What a day!

We met our son for the first time today and we signed the papers to proceed with the adoption. I don't have much time because this is a public computer, so I'll keep the posting brief. We'll post photos later. When they brought him in the room, I was overwhelmed with emotion. They handed him to me and he settled in my arms and just stared. He has huge, beautiful eyes. The caretakers are all women and they told us that Dave and our translator were the first men he'd ever seen. He was fascinated and a little hesitant at first with Dave. He got over that quickly and was moving toward him at every opportunity. He can walk with support and this little guy has got a grip! He gets ahold of your fingers and just clenches his little fist. He's very small, but he has two teeth on top and two on the bottom. He smiled and laughed several times while we played with him, but he was a little tired. Apparently he has the start of a cold or something. Later when they were asking if we wanted to adopt him, they asked me what I thought. I responded that "I think I'm in love!" We both are. We got lots of photos and video and can't wait to share it with family and friends.

We have a son. And he's wonderful. We get to see him again tomorrow and then we begin the long journey home. Leaving him today was difficult, but tomorrow will be really tough. We have to leave him while the paperwork is finalized and then we'll be back to pick him when we receive our court date. Hopefully that will be very soon. Everyone here has been very professional and yet very warm and welcoming to us. It makes me look forward to returning to this lovely country very soon. Dave has commented and I agree that this area of Russia looks like our favorite parts of Minnesota. We feel right at home.

Got to run. Dave is giving me the "wrap" signal. Much love to all!!!!