Last day in Moscow

So long, Moscow!

We have officially departed and are en route back to the States. And what a great feeling to be heading home!

But, first, let me catch you up on what we did recently...

After picking up Macy's visa on Tuesday, we had nothing but time to kill until our flight on Thursday.  Our top priority was to burn off some of her bottled-up energy, so we decided to head out and do some touring.

Wednesday, we spent the majority of the day at the Kremlin.  It's just a short walk from our apartment, and with so much to do and see there, it seemed like the perfect fit.  

One of the things on the top of my list was to see Lenin, as he lies in state and has done so for 70+ years.   There is so much controversy surrounding his body.  Is he real, or a wax figure? Should he finally be interred, or should the government spend millions of dollars each year to maintain his preservation?  Regardless of the answer to these questions, I just had to see for myself, and I am glad that I did.  After all, how often do you get to get that close to the person who brought communism to be known as it is today?  

The whole process took approximately 45 minutes start to finish.  The vast majority of the time was the wait in line.  The guards allowed large groups of 40 to 50 people to approach the tomb at a time.  Before even getting close, you were ushered through a metal detector and made sure that you had no cameras, video equipment, or recording devices of any kind.  From there, you walked along the Kremlin wall where there are many Russian dignitaries buried, Joseph Stalin included.  Then, you walk into the front door of the tomb and are greeted (I use that term lightly) by many Russian soldiers who are there to make sure you keep moving, appear reverent, and maintain order.  Talking is not allowed once inside.   There is very little light, and there is quite a chill in the air. 

You descend a flight of stairs into the crypt and are led around the glass sarcophagus where the Father of Communisim lies, delicately preserved.  A truly amazing site.  Any suspicions that I had about him being fake were immediately eliminated.  I was convinced that it was in fact Lenin just five feet from me.  His details were very convincing.  

Before you know it, you were ascending back up to street level where you exited and walked along the other side of the Kremlin wall where more Comrades are buried, and then out to Red Square where the tour ended.

I'm not sure how much longer people will be able to experience this, but I am glad I took the time to do so.  Next on the list?  The Kremlin.

We purchased our tickets to enter, and walked in through the Amoury Gate.  Once inside, we toured many of the cathedrals, as well as a museum with many Russian artifacts.  What I found most interesting is that the Kremlin is working government structure.  Russian leaders, and foreign dignitaries are conducting business within a stone's throw from where we were walking.  Who knows, even President Medvedev or Putin may have been looking out a window as we passed.  Security was tight, but nothing like I would have expected.  

We had had enough history for the day, and it was way past Macy's lunchtime, so we left the high walls of the symbol Socialism for the symbol of the Capitalism...McDonald's. After our Happy Meal, it was a short stroller ride back to our apartment which Macy used to take a quick nap.  Mission accomplished. We finally wore her out!

Today, we caught our flight home, and in just 15 short hours (hahaha) we will be home to give Max and big hug, relieve Grandma and Grandpa of their duties and introduce Max and Macy for the first time.  We know that he is excited to meet her, but wonder just how long that will last. We are taking bets on when the first time Max says "Mom!  Macy hit me!" or "tell Macy to stop taking my stuff."  My guess is before there are fireworks in the sky, there will be fireworks in our house!  

I also wanted to extend a huge "thank you" to everyone who has so graciously supported us along the way.  Your kind words and encouragement were very much appreciated and we always looked forward to hearing from each of you as we posted our daily adventures.  We are very fortunate to have such great family and friends!  

We are now Moscovites!

So, let me cut right to the chase.  We made it to Moscow.  Now, for the dirty details...

Saturday morning was the day we were to pick up Macy's passport.  We arrived a little later than planned and discovered that most of Eastern Europe was there to pick up their passport as well.  Looked like we were going to be in for quite a wait.  Much to my surprise (and to the others waiting in line) we jumped right to the front, pushed our way to the next window for help, verified that the information on the passport was correct, and off we went.  Just that quick!  It was back to the hotel to pack up and head to the train station.

This was the portion  of the trip that we were least excited about.  We based this on our last experience with Max.  It quite possibly was the longest 5 hours of our lives.  The crying, kicking and screaming was uncontrollable.  Would Macy act the same way?  There was only one way to find out.

The train we took this time was a high-speed train.  It took 4 hours (vs. 5 before) and the accommodations were much better.  We had 4 seats facing each other with a table in the middle, which made it easy for snacks, etc.

Macy did quite well for the first 3+ hours of the trip.  She ate, played and actually took an hour nap, which turned out to be the only one of the day (keep that in mind as you read on...).

Just about an hour outside of Moscow, the wheels fell off the bus.  There was nothing to do to console her.  Food? Toys? Drinks? Nothing.  Shelly and I couldn't get off the train fast enough.

As soon as the train stopped, we saw the familiar face of Ilya, our driver and translator.  He shuffled us and our bags off en route to our apartment that we have rented for the week.  Once settled in the apartment, we walked downstairs to a McDonalds. Surely that would calm the savage beast in Macy.  For the most part it did, but as usual, once the food was gone, she still wanted more.  I would put this girl up against Kobiashi in a Nathan's Hot Dog eating contest anyday.  She just doesn't stop.

From Micky D's, it wad back to the apartment to turn in for the night, something that all three of us needed very badly.

In the morning, we found the weather to be rather rainy, so we waited until after her nap to go out and explore.  The weather broke and it was warm and sunny, so we ventured a few blocks down to Red Square to see the sights.

I know we had been there before with Max, but it never ceases to amaze me that I am actually standing where so much history has been made.   From the iconic onion domes of St. Basil's, to the Kremlin wall, or Lenin's Tomb...it's all so surreal.  You've undoubtably see Red Square during a New Year's celebration, or seen the military parades thru Red Square.  There are communist dictators buried less than 50 feet from you.  Just amazing.  Clearly the highlight of our sightseeing.

So we walked back towards our apartment and stopped along the way at a grocery store.  I take that back...not just A grocery store...it is the fanciest grocery store I have ever seen.  We picked up some staples, then headed back to the apartment to meet with Ilya to go over some paperwork for tomorrow.

As for tomorrow, we have an 8:00am appointment at the medical clinic for Macy's exam.  I think we may do some paperwork at the US Embassy as well, in preparation for Macy's visa.  We shall see.

We have a tired little girl fast asleep in her bed next door, and two parents who are in need of some shut eye as well.  Tomorrow will be here before you know it!

Starting to notice some differences

If it weren't for her appearance, we'd really start to question Macy's genetic similarities to her brother. For starters, her appetite is 180 degrees opposite of Max.

For example, we went to dinner at our favorite Italian restaurant tonight, Caffe Italia. Once we were seated at our table, Macy received the non-verbal cue that it was time to eat. She fussed and fussed until our food arrived. I couldn't cut up her pasta quick enough. She scarfed down a huge helping and wanted more. In the mean time, I sampled her meal to discover that what we ordered was pretty spicy. Didn't stop her from seconds (and thirds). But, she didn't stop there. She had several bites of our pizza, and washed it all down with some gelato. Despite her overindulgence, she was less than happy once her bib came off. Lesson learned: if there is still food on the table, Macy still wants to eat. Summary? Portion control! As for Max, we couldn't bribe him with his favorite anything to get him to eat, if in fact he has a favorite.

One thing that Max truly loves is water, baths especially. Macy? Not so much. We figured that it was about time to give this kid what the baby home deems "a proper washing." Wouldn't you know it, as soon as she hit the water the protest started. It didn't stop until the drain plug was pulled. Needless to say, it was a quick one, and on to bed. But...not so fast.

What we didn't realize was how sugar might have an impact on her ability to turn in for the night. It's now 10:00pm, and the princess is still awake with no signs of giving up. We vowed to watch the sugar intake from here on out. Finally something in common with her brother!

So, tonight is our last night here in St. Petersburg.  Tomorrow afternoon, we catch a train to Moscow to complete our journey home.  I think I can honestly say that I have enjoyed my time here in St. Petersburg over the years, but hope this will be the last time here for many years to come.  Moscow, on the other hand, is one place that I have been looking foward to returning to someday.  Our last trip through was a quick one, and didn't allow us much opportunity to sightsee.  The beautiful weather combined  with the surplus of time on this trip should allow for us to take in a few more sites.  Now, let's just hope Macy doesn't take after her brother on the train ride as he was a HANDFUL!  Time will tell.

A slow day at the office

Not really much to report today. With nothing on our agenda, we didn't accomplish much.

After breakfast, we took a walk in a small park near the hotel just to burn off some energy. We ate lunch, had a nap, and then pulled out that dreadful stroller for a walk to the mall. The battles over the stroller are getting less and less. A good sign as we will be using it more and more throughout the trip.

The mall (or Galleria, as locals call it) is huge. Four stories of every shop imaginable. It is easy to tell what Russian women put as a priority...shoes, bathing suits, and underwear. Almost every store in the mall had those items front and center, if not a store dedicated to one or another.

No mall is complete without a food court, and no food court is complete without (you guessed it) a Mcdonald's. It just so happened to be the busiest place in the mall. Dozens upon dozens of St. Petersburg's youth lined up (if that's what you call it---nobody waits in lines in Russia) to sample a taste of Western culture. But, that didn't discourage us from waiting for some of Ronald's finest. Macy would not be denied the chance to partake in her first chicken nugget. And, boy, was she satisfied. Nuggets, cheeseburger, fries...she loved it all.

Naturally, all that food, shopping and fresh air wears a little girl out, so back to the hotel we went to turn in for the night. I'm sure she's dreaming of her next happy meal! Welcome to America, Macy. There's plenty more where that came from.

Girls...Bossy, but full of sweetness!

I don't proclaim to be an expert on girls after just 24 hours of parenting one, but I have noticed one big difference...they sure can be sweet, when they want to be!

In comparison to Max, Macy is just as content being held or sitting on Mom's lap as Max was knocking down a stack of blocks.  Just as inquisitive, but so much more snuggley.  With Max, we were able to spot his "horns" right away, but Macy is good about hiding them, if she has any at all. 

That being said, if she doesn't like something, she will let you know.  The stroller, for example, is something that she is getting used to.  The fits of anger are getting less and less when placed in the stroller, which is ironic because once she's in and moving about, she settles right down.  It probably doesn't hurt that Mom is holding her hand the entire time!

Our stroller adventure took us to a park nearby today.  There were swings, sand to play in, and miles of walking paths for us to enjoy.  Given the first opportunity to spring free from the confines of the dreaded stroller, Macy was off and running around the park.  She must have walked a mile around the paths, with very little desire to be carried, and definitely no desire to get back in that four-wheeled straight jacket.

It got to be pretty close to dinner time, and my keen sense of cuisine sensed a Pizza Hut about a block from the park.  It seemed to me that Macy was way overdue for a good ol' taste of Americana.  She ate about a half of a piece of pepperoni pizza and then decided she didn't want any more.  Not bad for her first time.  We wondered what the director at the baby home would have to say about that??? 

After dinner, it was back in her favorite mode of transportation for the walk back to the hotel.  Less of a battle this time, but still not enthralled.

A short amount of play and into her jammies before she started to rub her eyes...the international gesture for "put me to bed."  Shelly complied and off she went without a whimper.  And we aren't far behind her!

Special Delivery!

Just when you think you have everything figured out, you get a surprise. Sometimes for the good, sometimes for the bad. Today, it was for the good.

Oh, I don't want to make it out like it was smoothy sailing from the start, but comparatively speaking, we are off to a good start.

We arrived at Macy's baby home at 4:30pm with clothes, a couple of fans as a gift to the orphanage, and a sneaking suspicion that we were about to embark on an afternoon of peacekeeping. While Macy didn't completely let us down, she was rather content on the car ride home. It may have helped that she got to ride on Shelly's lap in lieu of a car seat. Her curiosity keep her eyes fixed on all the activity outside our car. She definitely was taking it all in.

Much like the reception I got at the orphanage visits, she preferred to keep me at a safe distance. I did get a few high fives and kisses blown my way during our trip.

We received her schedule today and were advised to stick with it. In an effort to maintain compliance, we fed her dinner (soup, bread, purred veggies, cheese and some juice). She prefers to dink out of a cup by herself, but when given a sippy-cup, she grasped the concept in no time. She ate almost everything that was put in front of her. Then it was pajama time and of to bed, both without incident. Just a couple of whimpers at first, but now she's fast asleep in her crib.

We submitted for her passport today, and as a result, will have it Saturday morning. Once we get it, we will be off for Moscow. Until then, we just fill the time. Maybe a walk to the park, or a little "retail therapy." Never too early to start that, right?

Final Trip

So, here we are...back at the Hotel Vera. Third and final trip to St. Petersburg, Russia. We now have made 6 flights back and forth to Russia in our lifetime. Something that I NEVER would have guessed I would have done if you asked me 5 years ago.

Not that a trip to Russia is "routine," but the trip seems to get shorter and shorter. When we landed in Amsterdam this time, some 7+ hours after takeoff from Detroit, it felt like we just boarded the plane. Perhaps a sign that this process is getting easier. We hope that the routine nature of our travel translates into a smooth transition for Macy.

Today is not only a big day for us, but a life- altering day for Macy. Life as she knows it is about to change, and looking through her narrow lens on life, it may not be a good one. Yes, she will come to appreciate the change after today, but all that she knows is about to get turned upside down, for which we have great empathy. The people she knows, the familiar language, the way food tastes, her daily routine, it's all about to change. Not an easy transition for such a little girl. But, what we hope she learns quickly is that she has two people who are dedicated to every move she makes for the rest of her life, a brother that wants to meet her very much, and more family and friends that she could ever imagine that will love her unconditionally.

Our schedule is to depart the hotel at noon in pursuit of the baby home. We anticipate some stops along the way, but shortly after, we will arrive at home as she knows it. As we did with Max, we will bring clothes for her to wear home, as her current wardrobe remains behind. I'm sure there will be celebratory pies for all of the works to enjoy, marking the departure of one of their little ones.

So, the next couple of days will be a big change for all of us, but one that I'm confident will be overshadowed by what's to come.

Another Major Milestone

The adoption journey has many milestones along the way, but today's ranks right up there at the top. All of the signatures, copies, notaries, certifications and apostilles that take several months to complete are all done for today...our day in court.

The proceedings are very formal, with representation on bealf of Macy from just about every governmental agency in Russia. They read her background and health report, as well as some information about us as potential parents. The judge then asks for recommendations from each party present before exiting the courtroom to prepare her final verdict. It was but a few minutes before she reentered and read aloud the words that we longed to hear since that call last September..."you are now parents and legal guardians of Macy Rose Gottschalk.". And with that, it's official. We are the proud parents of two beautiful children.

In the afternoon, we were able to visit with our new addition at the orphanage. Once again, we were greeted with a little girl who wished to stay with her caretaker rather than some strangers. But, it didn't take he long to remember the bag of toys from the day before, and she settled right down. In addition to the toys, she wanted nothing more than to be held and walk around, with occasional brake to swing, or play on the equipment.

Macy seems to be a real imitator. When prompted, she loves to give high fives, "pound the rock," and blow kisses. She even let out some real giggles as Shelly swung her back and forth in her arms. Just as predicted, her caretaker came and swooped her away for dinner and it was time for us to say "Baka,Baka.". The next time we see her, we will be picking her up to start our journey home, less than two weeks from now. Seems like yesterday wen picked Max up for the very same thing. Let's hope she kicks and screams less than her big brother did!

Medicals and Reunion

Bright and early this morning, we were off to get our medical checks at the University Clinic. After meeting with almost all of the same doctors we met with last time, they signed off that we are healthy enough to be parents. As part of the process, we met with the same psychologist as last time. He remembered us from two years ago. I'm not sure if that is a good thing or not, but he was the only one throughout this process that acknowledged our recidivism and simply signed off. Finally someone who recognized that this process tends to be more complicated than it needs to be given our recent adoption. We laughed because of all the people, he really could have dug into our preparedness. I guess we will take a reprieve anytime we can get one.

Our afternoon visit with Macy went better than expected. We remembered how much Max threw a fit upon our arrival for court and anticipated the same reception from her. She didn't disappoint, but warmed up much quicker than he did.

Since the weather here is so nice, we had our visit outside today. We walked around a path until she felt comfortable enough to play on some of the equipment on the grounds. She really enjoyed the swings, which is where we spent the majority of the time playing.

Before long, she began to interact with us and smile as we played peek-a-boo and teased her. We would tap on the seat of the swing, and she would tap back, saying "tap, tap, tap.". She loved to give high-fives as she swung back and forth. At one point, I think she even broke out in song.

Tomorrow, we have our court date. We will prepare for that tonight without translator. After court tomorrow, we will visit her once again and hope for another warm reception.

3 Months Later...

Almost 3 months ago to the day, Shelly and I enjoyed a gelato at our favorite Italian restaurant here in St. Petersburg.  During that dinner, we discussed how quickly we could get back here to bring Macy home for good.  There was a short list of documents that we needed to get completed in order to secure a court date.  Certainly a task that could be done in a hustle.  Our biggest hurdle we faced was a couple of weeks of holidays in May, but we thought we could get back before then.  Wrong, again.

The good news is that we are here, just a little later than anticipated.  Not by much, but days seem like weeks when you left with nothing but ambiguity.  Once we got a court date, everything else began to fall into place.

We arrived back in St. Petersburg today to find grass and leaves.  Something we hadn't seen on our last trip.  The temperature is somewhere in the mid to high 70's.  A stark contrast to March's weather. 

Bright an early, tomorrow, we will head off to the medical clinic/hospital for our medical checks.  Just like our medicals with Max's adoption, we anticipate being poked and prodded to prove our worthiness as parents.  One of the uncomfortable realities of this process. 

After our exams, we will head off to the orphanage where we will be anxious to see how much Macy has changed over the last three months.  Did they cut her hair (what little she has)?  Did she get taller?  Is she talking Russian yet?  And, most importantly, will she be excited to see us?  Or even remember us???

Our experience with Max's reunion was less than warm.  Let's hope round two goes better. 

Here's our schedule for the week:

Medicals and Visitation on Wednesday
Court (and Visitation???) on Thursday
Visitation???? on Friday
Depart on Saturday
Arrive home on Sunday

The following week, it's back to St. Petersburg, then to Moscow, then home...for good!

Women's Day Celebration

Tomorrow is a national holiday in Russia, Women's Day.  While we don't completely understand the meaning behind this holiday, it seems to be no more than a day to celebrate the important women in your life.  The people of St. Petersburg were in full celebration tonight, with nights out on the town, complete with dinner and flowers...and lots of them.

As we looked around the restaurant tonight, there were predominatly women present, and very few men.  In fact, I think I was the only male in the place most of the evening.  All the ladies had fresh flowers on their tables, presumable given by the other women present.  They ranged from small bouquets to tall vases with the longest stem roses one has ever seen. 

In lieu of flowers, we celebrated in our own way by splitting some of the best Gelato outside of Italy at our new favorite dining spot in St. Pete, Caffe Italia.

We had good reason to celebrate.  Today marks the end of our first trip of three in this adoption journey.  Much like our inital meeting with Max, it is sad to say good bye (or, do svidaniya) to Macy, but it is easy to find comfort in the fact that she is so happy and well adjusted to her current surroundings.

Every day so far, Macy has come to see us with some sort of hat on her head.  She enters the room, removes it, and goes about her play.  Like clockwork, as it gets close to the time her caretaker is to come sweep her away, she grabs her hat, attempts to put it on, and waves "paka, paka."  Without a doubt, she had fun with us, but it was time for her to get back to her routine, one that we anticipate she will stuggle loosing once we get custody.  So, for now, we know that she is happy, and certainly well cared for by the wonderful women at the orphanage.

We anticipate being back in 2 to 3 months for our court date, and are already speculating on how much Macy will change by the time we see her.  We couldn't have picked a better day to say, "see you later" than on a day to celebrate an important female in your life, as she is now the most important little lady in ours.

A Thaw over St. Petersburg

Today was a day of warming up.  When we woke up, the sun was shining bright.  Something we haven't seen in quite awhile.  The temperature was well above freezing, and the mounds of snow and ice-covered sidewalks were beginning to melt.  All signs pointed to today being a great day.

When we arrived at the orphange, we were once again greeted with a happy little girl, dressed up in her finest clothes.  The minute her caretaker put her down, she runs to Shelly with a huge smile, arms stretched wide. 

Keeping consistent with the weather, she was beginning to warm up to me as well.  She now seems comfortable leaving the familiar confines of Shelly's arms to venture across the room to see me.  I'm able to pick her up, toss her into the air a couple of times, and set her down, before she's ready to go back to where she seems most secure.  Progress, anyway you look at it.

We are starting to see more and more of her personality come out with each visit.  Like her brother, she gets irritated when she doesn't get her way.  They both have a way of working us.

As for Max, we were able to Skype with him last night.  It seems like forever since we have seen him, and can't wait to get home to deliver on that hug we promised. 

Most people we have dealt with here in Russia are aware that we have Macy's brother, and ask to see picture of him.  They all agree just how much they resemble each other.  We can hardly wait for the day that get to meet.  Let's just hope that Max warms up to her as quickly as she warmed up to us.

Day 2 of visits

We made it "official" today, as we signed paperwork indicating our intent to adopt.  It was a pretty seamless process, with just three documents to sign.  While at the notary office, we met two other American families who are adopting as well.  One of which was adopting a girl from the same orphanage as Max.  Our conversation brought back so many memories from just two short years ago.  I know I've said this a hundred times, but it seems like yesterday we were here meeting Max for the first time.  However, looking at how far he has come in his developement, it seems like light years ago.  I have to believe that a couple of years down the road we will be saying the same thing about Macy.

Our visits with Macy were both very good, as she continues to so signs of affection to each of us.  Without a doubt, she is a "Mama's girl," but we will see how long that will last.  By the end of the day today, she was walking across the room to interact with me on her own.  This was a big step forward for her, as she has had little male influence in her life.  She loves to give high fives and imitate any hand movements that you do.  I'm counting on a hug by the week's end, but not holding my breath.

No matter what, it is great to see her little face light up everytime she sees Shelly.  Someday, she will figure out how to use that to her advantage with Dad.

So, a couple visits tomorrow (Friday), and one more on Saturday and then it is time to come home and get busy on the completion of our paperwork to get back here for court.  It won't be long until we officially make it official!

Deja vu

sToday was a day of, "been there, done that."  Not in a negative way, just a seemed to be a flashback to our first trip in 2009. 

We started the day at the Family Services offices, meeting in the same building, in the same office, with the same lady we met when we were presented with Max's paperwork.  We were read her background information, which included a complete medical background, and a description of her demeanor.  She was described as "emotional and active," much like her brother.  The lady from Family Services began to laugh.  Since our Russian is well below par, we were confused as to her reaction.  Katia, our translator, informed us that she was laughing because she looked up Max's picture in her system, and she was amazed how much she resembled Max.  The Family Services worker then turned her computer monitor towards us, and we were able to see for ourselves for the first time.  She wasn't kidding!

Again, this overwhelming feeling of deja vu swept over us.  There was no denying that this was Max's sister.  It was like we were looking at Max in a dress (with blue eyes).  The hairline was the same, the smile was the same...we couldn't help but laugh.

After a few more formalities at the Family Services office, we were off to the orphange to meet her.

This orphanage is in a different part of the city than Max's, but in similar surroundings.  The orphanage sits in the middle of many high-rise apartment buildings and is surrounded by a gate.  The condition of the orphange is much the same as the last, clean and well kept.  We donned our blue plastic shoe covers (as before) and headed inside.  Even the smell of the day's lunch brought back so many memories. 

We met with the director of the orphanage who provided a very detailed medical history, which concluded with a healthy report.  Before we knew it, in walked this beautiful little girl wearing a dress and a white hat, which I would loosly describe as a beret with a bow.  We were expecting some tears, or crying, but she seemed very much at home with us in the room.  We played with blocks, and some stuffed toys for an hour and a half and never saw a tear.  Finally a stark difference from our first meeting with Max, as he cried most of our visit.

Our visit concluded and we were off to lunch and run some errands, we were back for the afternoon visit.  Much like the morning, we played and laughed and never saw a tear.  She seems quite comfortable with us, but more so with Shelly.

We had to make one important decision today, and that was a name for this little girl.  This has been a subject of debate in the Gottschalk household for some time.  Now, our backs were against the wall.  The preverbial fork in the road.  So, with much debate, we both agreed on a name.  Macy Rose Gottschalk.  Macy, because Shelly likes it (and me too), and Rose, in honor of her Grandmother, Rosalie Eileen. 

So, with day 1 in the books, we are back to our hotel room to try and figure out where to have dinner.  Just like before.

Picking up where we left off...

In many respects, it seems like yesterday that we were in St. Petersburg.  The all too familiar sights and sounds of this busy city have barely left our memories.  The sound of the studded tires on the pavement, the mass amount of traffic, the inability to read a sign, or understand a conversation...nothing has changed.
 
However, some things are different this trip.  For starters, the weather is much colder.  There is snow on the ground, and lots of it.  As a matter of fact, this season has broken a 100 year record for the amount of snowfall.  Also, we are staying in a different hotel in a differnet part of town.  As a result, we have no idea where to find some of our favorite places to eat.  Our first order of business is to locate a grocery store, and navigate the isles in search of items to stock the hotel room.  Fortunatley for us, there is one right across the street.

As for our hotel, it is much like the Andersen Hotel from our last trip; clean, modest accomodations.  For those of you who have been on a cruise before, envision the quarters from your stateroom.  That is our room for the week.  Not a lot of room to run around.

The running around that we will do will start tomorrow morning.  We will be wisked-off to the governmental equivelent to our social services to be presented with an official referral on Max's sister, however, we are not supposed to know that she is in fact related.  Crazy, I know, but welcome to adoptions in Russia.

Once we have been presented her background information, which will include any medical history, etc, we will then head off to the orphange to meet her for the first time.  I don't think we really know what to expect.  I keep envisioning a younger, female version of Max walking through the door tomorrow.  One thing will be certain, she will be tired of see the flash of a camera after our visit! 

So, until then, we will dine on the Pringles we picked-up in Amsterdam, and hope to get some sleep tonight.  Our biological clocks keep telling us that it not time to sleep, since it is the middle of the day.  Our travel alarm clock tells us otherwise.

It's go time!

We got the call. We will be heading out soon. More details to follow.