[lakimnafite]

So, last we left off, Allie and I were awake and ready to start out day. A quick phone call with Daddy and Brother, and then we eat breakfast and get dressed. It will be a busy day!

Our morning began at the medical clinic. For those of you who have been through it, you know the routine. I already knew what he was going to say, thanks to all of you! I first got the 'it won't be long before the boys are knocking down your door', followed by the 'mommy shouldn't spoil this one too much'. I undressed her and he started the exam. She was, of course, terrified. He did his routine about the alligator tears and how it is all just a show for me. He tells me not to give in to her crying, and when I get her home I should ignore her when she cries. Ya, right....

I am angry at him, and angry at myself, as I sit in the chair and listen to her sob. He is not rough, but not too gentle either. He tells her to shush. I want to shove him aside and take her in my arms - but I wait until he is done. I peek around him and look at her. She looks into my eyes, sobbing, why mommy, why are you letting this strange man touch me? Oh, the guilt begins already....

I will him to get it over with. We all know that this is simply for show. If there was anything wrong with this baby, he would not find it. He gets his 2800 rubles, and I get the stamp on the medical card. I shouldn't have even had to get this baby up early for this - but that's the way it goes. After minutes which seemed like hours, he is done. I rush over and take her into my arms. Little hands curl into my hair, and she clings to me as her body shudders but her crying ends - almost instantly.

I get her dressed again in her adorable little pink outfit given to me by a friend on my last day at work. We are now on our way to Red Square for the traditional baby by the Cathedral picture Our interpreter takes two pictures, then we go to the gift shop for a couple of items. (little gift shop plug here - you would think that the shop right in the center of Red Square would be very expensive - but it wasn't. it's huge - 4 rooms of stuff! and very reasonable)

I purchase a t-shirt for DS for about $5. It is bright blue with a picture of St. Basil's Cathedral and the word Russia in Russian. I also bought a disposable camera for about $10 ( I think I mentioned that I'm out of memory on my digital camera...!). Finally, I purchased a beautiful Fabrage Egg for her 16th birthday present.

Now, back to the apartment for lunch and a quick nap. I have to get her up, again, way too early from her sleep in order to leave for the US Embassy. More Russians working there than I expected, but it was nice to hear English again - not just through the phone lines when I call home! We were there about an hour and a half. There were many other American families there with adorable children. The kids all play and I think Allie really enjoyed seeing other kids again. Finally, we are done. I have her Russian passport, her American Visa, and the all important and mysterious envelope that I must keep sealed and deliver to the immigration folks in Atlanta.

Back to the room again. I realize that I do not have enough formula for tonights bottle (assuming we go through more than one....). I also need some pear juice, water, and more mushy meat stuff that she loved and mmmm'd so much yesterday! So, we are off to the store.

Remember when I said that I brought 6 pairs of shoes? Well, what I didn't bring was a jacket. And it's raining! Allie has an adorable pink jacket (get the trend here...? I have had a boy for years - I was so ready for PINK!) that I put on her and then put her in the carrier. I am in a sleeveless sweater... I grab an umbrella from the entry of the apartment - hope no one misses that... And head out.

Lucky for me, the rain lets up and I hook the umbrella on the back of the carrier. Allie is wiggling around to watch the people (and probably to avoid such close eye contact....) which makes it hard to hold her. My sleeveless sweater gets pulled down, until there is more of me showing than this particular shirt ever intended. Well, little wiggle girl notices. She does what any self respecting baby would do. She blows raspberries in my cleavage!

I do not care - I will never see these people again. I am laughing, which of course makes her do it again. I move her a bit so she sits higher and with her comes my shirt, at a much more respectable level. Get to the store, purchase my items, and get back to the room.

Dinner, bath and bed. Such a busy day, Allie falls asleep as I stand by her crib. Not even one bottle tonight. I am out of the room within 5 minutes! Ah... wouldn't it be great if this is the new normal....?!?

So, my friends - this is my last post for a few days. Since we finished all the official stuff today they are letting me leave two days early!!! I called the airlines and got on tomorrows flight. I'm coming home!!!

Which, of course, means that you will all see pictures two days earlier than we first thought!

Say a little prayer for us - tomorrow the hard labor begins....

PS: written last night but couldn't post due to technical difficulties - I saved it in Word to copy into here this morning. Our ride will get here in 38 minutes, Allie is still in her jammies - I gotta run!!

[GCS]

have a safe trip! We cant wait to see pictures!

Christina

[Katie63011]

Safe travels, your posts have been wonderful!!!

[Kasey]

Wonderful posts and descriptions!! Have a safe and smooth journey home and I can't wait to see pics!!

[Vicki H]

Have a safe trip home Kim!

[Chris3148]

Have a safe trip home with Allie!! I have loved reading your posts.

We never had a honeymoon period with our two girls, went straight to crying and temper tantrums from the moment we got them. Which eventually went away...ahhhh....but I loved reading what it could have been like! LOL

[britfish]

I know you are excited to get home but I am going to miss your stories! Have a wonderful trip home and I can wait to read your post about the flights home!

[MominPA]

I hated the medical exam. I got the same story too. Of course I had to make a comment saying this was the first time he cried like that.

Have safe trip home and I can't wait to see pictures.

[mikeintexas]

Have a great trip home, Kim... It's a trip you'll never forget! Mike

[Kendal]

Have a safe trip home. I can't wait to see photos!

[mommyto4]

Thanks so much for the post loved reading about your adventures, you will have so many memories of your trip to treasure. What wonderful news that you will be coming home early. Can't wait to see the pics of little Allie. You will be in my prayers for a smoothe trip home.

[caaron]

Have a safe trip home! I have really enjoyed your posts. Can't wait to see the pictures!!

[jaw's mom]

Wow!!! Safe trip home!!! I must say your post have given me immense joy. I just love reading about your first experiences with your daughter. It takes me back to the times we had with DS when we were in Russia. It helps me to dream of the time when we will finally be united with DS #2!!! So, thank you for a glimpse of the future while we endure this painful time of waiting.

[emjay]

As I type this, you and Allie are on your way HOME! I have so enjoyed your chronicle of "Bonding in Moscow", and I hope you are able to share stories of your homecoming! (complete with pictures of course!)

I hope your reunion with your DH and son is wonderful, and that Allie's homecoming is a special time for you all!

[lovestruck]

Have a safe trip home! Can't wait to see pictures of Allie and read all about your flight home! After these wonderful posts you have us all spoiled!