So, ...The Kids Said "Yes"

Yesterday, both Yuri and Elena had to meet with the Juvenile Director to discuss being adopted by us and for them to officially give him their answer as to if they wanted to be adopted by us or not. He said both the children were very excited about being adopted by us. When we arrived to visit Yuri in the "hospital", the director was leaving. It was great that he saw us actually visiting the kids. He said they were wonderful kids and congratulated us. He also mentioned that the kids wanted to leave "today" to go home with us, but that when he asked them what our names were the kids couldn't tell him. We know they know our names, well at least "Gim Bob's" very well. Come on, a lot of people I have know for my entire life can't remember my name :) (thanks, mom) Yulia translated my english name for him and he replied "oooohhhhh". Usually when we are with the kids, they call Bob "Gim Bob" and me "momma". Hey, that's close enough for me!!

We also found out that Yuri will get to return to the orphanage on Monday, making a full 16 days he has been in his blah hospital room. Yeah!!! More pictures of them together to come. He has such an appetitie, though. He usually eats all that we bring for him and Elena. I have had to leave some things in the car so Elena can have some treats. She usually takes the things we bring for her and puts them in her locker so that she can eat them in front of her friends or show her friends or something to that effect. Not Yuri, he downs everything right then. Yesterday he ate the better part of two apples dipped in peanut butter (very nutritious and tastes like a carmel apple!) a huge bag of popcorn that I had intented on them sharing, a juice, some gummi vitamins, a couple of cookies our facilitator gave him but decided to leave his banana for Elena since he ate all the popcorn. We also had him try on some clothes that we brought to get an idea of his size. He will be in a 5/6 at home. Not to bad, eh?!

We also had some one-on-one (or as close as it seems we are going to have) time with Elena. Only a couple of girls their which calms Elena down so much compaired to having everyone in the room. She doesn't get as "selfish" when a few girls are in there compared with all the kids. She spent 20 minutes or more crawling all over us, being very loving. We even got some great pictures (without her help) that we can't wait to post. Then we were invited for coffee with the director. She is such a very sweet woman who totally love these kids. Even though 5 kids are being adopted from that orphanage right now and she is likely to have to dismiss some staff, she still encourages adoption and tells the kids they will be so much better and happier once with a family.

The kids have also decided what they wanted to do as far as their names are concerned. Both verbally wanted new "american" names but didn't know of any particular name that they liked. We came up with some options that we think go with their current names and they have choosen the names they want. We are going to wait, or try at least, until court to reveal their names with their faces. So, we are ready on that end. We now have everything in line and are hoping to have all our court proceedings overwith by next Friday!! Keep your fingers crossed. I have been trying all night to upload some "sneek peek" pictures with no luck.

Until later...