It warmed to the mid-50's this afternoon, and I had a lovely long walk up to the kremlin and then all around the perimeter. There were SO MANY weddings taking place! At one side of the kremlin the wedding cars were double & triple parked. Wedding processions honk their horns here in Astrakhan, too, and the wedding photographers here do goofy things, too, like making the groomsmen all stand together and hold the horizontal groom. It was a great day to be out, to see all the happiness & laughter all around. Even away from the weddings, people were out in droves today, soaking up the sunshine and chasing kids and walking hand in hand.
I walked for about an hour, then came back & have spent the rest of the day chilling in the room. Very laid back. Talked to the kids again - I swear we talk more when I'm away than when we're home, but hey, I'm not complaining :-)
I had a DUH moment around 8, when I tried to figure out why I was so very tired. Okay, there's lots of emotions at play, and I had a long walk, but still, this seemed a bit much. Then I realized that it's been a week since I had my daily synthroid pill. Talk about your V-8 moments! I'll be okay, this isn't a drastic dosage by any means, but no wonder I'm dragging a bit tonight!
A few cool things that I've noticed here:
- the tall windows here in the hotel have 2 options for opening. If you turn the handle up, the window tilts open from the top, about 5 inches. If you turn the handle sideways, the window swings open as wide as you choose.
- Pringles come in some very interesting flavors, including red pepper & vinegar (I think), cheese & onion, and bacon. Which may be Pringles flavors at home, too, but since I don't buy them there, I wouldn't know.
- the women are SKINNY. And they seem far more fashionable than at home, though you know, that might just be me :-)
- driving is a test of stamina like no other. Especially when the drivers decide to drive 3 abreast in a space meant for 2. Or when a cow wanders into the road. Or when it's time to make a left turn, which involves 2 or 3 or 4 cars pulling over into the left lane, all beside each other, and then ALL turning left at the same time. Which means you not only have to avoid oncoming traffic, you also have to watch out for the other left-turning cars as well.
- mixed vegetables, cole slaw, rice, and hot dogs are breakfast foods here.
- Coke is everywhere. Pepsi, not so much.
- hotels do not provide washcloths. However, there has been a fridge in every place we've stayed, which is very convenient, especially as there are no ice machines. Ice seems to be out of favor here.
- even I, who avoids buying water whenever I can go for the tap, will spring for BonAqua sparkling water. It's just so refreshing!
Finally, here's a big shout-out to the things that make it so much easier to be away from home: live streaming radio that allows you to listen to a hometown station from 5,000 miles away, email, and Skype. And, of course, Pringles. Especially when paired with a Cadbury chocolate chaser.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
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.
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.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Friday
I made it through my first day alone. Yay me!
Larry left bright & early this morning. All his flights are proceeding according to schedule thus far. Everyone cross your fingers & pray that he has safe and easy travel.
Once he left, I crawled back into bed for a luxurious sleep-in, not waking again until 9. I think that was the best sleep I've had since leaving home! After breakfast I took my first solo walk, up and down the riverwalk in front of the hotel, and then into town. It was much colder today, only in the 50's, and quite windy, but it felt GOOD.
Once back in the room I spent a lot of time catching up on email. I also caught Josh online and we were able to IM for a long time, which was a wonderful bonus treat.
I decided to do something different with LS today. Thus far we've been carrying our treats in Larry's pack & my purse, and I decided it probably wasn't a good plan to have her associate my purse with goodies. So today I took the very sturdy shoebox that came with my court shoes & decided that would be the toy box. There were 2 shoebags in there two, roomy and black. I put a few toys in each of the bags - a plastic cell phone, a comb, a few blocks, a small purse, and an apple. The bags went into the box and I was set.
In the afternoon Vala took me back to the store today to get another pair of casual pants and a sweater. The pants aren't anything I would buy at home, but it's even harder to find plus-sized clothes in Russian than at home. Everyone here is so skinny! So when I found a pair that were comfy, roomy, and not horrendously overpriced, I grabbed them. Then we found a lovely warm cream colored sweater and my wardrobe was complete.
After that it was time to visit. We were there for almost 2 hours, and I think it was our best visit yet. She loved the toy box, loved reaching into the bags to find what was hidden within. When I took my sweater off, she insisted that I put it on her. So we rolled up the sleeves and buttoned her into it. She spent the next hour walking around with this giant sweater dragging behind her, just like a tsarina with her robes. It was too adorable.
The apple was a HUGE hit. That lasted the whole visit. She had trouble with the peel & kept spitting it into my hand, but would she let me peel it for her? Not for a long time. That was HER apple and she wasn't letting go of it for anything. I thought it was a very good sign when she finally let me have it long enough to remove the remaining peel.
She;s always been very active, running and bouncing from one activity to another, but today she was almost mellow (at least by her standards :-) She explored everything very carefully, and stuck her cell phone into the purse & paraded around the room, and was fascinated by wet wipes. I used one to wipe the apple juice from her hands and she wouldn't let it out of her sight. She would very carefully spread it on the sofa, then have me lift her so her tiny butt was firmly planted on it. Not sure what that was all about, but she got a ton of pleasure from it, that's for sure!
At 6 we packed up & returned her to the caregiver, crying all the way :-( Vala took me took the grocery store and I grabbed some of the essentials for my extended stay: diet Coke, Cadbury chocolate, and Pringles. Okay, I also got some bread & cheese & apples, but let's be honest - those are great, but they won't get me through on their own.
I'm very happy because I figured out why the music wasn't playing on the laptop, so now I can have music. Yay! Tonight's plan: wash some clothes, catch up on email, maybe do some writing, then to bed. We're leaving at 9:45 tomorrow for the baby home, so I have to be up & ready in plenty of time.
Das aftra - see you tomorrow!
Larry left bright & early this morning. All his flights are proceeding according to schedule thus far. Everyone cross your fingers & pray that he has safe and easy travel.
Once he left, I crawled back into bed for a luxurious sleep-in, not waking again until 9. I think that was the best sleep I've had since leaving home! After breakfast I took my first solo walk, up and down the riverwalk in front of the hotel, and then into town. It was much colder today, only in the 50's, and quite windy, but it felt GOOD.
Once back in the room I spent a lot of time catching up on email. I also caught Josh online and we were able to IM for a long time, which was a wonderful bonus treat.
I decided to do something different with LS today. Thus far we've been carrying our treats in Larry's pack & my purse, and I decided it probably wasn't a good plan to have her associate my purse with goodies. So today I took the very sturdy shoebox that came with my court shoes & decided that would be the toy box. There were 2 shoebags in there two, roomy and black. I put a few toys in each of the bags - a plastic cell phone, a comb, a few blocks, a small purse, and an apple. The bags went into the box and I was set.
In the afternoon Vala took me back to the store today to get another pair of casual pants and a sweater. The pants aren't anything I would buy at home, but it's even harder to find plus-sized clothes in Russian than at home. Everyone here is so skinny! So when I found a pair that were comfy, roomy, and not horrendously overpriced, I grabbed them. Then we found a lovely warm cream colored sweater and my wardrobe was complete.
After that it was time to visit. We were there for almost 2 hours, and I think it was our best visit yet. She loved the toy box, loved reaching into the bags to find what was hidden within. When I took my sweater off, she insisted that I put it on her. So we rolled up the sleeves and buttoned her into it. She spent the next hour walking around with this giant sweater dragging behind her, just like a tsarina with her robes. It was too adorable.
The apple was a HUGE hit. That lasted the whole visit. She had trouble with the peel & kept spitting it into my hand, but would she let me peel it for her? Not for a long time. That was HER apple and she wasn't letting go of it for anything. I thought it was a very good sign when she finally let me have it long enough to remove the remaining peel.
She;s always been very active, running and bouncing from one activity to another, but today she was almost mellow (at least by her standards :-) She explored everything very carefully, and stuck her cell phone into the purse & paraded around the room, and was fascinated by wet wipes. I used one to wipe the apple juice from her hands and she wouldn't let it out of her sight. She would very carefully spread it on the sofa, then have me lift her so her tiny butt was firmly planted on it. Not sure what that was all about, but she got a ton of pleasure from it, that's for sure!
At 6 we packed up & returned her to the caregiver, crying all the way :-( Vala took me took the grocery store and I grabbed some of the essentials for my extended stay: diet Coke, Cadbury chocolate, and Pringles. Okay, I also got some bread & cheese & apples, but let's be honest - those are great, but they won't get me through on their own.
I'm very happy because I figured out why the music wasn't playing on the laptop, so now I can have music. Yay! Tonight's plan: wash some clothes, catch up on email, maybe do some writing, then to bed. We're leaving at 9:45 tomorrow for the baby home, so I have to be up & ready in plenty of time.
Das aftra - see you tomorrow!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Mixed News Thursday
Okay, we'll get right to the important news, which is that we made it through 1.5 hours of court and then got hung up on a technicality. Court was adjourned until Monday afternoon.
This is frustrating, of course, and means we have a bit more nail-biting to endure, but there were some encouraging signs. All our paperwork and answers were fine. The problem lies solely within the system here. In addition, they decided they did not need both of us to stay. So Friday morning bright and early, Larry will head for home. I will stay for court and fly back Tuesday (I hope!)
So with that frustrating news out of the way, let's get to the good stuff. First, we heard from the consulate in Moscow that Larry will NOT have to return there to file LS's paperwork. We're still waiting to hear if he will need to return to Astrakhan when I come back, but at least that's one less stop.
We had 2 good visits with LS today, outside both times. When she gets frustrated with us - usually because we won't give her more food - she drops to the ground, sticks her thumb in her mouth, and rocks back and forth. The good news is that when this happens, she's becoming increasingly open to letting us comfort her. She had us push her in a stroller today and seemed to really enjoy that.
Larry was very excited because we made it back to the meat pie store today and bought one for lunch. We ate it in the room and found it just as delicious as on our last trip.
I haven't mentioned much about the hotel. We have a very nice room overlooking the Volga river. The leaves are turning here, so when I look out in the morning, I saw a gorgeous bank of yellow and orange leaves across the way. The Volga is huge, like the Mississippi. There are cruise boats that go up and down past our window. This morning I saw a man out rowing on the water, and of course there are fishermen! It's a lovely view at any time of day.
That's about it for today. Larry leaves in the morning, as I said. I will go back to sleep after his departure :-) and have a quiet morning walking around the area and doing stuff here at the hotel. In the afternoon, Vala will take me shopping again (I REALLY would like some new jeans!), and then to the baby home. We'll stop at a grocery store on the way back to the hotel, and that will be my day.
This is frustrating, of course, and means we have a bit more nail-biting to endure, but there were some encouraging signs. All our paperwork and answers were fine. The problem lies solely within the system here. In addition, they decided they did not need both of us to stay. So Friday morning bright and early, Larry will head for home. I will stay for court and fly back Tuesday (I hope!)
So with that frustrating news out of the way, let's get to the good stuff. First, we heard from the consulate in Moscow that Larry will NOT have to return there to file LS's paperwork. We're still waiting to hear if he will need to return to Astrakhan when I come back, but at least that's one less stop.
We had 2 good visits with LS today, outside both times. When she gets frustrated with us - usually because we won't give her more food - she drops to the ground, sticks her thumb in her mouth, and rocks back and forth. The good news is that when this happens, she's becoming increasingly open to letting us comfort her. She had us push her in a stroller today and seemed to really enjoy that.
Larry was very excited because we made it back to the meat pie store today and bought one for lunch. We ate it in the room and found it just as delicious as on our last trip.
I haven't mentioned much about the hotel. We have a very nice room overlooking the Volga river. The leaves are turning here, so when I look out in the morning, I saw a gorgeous bank of yellow and orange leaves across the way. The Volga is huge, like the Mississippi. There are cruise boats that go up and down past our window. This morning I saw a man out rowing on the water, and of course there are fishermen! It's a lovely view at any time of day.
That's about it for today. Larry leaves in the morning, as I said. I will go back to sleep after his departure :-) and have a quiet morning walking around the area and doing stuff here at the hotel. In the afternoon, Vala will take me shopping again (I REALLY would like some new jeans!), and then to the baby home. We'll stop at a grocery store on the way back to the hotel, and that will be my day.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
The Days Are Just Packed
Well. Today was BUSY.
We started the day with a hearty breakfast buffet - CHOICES, hooray! Our hotel last time, the Korvet, was quite nice and had lovely big rooms, but there was no choice at breakfast - you just ate what they set in front of you. But the Azimut offers a buffet. Okay, I don't think I've ever seen cole slaw at breakfast before, but that's okay. There was still a good selection, and it was a great start.
We left the hotel at 9:30. First we needed to apply & pay for LS's birth certificate. Then we had to go somewhere else to pay for it. Then, I think, we were done with appointments and had our first visit to the baby home. We saw her! She's as adorable as ever, about the same size, still full of energy and laughs. We brought a teeny little photo album with pictures of her, us with her, and the other kids. She seemed intrigued by that. We played for a long time, well over an hour. Her favorite games are run, chase, airplane, and hunt through Mama's purse for crackers :-) She gets frustrated when she can't have all the crackers she wants, but she'll learn. And today, when they had to take her back, she cried harder than I've ever seen. We're not sure if she remembers us, but she certainly seemed to enjoy being with us. Or maybe it wast just the crackers.
Once we left the baby home, it was time for my FAVORITE activity: shopping. Kill me now. However, Vala (our translator) made it as painless as possible for me. She took us to a small shop in a mall and appealed to the mercy of the very kind staff. They found me black pants and a striped shirt that both fit (a miracle!) and were reasonably priced. Then they hemmed the pants - in half an hour! I felt sooooo much better knowing I would have something to wear to court. While we waited I got shoes & knee highs. We also picked up a music cd & a Russian story dvd for LS. Also, Larry managed to find a funny hat. Our boys will be ever so pleased to see it.
Lunch was at the famous San Pizza, a favorite of families adopting from Astrakhan, and for good reason. It was yummy. While we ate, Vala discussed the court proceedings so we'll be prepared for Thursday. (GULP.)
With lunch finished, we went back to the baby home. This time we were able to play outside, for a very long time. LS was quite determined to get at the crackers again. She was NOT happy when we had to say no (after 3 big crackers), and when we couldn't let her pour water on herself, and when we couldn't let her climb in a car. This girl knows her mind. But we worked through the boundaries & frustrations, and ended up having so much fun. She would close Larry inside a big play structure, wave bye-bye to him, then run to me with her arms wide open. Over and over and over! She also loved having us fly her through the air and swing her between her legs and bounce her up and down. All I can say is, I'm going to have gorgeous biceps after a couple of months with this girlie. She was unhappy when we had to go in, but it was dinner time, so that eased the transition for her.
We left the baby home and drove to another favorite restaurant, the Chocolate Cafe. It was so good! Larry had a salad that had warm nuts & raisins in a sweet sauce over lettuce, then some fancy mashed potatoes & thin pancakes with apples. I ate a fabulous salad of lettuce, pears, walnuts, and crumbled blue cheese, followed by delicious mashed potato cups filled with bacon, sauce, & some other yummies. For dessert we split a teensy Lilliputian cup of their famous hot chocolate, which isn't a drink, but more like chocolate fondue. Very rich, definitely made for sharing, quite delicious.
We walked back to the hotel (and didn;t get lost, hooray!) and found that the Internet was working - not only in the lobby, but in our room! So now I can sit in
bed and check email. This is luxury.
Tomorrow, we go for our final visit to the baby home, then have court in the afternoon. We're a bit nervous and would greatly appreciate all prayers & good vibes. We'll let you know how it turns out ASAP.
We started the day with a hearty breakfast buffet - CHOICES, hooray! Our hotel last time, the Korvet, was quite nice and had lovely big rooms, but there was no choice at breakfast - you just ate what they set in front of you. But the Azimut offers a buffet. Okay, I don't think I've ever seen cole slaw at breakfast before, but that's okay. There was still a good selection, and it was a great start.
We left the hotel at 9:30. First we needed to apply & pay for LS's birth certificate. Then we had to go somewhere else to pay for it. Then, I think, we were done with appointments and had our first visit to the baby home. We saw her! She's as adorable as ever, about the same size, still full of energy and laughs. We brought a teeny little photo album with pictures of her, us with her, and the other kids. She seemed intrigued by that. We played for a long time, well over an hour. Her favorite games are run, chase, airplane, and hunt through Mama's purse for crackers :-) She gets frustrated when she can't have all the crackers she wants, but she'll learn. And today, when they had to take her back, she cried harder than I've ever seen. We're not sure if she remembers us, but she certainly seemed to enjoy being with us. Or maybe it wast just the crackers.
Once we left the baby home, it was time for my FAVORITE activity: shopping. Kill me now. However, Vala (our translator) made it as painless as possible for me. She took us to a small shop in a mall and appealed to the mercy of the very kind staff. They found me black pants and a striped shirt that both fit (a miracle!) and were reasonably priced. Then they hemmed the pants - in half an hour! I felt sooooo much better knowing I would have something to wear to court. While we waited I got shoes & knee highs. We also picked up a music cd & a Russian story dvd for LS. Also, Larry managed to find a funny hat. Our boys will be ever so pleased to see it.
Lunch was at the famous San Pizza, a favorite of families adopting from Astrakhan, and for good reason. It was yummy. While we ate, Vala discussed the court proceedings so we'll be prepared for Thursday. (GULP.)
With lunch finished, we went back to the baby home. This time we were able to play outside, for a very long time. LS was quite determined to get at the crackers again. She was NOT happy when we had to say no (after 3 big crackers), and when we couldn't let her pour water on herself, and when we couldn't let her climb in a car. This girl knows her mind. But we worked through the boundaries & frustrations, and ended up having so much fun. She would close Larry inside a big play structure, wave bye-bye to him, then run to me with her arms wide open. Over and over and over! She also loved having us fly her through the air and swing her between her legs and bounce her up and down. All I can say is, I'm going to have gorgeous biceps after a couple of months with this girlie. She was unhappy when we had to go in, but it was dinner time, so that eased the transition for her.
We left the baby home and drove to another favorite restaurant, the Chocolate Cafe. It was so good! Larry had a salad that had warm nuts & raisins in a sweet sauce over lettuce, then some fancy mashed potatoes & thin pancakes with apples. I ate a fabulous salad of lettuce, pears, walnuts, and crumbled blue cheese, followed by delicious mashed potato cups filled with bacon, sauce, & some other yummies. For dessert we split a teensy Lilliputian cup of their famous hot chocolate, which isn't a drink, but more like chocolate fondue. Very rich, definitely made for sharing, quite delicious.
We walked back to the hotel (and didn;t get lost, hooray!) and found that the Internet was working - not only in the lobby, but in our room! So now I can sit in
bed and check email. This is luxury.
Tomorrow, we go for our final visit to the baby home, then have court in the afternoon. We're a bit nervous and would greatly appreciate all prayers & good vibes. We'll let you know how it turns out ASAP.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
We Are Still Alive!
Hi everyone! We're in Astrakhan and finally have some email access! We can't get our computer to work (Josh, we need you!) but the hotel has one available for gues use. Oh happy glorious day!
Okay. So, Saturday/Sunday, we flew, walked rpund the neighborhood of the hotel, settled. Monday, we had our physicals in Moscow. Much easier than you would expect from hearing that you have to see 8 doctors. Once that was done, around 3:30, we played tourist. Our translaters took is to Red Squat\re, St. Basil's cathedral, Lenin's tomb & the Kremlin. We didn;t have time to go into any of them, but we were there, right in front. Totally amazing. We also saw the KGB building, cool! Then we went souvinir shopping on Arbot Street, which was lots of fun.
Today, Tuesday, we tried to go shopping (there's a little problem with my clothes - as in, my suitcase is lost and Delta still can't find it. I can keep washing my tee shirt, but I will need something nicer than jeans for court. Unfortunately, I couln't bring myself to pay $200 for a simple shirt in Moscow, or $135 for pants, so I'm still smelly. Let's hope that either my suitcase shows up or that strakahn is a bit more reasonable!
Tomorrow we get to see Little Sister two times! We'll also do some fficial stuff, but that's our big excitement.
Larry is drooling over the computer, so I must let him on now. More whenever we can!
Okay. So, Saturday/Sunday, we flew, walked rpund the neighborhood of the hotel, settled. Monday, we had our physicals in Moscow. Much easier than you would expect from hearing that you have to see 8 doctors. Once that was done, around 3:30, we played tourist. Our translaters took is to Red Squat\re, St. Basil's cathedral, Lenin's tomb & the Kremlin. We didn;t have time to go into any of them, but we were there, right in front. Totally amazing. We also saw the KGB building, cool! Then we went souvinir shopping on Arbot Street, which was lots of fun.
Today, Tuesday, we tried to go shopping (there's a little problem with my clothes - as in, my suitcase is lost and Delta still can't find it. I can keep washing my tee shirt, but I will need something nicer than jeans for court. Unfortunately, I couln't bring myself to pay $200 for a simple shirt in Moscow, or $135 for pants, so I'm still smelly. Let's hope that either my suitcase shows up or that strakahn is a bit more reasonable!
Tomorrow we get to see Little Sister two times! We'll also do some fficial stuff, but that's our big excitement.
Larry is drooling over the computer, so I must let him on now. More whenever we can!
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Back in the USSR, babe....
Salutations once more, anyone still reading this!
First of all, to settle a little wager we kids have going with mummy and poppy, please comment if you actually are reading this- we here at HQ don't think anybody reads the crazy things we write.
Secondly, the parents are off and away on their second, and penultimate voyage. The arrived early this morning in Moscow where they will be spending a little time before jetting down to everybody's favorite junkyard/city. We have gotten updates twice- once to tell us they were there and having a nice dinner by Moscow State University. Go Московский государственный университет!!!!! Anyhow, after that they promptly fell asleep at five or so in the afternoon and called us at one am their time to check in. All seems to be going well. We shall keep anyone reading updated!!!!!
~~The Hooligans they already have who aren't good enough, meaning they need to go half way around the world to get a new one.
First of all, to settle a little wager we kids have going with mummy and poppy, please comment if you actually are reading this- we here at HQ don't think anybody reads the crazy things we write.
Secondly, the parents are off and away on their second, and penultimate voyage. The arrived early this morning in Moscow where they will be spending a little time before jetting down to everybody's favorite junkyard/city. We have gotten updates twice- once to tell us they were there and having a nice dinner by Moscow State University. Go Московский государственный университет!!!!! Anyhow, after that they promptly fell asleep at five or so in the afternoon and called us at one am their time to check in. All seems to be going well. We shall keep anyone reading updated!!!!!
~~The Hooligans they already have who aren't good enough, meaning they need to go half way around the world to get a new one.
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