A "Positive Outcome" = Meghan and Bill are parents!

I can't believe its already Thursday evening. Sleep has been so hard to come by here for both Bill and I since we've arrived in Moscow and today was no exception. My problems started with random guys yelling at each other outside our window at 3am, this went on for quite a long time. Bill's problems started earlier in the evening when he wasn't able to get to sleep, at all, until about 4am. This was after he tripped the circuit in the apartment and we had no overhead lights, no big deal, its fixed now. We're hoping things go better with sleeping tonight.

We had court this morning at 10am. One of us was designated as the first speaker, yours truly, and I was in front of the judge for about 20 minutes answering questions. Then it was Bills turn, he was questioned for about 5 minutes. I have to say the court had a really positive vibe and we felt very comfortable and supported. After some official business, the judge left the room, and after another 5 - 10 minutes she returned with a "positive outcome" for the adoption request. This was very good news, obviously, and we were thrilled to have this part of the process complete. Of course we will have to wait the mandatory 10 day period to take custody of Nick, but hopefully the time will fly by.

After court we had the pleasure of meeting 3 other American families, all with court today, all adopting beautiful, healthy, young, baby girls (each right around 12 months!). The mood was very upbeat with all the families and we will hopefully be able to meet them again when they return to pick up their children in 10 days.

We were scheduled to see Nick at 1pm, so we rushed back to the apartment to change clothes and then head out to the baby home. When we arrived, Nick came walking (assisted by a caregiver) out of the play area, sporting a huge grin, to the outer room where we waited. Once the caregiver let go of his hands and Bill bent down to pick him up, he lost it, crying his little heart out. Boy, was he unhappy with the situation. It may seem strange, but even though we felt bad for Nick, we view this behavior as positive. What this tells us is that he has formed a bond with his caregivers and is not willing to go blindly to any old stranger, even ones that are now his parents!

We gave Nick a cookie and he settled down very quickly. After that we played ball for a while and spent some time playing with the cool train Julie gave us (thanks Julie!). We then found out they were going to allow us to take Nick out for his Passport and Visa pictures. How exciting! Nick was fascinated with the cars and all the activity. It was too cute to see his reaction to everything. The pictures turned out really well and Nick looks totally serious for his Passport and Visa.

After our little outing it was back to the baby home for more play. I was really happy that they allowed us to stay outside with Nick. We walked around the grounds of the baby home, played on the teeter totter for a while and then spent the end of our time in one of the outdoor play pavilions. It was during this time that we witnessed Nicks first unassisted steps, walking between Bill and I. How thrilling!

We also found out that they will allow us to visit Nick on weekdays, unaccompanied by a translator. This was great news for us, as we weren't sure they would allow this. We aren't going to be able to visit him tomorrow, but will get to visit each weekday next week. YAY!!!

Tonight, Bill and I made a quick trip to the grocery and then stayed in for dinner. We had spagetti with a pepper tomato sauce that was quite good. Our apartment host, David, brought us a beautiful torte on our first day that we have saved to celebrate with tonight. So when I'm done blogging, I'm going to have to wake Bill up (well, maybe not) and have some torte!

Till tomorrow!