Two-in-one post!

Hi all!

Since we've not had constant internet access, I've been composing blog entries offline. So today you will get a two-for-one deal. First, you'll get a report on our visits with Meredith on Thursday and today. Then you'll get my bonus entry on fashion in Russia!

We got to see Meredith on Thursday but she was not a happy camper most of the hour or so we had her with us. We got to play outside with her, which was nice, but we didn't really know if she's allowed to get dirty or anything, so we mostly just held her and walked around. We got one good smile out of her:


but the rest of the time she was less excited:


or even antisocial:

We don't think she liked her hat - it was a little too tight and we think it was on backwards so it kept coming down over her eyes. (As you might guess, the hat was not our idea! It was warm out!).

Today she was cheerier, but we were busy bringing her to the photo shop to get a passport photo taken, and then she fell asleep right afterward! We tried to take a photo of her but our camera is on the fritz. We'll be trying to sort that out soon so as not to deprive anyone! It may involve real film (ack!).

And now for my second post....some reflections on Russian fashion.

If I wanted to look fashionable in Russia....

If I wanted to look like a fashionable young woman in Russia (I know, I’m barely qualified as “young” anymore), there are a few things that would need to be true.

• I would need to wear a mini skirt. This would be accompanied by nylons with patterns – either fishnet or some other kind of design.

• I would have my choice of two types of shoes. Choice # 1 includes a variety of stiletto heels. They can look like pumps, or fancy sandals, but the key is that the heel must be tiny and the height must be 3-4 inches at least. Choice # 2 includes a variety I will call “ballet shoes”. These are extremely flat shoes that I’ve also seen frequently in the U.S. They are usually decorated with a small buckle or a bow or something. Regardless of my choice of shoes, they should contain studs or sequins.

• I would need to carry a very large, shiny purse. I don’t know what is in those things, except perhaps some toilet paper since it isn’t always provided in the public restrooms. This requires a digression. I’ll have you know that even I – one of the thriftiest people I know – was willing to spring for the more expensive 15 ruble port-a-potty rather than the 14 ruble basic model a few days ago when given the choice. My 15-ruble potty included toilet paper and a quality sink with hand soap. In case this is confusing, it can be hard to find restrooms sometimes when you are out and about, so there are pay-as-you-go (no pun intended) port-a-potties set up here and there in parks and along busy streets. By the way, since I know you are wondering, my choice of the 15-ruble over the 14-ruble model cost me about 4 cents. Soon I’ll be on an out-of-control spending spree I’m sure. It’s a slippery slope. Luckily, back in Yaroslavl, potties are usually only 7-10 rubles. Phew! Back to my fashion list though…

• I would need to have bangs. WAIT A MINUTE! I DO HAVE BANGS!! This is the one thing I have in common with the fashionable young women here. It’s not all of them, but definitely a lot more than there are in the U.S. I understand bangs are “coming back” in the U.S., so I’m happy about that too – since I insist on having them anyway, it’s good to be in style when the cycle comes around. (I tried going without bangs for several years but I never liked it).

I feel very awkward about taking pictures of people directly, but if I can fake that I am taking a picture of something else, and just sneak someone in, I am willing to try it. I also got Rob to help me. So here are a few peeks at the types of outfits I've described:

You can see some heels and a giant purse here:

And this gives you a taste of the mini-skirt with heels and giant purse:

Notice that high standards of fashion do not seem to apply to the boys, who can apparently dress however they want and look much more comfortable!

That's all for today! Our internet cafe time is almost up! The current plan is now to go baby-supply shopping on Monday (diapers and food - we brought everything else) and to get custody of Meredith on Tuesday. Can't wait!!!