Thursday, May 15, 2008

HAPPY GOTCHA DAY!!!!!!

We did it!!!!! Max is officially our son today!!!! We got word at 8:30 am that the Minister signed the papers and we would be traveling to Max's birth town to finish the adoption. We drove about 2 1/2 hours south (beautiful drive by the way) and met with the Center for Social Work there. They have been the legal gaurdians for Max up until now. We were pleasantly surprised to see the Director there. We didn't meet her before. She was SO nice and wanted to be sure everything went smoothly. We shared our story and photos with her and exchanged gifts.

Then they read us the paperwork in English. We signed the adoption papers. Then we all stood up and the Director put her stamp of approval on it and officially announced us as the adoptive parents of Andrija Huff. We will change his name in the States to Max Andre Huff. We decided to keep part of his birth name. Oh, and yes, I had tears in my eyes when it was announced out loud. We have waited 10 long months for this day!!! I am SOOO happy he is ours!!!

We took the ladies from the center to lunch while the attorney took our paperwork to get a passport for Max. After lunch we went to the police station and signed for his Serbian passport. His little picture in a passport is so cute! So, all went SO much better than anyone expected. Now tomorrow we will take him to the Embassy approved doctor, get our translated paperwork from the attorney, and head to the Embassy for the Visa. OH PLEASE let them give us a Visa tomorrow!!!

Tonight Jasmina took us to a wonderful theatre to see a Folk Dancing performance. It was amazing and so nice to celebrate our day. It was (aside from adopting Max) my favorite thing we have done in Serbia. I really loved it. The costumes, singing and dancing were so great. The culture here is very strong. On any given night you can find an opera, concert, play, ect. I do wish we could have done even more. Kevin and I love that kind of thing but rarely have the time when we are home.

OK, it is midnight here and tomorrow is another big day. I am off to bed. My very, very small bed. :-)

8 comments:

Christina said...

Congrats!!! I am so happy for you guys!

amyl4 said...

I'm thrilled for you that you are finally bringing your precious Max home! Congratulations!
Amy

Michelle said...

Yay, yay, YAY!!!!!
Congrats to all!!!! :)

THE CAMPBELL FAMILY said...

Awesome News, We are so happy Max is yours ,now for gottcha day pictures. do you pick Max up on friday. hugs~~~ jody

Julie said...

Congratulations!!!! Just the news I was praying for today!

Unknown said...

YYYYYEEEESSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!! It finally happened! I hope you got some sleep! We love u!

The Dinner Belle said...

Congratulations!!! we have been following every post and praying that all would go smoothly for you. We will continue to pray for your safe return and for Tia and Tyler while you are gone.

Jims Blog said...

Congratulations, We can't wait to meet Max.
Our prayers were answered. :)