The phone call

One year ago today we got "the phone call" that will forever change our family. When we began the adoption process, we were told that it would take about 18 months. Our dossier got shipped to Russia on Sept 23, 2010 and we got "the call" on Oct 14, 2010. Chad had just gotten home from a business trip and was here with the boys while I ran errands. As soon as I got home he immediately went to sleep. I soon realized we had a message on the machine. I had to repeat it about 10 times. I just couldn't believe what they were saying. "We have a referral from Russia, would you like to look at her file".  Wow was I ever suprised!  I woke Chad right back up and it didn't take long for us to call them back and say of course we want to see her "like yesterday". She was absolutely beautiful and of course we wanted to go see her. 

 We were told by people that saw her picture that she looked sick in her eyes.  We now know that she just had the look of a child that has never known a family's love.  That is the same sad look we saw in all of the children. 

Our biggest worry was "how will this affect the boys". Well, it was a crazy winter with 3 long trips to Russia but I am so very happy to say that this (below) is how it affected the boys. Yes our youngest showed some jealousy and needed extra attention but that is the normal with youngest children any time there is an addition. They are all totally head over heels for their sister.

                                             All 3 boys are wonderful big brothers