Our story starts like many others…. My husband and I had always discussed having at least 2 children.  We were blessed early in our marriage with a biological son, but were soon faced with secondary infertility.  After several rounds of infertility treatments we were unable to get pregnant again. 

In the fall of 2008 we started investigating adoption, agencies, countries etc., and by early February 2009 we had submitted our application to EAC. I immediately got started on pulling the reams of paperwork together with a target of an Easter completion (April 12th). 

Our paperwork was completed around Easter as planned and after what seemed like forever we received our travel information for St. Petersburg.  On June 1st, 2009 we met our son for the very first time. What we met that day was an adorable little boy with a beautiful smile and a perfect little dimple on his cheek.  The time flew so quickly when we were with him. He enjoyed searching through our backpack and playing with the toys we brought. He loved bubbles and balloons, eagerly scooped up the goldfish crackers, and learned to drink from a juicebox straw. All too soon we were headed back to the US to wait for our court date.

Because of the summer holiday we believed that we would not be returning until late August for court. Surprisingly we received a call on July 21st that told us to start packing. We returned for our court date on August 3rd.  It was quick and efficient, and not at all as terrifying as I was expecting it to be.

Because of the summer holiday and some work obligations, we were unable to pick Slade up until early September. Gotcha Day was 9/9/09, a day we will always remember.  When we arrived at the orphanage it was a beautiful sunny September day. We walked around the back to the door and many of the children were outside. When Slade saw us he came running from the far end of the building to get to us. One of his caregivers was urging him not to run but he kept at it. He stopped directly at my feet and just looked up at me and smiled. I knew in my heart that he knew we were there for him that day.

We have been home now for 4 months and it amazes me how quickly Slade adjusted to life with us.  Within a week or two he could understand everything we said, and very quickly he started speaking English. I was afraid that we would struggle with attachment and bonding, but that has not been an issue. He loves his mama and poppy, and he is very attached to his brother. One of the only Russian words we still hear him say is “bratick”  (brother).  Slade is a healthy, friendly, independent little boy, with a smile that could charm anyone.  We are just delighted to have him home with us.

We were truly blessed this year. Although Slade was not of our creation, he became ours by God’s design.  This journey was amazing, sometimes difficult, almost always stressful, but extremely rewarding.  Our hearts are overflowing….

Sincerely,
Jody, Jeff and Hayden Kelly