Tid Bits from the week

* Katerina received four shots this week including her first of two flu shots. After her first vaccination run, she ran a very high fever so we expected the worst after the last one and this one. Nothing at all. I hate watching her get shots and cry but obviously it's for her best. She also got a xylophone as her toy for this set of shots.

* I get a bit disappointed when people do not say "hi" back to Katerina at the mall or when we are out. She is a very outgoing little girl. She says "hi" to just about anyone. When people do not hear that is one thing. But when they do and ignore it, I feel kind of sad for Katerina.

* We got to play outside today as the weather was so nice. Into the 60s which was needed for me. I had been a bit ill this past week so I needed the fresh air. Katerina loved going for a ride in her wagon and playing on the slide.

* We are preparing for Christmas which will be very big. While Katerina will only be 22 months old, and next year's will probably be cooler for her, but her first with us will be big nonetheless. Lots of books, puzzles, toys, etc. Our little girl will be spoiled for at least a little while (probably much longer than that by her dad).

* This would make a few of my friends happy from my past job at the American Hockey League. While watching the Bruins lose in a shoot out to the Blues, Kelly decided she would be okay with Katerina playing Hockey. I shudder at living the hockey parent life style. Maybe we will stick to soccer ha ha!

Day Two

Day two was also a good day. We had a bumped head which caused some crying but otherwise a very good day.

First up after the good night sleep was the bumped head. Then off to the doctor's office for a quick physical for the American Embassy. Boris, the Pediatrician, was very nice and great with Katerina. He joked with her and got her to laugh while running his exams. He also confirmed our thoughts that she must have been a favorite at the orphanage because she did not look like a normal child from an orphanage. He said he could I better get a shotgun to keep all the boys away from when she gets older because he could tell she was going to be trouble. Kelly and i thought it was cute. I told him I would just invite Uncle Jim over in uniform. The doctor responded, "yes, but he may be working some times, so I still recommend a shotgun."

He called her a little drama queen and explained that while at the orphanage most children would be relatively quiet because they would be fighting for attention and then just give up on trying. But he said he could see she was quickly learning how to work her parents. It would be important to let her know she cannot always be picked up when she wants. Although we pick her up nearly anytime she wants :). And will continue to do so for a little while. We still have to reinforce that we are her parents/care givers now.

After the doctor's appointment it was back to the hotel for a nap for all of us. A good nap of over 2 hours although Kelly and I still felt like we barely slept. The Jet lag is kicking in big time now. Then we went to the ultimate Russian restaurant for dinner for Kelly and me. Okay that was a joke, we went to MacDonalds, which tastes the same here as it does in the United States. Katerina ate a good amount of her oatmeal and juice mix.

And now it is bed time for our little girl and probably us soon. I am sure we will be up some time this evening with Katerina. And giving my sleep patterns, hopefully it will be near the same time I wake up without any help from Katerina.

Tomorrow is an easy day. I go the Embassy to file all of our paperwork and then back to the hotel probably by 11:00. The rest of the day is ours to do as we wish. I am hopeful, we can get to the park tomorrow as the temperature is supposed be near 30 tomorrow after being around 15 today.

Getting closer to being final! We are only three days from returning to the United States with our little princess.

Weather

As you can see from the link on the right. The weather in Moscow is quite cold. Not sure how much we will be able to do outside in weather this cold. Highs in the low to mid 20s is not cool> Especially when the weather back home is supposed to be in the mid to upper 50s. We also lost our free day due to the travel delays.

Boots!

We got Katerina the cutest little pair of pink boots tonight. She will need them because the weather is still not looking good for Moscow next week. Mid 20s for highs and snow a few of the days.

It's Getting Closer

Hard to believe in one week, not only will Kelly and I be parents, but we will be parents with our child in Moscow. It won't be much longer before we can share Katerina with the world. We are quite excited about this. She deserves to be the center of attention for the rest of her life. We are happy we will be the ones to try and give her all the attention she will ever need (until adulthood anyway).

Looked at the weather in Moscow. It stinks compared to what our weather is supposed to be next week. Near and into the 50s here for highs. There we will be lucky to get above 30. This stinks, I would love to take Katerina out in the city parks and the sort while we are there. But the weather will prevent much of that. :(. Hopefully the weather changes. It is still a week away which in New England is like an eternity.

Weather

Was just looking at the forecast for the next 4 days in Moscow. Woo Hoo!!!! Weather looks great. Tuesday 25; Wednesday 32; and, Thursday 36. Can't ask for much more than that.

Weather

As the map to right shows, the weather has warmed up here. It feels like a heat wave. The weather is supposed to stay between 25-32 for Thursday and Friday which means all in all the weather was cold a few days but bearable. And now, it practically feels like spring. Hopefully the weather will be similar or better when we return home.

Everything Set To Go

We spoke with Adopt A Child, Inc. this afternoon to finalize the itinerary for the trip. Everything is good to go. We bought more toys to bring with us to play with Katerina. Some touch/feel books as well as some other rattle and noise making toys. Bought a train but probably too big to bring with us so will await her arrival home sometime next March or so.

Now I have a better understanding about what to bring for cash too.

Looked at the weather today. It is supposed to be brutally cold during our sightseeing days. That really stinks but we will brave it to see the sites. Should be interesting. We have plenty of clothing, as well as hand and feet warmers which should help. Now I just have to hope my camera survives the cold so I can get tons of pictures of the Kremlin, Red Square, St. Basil's Cathedral, the architecture, AND OF COURSE OUR LITTLE GIRL.

Also heard today that our Passports and Visa will be shipped to us for Wednesday delivery. Have the house ready to be house sat and animals ready to be cared for.

As the title says, everything is all set to go. Moscow and the cold here we come.

Weather in Moscow

Just checked the long term weather for Moscow. While it only goes as far as the 17th, it is going to be quite cold. Right now the weather for the 17th is 12 degree and snow and 7 degrees for a low that night. That is cold. I am going to have to purchase one of those big hats to keep my head warm.