And the next word would be "GO!"
Yes, this is in 3 days.
Paperwork is done, planning is done, and tickets are purchased.  We are now ready to start packing our bags.
I am hoping the initial introduction into Russia will not be T

When we received our marriage license notarized by the notary (and not the deputy) today, our dossier was complete.  Kenny took all documents which were notarized and apostilled to FedEx to send to Russia, except the marriage license - that we will hand carry with us. (It came too let for us to send). Our documents will be notarized in Russia, so that on Monday, we will be ready to go to the Ministry of Education (MOE). 

Since I was home with Angelo who was not feeling well today, I spent some time looking at the information for Nizhni Novgorod.  Very interesting...and quite cold right now...I think it is 36 degrees currently.  Kenny and I are both planning on wearing winter coats.

We're only a week and a day away from our first trip...and hopefully not much longer until we meet our new daughter...
Until later...
Annie

I guess God didn't want us to overnight our information to Svetlana in Russia today.  Not only did one of our documents need to be changed a third time, (and notarized a third time) Kenny learned of another change to our plans.  Our marriage license was notarized by the deputy and therefore could not be apostilled.  When I contacted the Warren County Courthouse, they indicated that they knew that the document was signed only by the deputy.  It would be acceptable everywhere...except could not be apostilled.  Great!  So...I asked them to overnight three more copies today.  Here's an interesting twist, they do not have the capacity to overnight these documents.  What that means is that we may receive them on Thursday or Friday.  Or...Saturday.  As I said, it was not part of God's plan for us to get these documents to Russia right now.

We have had challenges along the way already; I guess I wasn't expecting these last minute items...

I am finding that this adoption process is very similar to receiving my Ph.D.  It's all about perseverence and how one responds to the bumps along the way.  I guess it's all part of the process.  Who knows what is in store for us for the next 2/3 months. This is the right time for me to sharpening my visualization techniques and move ahead smoothly.

Until later-
Annie

Today was spent researching and planning for our first trip to Russia.  We scanned our notarized documents to have them translated to Russian.  We are considering a possible bump in the road...or should I say divine intervention.  I read tonight a "tip" on an adopted parents' website about traveling to Russia.  She warns that all documents must be signed in blue ink, not black or the documents will be rejected.   So...we are re-notarizing our documents if it's necessary since we haven't gone to Russia yet.  Praise God, we found this information now.

Our flight is through an agency called Golden Rule.  They have a very good reputation with families who are pursuing international adoptions.  We would like to arrive in Moscow on Sunday morning....The travel agent is personable and flexible.  Kenny was really pleased with his communication with the agent thus far.

On the homefront, we had a busy day with Francesca & Dominic marching with McDevitt Band in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Harrisburg.  Kenny and Vincent went to the parade and even got cotton candy along with lots of candy and gum.  Angelo and I took Gramps (Rick O'Lear) with us to see Gabriella's County Chorus Concert this afternoon.  It was great!  We also ran Dominic to his friend's house where the two of them went to a Saturday performance of "Aladin" .  We spent time developing a list of what we need to do for our kids before we leave as well as while we are gone.  Dominic's driver's license is a bonus for all of us!

Angelo's asleep.  Gabby and Vinnie are watching a Harry Potter movie.  Francesca is doing homework.  Kenny and I await Dom to return home, while we continue to prepare for our trip.

Tomorrow is Sunday....Spring is here.
Annie

From our best estimates, we will be able to leave for Russia the first time on April 3, the eve of Vincent's 8th birthday.  Also it's Holy Saturday...so that makes the trip even more special for us.

We are beginning to assemble what we may need for the actual trip.  I am encouraged by support that we are receiving from our friends.  Those that have travelled to Russia for adoption are giving us great advice.  Those that have not travelled are ready to provide us any help that we need in a minute's notice.  God certainly is good to bring these people into our life.

As we know more...we will share.
Until then...Annie

Annie and I just got great news this morning. The MOE in Russia has approved us to continue with the adoption via the independent route. Now we need to start planning our trip.
More to come.
Kenny

Kenny and I are awaiting word from our adoption agency...yes, we are planning to adopt.  It is our hope to adopt a young child from Russia.  We specifically are looking to adopt a little girl named Julianna who was born with down syndrome.  We are hopeful that we can leave for Russia within the next month.  More information to come...
Annie