Our Journey of Love to Astrakhan Russia: November 2008

Today is the 3rd Gotcha Day with Natalya! As I sit here writing this post I am amazed at how fast these past three years have gone. How much our lives have changed since that cold November day (Thanksgiving) . Three years ago today we were a husband and wife couple eagerly waiting to become parents. We were standing in a court room telling the judge how much we loved this little girl already and what great parents we will be, and that no matter what we will love her forever. Luke did such a great job talking with the judge and I on the other hand had a hard time not crying. I wanted Natalya so badly and would do anything to make her mine. After about 1 1/2 hours of court we were done and the judge left the room to make her decision. The next 20 minutes were terrifying. Then finally the judge came back in and said that we were approved for the adoption of Natalya Anelia Main !!!!!

When we adopted Natalya they waived the 10 day waiting period so we were able to pick her up that same day!! We hurried back to the hotel room got some clothes and rushed over the the orphanage to pick her up. We gave the clothes to the care takers and went to the directors office to wait as they were getting Natalya dressed. We were able to ask more questions and thanked the director for taking such great care of Natalya and loving her the way they did. Her main care taker brought Natalya too us all bundled up in her little pink outfit and purple snow suit. We took some pictures with the director and care taker and then it was time to leave. Natalya's care taker cried as we were taking her - and told us they were tears of joy as she knew Natalya would be going to a great family. It is hard to explain the feeling of pride I had carrying her out and knowing how much she was loved and knowing how much we were going to change her life. Natalya never once fussed (I think mainly just shocked) - that she just slept the entire car ride back to the hotel. Once we got back to the hotel - I think Luke and I were shocked - like HOLY COW...........we have a baby .................what do we do?????

Of course Natalya being our first we made some mistakes - like giving Natalya straight apple juice - which most will tell you gives babies diarrhea!! Needless to say we had A LOT of poopie diapers for the next week and several BLOW OUTS ..........poor kiddo!! But she survived and so did we..........and everyday since we have cherished everything about Natalya. We are honored to be her parents and are so proud of the princess she has become. She is beautiful, caring, loving and tells me every day how she can't wait to grow up and be a mommy just like me. She is a wonderful big sister to Vladimir - always helping him, guiding him and teaching him everything she knows good and bad. Everyday I count my blessings as I know how lucky I am to have her as my daughter. I love her so much and I am so honored to be her mommy!!

Happy Gotcha Day Natalya!!