We were taken by van to the orphanage about 9:30AM. We were lead up the stairs and into a waiting area in the hallway. The seating area was new and everything was spotless. Shortly thereafter we were taken into a common area with two separate rooms joined by an entryway with a bathroom and coatroom. We were instructed to wait in this room for the city inspector. About 10 minutes later, our coordinator came in with M – coaching her from behind to walk into the room. M was obviously very nervous. It was difficult to make eye contact but she did get in a few good peeks as we said “hello” and told her that it was so nice to meet her and told her how beautiful she is.

Since she was very nervous I decided to direct the attention to something else. I went over to our bag and found the teddy bear and gave it to her. She said “thank you” – still very nervous. We took out the puppy coloring book and while sitting on the bed looked through it and pointed out the different dogs, cats and flowers, etc. Our coordinator sat behind her – hugging her – and we sat on the other side of the coloring book. Then we took out the purple “First 1000 Words in Russian” book and pointed out the different characters on each page. M knew most of the words/pictures. After 5 minutes our coordinator left. We spent another few minutes with the book.

To ease some tension in the room we then took out the small pink ball and played with that for a few minutes. The inspector came into the room. Dr. Lada gave her a piece of paper and pencils to color a picture while we discussed M’s family and medical history with the inspector.

Among many other things, we asked why M has not already been adopted. They mentioned that Russian families have a negative view of orphans and if they do want to adopt that they want children without any physical or mental issues. They suggested that M’s right eye was the reason she has not been adopted by a Russian family. (M has a medical condition with her right eye called “ptosis”. Her right eyelid is partially closed but it’s something that can be easily fixed when she is home.)

Then Dr. L began her medical examination of M. She had her place various size donuts onto a pole. She had to place them by size – larger one first. She had to tell Dr. L their color – she got them all correct. Then she has to take things out of a bag and tell Dr. L what they were and how they are used. M knew them all. Dr. L gave her the exam – looking/feeling all bodyparts, heartbeat, pulse, tongue/throat, eyes, spine, etc. M laughed and laughed when Dr. L was examining her – she seems to be very tickle-ish.

When the medical exam was over the translator came into the room and I asked our her if I could have M try on some clothes. M fit perfectly in the pink jeans and pink heart top – size 5. She chose some leather shoes with embroidery over the pink trainers. Size 12.5 for shoes was a little bit large for her but much better than the oversize slippers she was wearing.