It's official...we're a family of five!!

We just got back from the Moscow Regional Court and had some lunch.  Truth be told, I could've used a stiff shot of Vodka, but I guess a serving of Cheesy Mac will do!!

Court went very well.  The judge was lovely, the prosecutor initially a bit severe and the social worker was very passionate in her arguments on our behalf.  They asked Lance to make a statement to the court summarizing our experience with Jackson and why we wanted to adopt more children.  He did quite well, I think I'm the only one that noticed his voice was a little shaky!  The process itself was pretty routine, the only thing they seemed to emphasize and question was our commitment to the children.  They also wanted some assurance that we would seek medical and psychological help if they became "troublesome" to us.

They had several questions about sibling rivalry and how we had prepared Jackson for the boys.  The judge, prosecutor and social worker were VERY pleased that we'd brought him along to meet the boys and that we were staying the 10 days to let them all become better acquainted.  So if this is your second adoption, bringing your older child with you most certainly seems to help.  The judge and the prosecutor both wanted to meet Jackson, and gave him a little gift to remember court by. (like two little brothers isn't enough?)

Lance had time to come home, scarf down some food and then had to run out the door again to the notary office to sign a power of attorney.  That allows our coordinator to handle pretty much all the paperwork and appointments on our behalf... that will come in VERY handy when we pick up the boys.

Speaking of pick-up... gotcha day will officially be Wednesday June 9th.  It's exactly one year to the very day that I wrote our home study agency to begin the adoption process.  Pretty cool, huh?

Here is our obligatory family photo outside of court, the relief on our faces is readily apparent!!

I'm going to take Jackson out for a scooter run to the grocery store.  I've got to burn some energy off that child before I have to sedate him!!  We're planning on doing some sightseeing this weekend, so stay tuned for more family fun from Moscow!  

Thanks to everyone for your support and encouragement... we really appreciate it!!  

Much love,  Kim, Lance, Jackson, Cooper and Carter