We Have FINALLY met our son!!!

What a terrific day this has been. It is currently 230pm Russia time (530am USA time) and we just got back from Orphanage # 2 in Samara, Russia. Nikolay was just gorgeous. I don't even know where to begin. We have taken a ton of pictures and video to bring back. He stands on his own, has blondish hair with big brown eyes. They have told us that he plays very well with other children and that is disposition is very "calm." I don't put much thought into that because Jordan was very calm too and look at her now. He babbled a bit, but spent most of our hour visit relaxing in my arms. He was very comfortable with both Chris and I and just seemed content looking at us. He did crawl a bit and is able to stand on his own and take just a couple of steps.

Tonight we plan on going downtown Samara to celebrate at a Russian restaurant. We will get to see him and spend more time with him tomorrow before we fly back to Moscow. His health is very good... there are no known concerns right now. He is being followed by an eye doctor for his one eye that tracks late, but it wasn't anything we felt concerned about. We traveled with 3 other couples to this orphanage. It was nice to have other people around to video tape and take pictures as a whole family. We also found out that he has been baptised and they will provide us with the cross and certificate.

We plan to return to the states on Friday and spend the weekend getting back on USA time. (The time zones were much more difficult than we remembered.) Samara is one hour later than Moscow time. It is known for its chocolate, vodka and women.

I cannot wait to call Jordan in a few hours. She has been on our mind. He loved looking at her photo in the album I made up for him. Will be in touch with more news... But what a relief today has been for us. We feel very blessed.