We are officially a family of 4 (or will be after the 15 day waiting period is over). Court was a bit stressful in that we were only the second family to go through Astana's new juvenile court with a new judge. The judge and prosecutor grilled us and Kurt and I both had to make speeches. After I was finished Serik stepped up to the podium and said, ' is it my turn'? The judge wanted to know what he had said and laughed when told. She had him talk and Serik 'performed' well and when asked if he wanted a baby sister said 'yes'. He also said, 'privyet' and counted to 10 in Russian and charmed them all. The judge did say we pampered him because he was still in diapers but then asked me if he slept with us - because that's what they do here. Hmmmm - isn't that coddling? While they got set to go over documents Serik and I were excused to wait in the hall so he could relax and run around a bit. All the workers in the nearby offices gathered round him and cooed. He was given chocolate and a little stuffed animal that is part of a Russian cartoon - chiberasca (i think). Then they wanted him to do a few video pieces for them. So he walked out the door and ran to me on the stairs and then they also had him run down the hall. Perhaps a future Kazakh television star.
The judge came back and gave us a favorable decision that was ' in the best interest of the child'.
Yeah!
Had a celebratory lunch at CafeStar - snazzy place - and will go out with Saule, Murat and Irina tomorrow for our celebratory dinner.
We had a great visit with Sasha and she was as cuddly, smiley as ever - she also fell asleep on us with 10 minutes left in the visit per usual.
Serik fell asleep hard in the car on the way home and so we bundled him up, put him in the stroller and went for a walk. Went to Cafe Rafe where our favorite waiter Abdullah greeted us at the door and took Serik's hand, brought him upstairs to the cafe. Part way through our snack he came over and brought Serik to a little table where he had him make a pizza (the whole thing this time). Turns out he hasn't seen his wife and children for four months and they will be arriving from Russia in the next month or so. We're thinking that Serik is his substitute child whenever he sees us.
9 comments:
CONGRATULATIONS!!! we knew it would go well, and are glad to hear our thoughts were confirmed. looking forward to spending some family time together... all 9 of us! xxo to you all
YIPPEEE!!! So glad it went well. Can't wait to hear the details. Now you can relax and enjoy the rest of your time. Enjoy these last couple weeks with only one - it is doesn't get any easier with two (but you have twice the laughs too :)
Hugs and kisses,
The Brabsons
WOOO HOOOO !!!! Congrats Hammond Family of 4! Sounds like so much has changed, but the happy ending is the same :)
Hugs,
Shannon
We are very happy for you!! It sounds like everything went fantastically! Two great pictures to celebrate your special day! Congratulations, Congratulations, Congratulations!!!!!!! Gena, Jaimie and Berik
Hooray! Welcome to the family, Sasha! We are excited to celebrate together with everybody home. What a beautiful family you have! WE LOVE YOU! Missy & the gang
Congratulations Hammond family of four - does that mean you will getting a minivan - unless you already have one :-) A new little ski bunny to love, so happy for you.
Now that's a happy family! I love that picture where you're all puppy piled together. Precious!
Miss you. We need a playdate:)
Smooch
PK
Congratulations! Hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving and can't wait to meet Sasha!
Love, Beth and Jason
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