Monday, August 30, 2010

Happy Adoption Day!







The hotel Ukraina
Great things come in twos....ears, eyes, nutter butters.....and 8 years ago when we started the adoption process our social worker asked Ryan and I "do you want one or two babies?" we of course answered two!
Six years ago today in the town of Samara Russia, Ryan and I stood before a Russian judge so that we could adopt our two little babies. I love to look back and think of that time we were so young and excited about our new family. The judge could not understand why in the world these two young American's would want TWO babies. We did our best to explain but even then I did not realize what an important part of our world these two babies would become. We are so blessed to have them in our life and they are so blessed that they have each other. Here is a look back at our journey.

view from our room

When we got to Russia we stayed in Moscow for a few days. It was an awesome place and they actually had people who swept the streets at night. It was beautiful, not what I had expected at all.




After we left Moscow we flew to Samara. We spent the first day in Togliatti with Jett. He was a beautiful baby but he was not so sure about us. In fact he cried for the first hour. Ryan and I did not know what the heck to do with a crying baby so we fed him a cookie, which seemed to help. Even threw all the tears this little baby stole our heart. The first impression of Jett was not a very accurate one. Jett is now an easy going kid. He loves people and is such a happy guy.         
His orphanage was huge. They had 300 babies.
this is Ryan walking Jett around the orphanage


They would put cribs outside so the babies would not just lay indoor all day. It was very green and lush.
Our first family picture with Timur.
The cookie that won Jett over.
We got to spend two days in Syzran were Rex's orphanage was. There were only 7 other babies there and he got a lot of attention. He was the favorite and they called him "Misha". He was such a happy baby. We loved spending time with him in Syzran. We fell in love with little Misha right away.
Entrance to Rex's orphanage
Our smiley Misha
family waiting room
stroller ride
Nurses that took care of Rex

Leaving Rex's orphanage
landing in New York. Welcome to the US baby boys!
spending our time in the hotel

Our second trip to Russia was the first time the boys got to meet each other. It was so fun, except for the part were we had to live in a hotel with no cribs or air conditioning for 3 days while we waited for the babies visas. They have been together ever since.  
We love you two like crazy! Happy adoption day!

11 comments:

Johnson-n-Johnson said...

ooooooooooooh! happy adoption day. We love you guys and miss you so much!!!Enjoy your day, and hopefully you are having some delicious chocolate cake for the special day!

Becky said...

My word, they haven't changed much from babies. They look the exact same, just older.
Great to keep up with you. Hope all is well and hope you enjoyed your day!

Green's said...

What a beautiful miracle times 2! They were meant to be brothers. I remember when I had them in nursery in Lincoln and I could not tell them apart! I thought they were twins...more proof they were meant to be toghether. Happy adoption day!

Esther said...

I love hearing the story with the pictures! What beautiful babies. Thank goodness they are apart of our family! We love them to pieces.

Lore Smart said...

Love this post. Love those boys. Love their story. and love your family! Nuf said : )

Cassie said...

Brought tears to my eyes! I still remember the first time I saw them! Love you Jett and Rex!

Broadbent Family said...

I love those boys! What an amazing experience and even more amazing results. I love that you celebrate it every year. I agree, those boys were meant to be brothers.

Rayanne said...

They are so much a part of the family I can hardly believe how it all began. They were meant to be yours!

Jenn said...

They are such sweet boys! So glad you chose 2 babies!!! No question they are meant to be yours!!! Love you guys!!!

vine street said...

I love to hear you tell this story; it always brings tears to my eyes. We love you Rex and Jett. Or Jex, as we used to call you!

Katherine said...

Ah Mandy! I'm totally tearing up just reading this. Your boys are so beautiful and really couldn't ask for better parents.