Court Day.. and 4 Became 6!

This day will be forever etched in our hearts. At 2:39 this afternoon we became the parents of Jenna Leeza Brooks and Joseph Edward Brooks and Justin and Jacob have a new brother and sister! The delivery could not have gone smoother. We got to Donetsk at 1:00 and waited while our paper work was put in order, etc. The social worker from Donetsk was there and the Director and his wife of the Torez orphanage were also there. They are always very nice to us and so excited about Jenna becoming a part of our family. We walked into the judge’s chambers a little after two. A bit daunting I must say. Kostya had to interpret everything that was said. The judge asked Jeff to stand first and asked some general and then some not so general financial and personal questions. Then each representative from their respective orphanage did the same. In addition there is also a jury who is now part of this process. Ours consisted of two men who did ask a few questions regarding our family life, etc. Then it was my turn. Thank God I wore my “Secret” today (never let ‘em see you sweat!). He asked me I guess more “Mom like” questions. They asked how our boys at home felt about the process. I told him how we began the whole journey (in twenty words or less) about 16 months ago and that they were actually the ones who brought it up without knowing Jeff and I really had this on our hearts. Then he asked how we were going to bring them up – with four kids being a rather large family and all. When I told him about all of our family around and that I was also from a family of four kids (I’m not too terribly scarred : ) Just kidding Mom and Dad) he seemed satisfied. That was it. He read some of the conditions from our application regarding name changes, etc. and we were then officially the proud parents of four kids – Justin 11, Jacob 8, Jenna 3 and Joseph 2. So we are now officially the 6 j’s. Before we entered the courtroom we rehearsed and prayed and had everything laid out that we would request that the judge consider regarding the ten day wait. There was really no way around it. There is not one hardship, circumstance or reason at this point in any of the legal documents in Ukraine that will allow a judge to waive this. We were bummed, of course. But you know – it’s all good. It really is. We have a peace about it and we are just so relieved that this part is behind us now. The social worker and Director said some very supportive things on our behalf and in these situations that is half the battle (the next will be a 12 hour train ride with a two and three year old : )). So now we will pick up our court documents the 26th of September. Then we will get their birth certificates and take them with us finally to Kiev!!! We are hoping to return Thursday or Friday of that week. I never thought I would see this day many months ago. It felt so surreal today to know all of this has almost reached the day when all 6 of us will be together and all of our family and friends can meet these two new treasures. It is truly a miracle in many ways.

On a lighter note, today Jeff and I went shopping for Jenna’s orphanage. We bought a copier as they requested with extra paper. Then we went to this really cool shopping center and bought 30 coloring books, every pack of crayons that they had, side walk chalk, balls, dolls, cars, tea sets, legos, and 10 jump ropes. I probably missed a few things. All of these things were bought by my Sisters in Christ Supper Club and some really awesome friends (Harriet and Stacy). I cannot wait to show the kids all the stuff. We’ve added a picture of the stuff – unfortunately, we did not get to see the kids and I am not sure the judge would have appreciated posing for our blog. We also added a picture of where Joseph Edward sleeps. He sleeps in the last bed on the left in the back row. Kind of wild, huh? I can’t wait when it’s the kids turn to take shopping and pick up a few things for them. I have to confess I could not resist buying a bottle of pink nail polish as we walked through the store…..

So today has been a bit of a whirl wind. We are winding down on chocolate and a toast with some .40 cent beer. Our neighbor/landlady/savior when in need of American things just sent her daughter down to see if we wanted some chocolate fudge cake! A girl after my own heart….. Gotta go – would hate to hurt her feelings : ).
Good night sweet boys! Mom and Dad love you so much. We can’t wait to hug you so very tight and kiss your sweet faces! Friends and family – thank you all so much for your daily encouragement. It is truly awesome to read your comments and just feel you all cheering us on. We could not have done this without all of you. Blessings!