Adoption Day!

SHE IS OURS! Yup~ our petition for adoption was granted in court today and Julia Marian Miller officially became our daughter and Austin's little sister!

First thing this morning, Austin emailed us his "statement" for the Judge, saying, (and I am paraphrasing Austin, so please forgive any miscommunication!) "I am happy to have a sibling and I look forward to making sure that her life is really happy and safe and secure. I will protect her and guard her with my life and more if necessary." Bruce took the stand, answering all of the Judge's questions with careful consideration, and, under the expert direction of our guide, Oleysa and the generous praises of Dr. Irina, our Judge formalized Julia's adoption, congratulating us ALL (Austin too!) on our new family. April 5, 2007. A day we will always remember!

After court, we had a late visit with Julia and "Dad" sponged up her beauty and her charm before saying "good-bye." We stopped at the hotel, loaded a ton of luggage into André's car and headed to the Kostanai Airport to put Bruce on the plane bound for Almaty. Characteristic of our relationship, Bruce's parting words to me were, "Be careful" and mine to Bruce were "Relax and enjoy the ride." Now I am back in our hotel room, surprised at myself for missing Bruce so much, so soon. I have really grown to rely on him and I am feeling a bit untethered. I have, however, moved myself into his living spaces, sprawling my toiletries across the bathroom countertops and usurping all the hangers! I look forward to hearing that he has arrived home safely, tomorrow afternoon.

I have been invited by our State adoption representative to attend Easter Mass on Saturday night, from 10:00 PM until midnight and I am delighted! God is everywhere! "Happy Passover" to our Jewish family and "Joyful Easter" to the Christians! You are ALL in my thoughts and prayers and I am celebrating Julia with you, in my heart! Love, Carrie