Friday, November 14, 2008

Headed for Moscow ...

Last night after picking Addison up from the baby home, we went back to our apartment to pack and play for a little bit. Our train didn't leave until 10:30 p.m. local time, so Addison fell asleep before we left.
She has done awesome since leaving the baby home ... we couldn't be happier. While she is a little unsure of what is going on, she is coming out of her shell quickly. She has only cried twice ... clearly she hates getting a bath and she also didn't like the Tylenol cold medicine that we gave her. She hasn't cried about anything else, so our transition thus far has been great.

The train ride was ... interesting. We had never been on a real train before, other than Amtrak, which I wouldn't even consider a real train. Addison woke up on the way to the train station and was happy as could be. Once we got to our train car, we played for a little bit before putting her back to bed. She is the easiest kid to get to sleep, by the way. Maybe our other two could learn a thing or two from her! Anyway, we knew our train arrived in Moscow at 6:00 a.m. local time, so we wanted to try to get some sleep.

Cheesy monkey playing ...
Here is our little room ...
And the hallway outside the rooms ...
Addison and I got more sleep than Kyle did. He couldn't sleep much, so he sat up listening to his iPod and making sure Addison didn't fall off the bed. I had been laying by her, but that didn't make for very comfortable arrangements, so he sat by her since he couldn't sleep.

We pulled into Moscow right on time and someone from our agency boarded the train to get us and the other family that is traveling with us. That was nice ... at least we didn't have to try to figure out where the heck to go! Once we were all loaded into our cars, we went directly to the medical facility so the kids could have their medical exams done at 7:00 a.m. ... we were told the doctor was coming just for us. I love the way things work here! The medical exams are required by the embassy so they know we are bringing healthy kids into the United States. Addison did great and she weighed in at a hefty 26 pounds. The doctor was very impressed with her, stating that she must have been a favorite at her baby home since her development is so good. We said that many times the kids are not doing as well as she is doing ... I think we pretty much owe that to the baby home and the research study that PITT is doing there.

After our medical appointment, we were told that we were done for the day. They dropped us off at our hotel (a Marriott) and we played for a little bit before taking a long nap. Our hotel is very nice and it is a welcome change after staying in an apartment for the past few days. I'm just happy to have such a nice bed to sleep in! LOL. We have a pack and play for Addison too, so we are set. Oh, and most of the staff speaks some English and we can even get American food for room service! Love this place! Now we are going to venture out into Moscow to see what we can find ... I will let you know what we find. :)

11 comments:

The Jones' Journey said...

OMG that one picture of her sleep looks just like Payton!! Crazy!

Anonymous said...

I'm sooooo excited!!! I love the pictures. Can't wait to see pics with all three of your children. :)

orphans4me said...

Wow, what an experience that train ride must have been. I'm glad you are safely in Moscow and hopefully getting some rest. Have fun exploring the city.
Joy,RR

Rachel Dominguez said...

I love the sleeping picture. She looks very relaxed and peaceful.

I am so glad to hear that things are going so well so far. I am just so happy for you guys and for that little angel to be able to have such wonderful parents.

Can't wait to hear more! :)

Rachel

Shay said...

seriously thought that was payton sleeping. nuts how much they look alike.

Kelly said...

WOW!!! She is fantastic! Are there other kids with ds at Addison's baby home? Sounds like a very caring place.

Anonymous said...

"She is the easiest kid to get to sleep, by the way. Maybe our other two could learn a thing or two from her!"
Hopefully it won't be the OTHER WAY AROUND!!! LOL

Woohoo!!! I'm so happy for you guys! A family of 5 now! :D Aren't you just dying to get all three of the kids together?!?!?! Can you even IMAGINE what will be going on in her little head?!

"She weighed in at a hefty 26 pounds." Man, she is really a healthy little thing, isn't she? I just looked and Aleena was 25 lbs. at 2 years old. It will be interesting to see how she takes to American food! She's SUCH a doll baby!

Becca said...

I just can't wait to see her! Gotta get a playdate planned...she and Payton and Samantha will have so much fun playing together!

Anonymous said...

he he I wonder what she thinks of you two crazy people taking her on a trip talking all that English???? Wait until she comes to the US and everyone is all googly about her and then she will think we are all crazy!! We love her already.

Natalia

Rachel said...

I just love the sleeping angel picture!

Anonymous said...

Your story is amazing! I found the link on mumsthewurd and have been following it closely -- Addison is such a cutie pie!:)
I know it's none of my business, but I'm a bit of a worrywart when it comes to things like this -- the AAP has recommended that parents do not give kids cold medicine, especially children under the age of 5. Obviously, you know what's best for Addison, but I just wanted to throw that out there, as it can be dangerous for small children.
I hope I haven't offended you by saying this -- like I said, I'm a worrywart when it comes to this stuff and wouldn't want to have anything happen to your sweet girl!
Again, your story is just amazing, and I'm having such a wonderful time following it and seeing how everything is falling into place so perfectly for you to become a family of 5:)
~ CJ