Embassy Doctor Appointment and More

This morning we had our doctor appointment for the US Embassy. The USA wants to make sure the children do not have any contagious diseases. Our check up did not reveal any problems so it is safe to return to the USA. The doctor said that the orphanage had diagnosed Olivia Ann with cerebral palsy but we will let our pediatrician, Dr. Brannon, and the doctors at UAB International Adoption clinic check into that before we go with that opinion. Olivia Ann only weighs 22 pounds but the doctor said she was doing great since she weighed 4 pounds at birth. The doctor did not weigh John Mark, I guess it was obvious he is fairly healthy. He is a chunk compared to his sister.

By the way, we managed fine this morning getting everyone ready for an 8:30 appointment. I thought it was pretty impressive for the first time.  John Mark loves to take a bath and would play in the tub a long time if you had time, which we did not this morning. Olivia Ann on the other hand cries when she sees the bathroom door open. She does not like the bath at all, however this morning she did better with it than yesterday. Greg played with her more and it went much smoother but she really does not like it. It is pitiful how she cries just seeing the room. Not sure why and I might not want to know why.

It was raining today but we thought we would wander out to find lunch anyway but the children were getting too wet so we just came back to the apartment for some soup. We brought a few soup mixes with us, Laurie bought for us. It has been great help since finding food around here seems to be a challenge for us.

After nap we Skyped with Tucker and Granny, Tucker would barely let Granny sit in the chair, he wanted to see brother and sister and did not want to share the space. Tucker seems to be doing well without us, which is not shocking considering he is with Granny. They were headed to the fair to see the animals today. He is going to ride the rides on another trip unless he cons Granny into it today. We talked to Tara, Patrick and the boys today too. It was fun to let them see the children. Carson has been so excited about our adoption but not nearly as excited as his mom. We also Skyped with Aunt Sharon. It was great to visit with her also. It is exciting for us to be able to show off Olivia Ann and John Mark even before we arrive at the Montgomery airport Friday night. We are very thankful for adoption supportive friends. We would not have survived the process without all of you.

Tomorrow is predicted to be a day of no rain in the morning so we can go out and about the city a little. We have a Moscow tour set up for Wednesday afternoon so maybe we will get those must have Russian photos with the children in front of the Kremlin and other historic sites.

Olivia Ann is ready to strike a pose any time the camera appears.

Ready to go to the Embassy doctor's appointment.

Rare moment when John Mark is looking and Olivia Ann is not. She is fascinated by her brother.

Deep conversation.

John Mark loves the animals in the books we brought.

Olivia Ann loves all her clothes and shoes...she really likes these boots and is not concerned if they match the outfit.

Olivia Ann and John Mark fuss over this photo book of our family.