Day 27

Danila fix this morning!!

Babushka, Dedushka, and another Babushka were with Danya this morning when we arrived!  We haven't had a big family visit in a while, so it was nice.  We played charades for a bit and tried to use the translator app on my phone to limited success.  Then I remembered that our driver today spoke some English, and he was gracious enough to participate in the conversation :)

Two talking points- they wanted to know when we were coming to visit the orphanage and how long we would be in country.  They wanted to know if we could send them updates, photos, etc, after we bring him home (of course!!).  They also had a necklace with a cross that they wanted to give to us to keep for Danila until he was old enough to wear it without putting it in his mouth or breaking the chain.  I love this.  I love that they want him to have that :)

Fun stuff:

•  all the grandparents are learning ASL along with Danila :) 
• Danila loves balloons
• ...and grapes
• ...and toy guns
• ...and pretend "ninja" fighting with his Dedushka!

We were able to share our photos with the new grandma (I think this is Grandma on his father's side...?  Not sure.) They are all so super sweet.  We got many hugs and kisses from them, and thumbs up and some tears. I just wish that we could just tell the courts that everyone agrees with us bringing Danila home with us.  How much easier this process would be!

As far as our appeal goes, it is supposed to be submitted today by Tatyana.  I haven't heard anything from her, but assume that everything is going according to plan.  It would be lovely to hear about our actual appeal date tomorrow.  I hate being in limbo.