Robin here. Well, Greg has completed his trilogy of noteworthy events (beer night with Igor, vodka toasts at the orphanage with Igor, and surviving “BANYA” with Igor!) And, pain notwithstanding, I know he will be eternally grateful for the experiences -- even if they nearly killed him!

Happily and sadly, today was our final visit with Kristina in the orphanage playroom. She was in an exceptionally good mood today and we had a lot of fun -- especially when she put Mama’s lipstick on Papa and then watched him smear it up to his nose and down to his chin in a frantic effort to remove it before anyone saw him!

I doubt if Kristina grasped that a chapter ended today when we left the playroom for the final time. Greg and I though, were keenly aware of each and every moment that came to pass in the colorful playroom we have come to love and will certainly miss.

Tomorrow is the final day of the waiting period and we are not scheduled to visit the orphanage. We will instead use the time to prepare for Kristina’s arrival on Wednesday. We’ll make sure that all cleaning products, medicines and potentially dangerous objects are high above her curious reach; we’ll fashion a curtain from a sheet and hang it in her bedroom window so she can take her afternoon naps in a dimly lit room; we’ll shop for her favorite foods and make sure we have plenty of fruits and vegetables on hand for her.

Kristina is a spitfire in almost constant motion and we’ll need our combined energies to keep up with her. I remember that it was much the same when we first brought Julia from the orphanage. It’s sensory overload. There are just too many things to explore. There are drawers to open and close, fans to turn on and off, light switches to flick, toilet flushing, refrigerator exploration and numerous baths to take! Luckily, it levels off in a few days once a routine has been established -- but the air is supercharged with energy until that happens. Yes, things will change dramatically on Wednesday when little Miss Kristina comes to live with us in the apartment. So, tomorrow Greg and I will savor the final day of our “routine for two” that we’ve established over the past five weeks and enjoy the serenity.

We’ll stop and pick up some gifts for Kristina’s group on our way to the orphanage on Wednesday. We’ll also bring some bananas, pineapple and ice cream for her going away party. And, as it was with Julia’s group in 2004, I’m sure the children and the Mama’s will wish Kristina happiness in her new life. Also, just as in 2004, Greg and I will have lumps in our throats and tears in our eyes as we leave behind some of the most precious memories and precious children imaginable…