Trip 2 – Day 2: Novokuznetsk

We flew overnight from Moscow to Novokuznetsk. It was really only a four hour flight, but since we traveled four time zones ahead, we landed at 6:45 am. It was a new plane, the food was very good again, and the flight attendants very nice, but the stifling heat prevented Martin and I from getting any sleep. We stepped off the plane to -7 degrees and about a foot of snow! Even though it was still dark, I must say it was very beautiful.

The shuttle bus that took us to the terminal was blaring a techno version of Billy Idol’s “Rebel Yell” and I thought it was a strange song to hear ½ way across the world. Guess what song is now stuck in my head?

We went straight to our hotel, the Novokuztskaya, and met two more adoptive families. Actually, we saw them in Chicago and wondered if they were going to Russia to adopt. I didn’t see them go on our plane to Novo, so it was a pleasant surprise to meet them at our hotel. Both brought little 4 year boys with them and seeing them play made me miss my guys. Both families are here on Trip One – one for a girl and one for a boy. The family adopting a girl has five homegrown boys. When I told Martin that they had us beat, he emphatically said it was not a competition.

We only had five minutes in the hotel to brush our teeth and comb our hair before heading out for our medicals. That was an experience I’ll not soon forget! I’ll post more about it later, but we survived it and about 5 hours later, after tromping through the snow to various medical clinics, I think we passed. We had lots of laughs along the way!

Then the other couple with us was dropped off at the hotel for a nap and Martin and I were taken straight to the Baby Home. The caregiver brought our little girl in to see us and she was a little doll. They had her dressed so cute. She hasn’t grown a whole lot, but her hair is longer and a little curlier. She can stand up and even took a few tiny steps. She was soooo sweet with us today, but I could tell she didn’t feel good (congestion) and/or was sleepy (hey, she was not the only one.) She played for a little while before letting me rock her to sleep in my arms. Martin fell asleep too. He was sitting on a little wooden chair made for a toddler. I took his photo, so maybe I’ll post it later. :0)

Please keep us in your prayers as we go to court tomorrow!

Preston, Garrett, Nolan and Liam… we miss you guys and can’t wait to see you soon!!!

Happy birthday, Ady! I can't believe you are already two years old!!!! You and Lexi are going to have some fun times ahead!
Love you! Mom and Dad