Our Work Here In Moscow Is DONE!

Well, at approximately 2:30 p.m. Moscow time (that would be about 6:30 a.m. Detroit time), we are all done with paperchasing. Zachary is ours, has his passport and visa and is ready to come home. We heard that the embassy appointment can be a long day. When we walked out after only being there 45 minutues, our escort told us that was record time. There were tons of screaming kids in a cramped, hot room. But, Zachary did not join the screaming and was really good even though we were cutting in to his scheduled nap time. So, all done. No more work to do here in Moscow, just sit back and relax before our long journey home.

Thus far, no luck on the Saturday flights. So, it will likely be Sunday when our little Zachary becomes an American citizen. He'll obtain official citizenship when we clear customs in Atlanta on our way back. Just in time for the 4th of July!

I actually managed to not nap with him for once :)

Anyway, here is a picture of him being a little ham.

The Countdown To Bring Zachary Home

Things are progressing very well. Today, we got Zachary's passport. Yay! That means one final step and we are ready to step on a plane. Tomorrow is our appointment with the embassy, and after that we are officially done here in Moscow. At the moment, our flights are booked to get out of here on Sunday (July 2nd). We are hoping there is a way that we can get out of here on Saturday. However, one Delta flight today was canceled, so with the backlog I'm not going to count on it. But, you never know?!?!?!

Zachary is progressing along great. In just a few days, he has learned how to clap his hands and we have him talking. While we got him to say "Da" before, now he likes to test his lungs saying it and also includes baby babble. And, his toys are no longer enough. He likes to go for the garbage, the cameras, the electronics, all the things that are out of his reach that he's not supposed to have. So, he's definitely starting to show his personality. It is great.

But, I have to tell you...Ann and I are tired! We got up with him today, and went back down with him at his naptime. He is wearing us out. But, we love it.

The Paperchase

Well, I started the paperchase to get us home. And, I do mean that. I started at 8:00 a.m. and did not get back until 2:30. That was not the most preferred first full day with Zachary. But, it is all in the interest of getting us home.

Today, we got a new birth certificate issued that appoints Mike and I as the parents. The contact trekking me around accidentally went to the wrong Vital Statistics office, so off to the other side of town we went. Then, we needed a VIP paper from the orphanage. Went there, dropped off the people who need to make things happen. Then, we were off to the passport office. Apparently, Zachary needs a Russian passport, and a visa to travel to USA. We did some steps to "expedite" and if things go perfect, we'll have that on Thursday, and get to have our embassy appointment on Friday, which would make us able to be home as scheduled on July 2nd. That is the best case scenario so we will see.

Zachary is coming out of his shell. Today, he was more of a big boy, refusing to let me eat lunch, not wanting to go to sleep, etc. However, he is making amazing progress in walking, and I even got him to talk today. He said "Da" four or five times. So, there you go dad.

Catching Up On The Details

Okay, more details about getting Zachary. Ann and I waited for 12:00 p.m. to come and it took an eternity. I wanted him! We were off from the hotel around 12:20 and off to the orphanage. It was pouring. When we arrived, the social worker wanted us to wait until he was done napping and until the pouring rain stopped. So, we sat in the orphanage director's office and waited, and waited. Apparently, we didn't follow Russian protocol. We put our soaking wet umbrellas on the floor. The director came and picked them up and put them on the tables (who would think). We were told by our translator that Russians find things on the floor offensive. Woops!

At any rate, we got him! He was a little angel. My clothing choice was way too big. And, my shoes selected were way too small. He has the hugest baby feet. None of the shoes I got work. They are ultra thick feet. Anyway, yesterday went great with him playing with Grandma and myself.

Yesterday, he was such an easy baby. We laid him in the crib, and right to sleep. And, he did great with his eating too. Even though it is obvious that he was never spoon fed, we got him to eat. At any rate, here are photos for the day we got him.

And The Journey Home Is On

I have literally one minute. Unfortunately, we have internet issues in the room. But, real quick. WE GOT HIM!!!! And, he was excellent all day. He only cried once when he was overtired because he was so excited and would not go to bed at 9:00, and stayed up and watched me for an hour. But, he is a cutey and adjusting well to being with his mama and his grandma. I am off to start the paperchase to get him home, hopefully internet will be working when I get back and I'll post pictures.

We love Zachary! What a handsome little boy.

More On The Day Before...

I wrote a long account of what happened, and no clue where it is. Apparently, it is in nowhere land of creating a blog. So, if this is a repeat, forgive...

Ann and I napped, and wanted to do the Kremlin tour. Think we were a bit optimistic, we slept through the alarm instead. We did manage to walk up to Red Square and did some sight-seeing without the tour guides and at that point we could not get into any museums. We did get to see the outside of St. Basils, the changing of the guards, and the inside of a mall.

We also ventured into a mall that looked like a government building. I'm not kidding, it puts Somerset to shame. This place is crazy! We managed to find the new dad a shirt that says he "lives for world cup." We saw it in a display and spent forever finding the store that sold it; mission accomplished!

The mall's attractions were many lifesize cows decoratively painted. Very humorous. So, here is us with the cows!

On that note, the 11 hour countdown. So, off to bed.

Zachary's GOTCHA Eve

Well, Ann and I have arrived to Moscow safe and sound with no issues. In fact, we even lucked out and got to upgrade to 1st class for the Detroit/Atlanta flight. No such luck with the Atlanta/Moscow flight. It was a long flight and I am definitely tired of sitting. But, the excitement makes you forget about that.

So, get off the plane, and we got great news!!!!!! I thought we would not be getting Zachary until Tuesday. Well, here's the news: WE GET HIM FOR FOREVER TOMORROW!!! What a great surprise. And, my embassy appointment is Tuesday. Maybe there is still hope for us to be home on the 2nd.

We did not get to go see the baby today, but with our great news, I'm okay with that.

For now, we need some shut-eye and then we are going to take a quick nap and try to fit in a Kremlin tour before getting the little one TOMORROW!!!! YAY!!!!!

And, We Are Off!

Well, I'm lying here in wait for my ride to the airport. Today is the day that we are off to bring our little Zachary HOME! I cannot wait. Oh, there is the door.

One Day To Take Off

Well, I cannot believe it! One day until we hop on a plane. We are almost there. This should be a hint of how excited I am. I NEVER pre-pack. I'm a last minute packer. Well, Zachary's suitcase is packed, his diaper bag is ready, and there is nothing left to do for him. WOW! That is a Rhonda first.

Me, I'm even almost all packed. I only have a few last minute checking to do. The orphanage presents finally arrived YESTERDAY. Nothing like cutting it to the last minute. Hope I have no issues in customes with my 12 bottles of centrum and my 10 pairs of kids overalls. (orphanage gifts)

The three trips are taking their toll. I'm jet lagged!!! However, as soon as I see Zachary I will instantly forget how tired I am. Can't wait to: 1) see him, and 2) get him on Tuesday for good.

Thank everyone for all your comments and moral support!

Four Days Left & Back To Moscow

Well, imagine this. I'm beat. The jetlag has caught up. And, I now am less than 4 days away from hopping back on a plane to get back to Moscow. Awesome!!!! There is a slight change in original plans. Initially, I wanted to run and get the baby out of the orphanage ASAP upon landing. Turns out that if I wait until Tuesday I can avoid quite a bit of paperwork because that's when the 10 days expires. So, we'll just visit until Tuesday, and then I'm told by mid-day Tuesday, he should be with us in the hotel.

I had to do some last minute shopping. While at the orphanage I tried on the clothes I had bought for him thinking he was bigger than anticipated. But, I tried the 12 month size pants on him and they are long. It must be the fact that they have him bundled in 3 layers and that they have him in oversized clothes. I also think he slimmed down a bit since he started walking more.

After that, I've managed to get him all packed: his clothes, shoes, medicines just in case, bottles, toiletries, and very few toys. Only a couple things left, and I'm all done there. Funny, I NEVER have myself packed this early, but I obsess about him.

Great news: the bedding came in. Yay! I'm too tired to take a picture (yet still up because probably on pseudo-Moscow time still), but the room is coming together slowly but surely.

We're looking good...but we still need Grandma Ann's visa to get here. Hopefully, tomorrow is the day.

Last Time Visiting Zachary In the Orphanage

Well, we went back for our second visit for today with Zachary. BTW, I've been all "baby" talk. Might I add that I am ill from the driving as I am just getting back to the hotel. Driving here is 100% completely nuts - driving in between lanes, slamming on the brakes, etc. Today was more of a white knuckle day than usual.

Anyway, we got back to the orphanage. Zachary was fed and rested, and actually was in a really good mood. We got some smiles finally! His favorite thing is to walk with your assistance, or else walk to you. And, then it melts your heart because he walks to you and if you are sitting on the floor he puts his arms around your neck and hugs you. He'll also walk over when I'm standing and lift his arms up for me to pick him up. As Mike said, I think we've got the getting attached thing over with without any glitches. And, we still have not seen him cry once. He is such a great baby! We just feel bad. It is warm, they have him bundled up in an undershirt and a sweater, and he is literally sweating all over.

I was strong for the goodbye. I feel very confident that all will go well, and that it is just a matter of "what day?" I'll know tomorrow of our "best guess" date to come home. I've heard that "the guy" that we can go to for expedited service is on vacation. In addition, I was not able to find a flight out on July 1st (our anticipated return date). So, there are several factors that may make it a little longer.

So, tomorrow we are homeward bound. I think there is a high probability that we will miss our plane again connecting through Paris, as we don't have much more time than last and we know what happened with the last connection through Paris. I'm hoping and praying that does not occur. We'll see.

And, then back, work for 5 days to be ready for baby. I sort of have a lot to do, but not a whole lot.

Trip For Passport Photo

Today is the two-visit day. The first visit was all for the passport photo so not that excited. I was excited to see his reaction for his first ride, after hearing fellow adopting parents say that their kids cried the whole time. Zachary just sat there and thought nothing of it. Yay! I'm thinking this is a good sign for the really long flights we have to take to get him home. The nurse took him from me when I was holding him, and took him down the stairs and held him the whole car ride, and held him for his photo. I was pretty bummed. But, oh well. So, we have one last visit with Zachary this afternoon (Saturday), then only 8 days until I will be able to get him out of the orphanage on Monday June 25th.

Day After Being Declared Parents

Well, we got to see more of Zachary. I finally fell asleep and then got what I thought was a wake up call, and it was the driver in the lobby (missed the wake up call). So, we had to get ready on the fly to see the baby today.

We had a good visit with Zachary. Still, hardly any smiles. He looks so sad. He will be on the heels of smiling, and then look so serious. That's okay though. Speaking with other adopting families this is typically the norm, and an amazing change happens within a day or two of getting the baby with you. Even though not to many smiles, I cannot believe we are now on Day #5 of visiting with him, sometimes for a couple hours and he has never cried for us. So, way cool! Today, he wanted us to give him a finger for support to help him walk one-handed, and as Mike would say, "do laps" around the room. He is cruising in the walking since last time we saw him where he would only take steps with you holding both hands. He walks by himeself too really well, just his favorite play thing is to have you hold one hand. But, the best part about today is that he would take a few steps, turn around and look at me, and then come over and put his arms around my neck to hug me. How can you not melt?!?!?!?!?

Tomorrow will be interesting: Zachary's firt car ride! We, with the escort of someone from the orphanage, get to take him in the car to go get his passport photo so that hopefully much of this paperwork will be done by the time I get back here next weekend. Thankfully, we get to see him twice tomorrow since the first visit before his lunch/nap will be the passport photo trip.

I ended the day with meeting with the Kidsave families (well, 2 of them - the Spooners and the Peludats). Here is a picture of all of us at Hardrock Cafe in Moscow.

We Are Parents of Zachary Michael

Well, the day Mike and I have long awaited happened: our long and tedious paperchase paid off and we were approved by a judge in Moscow City to adopt our little precious one - Zachary Michael (named formerly Mikhail, nicknamed "Misha"). Conveniently, we can keep his birth name and name him after his dad). Mike did the talking in court and did a great job. So, thank you everyone all of your prayers and good luck wishes got us there!

The hearing went perfectly. At first, the judge was yelling in closed chambers and I was getting nervous. But, our translator informed us that the judge is training a new clerk. When she came to the bench, I had no worries. I could tell she was just getting what she had to on the record. In fact, she closed the file before she was even done asking questions.

I would also like to say how wonderful this orphanage director is. After hearing stories of my friends here in Moscow now, you tend to wonder. This orphanage director greeted me smiling, wanted to look at all our pictures that we had prepared for court, and even asked to keep some of the pictures. She was so helpful in court stating that we interacted great with the baby when we saw him in May. And, I really loved how after the judge declared that she was approving our petition to adopt Zachary, the orphanage director smiled ear to ear, and then came over and gave both Mike and myself a kiss and a hug congratulating us.

At this point, we have to wait 10 days before we can take Zachary home. We are sticking with the original plan of Mike and I returning home on Sunday, and then Ann Armstrong (Grandmom) and I will leave next Saturday (6/24), get here Sunday (6/25), and then we can bring Zachary to the hotel with us on Monday (6/26). We will have to wait here until likely July 2nd before we can get home (airfare was sold out, but we'll see if we can get back early if paperwork permits).

We went straight from court to the orphanage to visit. However, all the Armstrongs were tired. At that point, Mike and I were still energized with excitement. We should have been exhausted. Tuesday night we were flying red-eye flights to get here. That meant we got next to no sleep. Last night, I went to bed at 1:00 a.m. and woke up at 4:00 a.m. (excited? I would say so) Well, when we got to the orphanage, it was Misha/Zachary's scheduled nap time. The caregivers gratiously woke him up, dressed him, and brought him to us. But, we could tell that playing was not on his agenda; he wanted to sleep. So, I let him fall asleep and held him for a little while and then reluctantly let him go to his bed.

So, yay! Now we have a two new countdowns: 1) the countdown until we get to welcome him to the family full-time (Monday June 26th), and 2) the countdown until he is in his new home (tentatively July 2nd).

We Have Arrived!

Well, I didn't know how the travel day was going to go gauging by the events early on. I woke up, realized I slept through my alarm, so didn't have the extra packing time I needed. As I was off to work, I hit a rock near the driveway (long story). And, as Mike was there to see it, we realized the car we need to take to the airport, or my car, had a flat tire (apparently, I drove over a huge nail). Went to work, got home, and mass chaos getting out the door. Thankfully Ann helped me get my pictures ready for court because the computer decided to be termperamental on a day that we didn't need it to. Thanks Ann!!!! But, off we were, majorly overpacked.

At any rate, made our flight from Detroit, and then we had to connect through Paris to get to Moscow. Mike's quote "this is on my top 10 least favorite aiports." We landed out in the middle of some field far away from the terminal with connection flights, got herded onto the runway, then on a bus, and drove around the airport literally in big circle. Well, we had 45 minutes for our connection from landing time. Needless to say after running our behinds off after the scenic airport tour, no plane at the gate. Amazingly, I did not panic. We went to the counter, got on a flight that was 3 hours later. I passed 1.5 of the hours trying to figure out how to make an international call from Paris to Moscow to inform our ride that we would not be there and we would be 3 hours late. Finally, I figured it out.

We got into Moscow around 6:30, waiting forever to clear "passport control," then waiting for our ride that was stuck in a huge traffic jam, and are finally here. Remember overpacked? Well, the driver/coordinator was not impressed with our ability to not limit our items. I was told don't bring that much next time around (with baby stuff and all, and he was way serious).

So........I cannot believe it but our hearing is now hours away, at 10:00 a.m. So, hopefully, by noontime here we will have news. We also get to go visit Zachary every day between now and Saturday which I am thankful for. (Saturday was questionable because it is not a working day) We are 8 hours ahead of Michigan time. So, when it says 4:47 p.m. post time, that is really 12:47 a.m. post time.

And, for any fellow traveling families that are in Russia or anyone else that wants contact information, Mike and I are in the Courtyard Marriott, Room 522, hotel telephone number 70959813300. I was looking forward to meeting up before court for moral support with the Peludats, Everys and Spooners, but was unable to get through to the Spooners and was not successful in getting transferred using their anticipated hotels either. Hopefully tomorrow.

Well, signing off to get my sleep. Hopefully, next time will be some real anticipated news?!?!?!

1 Week Coundown For Court

7 day countdown until we can go see Zachary, and until our court date. And, it is the 5 day countdown until we get on a plane and head to Moscow. Wow! That's close! Thank you everybody for being so generous and asking what we may need help with. I actually feel pretty good about having everything in order for the trip - we just need to get the court attire squared away. Since I've been so busy and shopping for baby clothes, I think I'll treat myself to a new suit for court. As for the room, the dresser/changing table, everything else.....still waiting. No worries. Zachary is only weeks away from starting his new life.

Just a quick note on the summer host program and Anton. Anton has not been seen, so it is pretty much confirmed that he is indeed with a patronat family. But, three families are in Russia right now: Spooners, Peludats, and Everys. Today, the Everys and the Peludats had court and the adoption decree issued. So, congrats! And, we have to all bring positive vibes the Spooners way. The orphanage director is very anti-adoption. Yes, this sounds "conspiracy theory," but unfortunately it is true. She was caught telling some kids that if they came here they would end up in an institution, and said outright that she opposed adoption in court. So, the Spooners' boy said he did not want to be adopted. Luckily, the judge gave them another week, and if he says "yes" then, he can come home. So, we are wishing for a miracle!!!!!

We Are Going To Moscow! (The ok for Court)

Well, we have to keep this short. But, we are elated and have to announce our news! We get to go next week for court after all. So, the 15th is our court date - our big day and Zachary's big day. With any luck, a week from tomorrow we can go see him at the orphanage before court even. I am SOOOOO excited to go hold him again, and play. So, keep thinking happy thoughts that court goes smoothly and we can have him home by June 30th/July 1st. More to follow when I have more time.

No - But Here's My Work In Progress

Well, what a bummer, no news! Hopefully tomorrow. I actually have occupied myself all night with getting the gift buying out of the way. When I asked what to buy for gifts when in Russia, I learned that Centrum vitamins and Clinique or makeup are a big hit. So, 2 coordinators: makeup/centrum for one, wine/centrum for the other; orphanage director: lighted tennis shoes for granddaughter/centrum/eye shadow; doctor: clinque lotion/centrum; caregivers: centrum/tea (will get in Russia); orphanage: overalls/shorts. Now, I just have the translator and I think I'm done with the gifts. I'm also going to take some polaroid film and give them pictures with Zachary upon departure as a gift. Hopefully, we can get through customs with all of this and no issues?!?!?!

I recalled, oh yeah, I have to get my embassy documents together. Forgot all about that. I went ahead and contacted the travel agency to have them start getting quotes (even though no letter in).

And, here is the room. I added some color. But, as can be seen, there is still a lot that needs to be done. It will all look a lot better when the bedding gets here which is blue and yellow primarily, and I'll just have to be patient on the dresser.

Well, the 3 Kidsave families are off, the first of which is leaving tomorrow. I need to get a letter together for Anton. Good luck everybody! Safe travels for the Spooners who leave tomorrow. I seriously doubt that my letter will make it into Anton's hands, but I can always try so he can know that we never gave up on him, rather had a system working against us. At this point, I don't even know if we will EVER see or talk to him again. Hopefully, the traveling families can try to get some Anton scoop.

Will Today Be "THE DAY" For the Spravka?

Well, I have been keeping myself occupied enough that I still do not have updated pictures of Zachary's room (including going to the Pistons - go Pistons!!!). Hopefully, tonight I can manage the task of the updated room pictures.

I managed to not call or email the adoption agency until yesterday. Of course, no great news to report. Apparently, this is the scoop on the letter releasing Zachary from the database - also known as a "spravka." There are two families ahead of us using the same contacts who got theirs, hopefully ours came through with them. The good news is one family actually went to court without having their letter. Hopefully, I will find out today about "the letter" being issued. If not, we will start having to think about Plan B (meaning potentially booking a trip to Moscow without a letter??). We shall see.

So, guess what today is? Well, it is the 2 week mark on our anticipated court date (as confirmed by my unexciting ticker that I have on the bottom that I can't figure out how to spice up). Two weeks!!!!!!! With any luck, in just under two weeks we can go visit Zachary. It is hard to believe that I am so attached to a little boy that I spent a total of 6 hours with. But, it happened alright! I am SOOOO excited to go take him from the arms of an orphanage caretaker again and play, and hug and kiss him. He likes to make as much noise as possible (banging cups together, playing drums on a box, etc.) and to chew on everything in sight (he is teething) and he turns his face to me when I kiss him. He was on the verge of walking when we left, standing on his own and dancing/bouncing on his legs. Maybe he is walking now? Maybe we will get to see his first steps? Our plan is to get to Moscow on Wednesday (6/14), have court on Thursday (6/15), visit Zachary Friday & Saturday, and both return on the 18th, and then Grandma Ann (Mike's mom) will go with me back on the 24th and we can get Zachary out of the orphanage before the 10 day period is up, wait out the 10 days, and then get him home hopefully around June 30th. This will help Mike out because he won't have to shut down his practice for a whole other week (the sensical thing to do), but it will be a slight bummer that he is not making the amazing journey back with me.

I have this great vision of taking him running and biking with me (still need the biking and the running stroller). Everyone says my workouts will go to the wayside when I get him. But, I am signed up for the Lake Placid Ironman triathlon on July 23rd. I was considering scrapping it. However, my mom and her boyfriend are flying from Nevada to New York, and my Aunt Carole and cousin Kendra are coming from Pennsylvania (I signed up last July, way in advance of knowing that Zachary would be here). No pressure. So, my plan is to still make a go of it. I've got to the finish line 3 times already, so this will be #4. My vision is to get to the finish line, not worry about my time and just have fun, and grab Zachary from Mike to cross with me as I get my Ironman medal :) I figure, with taking all of July off that I can make this happen. Let's see how that all pans out.