MICHAEL

Many changes have happened since I first wrote Alexander's story for Global. Mainly we had a major move...my husband had a great opportunity at a growing company a few hours south of where we were living when we adopted Alexander. We moved in January of 1998 and quickly found our new city (Camas, Washington) was very family-oriented. Due to Colin's new position I was able to become a full-time stay-at-home mom, which I must admit took some getting used to, but now I couldn't imagine doing anything else.

After we had settled into our new house and things had settled down, Colin began to bring up the subject of adoption. He felt Alexander was ready for a sibling. I can truly say the thought hadn't quite entered my mind at that point, but never knowing how long the process can take, I called Anna at Global and requested the initial paperwork packet again. Yikes, all those emotions came flooding back when we got that priority mail envelope!!

We told ourselves we would just take our time on all the paperwork, believing things would be so much less stressful this second time because we knew what to expect. Of course it was much easier filling out all the paperwork the second time, but those emotions still play a big part and just knowing your child is over there waiting for you puts some sense of urgency into everything you do!!!

We had just finished our homestudy and were anxiously compiling the rest of the dossier when Anna called one day to chat. She had information on a little boy that was in the same city and same orphanage where Alexander had been. I frantically took notes so I could relay them to Colin. This came much sooner than we expected, as we hadn't yet received our INS approval letter -- this would prove to be the biggest challenge for our second adoption!!!

We got a video in the mail a short time later and saw this little bundled up face!!! He was so tiny and all we could see were hands & a face, but (this would be the mother talking!), what a cutie-pie!!

We were frantically trying to get everything done on the paperwork end so we could go and bring our son home. As mentioned above, the INS approval letter proved to be our major holdup. It was just SO frustrating knowing that it was our government that was delaying things; so often you expect it to be the Russian officials requests that will hold you up, never imagining how unfeeling your own country can be toward these issues. We ended up having to get senators & congresswomen's offices involved in our quest for the INS approval. Even that did not seem to speed things up. In the interim we did receive another video of Michael...a month or so had passed since that first video and he was looking a lot bigger. We got to see more of him on this video and by now Alexander was asking to watch the video all the time!!

Finally in the beginning of November we received the long-awaited and sought after INS form that allowed us to travel to Russia and bring home our child, but....now we were up against the upcoming Christmas holidays. We finally got all of our paperwork translated and sent to Russia where it would be submitted to the courts over there and we would be given a court date. This is the pins and needles time in our family, knowing we are ready and Michael is ready and...more waiting. Finally Anna called with our court date. We would be returning to Russia in mid-January!!! Quite a change from the last time we travelled, in June. Coincidentally, Michael would be the same age as Alexander was when he came home, nine months old.

My days were filled with preparations for the trip and at home, getting Michael's room ready, getting Alexander ready to be a big brother, and of course the dreaded packing!!! Everyone tells you to pack light, and you would think having already been there once we would know what we were doing...of course this was winter now so we had to pack layering clothes. We made it with just one large and one small suitcase plus one suitcase we planned to leave at the orphanage, with clothes, medicine and vitamins for the children.

PLANES, TRAINS & AUTOMOBILES...

We left for Moscow on January 14th, which happened to be our very good friend Sharon's birthday. I took this as a good omen; we had left for Russia to pick up Alexander on Colin's brother's birthday so I thought that was an interesting coincidence. I should state right here that I do not fly well. The older I get the more paranoid I have become, but going to bring home my little boy (plus some pills from our doctor!) made the prospect of flying bearable.

The pilot's name on our flight from JFK to Moscow was Mike Smith, which we thought was a good sign since that was our new son's name, Michael Smith; however, winter plane travel can be unpredictable; we were stranded on the runway at JFK, New York for over five hours!!! They kept thinking we would be taking off soon, so we sat on the plane. We had been fed and watched a movie and still no sign of take off. Eventually we did take off and made it to Moscow. Boy were we happy to step off the plane, clear customs and see Alexander from Global waiting for us!!!

This being our second time to Russia, I feel we were somewhat more relaxed about certain things, just knowing some of what to expect put us at ease. We had more of a chance to sightsee on this trip which was a fabulous experience. We went to the Armory in Red Square which houses incredible jewels, armour and the most incredible carriages you could ever imagine. We also had another surprise while on the tour. There was a familiar looking person with an English speaking tour guide. Mainly I was just hoovering in the background to hear the English guide's description. Then Colin comes over and says, "You do realize that is Tom Hanks, right?!". Who would have thought we would see a famous American film star in Moscow.

The next day we boarded the train to Perm. This again was a similar experience as in June of 1997. The trains in Russia are really very nice. We had a first class cabin with beds to sleep on and a nice boxed lunch waiting for us. Alexander was right next door. There is something about train travel for us, as excited as we were, it just lulls us to sleep.

Upon arrival at the Perm station a driver was waiting for us and took us to "The Spa", which is like a hotel. We were amazed that we were given the exact same room as last time!!! It had a sitting area and separate bath and bedroom and really was quite comfortable. Alexander was on the same floor, just down the hall. For me the most emotional part was the familiar walk we would take next. We stepped out of the spa and trudged over to the well travelled path through the woods, past the old carousel area and on to the bus stop to get us to the Rehabilitation Center. So many emotions were going through my mind at this time. Remembering the last time we took this walk to meet our first son; just amazed that we were back here again, this time in a snow-covered forest rather than the lush green of June. It is so hard to explain the peacefulness and tranquility of this area. Even though it was well past nightfall, we felt very safe. People travel this path all times of the day and night and nod in greeting.

Next we were back on the grounds where the Rehabilitation Center was. My eyes were tearing up on the short walk to the building. Again, remembering the last visit and so pleased to be coming back; not only for the newest addition to our family but also to be able to share pictures and news of how our son Alexander was doing so the workers would be able to see how well these children are taken care of after they leave the center. I truly never imagined us returning to the same place and was just so greatful that God brought us back.

Upon entering we sat on the same cushioned bench in the hall and anxiously awaited Michael's arrival to meet us. They brought him to us and it was so eerily familiar. Part of us half expected to see Alexander in the bundle, but no a little blond face was peeking out!! You can see our second trip was full of coincidences but this next one was almost too amazing...Michael was wearing the same purple corduroy outfit that Alexander had had on when he was first brought to us!!!! He cooed and sat with us and as the caretakers passed by they would stop to fuss over him or kiss him and he loved all the attention.

Soon it was his bedtime and we parted with him till the next day's visiting time. Our court date was the following afternoon so we visited Michael in the morning. Ludmilla from the orphanage and the doctor met with us briefly to go over Michael's medical history. This was new since our first visit; again I think it just shows how very concerned the caregivers are about the children. They want to be sure you know exactly all that they know so everyone will make the right decision.

Next it was on to the courthouse. The judge, a female, was stern looking, even more so than our first judge. For some reason I was still just as nervous as the first time. You would think since we had been through this before it would be different; but no, you are still not quite sure things will go as you hope. After looking over all of our paperwork and asking us similar questions as before, we were told to wait outside for the judge to render her decision. After what seemed like an eternity, but in actuality was probably only 45 minutes to an hour, we were ushered back inside and told of her decision. She had allowed our petition for adoption and best of all had agreed that the 10 day waiting period could be waived. We had mentioned that we had our young son at home who was anxiously awaiting his brother's arrival. Maybe that helped, or maybe she was just in a good mood -- you never know, but we were so thankful.

The next day there were many errands to run in downtown Perm; Michael's passport, birth certificate and adoption certificate, and a visit to the Ministry of Education, purchasing plane tickets to get from Perm to Moscow the next day and then back to pick up all the above-mentioned completed forms. In between we walked to an open air flea market. It was huge, you could buy just about anything there -- toiletries, shoes, coats, but most memorable was the meat market. All different kinds of meat just sitting out. Cow's heads, pig's feet and everything in between just sitting there to be looked over and purchased; I guess that way you are sure of what you are getting.

The next morning we drove to the Rehabilitation Center to pick up Michael and as before there were tearful eyes as we said goodbye to everyone there. Then off to the airport and a goodbye to Alexander. On air travel in Russia you fly Aeroflat and the plane was very comfortable. We felt just as safe as on the US carriers. It was about a two hour plane ride to Moscow. Nadia would be meeting us there for the remainder of our journey. Michael did very well on the plane. We, however, spilled a bottle of kiefer (formula-like substance) all over our backpack so that was a mess!!!

Nadia met us at the gate and had a car and driver waiting for us. Off we went to get Michael's medical exam and visa pictures. From there it was to the hotel. I wanted to stay at the Radisson, since that is where we were last time and they are VERY americanized. Nadia suggested the Hotel Russia which was a little closer to her apartment. The view from our room was incredible! St. Basil's Cathedral and Red Square were just across the street. Looking out our window was like seeing a postcard. We tried it for one night, but despite the beautiful scenery I insisted the next day we go to the Radisson. I wasn't trying to be a troublemaker, I just knew I wanted to be well rested for the long flight home. The Radisson had a crib, room service and an English speaking staff, which at that point in our lives were the three most important things!!!

Going to the Embassy the next day was a little exciting. We were nervous we were going to miss our appointment time, so we left word at the front desk for Nadia to meet us there and we hopped a taxi on our own!! We got there and got inside just as Nadia pulled up. She had been coming up to the Radisson just as our cab was pulling out. As it turned out, the Embassy wasn't as strict as they had stated on the paperwork; being exactly on time for your Embassy appointment wasn't as crucial as their paperwork had indicated, at least not on that day! After the embassy appointment we had more time to sightsee, which again I will say was a very special treat for us. Nadia was nice enough to sit with Michael in the cafe at the Pushkin Museum so Colin & I could walk through and admire the works of art there. The history and culture in Russia are so incredible I encourage anyone to do all the sightseeing they are able to because it truly is quite an experience.

The next day we were off to the airport for our flight home. This is where you really see some camaraderie; there are many adoptive families on the Delta flight from Moscow to JFK so it is somewhat of a support system. When Colin was getting our seats, the lady behind him in line heard him & Nadia talking and knew this was our second adoption so she asked to be seated in front of us with her new daughter in case she needed any help or just someone to talk to!! It made us feel good that someone actually thought we might know something that could help them!! Believe me any tips on the way home are valuable. Things progressed smoothly until it was time to land at JFK. Again, with Captain Mike Smith at the controls, the weather was not cooperating. We were diverted to Philadelphia (where I grew up!) since we couldn't land in New York. So now we are wondering what we are going to do in Philadelphia -- no need to worry -- we aren't allowed to deplane due to the fact there were no customs at Philadelphia!!! So we sit on the runway for a few hours until we get clearance to head back to JFK. By now we are all a little worse for the wear and just feeling so close to the end of our journey, but not quite there. We finally land in New York, clear customs very quickly and are happy to hear that our flight to Portland, Oregon via Seattle, Washington had also been delayed. A quick phone call to the anxious relatives updates them and on we go to another plane. A sense of de-ja vu set in as we were heading toward Seattle, since that is where we landed after adopting Alexander. We had lived nearby and it had been quite a scene at the airport on that homecoming. This time we had a mere 20 minute layover in Seattle and then on to Portland. This was at 12:20 A.M. The amazing part of this story is that our good friends Sharon (on whose birthday we had left for Russia) and her husband Stan were actually waiting in Seattle to meet Michael after midnight on that short little layover!!! When we stepped off the plane I about collapsed into her arms, so happy and relieved to see a familiar face!!

What great friends to show up at a deserted airport after midnight to welcome our son home. Next it was on to Portland where a proud grandpa was waiting for us!! We arrived back at our house about 2:00 A.M. and must confess as tired as we were, we couldn't wait to see Alexander. Of course he was sound asleep but we kind of woke him up!!! We just couldn't resist. He seemed so grown up and different, even though we had only been gone 10 days. The next day the jet lag hit and Colin and Michael slept most of the day. Grandma had done a great job with Alexander and was so happy to meet her newest grandson. Soon though, Grandma and Grandpa headed home to Seattle and it was just the four of us!!!

The following Monday we took Michael to the doctor and he was perfectly healthy and right on the charts for height & weight. The only minor thing was an ear infection and conjunctivitis which we were given antibiotics for. Alexander did so well welcoming his new brother into his life. All the worries we had about him feeling displaced or jealous were for naught; he took on the role of big brother and began loving Michael from the first day. I think it may have helped that we had watched the video so many times before leaving so he was familiar with Michael; who he was, where he was, why we were gone and that we would be back. In some ways I think it may have been easier than introducing a sibling to him through birth -- not many two year olds get to see a video of their brother before meeting him!! It has been just over a year since we have been home and it just seems like these two little boys have always been here. They are only 17 months apart in age and have become best buddies. We just cannot believe how lucky we are to have them in our lives, how happy and loving they are and how much they both have grown and changed from those little babies we brought home. We talk about them being born in Russia and our journey to bring them home, not knowing how much they understand right now, but hope that the more they hear their story and the adoption process that it will all become second nature to them. We hope when they are older, maybe 10 or 12, that we will take a family trip to Russia to show them their beautiful homeland and who knows, maybe even take that well travelled path through the woods in Perm again.