Well one more day until our court appointment. We are anxious and excited for the future with Tatiana. Yesterday, while looking at a photo album of our family and our home, Tatiana repeated Jared and Caleb's names...with a very strong Russian accent! She also had fun exploring a nearby playground and seems very intereted in other children but a little shy. Also, our facilitator's mother was with us for a few hours helping with Alex ( the baby that the Ramseys are adopting) while the Ramseys were at court and Tatiana loved having someone speak Russian to her...I am sure our very limited and broken Russian is not easy on her. We will definately have to find someone to translate for us for a while when we return to Grand Rapids. By the way, the Ramsey's petition to adopt Alex was granted and they are now waiting out the ten days befor ethey can return home! We spent more time down by the river yesterday ( it was a very warm day here yesterday) and this time Tatiana was thrilled to throw rocks in the river. There are a few vendors along the river selling ice cream and balloons, etc. Tatiana keeps eyeing the balloons. Momma and Poppa will have to break down and buy her one soon. We are getting more accustomed to being here and are learning about the world we are in. Many people here have very little money, and much of the city is very old, but it is also a beautiful place and full of culture and activity.--Melanie
