С Рождеством! In Russian...Merry Christmas!

But wait...wasn't Christmas almost 2 weeks ago? Well, here in the United States and in other parts of the world -- yes. But in Russia, Christmas is celebrated on January 7. So right now, our little K is probably in the Music Room at the orphanage -- and hopefully, it's adorned with a Christmas tree and other holiday decorations.

When we celebrated here on December 25th, it was quiet...just JD and me. Later on, we had JD's brother and our neighbors over for dinner and really had a terrific Christmas. We opened wonderful gifts that friends and family sent K and they still await her under our tree (yes...the tree's still up but only until after the Russian Christmas tomorrow and then time to pack up all the decor and clean up the tons of needles the tree is dropping by the minute). A few gifts remain that we will open tomorrow when it's officially the Russian Christmas.

Almost every gift under this tree is for K...from everyone but us! Thank you, dear friends and family. Your thoughtfulness is greatly appreciated.

Papa and Mama...the only gift missing under our tree this year is K!

We sent K a big box of goodies to the orphanage using FedEx and we're really hoping it makes it there. FedEx said it falls out of their service area but they still accepted the package...so fingers are crossed that the blankets, clothes, toys, and Q-Tips for all the kids in K's Grupa make it. We also sent another small plastic kids' photo album with pictures of JD and me with K back in Sept. This is our small birthday gift to K who will be turning 2 years old this week. (We're hoping she'll find us somewhat familiar when we eventually go back, that is if the caregivers show our pictures like they said they would.)

Just a sample of the box that is traveling the world somewhere ~ with the hopes of making it to Orphanage #6 in Yekaterinburg!

UPDATE: Last week, we submitted revised dossier docs to our agency which are currently getting apostilled this week and sent to Russia by Friday. We had to re-do our 8-doctor medicals, update our FBI Clearance (which indicates we still don't have arrests on record!) as well as getting updated "Letters of Good Standing" for 2 of our Social Workers. These docs were not requested by the judge....the originals we sent in October were only good until the end of December so we took the initiative and got updated docs before she ("the" judge) has the chance to decline us... Trying to stay one step ahead! Russia is basically on vacation this week due to the holiday so we don't expect to hear anything ... atleast not in the very near future.

KD: Merry Christmas, малютка! Mama and Papa think about you all the time. Did you know that we have your picture on our computers, on our phones, in picture frames throughout the house, and in my purse so I can take it out at a moment's notice to look at you? We pray everyday that the wait won't be too much longer and we can come to Russia, dress you up warmly, and take you home. And lots of people ask about you all the time. If you only knew the love that awaited you....but you will someday. Enjoy Christmas with all your friends and next year, we look forward to celebrating Christmas with you.

KD: This is when Papa was looking at the very first Christmas gift you got him....

Merry Christmas, KD. We love you. ~ Mama and Papa xoxoxo