Tuesday, July 15, 2008

They're Ours!

Kevin and Kostya arrived safely back in Lugansk on the train yesterday morning. Since then it has been running around all over the place getting paperwork for the new birth certificates and passports. We spent the whole day in Stakhanov, the city the kids were born in getting their new birth certificates. We are still working on the passports.

Today is the day that the kids officially became ours! We will always celebrate July 15 as our Family Day, the day that we became a family, legally. The kids have been ours in our hearts long before we even met them. :) It also happens to be Kevin's dad's birthday. Happy birthday, Bill! We got you four grandkids! How about that? Remember before we left home and you said, that we should get more than two or three kids? ;)

Tomorrow or the next day we should be able to see Julian again and bring him home with us. Since we have only met him once it will probably be a little bit strange for him to come with us, but his sister is with to to help with the language and transition. I feel bad that we are turning his little world upside down on such short notice, but there was no other way to do it with him at camp. We are so excited to see him again and all three kids are happy they get to see their brother again soon. I don't think they have seen each other since late last year. It will be so much fun to finally be all together one day soon!

I am opening the blog up again to everyone. I wanted to keep it private until the kids were legally ours, but now I hope that more adoptive and preadoptive parents will be able to read it, along with anyone else who wants to. :)

17 comments:

junglemama said...

How cool! My husband picked up Dennis at the orphanage today too and they are already on their way back to Kyiv.

I can't way to see pics of all of you together as a family!

Kevin and Pam said...

Congratulations! That is awesome. I was so sorry to miss out on your blog. Oh well, I can see things went well. I love all the pictures. The kids are beautiful.

Owens Family Blog said...

We are so excited for all of you. What a special day and I know Bill must be so excited. Looking forward to seeing all of you when you come home. Congratulations mom and dad.

Love Rob and Andrea

Kevin and Tammy said...

Praise the Lord!!!!!!!!. You can begin the transformation to a family of six. There are tears in my eyes. I can hardly wait to take our turn. It will be here before you know it. We are in the last 20 days.
Tammy

Anonymous said...

Yay for Family Day!!!

Unknown said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!! We have been praying for this day and we are so happy for all of you! We wish you all the best as you prepare to travel home and we love you!

Gene, Sarah and Eleanor Nguyen

RaisinCookies said...

There aren't enough congratulations in the world to convey my excitement for you all. ((((((hugs)))))

Anonymous said...

A friend told me your blog opened up and I see your family has expanded by 4. I must say these are some gorgeous children. Congratulations!

Jennifer

Unknown said...

This is such wonderful news! I still hope that we can meet you and your dear children after you get settled at home. We are using Kostya as our facilitator, too, and we don't live very far from each other. I've SO enjoyed your story and praise the Lord with you for your 4 sweet blessings.

Anonymous said...

GOD IS SO GOOD!! Congratulations!! We are thrilled for you!! :) You have to keep blogging so we can watch them grow up... we are so involved in the story now!! :)

Owens Family Blog said...

Praise God!! Whooo HOoooooo!! I cried of course... Can't wait for you all to return safely... no worries... we didn't get you a kitty!! Congratulations - you have worked hard, wish I could say now it will be easy!! Love you guys... A and R

Melissa said...

Praise God! Can't wait for you all to get home and for Jeff and I to come visit. God bless your family. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

Anonymous said...

We are so happy and excited for you all! I cried when I read they were finally yours!! Best wishes and we love you!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Kevin & Krista,
Just wanted to say congratulations to you both! What an increadible blessing-- it brought tears to my eyes to read that they are yours officially. I have been keeping up with your blog since you've been in Ukrane-- thank you for being willing to share the ups & downs. Your growing family will be in my prayers in the coming months. One thing that I am realizing more & more is that God ALWAYS gives us the grace & empowerment that we need to do the things that he calls us to do. You are clearly called to be these kids' parents, so I know that God will be so faithful to help you in the challenges of language, cultural adjustment, finances, school, and even fun room decorating! Please know that many of us who aren't in contact with you very often care about you & will be praying for your family.
Love, Kerry Moore

Suzette said...

Been following your journey. We are in Kyiv right now finishing up our adoption of two boys. My daughter and I are marveling how much your children look like you! Congratulations!

Lelah said...

Congratulations! I am so amazed at what God has done in bringing you all together. I know that you will make an amazing family and I am so glad to be a part of it. We love you you all.

Lelah said...

Congratulations! I am so amazed at what God has done in bringing you all together. I know that you will make an amazing family and I am so glad to be a part of it. We love you you all.