Order in the Court

Today, July 18th, we appeared in court. Bob and I were pretty nervous, Natasha had prompted us as what to say. Most definitely don't mention religion! We were all dressed up, we had bought a dress for Nadiya and some pants for Stephen. The judge came in and read our petition. She first asked Bob questions about work, how we would help the children learn english, if we would treat them like our other children. Then the judge asked me some questions, if I would be ready to teach them and help them. She also asked if we would be able to deal with Nadiya's medical situation, we felt confident because of the experience we had with our daughter, Alexia. (I'm Back) Charrisse told me that I had to tell you about court but I was still shaking so hard I couldn't find the keys, still not much better but here goes. After we both talked both the children were asked to stand and talk to the court. Did I mention that the Judge was a woman (even scarier!) Stephen (notice the change in spelling--we'll tell you why later)kind of stood and kind of leaned before the judge . She asked if he was ready to learnEnglish he said ya. She asked what he would call us_his parents, he kind of hummed and hawed then said father and mother(typical teenager) Next was Nadiya, When the judge asked her to stand she jumped to attention and listened intently to the judge. The judge asked if she wanted to go to America she immediately responded 'yes'. She was asked what she would call her parents and loudly , clearly, and quickly she said mama and papa. That was worth the whole two weeks of frustration!Now back to someone who can actually type.
The Inspector of the city of Poltava had to comment about how she felt about the adoption. She looked over at Nadiya and commented that 3 days before she had met Nadiya and she was shy and timid but look at her now. She is looking up and confident, this will be good for her. Bob and I felt great that they had noticed the change in her. The prosecutor woke up long enoughto say he didn't have any questions and it was approved by him. The judge asked us 'How many boys and how many girls' we said 5 and 5. She laughed and said 1 more of each, 6 and 6 now. Irena said that it was divine intervention that we had come when we did or we wouldn't have found Nadiya. Because all the other girls were in Italy, we saw her.
The court was dismissed and we waited for 15 minutes and the judge came back and read the papers, Stephen and Nadiya are ours!