Gotcha Day!!

I do not even know where to begin this post, there is so much joy in my heart I just might explode!

His crib 

 name tag on crib

 nanny dressing him into his new clothes

 pants that are way to big :)!

 getting ready to send him off

My boy...he was worth is all and more!!!!

The taxi picked us up at 7:30 this morning and we began the hour and a half drive to the institution...bags in hand and papers in had to exchange for my son. We arrived at the institution at 9am and gave them the papers. They were very happy for us and quickly called his nannies into the office to take us to him. The took the clothes from me that I had brought to have him wear. At some orphanages the momma dresses the child and at others the nannies dress them. His 2 nannies dressed him and I liked that. This was the first time I had a view of my 6 year old son's fragile body....as soon as I saw how tiny he was the tears started flowing...I can say it was very emotional to see his condition. I had brought a traditional Ukranian shirt for him to wear. This is usually work on very special occasions so I thought it was only fit for him to wear his shirt today...he will also wear it on our plane ride home

 Us with the nannies

 us with the office staff who I really grew to love, they were always so kind to me.

After we got him dressed we talked with several of the other nannies who we loved and said our goodbyes. It was so odd to me that I could actually carry him around without an escort...he is REALLY my son! We then went to the front office where we shed more tears and said our goodbyes there...it really was a sweet time for me.

I am an orphan no more, Praise God ! 

 My very kind friend who has left alot to be here with me. Dima in the car.

He did outstanding in the car for the rest of the day.

After we left there we had a couple errands to do. We had to go have his picture made to take to the U.S. Embassy for his Visa and other paperwork. We then went to the passport office to file for his passport and have his picture taken again.

 I no longer have to hold it in for fear that things might fall through..I can shower him with kisses because I am his momma!

 getting ready for nap...I have had a long day, much more stimulation than I am use to.

Our sleeping arrangements which work great!

 Playing after my first bath... with momma's friend...which I did great!

 Now I am sound asleep.

I am so peaceful.

Director who became our friend. I must say he seems more peaceful now than he ever has. It truely is to me like giving birth all over again...I never imagined I could compare an adoption to childbirth but to me it truely is. God blessed us with a great day. He is loving and full of snuggles and so peaceful. This just feels so right, I feel he has been mine for the past 6 years of his life. I know I was meant to be his momma.

"Not flesh of my flesh, Nor bone of my bone, but child of my heart, I call you my own. Don't forget for even a minute, you grew not under my heart, but in it!!! "

Thank you God, Thank you God, Thank you God!

The saddest of the day was leaving behind all the children who will more than likely never have a family. Might God direct your heart towards adoption? It is not an easy road...it has been one of the very hardest this past year...but in the end I am so truely blessed by the life of this orphan who is now my son.

Please continue to pray for us here. We are waiting on his passport to be ready (hopefully by next Wed.) ...we plan on being at the U.S. Embassy the end of next week for appointments for his Visa....and Lord willing would love to fly home that weekend. Pray also as I need to really keep a close eye on him...pray I will make a wise decision with his medical care as we return to the states.