Last "visit"

Today was our last visit with Julia because tomorrow we get to have her forever. She's so cute! It took her a minute to remember me then she hugged me tight. Maybe she was just tired, but it felt wonderful. She still does not have any teeth! I thought for sure. We spent about an hour and a half with her today. Galina, our translator, sang her a song probably similar to "If you are happy and you know it clap your hands." She clapped along with her and it was adorable. I'm glad I got to see her so happy!

Jim has made the trip exciting for me. He's been here 1 1/2 days and can already read the words on all the buildings. The Russian word for restaurant is PECTOPAH, but it is actually pronounced "RESTAURAN". All this time, I thought it was "PECTOPAH". He also made me ride the metro. Bryan and I rode it while on trip 2, but we were with Galina. Oh, and 4 million other people! I thought I was up for the challenge. It was hilarious! We both agreed that we would try not to look like tourists or Americans (which ever is worse), so I told him we couldn't talk and he said we had to keep moving. Well, anyone ever try to read a Russian metro map? We looked like tourist! We were a little obvious, especially in the station that we had to switch lines. BUT, I'm happy to report that we rode it to Gorky Park, which is not spelled that way in Russian (Jim knows how to pronounce it, but I do not!) We got off at the wrong station coming back...in the dark... but after a little worry, we figured out where we were. In retrospect, it was fun. I'm sure some of the people on the train thought we were "IDIOTS", pronounced "IDIOTS" in Russian. Oh, one more thing that was funny is that we went out to breakfast this morning (to a pectopah that does not have an english speaking person anywhere!) Jim ordered pancakes and I ordered an omlet. Mine never came. After telling Galina, we discovered that they do not serve eggs. Oh, well. I guess that was what she was telling me.

Until tomorrow....

October snow

My brother, Jim, and I are here! It's a balmy -1 degrees celsius, and Moscow had it's first snow shower of the year. The interpreter told us to expect awful traffic (as if it isn't already). The people have forgotten how to drive in snow.

We are off to see Julia now. It will be the last time I have to give her back!!

Post trip 2

I loved the expression on her face in this picture. She only made this face when she didn't like something. I think I was disturbing her with her toy! I'd love to post a video. If I get any time this week, I'll try to do it.

We are back now and after a 25 hour trip, recovering from jet lag. That's why it took a long time to get back on line.

I promised to tell you a little about court, but there is not much to tell. It was a fast process. We were nervous. We each gave a short speech. Then the judge and prosecutor asked us some questions. Then, the judge walked out, and when she returned, she told us we were Julia's parents! Whew! All the wait and anxiety leading up to this day...she is finally our daughter. We couldn't be happpier and more ready to bring her home. My brother, Jim, and I are leaving next weekend to get her.

Oh, one more thing, the Prime Minister of Isreal was staying at our hotel while we were there. He was there to meet with Putin. Our hotel was like Fort Knox. There were security guards, police men and military personnel all over the place. We enjoyed watching it all. Russian police are much more intimidating then American police, at least in uniform. I also heard that Condolesca Rice was going to be there this week, but we left too soon. I would have enjoyed that.

Until next week....

She's ours!

Julia Kathleen Hodgens is now officially a part of our family. The judge said yes! It was one of the most exciting days of our lives, but we do not have time to tell you about it. We are busy getting plans made for the next two weeks. We hope to be back on line in the next few days and tell you and show you about our experience. Until then...K and B

Another day...

What a difference a day makes. She seemed much better today and was an absolute angel. She laughed and cooed and talked the whole visit. She really liked us today, believe it or not! We have video now of her trying to take a few steps (with me holding her hands). The hardest part of the day was trying to keep her hands out of her mouth long enough to snap a photo. I bet she has a tooth by the time we get her home.

That was the good news...now the great news. Our court date is tomorrow! This time tomorrow we will legally be her parents. Infact, by the time you wake up, we will be finished. We'll hurry back to the hotel and let you know if the judge says okay.
We are working on plane tickets to come home early, but we're running in to problems. Don't worry we put Richard on it...everything should work out!

Until tomorrow....

Here again!

We are here! This time it seems familiar, but freezing! When we landed in Moscow, the captain said "....and the temperature in Moscow is 1 degree C, 32 degrees F". I knew it was cold, but it's also cloudy and drab.

But, not at the orphanage. There was a gorgeous little 11 month old waiting for us. She's been sick with a cold virus and fever and was motionless for the first 30 minutes. We have pictures of her with her head on our shoulders. After the first 30 minutes, she came alive. She started smiling and playing wanting us to hold her up, swing her around, play peek-a-boo, etc.. We also discovered that she sucks her thumb. The doctor told us she is teething, but has no visible teeth. We think she has grown a little, but not much. She was adorable today.

One of the cutest things we saw today was that when her caregiver came back to get her, she started smiling and cooing for her. She defintely wanted her more than us. Yes, I was somewhat envious, but know that is a very good thing when it comes to orphans. Someday she will transfer that desire to us.

We do not know when court is. We will find out tomorrow.

Since it's been so cold, we've done our share of eating since we've been here. They make great soup in Russia! Bryan had Borsch and I've been skiddish. I tried to eat something today and had to trade with Bryan, but did not want to let our translator know that I couldn't eat it. It worked. I wish I could describe the taste, but we'll leave that alone.

We'll write again tomorrow. K and B

We've been invited back!

YEAH! We got the call today that we will have court the week of October 16th. The wait was longer than we expected due to some paperwork delay. We'll update as the travel approaches. Please pray that the next 2 weeks go by quickly and safely! I'm posting another picture of Julia too. Isn't she precious?