Back online...Court Experience

As promised, I said I would give a recount of our adventures in the courtroom with Honorable Judge S. Just didn't think it would take almost 2 days as our internet went down leaving us stranded to look at each other and watch our 1 English-Speaking Channel (BBC News) which has only one topic......you guessed it, The Swine Flu.

COURT

Court was scheduled to begin at 2pm and we arrived at the courthouse around 1:30. Around 1:50, our Court Interpreter, Olga, arrived and took us downstairs to the courtroom area. As we sat there on the couches, we watched as several people walked by. Right before 2pm, a lady in her 40s walked by looking at us and headed to the cafeteria (according to Olga). It was our judge! Wouldn't want her hungry (which I know makes me grouchy) so we didn't care.

My first impression of her? She was younger and prettier than I expected. I didn't expect the Bride of Frankenstein but her hair was shoulder length and dark blonde with highlights. Nothing else surprised me....she was very business-like.

Soon afterwards, the Social Worker and Legal Advisor from the Orphanage arrived. The "Dream Team" was ready to get the show on the road.

When the judge returned, we were advised to enter the courtroom around 2:10pm. It's not a big room at all -- only has the judge's bench, a desk for the Secretary (court reporter), a desk for the Prosecuter, and two desks facing the judge -- 1) Olga, me, JD and 2) Social Worker and Legal Advisor. Between the two desks there was a podium.

Our butts barely touched our chairs when Olga was already interpreting what the judge was saying. OMG --- this is it!!!

I took the podium first and as Olga stood next to me, she whispered "Don't pay any mind to her mood today." What????? You mean she's in a bad mood...already?? Great.

I spoke of our motivations to adopt, our trials with infertility and desire to have a family. I spoke of Kristina and how we knew she was meant to be our daughter from the moment we saw her and our love for her. It's impossible for me to recount everything here but let's just say, I spoke for 75 minutes straight. After the first 45 minutes, the Honorable Judge S started throwing questions towards me. For the most part, I felt it went fine. At one point towards the end of standing there at the podium, I felt 2 beads of sweat going down my back. Sorry for too much info, but for future Ekat families....dress professionally ~ yet cool ~ in the courtroom. It's hotter than Haiti in there!

Towards the end of my "appearance," the judge asked if we had pets like dogs or cats especially since Kristina has allergies. I said "We have a turtle who lives outside" which brought smiles to the Judge and Prosecuter as well as a lengthy transfer of words and laughter between the Prosecuter and Judge. We didn't know what was going on so we sat there smiling and Olga said "I'll tell you later -- they told me not to translate." As it turns out, the Judge and Prosecuter were "joking" about possibly not granting the adoption because of the fact that we live in CA -- so close to the Swine Flu epicenter. Whatever.....

Then JD was asked if he had anything to add. He opened up with his feelings of joy regarding the new chapter in our lives and was asked about Religion and Finances. He spoke for about 25 minutes and did great for "winging it." Words can't express how relieved he was that I was the one who was asked about Kristina's medical information and our Commitment Responsibities (post-placement reports and registration requirements!).

Then the Legal Advisor spoke about Kristina's family history and the inability for the Orphanage to find a Russian family for her. Natalia, the Social Worker who observed us on Monday, spoke about our interaction with Kristina and the love we showed for her. Some of the things she said really made me want to tear-up but if possible, you don't dare show such emotion in the court. According to our Interpreter, it's understandable but can be seen as a sign of weakness because the Court is a "business" atmosphere separate from personal feelings. Again, whatever.....

Everyone was asked to leave the courtroom for 2 minutes while the Honorable Judge S "deliberated." Then, we walked back in, JD and I stood there and held hands as the Judge deemed us parents of Kristina at 4:20pm Ekat time (3:20am PST). That is when she announced that Kristina would now be known as Kristina DeAnn Deary.

It is a moment that will be engrained in our memory and hearts forever.

Our Labor and Delivery Room - The room in which we became parents!!

After we left the courthouse, we stopped at the grocery store and bought some Russian wine and dessert. JD made us a wonderful pasta dinner with tomato sauce and a mystery meat (something ground-up but thank goodness very tasty). It was all delicious...except the cake. Not sure how to explain it but it was kinda brick-like....

We later crashed as we were physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted. We wished we could have seen Kristina but it just wasn't possible since it was too late in the afternoon. But she is ours...and we have so many hugs and kisses stored up to give to our little angel....our daughter!!!! :)