6:00am comes too early sometimes. Especially when its the day of your departure to come home with your new little one. Katia and Vladimir picked us up at 8:30 so we could get to the SVO airport as quickly as possible. With the weather warming up in Russia, many people leave the city on the weekend for their summer homes in the country. Thus, the traffic on the weekends can be unpredictable. Sure enough, Vladimir called it correctly. Traffic was rough going out of the city Saturday morning and it took almost 1 1/2 hours to get to SVO. With no traffic that trip would normally take 40 minutes.
Piece of advice for families traveling with children in Russia. Families with children can jump to the front of ANY LINE in Russia. This includes VERY LONG LINES at the airport. Don't forget this advice, especially if you're traveling to Russia in the summer when the number of people at the airport apparently skyrockets based upon what we've been told.
It took about a full hour to get through baggage X-ray, airline/passport check, baggage screening, check-in, passport control and security. Whew!!!!
There's a great restaurant on the second level of the SVO airport, next to the souvenir shop. The burgers are ok, their Russian Noodles is great.
Be sure to get to the gate for your flights as soon as you can. They started boarding our flight a full hour and 15 minutes before the scheduled departure of the flight.
The flight home with Daniel was great. We lucked out and got the bulkhead sets. He was a real trooper on the way home. He napped twice from Moscow to Atlanta. He flirted with the surrounding passengers and the flight attendants; he laughed and played and never once cried. He wore us out keeping up with him, but it was better than how some of the other parents were doing on the flight. One flight attendant stopped by and commented that he was doing great and that some parents in the back of the plane were fighting with their kids since they had departed. Daniel was funny...he would stand up in his seat, scan the surrounding passengers and when he would make eye contact with them, he would flash that smile of his.
Getting through passport/border control in ATL was fairly straight forward. You get off the plane as you normally do, go the agent, show your passports along with the passport of your little one. They will ask to see the envelope of embassy papers. You hand them over and off you go to a special room for processing of immigration. You are processed in order in which you come off the plane and get into the queues for the agents. Once your packet is retrieved by the agent for processing, it takes them like 5 minutes to complete their part of the work. You'll hear them stamp your little ones passport and that's the moment of magic. That stamp officially declares them a citizen of the United States.
The flight from ATL to Tri-Cities was horrible!!! Delta of course merged with Northwest Airways who was still keeping the old Saab 340s turbo-props in service. OMG I HATE THOSE PLANES!!! They are loud, slow, hot and cramped. Unfortunately Daniel had a messy diaper once we boarded the flight and I had to change him in the lavatory. There is no changing table, not enough room for an adult to stand. I had to lay him on the toilet seat and change him. It was so hot in their I was concerned about passing out. This, coupled with the stink of his diaper...oh my...
We were greeted at TRI by family and friends. Daniel's grand parents, an uncle, some aunts, a cousin, god parents and good friends all came out to welcome him home.
We hadn't eaten much so we went to Cracker Barrel and then went home and CRASHED!!!! Daniel passed out cold before we got home.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Trip 3 - Friday
Thursday night was totally uneventful. Daniel slept through the night with no problems.
Friday started out with Katia and Valimir picking us up and taking us to the Ministry of Education (MOE). The purpose of the visit to MOE was to sign a document requesting that they take our names off of the registry of potential adoptive parents. The ladies of course took their time to play with Daniel. We saw a good sign of bonding while at MOE. I (Greg) was holding Daniel and one of the ladies in the office held out her arms to take Daniel. Daniel actually paused and held onto me for a few moments before going to the lady. This is a good sign we're bonding well with Daniel. After signing the papers, letting them enjoy a few moments with Daniel, we left them with a traditional parting gift of a box of candies.
Katia and Vladimir dropped us off at our flat after MOE. Katia though continued working. She took our information to the Russian Federation Ministry of Foreign Affairs where she registered Daniel as a Russian citizen. Daniel enjoys a dual citizenship and it is recommended that he be registered as one living abroad. Most agencies leave it to the parents to do this once they return to the states. CSS requires it be done and have the interpreter do it.
We rested and packed the rest of Friday and got to bed early. We knew the flight home would be long.
Friday started out with Katia and Valimir picking us up and taking us to the Ministry of Education (MOE). The purpose of the visit to MOE was to sign a document requesting that they take our names off of the registry of potential adoptive parents. The ladies of course took their time to play with Daniel. We saw a good sign of bonding while at MOE. I (Greg) was holding Daniel and one of the ladies in the office held out her arms to take Daniel. Daniel actually paused and held onto me for a few moments before going to the lady. This is a good sign we're bonding well with Daniel. After signing the papers, letting them enjoy a few moments with Daniel, we left them with a traditional parting gift of a box of candies.
Katia and Vladimir dropped us off at our flat after MOE. Katia though continued working. She took our information to the Russian Federation Ministry of Foreign Affairs where she registered Daniel as a Russian citizen. Daniel enjoys a dual citizenship and it is recommended that he be registered as one living abroad. Most agencies leave it to the parents to do this once they return to the states. CSS requires it be done and have the interpreter do it.
We rested and packed the rest of Friday and got to bed early. We knew the flight home would be long.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Trip 3 - Thursday
Daniel had another great nite Wednesday. He slept all through the nite with no problems whatsoever.
Katia went without us Wednesday and got Daniel's Russian passport and his re-issued Russian birth certificate. This re-issued birth certificate lists Mary and I as his parents and it supercedes his original birth certificate.
Thursday was spent doing some final paperwork. I (Greg) had to go to the Notary to have some documents notarized and then all of us went to the US Embassy for our Visa/Exit Interview. The interview is more of a formality than anything, but it's a critical point in the whole process. The results of the interview is a immigration visa that goes into Daniel's passport which allows him to travel to the US. This, plus a sealed packet of paperwork which we deliver to the Customs officals in Atlanta all go together to making him a US citizen once we arrive in Atlanta.
It was cool seeing all the other adopting parents there in the Embassy. I would estimate there were 6 families there going through their interviews.
I wasn't aware of this but Daniel will have a dual citizenship, US and Russian. He doesn't 'loose' his Russian citizenship when he leaves. In the future he'll have the ability to travel back and forth between the US and Russian, if he so desires. Only potential drawback to that is if he's ever in Russian and the military is 'called-up' and they draft, he could be drafted.
Getting his travel visa and his paperwork pack from the US Embassy is the last essential step here in Moscow. Only thing left to do today is to go to the Ministry of Education, who oversees the orphanages in the Russian Federation, and sign a document that takes Mary and I off of the list of potential adoptive parents. Plus it is customary to take the Ministry staff a box of candies or flowers as a sign of thanks. Whole thing should take no more than 15 minutes.
Rest of the day will be devoted to packing and preparing for a 14 hour trip home. Current plans have us in at TRI at 8:14pm Saturday nite. If the weather is warm enough here, we'll go out today and take Daniel for a walk. He's been fighting a cold so we don't want it to get any worse.
Katia went without us Wednesday and got Daniel's Russian passport and his re-issued Russian birth certificate. This re-issued birth certificate lists Mary and I as his parents and it supercedes his original birth certificate.
Thursday was spent doing some final paperwork. I (Greg) had to go to the Notary to have some documents notarized and then all of us went to the US Embassy for our Visa/Exit Interview. The interview is more of a formality than anything, but it's a critical point in the whole process. The results of the interview is a immigration visa that goes into Daniel's passport which allows him to travel to the US. This, plus a sealed packet of paperwork which we deliver to the Customs officals in Atlanta all go together to making him a US citizen once we arrive in Atlanta.
It was cool seeing all the other adopting parents there in the Embassy. I would estimate there were 6 families there going through their interviews.
I wasn't aware of this but Daniel will have a dual citizenship, US and Russian. He doesn't 'loose' his Russian citizenship when he leaves. In the future he'll have the ability to travel back and forth between the US and Russian, if he so desires. Only potential drawback to that is if he's ever in Russian and the military is 'called-up' and they draft, he could be drafted.
Getting his travel visa and his paperwork pack from the US Embassy is the last essential step here in Moscow. Only thing left to do today is to go to the Ministry of Education, who oversees the orphanages in the Russian Federation, and sign a document that takes Mary and I off of the list of potential adoptive parents. Plus it is customary to take the Ministry staff a box of candies or flowers as a sign of thanks. Whole thing should take no more than 15 minutes.
Rest of the day will be devoted to packing and preparing for a 14 hour trip home. Current plans have us in at TRI at 8:14pm Saturday nite. If the weather is warm enough here, we'll go out today and take Daniel for a walk. He's been fighting a cold so we don't want it to get any worse.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Day after Gotcha Day
Daniel slept very well his first night with us. All in all he slept 12 hours the first night, solid straight through. When he awoke the next morning, he was in his typical good humor mood.
Wednesday was a much slower paced day. Katia picked us up at 9:15 and we went directly to the hospital for Daniel's exit medical review. Dr. Morodova, who was the doctor who did his initial medical review in the orphanage back in January, was the doctor who did his exit review. Basically a subset of the original review, Daniel did very well. Dr. Morodova commented that the only issues he can see with Daniel is his food alergies and the fact that his weight is a little low for a child his age, which of course can be attributed to having been in an orphanage for the last 9 months of his life.
Next, off we went to the American Embassy. Katia and I went in and filed the paperwork to get Daniel's American visa. We'll return to the embassy tomorrow for the exit interview there.
The rest of the day was a freebie! We stayed around the apartment, spending time with Daniel, playing and getting to know one another. He's all boy!!!
We gave him his first bath last night, didn't go quite as planned. He didn't want to sit in the tub so he stood the entire bath. After bath and a bottle, he was out like a light. He sleeps very well and goes out very quickly on his own.
More later...
Wednesday was a much slower paced day. Katia picked us up at 9:15 and we went directly to the hospital for Daniel's exit medical review. Dr. Morodova, who was the doctor who did his initial medical review in the orphanage back in January, was the doctor who did his exit review. Basically a subset of the original review, Daniel did very well. Dr. Morodova commented that the only issues he can see with Daniel is his food alergies and the fact that his weight is a little low for a child his age, which of course can be attributed to having been in an orphanage for the last 9 months of his life.
Next, off we went to the American Embassy. Katia and I went in and filed the paperwork to get Daniel's American visa. We'll return to the embassy tomorrow for the exit interview there.
The rest of the day was a freebie! We stayed around the apartment, spending time with Daniel, playing and getting to know one another. He's all boy!!!
We gave him his first bath last night, didn't go quite as planned. He didn't want to sit in the tub so he stood the entire bath. After bath and a bottle, he was out like a light. He sleeps very well and goes out very quickly on his own.
More later...
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Tuesday, April 21, 2009
!! Gotcha Day !!
We awoke this morning to fresh snow here in Moscow. Temps were well below freezing and the lingering moisture in the air was taking advantage of it. While most of the people here in Moscow went about their normal lives, we embarked on something not so normal.
Katia and Vladimir picked us up at 8:30 and off we went to the court house to retrieve the final court decree. Next, off to the 'Register's office', where we filed the adoption decree. Then, we set off for the orphanage.
We got there a little after 1:00. More snow had fallen in the rural areas around Moscow than in the central part of the city. I don't know if I can fully detail freshly fallen snow that surrounds a children's orphanage...somehow it's a little brighter, a little whiter and it has a power to take you thousands of miles from whatever bothers you.
Normal introductions, yada yada, best wishes, etc... They were all given in typical fashion. They asked if we would like to dress him or if we would like for them to in the interest of time. We were kind of overwhelmed at that moment and Mary decided it would be best if they dressed him before they brought him out. I've heard that they essentially meet you, greet you, put the kid in your arms and then push you back out the door...well, yeah, that's kinda what they do.
Within 3-5 minutes they had him out to us fully dressed in ALL the clothes Mary gave them to put him in. We're not talking 2 layers...4 plus! He definitely remembered us and was giving us his characteristic smile within minutes. About 7-10 members of the staff started pouring in giving Daniel hugs and kisses. Many wanted their picture taken with him. Several were wiping away tears. The young lady whom was primary caregiver for Daniel's group fell to the end of the line and took a few extra moments with him. After we finished and started down the stairs, I caught a glimpse of her pausing and watching us as we went out of sight; Daniel took a little piece of her heart with him today.
He did incredibly well in the car. Very overwhelmed but his personality showed through. He was flirting and playing the whole way to the Moscow Police Station. We had to go there to show Daniel to them so they could verify by pictures taken of him that we had taken custody of the right child. Also they are responsible for issuing the Russian passport so Daniel can get out of the country.
Here comes the second good news of the day! Normally this process takes 2-3 days...we're getting next day turn around because we asked nicely. This means we can leave Saturday!!!! I've changed our airfare (not a cheap thing to do, but we're coming out not too out of whack because of the savings in the apartment) to return Saturday.
We left the police station and went to the CSS offices where everyone took their time playing with Daniel. We were coached on the final 3 days and what to expect with the US Embassy.
We arrived back to the flat after 5:00. Daniel had dinner and we got on a video call via skype to his new grandparents and uncle. He did his typical laughing, playing and such. He's got a really laid back, playful personality.
After some more playing, he eventually wound down and fell sleep on Mary while I was on the phone with Delta. I tried finding the camera before they woke up...no dice. Mary woke up while I was stirring. I placed him in his crib and he's out like a light.
I know someday he'll asked questions about this day. We've captured as many pictures as possible. I can only hope I can retain as much as I can to help him appreciate how awesome of a day this way. The look of excitement and awe were so prevalent on his face at times today. We had the TV on for a few minutes and he watched SpongeBob of all things. He's got a funny sense of humor. He sneezed and I mimicked him. He thought that was the funniest thing. He then proceeded to do fake sneezes for about 30 minutes, just at random, to get a laugh out of us.
I know I'll have more thoughts on this day later. For now, Mary and Daniel are passed out and I'm sitting here looking down on the streets of Moscow.
Katia and Vladimir picked us up at 8:30 and off we went to the court house to retrieve the final court decree. Next, off to the 'Register's office', where we filed the adoption decree. Then, we set off for the orphanage.
We got there a little after 1:00. More snow had fallen in the rural areas around Moscow than in the central part of the city. I don't know if I can fully detail freshly fallen snow that surrounds a children's orphanage...somehow it's a little brighter, a little whiter and it has a power to take you thousands of miles from whatever bothers you.
Normal introductions, yada yada, best wishes, etc... They were all given in typical fashion. They asked if we would like to dress him or if we would like for them to in the interest of time. We were kind of overwhelmed at that moment and Mary decided it would be best if they dressed him before they brought him out. I've heard that they essentially meet you, greet you, put the kid in your arms and then push you back out the door...well, yeah, that's kinda what they do.
Within 3-5 minutes they had him out to us fully dressed in ALL the clothes Mary gave them to put him in. We're not talking 2 layers...4 plus! He definitely remembered us and was giving us his characteristic smile within minutes. About 7-10 members of the staff started pouring in giving Daniel hugs and kisses. Many wanted their picture taken with him. Several were wiping away tears. The young lady whom was primary caregiver for Daniel's group fell to the end of the line and took a few extra moments with him. After we finished and started down the stairs, I caught a glimpse of her pausing and watching us as we went out of sight; Daniel took a little piece of her heart with him today.
He did incredibly well in the car. Very overwhelmed but his personality showed through. He was flirting and playing the whole way to the Moscow Police Station. We had to go there to show Daniel to them so they could verify by pictures taken of him that we had taken custody of the right child. Also they are responsible for issuing the Russian passport so Daniel can get out of the country.
Here comes the second good news of the day! Normally this process takes 2-3 days...we're getting next day turn around because we asked nicely. This means we can leave Saturday!!!! I've changed our airfare (not a cheap thing to do, but we're coming out not too out of whack because of the savings in the apartment) to return Saturday.
We left the police station and went to the CSS offices where everyone took their time playing with Daniel. We were coached on the final 3 days and what to expect with the US Embassy.
We arrived back to the flat after 5:00. Daniel had dinner and we got on a video call via skype to his new grandparents and uncle. He did his typical laughing, playing and such. He's got a really laid back, playful personality.
After some more playing, he eventually wound down and fell sleep on Mary while I was on the phone with Delta. I tried finding the camera before they woke up...no dice. Mary woke up while I was stirring. I placed him in his crib and he's out like a light.
I know someday he'll asked questions about this day. We've captured as many pictures as possible. I can only hope I can retain as much as I can to help him appreciate how awesome of a day this way. The look of excitement and awe were so prevalent on his face at times today. We had the TV on for a few minutes and he watched SpongeBob of all things. He's got a funny sense of humor. He sneezed and I mimicked him. He thought that was the funniest thing. He then proceeded to do fake sneezes for about 30 minutes, just at random, to get a laugh out of us.
I know I'll have more thoughts on this day later. For now, Mary and Daniel are passed out and I'm sitting here looking down on the streets of Moscow.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Trip 3 - We've arrived
We arrived into Moscow this morning a little later than usual. There was a delay departing Atlanta. With the tail winds you encounter crossing the Atlantic, you can make up a lot of time. All in all, a good flight. Plane was about 1/3 full so everyone had space to spread out.
We were thinking that today was going to be a hectic day...turns out that's tomorrow. We just went to the CSS office for a bit, grocery store and then we got checked into the apartment. Great location next to New Arbat street (a tourist haven), 5-10 minute walk to the US embassy. Clean and comfortable. Dmitry and those guys do an excellent job at Peace Travel.
I won't even try to recount everything we're going to try to do tomorrow, but definately getting Daniel is on the list (somewhere near the bottom actually, later in the day). There's some hope that if we can sweet talk the Moscow Police Station into rushing things for us, maybe, JUST MAYBE, we can leave early from Russian and get home. We're looking at instead of being here until Wed Jan 29th, we could leave on like this coming Saturday or Sunday. Cross fingers, cross toes and say a little prayer...
Mary's passed out sleeping, I'm wide awake posting and emailing...
We were thinking that today was going to be a hectic day...turns out that's tomorrow. We just went to the CSS office for a bit, grocery store and then we got checked into the apartment. Great location next to New Arbat street (a tourist haven), 5-10 minute walk to the US embassy. Clean and comfortable. Dmitry and those guys do an excellent job at Peace Travel.
I won't even try to recount everything we're going to try to do tomorrow, but definately getting Daniel is on the list (somewhere near the bottom actually, later in the day). There's some hope that if we can sweet talk the Moscow Police Station into rushing things for us, maybe, JUST MAYBE, we can leave early from Russian and get home. We're looking at instead of being here until Wed Jan 29th, we could leave on like this coming Saturday or Sunday. Cross fingers, cross toes and say a little prayer...
Mary's passed out sleeping, I'm wide awake posting and emailing...
Friday, April 17, 2009
Countdown to trip 3
32 hours till we depart for our third and final trip to Moscow. Our visas arrived a little over an hour ago, that's cutting it too close for me. If we didnt' receive them in time it would have cost us somewhere around $750-$1000 to adjust our tickets and accomodations.
We're packing as light as possible for trip 3. It's not the trip going over that is cumbersome...it'll be the trip back! We'll have all our luggage, Daniel (of course) and the stroller. Remember from previous postings that most cars in Russia are small. Packing all of us and our stuff into Vladimir's car will be quite a feat.
Gotcha day is anticipated to be Tuesday. Yes, yes, there will be pictures posted... ;>
We'll be taking my laptop plus webcam so we can communicate to family via skype.
Accommodations this time around will be an apartment next to the American embassy. Full kitchen, bath, free Internet (yeah) and calls to the US.
So, that's it for now. We'll probably update everyone once we get to Moscow and get settled in to the apartment.
We're packing as light as possible for trip 3. It's not the trip going over that is cumbersome...it'll be the trip back! We'll have all our luggage, Daniel (of course) and the stroller. Remember from previous postings that most cars in Russia are small. Packing all of us and our stuff into Vladimir's car will be quite a feat.
Gotcha day is anticipated to be Tuesday. Yes, yes, there will be pictures posted... ;>
We'll be taking my laptop plus webcam so we can communicate to family via skype.
Accommodations this time around will be an apartment next to the American embassy. Full kitchen, bath, free Internet (yeah) and calls to the US.
So, that's it for now. We'll probably update everyone once we get to Moscow and get settled in to the apartment.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Home from Trip 2
We arrived back home early this morning at about 2:00am. This was after sitting in Atlanta for 7 1/2 hours due to the weather rolling through the southeast yesterday. So, to catch everyone up...
Thursday we spent the day going to the orphanage and spending time with Daniel. We took gifts and a cake for the staff. Daniel was in excellent spirits and played with us up until it was time for his nap at 2:00pm. We even got a tour of Daniel's group area where he and the others in his age range sleep and spend a lot of their time. Any preconceived notions of what a Russian orphanage looks like should be tossed out. The area was clean, tidy and functional. Baby beds arranged neatly in one half of the room while the play area was on the other half.
We had lunch with Katia and Vladimir, our translator and driver, and we headed back to the CSS office for a final meeting with them to go over paperwork for the third trip.
Thursday evening was consumed with packing, calling back to the States and catching up family and dinner.
The flight Friday was obviously a lot of fun. The flight from Moscow to Atlanta was uninteresting, but it gave us an opportunity to observe other families just returning with their newly adopted child from Russia. It gave us a chance to plan out how we're going to occupy a 1 year old on an 11 hour flight.
I spent this morning preparing our paperwork for the third trip's visa. I had to scramble around because the Russian Embassey has changed their processing time for visa applications. They no longer offer same day and next day processing of visas. Hopefully our visas will be back before we depart on the 19th...of course if we don't have the visas, I guess we're not departing now are we????? ;>
Thursday we spent the day going to the orphanage and spending time with Daniel. We took gifts and a cake for the staff. Daniel was in excellent spirits and played with us up until it was time for his nap at 2:00pm. We even got a tour of Daniel's group area where he and the others in his age range sleep and spend a lot of their time. Any preconceived notions of what a Russian orphanage looks like should be tossed out. The area was clean, tidy and functional. Baby beds arranged neatly in one half of the room while the play area was on the other half.
We had lunch with Katia and Vladimir, our translator and driver, and we headed back to the CSS office for a final meeting with them to go over paperwork for the third trip.
Thursday evening was consumed with packing, calling back to the States and catching up family and dinner.
The flight Friday was obviously a lot of fun. The flight from Moscow to Atlanta was uninteresting, but it gave us an opportunity to observe other families just returning with their newly adopted child from Russia. It gave us a chance to plan out how we're going to occupy a 1 year old on an 11 hour flight.
I spent this morning preparing our paperwork for the third trip's visa. I had to scramble around because the Russian Embassey has changed their processing time for visa applications. They no longer offer same day and next day processing of visas. Hopefully our visas will be back before we depart on the 19th...of course if we don't have the visas, I guess we're not departing now are we????? ;>
So, without further ado...here's our first photo we're publishing of Daniel:
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
We're Parents Again!
Today it became offical - WE'RE PARENTS AGAIN!
Daniel Allen Artyom Holt is now our child, per the ruling of the judge this afternoon in the Moscow Regional Courts.
Court went well. We were delayed about 15 minutes because the case before ours went over. Our case took an 1 hour, 15 minutes. Questions to us were minimal (2 or 3) because I covered all 'typical' topics in my opening statement. The judge was complete and to the point, but polite and friendly as well.
After court we had to run to the adoption agency's office and then to the Notary Public for some document signings.
We've now made it back to the hotel and WE'RE CRASHING HARD!!! We ordered room service and are crawling in bed for a nap.
Daniel Allen Artyom Holt is now our child, per the ruling of the judge this afternoon in the Moscow Regional Courts.
Court went well. We were delayed about 15 minutes because the case before ours went over. Our case took an 1 hour, 15 minutes. Questions to us were minimal (2 or 3) because I covered all 'typical' topics in my opening statement. The judge was complete and to the point, but polite and friendly as well.
After court we had to run to the adoption agency's office and then to the Notary Public for some document signings.
We've now made it back to the hotel and WE'RE CRASHING HARD!!! We ordered room service and are crawling in bed for a nap.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Trip 2 (part 2)
As a follow on to our previous post, a few other things:
Most of the snow here in Moscow has melted now. Outside of the city in the more rural areas, they still have snow on the ground. Temps are in the 40s with the sun trying to pop through.
We presented our donations yesterday. Mostly children's clothing we had purchased in the States or clothing that had been donated from other sources. We included in our donation some diaper rash cream we had gotten on sale somewhere. They were particuallarly happy to receive that. According to Katia, here in Russia there are many products on the market that are nothing more than cheap knock-off products made in China that simply do not work. It's hard to tell the difference sometimes between a 'quality product' and one that is a knock-off, plus paying a higher price for the product doesn't guarantee you anything either.
So, for anyone wanting to know what to bring to orphanages as a donation...BUTT CREAM is a hit! Also, OralGel for the children while they are teething is a welcome donation.
Most of the snow here in Moscow has melted now. Outside of the city in the more rural areas, they still have snow on the ground. Temps are in the 40s with the sun trying to pop through.
We presented our donations yesterday. Mostly children's clothing we had purchased in the States or clothing that had been donated from other sources. We included in our donation some diaper rash cream we had gotten on sale somewhere. They were particuallarly happy to receive that. According to Katia, here in Russia there are many products on the market that are nothing more than cheap knock-off products made in China that simply do not work. It's hard to tell the difference sometimes between a 'quality product' and one that is a knock-off, plus paying a higher price for the product doesn't guarantee you anything either.
So, for anyone wanting to know what to bring to orphanages as a donation...BUTT CREAM is a hit! Also, OralGel for the children while they are teething is a welcome donation.
Arrived for trip 2
We arrived in Moscow Tuesday morning at about 10:30 am local time. The long flight from ATL was made even longer by a few rude Russians who would never shutup. They 'roamed' from region to region of the forward bulkhead area chatting/laughing. They never came near our area but they could be heard throughout.
Smooth sailing getting through passport and luggage. Katia was waiting for us outside of luggage and off we went directly to the orphanage.
Daniel has grown in the past 3 months. He now has 4 teeth that have come in (all uppers), his hair is a little longer and curlier and his skin rash/food alergies are gone. We all believe he remembers us because when they brought him in he stared at us intensely for about a minute. It took him an hour to 'warm up' but when he did he was laughing and playing. He can stand on his own for several minutes (>4) and can take several unassisted steps by him self.
Following seeing Daniel, we left the orphanage for the CSS office in downtown Moscow. Gotta love Moscow traffic!!! Ugggh! Spent a few short minutes checking in with the CSS staff, getting a few pointers on court, then they let us go to go get checked into the hotel.
We're staying at one of the Holiday Inn's in Moscow. Practically identical to HI's in the US. Comfortable room and bed, wireless internet is anonyingly slow during peak hours but at 3:00am in the morning it is nice and speedy. If you stay here try the Beef Stroganoff!!! Awesome!!! And be sure to tell the cook how you want your meat cooked, Mary's burger was still breathing...
Wednesday we're outta here at 9:30 for our 11:30 court appearance. I showed my prepared statements to Katia and she could find nothing wrong with them.
Until then, I think I'll attempt to sleep some more...
Smooth sailing getting through passport and luggage. Katia was waiting for us outside of luggage and off we went directly to the orphanage.
Daniel has grown in the past 3 months. He now has 4 teeth that have come in (all uppers), his hair is a little longer and curlier and his skin rash/food alergies are gone. We all believe he remembers us because when they brought him in he stared at us intensely for about a minute. It took him an hour to 'warm up' but when he did he was laughing and playing. He can stand on his own for several minutes (>4) and can take several unassisted steps by him self.
Following seeing Daniel, we left the orphanage for the CSS office in downtown Moscow. Gotta love Moscow traffic!!! Ugggh! Spent a few short minutes checking in with the CSS staff, getting a few pointers on court, then they let us go to go get checked into the hotel.
We're staying at one of the Holiday Inn's in Moscow. Practically identical to HI's in the US. Comfortable room and bed, wireless internet is anonyingly slow during peak hours but at 3:00am in the morning it is nice and speedy. If you stay here try the Beef Stroganoff!!! Awesome!!! And be sure to tell the cook how you want your meat cooked, Mary's burger was still breathing...
Wednesday we're outta here at 9:30 for our 11:30 court appearance. I showed my prepared statements to Katia and she could find nothing wrong with them.
Until then, I think I'll attempt to sleep some more...
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Trip 2 is upon us
We depart for trip 2 back to Moscow tomorrow at 11:30 AM. Quick flight to ATL, sit for a few hours then we settle in for our 11 hour flight to Moscow.
Upon arriving in Moscow Tuesday morning, we'll go directly to the orphanage where we'll see Daniel for the first time since January. Not sure how long we'll get to spend with him since we'll be dead tired I'm sure.
Wednesday we have our 11:30am appearance in court. If all goes well and Greg's prepared statement is sufficient, the entire proceeding may take no more than 15 minutes from start to finish. If the judge isn't quite happy with the prepared statement and wants to 'dig deeper', they will start asking questions. Longest court appearance we've heard of was 2 hours. By this point, the court appearance is no more than a formality. We've passed all other hurdles and we've never heard of anyone being denied the adoption at this stage.
Thursday we'll head back to the orphanage to visit with Daniel one more time before we leave on Friday.
We'll update everyone Tuesday evening once we get into the hotel.
Upon arriving in Moscow Tuesday morning, we'll go directly to the orphanage where we'll see Daniel for the first time since January. Not sure how long we'll get to spend with him since we'll be dead tired I'm sure.
Wednesday we have our 11:30am appearance in court. If all goes well and Greg's prepared statement is sufficient, the entire proceeding may take no more than 15 minutes from start to finish. If the judge isn't quite happy with the prepared statement and wants to 'dig deeper', they will start asking questions. Longest court appearance we've heard of was 2 hours. By this point, the court appearance is no more than a formality. We've passed all other hurdles and we've never heard of anyone being denied the adoption at this stage.
Thursday we'll head back to the orphanage to visit with Daniel one more time before we leave on Friday.
We'll update everyone Tuesday evening once we get into the hotel.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Adjustment to court date
We got word this morning that our court date has been moved up a day. Now, we'll be going before the judge on April 8th. That adjusts our "Gotcha Date" to the 21st. Now, if we're lucky (and we do mean LUCKY!) we might could finish all the final paperwork and be out of Russia by the 25th. If we're not lucky, then it means we'll be staying in country until about the 28th. Stay tuned for futher details...
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