The Granddaughter

In typical Russian fashion, plans changed last minute.  We were supposed to be picked up by Slava (who doesn't speak any English) at noon, and taken to the orphanage where Olga was going to meet us to help us through the process there, and prepare me for Court tomorrow.  Instead, Boris (who speaks excellent English) showed up, and told us that Olga was not coming at all.  It turned out fine -- Boris is a young guy who works with children, he was very friendly and informative.  He came into the orphanage with us where it took him quite a while to find out what was going on, and how we could see Alexandra.  Finally, they brought her out, and let us take her out to the playground behind the orphanage to hang out with her for about an hour and a half.
The weather was gorgeous, about 70 degrees and sunny.  Despite this, she was dressed in jeans, a denim jacket, and a winter hat.  Under her jacket she had a long sleeved wool sweater on, and underneath her jeans, tights.  I am not sure what's up with that, but Boris told me not to take off her hat, or even unbutton her jacket (even though she clearly wanted to do that.)  Much like last time, she was very upset when the caretakers left. Boris stayed with us for a little while, and spoke Russian to her, which clearly calmed her down.  After that, she seemed to have accepted the fact that she'd have to hang out with us, and was pretty good natured about everything.  She looked at the books I brought her, and almost cracked a smile a couple of times. 
She's clearly grown a lot since I last saw her -- learned to walk.  She didn't say anything, but seemed very overwhelmed and cautious.  Her little eyes seemed just us curious and perceptive as last time, and she seems to have been well taken care of.
On our way back to our hotel, Boris talked a lot about Moscow/Russia these days -- the lack of opportunities for young people, corruption in the government.  It was all very interesting, and the first time we got to talk to a young intelligent Russian about their country.
He also told us that my court is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. tomorrow.  He is going to get me at 1, and take me to Central Moscow Courthouse where Olga (allegedly) will meet with me and prepare me for the hearing.  He was kind enough (again, the first one to do so) to tell me reassuringly that the hearing was a mere formality.  Hopefully so.