GOT'YA DAY

Tuesday May 20th turned out to be gotcha day. We thought we would get Annabelle yesterday, but scheduling and common sense prevailed and we waited until today.

We arrived at the baby home at about 1:30 and after handing over the gifts to the director and workers, we went upstairs to the holding sofa and waited for Annabelle. After they brought her out, we prepared to change her into our clothes. They all seemed a bit frightened that I would change her on the sofa, but it was that or the floor. Our translator said that the workers could change her in a room where I could not go and I politely said no that this was fine. Suddenly, the room was open and I used the changing table they have set up for all of the kids. One worker was certainly said to see Annabelle leaving and gave her a nice hug and kiss. The other worker was not so interested. We stopped by and signed a book for the doctor and headed out again stopping by the director’s office.

Once in the car, we headed for the passport office. Aside from driving about30-40 on some side streets out of Podolsk, we never seemed to get above 25 miles per hour. We arrived before our coordinator and went shopping at the REAL store behind the passport office. This is a great stop for all families. We are talking Super Wal-Mart. Everything and anything is there including great prices on diapers and other baby needs. Plenty of fruits, veggies etc.

We got the passport taken care of and headed home at 25 miles per hour and arrived at the apartment at 5:45. Long day but we had Annabelle so it was a god day. We tried some food for her. She ate Applesauce, oatmeal and drank nearly 8 oz of apple juice over the course of the evening. She was all babbles and giggles and enjoyed just sitting on the floor and playing. She quietly went to bed around 9:30-9:45 after a very busy evening.

We have three pictures of the many to share. One of her leaving the baby home, one just giggling and one in her PJs right before bedtime.

Tomorrow, we are headed to the American Medical Center, the MOE and to get a Visa Photo taken. Not too bad. Starting around 10:00 and should be back by 2:00 or 3:00.

We will continue to update and post more pictures. We are already counting the days until you all can meet her. She is a little princess who is just ready to blossom with a little love and attention.

That is it for today.