Day 12 (Thursday May 8, 2003) – A Perfect Day – Gotcha Day!!!

 SHE’S OUR BABY!  HOOORAY!

Court went without a hitch.  Roza and Gallina had picked us up at around 9:30 for the trip to the court.  We arrived a little early, before 10:00 am.  The only disappointing aspect of this procedure is that Roza will not be our interpreter in court.  Sonya (who we met at the airport the night we arrived) will be acting as interpreter for us.  Roza explained that the only reason behind this is that Sonya has much more experience at court proceedings so is better suited for this job (but I’m sure our Roza will be up to the task sooner rather than later).  We didn’t think it would be complete without her though.

We walked into the Judge’s chambers and well it wasn’t exactly a chamber.  It was her office and they just pushed a few chairs in and around to fit everyone.  And no disrespect intended but I walked in and thought, WOW!   Our judge was the hottest thing on two feet.   Since it was the beginning of a big holiday weekend, it must have been designated as dress down Thursday for her Honor.  She was wearing tight pants, a leopard top and sunglasses and man, oh man was she ever attractive.  Definitely not what I was expecting (I was thinking old guy, gray hair, robes, etc.).   After Leilani elbowed me once in the kidneys, I picked up my jaw and found a seat.  The room was filled with Leilani & I, Pam, Galina, Sonya, the Orphanage Director, the Judge and her recording secretary.  We were up first.   I stood and the Judge addressed me through Sonya.  She said that since it was prior to the big Holiday weekend, the Prosecutor was late and they would continue these proceeding without him.  No problamo here, babe (luckily I didn’t say that out loud).  She asked me a few perfunctory questions that I was fully prepared for by the great and glorious Galina.  Sonya interpreted the Judge’s questions to me in English, and then relayed my answers back to the Judge in Russian.  The Judge seemed satisfied with my answers (I felt it important at this point to control myself and not mention how hot she was – The Master of the court room, Joe Yannone).  Then it was the Orphanage Director’s turn.  She got up and explained the baby’s medical condition to the Judges while Sonya interpreted her words to Leilani and I.  The Judge then said, “Oklie Doklie, she’s the new kid in town”.  Well not exactly her words, but the deal was done.  The petition granted.   I sat down and they were moving on to Pam’s case.  I looked over and of course Leilani was valiantly trying to hold it together but the tear ducts were a-wellin’ up.  This started some strange stinging in my eyes as well at that time, so I decided to look away and take a few deep breaths for control.  When I looked back, Leilani was wiping her eyes with some micro fibers that were a tissue a few minutes before.

Right before Pam’s case started, the Prosecutor and the woman representing the Ministry of Education (MOE) entered the room.  TOO LATE PAL, I’M DONE!  Pretty much the same thing happened with Pam and I’m not exactly sure, but I don’t think the Prosecutor uttered a word.  The only thing different was that the MOE Lady spoke on the behalf of Pam’s case for Karsten.  In less than 25 minutes, both cases were done and we cleared the courtroom/office.  Galina was there in the outer office to offer her congratulations.  After we left the outer office, Roza was waiting outside to offer a big hug and her heartfelt and sincere congrats to the three of us.  Whew!  All that stressing for nothing.  None of the three of us slept well last night and all that worry for naught.  We hung outside the courthouse while Galina finished up the paperwork with the Judge.  We thanked Sonya and the Orphanage Director.  The Lady from the MOE passed by and we thanked her.  I was searching for people to thank.  I think I almost triggered an international incident when I hugged the cleaning lady.

Afterwards I tried to get several pictures of Team Kaz after our major victory, but my $%^&* camera inadvertently was turned on and the battery was dead.   Major Bummer!  Galina and Roza dropped us off at the apartment, while they made a mad dash to get some more paperwork done today.  They didn’t get back to the apartment until after 4:30 looking very tired.  They miraculously were able to hit four different offices and complete the paperwork.  They victoriously showed us that they had in hand both children’s adoption decree and new birth certificate with us as parents.  This was by far no easy task, especially with the holiday weekend starting tomorrow.  The five of us went to dinner afterwards.  Galina spoke to us about her two children (one studying in London and the other studying in Bowling Green, KY) and about several of the other adoptive families that she has dealt with over the years.  As I’ve said before, Galina is a Player, with more connections than Tony Soprano.  And our stay here and the process we’ve gone through couldn’t have possibly gone smoother with this great lady who does so much work for behind the scenes.  After our celebration dinner, Team Kaz was exhausted and everybody hit the rack early.  Tomorrow is a new day and we’re that much closer to bringing the Beautiful Kazak Princess back to the Garden State.

Great news today and good night to all looking in.

 Click on the Thumnails to Enlarge the Picture

Team Kaz. You've just won the Adoption Super Bowl. What are ya doin' next? "We're going to Disney World!"

Gallina with Alia. Gallina is the BEST! Can anyone say free room & board if you ever make it to the US (although I highly doubt I'm the first to offer this).

Two members of Team Kaz zonked out after court. The stress prior to today caused the ladies little sleep the night before. After court they take a well deserved and settled rest. (While Galina and Roza are running all over town.)

Alia Bella Yannone - fashion victim! (But cute)

Karsten in his favorite spot - Mom's arms.

(1) Two best buds, just hangin' out in BH3. (2) & (3) "pssst. ALia. Isn't your daddy silly"

"Here Alia honey. Let me show you how to open this file. Ooooooh dear. I think I screwed up. Joooooooooe!"

C'mon! How can ya not just LOVE this face!!??

Previous Day Next Day