The Day We Picked Up Maksim Forever

Today was the day! We were officially the parents of Maksim. We couldn't believe it. That day was finally here. We were picked up at 10 am at our hotel and drove out to the orphanage for the last time. We arrived at Noon and were greeted by Maksim's caregivers. It was very emotional for every one. All of his caregivers were so happy for him but also sad to see him go. The director kissed Maksim and cried a little when he was getting ready to go. I'm sure it is difficult when they raise these children for a year or two and have to let them go. Although, they take great joy in seeing them go to loving families and want the best for their little ones. Barbara and I were so happy to finally be able to take him home. Bunny was so happy. I wish my mom could be here as well. I know how happy she must be at home seeing the photos. We shared some gifts and talked awhile. The caregivers wrote goodbye notes to Maksim in his book and also gave us his cross when he was baptized. We dressed him in a new outfit with a momma bear and a baby bear on it. We were a little worried how he would do in the car and leaving his safe surroundings. He did so well. He looked around in the car and fell to sleep. He slept all the way back to Kemerovo on Gramies lap. We stopped to get his visa photo along the way, to go in his passport. A caregiver at the orphanage is a photographer and takes the childrens photos for the passport. We can't believe our little one has his very own passport, it is so cute to see a little baby photo in a passport. Here are some photos from our ride home and Maksim's last day at the orphanage.