8 years ago, after 2 days in a Russian court, a judge in Russia told me I could finally legally be Anya’s mom. After a long (almost 6 year) fight, it was all official. You know what they say about pregnancy, how once the baby is born you forget the pain? The same is true with adoption, I never thought I would forget that long six-year “pregnancy”. I always knew Anya was my reason for being. Always knew I’m supposed to be her mom, I was so excited to teach her to be a young lady. I didn’t know how much she would teach me. She is truly the sparkle in our family. Beautiful, smart, soooo funny, wise beyond her 15 years and wickedly fierce! Her life stories are something I am sure she will be able to use to change the world one day. So today, we are just going to celebrate all that is Anya! And we’re going to do that in Chicago, at a Bulls game! Love you most little one! HAPPY GOT ‘CHA DAY!! #russianadoption #gotcha