It's in the mail....

Hello!!! We are back from a relaxing time at the beach with Dennis' family. We had a great time and got plenty of sun!! We also have some good news to report....our package for court was mailed out on FRIDAY!!!! This is the furthest that we have gotten in the entire adoption process and it just means we are one step closer to bringing our "lil man" home. An estimated time line is: it takes about 1 week to get to Russia, then about 7-10 days to translate before it is taken to Kaluga. Then we wait for when the judge is available to see us. For some reason, as I (Nicole) am writing this it is really hitting me that we will have the child we have always dreamed of in our arms soon. I have known it all along, but it just feels more real now - I don't know how to explain it. Anyways, if "lil man" ever reads this one day, we just want to let him know:

Daddy and Mommy love you so much. We can't wait to have you in our arms again and bring you home. You have no idea how many people can't wait to meet you. You are going to receive so much love from your family and friends and especially your parents. We miss you so much and can't wait to see you again. We just found out that our paperwork is in its way to Russia - which means we are one step closer to you. We just want to let you know that even though you may be scared, leaving the people and places you have known, we promise to take care of you. We promise to be the best parents we can. We promise to give you everything you need. We promise to teach you values and morals to help you grow into a strong young man. We promise to always be there for you. We promise to have fun together as a family. We promise to always support you. But, most of all we promise to love you, no matter what. We love and miss you more each day, lil man!!!

Love, Daddy & Mommy