakes his head vigorously "No". Even he knows my Russian is no good. In some ways I do wish we could stay here for the 10 days and visit him more before we spirit him away to a strange country. I know he is going to be terrified. But...I have the feeling that even 10 days of an hour a day will not make him much less terrified. And we are really wanting to go home and reassure Liam and Natalie (and Grandma and Grandpa) that all is well.

All in all, the trip has seemed a lot easier than Trip 1. I think we knew more what to expect. Plus, we are in a better hotel and better location, and have met some other adopting couples and Americans. Jim brought his own granola bars, and I have been stealing his Slim Jims. All is well.

I still don't know if we can post pictures of Owen until the 10 days is up, so I'll wait...although I'm dying to share.