Monday, October 02, 2006

Joy: Part 2

Another great day! We could not have asked for today to go any better. The city is bustling with excitement with the presidents coming to town and there are police officers on many street corners. Despite all that, we had pre-court – we’ll tell you how it went after our report on the rest of the day. :)

Our reps worked it out (at our request) so that we could see both of our boys this morning since we would not be able to visit this afternoon. We went to see Patrick first for 45 minutes. When he saw us arrive, his face lit up and he came running across the room. We were just as excited to see him! We tried giving him some baby food fruit stuff (approved by the doctor) but he wasn’t very interested. Instead, he made a mess all over Mommy, himself, the bib, the jar, and the towel. Ugh! He was way more into the spoon and even gagged himself with it but he didn’t like the soft spoon end of it. He ate a couple of bites but in general, food doesn’t seem like much of a motivator for him (though you can’t tell by his size!). He had to have a chest massage again today which did not make us very happy. It especially made him mad! He let Daddy hold him again today and even reached for him. We feel so blessed to have this little guy part of our lives! He is so wonderful!

We’ve only seen Calvin once in the morning so this was kind of new. He seemed a little confused that we were there but happy. He cuddled with me for awhile and then got down to play. We gave him his snack when our coordinator needed all of our attention to talk about the pre-court appearance. He quietly ate – unlike Patrick, food is a huge motivator for him and we are counting on it for the plane ride back! He absolutely loved riding on this plastic car today. He fell off twice and had a huge smile as he clamored to get back on. Daddy was a good sport and drove him all over the room (Calvin was clutching his plastic keys the whole time). Mommy was little slow for him but he tolerated her driving, too. He was overall very content and played well! There were lots of people in the room but it didn’t seem to bother him. Again, we can’t believe how blessed we are. He is amazing!

Tomorrow, the city is basically shutting down, so we will not be able to visit our boys – we are very disappointed and hope they aren’t too upset with us (they are too little to understand why but not too little to know we aren’t there). We also may not be able to see them on Wednesday because………………………………………………………..
WE HAVE FINAL COURT ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2006 @ 11 A.M.
We are absolutely thrilled! We had been praying that Wed. would be the day. We couldn’t believe it! We didn’t know how it would work with everything going on this week but God knew! So you can pray for us as we anticipate this exciting day! Our hearts are full of thankfulness and joy tonight.

Pre-court really wasn’t bad. We were seated for the entire 5 minute process. :) The judge did not look at us - just asked us a few questions about why we were adopting, what we do professionally, who would care for the children, who the guardian is, and if we agree with the petition. We gave the judge photos of us with each boy and individual ones of the boys (front and profile). He also looked at our passports. He asked the social worker if we were allowed to adopt two and she gave him the paperwork for it! Very simple procedure but very meaningful for us!

Afterwards, we went shopping at the Atrium so we would be set for tomorrow. We bought some food but mostly purchased some toys to donate to the baby houses with the clothing and blankets many of you so graciously contributed. We also bought a couple of toys for the boys…who could resist! We got them each a truck; Calvin’s is a dump truck with shape sorter and Patrick’s is a truck that has shovels and things with it (he is really into shovels!). We hope they will like them and will share. :)

So that’s a report on our day. Praise God with us for His work and please continue to pray for final court and our remaining days here in Kazakhstan.

Even though we are sad not to see our boys tomorrow, we are looking forward to a day with nothing. We really hoped that this trip could be partly a vacation but it has not been at all. So tomorrow, we are going to cook, watch movies, read, and play music! We aren’t allowed to leave our apartment due to the festivities. Our reps will come though for us to sign some papers.

Pictures of the boys will be posted soon…after court!

17 comments:

Jen said...

WOW! God is so amazing. Praise His name! I can't believe you got your final court for Wednesday.
I hope tomorrow proves to be VERY restful for you. You will need it. :)
Come home soon.

Tammy said...

Hey you two! I have just two words for you:

PRAISE GOD!

God is so good, he is a loving God!

Praise God!

tom said...

Good news, indeed. We are thanking God with you...and continuing to hold you before the throne of grace.

Tom & Becca

Wes and Rita Tillett said...

Praise the Lord! How amazing! We love you guys and will continue to pray. Enjoy tomorrow and rest up, it sounds like the boys will be with you soon.

Love, Rita and Wes

Wes and Rita Tillett said...

Praise the Lord! How amazing! We love you guys and will continue to pray. Enjoy tomorrow and rest up, it sounds like the boys will be with you soon.

Love, Rita and Wes

Margaret said...

I started crying when mom was telling me this on the phone this morning on the way to school. I knew you were on the phone when I was leaving, but like I said mom called me. I'm so so so excited! I can't wait to meet them.

Anonymous said...

Praise God! How gracious He is.

Congratulations. Your joy is evident through
your posts.

Isn't parenthood great? It is touching to read
about how much bonding is going on between you
and the boys and how much fun you are having with them. Enjoy your first days all together as a family!

Andy, Angie & Sarah Grace

Anonymous said...

Praise God! How gracious He is.

Congratulations. Your joy is evident through
your posts.

Isn't parenthood great? It is touching to read
about how much bonding is going on between you
and the boys and how much fun you are having with them. Enjoy your first days all together as a family!

Andy, Angie & Sarah Grace

Amy K said...

This is the best news ever!! I'm so excited and thrilled that you will have final court so soon!

We can't wait to see pics of your adorable boys! :)

Love,
Amy

EmilyAnne said...

Wonderful news! We are so excited for you. We prayed for you last night just before your pre-court appearance. Since we're 12 hours off from you here in AZ (and we were staying up late last night!) we've been trying to lift you up at the moment you are facing these new situations.

We are hoping to see your boys at Brian's wedding in November, if you're able to bring them.

Emily and Franz Forman

steph said...

I'm so excited to hear how well things went today in court. God is ever faithful! I can't believe this process is finally going to be coming to an end for you. What a journey!
love and miss you.

Jen said...

Praise the Lord!!

I can't wait til Wednesday to hear the news. Enjoy your day tomorrow.

I wil be praying!!

Micah said...

I have to confess, I was too curious and scrolled down to read about court before I read about your day with the boys :). Yes, I'm one of those that always reads the last chapter first :). I am so thrilled for you all! I can't WAIT to see pictures of your boys!!!!!

michael l. said...

We return home to good news, I see!!!!

Heather and I just got back this afternoon from our weekend in Minneapolis. The conference was great, with speakers like Tim Keller, DA Carson, David Wells, and John Piper. Other guys who spoke, but were new to me, were Voddie Bauchum and Mark Driscoll. All were excellent sessions. The gist of the conference was on bringing the Gospel to a postmodern culture.

One of the greatest treats was attending with other RP Church Planters from MA, RI, Canada, and elsewhere. We had a good time.

But we're glad to be home, and to be back with our kids. (David came with us, but the other three remained behind.)

Anyhow. We will be looking for that next date you announce -- the date for your return to us! But we are thrilled to learn of the court date on Wednesday, and will pray for all to go well. How significant to note that, while the nation is focused on the events taking place in your old hotel, God will be with you doing something very quiet yet profound in a small courtroom across town. Praise God for his marvellous ways!!!!


Michael (and Heather)

liz said...

ah!!! i'm so excited! i can't wait to see you guys, meet my nephews and otherwise party down!:) even though school is insane right now, you guys are always in my thoughts and prayers. love and miss you so much.

Grandma Judd said...

Praise God! I was so thrilled to hear the results of the Pre-Court. God is so good all of the time. In fact, I got up at 5:00 this morning to pray and then checked the Journal about 7:30. Since there was not a message from you, I called your Mother a little before 8:00 to hear the good news. What happy news! God is always with us. As if you don't know, I will be so excited to see those precious little boys and both of you. You've done such a marvelous job of parenting, and I'm sure you'll have a happy family. You can be sure that I will be praying for the Final Court hearing on Wednesday. God bless you always.
Lovingly,
Grandma Judd

Anonymous said...

We are so excited! I can't wait to see the pictures of your sons, too. We will be in prayer for you, esp. for Wednesday. I can't wait to hear more.

Love, rut, evelyn, and isaiah