California Dreamin'

Ok, so we're driving along, headin' to the Shchuchinsk Babyhouse and this song comes on the radio -- California Dreamin' in english no less. How surreal to be looking out the window watching the people of Kokshetau head to work, school etc. in below O temps.
We got together with the "gang" last night and Robin and Donn made homemade pizza and the cheese actually melted. It was great - a taste of home. The bottle of wine we brought as our contribution was, well, the best way to look at it, we can cross that vintage off future grocery lists.
Our driver, Aleksander, told us of a legend on how Kazakhstan was formed. God had a huge sack which cotained all the great comforts and treasures of life. There was a hole in the bag and out came the lakes, mountains, and forrests and dotted the countryside of Kazakhstan. Kind of a nice way to look at things.
We have had some questions on the scheduling of the adoption process. Here is the nutshell version:
First, there is a 14 day bonding period with the child. Then you appear to pettition the court for adoption of your child. Once the pettition is granted there is a mandatory 15 day waiting period. Once the waiting period is over you pick up the birth certificate and you can leave the city where the child resides. You then head to Almaty, to complete visa application, registration and a cursory medical exam all done by the US Embassy. Then you can hop the next plane out of town and go home. YEAH!!! Once your child steps on US soil he automatically becomes a US citizen, thanks Bill Clinton.
We have an important visitation on Sunday. Usually the babyhouse is closed, they clean from top to bottom and don't allow visitors. This Sunday we will be observed by the Court Prosecutor. Sounds scary, but it's just another part of the process. Prosecutors are not like the US version. They work for the court and the best interest of the child.
To answer some questions we have been receiving...
Michael, we're waiting for your response to the email sent via Corey's email address. I hope you got it. Mark and Amy, to answer why Ryan is laughing so hard - I was explaining the "tuck rule". Norah, You're right, we can see Ryan blooming in front of us. The changes in this short time are amazing. Can't wait to get him home. We have had lots of questions on the identity of the "Maddster". We are not divulging any information, but yellow labs are known to be very intelligent canines - Yes, even ours.
Paka, Paka.