No pictures of the court proceedings. It all went pretty much as expected. Dr. Lubov testified on our behalf, and a lady whom had interviewed us at the Dept. of Education gave a brief of our case, and the children's history. The Judge and the State's Prosecuter had some questions as well. The Judge retired to chambers for about a half hour (which seemd like a lifetime!) and returned to read the decision. Even in Russian it was apparent that it was a favorable ruling!
Artome is really coming out of his shell. He was very independent and didn't really like to be held for more than a few seconds at a time our first few weeks here. Now, he wants us to hold him, swing him around and basically just hold him close! It is a great feeling!
The court proceeding was pretty intense. Not in a bad way, but sort of intimidating when you don't speak Russian. We waited in a lobby full of people waiting for various agendas. (like home when you appear for jury duty and see everyone from defendants, attorneys, family members, etc...) Anyway, a weird combination of people!
We originally were waiting in a first floor courtroom but were asked to move to the 2nd floor. As we arrived on the 2nd floor a previous trial was just finishing and we witnessed a man in handcuffs being escorted out of the courtroom (all courtrooms have a "cage" where the defendant sits). It was hard not to stare. (of course I did!)
Anyway, the judge finally appeared and it was a very formal procedure. There was a prosecuter, a representative from the Ministry of Education (we appeared before her about a month ago), a court secretary, our lawyer and (bless her!) Dr. Lubov. Dr. Lubov testified about the kids having no traceable relatives and also that she has been watching us as we visit Katja and Artome and how wonderfully we have bonded with the kids, etc.... To make a long story shorter ( I can fill everyone in more later) her testimony almost brought me to tears as she explained how exhaustive a search was put out for any family of Katja and Artome and the conditons in which they were found.
When the judge finally said our adoption was approved I was in shock. It was only after she left the room that Jim and I looked at each other and realized that we DID IT!!! We also hugged with Oxana ,(our interpretor for court) Dr. Lubov and Natasha! Everyone was so happy for us and the kids! These people here are truly the best and we will never forget them! Our lawyer is also very kind and he was very quick to offer a sincere handshake of congratulations. A very nice man! It was a wonderful day!
