Gotcha Day Recap

Hazy sunrise in Ekaterinburg, May 13, 2009

We knew Wednesday would be hectic but had no way of knowing what an understatement that would be.

The day started at 8:45am and we didn't stop running until we sat in the car on the way to the airport at 8:00pm. The day was full of going to Vital Records to get Kristina's Adoption Certificate, then we were off to another office to get her Birth Certificate. We went to Aeroflot and bought Kristina's airline ticket (needed copy of her birth certificate before we could get her ticket...) to Moscow. It was official --- had a ticket in her name for Wednesday night!

Around noon we stopped at a children's store (directly across from the Park Inn --- great for clothes and toys and reasonable!! Now we find it.....). We needed to buy a light jacket for Kristina as the only jacket we had was a ski parka --- and it was 75 degrees! (Jacket and hat still needed for children to avoid the "glares" and unsolicited assistance from strangers to cover your child up.)

Children's store directly behind & across the street from the Park Inn

While starting to pack, we received a call from our agency that the VISA Photo Office at the US Embassy in Moscow was closed on Friday so we had to run to the Passport Office to get Kristina's Passport and then go directly to the orphanage to pick up Kristina prior to getting her VISA photo. They would be picking us up in 5 minutes. Ahhhhh! JD was going to stay at the apartment while I went to the Passport office but since we had to go directly to the Orphanage afterwards, this meant we had 5 minutes to pack up as much as possible and head out to get our girl.

Upon arriving at the orphanage, we saw Anna and Albert playing with little Albert in the yard. It was a nice welcoming! Kristina was playing inside with her friends and ran up to us immediately. Our orphanage is pretty strict about seeing the living quarters of the children and taking photos of other kids. The director gave the ok so I was allowed to quickly go into the Grupa area to take some pictures of the play area and sleeping room. Jon had to wait outside...

Kristina's bed is #8, directly to the left of the bed with pink sheets. You'll see underwear placed on the side of each bed.

Play area and eating tables for Grupa #5

We dressed Kristina up ridding her of the clothes she was so used to. She was so cute saying "Paka-Paka" (bye-bye) to her friends and caregivers but I'm sure she had no idea that this was the last "Paka-Paka" she'd be saying to them. We thanked the caregivers and waved to the children. I had tears in my eyes -- hopeful for the children left behind and so happy to finally have our daughter.

What a grin!

Leaving the doors of Grupa #5

And walking out of Orphanage #6, Department #2...for good this time!!!

The car ride...a whole new world out there to explore!

The first photo office was closed so we drove around looking for another one. Not getting a VISA picture meant our leave date would be pushed from Saturday to Tuesday so I could see the sweat brewing on our agency rep's brow.

We finally got her picture, made it back to the apartment by 7:30 and had 1/2 hour finish packing. We had our first "meltdown" around 7:45pm. Some scrambled eggs and yougart did the trick. JD is now the world's fastest short-order cook for a 2-year old!

The ride to the airport was uneventful and Kristina did great on the plane. She slept the last 60 minutes of the 2+ hour flight which was GREAT.

Running onto the airplane with Papa!

Enjoying a quiet moment with a biscuit and Mama.

Finally...sleeping soundly.

We arrived at our apartment in Moscow Wednesday night around midnight. We got settled in and went to bed by 1am. We had requested a crib but oh, no.....Kristina would have absolutely nothing to do with it. We brought her to bed with us where she took 90 minutes to finally fall asleep.

When she did fall asleep, I just couldn't take my eyes off of her. Nothing quite like the peacefulness of a sleeping child ~ our child!