Gotcha - Milana Alexandra

The last couple of days have been very busy. Yesterday was the end of our 10 day waiting period. I was picked up and taken to the court house for 10am. I did not need to go in so I waited outside with another couple that I have gotten to know throughout this process. They adopted a little boy in Milana's orphanage and were also waiting for the decision of the court.

After about an hour we got the paper we needed and we headed off to the city Milana was born. We needed to go there to get the new birth certificate and the certificate of adoption. At first when we got there they told us to come back tomorrow. Violetta was great and eventually the woman told us to come back in 3 hours. It was too far to drive back and fourth so we (Sasha, Violetta, and I) hung out in a Cafe to kill time.

When we went back to pick up our forms they weren't ready. Then they only gave us one form and said we did not need the other. Which I did need and without it I would not be allowed to leave the country. Eventually we got both forms!! This was a huge success.

Unforunately it took all day to get those forms and I was not able to get Milana yesterday. BUT...today Violetta called and she was able to get some of the paperwork done without me. Then came to get me and we headed to the orphanage to bust Milana out - after signing many forms of course.

Here she is in the changing area of her groupa. Her last time to stand in that room. (Poor thing they had to wake her from her nap). Sorry sweetie!!! Leaving the orphanage was more tearful for me than for Milana it seemed. I passed out some gifts to some of the caretakers that were there and thanked them through tears for taking care of my little girl. I am so grateful to them for taking such good care of her and for treating her so well!!! The caretakers looked a little sad as well. I really think they will miss her :)

Before getting to come back to the apartment we had to go get Milana's passport photos. This was not an easy task, but we did it. We attempted some other paperwork, but ran out of time. Violetta had to get to court for another family and so we will continue to work on getting what we need tomorrow.

Milana enjoyed checking out the apartment. She LOVED seeing her reflection in the mirror, on the washing machine, the stove, etc. (This girl loves herself)!!

We ventured out and did some shopping and while I cooked Milana ate cheerios. Actually she did share them. She enjoyed feeding them to me as much as she enjoyed eating them.

I am so excited to finally have Milana with me. We are getting closer and closer to heading home. I can't wait to get back to my girls at home. I know they are so excited to meet Milana and Milana will be thrilled to meet her big sisters!!!

I can't believe Gotcha Day has finally arrived!!!