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I agree that Russia is unpredictable...but I think it's a stable program if you are with an accredited and accountable agency. Please do ask for the last 2-3 names of families that have used your agency...hopefully completing adoptions within the last 3-6 months and call them. Ask them how the process was, how the in-country staff was, how the agency handled issues that arose (there generally always will be some issues). Our agency made all the difference in our process. We also had an adoption friendly region - so that comes into play.
The paperwork is what it is for other countries. Can be time consuming, but if you were completed for China, you probably have most of the things you need at your fingertips. The hardest part may be changing your I-600 (if you need that for China?)...due to that relying on the US govt. It sounds like you really flew through the paper trail already, so you'll most likely fly through it again - alot of it is your organization!
We had referals when we traveled, but the medicals you get are often so sketchy, it's almost like traveling blind. If this is what your agency is suggesting, ask the important questions. Will they be able to offer you more children if the first one does not meet your health specifications, will they be willing to have you travel to other regions they work in if your first region doesn't work, can you do all this (find a child) in one trip and not have to return for this purpose alone? Be sure your parameters on age and gender and health are known upfront. FAS and other things are always a concern...but most people on this board would tell you that it's a gamble worth taking. Since your hubby is a doc (I hope I got that right), you do have a leg up. Perhaps he (and you) can meet with an IA clinic and get a brush up on what to be looking for...correct measurements (it's helpful to take a chart, but expect any child you meet to be behind their age...just look for them to be "even" on all charts).
As for taking your son (at 6 years old), we traveled both trips with our 8 year old son. There are reasons that I'm so glad we did it and reasons why I'm not. The biggest plus is that he got to be there from the beginning, but we adopted older children and I think that wouldn't have been as important with a baby or toddler (due to the age difference). If your son is not a great traveler and not ready for a LOT of down time (just hanging in a hotel room, courthouse, car, lines)...then I would say no. It's not like a sight-seeing trip...there is a LOT of adult stuff and our son had to just sit quietly for hours during each trip. If you don't think he can do it - don't take him. It won't be fair to him or to you...you really need to be paying attention in all those situations.
I hope you find the answers you are looking for!
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