Hats off to Ryan

Welcome Madeline Bush, born February 17 at 5 lbs. 1 oz. The proud parents are doing well and we can't wait to get the little ones together.
Ryan had his first professional photos today. A photographer came to take pics for his passport, visa application and registration, all a good sign of the process moving right along. We also we coached about our speech that we must give before the judge, prosecutor, and two representatives. Robert, being the MAN must do the bulk of the presentation. Basically who we are, how we chose Kazakhstan to adopt, how we met Ryan and the bonds that we have built during this two week period. The judge must be reassured that we have the means and willingness to raise Ryan regardless of what the future might hold. It should only take an hour and the big day is the 25th. Yeah!! It's comforting to know that no one's pettition for adoption has ever been denied.
The best part is Ryan was able to go hatless for part of the day. We don't see the top of his head much so when we do, it sort of looks funny. Todays photos will explain. He was his cheerful self again. He is cute and smiley until about 1:15 then gets drowsy and falls asleep. It is wonderful to have him fall asleep in our arms. Typical new parents we have to share that duty, we trade off even risking him waking up. It's just that prescious.
Donn Hess and Robin Henshaw are leaving Kokshetau tomorrow with their son Owen. They have been here 5 weeks and are ready to go home. After one more week in Almaty they will be winging towards the US. We had a fairwell party at the cottage , dining on pork and chicken kebabs and yes -- champagne! Well, the champagne was more like peach schnapps with a little fizz, but very celebratory none the less.
We had to be back at the hotel by 6 pm., our new curfew. Its seems that each group of Americans has heard a different reason for this. The folks at the cottage were told the gov't workers hadn't been paid in two months and there could be some civil unrest and they (we don't know who the they is) want the tourists to be tucked away. We were told that some criminals had escaped, from where we don't know, and the police will be out in force checking papers. Not to worry, our interpretor just wants us to keep a low profile until our court date.
Off to the Burabay tomorrow to see the "Pearl of Kazakhstan" after our visit.
Paka, Paka.