Fantastic Fourth

Today was the day, we picked up Thomas from the orphanage. We packed a bag with his clothes, a bottle of juice, some extra diapers, a few toys and a one piece winter outdoor suit and hat. It was pretty cold here today for being July...low 60's. They were very nice at the orphanage. They removed all of his clothes and we dressed him in his American clothes. The caretakers said he looked like an "American boy". We brought gifts for the head doctor and all the caretakers and nurses. They fed Thomas his final meal and gave us his favorite pacifier. We showed them pictures of where Thomas was going to and they all said good-bye and hugged him.

We left and got in the van. Vladimir had set up a car seat in the back with us. Apparently, Russia passed a new law requiring car seat use. They still do not have back seat belts, though. Thomas was very quiet for the hour and half, all the way to Moscow. He mostly sat and watched what was going on. There may be some hope for our 11 hour plane ride to Atlanta that it won't be entirely miserable.

At the apartment, David had set up the crib/playpen and left some toys, baby food, a baby carrier and extra sheets/towels. He also left a big stuffed bear, and an Australian coin collection for 2009 as gifts. That was very nice of him. Thomas played for a little while with John. We gave him some juice and got him down for his 2:00 nap at around 3. Both John and him are napping now. We're going to try to keep on his orphanage schedule as much as possible.