Thursday, July 30, 2009

After 5 Hours of Questioning.....

Yes it was over 5 hours long. Short by the standards of this region and long compared to other regions. I woke up this morning to a some what cooler day only about 85 degrees. I had my usual large breakfast hot tea and water.

I pulled on those hot stockings combed my hair and was off to court. Yes I wore the big shoes (high heels). On the way to court I talked with the translator. She talked with me about the things not to do in court as well as the things I should do.

Most importantly the Judge does not like it when he must pull the answers from someone. I was told to just talk and elaborate on everything. I showed him pictures of her room, car seat, us together and family.

I was questioned at length about my mortgage. It seems funny to be questioned about that because everyone has one. This is not the case in Russia. I told him that I do pay extra every month so I will have it paid for much sooner then is noted on the paperwork.

I talked about my job, education, family and vacations that I have taken. I was asked about my broken arm. Yes that was in fact part of the delay. He was unsure if I would be ale to work again because of the break.

Thank goodness I had a letter from my doctor. I was asked to show full range of motion of my arm and to pick up something so he could see that it worked well. I also to him that I was already back to work.

I was asked 'What if you get tired of her? What will you do?' I do not think that I will ever get tired of her. I let it slip that I thought she was perfect. I told all Mothers should think their children are perfect! Right?

He asked me if there were sharks in the ocean. Now that is a hard question of course there are sharks but not any like Jaws where I live. I told him I would keep her safe from all sharks even the ones in the ocean.

He asked me if I liked men. Yes I do like men. There was also some confusion about my name. I have 2 first names, 1 middle name and a last name. So I explained that too.

So after all these questions I was told I could be her Mommy. The judge said YES!!

49 comments:

Stephanie and Dennis said...

YEAH!!!!!!!! Congratulations on being a Mommy! It is the BEST job in the world. Good Luck on her passport. I am praying for you.
Stephanie

Kellie said...

Congratulations! We are so tickled for you! We will keep you in our prayers for save travels.
Kellie

Dana Doctor said...

I can feel your excitement all the way here in NJ! I have to giggle about his concerns... sharks???
Safe travels! This long journey was well worth it.

Rich and Jolynn said...

Perfect News! I knew it would be this way! Now you have to keep her away from the sharks, hehe! So happy for you all. I can barely wait for little banana pictures! Congratulations!

Carrie said...

Congratulations!!!! So exciting!

Melissa said...

5 hours! Yikes! Thank goodness we didn't have 5 hours. And by yourself. What a toughy you are! Congrats! The hard stuff is done and she will soon be home. Yeah!!!!
Melissa

www.adventureswithaidan.org said...

Awesome!!! Sharks????? And 5 hours???? My goodness but you have been through it! But, I'm so happy for you. . .Now to get her passport and visa! Then, you can go and get her and take her home. . .Prayers continue for a quick and painless resolution to what is left to be done. Blessings!

Heidi said...

Great news!! You really were drilled, but that is good. The courts feel comfortable for you to be her Mommy.

Chickie said...

YEA!!!!!!!!!!!!! Congratulations... I don't even know you in real life and I am completely ecstatic for you!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can't wait to see pictures of Little Banana when you get her home!

Carolynn and Steve said...

Oh HOOOOORAAAAAY!
Congratulations on getting over this MAJOR hurdle. It sounds like you did just an AMAZING job today in court.

I'm SO very happy for you, and can't wait to hear more! Happy Dancing here for you!

Nicole Brueck said...

Congrats Joy!!! 5 hours...man, I would have passed out in sheer fear...our 45 minutes seemed long.
Now you are a momma......enjoy every second of it.

Carey and Norman said...

Congratulations! So very excited for you. 5 hours would be a very long time in court. I'm sure you were exhausted when it was all over. Now, you can enjoy being the Banana's Mommy and work on the bonding/attachment.

So very excited for you!

Adrienne, Another Ordinary Miracle said...

Dear Anna's Mommy,

I am so thrilled for you!!!!!! It sounds like your judge asked some of the same questions ours asked (especially the mortgage and being sure we realized we would be keeping Owen forever), but the sharks cracked me up!!

FIVE hours. That is just unbelievable. I am so happy you are done with that!!!

We're hping and praying the passport doesn't take too long so you can have that beautiful DAUGHTER of yours home soon!!!!!

Can't wait to see her new pictures!!!! Enjoy every moment while you're there now that you can relax a little more!!

Dreams really do come true!

LOts of LOve,
Adrienne

Beth said...

Congrats court is over and now you are a Mommy. Wow 5 hours I guess you can consider that the Labor!! And sharks, I tell you where do they come up with this stuff. Hope you get to bring your little girl home SOON

Rob said...

Five hours?!! Sheesh, I was sweating bullets and our court session was only about an hour.

Congrats!!

Fong Family Adoption said...

Yay!! Congrats. I love the shark question and would love to hear more when you have time.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations JOY! So, so happy for you. I hope the rest of your trip goes well. Be safe.

chrissy said...

WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

jaimejaimelynnlynn said...

Congratulations! The shark question was pretty funny!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! I'm so happy for you! The crazy things you are asked in court. We were asked about Hurricanes and we lived in Austin! Very interesting about their ideas of America.!
I hope you can bring her home fast!

Michael, Carrie, and S said...

Yay! Congratulations! I'm so happy that it is official now that you are her Mommy! I can't believe some of the questions you were asked (sharks?) but it sounds like you handled them all very well! So excited for you! Let the fun begin!

Amy said...

WOOOO HOOOOO!! Congrats!!! Can you believe MOMMY JOY??

Look back now at all those moments. The moment when you found out your dossier wasn't where it was supposed to be, the moment when you drove all around Michigan to get it redone! The moment where you broke your arm. The moments where you waited and waited and waited for test results to come back. The moment when things looked BAD - like there was a Russian family interested in her. The confusion over a visiting/hosted child. You know what? You were so amazing! You may have been freaking out inside, but you always appeared so cool and calm.

You are going to be the BEST mom! And guess what -- it's official MOM!

j.m. said...

Joy - I found your blog through Adrienne's and have been following your journey since then. I've never commented, but just wanted to say congratulations!

Troy and Rachel said...

Congratulations!!!! I know this has been the longest itme coming and we couldn't be happier for you!! Our court lasted over 4 hours, so I know what you went through!! Woo Hoo!!!

Kim Abraham - Mom to the Fabulous Five! said...

It's time for the long awaited biggest CONGRATULATIONS of a life time!!!! You will LOVE being a mommy! I can't imagine enduring 5 hours, Yikes!!! I thought 20 minutes was too long. HeHe! I am praying that you get her passport quickly!

Nancy said...

Congratulations, Joy!

Rebecca said...

I am so happy for you and Gerard! Still praying that things move quickly with her visa and you can get her back here in the US in that precious room you made for her, MOMMY!

findingourdaughter said...

Congratulations and Halleluiah! Thank God that is over, right? Now, on to Gotcha day and the journey home.....can't wait to follow all the steps to come!
Hugs and God Bless!

Susan said...

Well it is about time!!! Congratulations to the woman who has more patience than anyone I know. I'm am so happy for you Joy and your patience and persistence has paid off. I can't wait to see pictures of her beautiful face!

Rob said...

By the way, Joy, I hope you're not too sensitive, but I feel compelled to call you a name... MOM!

So glad this leg of your journey is nearly over! Can't wait to see photos!

Barb said...

Congratulations, Joy! So happy for you! Wow - 5 hours -that's a bit excessive, huh?

Shelly and Steve said...

Congratulations Mommy!!! You did it!! Its sounds like they were digging for questions just to put you thru the ringer to see how you held up, and you did with flying colors. I don't know if I could fair so well if our court is that tedious. Can't wait until she's with you.

Anonymous said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! SOOOO HAppy for you!!

Polly said...

Yeay, that's fab news. Really looking forward to 'meeting' the little girl it's all been about

Lakeshore Cottage Living said...

YAHOOOOOO!!! Glad your arm is better so that you can fight off the sharks!! hahahaha. SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!

Wow...amazing day.

HUGS, HUGS, and MORE HUGS!!! I CANNOT wait to see her and you of course...together at last.

Kristine

Suz said...

Hooray and Hallelujah! I got chills when I read that last line.

I think they ask some of these silly questions just to see if they can shake you up.

Oh I'm so very, very glad you've made it past this huge step!!!!! Phew!

Matt and Carla Morgan said...

CONGRATULATIONS, Joy!!!!! I'm so so so thrilled :)

cm

Todd and Jana said...

Congrats Joy!!

Amber said...

Congrats! How exciting

Lori said...

Congratulations!! So happy to hear the great news! Sharks - too funny! After all you've gone through to get to this point, sharks are no problem.

Can't wait to see pictures.

Safe travels - watch out for sharks.

Barrett and Jen said...

Congratulations!

Kami said...

Oh my goodness!!! I am soo excited and happy for you, Joy! Congratulations!!! Get ready for your life to change forever.. in an awesome way, of course! I am praying for the passport to come quickly so that you can get your sweet daughter home! Yea!! God is good!

Anonymous said...

As our translator said..."your pregnancy is over!".

Congrats to the new Mamma and Pappa!

You must feel like you finished a marathon...5 hours!...whew! great job!

Anonymous said...

Oh Joy, I am so happy for you that I am almost tearing! You were her Mom from the moment you met her, but now it is down on paper!
Wow, that was a long time in court -You did just great!Congratulations!!! and safe travels the rest of the way! Can't wait till she can finally come home!
All the Best...Teresa

Roger and Joanne said...

Finally! Congratulations! I'm so happy for you!

Laura said...

5 hours??? omg....that is INCREDIBLE!! And sharks - oye. Our judge joked about not granting us the adoption since we are in CA and close to Mexico. This was in April in the midst of the swine flu. Our translator told us about the "joking" after court. ha - ha, real funny. :|

Anyways -- CONGRATULATIONS -- this is wonderful news, Joy!!! Now we sit patiently awaiting pictures!!

Many blessings to you,
Laura

Dede said...

Five hours, I can't imagine. I hope you got a break in there somewhere. Anyway, it's over and congrats to the new mommy!!!!

Scott said...

What great news! Congratulations!

Amy W said...

sharks??? Isn't he worried about all those New Yorkers or people from Tuckerton??? Anyway....congratulations!!! What a long road...but soooooo worth it. See you soon.