Johnson Household

Dearest Dagny,

One year ago today, your Dad and I stood in a Russian courtroom and heard the most beautiful words we have ever heard; that we were your parents and you were our daughter.

That day only rivaled our first meeting when it came to our emotions. I remember waking up that morning and thinking that this day forever will change our roles in the world. Nerves weren’t an issue for me at that point, that came later in the day. I was as calm as a nail, which is out of character for me. I am usually the nervous type. But, I knew that you were our daughter and the Judge would see it that way too. As we waited to be called into the courtroom, one of our team members, Vlad, wrote up a request in Russian to the Orphanage Deputy Director requesting permission to have custody of you for the 10-day waiting period. I remember your Dad and I signing it and thinking, “WOW, she might be in our arms today forever.” That was very emotional. While we were in the courtroom and we were waiting for the Judge to come to a decision, I was sitting next to your Father holding his hand and looking forward. If I would of looked at him, I think I would of lost it. The Judge came back and we stood up, and she made her ruling that we were your parents. There was a big lump in my throat and tears rolling down my checks. It was the happiest moment in my life, Dagny.

After court we drove back to the Orphanage to see you and to drop off the Deputy Director. At this point we still didn’t know if were taking you back to the apartment with us. When we got there you were taking a nap and all we knew was they were getting you up. The next thing we knew they were asking for the clothes we brought along just in case. As they were dressing you, your Dad and I were watching. You were so tiny and all ours. That is when the nervousness kicked in for me. I was a Mom and I was now responsible for another human being. It can be a little overwhelming. Up until then our mind was about the adoption process and how to bring you home. When we got through court and all worries were done the reality that we were now parents set in. When I looked at you, all I kept thinking was how lucky I was to have such a beautiful daughter and you were put on this earth for us to be your parents.

After they bundled you all up, we walked out of the orphanage with you in our arms. You were closing that chapter of your life and we were doing the same. We were now beginning the most beautiful thing, a family, our family.

This first year went by in a blink of an eye and I realize the years are going to continue go by that way. Everyday I try and take a moment and just look at you and soak it all in. You have grown so much in one year it’s unbelievable.

Just know how much me love you and how much happiness you have brought into our lives.

We love you very much.

December 1 2008

Riding away

With Mommy

December 1 2009

Today with your buddies

one more

Love,

Mommy and Daddy

Dear Dagny,

A year ago today we met each other and a love affair started.

I remember having all sorts of emotions that day, from nervousness to total calmness. I was nervous about the process but totally calm about meeting you. I had this feeling deep inside that without a doubt I was meeting my daughter.

Max, our driver, came to pick us up and drove us to the Ministry of Education (MOE) to get our official referral for you. Masha, our translator, met us there. I remember standing in the hallway waiting to be called into the room. We were called in to the room; we were the first of the day. There were two ladies in the room. Imagine the room where there was a desk that the head lady sat at and another table attached off it forming the letter T. Dad and I sat at one side of the rectangle table, Masha to the left of us, across from us was the Assistant, and the head lady to the right of us. They asked us some basic questions and then the head lady pulled out a file and in the file was this little black and white photo of this little girl. I remember feeling a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. I finally saw my daughter. After giving a brief history about your background, the head lady asked us if we would like to meet you, Dad and I looked at each other and very loudly said “DA, DA, YES!”. The ladies cracked a smile and out we went.

From there we went straight to Orphanage #14. We were told that this was one of the best in the city. When we pulled up to the orphanage, my heart started to beat faster than ever. I was so excited to be meeting you. We were taken into the dance room, where Masha got your medical information and we went over it. You weren’t quite ready to meet us, you were busy having lunch. When we were done with Masha she went to get you. Your Dad and I were pacing the room back and forth. We both were so excited, we knew that our lives will forever be changed. Then the door opened and there you were in Masha’s arms. You were wearing a pink sweater. I remember your dark hair and your beautiful eyes looking around. Both your Dad and I teared up. I turned to your dad and said “I now believe in love at first sight!” I fell in love with you that moment. I really did. When Masha put you in my arms, I knew that you were my daughter forever.

My dearest Dagny you have made your father and I so happy and we hope we have done the same for you. You are our light, our heart, and our everything. We promise the very best for you. We hope to show you the world through books, travel, fun, and by being a family.

We love you so much, now and forever!

Here you are the day we met you.

1st day

Here you are today, one year later.

1 Year Later

What a difference a year makes.

Love,

Mom and Dad

Six months ago today the courts in Moscow City ruled that Craig, Dagny and I were a family of three. This day is also special because we got physical custody of Dagny. We were able to be all together for the 10-day waiting period.

December 1 st

in our arms

June 1 st

today

I can’t believe how fast time is flying by and how much Dagny has grown. I catch myself staring at her in amazement and having to snap myself out of it. I just can’t put it into words how much my life and outlook on life has changed due to this little girl. Being Dagny’s mom is the most amazing experience and I wouldn’t change it for anything. She is the reason I want to be a better person.

*Edit: I forgot to mention that the US Government also celebrated with us, Dagny got her US Passport! We are so ready to hop on a plane and show her the world.

Love,

Barbara