The LINK to our family...

We've been home almost 6 months and I've never written about the Adoption Agency that helped make our life what it is today. There are many wonderful agencies out there but in the world of Russian adoption, it is crucial that the right one is chosen. I've read of people waiting over a year or two years ---- just for a referral and that is just incredible.

Back in December 2007, after 5 months of researching agencies, I narrowed it down to 2: one in Ohio and one is San Diego. When the one in Ohio called me and said they weren't taking referrals for girls at the moment, our decision was made for us. Our choice: Adoption Options located in San Diego.

I heard many wonderful things about AO and liked the fact that they were close by (here in CA, 2 1/2 hours is "close by") in case we needed to drop in and have a face-t0-face.

In January 2008, I submitted our application to AO and then took a 4-month hiatus from adoption to focus my efforts completely on my "last" work project - the national Occupational Therapy Convention. As soon as it was complete in April 2008 and JD & I took our vacation to Tahoe to recover and get reacquainted, everything went into full swing. We completed our homestudy in June, submitted it in July and received Kristina's referral a week later.

We couldn't have asked for a smoother adoption process. JD and I know we were blessed by everyone all over the world praying for us and yes, we think "luck" had some part in the process. And we can't begin to thank the staff at AO for their professionalism, thoroughness, and support ~ both here in San Diego and abroad in Russia.

Now if you have a spare few moments, you can read an article in Adoption Options' latest Newsletter (October-November version - for the home page, click here: Adoption Options). I think you may know the author's! ;)

Overview of Adoptions Options Picnic, June 2009 (3 weeks home from Russia)

Kristina and I with Brent Yoder, director of Adoption Options. We are forever thankful to Brent for "introducing" us to Kristina!

Kristina has always loved the slide...from the one in the orphanage to the ones on the beach!

Kristina's first time playing on a beach.

My dear friend and former co-worker, Andrea, came to the picnic to see Kristina for the first time.

Carrie and John-John (or is it John-John's twin, Tommy?) - who was adopted from Ekat a year before Kristina came home. Carrie was an incredible resource for Ekat adoption when we learned we would be going there to meet our daughter.

Kristina hung out with Daniel -- her first "boy"friend here in the US. Daniel is originally from Kirov, Russia.

Donna, here with Daniel, was such an encouragement during the lengthy adoption process! Thank you, Donna!

Overview of Adoption Options Picnic, October 2009 (5 months home from Russia)

Papa and Kristina enjoying some lunch.

"Wow, mama -- this is the same slide as in June but it looks so much smaller!" No, baby - you're just getting bigger!!

And she loves to swing.....high!!!

With friends, Beth and her daughter, Francesca. Beth and husband, Enrico, will be traveling to Ekat in December to meet their referral for the first time!

Kristina and Francesca saying good-bye until next time!

We always feel like the heavens are looking down upon us...especially when we're leaving San Diego!