We can go home now!

This morning we finished our last official business at the US Embassy.  It is what they call your exit interview, but actually is just final paperwork processing and getting the visa in Juliana's passport.  We again met the other couple from our agency that traveled on the  train with us.  While Bill was checking in at the appropriate window, I sat down with a sleeping Juliana in the waiting area.  I first heard a guy with a southern accent speaking English.  When I looked I saw he had a little girl with him.  I then realized this waiting area was all adoptive families.  It quickly became a meet and greet.  Kids playing, parents sharing their adoption stories and eagerness to get home.  The employees were very friendly and efficient so everything went smoothly.  One thing we learned today was that if you adopted a son, and because they have dual US and Russian citizenship, when they are between the ages of 18 and 36 they are eligible for the Russian military draft.  If they come back to Russia during that time they can be drafted.  I am sure glad we have a girl!

After the embassy, we went to Red Square.  We saw the Kremlin and St. Basil's Cathedral.  It was very pretty.  The weather was chilly with wind and light snow.  We made it a brief visit but glad we saw it.

Juliana did great today.  On the way to the embassy, she fell asleep in the car.  Again, on the way back to the hotel from Red Square, she fell asleep.  We may have a car sleeper after all.  She is still sleeping on the bed.  We were afraid to wake her getting all her snow gear off.  It is halfway off so we put her in the middle of the bed.  I am keeping a close eye on her.
We will spend the rest of the day getting organized for tomorrow.  We are hoping maybe she will be a plane sleeper too!  However she does, we will get through it.  Whatever it takes to bring our sweet girl home. 

Having fun with Daddy in Red Square.  She would not keep her mittens on today.

First shoulder ride with Daddy.  She loved it!

St. Basil's Cathedral

How we made it to Moscow.

As promised here are some of the details of yesterday.  Before getting on the road, Juliana made one more trip to the gym.  I guess she wanted to burn off the Christmas calories.

Eating a cookie in the gym!  I'm not sure that is really working it off.

Then we were ready to go.  Our dear driver, Alex, was scheduled to pick us up.  He was there but his van was not working.  He brought his son, Ilya, to drive us.  We packed all we could in Ilya's Nissan.  Only the stroller would not fit so Alex walked to the train station with it.  The station is close, you can see it from our hotel.  Alex's car troubles actually worked out great for this trip because the two of them hauled all our luggage into the station, waited with us until it was time to board, and then loaded all of our luggage on board.  We were so appreciative for their help.  Alex is yet another friend we made in Russia.  He looks like a big, serious man but he really is a kind and generous soul.

We had a big surprise as we approached the train to board.  I was pushing Juliana in the stroller, following Alex, Ilya & Bill.  All of a sudden I see a girl that I know coming from the door of the train. It was Vera.  She had come to see us off!  She had gone to the hotel but found out we had checked out 7 minutes earlier.  So she ran to the train station!  I told you she had a heart of gold.  By the way, we gave her a gold heart necklace which she showed me she was wearing.  She had just finished one of her final exams and  was excited that she passed.  Again, she expressed her sorrow for us leaving.  We invited her to visit us anytime.  I gave her a big hug telling her how much she meant to us.  She and I just welled up with tears.  It was a wonderful send off.

Our surprise visit with Vera

The couple we met at our court date (they had their court hearing just before us) was in the same train car as us.  We visited with them for a while.  It was nice to talk to someone, not only in English, but sharing a similar experience.  Juliana was curious about the train.  She wanted to check it all out, walk the aisles, "read" all the pamphlets and magazines.  When the food cart came around she was pleased to get her sippy cup refilled, liked the children's appetizer of bread, cheese and fruit.  But then the entree came out - chicken and potatoes for children.  For some reason she did not like it and she was furious.  "How dare they feed me this!"  A meltdown ensued.  She could not even calm down enough to consider another option.  I had moved to the back of the car.  My lame attempt to not disturb other passengers.  This Russian speaking man came over to us and started talking to Juliana.  She was still crying and he motioned for me to hand her to him!  Oh sure Mr. Stranger on the train, take my child.  I'm sure you can calm her down better than her own parents!  Bill saw this going on and he immediately came to the rescue.  The man left and next thing you know this elderly lady came over to start singing to Juliana.  We didn't mind that so much.  It is very interesting that the local people are very quick to offer their opinion on parenting.  The other couple on the train said they were shamed into buying snow boots for their son by the locals!  Juliana settled down, ate a banana, and looked out the window before taking a nap for the rest of the ride.

Enjoying the view from the train.

Our driver met us at the train to help us to the car.  He had a car seat in the back seat but since Juliana has never been in one we didn't feel this was the time to try it out.  The three of us and a car seat were closely seated in the back seat.  Once again what should have been a 20 minute ride turned in to 2 hours.  We felt so bad for Juliana.  She was tired and surely hungry at this point.  About an hour into the ride she got sick all over her, me and even Bill a bit.  Poor baby.  And then she passed out sleeping.  I think it was either being overheated or car sick.  We had been told that she would be having a medical exam for the embassy that evening.  As we are sitting in traffic, the doctor calls our driver to say he is waiting in the lobby.  Fortunately, when we finally arrived at the hotel, the doctor said he would give 15 minutes to clean her up.  The doctor was nice and his exam did not take long at all.  Which was a good thing.  We were all hungry and tired.  Plus, Bill needed to run out for some food staples for Juliana.  I had to unpack a few things and wash her snowsuit.  Needless to say, we were happy to climb into bed.

This morning Bill had to go to the embassy for our first appointment to get Juliana's travel visa.  He said it was a smooth, easy process.  While he was gone, Juliana and I went to breakfast and explored the lobby.  She has done very well thus far with our change of scenery.  The room has a huge window she has enjoyed looking through.  She only woke up once during the night and took a good nap today. 

In the hotel lobby.

Amazed by the huge window in the hotel room.



Back in Moscow

Just wanted to give you a quick update to let you know we made it to Moscow.  It was a long day but we are happy to be here.  Will try to give details tomorrow.

Christmas Day

Today we spent a very special although quiet Christmas together.  It is funny being in a different country on a holiday they don't celebrate on the same day.  Here it is celebrated during their New Year holidays starting December 31st and lasting for 10 days.  Yet Santa Claus knew we were here and made a stop for us.  When we opened our door this morning there was a stocking filled with cookies, candy, and fruit! At breakfast we were greeted with "Merry Christmas!"  We were speaking to another of the nice young men that works in the restaurant, Alexander.  Bill said, in a loving fatherly way, that Juliana looked like a Christmas elf in her outfit.  Alexander said " No, she is a beautiful princess.  She is our princess."  He went on to say that everyone that works here knows her.  She is the only child in the hotel and they all know about her.  Oh, I'm sure they do. They have heard her squeal, giggle, sing, chatter and cry for 10 days now!  Truly we thought it was very sweet.

We enjoyed opening cards from our family.  They had been tucked away in our suitcase.  It was a little piece of home in each card.  After Juliana's nap we took a little walk because the sun was partially shining! A Christmas miracle!  I returned to the hotel to pack while Bill took Juliana for a walk in the mall.  All in all we enjoyed a nice day.  It was more than we needed having already received our greatest gift.

Also, here are some photos of the beautiful gingerbread displays we have seen during our stay.

This one had a fence all the way around until Juliana saw it. 

Christmas Eve

As I write this I am looking out the window watching it snow.  It is Christmas Eve and we are in Saint Petersburg, Russia.  At times it is still rather surreal that we are here.  I think back to Christmas last year.  We told our families that we were starting this journey.  Now, one year later, here we are a family of three.  In just 5 days we will bring our daughter home.  What a year it has been!  I know I keep saying it but we are blessed beyond words by this precious girl.  Her wide smile, big soulful eyes, that sweet giggle, the tilt of her head when she talks to you, and her pride when she shows you her belly button.  All of this and more brings us joy each day.

The big news of yesterday was we received Juliana's passport and all the final documents we need for our embassy appointments in Moscow.  We will take the train there Monday.  Staying at our hotel for so long, we have gotten to know most of the staff very well.  They have all been nice but our favorite has been Vera.  She is a sweet, 18 year old girl that works in the restaurant.  We saw her nearly every morning.  She would get Bill a latte as soon as we sat down.  She would explain to the cook at the egg station that I wanted egg whites.  One day this past week, when she realized I didn't feel well, she brought me some aspirin.  When she realized Juliana loved bananas, she started giving us a bag of them every few days.  But more than all that she is a kind, young girl who has a dream.  She left her parents and little brother some 500 kilometers away to study tourism management at the university.  Her hope is that one day she will see the world.  She told me the other day that she loved my family and our daughter and that she would miss us.  Today we gave her a gift to show our gratitude and said our goodbyes.  With a sad face she said she wished we didn't have to go.  When we returned to our room, there was a gift for us from her.  She gave Juliana a little stuffed bear and Christmas ornaments for us.  I don't know what it was exactly about this young lady that touched our hearts, but she truly did.  I hope she sees all her dreams come true.  I know mine have. 

Here we are with Vera.

Little Miss after her bath.  All ready for Santa!

Thankful Thursday

Just wanted to give a quick update.  We are still fighting colds around here.  Bill is much improved, now I seem to have the worst of it.  Bill has been amazing.  We both took a nap when Juliana took hers.  He let his two girls sleep a little longer,  while he prepared Juliana's lunch, and even had a fresh diaper waiting for her.  He continues to show me what I've known for a very long time: He is an incredible person, a wonderful husband, and a fantastic dad.  So today I'm thankful for Bill.  Thankful that together we are a great team.  Thankful that we are parents to this precious girl.  And I am thankful that one week from today we will be heading home.  We miss our family and friends more than we can express.
I know Juliana's followers need their daily photo fix so here she is.  Our bread-loving beautiful girl!

Making Progress

Things have been quite low key the last couple of days.  We all have colds.  Bill especially has been feeling the worst with a really bad sore throat.  Today, thankfully, we are feeling a little better.

We are amazed by Juliana each and every day.  She is handling everything so well.  She is taking 1 or 2 naps a day and sleeping great at night.  She will fall asleep on my lap and then I put her in the crib.  Sometimes she wakes up when I do this, but with a little comfort and reassurance she goes back to sleep.  She may wake up once during the night for a diaper change, but goes back down fairly easily.  We could not ask for a better eater.  She loves to eat and has been happy with almost everything we offer her.  Vegetables, meat or chicken, yogurt, bananas, cheese, just about anything.  And BREAD!!  Our girl can eat some bread.  She would love to have the entire roll in her hands.  We have learned she now gets it last.  It is her dessert!  She also loves her stroller which thrills us.  Sometimes she climbs into it even when we are not going anywhere.  But when we are going somewhere and we open that hotel room door she squeals with delight.  If we are out for a meal she will stay in it to eat.  We still have to work on getting her comfortable in a high comfortable in a high chair. 
She says Dada and Mama.  I wasn't sure if she using them in reference to us or just saying them.  The other day I was holding her when I took a picture of Bill.  She saw him on the camera screen and said "Dada!".  Another time she looked into a bag holding bananas and said "nanas" 
She responds to her name when we say it.  Again, I have to say she amazes us!  She has learned what in the room is not for her to play with-such as the phone, garbage can, Daddy's paperwork.  She will walk by something she shouldn't have pointing and shaking her finger at it.  I guess she is having a little conversation with herself about it!

We are thankful for her every day.  We are blessed God chose us to be her Mommy and Daddy.  We can not wait to get home with her.  To continue our life as a family. 

We also want to wish our family and friends a Happy Hanukkah!  Especially Grandma Carol, Aunt Cindy, Aunt Barbara and cousins Jake & Rachel!  We love you all very much!

After breakfast today we went to the hotel gym just for some new scenery  for Juliana without having to bundle up to go outside.  She had a blast!  She decided to work off some of that bread!  Don't worry the treadmill was not on. 

Apparently, we need to work on our table manners...

A day of firsts.

Today we shared many things for the first time.

Amazing bed head.

First time in a stroller.  Here we are practicing in the room, later Bill took her on a trip around the hotel.

She wore a bow, and a pair of jeans that she loved.  Also, cute pink shoes. 

Then she had her first meal outside of our hotel room.  Woohoo!

She did enjoy it although it doesn't look like it in this picture.

She is just intent on her next bite of food.

She even tried the highchair.  Of course, not to eat in just to play.

Just a few of the things we will try for the first time, together.

First full day with our girl.

Gotcha Day went quite well.  We were picked up at 12:30.  We first went to a notary office to sign more documents.  Then to purchase the 2 cakes that the baby home was expecting.  Finally, we could go get our girl.  When we got there one of the caregivers came out to the waiting area to get her new clothes.  We did not get to go back in her group.  I was somewhat disappointed because I wanted to express my gratitude to those women.  I did include a card with our personal thanks, translated to Russian, in each of the gifts we gave the caregivers.  I only hope they grasp our sincerity.  Soon they brought Juliana to us.  All bundled up and ready to go.  We took her and out the door we went.  Seriously, we must have been in a hurry because we made it to the car only to realize we left our bag and my purse in the baby home.  I guess we took with us all we really wanted!

Juliana did great for most of the car ride.  A little fussing here and there, but near the end she lost it.  We could tell she was getting hot.  Bill understands.  He wears a short sleeve shirt every day because it is so hot in every building.  The locals look at him like he is nuts!  As soon as we arrived at the hotel and stepped out into the cool air, she stopped crying.  We got to our room, took off her knitted hat and her head was soaked.  So we stripped her down to her diaper and onesie.  She was a happy girl.  She has probably never been able to be barefoot.  She played, explored our room, and ate very well.  Of course, she missed her afternoon nap because of all the excitement.  By bedtime, boy oh boy, she was exhausted.  She struggled to go to sleep and was very upset.  Bill and I took turns holding her and walking her around.  After close to an hour, she surrendered to Bill.  And then she slept through the night.  11 hours.  We were so happy for her.  I , on the other hand, did not.  I slept but woke often to make sure I could hear her.  Fortunately, each time I did she would sigh or make a sound so that I knew she was alright.

Checking out the bed with Daddy.

Yummy lunch.

Today, was another good day.  She took a bottle with milk this morning.  We were not sure if she would since she has been off a bottle since 6 months of age.  She ate good at all her meals.  Bill has been her chef.  Preparing all her bottles, sippy cups, morning cereal, and yummy lunch too.  She easily took her morning nap.  She climbed up on my lap, put her thumb in her mouth and was out.  She slept in her crib for 1.5 hours.  Bill went to apply for Juliana's passport.  He was only gone a couple of hours.  Juliana and I played while he was away.

Who needs toys to have fun!

This evening we decided to get takeout.  We all went to get some fresh air.  Juliana did great!  She look bright eyed at all the people and lights.  It started to rain a little so she & I waited in the hotel lobby while Bill ran back to get the food.  The hotel has these very stiff security guards that Bill & I have been greeting cheerfully each day.  Well, Juliana jumped on our bandwagon.  She broke the guard down a bit and he gave us a slight smile.  That's our girl.  Full of charm!  Tonight was much better for sleeping.  She quietly played after her bath.  When she was ready, she climbed up on my lap and eventually fell asleep.  It looks like we are figuring each other out a bit more each day. 

Introducing...

We are thrilled to introduce you to our daughter, Juliana Kent.

She is named Juliana in honor of Bill's father, Julius.  Although I never had the pleasure of meeting him, through the years Bill has told me so much about him.  All his stories reflect his Dad's warm, kind and loving nature.  Julius was a patient father, who listened to his children, all the while having fun.  We pray that the memory of Julius will live in his precious granddaughter and that she will possess his beautiful attributes.
Her middle name is after my mother, Kent.  Yes, her name is Kent.  My mother is named after her great grandmother's maiden name.  So Juliana is also named after her great great great grandmother.  I am blessed to have a mom who truly shows me, and all of her family, unconditional love.  When she met Bill, she loved him as much as her own.  She is thoughtful and generous.  I am blessed to have a beautiful relationship with her.  When Bill and I started this journey, he gave me a bracelet that says "Mothers and daughters share an everlasting bond".  I have worn it everyday of our trip.  That is my prayer for our sweet girl.  That we will have our own special relationship.

From Dad

I promise...

    to put your needs ahead of my own

    to unconditionally love

    to consider your feelings

    to listen

    to be there

    to protect

    to allow you to grow and be special

    to teach

    to encourage

    to provide

    to practice patience

Love,

Dad

What a difference a week makes!

Today we had to take Little Miss to have her passport photo taken again!  We were concerned about this outing after the stressful experience she had the first time around.  Today our prayers were answered!  Our sweet girl handled it beautifully.  Bill & I took charge of the process today.  I carried her to the car and held her the entire time.  She calmly looked out the window and smiled at her Daddy in the backseat.  Once we arrived at the photo shop, we took our time getting her ready, slowly removing her hat and jacket.  She sat on the chair and looked right at the camera.  Not a single tear was shed.  We were so proud of our brave girl.  While we waited for the photos to be printed we gave her a teething biscuit.  She was quite happy.  She is so funny.  With every bite she smiles and coos as if it is the first time she has ever tasted it.  The entire time in the shop she remained happy and curious, watching all the people coming in and out.  On the car ride back, she again looked out the window.  Finally she rested her head on my chest.  This was the first time our busy girl has relaxed for this amount of time.  Again, we are so proud of her.  It brings me to tears to think how scary all of this can be for our little girl.  Today, was another sign of progress.
We also had a chance to speak to the doctor of the baby home.  She confirmed our daughter's schedule, diet, medical information, as well as a bit more information on her birth parents.  The doctor told us more about the summer home this particular baby home owns.  For about 2.5 months in the summer, they all go to live on a property in the country near the Gulf of Finland.  There the weather is better and the children are able to spend their days outdoors.  The doctor was warm and friendly.
After our visit, we went to the baby store to stock up for Little Miss.  We then enjoyed a nice meal with our driver and translator.  Our driver loves a meal and we can always count on him to choose a good restaurant.  Today was no exception.  We went to Sadko.  It is located across from the Mariinsky Theatre.  This theatre has the best ballet and opera in the city.  It is beautiful.  The restaurant was lovely as well.  It had large red chandeliers in the dining rooms.  The food was delicious.  They serve a mix of traditional Russian cuisine and some international meals.  The name Sadko comes from a Russian folk hero. 
So the countdown is winding down.  One more visit with Little Miss tomorrow.  Friday we get to leave the baby home with our daughter!

Tuesday

I started another day at the gym.  Our hotel has a nice gym.  In all the times I have been only once was there someone else.  I must say it is quite nice to have it to yourself, no waiting for a machine or weight.  But I do miss my "gym girls".  Working out is not quite the same without our chatter.
When we arrived to the baby home today we were surprised to see our coordinator was there.  She was planning our big departure with the baby home director!  Yeah!  We spent our visit with Little Miss in the tiny room.  She was again a busy girl pulling everything off the shelf, going through our bag, enjoying water from her sippy cup.  She discovered a box in the corner of the room with small plastic jars.  We let her have one.  That entertained her for a long time.  Just wait until she gets her hands on the tupperware cabinet at home!
After our coordinator finished her meeting she came to visit with us.  She was with us the first day we met Little Miss.  On that day she was immediately interested in our coordinator.  I'm sure because she was speaking a language she understood.  Today Little Miss only wanted to look at her from the safety of mine or Bill's arms.  To us it felt like a glimmer of progress.
The baby home is starting to decorate for the holiday season.  As we were leaving our little room we noticed a new years decoration hanging from the ceiling in the hallway.  We showed it to our girl and she smiled.  We lifted her up so she could touch it.  She had such a look of wonder as she stared at it.  Just in awe of something she had never seen before.  We are so looking forward to see that face more often as she discovers more wonders in our world.
Afterwards, we went to a large bookstore that sold books in Russian and English.  I found a book of traditional Russian fairy tales in English.  Bill wasn't real excited about it since he said fairy tales can be scary.  He said choose one to read to see if it is scary before we buy it.  So I flipped open the book and started reading, "Once upon a time there was a couple named Ivan and Maria.  They lived together for a long time in harmony and loved each other.  Everything would have been fine, but they had one great sorrow.  They were starting to grow old and still had no children.  They wanted a daughter."  I looked up at Bill who was wide eyed.  Needless to say we bought the book!
Tonight we tried a Spanish restaurant called Los Torres.  It was very good.  I had dorado.  I think it was one of the best fish dishes I have had on the trip. 

Counting the days!

We were reunited with our girl today!  We played with her in her group's playroom.  She wanted to see all the books on the shelves.  She loved playing with Daddy today as he lifted her in the air, blew on her belly, and ran after her all over the room!  The room we are in also has a desk and cabinets.  Today our inquisitive girl wanted to look in every nook and cranny!  We learned it is certainly not baby proofed as we quickly hid marbles, coins, and other small objects from Little Miss.  Before we knew it we bad to say our Paka Paka's.  As we walked by the large play room window on our way out she gave us another wave goodbye.  She is such a love!
Afterwards, we stopped in a shopping area.  Our driver said he would wait at the car for us.  When we returned, we noticed a police car with flashing lights near our vehicle.  Once we were loaded in our driver received a knock on his window from the police.  We quickly noticed this was a different experience from home.  Our driver got out of the car to have a discussion with the officer.  The officer said he was parked illegally, our driver explained he had been told by another officer it was permitted.  This went on for some time.  Eventually, it appeared to us he was going to receive a ticket.  We waited but then things appeared to take a turn.  Another officer arrived, his lights also flashing.  Next thing we see our driver getting in to the police car, but on his own.  He stayed in the squad car for nearly 30 minutes!  We didn't know what was going on.  We started planning what we would do if they carted him off- hide in the car, sneak out and walk back to the hotel.  Finally, our driver returned with a $9 ticket!  He apologized profusely.  We asked why it took so long and he said "Oh he had to write up the ticket".  That did not seem too time effective for $9!  Bill said that parking ticket would be an entire episode of Cops!
Tonight, we went to a sushi restaurant.  Bill was a happy man.  When we returned to the room the crib had arrived for our Little Miss.  The countdown is really on now.  Three more visits and then we get to bring "home" our daughter.  We can not wait to be a family of three!

The Weekend.

We enjoyed a nice weekend.  On Saturday, Bill & I along with our driver and translator went to Pushkin.  The area had it's first snow of the season the night before and it was beautiful.  There were lots of families with excited children throwing snowballs and playing in the snow.  We toured the Catherine Palace, the summer palace of Russian Tsars.  It was built in the 1750's.  The palace was magnificent and completely over the top.  There was so much gold leaf - I think they said they used over 200 pounds of gold.  Probably the most well-known room is the amber room.  Every inch of wall space in this room is covered with amber of all shades.  It's rather beautiful.

The band that welcomed us to the Catherine Palace.  They played Jingle Bells!

Here we are with the palace behind us.  It is very long.

The Great Hall

I told you there was a ton of gold!

The exterior

 Next we went to Pavlovsk Palace.  This home was a gift from Catherine the Great to her son, Paul I.  The palace and property were beautiful.  Somewhat subdued compared to Catherine's, yet still grand and warm.  The wood floors were amazing with elaborate designs.We had a wonderful day.  Bill & I really enjoy spending time with our driver and translator.  We have interesting conversations as we all have so many questions about each other's homeland.  They are such fun.

A snowman at Pavlovsk

One of the many beautiful floors.

One of many gorgeous chandeliers.

Bill & our translator taking in the chapel.

In front of the palace and a monument  to  Paul I.

Pavlovsk

Saturday Bill & I had a date night.  We went to a well-known fine restaurant, Palkin.  It originated in St. Petersburg in the 1700's.  About 10 years ago they reopened in the original space with replicated decor. It is a lovely romantic space with delicious food.

Today we went to the State Hermitage Museum.  It is one of the largest in the world.  We believe it after attempting to see a portion of it today!  It has been opened to the public since 1852.  It has a variety of exhibits including Greek, Roman and Egyptian artifacts, painting and sculpture from Michelangelo, Monet, Renoir, Matisse, Rodin, van Gogh, Picasso, Cezanne-it goes on and on.  We took a tour of the diamond section of the treasure gallery.  We heard fascinating information about the history of jewelry.  I could have certainly picked out a few pieces for myself!!  Afterwards we went to a nearby cafe with our driver.  Now we are back to our home away from home.  I'm writing the blog and Bill is watching the Bucs game (or Bucs disaster!) online.  It was a great weekend.  This city is amazing.  So much history, beauty, and culture.  We will forever treasure this time we spent in the birth place of our daughter.  We have taken a million pictures so that we can one day share all that we have experienced with Little Miss.  We look forward to getting to see our girl again tomorrow.  We missed her this weekend.

The State Hermitage Museum

Bill in front of the Peacock Clock

Bill in front of a Matisse

You can click on the photos for a larger view.  Thanks to everyone for your emails and comments.  We truly enjoy hearing from you.  It means so much to both of us.