Day 5 - Court part 2

What an amazing day.  Today I not only became a mom but a mom to Sophia! After a year a half labor it was all worth it!

Here is a little bit about yesterday's court.  It was held in a small room the judge sat in front in her black judge's robe.  The court secretary was to my right, the prosecutor (person protecting Sophia's rights and well being) was to my left, Tamara, the social worker was nearest me and to my right and behind me was the director of the orphanage (I think I'm still not quite sure who she is LOL but she is always pleasant and kind).  Olga my translator for both my trips was seated next to me on bench seats.  Yesterday was just about reviewing the documents.  There were very few questions asked of me.  Just some minor clarifications.  It was basically a preliminary hearing to see if all my documents were in order and they were!

Ok today... Court was set for 11am  we were on time.  However there were proceedings still in session.  The orphanage neurologist was waiting outside as well.  Irina introduced me and the neurologist (I don't remember her name.  I'm lucky to recoginize my name when said with a Russian accent LOL)  She said she knew me (saw me with Sophia)  She told us (I didn't see Sophia in the afternoon yesterday since it was somewhat late after court.  The orphanage director said politely no.  Also the reports were made with me seeing her so many times before court) that Sophia was sad/upset I didn't come and sat in the chair by the door waiting.  A grandmother came to take one of the children out for a walk and Sophia cried because I wasn't there to take her.  She said Sophia understands and has started to bond with me.  

So around 11:20 the doors opened and they left and we entered.  It was the judges chambers (office).  Again she was in front dressed professionally (no robe). Her desk is set like a T so she sits at the top and the prosecutor on the left side of the table and the secretary on the right.  Olga and I sat at the bottom   (like an I) Tamara, and the neurologist sat to the left side of us.  

I was asked to stand and the judge proceeded to ask questions.  "Why" is what she started with.  I kept my composure but did start to cry but didn't lose it and was able to answer all her questions.  Then the neurologist gave her report.  Like she stated above.  She also told the court that since her first visits with me she has started saying full Russian words not just parts.  (She did tell us before the Sophia had no reason to talk since she didn't really have anyone to talk to.)  (If you know me (I'm a talker) she does now LOL).  She stated Sophia knows how to undress herself but not dress.  She likes to put everything a way.  She knows which shoes are hers out of all the children's shoes.  She know's the other children by name. She understands.  She says her skills are at about a 2 year old level.    She recommended to allow me to adopt her.

Tamara was next and gave her report.  She stated when she met me she wasn't sure so she asked lots of questions and she now knew I was ready, willing, and able to provide a good home for Sophia.  She also recommended to allow me to adopt.

The prosecutor (as you will recall, I think I wrote about it yesterday that since Sophia had been offered to so many and refused she must have been waiting for me) stated everything she wanted to cover had been covered.  She did tell a short story of another proceeding where the decision to allow the parents to adopt was difficult and she felt that the decision for me to be allowed to adopt would be easy for the judge.  She was all smiles.  

We were asked to step out for the judge to deliberate.  We were out for maybe 5 minutes and that is being generous. LOL  We went back in the judge was in her robe.  I stood (feeling like I was waiting for my sentence LOL) and she read her decision.  That I was allowed to be Sophia's mother!

I was in tears and there were smiles all around.  I was hugged twice by the prosecutor, Tamara and the neurologist.  They all wished me well. Believe I know God answered mine and all those who prayed for me today.  My prayer for months has been that the court would hear my heart and the Heavenly Father would speak for me.  And all those things happened today!  They all said I was sincere and was honest with my answers.  They felt confident that I was ready to be Sophia's mom.  We walked out I can't say it seemed long but I hadn't looked at my watch.  It had been less than an hour!  Irina said it was record time (I'm sure especially since I am a single mother and I know there was some reservations by the court.)   I had a speech all written up I was ready to give and never had to do it.  I spoke slowly (well at least slowly for me) so the interrupter could interrupt accurately.  That is a feat in itself for me LOL

What an amazing day!  I'm in shock. I knew in my heart that God had a plan and he hadn't gotten me this far to tell me no but still those nerves creep in on you. :)   I'm almost not sure it's real.  :) 

OOOH that is where you keep the 

yummy blueberry puffs!

Such a cute face tongue and all

It poured this afternoon after I was done visiting Sophia and out came this beautiful rainbow (picture doesn't do the colors justice.  It was bright and not faint.  Boris let me know it was out my window and said it was for the success of the day.  I would say the heavens shown down on us!