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