On our way to get Andrew for keeps...

In about 30 minutes, we will leave to pick up Andrew.  This really hasn't sunk in with either of us.  I don't suspect it will, even when we have him in our apartment.  Our apartment manager set up Andrew's crib, and I have tons of clothes and food for him.  

Yesterday we drove to the courthouse and picked up our court order allowing us to adopt Andrew.  This took a while, as they hand sew the documents together.  Then we went to the registration office about a half hour away.  Here we obtained Andrew's birth certificate that identifies us as his parents, and an adoption certificate.  We had to wait a while here as well, but quickly noticed that this office also conducts weddings.  So, while Vernon and I sat in a waiting area, we saw three brides get married.  It was similar to a wedding by a magistrate judge, but they turn it into more of an event.  They play the procession music and love songs.  Think synthesized recordings of retro '80s style music.  They even had a wedding gown boutique at this office for the weddings.  And the same photographer photographed each bride and groom, and quickly took pictures for the lovely couples.  It was good entertainment for us as we waited for our documents, as Vernon and I were getting starting to get a little silly with all the waiting we had to do.

Finally we went to the passport office to get Andrew's passport.  Unfortunately, the directors here were on vacation, and their staff took off early.  So we couldn't get Andrew's passport started.  We were disappointed because it was quite a drive to this office and that means we will have to come back next week with Andrew.  We will have to tote the poor fellow around quite a bit next week.  We will have a doctor appointment next week to get clearance to leave Russia with him, an embassy appointment and 2 trips to the passport office.  

Well, we are off to get Andrew.  Keep us in your prayers and pray that Andrew acclimates to his new environment and adapts without any issues.  Thank you!

Christa and Vernon