Court Update

Everything was turned in to the court system on Wednesday – this included the paperwork that went to/from Astana by train, a form from the baby house regarding our visits, the petition to the court, about 35 pictures of our visits with captions, as well as numerous other documents that our coordinator completed. We are now waiting to find out when our court date will be. We are still able to visit Andrew each day until we leave.

We continue to see more and more of Andrew’s personality. During our first few days with him, we would have him touch things that we thought might be new to him such as a leaf or a flower. He would touch it and quickly draw his hand back. Even if he touched our face or hands, he would quickly draw his hand back. He rarely draws his hand back now. Just the opposite, if he sees a leaf, he pulls it off the branch. On our walks, he pulls us in the direction he wants to go. He’s become very inquisitive. He even gives us hugs all on his own. No kisses yet but we’re working on it. He has also become more vocal. He makes lots of sounds like he is talking to us. I don’t think it’s Russian or Kazakh (& certainly not English) but lots of babbling. It’s a good start for him to be talking so soon. As far as walking, he is standing for longer periods of time, and is walking with just one of us holding his hand now. It won’t be long. We just hope we get to see him take his first steps.

We met a new couple last night – they are from Alabama and are adopting a 10 year old girl. It was interesting to hear their stories of how they are bonding with her and how she is adjusting. It’s exciting to know this little girl will have a good home with a mom, dad, and brother.

We also had dinner 2 nights ago at a couple’s apartment that we met at church this past Sunday. They are here teaching English, are from Maryland/Alabama, and have 4 children – 3 boys/1 girl. Lainey and the girl were close in age and had so much fun playing together. It was a good break for us to sit and talk and eat a home cooked meal. They have been here 7 months and are pretty settled. We spent some time talking about food because I think that is something that is so closely tied to culture and home. Knowing how much I have missed the food from home, it makes me want to incorporate some foods that Andrew is used to eating here, into our dinners at home for him. We had a good time with this couple and we were so appreciative that they opened up their home to us.

Just a side note to all of this – we checked again on getting earlier tickets home since we think everything is done for the courts (that could change). We found tickets ranging from $4,000 - $10, 000 – EACH. Yep, we’re here until Monday.

We are looking forward to going home to family and friends. It will be hard to leave Andrew. The caregivers will show Andrew pictures while we are gone and remind him that we are coming back – hopefully SOON.