Local family may not be able to adopt child after Russian ban

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by Lauren Conley

Months away from finalizing an adoption, a family in Minden is told they may not get their son.

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law banning adoptions of Russian children to Americans.

News 5's Lauren Conley spoke with the family Saturday.

The law takes effect January 1st. The family has been waiting for a court date to finalize the adoption. The family was expecting that court date to be this February.

That's the laughter of a boy who thought he finally had a family.

"He's got a big contagious smile and he's so smart and just a good kid," said hopeful parent, Michelle Mosley.

Artem is a 6 year-old Russian boy with Down Syndrome.

"He captured my heart from the first moment," said husband Paul Mosley.

Paul and Michelle Mosley met their little boy for the first time this November. But, they've been in the adoption process for about a year.

"It's always been in my heart," Michelle explained. "I've wanted a house full of kids."

Artem has two proud older sisters anxiously awaiting his arrival.

"It's just hard not getting to see him every day," said daughter Kersten Mosley. "I get to see my sister everyday, so I should get to do the same for my brother."

"I've never met him, but that makes me so much more eager to get him here," said daughter Kelsee Mosley. "He's my baby brother."

They've already bought him a whole new wardrobe, complete with his first baseball jersey. But, with the recent adoption ban, this family is stuck in limbo.

"It's heart wrenching that we've been able to meet him and now we're being told we can't have him," Paul said.

"He's our child, it's like going full term pregnancy and then losing your baby," Michelle said.

For now, all they can do is hope.

"He's waiting for us to come back for him," Michelle said. "So, I can't give up on him. So, we will be back."

One Russian lawmaker has said he proposed an amendment allowing children with disabilities to be adopted.

The Mosley's are hoping this will be Artem's ticket home.

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