Dinnertime Blues

So far, Alex is a champ at breakfast. We eat almost every morning downstairs here at the Courtyard in their restaurant. They have a great buffet. It's expensive - but it's a good breakfast. Then typically, *I* skip lunch and make do in the room. Alex has been having his lunch up here and eating pretty well. Dinner, however, is a different story although. Until tonight I've mostly been eating at the hotel as well. When Lynda, Lori & Todd were still here, we went out to the mexican restaurant up the street. Sara arrived today so we ventured out to Mama Roma's (or Mama Poma's as one of the signs says). Alex is not usually a happy man at dinner. If I offer him most foods, he'll turn his head and for added effect, cry. This always makes me squirm as I know I am way to over sensitive to what others are thinking/saying. The picture above is his sad dinner eyes. The funny thing is that I can get him to eat somethings if I feed him with my hands and NOT via fork/spoon.

In other daily news, as I mentioned above, Sara arrived today. YEAH! She's super tired from flying for essentially 24 hours so after dinner she crashed before Alex did! He was shy around her at first and now totally has her under his spell. He is SUCH a complete flirt - really knows how to work the ladies! We're hoping to venture out tomorrow morning if the weather holds out for us. It was much cooler today and rainy. Blech!

Here's some various pictures from last night and today...

Pouting from inside my crib... pre-nap

Turning on the charms...

More happy, smiley boy!!

Someone is getting tired...

Milk mustache... at dinner

And for the topper of the day... here's a little something you COULD order at Mama Roma's - pizza with bacon AND egg.

Uh huh. You're seeing it correctly.

We didn't order it, obviously. I said COULD... haha

Quick Post - Answers and Non Alex Updates!

Poor Alex, already getting slighted and not making it into a blog posting? Well, scratch that -- he just did! While he's napping this afternoon, I am going to squeeze in a shower (my 7th floor neighbors in the Courtyard will thank me) and thought I'd post some quick responses to questions and non Alex pictures...

Cindy & Nikolay: Congrats on the impending #2!! Can you drop me your email? Mine is amysrepp@gmail.com

Michelle: I was PRAYING that his hair wouldn't be buzzed when I arrived! The coordinator in town here says she always asks the baby homes "please no hair cuts after trip #1". LOVE that! He does need a trim... but thankfully he wasn't buzzed!

Heather (& Chad!): Yes! I am back at the Vasilievsky Island Courtyard. I liked both of the Courtyards, but this one is so handy. I LOVE the breakfast -- just getting tired of the price!

Sarah: Alex is from Baby Home #6 -- which is here on Vasilievsky Island. Super close to the hotel. You could walk it! Can you send me your email as well?

Sally: Yes, we're taking the speed train to Moscow on Wednesday. I think we leave around 2pm or so. I am excited -- but have no idea what to expect in the train. Any other tips?

Jeanette: I totally agree with your assessment! I think he looks a LOT like Grace and also Cassie (Holly's little girl). They suspect his mom was from Kaz...

Ok -- I think I got to all the pressing questions. I seriously love hearing from all of you. It helps pass the time and have a heart beat to home!

From my hotel room I can see a three different churches. One is across the nearest bridge, off the island. It's the largest of the near by ones. So this morning, Alex and I set off to check it out. He still didn't love the stroller... oh look! He snuck into this post after all! But more on that later...

*** Update: EDITED*** This is Prince Vladimir's Cathedral - consecrated in 1789, making it one of the oldest churches in St. Petersburg. It's been a working, open Cathedral this entire time, closing only once for a year in 1926 for renovations. It's gorgeous by any standards, but pales in comparison to a lot of the super ornate, grand Cathedrals around town. Seriously, they are a dime a dozen around here - it's awe inspiring to see them all!

Around the outside of the gates to the Cathedral, there were what we'd probably call "Homeless" people sitting. They weren't begging, at least they didn't ask me for anything. However, in my brown and pink Crocs, I surely screamed "AMERICAN".

Conversely, I think I have had too much exposure to Russia. On our way back to the hotel, a guy paused in front of us only to literally blow his nose/snot rocket (think finger to one nostril and blow like heck) against the side of the building. I literally yelled at him. I believe it was a combination of English and Russian... along the lines of "DUDE!? That's disgusting! Nil Za!" Which translates roughly to "Dude!? That's disgusting - don't do that!". Holy crap - I am turning into a crazy babooshka who yells at people on the street! Thankfully my friend Sara will be here to rescue me tomorrow. None to soon, it sounds like!

Lastly, tomorrow is "May Day" here in Russia. In the former USSR, it was a holiday in close relation to our Labor Day. After the creation of the Russian Federation, it was technically dropped, but it's still widely celebrated. May 9th is "Victory Day" - a post WWII holiday. Some people feel the reason "May Day" continues is for some Russians to take a holiday encompassing both. While I am not volunteering to stay longer, I would have loved to seen some of the Victory Day celebrations.

These "signs"/banners are hanging above many of the major streets,

celebrating May Day/Victory Day

Hotel Day 2 - Not Bad!

Alex slept well last night. He woke up twice and cried out - in a scared, where am I type of cry, but quickly went back to sleep. Mama, on the other hand, had a SUPER hard time going back to sleep after cry #1 (circa 3am), and had just about fallen asleep when cry #2 happened (circa 4:30ish). Alas, the little man made up for it by sleeping until 8:45am! Thank you!!

We woke up on the Wedding side of the pond, to total domination on TV of the Royal Wedding. Basically, 2 of the 4 english speaking channels were on non-stop coverage. Thankfully, I was totally caught up in it - so I was in bliss!

Happy Boy!

After a quick jaunt down to breakfast, in which Alex ate MUCH better (buckwheat type oatmeal; cheese, yogurt and bread) we ran to the small local grocery store to get some chunky baby food. It worked in Vlad with Tati - so I thought it might help the man. According to his baby home, he was a great eater -- and he has the tummy to prove it. So I think it's a matter or things being all new -- including some food tastes.

What's this stroller thing all about?

He had a little of the stew type baby food for lunch - including carrots - OH NO! Something orange! Egads! (According to his doctor he is allergic to "all things orange" - uh huh. riiiight.) And while he didn't love the chunks of chicken, he ate some of it. He gobbled down the apple baby food, which was essentially super smooth applesauce - of course he liked that one, I only bought 1 bottle!!

He was happy 90% of the day. He cried a little in the stroller on the way to the store and then again in the store. He typically pipes down quite quickly. Thankfully. Crying babies make me sad! We did another bath tonight -- in the vain of trying to get him used to it. NO LUCK. It was worse. And now, to make matters worse, he cries anytime he gets near the bathroom! Hopefully, his sister can help him get accustomed to baths when we get home. Again, they told me at the baby home that he LOVES his baths. Riiiight. After that he was just tired, grumpy and mad at mama for making him take his bath.

Grumpy at mama...

We went for a walk around the floor of our hotel - it's like a triangle, so you can do a complete loop. We came back and I tried to lay him down in his crib, but he would have nothing to do with that. He WANTED to be snuggled. He's a total snuggle monster!! So after laying on mama's chest for 30 minutes, he's still awake, but laying peacefully in his crib. Strike that -- after a quick peek -- he's zonked. Night all!!

Sleepy Baby....

Alex is a Free Man!!

As of 6pm this evening (whatever time zone I am in), Alexander Thomas is a free man! I have to give his baby home some serious props, though - he's such a happy, healthy little guy!

We left the hotel this afternoon at 1:30pm. After a stop at a wanna-be Wal*Mart type Russian store, we made a quick visit to the baby home. We delivered two cakes, some baby treats, some coffee, tea, two kinds of cheeses, what looked like salami and some assorted chocolates. We were supposed to have two appointments today, but the social worker volunteered to do one for us. WHAT? I know, right? How nice is that? So we were off through the horrific traffic to the immigration/get a passport office.

Ok. Not what I expected. The office in Vlad was under construction when I got Tatiana's passport, so I'll admit I am not 100% sure what it looks like for "real" - however, this place was off the hook. BIG. Modern and the lines would rival any Secretary of the State/DMV. Fortunately, Svetlana (my coordinator) is in the know. She's got a contact -- so while we were there for about 30 minutes, it was nothing compared to the 3+ hours most people would wait.

Finally it was back to the baby home. Thankfully, Svetlana is also a smart cookie when it comes to traffic. She's got some super sweet app on her phone that updates traffic in St. Pete's. We weren't THAT far from my hotel (which is close to his baby home), but with all the canals and other waterways, the streets aren't exactly straight. And traffic is, to say the least, a nightmare. However, due to Svetlana's super cool app, we made great time and were able to get back to the baby home in time to spring Alex today. Good thing, I would have been one sad mama!!

There were some tears at the Baby Home. Mind you, this is the FIRST time I have heard the boy cry! He's got a good set of lungs when he wants to use them! We took some token pictures and then I took him from his caretaker. He stopped crying! Mama was so happy! His caretaker even said "oh, she is his mama for sure!" - which I'll admit, made mama very proud.

The car ride was quick - maybe a total of 5 minutes. He was SUPER curious, looking at everything, but not crying. We got to hotel and in our room. He wasn't sure what to think at first, but in usual Alex style, warmed up and calmed down quickly. He snacked on some Gerber Puffs and I realized it was time for dinner.

While the Gerber Puffs and Souscka (I'll have to take a picture of these to fully explain - but imagine a small, round O that is like a pretzel consistency bagel type thing) went down well, Alex would have NO part in most of his dinner. Bread - yes. Milk - yes. Tiny bites of chicken or mashed potatoes? NYET. Ok, so mama ordered a creamy vegetable soup for his "second meal". NYET. We'll figure it out! He does well with a sippy cup, which is great news.

We came back up to the room with a little guy rubbing his eyes. I knew it was close to bed time, but I wanted to get his orphanage smell off him, so I thought tonight was a good bath night. They told me 2 weeks ago on trip #2 that he LOVED his bath. Yeah, well, not so much here tonight. There were some more tears, but we got the deed done. After bath time, there was 1 happy toddler running around this room. He seems to have settled in, and is content for the time being. I am not naive enough to think we won't have more tears or fears!

When bed time came, Alex did NOT want to stop having fun. He cried when I put him in the crib, so we layed in my bed for a bit. His eyes were saying "I am tired", but I am sure his mind was saying -- NOT YET! I tried the crib again, and big tears came back. I rubbed his back and said shhhh quietly and seriously, bam - in went the thumb and he settled down. 10 minutes later while I am typing - he's zonked. Leaving everything you've ever known sure can take a lot out of you! And if you haven't figured it out yet, or I wasn't clear before -- mama is in love!

Look at my chubby little healthy guy! BEST tummy ever!!

Not thrilled with the bath tub... not thrilled at all!

Maybe this isn't so bad...

Getting ready to leave the baby home. Poor Alex!

No (More) "Soup" For You...

The BIG day has finally arrived!! My 10 day wait was officially over yesterday - a court decree was picked up on my behalf and a new birth certificate and an adoption certificate were requested from the Vital Statistics office. I can now finally introduce you to the main man in my life...

Introducing & Presenting...

Alexander Thomas Repp

Born September 23, 2009 - Vasilievsky Island, Russia

Tomorrow we will do something with for his passport - I am a little sketchy on the details, as it was a little garbelled when it was explained to me but either way, I'll show up, sign what I have to sign and do what they say. Then after a quick stop at the store for diapers, flowers and 2 cakes (great combination, eh?) we'll be off to spring Alex from the Baby Home. I cannot wait!

I am sure some of you are asking yourselves "why doesn't she have him yet if the 10 days are up"? Trust me -- this was an issue for me earlier as well. However, we have a couple more "public buildings"/offices to visit tomorrow, and I am sure he'll be out of his element and scared... so I am 100% in agreement that it was best to wait until after most of it is done before springing him. Some of the visits he will need to be on -- but, if I can spare him some stress up front - and it was really only 1 more night, than it is for the best.

While I am typing, the hotel has delivered and set up his crib (think large pack and play) and I have the rest of the day free for exploring and getting ready to bring an 18 month old little man home. I haven't even really unpacked yet, so there is much to do!

My arrival last night was uneventful, which is by far, the best way to arrive! The flights from Detroit to Amsterdam and Amsterdam to St. Petersburg were smooth and on time. Early in fact. We were so early into Amsterdam that my 5 hour layover suddenly became a 6 hour layover. Compared to Paris (CDG), I MUCH prefer Amsterdam. The layout is much better and it's easy to see where you are going. They are a little lacking in seating near gates however, the only major downfall I have seen so far. I killed time during my 6 hours by taking advantage of the free hour internet session, getting a bit to eat and snoozing in the lounge chair section - it was VERY hard for me to let go and do this, but I succeeded! There is something a little unsettling about having all your valuable travel items on you and falling asleep in public. Maybe it's the old college girl in me, but doesn't that just scream "come on! mess with me!"?? I was also super paranoid that I would fall asleep and miss my plane, so I set an alarm on my iPod and probably got a good 2 hour snooze fest in.

After arriving at the hotel last night, I met up with another single woman, Lynda, who is on her first trip for her second adoption. We had emailed back and forth before, while she was waiting to travel - so it was nice to meet in person. I will admit, it's SO much nicer to have someone to talk with - certainly helps pass the time, and especially with adoptive families -- you connect with this instant bond of shared experiences. Our dinner lasted 4 hours! I also bumped into Lynda and another couple, Laurie & Todd (also here on their first trip), at the notary today. Such a small (adoption) world! Laurie and Todd are also staying that same hotel as Lynda and I. I'll be bummed when they all leave tomorrow -- but thankfully my friend Sara arrives on Sunday. Sara and I actually met in Vladivostok during my last adoption - her son, Max, is also from Vlad. Sara is the southern version of me - we swear we were separated at birth! So yes, in other words - she rocks! Haha!

More tomorrow after Alex's big departure. Go check out his pictures again - you know you want to!

Still On the Clock

Today is officially day 7 of my 12 day wait. 12 days because St. Petersburg apparently doesn't count Sundays. The schedule actually works well, because I'll get to spend Easter with Gramma Darlin and Miss Tatiana. While I'd love to get to spend Easter with Soup too, he probably doesn't KNOW it's Easter -- and Tatiana does.

We've kept busy this week - which is great to help the passing time! There was a pool association meeting last Sunday, Kindergarten/Young 5's Round Up for next year on Monday AND my annual female appointment. Such fun in 1 week! It shouldn't be allowed...

Last night T and I decorated eggs with Gramma Darlin. We had regular dye, swirl dye and dab dye. I don't know if it was because she was 1 year older, or if she remembered dying eggs from last year but this year was a BLAST with the resident artist, madam T.

I wrapped up things at work today before my break -- and this weekend I can wrap things up around the house. (Can you say LAUNDRY?) I am back to my jet setting life style on Monday. Looking forward to my LAST trip in this journey!

Parting Is Just Sorrow -- It's Not So Sweet

Since I have updated everyone after court, I got to go back to Baby Home #6 and visit with Soup one last time before I take off for home again tomorrow morning. It's bittersweet. I can't wait to get home and hug my fabulous girl, who is now a big sister; but yet I hate leaving him behind!

Unfortunately, we did NOT get to play in the medium sized play room off in the maze of rooms his groupa has. I wish we did - but alas, it was back to the nasty old closet sized room with nothing to do. We played silliness and entertained ourselves but, I am not sorry to say goodbye to visits in that room!

I did get a chance to get some pictures of each of the rooms in his groupa -- or at least many of them. Including the room where they sleep. And, I got to pick his caretakers brain on what he likes, doesn't like, etc. They tell me he's got a sweet tooth! Maybe that's where his chubby tummy comes from. Perfect baby tummy!

Before we left for the closet room, it was snack time, so he got to have a snack while hanging with the mama. Like yesterday, he started closing his eyes in a very purposeful manner. I asked my translator to ask the caretaker what this was supposed to mean. The caretaker laughed and said, "oh, he is showing off for his mama". According to her, ever since my first visit back in February, he has been little Mr. Bossy Pants. Mr. Special because I have a mama. This CRACKS ME UP. They told me the SAME thing in Vladivostok during Tatiana's adoption. There it was phrased as "maybe you don't come everyday, when child figures out they are important to someone, they become bossy at baby home". I find it hysterical that even at 18 months, this is the case as well! Doesn't matter, Soup has his mama wrapped around his little finger!

Off to bed, long day of flying ahead of me tomorrow. Paka!