He's Ours!!!

Day 46



It's official. The 15 day appeal period after court decision has just passed. Garrett Ruslan Snyder is now, absolutely-officially-no-more-hesitations OURS! Hooray! Ring the church bells. Let out some white doves. Do something big and celebratory because it is finally real! We are a family of four and that little pumpkin on the other side of the world has adoring parents and a great big brother.


News from the homefront... It's pretty good to be home. We have gone from snowsuits to sunscreen! When we walked in our front door 41 hours after leaving the cottage in Schuchinsk (we had some huge layovers), we were absolutely dazzled by the spendors of our modern American life. We couldn't stop staring at all the colors in our garden. Green! I actually laughed when I was able to drink water from the tap. After a couple adrenaline filled minutes of racing around the house to reacquaint ourselves we all ended up lying on the warm grass and staring up at the blue sky. It felt so good to take off our coats and feel the sun on our skin! Have I mentioned how wonderful our friends and family are. Our house was positively dripping in bouquets and little notes of congratulations. Our refrigorator was completely stocked with fresh food. (We devored the edamame beans in about 15 minutes). Calvin came home to four easter baskets in the living room. We felt so loved and I want to let you know that we are thankful for all of you!


But I miss Garrett!!!! He's doing fine. I know that. I knew that before I left. All the same, I miss him with the "phantom limb" ache that some amputee's report. I can't shake the feeling that some part of me is missing and I wake up in the middle of the night wanting him so much it hurts. Don't get me wrong it is absolutely wonderful to see all of my amazing friends and family again. It's great to settle Calvin and Tim back into the cozy little nest of our life here... but god, it's hard to be away from Garrett... and selfishly speaking, I wish I had never left. Luckily, there are two wonderful families in the Schuchinsk babyhouse right now. Carol and Tom Oliver, who we had the pleasure of meeting just before we left are adopting an adorable and energetic little guy who they are naming Ian. They've finished their bonging period and are waiting for their court date. There is also a very kind woman named Terri who is adopting a sweet little guy she will name Dimetri. I have been making myself an absolute nuisance on the e-mail accounts of both of these wonderful families begging for pictures of Garrett and every couple of days I open my computer in the morning to a wonderful surprise. Here is one of my favorites from last week. This is my happy boy hanging out with the Oliver's son, Ian.

Seeing that picture, how could you not want to fly across the ocean and scoop that little lovebug up and pinch those ridicuously round cheeks. Only 8 days to go! I just mught make it.

Paka Paka!

Becca

P.S. - I think Calvin is missing Kaz too. He still answers our questions in russian when he can and every time he counts something he does it once in English and then again in Russian. Too cute!