When you give dates to an adoptive couple, you should be as specific as possible, not keep their hopes buoyed. None of this cover-your-ass "two to four weeks, sometimes longer..." stuff.

Heather, our new social worker, called today. Just wanted to check on how our trip went, make sure we were aware of a couple more pieces of paperwork we had to do. Then she said, "Natasha (the coordinator in DC) told me to have you schedule your pediatrician date for April 7. But since the coordinator in Russia told you your paperwork was all in order, we'll wait and be flexible, and make that appointment when we have definite travel dates."

Now, a date of April 7 for a pediatrician visit here in the States is to be made within 2 days of our return. Counting backward, then, we won't leave for our second trip until MARCH 27, putting our court date around March 30. Meaning we won't return until April 4 or 5.

Which means this is SIX WEEKS after our first trip. Not the 2-4 weeks they keep telling us. I mind the wait, yes... but I mind it more because no one is being up front about it.

But then again, all these dates could change at any time. They're not set in stone. "Be flexible!"

PS: Later, with Doug calling Heather, got some clarification - Doug thought the physician appt was within 2 days, but it's within 10 days. Alas, he made mention to Heather that this would be 6-7 weeks from last trip and she replied, "I tell people that Ekat. is 6 to 8 weeks." Doug let her know that wasn't what WE were told.
And I floated the idea that if we use Frank again, we're NOT going to go to Ekat. This wait is frustrating.