December 8, 2008

Four years ago today I stood in the Ekaterinburg, Russia court room and answered questions for the judge. I was so scared that normal easy answers were hard to find in my brain. I had waited so long for this day, but I was scared to death. The judge granted our adoption and I “officially” became a mother for the first time. My sweet baby boy was going to come home with me…finally after waiting 14 agonizing weeks between our trips.

Looking back on the day when I first knew about you I remember exactly where I was. I was getting ready to leave work on a Friday to meet papa for a UofL function and Inna (with KidsFirst Adoptions) called. She said she had a referral for us. I had her email the medical information and picture to papa and when I met up with him I jumped in the car and asked if he had looked at the picture yet. He said he was waiting for me. Papa clicked the button and up popped your picture.

I fell in love instantly with the most beautiful baby I had ever seen. You had this reddish colored peach fuzz for hair. After consulting with doctors regarding your medicals we were on a plane headed to Russia a couple of weeks later.

When we arrived at the orphanage

they took us to a large room with toys and a piano. We waited anxiously for them to bring you in. When the door opened the caregiver had this smiley, very happy, blonde haired baby in a yellow outfit with pink flowers. She brought you to me and you came right to me giving me the most beautiful smile. I was excited to hold you, but I was afraid they had given me the wrong baby. I thought for sure they had made a mistake and brought me a girl. You were just so beautiful.

We got to spend some wonderful days with you. You always seem so comfortable in our arms…like you belonged there. You were never afraid to fall asleep and it was so sweet how you sucked your fingers. It was interesting because the day we took you out of the orphanage you stopped sucking them.

The day we had to leave you was so hard. Every time we heard a door open in the hall we just knew they were coming to get you. Finally our translator came in and said we were staying longer since we had a later flight out. The thought of leaving you brought tears to my eyes. When they finally did come and take you away it was so hard to say good bye. You held my heart tightly in your hands.

Back home we jumped through lots of hoops to get the paperwork done that the judge required and 14 weeks later we were back Ekaterinburg for court. It was such a relief when the judge granted our adoption and made us your parents.

When we took you from the orphanage you were so small and needed us. You have grown into such a sweet little man and I am honored to be your mama. I hope I can continue to give you all the love and support you need as you continue to grow.

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Here are lots of pictures to enjoy from our time with Dima in Russia.

Trip 1
September 1, 2004

Our first family photo

Changing Dima into his nice BLUE outfit we bought him.
We were tired of seeing him in pink girl clothes.

This is Dr. Maria the orphanage director.
She had so much love for these kids.

This is Dima's bed in the sleeping room.

This is how Dima woke up from a nap.

This caregiver seemed to be his favorite.

Trip 2
December 6, 2004

The first time I got to see my poor sick baby after 14 long weeks.

The green on his head is the antiseptic for a cut and chicken pox.

The Ekaterinburg courthouse

Right after court.

Our translator doing lots of paperwork so we can leave Ekat in a few days.

Papa's very first open mouth wet sloppy kiss. It was so special.

CHEERS! The Mama's and Papa's celebrating!

The new parents. Holmes, Arnolds and Orrs

Our translator for court.

The playroom in Dima's orphanage.

Saying goodbye to his wonderful caregivers.

All bundled up and ready for his first plane trip.

Heading to Moscow with his new Mama and Papa.

Embarking on the adventure of a lifetime...