What a day!!! It is now 1:30 am in the morning here and I am just now able to collect my thoughts. I will never forget this day or the feeling when we first saw her. The first thing I thought was how healthy she looked, and I thanked God for it. Then I couldn't believe she was walking with the help of the orphanage medical director. Then I thought that she had the biggest cheeks I have ever seen!

We went to the Ministry of Education first this morning. The director met with us and asked us questions, she was mainly interested in how we planned to care for the baby. She seemed happy with our answers and then she pulled out the file and showed us Ellie's picture...we thought she was adorable and readily agreed that we wanted to meet her. Then we noticed that her birthday is Friday May 15th!!! We get to celebrate her first birthday with her! I wish we could be at home, but at least we will be together. Isn't it neat how God worked that out? I never ceased to be amazed.

We went into the orphanage and met with the medical director and reviewed all of her medical information. She doesn't seem to have any issues other than the normal speech and motor skill delay from being institutionalized, but even with that she doesn't seem far behind. She isn't speaking much, but did babble a bit at the end of our visit. I am sure she will find her "voice" on the way home on the plane!

Her mother was from Kyrgyzstan and had come to Russia to find work. She was 36 and this was her 4th pregnancy. She has two other children, we don't know if they are in Moscow or where they are, or if anything she told them is true. She gave birth at home and then called the ambulance and they took her and the baby to the maternity hospital. She then left her there. They said that she was poor and couldn't provide for the child. There was no information about her father. I am just so happy she wanted to care for Ellie and get her to the hospital and make sure she was taken care of. That alone tells me she loves her. Thinking about her mom brings tears to my eyes. I can't imagine what a tough decision that was for her.

Her caregiver said she is a calm baby, and understands what you say to her and doesn't like it when you are mad at her. She said she likes to eat...haha...we could tell that! As Jim says, "she is a major cute chub"! He enjoyed playing with her, it was fun to watch...he is already a great dad! She takes two naps a day right now, from 10-12 and from 2-4 and then goes to bed at 8. She is drinking from a cup...no sippie cups or pacifiers at the orphanage. The caregiver did giggle and say she isn't always successful with the cup yet. She is also using a spoon with some assistance. I just can't believe how well she gets around! She is pulling up, standing up on her own and almost walking on her own. We better get busy childproofing!

She loved all the toys we brought, but her favorite thing was the file folder that had my notes in it! Vlad, who part of the adoption team, said she is going to be a lawyer...Jim promptly replied, "not if i can help it, one in the house is enough!" Haha!

She really warmed up after a few minutes and played with my nose, my chin, my hair...she was very curious about me and it was the sweetest thing...I totally cried.

Then Vlad took us to get lunch...at McDonald's...I think he thought we were missing the food from home, little did he know we hardly ever eat there! Vlad is a very nice man, and very interesting. In his previous life he taught mechanical engineering and has spoken all over the world. He is well-read and we learned a lot more about Russian history and the country in general. I am so happy we have gotten to know him. Masha who does all the paperwork is a beautiful and very smart woman. I am also glad she is on our team! She was great with us at the ministry of education today, so kind and so professional. There were several other families waiting to get info on their child, some from the US.

After lunch we had some time to kill while we waited for Ellie to nap, so Vlad took us to a beautiful park nearby. We were happy it was a pretty day (it is turning cold tomorrow and is supposed to rain the rest of the week.) It was beautiful and only a few minutes away from the orphanage.

We went back the second time and she seemed to know recognize us. It took her a few minutes to wake up but then we played and that is when she started to babble a little. She kept reaching for me and wanted me to pick her up...so sweet. Jim kept taking pictures and video and then he played some more also. We stayed until after 6 and then Vlad drove us back...in rush hour...what a mess. They drive AWFUL over here...I was in the front and just closed my eyes and prayed.

We have sent her medical info and pics to the international adoption doctors and await their response. I think it will be okay, I will be sure to let you know what they say.

It was a great first day. I am relieved, exhausted and overwhelmed all at the same time. So much to process. I better get to bed now, another big day ahead tomorrow!