Saturday

It's a gorgeous afternoon here on the Volga. I wish I had a cable so I could upload pictures for you all to see, but alas and alack, I didn't think to pack one. Next trip, for sure. Of course, on the next trip I'll be able to post pictures of the most gorgeous sight in all of Russia, Little Sister. That will be soooooo cool!

Last night I got a bit of a scare when the ATM in the lobby wouldn't take my card, but this morning it worked fine. RELIEF!I got some rubles there and some from another machine, just to be on the safe side. A nice walk in the brisk (32 degree) air & ensuring that I had cash were a fabulous way to start the day.

I was able to check & see that Larry's final flight had landed just before I left for the baby home. He'd had a 2 hour delay in Atlanta, poor guy, but finally made it off the plane, 28 hours after being picked up by our driver. We still don't know if he'll have to come back to Astrakhan or not. My being Canadian has tossed a kink into the usual process, and people aren't quite sure what we have to do/not do. But it will all fall together somehow.

While driving to the baby home, and also yesterday, I saw lots of cars decorated for weddings. Vala told me that Friday & Saturday are the big wedding days here, and that the celebrations will often last for 2 days. Cars are decorated with big bows & streamers. Weddings often happen at the wedding palace. How's that for a cool name! I wonder if the fireworks that woke me in the night were related to a wedding.

Today's visit with LS was a twofer, outside and inside. We thought we would have to stay inside, so we were all set up in the music room, then they brought her to us dressed for outside. Usually she loves to go out, but she had already spotted the toy box, so she was NOT happy about going out. We went anyway, and walked around a bit, but she was clearly not happy.

While we were walking, Larry called to report that he'd made it to the house, yay! And in totally unexpected news, Delta lost HIS bag on the way home. BWAHAHAHAHAHA! However, they know where his went (South Bend, anyone?), and will deliver it ASAP. Meanwhile, my suitcase has finally turned up!!!!!!! Someone grabbed the wrong suitcase in Moscow.We're not sure if it's been returned to the airport yet or if that has yet to happen, but at least it isn't totally lost anymore. Larry gave them very specific instructions about getting it to me, so it may yet join me. If not, I'll get it at home. Oh joy, I will be able to finish knitting the second sock I'd packed after all! And if it does come here, I'll be able to give LS the blankie we bought for her to keep here until we pick her up.

Anyway, we were joined by the other kids in LS's group, and there were lots of curious looks. There's one little boy who is so very affectionate, who comes up to me for a cuddle or a kiss, then struts away as if he were the king of the world. It breaks my heart to see the kids who may never have a home outside the orphanage. Their opportunities are so very limited if they never get out of the system, and it's so hard to comprehend what it does to them emotionally. We all make jokes about celebrities who adopt, but seriously, if it helps raise awareness so other people will be inspired to take a child into their homes, then you know what? Go Angelina.

Anyway.

We returned to the music room, where LS made a beeline for the toybox. I'd packed a little doll today, but she wasn't much interested in it, which surprised me, as she pays attention to the babies outside. The cheese, however, was a big hit. So were the markers. We played them like drumsticks for a while, and dumped them in and out of the box, and actually did some "drawing" on paper. We also had some quiet time together, when she started her frustration-rocking. I'm not allowed to pick her up when she does that (her choice), but today I got right down beside her and rubbed her back & sang to her as she rocked. When she started to look at me again, I started playing tickle games with her. We then progressed to kissy games. So what started out as a heartwrenching attempt to soothe herself turned into a wonderful close time that left us both giggly, happy, and closer than we'd been.

Her caregiver told Vala that LS is talking more in her group, and that she gets very excited when someone comes to take her from the group. In fact, when they come for her, she asks, "Papa?"

At noon we had to send her back to her group for lunch. I won't have a second visit today, but I will get back tomorrow morning.

So now, here I am in a lovely hotel room with hours of solitude ahead of me. There are some benefits to being the one who had to stay behind! I could walk, or write, or do more email, or watch an episode of MASH - or all of the above. Decisions, decisions!

Please keep us in your prayers & thoughts, especially as we get closer to the new court date.