We woke up at 3:45am Moscow time. This sounds awful at first, but you must take into consideration that we went to bed at 7:30pm. (Zac went to bed at 5:45pm) So we're rested... just really screwed up on our time zones. The funny part is that we're running on Novo time which we weren't even running on while we were there! So I'm not sure how in the world we ended up this way.
Today is the "doctor visit". I'm not really sure what that's all about, but we're getting used to simply doing what we're told by our coordinator/translator. So far everything seems to have worked out great, so there is no need to question them now. We're so close to the end!
Zac continues to come out of his shell. He's a bit fussier, but nothing too out of the norm. Katie and I were analyzing that a lot of his "extreme obedience" in the beginning was most likely forced from the baby home. Any parent out there knows that forced obedience isn't really obedience at all. So we don't really mind that he's acting out a bit. That's sort of the whole point of parenting: Teaching children to make good decisions on their own. So that we won't have to make their decisions for them when they're older.
Don't get me wrong. He's still a wonderfully sweet child. He's just not the "perfect child" that we saw the first day or two. He's better described now as a "normal child".
Hey! While I'm thinking about it, I have a question for the adoptive parents who have gone before us:
Can you please tell us again about what we are supposed to do at Customs when we land in Atlanta? We have approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes and I want to make sure that we don't screw anything up. Thanks in advance!
I'll leave you with a few more pictures:
Fun with Dad
I took this picture myself. This was taken yesterday when we were at Red Square. Beautiful weather here in Moscow! (Go figure)
This is a picture of the funky couch that we have in our flat. It folds out and although it's not much to look at, it is EXTREMELY comfortable. (Or maybe I'm just really tired). Please note my awesome pajamas. Also please note how "particular" Zac is. We are constantly finding him "organizing" his toys. (Although he throws them an awful lot too).
CUTE BOY!
4 comments:
Here's what we did in Atlanta:
1. Get off the plane as fast as possible.
2. Go through immmigration as usual (US Citizens line with Zac's Russian passport).
3. Get your luggage as fast as possible.
4. Head towards customs. There is a seating area and a bunch of agents standing behind pillar desks. (You'll be directed.) Hand your envelope from the Embassy to someone (or put on desk) and wait in the seating area. We waited about 5-10 minutes.
5. They will call you up (only one person can go up when we were there). Michael did this and I think they just verified all of the info they had and Rita's passport. Took just a few minutes.
6. Go through Customs. We had no problems. Re-check bags.
The gates are connected via the tram as you know so you can get around pretty easily & quickly.
I was going to give you advice on the customs thing, but looks like Tricia has it covered, so instead, I'll just say:
I can't get over how adorable cute that kid is!
I love that last picture so much! I can't wait to see you!
Blessings to you!
-Hannah
Congrats again! So fun to see more pics of Zac and read how well he is doing. I love following your journey. Will you keep it up when you are home?
We had exactly the same customs/immigration experience as tricia. It is good to know you will be directed to a special area. The immigration agents can be stern so it is good to know what to expect. Enjoy the rest of your time!
Post a Comment