Walk Family Adoptions

Yesterday Anasatasiya said YES!!!! when ask by the orphanage director if she wanted to be adopted by us. She wrote her letter stating she wanted us to be her, "mama" and "papa" and filled out her adoption application. When they ask her why she wanted to be adopted by us she said, "Because mama and papa are very beautiful and kind." After she gave her approval it was our turn. Syvette took us to appointments with the notary and then to the local SDA offices to complete our necessary paperwork. Now we wait for the paperwork to go through so we can receive an official court date, Syvette said she is hoping for a day next week but will not know for sure until the paperwork comes through. After completing paperwork we went to visit Ana. Syvette said we needed to select a name for her so it can be used on all official documents. We spoke with Ana about this decision. Russ and I want to keep her given name, Anastasiya, so she can maintain a part of her heritage. Ukrainian children do not have a middle name, so before traveling Heather selected her middle name it will be Elisa. Elisa means dedicated/consecrated to God and Anastasiya means reborn. What could be more approriate for a name, "reborn and dedicated/consecrated to God" ? Here in the Ukraine her nickname is Nostya and that is what everyone calls her. We spoke with her about what she would want her American nickname to be but we have not yet made a decision, there are enough new things for her to absorb right now. We spent some time painting crafts with her and two of her friends (Inna and another girl named Nostya). We try each day to be prepared with something to do with her. We plan somethings also that we can include her group in so no one feels left out. There are sixteen girls in her age group that she rooms with and 100 children in the orphanage. We also bring her food treats each day and bring things for her whole group sometimes.
Syvette has been great to work with. She is knowledgable and trustworthy. She lets us know what we have to do, when, where and how. Without her we would be lost in the process. She also serves as our translator.
Today we went to the bookstore to get picture books for Ana with Russian and English words to help her speak some English. We also got her the story of Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast and Little Mermaid since she loves the Disney Princesses.
A note to the family:
Gracie, Bubbs, Laynie, Madie, Haiden and Riley she wants to know who will teach her things like riding a bike I told her you will all help her. She likes to swim. She likes to do cross stitch needlework. She like to draw. You will love her she will be a great new friend for all of you. Emily and Lindsey we gave Ana your letters she is excited to meet you. Gracie we told Ana you will be a best riend for her, she smiles a big smile anytime we say your name to her.
Heather you are a princess to her. She thinks you are very beautiful and she loves the pictures of you in your blue dress. We talk to her about you and Isaac all the time. She understands you are sister and brother. She wants to meet you and hug you. We tell her you will help her and teach her many things. She is learning you will be a very important in her life.
We will be going to the orphanage this afternoon. I will give Ana the camera so she can take pictures for you all. She LOVES taking pictures then having them downloaded on the computer into a slide show. I'm not sure which she likes more taking pictures or seeing pictures of herself.