Finally got our luggage....

Spent the afternoon having lunch in a Russian restaurant and shopping. Samara is a beautiful city known for many things ~ 2 of which we are bringing home (chocolate and vodka) and 1 of which we like to look at while here. (Chris probably too much)

I am thrilled to have our luggage. Not that we had anything important to use, but it is nice to be able to have some clothes to put him in when we leave Samara on Wednesday.

From what we have learned, Samara was a closed region for 7 decades. The city was closed to any outsiders and no one could leave the region of Samara during the cold war as it was a major manufacturing center for military equipment and supplies. We were also told that the Mir Space Station was built here. This seems to make sense because there is a huge rocket situated on a hill near the town center as a monument. We haven't had a chance to get near it yet, but we have driven by it several times. There are several gorgeous churches and we were able to locate a few stores that had some paintings and pencil drawing for Garrett's room at home.

We will be up early tomorrow for our court date. Glad I won't have to wear my sneakers. Not that what I wear would have an relation to my parenting skills, but you never know here.

Hope you are all doing well at home. We cannot wait to bring Garrett home and watch his personality explode.

Love to you all from Samara...

Polka Dot!!

We just got back from visiting Garrett for the first time in a few weeks. I thought for sure he would change considerably, but he was his same loving self. He is quite the cuddler!!! Chris and I loved it. He is just getting over the chicken pox (hence my title "polka dot") He just has some remaining red marks on his face and a few on his body. We did not have a translator with us nor was the the orphanage doctor there for us to ask for sure. We will get more info on Wednesday. He remains pretty quiet and reserved with not much emotion (sounds familiar). He did cry a few sobs when the care giver handed him over. I was worried about wearing my glasses and thought for sure he wouldn't recognize me when I come back for him on Wednesday. Chris thought I was a loser for thinking that... It is amazing what goes through your mind though.

He is VERY alert and interested in what the others are doing, but not willing to venture off and play. He was pretty content holding onto us and looking at us. At first he was a bit lazy with the walking, but he was able to take some steps while walking with us. It was obvious it was his nap time because he started to fall asleep while Chris was holding him. Chris took this as a huge sign that he was liked and favored.

We checked out all other "parts." Please to report it is all there and he has a cute behind. It was hard having those big brown eyes staring back at us when the care giver took him from us for his nap. I could have stayed all day. I can say this... He LOVES to be held and is a great huger. He holds on tight!!!! I think about taking him from all that he knows on Wednesday. Only we know what a life he has ahead and he will know soon enough.

I cannot believe that I am actually about to take a nap. The time change is brutal, but well worth it. Chris is on his way to the airport here to pick up our luggage. FINALLY!! It amazes me to think of all the time you spend thinking about what you are going to bring and wear and truly just how little you actually need. It will be nice for Garrett to have his own clothes to go into. It will also be nice to personally deliver the orphanage donations we brought. Thank you to all that contributed. I just hope Chris makes it back... The airport here is a bit run down. (Nicely put)

Got to talk to Jordan a couple of times yesterday. As I am typing this, it is 5am where she is... I can only hope she is sleeping!! I packed her back pack and know that she will love walking "her boys" to the bus stop.

Court is at 930am. Tomorrow when you wake up, it will all be final!!! Yipppeeeeee!!!
Love to you all.... From Samara! We couldn't be happier!!!

We arrived!!!!!!!!!

So.... we arrived in Moscow Saturday in the afternoon. Huge smiles on our faces ~ well rested from our flight and NO luggage. We are not suppose to get it until we return to Moscow on Wednesday. Yikes. No big deal for us... we are use to roughing it, but it may cause a problem with court and Garretts clothing and bottles and such. We were able to shop a bit and get clothing. You haven't lived until you have worm european underwear. Neither Chris nor myself could fit comfortably in ANY pants or jean. The men here wear their jeans skin tight as do the women. Chris finally found a Levi store and thanks to some cargo pants from Benneton we are back in action for a couple of days.

We just arrived into Samara and we plan on visiting Garrett tomorrow in the orphanage. Court (aka "Gotcha Day") is on the 21st and we get to pick him up for good on the 22nd as planned.
I cannot believe we are actually here!!

I am planning on calling Jordan in a few minutes to check on her and her small clan. I don't think Jen's house will ever be the same. Missing her is really tough, but Chris has kept me well entertained. We are planning on venturing out tonight to a steakhouse restaurant (without winter coats.) Chris is getting some stares for sure, but taking everything in stride as he always does.

Will write more tomorrow... Miss you all...