[JYS]

We are now in the bonding process with our young toddler and things could not be any better. He is beautiful little boy and we are thrilled to be here with him.
He was in foster home hear in SE Poland with 4 other young boys. The caregivers were truly a very loving and caring family for these kids and that made it even more special. They were happy we were there to adopt him since all children are moved after one year and he would of probably have been moved to an orphanage shortly.
He has already made great strides through the transition from the foster home to our apartment in city. You cannot get enough of him since he has quickly began playing and laughing with us as he gets more comfortable.
Our adjustment has gone well since my wife speaks Polish and we have relatives within a short distance to bring things we need (especially a baby bed and toys!).
For those of you waiting, do not give up hope! We were losing hope for a match and God has blessed us with this experience.

[momraine]

Congratulations! Enjoy this time and take lots of pictures!

[lastpaige]

Oh, how wonderful! Yes, take a TON of photos of EVERYTHING, and journal EVERY DAY even when you're exhausted. You'll be amazed when you read it a year later - and it will become part of the 'baby' book.

FUN!

[Jenmullett]

Glad your little guy is doing well and that he was in a safe caring environment. What wonderful times!

[MN_Mom]

Glad to hear things are going so well. Thanks for the update!

Sarah

[jessipea]

How wonderful! Seriously...lots of pictures, measure him, weigh him and enjoy your time without the everyday distrations you will have at home!

Jess

[mama08]

Congrats!! Enjoy your time with him!!

[Kama]

This sounds great. I do not visit here often anymore, but enjoy to hear news from other adoptive parents. Good luck, enjoy the good moments, and do not worry too much about any difficult ones - this is just the package. Our two, now 10.5 and almost 6 have been with us for two years. We had a very difficult bonding period, but the kids are wonderful now and doing great!

[JYS]

Thanks everyone. Tomorrow is the court date and we are excited but also preparing for the review. Last time we were told we only be there for a short period of time, but ended up meeting with the judge for about 1.5 hours. We are preparing for a longer discussion tomorrow.

Any tips or advice for tomorrow would be welcomed!

[momraine]

The hardest part for me was looking at the judges the whole time I was talking and not at the translator.

[Kama]

Try to stay calm... do not feel like you have to defend yourself. Keep it simple, talk about wanting to provide home and love to a child who needs it, and about how you have come to know a love the child, etc. etc. You can add some detail about the child, activities you have discovered that the child like, etc. But stay calm, most judges want to make it work, they just need to feel they are doing their job, and that means the best interest of the child.

Originally Posted by JYS

Thanks everyone. Tomorrow is the court date and we are excited but also preparing for the review. Last time we were told we only be there for a short period of time, but ended up meeting with the judge for about 1.5 hours. We are preparing for a longer discussion tomorrow.

Any tips or advice for tomorrow would be welcomed!

[mschaefer]

I agree with Kama's advice. The only thing that threw us for a loop was the judge reversed the typcial types of questions addressed to the husband versus wife. She asked me about all the finances and how we would be able to financial provide for the children and she specifically asked my husband about child care routines, philosophy on education and random questions about child development.

Short brief responses were all that were expected and she smiled after all our responses. Despite the process, you could tell that she really was supportive.

Good luck and congratulations -- keep us posted!