Man of the Hour

Another successful night...we all received much needed rest! Then we all enjoyed a little breakfast in the executve lounge. Maksim the exec. He loves watching everyone coming and going and wants to meet everyone. This morning was especially exciting. A certain someone came and introduced herself. That was it...he made a new friend. However, he didn't know that she was a big time tennis star! The great Italian tennis player, FRANCESCA SCHIAVONE. She and Maksim hit it off right away. She was so sweet to him!! Then the whole team arrived. We soon found out they were here to play in the Championship Round of the Federation Cup. The Italians vs.The Russians. How exciting!! Maksim was very excited to meet all these great atheletes. He was very popular. The team doctor came over and offered tickets for us to see the final matches over the next couple of days!! Front row behind the team!!...Way to go Maksim!!!
Va L'Italia!!!!!!!!!

U.S. Embassy

Last night we all slept better. Although, we are still adjusting to the time change.

We had a big day today. David, Maksim and I had to go to the U.S. Embassy to get our paperwork in order before we get to go home. It was cold and rainy today, not a great day. Gramie stayed and read, while we went to do our business. Daniel picked us up and drove us to the Embassy. After several security checks we went inside for our appointment. There were other families there as well. Maksim had a ball watching and playing with all the other children. He loves meeting new people. Several of the other familes were commenting how outgoing he was. Could this be? Our shy little boy only a few days ago. He was running all over the place to say hello to everyone. While we were waiting, he befriended a little girl and he shared his toys with her. It was so sweet! You are not allowed any cameras on the premises. So unfortunately, no photos from today...sorry :(

We came back to the hotel and Maksim had a nice long nap. We then all had dinner in the dining room at the hotel, since the weather was not cooperating.

Another busy day for our little man.

Captain Vacation

We made it through the 2nd night! Well barely...none of us slept because of you know who!! O.K....so he is not perfect..pretty normal actually. Because of the time change...all of us had sleep issues....one of us cried just a little louder! Thank goodness for Gramie, she came right in to the living room and helped rock him back to sleep. It has been so nice having her here!! Nothing like having an experienced mom when you are a new mom. Today we had a break from all the adoption appointments. Which was just as well. David was starting to get a cold and our little guy was worn out!
While David and Maksim napped, Mom and I went out for some retail therapy. Yeah shopping! Sorry John. It was nice to get out for awhile. We went down to Arabat street. Where they have lots of souvenier shops and local artist selling goods in the streets. We came back to find David and Maksim awake from their naps and David was feeding Maksim his lunch. He even changed him! What a good daddy!! It was still pretty cold and damp outside. So we just had a pretty quiet afternoon. Until tomorrow.

Gramie entertains Maksim while he is waiting for his breakfast.

A little play time with Dad.

A nap is needed with Mr. Giraffe.

Dad introduces Maksim to black and white movies.

Uh Oh... now he is hooked.

He loves bath time...splashing about!

Quiet reading time with Mommy.

Our First Evening Together

We are back at the hotel, crib set up and toys everywhere. Yep, definitely parents to a 1 year old. While David had to pick up some paperwork, my Mom and I took Maksim for a walk to the central square. Maksim loved the fountain, watching the birds and seeing all the other kids out with their families. Mom said," just think this is the 1st time he has seen all these new things". We were a little worried because he was so shy and somewhat frightened of new people and change at the orphanage. It didn't even phase him. He loved the experience and all ready was happy to be in our arms. We met David and had dinner at E-Moes, a restaurant we frequented often. Then it was time for bath, storytime and bed. He didn't cry once. He went right to bed and slept thru the night. He was so good! However, I didn't get much sleep, knowing we had to get up at 5 am to catch our flight to Moscow. Yep, definitely a mom now.

Maksim was such a good little boy. We woke him up early and he was all smiles. He was ready for his big adventure. By 6 am we had our bags packed and ready for our ride to the airport. Not a peep from our little one just smiles. We arrived at the Kemerovo airport, checked in and climbed aboard. It was as if Maksim already new about travel and was an international jet setter. Again, not a peep nothing but smiles and giggles on my lap. He had little breakfast then he snuggled with Gramie and fell asleep.

4 time zones later we arrived in Moscow. We were met by our old friend Eugene at the airport. We then drove to our doctor's appointment, which we need for the US Embassy in order to fly him to the states. It took us three hours due to traffic. That is one thing about Moscow...traffic. It is very busy! After the doctor gave him the a.o.k. we drove to our hotel. Finally we could get him settled. What a day! However, he was so good I was amazed how well he handled everything, he didn't cry at all. Such a good little boy. Although, we were all exhausted...lots of travel. Until tomorrow.

p.s. Thank you Deb for the musical giraffe. It is his favorite to cuddle with at night. He winds it himself and finds it very comforting! Thank you..Thank you!!!

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.

Our Day in Court

Hi everyone...it's me, Maksim. Gramie is helping me by typing this note.
Today is the big day! The day Mommy and Daddy go to court to ask the judge if it would be okay to take me home.

Svetlana said I couldn't go but Gramie said she would tuck me into her heart so I could be apart of it. So, off we all went. Daddy was so handsome in his suit and tie and if I do say so myself, Mommy looked beautiful.

Everyone was a little nervous. Especially knowing we had the toughest prosecutor in court.

The judge was talking so fast in Russian and Svetlana was telling us what she was saying. Neither of them ever took a pause. Whew, I was getting exhausted. Then, it was Daddy's turn to speak. When the judge asked why he wanted to adopt me he said "my wife and I have a very happy marriage and a happy home but to have a child would make our life complete"...he said more but Gramie was tearing up and we both just loved him for what he said. Then it was Mommy's turn. After the judge asked her several questions she said "Each time we go visit Maksim, we love him more and more and know that he is the right child for us. We are anxious to get him home as soon as possible to make sure he is healthy and that we can be a happy family". After hearing them talk to the judge, I was so proud of them.

Then we all had to wait out in the hall to see if the judge says okay plus waive the 10 day waiting period. I wasn't nervous, but I think Mommy and Daddy were a little nervous.

Would you believe...after just a few minutes they called us back in to the court. The judge said that I am now Maksim David and they are waiving the 10 day waiting period. We now can leave Siberia and begin our life together. The judge also added that Mommy and Daddy are such good people, she wishes they would've adopted more children. Hey, wait a minute...I thought this was all about me!!!

Photographs of Polysavo, Siberia

As we drove back from the orphanage in the afternoon I took a few photos of the area. Here are some images of the countryside of Polysavo.