Baby Time!!

Hi!

We are here in Novosibirsk- we arrived late last night and our apartment is great- very spacious and nice by European standards- it was a good choice and much better than being cooped up at the Sibir for days on end. The best part is the fabulous internet connection and privacy- anyone want to Skype?

So, this morning after a fitful jet laggy night we took a LONG walk around Novo- looking for a grocery store. We thought there would be one in our neighborhood but after walking for quite a while in the direction we were told we would find one we gave up and walked the opposite direction to the main square- where we had visited a grocery on our first trip. Success! Then back to the apartment for a meal and to wait for Katia and Nicolai (coordinator and driver). We went to the baby home around 2pm and first met with the head doctor. She gave us the update on the kiddos and then it was off to the races.

Apple and Orange were great. Some trepidation and tears at first but once they calmed down it was fabulous- we played lots and Orange let both of us hold and cuddle him- he was very snuggly. Apple was excited about the toys and we had a good time romping around. She was also very nice to her brother and made sure he got some 'cookies' and water when we were having snacks and he was snuggling with Aaron.

And here is the BEST PART- they both called us Mama and Papa - for the first time ever. It was awesome- I cant quite explain the feeling.

They have both grown a little bit physically but really they have had a language EXPLOSION- especially Apple- she is chattering away none stop and talking to us all the time. I need to practice more Russian as I was not expecting here to be talking in complete sentences and holding actual conversations. She was patient with us though and repeated things so we could "get it" and Orange was also talkative and he actually said an English word at the end of the play time- FABULOUS!

So, YAY! We get to see the kids again tomorrow and then Friday is Court Day! Hope all is well and love to you all.

Sarah and Aaron