Day 18 Court Day

Well we waited 3 years for our 15 minutes in front of the judge. I will give you the quick low down. After stuffing 4 people in the twinkie; 1) our 'other translator Oleg', who actually has a translator license (which is required to meet in with the judge), 2) Svitlana, who arrived at 7am from Kiev, 3) Jay, and 4) myself - of course, Rashid drove us - and we arrived at the court. The court house is directly in front of the orphanage which is very convenient for them. We waited for about 20 minutes, and at exactly 11am were taken into the chambers.....Me, Jay, Oleg, social worker, lawyer, Irena (care worker) and another woman who we are not sure was. A bunch of talking between them, and then Jay had to stand with Oleg and the judge asked him questions about our income, house, and why he wanted to adopt. Then on to me, same questions except, "Would I treat Charles the same as my other children even if he was sick." After that she looked at our pictures and granted us the adoption. Of course, I am simplifying the process but it is REALLY hot in the internet cafe today!
They have changed the rules on us yet again and we can not pick up Charles until November 4th at 5pm, and then we have to start his paperwork here in Donetsk......we are having a hard time understanding what Svitlana's plan is and when we can leave. Jay knows he is leaving next Friday; but as of right now Charles and I will be staying here for a few days after Jay leaves, then on to Kiev for the rest of the paperwork. Which means getting home for Virginia's birthday is not looking too good for me and Charles. But, "it is what it is" and there is nothing we can do. I have a little feeling that Svitlana has some other plans, but does not want to tell us yet. So you all are in the dark as much as we are.
Thanks for the comments everyone, as usual Howell you have all the kids here in the internet cafe thinking Jay and I are crazy Americans because we were laughing so much. As for the coat, it will fit Olivia Mae too! Jay is already drooling over the thought of a bear hunt so plan on him very soon, probably before I even get home! He'll probably call you on his drive from RDU to Cape Carteret.
We will update tonight after Svitlana gets back from her trips to the Dept. of Social Work and Passport agency to find out the real scoop. We are taking Svitlana and Oleg out to dinner tonight at 6pm to celebrate and thank them both. We are publishing some new pictures today and hopefully a few more tomorrow. Amelia, we put a picture of Mommy and Daddy and Charles like you asked. We also put a picture of your and Olivia Mae's car - it's a Mercedes. The panoramic view (if it works for everyone) is from our apartment kitchen window.
Love to you all........