Nope, no progress

The email I received was basically just stating what WILL happen, not what has already happened. The Russian staff just didn't word things right....even my agency staff here thought it was possible good news. So, we are still waiting for the MOE to send the release letter to the DOE. Trust me, I am a squeaky wheel and do continually bug my agency for information and answers. I just never get the answers I want.

I don't know but it just seems like scary timing to me that our little miss's picture was updated on the database. I know I've heard of this happening and families still get thru court and get their children home. I've even heard that children can remain on the database for months after families have gotten them home. But, I still don't like that it was done right now, when Russia has started the process to pass a bill that would stop adoptions until a treaty is signed. It just somehow makes me feel like the government knows our chances of ever adopting her are slim, so better to amp up the search for Russian parents. Terrible thinking, I know, but I can't help it. Of course I'm still hoping its just routine, but its unnerving.

A little freak out

I hate this!!! I hate this, I hate this!!! Ok, so I'm checking the Russian database as I often do to see if our little miss's grainy baby picture is still listed, basically advertising her for adoption to the Russian families, right? Today I see that her picture is updated with the most adorable picture and a new little haircut.....she's even smiling! UGH, I love having this picture, but this is torture!

I don't know what else to do so I'm headed to the Happiest Place on Earth today to try and find some happiness, well at least maybe some peace. Doubt its gonna work!!!

Maybe some progress??

I'll keep you posted. We got an email for the Russian staff about our case. The English/wording is hard to decipher as to the exact meaning so we're waiting for clarification. They possibly received our release letter from the Russian government they needed and papers could have been, or will shortly be submitted to court. OR we're still just waiting......I'm hoping for good news. Stay tuned.

Talks begin tomorrow between the US and Russia. Think positive thoughts please. Russia seems to want to pass a bill that would basically halt adoptions until a bilateral treaty with Russia is put into place. I do not know how long it would take for a treaty to be put into place, nor do I know how long it would take Russia to pass this bill. I would love to think that somehow countries could reach an agreement with Russia and enter into a treaty BEFORE this bill is put into place, thus never actually halting adoptions. This is definitely a time of great uncertainty for Russian adoptions. For the moment, things seems to be proceeding normally, but I know that could change in the near future. Still, somehow, I'm hopeful.

Still no release letter

We still haven't received our release letter that we need before our docs can get submitted to the courts. I have no idea if its being held up by the MOE, waiting for the outcome of next week's talks between the US and Russia when they will try and reach an agreement and keep adoptions open, or if its just making its way thru a pile on someone's desk, possibly just delayed by the horrible incident from several weeks ago. I'm encouraged by all the families making it thru court, but we just can't seem to make it that far! I thought our docs would be in the hands of a judge weeks ago, but no, still waiting. So honestly, I don't know what to be doing. I'm not buying any clothes or shoes, even though I'm sure I don't have much now that will fit her. I don't have any documents that I need to be working on at the moment, although give it another month or two and tons will be expiring, which is just fabulous given the outrageous cost of California apostilles. I finished the adorable thank you cards I plan to bring to Russia to give out with the gifts to the Russian staff and baby home. Its very frustrating and sad.

Holding on to hope

I cannot believe this will be the end. Our little Russian miss was placed into our lives and our hearts for a reason and I do believe she is meant to be our daughter. I cannot believe that one ignorant callous woman and her act of child abuse could take that away from us, from our little girl. We are a loving family that will provide the home she needs. We have many many resources available to us should any difficulties arise and we will freely use them should we need to as we always have in the past in facing whatever has come at us. We have always went the extra mile to ensure my step-daughter has always felt 100% a part of our part and we will do the same for this precious child. We cannot be compared with this woman from Tennessee and the hundreds of other waiting American families shouldn't either. I have hope that the Russian officials will know this and not punish the thousands of children we can provide loving homes for. Of course I am worried and scared, but we will fight for our child who awaits us in Russian, just as we would fight for what is best for our children's lives here.

This is criminal....I'm in shock

I can't hardly even comment of this lastest criminal behavior by another American adoptive mother:

http://rt.com/Top_News/2010-04-08/adopted-russian-child-returns.html

And the boy is from the region where our little miss is. Its difficult for me to think beyond what this means for us and for her. As we are still waiting on our MOE release letter (yes, still waiting) our case is not even in the court system yet and I'm having serious doubts that it will ever make it to court. Again, sorry, I can't seem to get past my own worry and misery lately. Just when I think I can let myself feel a little ray of hope, something has to come along to make sure I stay guarded and pessimistic. I've tried to not post until I had a bit of goods news......that didn't work out too well.

I don't want to speculate as to want would have driven a mother to do this, but its unthinkable. There are proper, legal avenues in place that should have been taken if she wanted to disrupt her adoption.

Thank you for understanding my less than cheery attitude lately. I hope one day it can turn around.......but not today.