Well Sergey #2 went in a day early to see if he could get our court decree…he got it! We are legally the proud parents of Andrei Michael and Katya Elizabeth, as well as Kaitlyn Suzanne, William Andrew, and Olivia Grace. We are so thankful to God, as well as all family, friends, friends of family/friends, and strangers that have prayed for us and with us. We’re now crying, laughing, and goofy. We just found out via a cell phone call from Serg #2.

We have to run off with Sergey #2 shortly to help speed along the rest of the paperwork, but wanted to get the blog out. Sorry, we haven’t blogged in a couple of days. We have had the kids with us for the most of the day on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Hey, Andy turned 14 yrs old on Saturday, 8 March, back in Franklin, TN! Bubba is awesome. We were able to Skype and wish him happy birthday. Mimi was also there to make sure cake and a b-day spankin’ were available.

Some of the fondest memories I (Chad) have as a child are napping in my Mom and/or Dad’s lap on a lazy Sunday afternoon and having my head scratched. Some of my favorite memories as a Dad are having my children nap in my lap on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Katya blessed me with a snuggle and nap this past Sunday…see picture below. We have really been able to bond with Andrei and Katya over the past few weeks. It has been slower with Andrei, a 17 yr old young man. If you could see the way he melts in Wendy’s hugs and kisses…returns a “love you too” for her…its hard to catch that on film. I once complimented the folks at the orphanage on their facility and the care the orphans get there. She thanked me, but quickly pointed out that, like the children in the not-so-good orphanages, these kids still lack what they need and want most - a family that they know will always love them and be there for them...the orphanage can't meet that need...

Thank you all for being a part of this. All of your comments will be saved and printed to become part of a scrapbook for Andrei and Katya.

God is so good

His people (you people) are awesome

Prayer is powerful

We’re outta here like Vladimir (at least in few more days we will be)