We got the goods.....

What a tiring day yesterday. I was all worried for nothing. The care giver brought him out to me and he brightened his look when he saw us. Something didn't look right though as the care giver was walking him toward us. He had a HUGE birthmark on his forehead. I totally don't remember this 2 days ago when we saw him and I am certain he never had it before that. As it turned out, he did a header that morning when he got up and the care givers were so worried we were going to be upset that they put cover up on the bruise. (It was pretty big... About the size of a silver dollar with a small cut in the center.) The dead give away was that the cover up makeup that was used was 4 shades darker than his natural albino color and we all started to laugh. I give them effort for trying.

The care giver held onto him for awhile and was holding him tight. I could tell that she was telling him in Russian that this is your mama and that he was going in a car. Brmmm Brmmm. She said it over and over again. She had some tears in her eyes and it was obvious that she was having a hard time saying good bye. Naturally, I started crying too and we hugged each other. How do you say thank you to someone that has been carrying for your child the first 15 months of his life??? It must have been so hard getting him dressed and feeding him that morning for the last time. We could hear some crying from care givers as we left.

Garrett let us change him without any problems. We swore that we would not have them re-babtized at home. He wore a cross and we have some paperwork for him. She explained to me how it was done and it seems to have been a nice ceremony. (Done with both water and oil ~ Cindy if you are reading this tell your friend)

I can tell you, I am so glad we live in Florida. This bundling packs on an extra 10 lbs at least. It is like carrying around the stay puff marshmallow man. Get me my shorts and tank top any day over this!!!

Garrett did not look fearful at all when we left. We got a window seat in the van and he was very interested looking at and tapping on the window. He fell asleep within minutes he was so stressed out... NOT. He was pretty quiet most of the way until his true colors started to emerge on the plane. He was standing in the seat laughing cooing and getting into EVERYTHING he could. He drank 2 bottles immediately and a glass of apple juice. He has been an eating machine since we have gotten him.

We got to the hotel late night and naturally... It is never too late for me to give a kid a bath. Especially since he has not had one in his life it seems. We got in the tub together while Chris went out to get us some late night munchies and a few brew hahas (in his authentic Russian hat!) Garrett was pretty wigged out with the tub and the washing, but found the water to be interesting between sobs. He was probably wondering why I was scrubbing him so hard and maybe the triple layer of baby lotion was overkill, but hey what can you expect. He was well lubed by the time he got put in his footy pajamas for bed. Like clockwork though he got up at 7am and has been following his schedule closely since. I can't believe I am back on the 2 nap a day schedule. He needs it though. He has been crawling laps all morning!!!

We have the doctor coming from the American clinic here tonight to do a check up. He has a lazy eye and we plan on asking him questions about it. It is required by law to have this done before our exit interview tomorrow at the American embassy. Then we are out of here Saturday... To get home late Saturday night.

He slept well his first night, but definitely wakes up in a panic looking for us. He has gotten very used to being held and loved. We couldn't be happier!!!

Hope to get down to the Kremlin tomorrow for some sight seeing. Will be pretty excited to get back to some American food. I have had enough Borsch soup for a lifetime.

I want you all to know that the comments you put on this site has gotten Chris and I through so much. We have laughed a ton and feel so blessed having all of this support while here. You all are truly amazing. You make us feel so unbelievably special. We have loved sharing our moments in Russia with you.

2 more landings and we are home free!!!!!