Today we are celebrating the day we officially adopted Amanda Galina. Five years ago today we stood in that ancient-looking court house in Samara waiting our turn to see the judge. The next day we took a four hour ride (each way) to Syzran in the cold, snowy weather, 4 couples in a little mini-van with no seat belts or car seats. Imagine the ride home with all of our babies! Amanda cried the whole way back and insisted on having her right arm out of the coat sleeve so that she could suck on her four fingers. That night we sat in our hotel room, totally jet-lagged and exhausted watching our tiny bundle kick and roll over. She was nine months old and weighed a whole 10 pounds. It all seems like a blur--sleep deprivation will do that. But, we were so happy that we finally had our baby.
In honor of her special day, Katelyn did her hair in a very glamorous way, curls and all. She has been Katelyn's very special friend all day. They have a "late night" planned in Katelyn's room (probably until about bedtime) where they will play Barbies and giggle. After dinner we are going to watch the video coverage of that historical day and then let Brandon rehearse his Christmas show he's planning, which includes dancing with Amanda. What would we ever do without our little Russian princess? We still keep in touch with those other families and have sent emails back and forth today. We really bonded in that little mini-van, I guess. What an adventure!
Today we are celebrating the day we officially adopted Amanda Galina. Five years ago today we stood in that ancient-looking court house in Samara waiting our turn to see the judge. The next day we took a four hour ride (each way) to Syzran in the cold, snowy weather, 4 couples in a little mini-van with no seat belts or car seats. Imagine the ride home with all of our babies! Amanda cried the whole way back and insisted on having her right arm out of the coat sleeve so that she could suck on her four fingers. That night we sat in our hotel room, totally jet-lagged and exhausted watching our tiny bundle kick and roll over. She was nine months old and weighed a whole 10 pounds. It all seems like a blur--sleep deprivation will do that. But, we were so happy that we finally had our baby.
2 comments:
I remember seeing you walk off the airplane with Amanda in your arms. You all looked completely exhausted! She looked so little and scared! What a transformation! She is growing up so quickly and doing so well! I don't need to tell you that, though! You already know! I love you, Amanda!
I remember the van ride from our trip as well. Probably the same one, purple, right? It's amazing to see how blessed so many families have been by the children of Samara. Did we tell you that we found our son's birthmom in Russia? We got pictures of her and her older son. It was so great for Kirill to see a picture of her. Happy Gotcha Day! It's sounds like it was lots of fun.
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