It's a Boy!

At approximately 4:50am this morning, Eastern Standard Time, April 14th, 2011, I was pronounced the new mama to the sweetest little Russian boy. Soupy's got a mama! Just think, 10 more days and I won't have to tease you with "Baby Soup" anymore. Speaking of that... I have been threatened by my relatives that I will NOT call him Soup. I can't promise that it won't sneak out now and then - in nickname fashion ONLY, but typically, he is referred to by his new name... which shall be released on our about April 26th-ish.

I woke up this morning ready for court. I wish I could say I was bright eyed and bushytailed, alas, that was not to be. I could have slept for a couple more hours. But exciting times lay ahead. I had my traditional Courtyard breakfast (the place was HOPPING this morning!) and came back up to get ready for the day.

Thankfully, Rhonda (aka travel queen extraordinaire) was home working the late shift and was able to entertain me via skype so that my mind didn't wander. And then suddenly, it was time to go. My driver arrived and I was surprised to see the Doctor from the Soup's baby home in the car along with the Social Worker. I don't know why this surprised me -- it was essentially the same in Vlad - we drove the Social Worker to Court (but no doctor), but it did.

We arrived at the very non descript building and in we went. I expected more people, but the place was quiet. There was another family in the court room ahead of us, and a younger girl waiting outside, not so patiently. I was soon informed that she was waiting to be adopted - by the family inside. She danced around in the hallway and often pressed her ear to the door. She looked concerned at one time and the person accompanying her brushed it off. Finally, close to 12pm, the family came out and announced "Das Aftra" - which means, the Judge told them to come back tomorrow. HEART ATTACK. Being the only non-Russian speaker, I didn't get the details. I think they were a Russian family - and the girl was 14 but looked 9. I was piecing together what they said and was quietly asking my coordinator "were they just told to come back tomorrow?" - my heart sank when she confirmed this. I said, "Oh my... I am suddenly MUCH more nervous", to which Anya snorted and said "Why? You have different agency, different coordinator - YOU will be fine". Oddly enough, that semi-reassured me.

The court proceeding was very straight forward. Because it was a "closed" procedure, I am not really at liberty to spell out all the juicy details. I had NO surprises thrown my way and everyone was VERY kind and VERY supportive. The Judge was near my age - possibly a little older (translation - YOUNG! haha) and blond. My speech went well and the questions were all expected - except one... the Judge totally called out the two cats pictured in my homestudy pictures (wandering around the living room in my house photos) and asked what I would do if Soup was allergic. Good eyes, Judge! Color me impressed!

So now, we wait. Again. Hurry up and wait is the theme in adoption. Officially, my 10 day clock has started. Tick tock, Soupy! I get to visit him again this afternoon (camera batteries CHARGED this time) and then tomorrow morning while you are all fast asleep I'll start making my way back home. Das Zaftra! And this time, for me, at least - that's a GOOD statement. (All jokes aside -- prayers to the family before me)