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Tips
I did not stay with a host family, but visited private apartments of several friends of a friend here who is from Khabarovsk. Some general tips:
Always take off your shoes when you come in, and leave them by the door.
Learn the Russian for yes, no, this is yummy, please, thanks, etc. - basic words and phrases. I got a CD and listened in the car during my commute and that was pretty easy.
Take snacks in case you don't like the food.
I advise you to take your own toilet paper - often they don't use it, or use something like a paper towel. Often it cannot be flushed, either - make sure and find out beforehand. Plumbers often don't exist there.
Take small gifts to the family - gift giving is prized. I advise you to take something that represents your home state or city.
Be ready if they offer you booze at 3 in the afternoon, or whenever. Some Russians like a shot of vodka at breakfast. If you don't drink, make sure that's made clear to them ahead of time. Russians can get insulted if you don't drink with them.
They often eat weird things for breakfast - salad, hot dogs, etc. - make sure it's clear what you want for breakfast. Take your own coffee or tea, if that's dear to you.
Practice walking up stairs. There are a LOT of stairs in Russian buildings and often no elevators.
Take layers to wear - apartments are often very hot inside.
I advise you to keep a journal of your experiences with the family - this will be prized by your child, at some point.
Good luck!
Dee
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