[jrvikngfan]

Don't have too much time for a long post... but saw this and thought I would add... I think we ran into you on our trip to pick up Jackson. We were staying at the Marriott Courtyard and we called housekeeping to ask for a kettle once we got there. There was no charge and it heated water faster than anything I have ever seen. No need to pack one if you are returning there!

We packed one VERY large suitcase: placing our orphanage donations, baby clothes, bottles, diapers, etc in it and then brought two rolling/carry on type bags as well. We were able to leave the orphanage donation and only took clothes for Jack we knew we would leave behind once he wore them... brought very few back home with us. This practically emptied the big suitcase enough that we were able to put one of the carry on bags in it on the way back, along with any souveniers, etc... and just had the two bags to bring home. It worked out well for us. We did not take a stroller, just considered buying one there if we decided we really needed it. Turned out he preferred the snuggly and slept better if he was against me. Also, prevented him trying to squirm. We probably could have packed even lighter, but it was very manageable... plus, we were able to check our bags at the hotel before we left for the region the orphanage was in and only take a small carry on and the orphanage donation/gifts with us. Just got our other bags when we returned to the Courtyard.

Also, if you stay at the courtyard, don't go overboard on packing food and diapers/wipes, etc... there is a grocery store 2 blocks from the hotel we walked to every couple of days to get whatever we needed. This was a big help. Had I known, I probably wouldn't have brought much of that with me at all.

Good luck to you!

[doozer22boys]

That second trip is a killer to pack for! I dreaded it. Luckily we went in late spring/early summer so we didn't have to pack bulky stuff. We adopted 2 girls so we had to have plenty of clothes and toys for them as well. We checked 2 big suitcases and 1 big duffle bag and an umbrella stroller. My husband and I each had a relatively big backpack that we brought on the plane with us. I don't know how we managed with only 3 checked bags because I had so much stuff. We gave gifts that took up very little space and didn't bring much in the way of food. I tried to buy everything there that I could (extra diapers, etc..) We stayed for 23 days so that is quite a bit of time to stay. I did laundry in the room a lot. I just bought detergent over there. Their laundry soap is a lot stronger than ours! I will never stress about packing like I did for that trip. It makes me sick just thinking about it.

[waitinginnj]

I did disposable clothing too. When I finished with it, it went in the garbage. Old night gowns, underwear, socks etc. Court shoes too. We did change, when we hung out in the room, to keep the clothes nicer. Also brought downey spray for wrinkles, (works if you do it the night before) and fabreze for smells (like cigarettes). Small gifts, giftbags packed flat. Don't bring too many toys. Bring a couple of things and if you really need something new, but it in Russia. My daughter spent most of her time carrying around a tourism brochure.

[SingleMama2B]

Hi..... I adopted as a single Mom, so I was severely hampered by only allowed 2 bags (checked), and had to travel in January (2005) with ALL winter clothes, boots, winter coat, etc., but did it fine. For my clothes... I took solid pants (that I could wash in the tub with woolite), and solid sweaters that I could mix and match. For DD, it was more difficult, as I had to take winter coat, etc. that I listed above. I used my suitcase for the 'gifts'. I did not package them, and choose to use gift bags with tissue paper, as these would pack flat until it was the day to hand them out. This saved ALOT of space. I also shoose to purchase the "Orphanage Gift" while in-country, as I could make sure what they really needed. In my case, they where in desperate need of Medicines, blood pressure machine, 13 thermometers, and 36 rolls of TP. I ended up getting 2 huge shopping bags full of meds, and then the other stuff... all for $150 american $'s! I also stayed at a hotel that had a hair blow dryer, and the amenities so that I didn't need to pack them.

As far as carry on(s). I was able to take a fairly large handbag, a typical carry-on case filled with enough stuff for a day incase they lost my bags, and I also carried my video camera strapped across my body. They allowed it, so this saved alot of space too.

Remember, that each ticket holder can have 2 large bags, with (I think) a weight limit of 65 or 70 lbs. each. This would allow you a total of 4 bags plus carry-ons. I was able to go through the airport with a total of 2 on wheels and one strapped to a wheeled one by myself.

[Mykidsmom]

We took 1 large bag for each of us and we each had a carryon. For the gifts, give cash if at all possible, in a nice hand written thank you card (Someone will translate for them if you cannot write russian), or for some buy the gifts after you get there. Our orphanage donation was medicine, the orphanage director told our coordinator exactly what was needed and it was purchased in country, I know this happened, my husband went with the coordinator and purchased the medicine . As others have mentioned, wear your clothes multiple times. Purchase toys for your child in country. Remember you do not want to overwhelm. On the way home you will be allowed another bag and carryon for your little one.

[Bcelli]

I reviewed some photos last night and found this. It tells pretty much every story you've heard here.

[his,mine&ours]

Love the picture!

Thanks everyone, cash will be king on the gifts...that clears up a lot of room!