Real quick post, as we need to leave shortly to catch the train back to Kiev (yes, that train).
Court went perfectly. We met in the judge's office, along with his secretary, the orphanage director, and the inspector. The judge asked us all questions, with Luba interpreting for the two of us. He asked about our family, why we want to adopt, our income, our home, etc. He then asked the orphanage director and inspector specifics about Juliana. The whole hearing lasted all of about 20 minutes. In the end, he congratulated us and stated that the court approved our petition. Oksana Alexandrovna Avadenya is now officially Juliana Alexandra Cohn. We really weren't expecting any problems, but it's a relief to have it over and done. We have a daughter!
If only we could just take her home now; but, there's that pesky 10-day waiting period before the court decree is officially released and Luba can get the new birth certificate and apply for the passport. The birth certificate will list us as her parents and will show her new name. The judge actually asked us if we also wanted to change her date and place of birth. ??? We weren't aware that was an option but really can't imagine a circumstance in which we'd want that. Of course, it would seem somewhat strange to have a birth certificate listing New Hampshire as her place of birth, issued by the Ukrainian government. :-) No, we're good with just listing the new parents and new name.
We spent time with her this morning and were able to take some pictures of her group room and the other children in her group (had to get special permission to do that - they're a little touchy about allowing pictures of other orphans due to Ukrainian regulations, but the director let us, as long as we promised not to publish them). Tough saying goodbye (for us, not for her!). But, we'll be back next month to pick her up, and then the real adventure begins!
We doubt we'll have any opportunity to post again before we get home. Looking forward to seeing you all and kissing the blessed American soil!
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13 comments:
CONGRATULATIONS!!! I am so happy for you guys.She is so blessed to have a family like yours. Glad everything went smoothly. And I can't wait to talk to Julie without the smelly phone situation.Love you.
Yeah!!! So happy for you. Looking forward to talking with you when you return and for meeting your new daughter!
I am so excited! Congratulations! She was meant for your family. Now we will pray that the next month or so will go by quickly so that you can all be together again. Can't wait to see you guys!
Steve and Julie -
Clif and I are so very happy and excited for you. What a blessing! Julies - she looks just like you! She is a doll!!! Mom just gave me the blog address today and it is amazing to see the journey you have come on and it is almost over! Congratulations - and if you need anything - let us know! (Julie - what size is she - I would love to pick up some outfits for her from us) I am so very happy for you and your family and I cannot wait to meet her!!!
Love,
Clif and Angela McKinley
Praise God and Congradulations!!!!
Wow what a relief for you guys! I am so happy everything went so well for you.....we can't wait to finally meet Julianna - she is so adorable!
Have a safe trip home and God Bless
Hi! I am so happy for you guys! Can't wait to see your new daughter Julianna! She is so sweet!
Kathy
THAT'S GREAT NEWS! It's what we've all been praying for. We are so excited for you and can't wait to meet her and see you guys again. Thanks for keeping all of us informed. Have a safe trip home and we'll see you soon!
Deb, Rob, Amanda & Nicole
For once I am at a loss for words! Words cannot express how happy I am for you and your family! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
Congratulations to you both and to your family. It must feel so awesome to know that she is your daughter and before long she will be home with everyone. Mike's boss and wife adopted a little boy from Poland 2 years ago(he was 5 when they adopted him)and so they shared their journey with us. They've been through alot,but she says that they can't picture their lives without him now. We are anxious for you to come home. I'm sure things will be crazy,many people will probably want to talk to you guys. We are truly happy for you. Have a safe trip home and we'll talk soon. Mike says hi,he's in Chicago but will be home late Thursday night. GOD IS SO GOOD!!!!!
Love,Michelle and family
How positively wonderful!
That is such wonderful news - I am so happy for you!
I have a strange story to share:
I was at Hannaford this morning (trying to beat the storm!) and the woman working at the register asked if I was a doctor. I said no and she said that I look exactly like a Ukrainian doctor that she met (presumably at Hannaford...) Maybe there is a Ukrainian doctor in Nashua? Keep your eyes peeled for someone who looks just like me, Steve!
Congratulations Steve & Julie. I've (Tammy) been following whats been happening and am just tickled for all of you. I get choked up when I watch her videos and I really don't know you. Steve has helped us with a mortgage. But I am moved by your story and am thrilled for you - I believe she is coming into a wonderful home. She's precious! Our prayers are with you for a smooth transition and that the next month will be quick!! :) Merry Christmas!
God bless you richly, George & Tammy Dupree
Hello Steve and Julie! I came across your blog on the Internet, and I was so excited as our timelines are really similar! Our SDA appointment was on November 20th, our court date was on December 6th in Odessa, and our original return tickets were on December 7th. We decided to use them and fly back home just in case our daughter's passport is not ready in time as the Embassy is closed from 12/24 to 1/7. I'll go back in January to bring our daughter home.
Juliana is so adorable, what a blessing! Congratulations on the successful court date and safe travels to bring her home!
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