IT'S OFFICIAL!!! Elliana Grace Palmer is now our daughter! What a wonderful day!

Court went well. The court house was a nice building. We waited about an hour to see the judge. She was a very nice, older lady. She has been reviewing adoptions for 11 years. Jim stood in front of her first and answered questions...he did a great job, I fought back the tears when she asked him if we liked the child and he said in the most tender voice, "yes your honor, we love her very much." Then I had to go in front of her, she gave me a big smile and asked a few questions. She asked if it was okay with me that she is asian. Of course I said yes and quickly added that I think she is beautiful. The prosecutor was there as well and she sat off to the side. She was also a nice older lady...she also smiled at us. The judge asked her if she had any objections and she said no. Then the judge dismissed herself a few minutes to make her decision. She then came back with a big smile and announced that Elliana Grace Palmer was now our daughter according to Russian law. Yipeee! Everyone there was very kind. We did notice that with the exception of the judge and the prosecutor, every employee at the courthouse was a tall, beautiful blonde with high heels!

We then went to the orphanage and got to see our beautiful daughter! She is as adorable as ever! She has a cold, but played and laughed anyway. When she first saw us I could see the faintest glimpse of recognition in her eyes, especially when I spoke to her. She was quiet the first few minutes and we had to take her from the orphanage to get her visa and passport photos taken. Yes, we took her out for the first time, in a car, to a scary new place and she did great! She didn't cry. She did cling to me for dear life and her breathing was quick and shallow while we were in the photo place. I knew she was scared but she was a trooper. When I sat her down for the picture she reached up and didn't want to let go, it just melted my heart. The car didn't seem to bother her, I distracted her as best I could by playing with her and showing her different toys.

We then went back to the orphanage and played together over an hour. She walked, all in her own! I would hold out my hands and she would walk toward me smiling...it is the best feeling to watch her! We got her to laugh and she babbled a bit. It didn't take her long to come out of her shell. She has gotten a bit taller and lost a little weight. She still has those precious cheeks, but we could tell she has changed a little. It has been excatly one month to the day that she turned 1 and we saw her last.

They tell us we can come back on the 27th and get her from the orphanage on the 29th. We will have to work out flight arrangements, but we hope we can fly back on the 4th of July. Wouldn't that be neat? We have to check flight availability. I will be sure to let you know.

It was so hard to leave. The orphanage director gave us both a huge, warm hug and put her hands on her heart again. Of course I cried...but next time she goes with us for good! I gave her lots of hugs from all of you. As we leave tomorrow we will count the days until we are back.

Thank you, thank you for your prayers, love and encouragement. Jim and I are so very grateful and appreciative. You have meant the world to us during this journey...thank you for sharing this incredible time in our lives with us. Praise God...we are parents!!!! And what a sweet gift He has given us in Elliana. The meaning of her name is appropriate...God has truly answered our prayers.

Pictures on the way!