Our last full day in Moscow / Most important Day as well

Today was our last full day in Moscow. It was also the most important, after getting Katerina. It was the day we went to American Embassy to get our petition approved for orphan adoption/immediate American citizenship. Our little girl was approved. We have a Russian passport and American visa and we are ready to travel. Once that visa gets stamped at JFK, Katerina is an American!!!

As for the other things that happened today. We realized that Katerina has quickly learned that crying can get her what she wants. Which in her case is usually attention and being held. For Kelly and I, it causes confusion because we worry there is something else going on. Whether that something be pain or other serious situation or just wet diaper or just hungry/thirsty. We seemed to have gone through everything else today a few times before realizing she just wanted to be held. She is a quick learner this little girl. From not getting much attention in the orphanage to getting it whenever she turns on the tears.

Other than that, we are just anxious to get to the airport and buy Katerina her ticket. We are uncertain whether it will be a seat or just infant - no seat ticket. Depends on what they have available on our flight. We prefer her own seat as long as it is not incredibly expensive. Plus we are hopeful that they will let us use the vouchers we received for the one day delay when we left JFK for her ticket. Technically they are not transferable but this is our daughter. Not like we are giving them away to someone.

So it is with a big smile that Kelly and I prepare to bring Katerina to her new home in the United States. Now off to get some sleep. As you all know, I am only sleeping about three hours at a time. Hopefully tonight I will be able to get 6 hours between 9:30 tonight and 8 am tomorrow morning.