December 8, 2007 - Gotcha Day

One year ago today a lovely judge in Astana, KZ officially proclaimed that Serik was our little boy. Our travel partners the Brabsons remarked that it was much warmer today than a year ago in Kaz - for them maybe. The high here in Minneapolis today was around 7 degrees - brrr. As you have seen from the previous posting Serik has changed a ton since we first met him and every day brings more changes. He is talking up a storm 2 to 3 word sentences some of which we understand, some we don't. He dances - swaying side to side with the music or twirling until he falls down. He loves to play hide and seek and is so cute when he's hiding or when he's counting with his hands covering his eyes: one, two, tree, tor, ti, tix, blah blah, eight, nine, ten! Emphasis on the ten.

Other highlights for the Hammonds: In November we celebrated a quiet Thanksgiving just the three of us as every part of Kurt's family was somewhere or other. The day after Thanskgiving Serik had his first real hair cut. Perhaps he was a bit over due...



He definitely didn't like it whe she was spraying his hair wet - think he thought she was going to wash it which he hates - obviously.

But when she finally got around to cutting it he did fine

I think I had a harder time saying good-bye to his hair than he did.


The first substantial snows came to Minnesota when December rolled around and Serik has adapted beautifully. He doesn't always want all the layers (which incidentally make him look like he has the oompa loompa pants since they're too big) but loves to get out and 'play hockey' and make snow impressions - not quite snow angels yet.

As you all probably know we started our paper work for baby #2 and as of today we received our 171-H which is the last thing we were waiting on so hopefully our dossier will go in to our agency and off to Kaz by the end of the week! we hope to travel in the fall and be home by winter so that we get to experience a different season this trip to Kaz - which essentially means a warmer one!

We head to NH for Christmas and are looking forward to the Wachs family traditions: Christmas Revels in Boston, Town Carol sing, Christmas Eve party and of course the holiday with family.

Peace and Joy to all this holiday season.