OUR TIMELINE

June 18, 2002-  We attended our first informational seminar at Maine Adoption Placement Service.  The next day we called and asked for an application. 

July 3, 2002-  Submitted application packet to agency, and filed our I600-A form with INS office.  Had our fingerprints taken.

August 23, 2002-  Last of three homestudy visits.

September 9, 2002-  Began Russian language classes.

September 18, 2002-  Attended pre-adoption seminar at the International Adoption Clinic, Floating Hospital for Children, Boston.  Met Dr. Laurie Miller. 

September 25, 2002-  Meeting to review homestudy report and check for errors.

October 2, 2002-  First adoption education class, at our agency.

October 16, 2002-  Completed adoption ed classes.

November 1, 2002-  Received a letter from INS saying that our information had been cabled to the American Embassy in Moscow.

November 4, 2002-  Registration documents are sent to Russia.  Assigned the region of Ekaterinburg.  The "official wait" begins.  Last Russian language class.

January 9, 2003-  THE CALL!  We are informed that a seven-month old baby girl is waiting for us in Ekaterinburg!

March 25, 2003-  Leave the U.S. for Russia!

March 28, 2003-  We hold our daughter for the first time.

April 2, 2003- Court date.  Elena is exactly 10 months old today!