Our first day with Ella

The orphanage left us with Ella's schedule yesterday, so we are trying to stay with it the best we can.  Obviously we don't have porridge (and tea just seems really weird to give to a baby), but she has been really happy with formula, bananas, bread, and baby food!

We dressed up Ella and decided to go on our first family outing!

 Here is she all "babushka-ed" up as Adam and I like to call it.  When we talked to our adoption agency representative, she told us how important it was to completely bundle her up... to the point where you only see her eyes and nose.  Did I do a good job??

It's snowing in Moscow!

 I thought I'd give a few examples of how Russians dress.  See, I told you they love high heeled boots!  ;)

 So our first outing... was to Starbucks!  Of course.  ;)

 Daddy's hat...

 Mommy's hat...

 Ella's hat!

 Having her favorite snack while Mommy and Daddy get their coffee fix.  ;)

 Then we went to the mall for lunch.  The mall in Moscow is enormous... seven floors and we get lost every time!

 The Russian doctor visited our hotel this morning for a routine check-up (needed for the visa).  He said she looked amazing, we just needed to fatten her up a bit.  Okay... cinnabons for lunch it is!!

 Walking the mall with daddy

 We found a super fun little store that was perfect for Ella!  Miniature shopping carts, strollers, vacuum cleaners, toy kitchens... all for her to play with!  She was in heaven.  Adam and I decided we would come to this store for at least an hour each day we are here.  :)

 Russia has some seriously cool toys.  Really expensive, but quality... and very unique!

 Everyone that sees her in the mall immediately coddles her and talks "baby Russian".  It's hilarious because she totally seems to understand what they are saying and we have no idea.  I think it is comforting for her to hear Russian after listening to us speak nonsense English all day.  (Although sometimes, I will use the few Russian words I know just so she hears something familiar). 

 Ella is the sweetest baby girl!  She is down for anything and is seriously so good natured!  She loves walking around and exploring, but is also happy to be pushed around in the stroller.  I also had fun trying out the ergo in the hotel.  (Adam doesn't want me to take her outside in it though because he thinks I will slip.  ;)  She really hasn't cried, maybe this is the honeymoon though?  People say orphanage babies have learned that people don't necessarily respond when you cry, so they eventually give up (which breaks my heart).  Ella is truly the most mellow baby I've ever seen... she just eats when you feed her, sleeps when you lay her down, gets back up when she falls.  She really does seem happy though... we had her giggling in bed with us tonight forever.  Precious moments for sure.  I'm so glad we have these quiet days together, just mommy, daddy, and Ella bonding together in Russia.  ;)