The Countdown is on

This is a statue in the park where we run on weekdays. Lyle & Ryan aren't the only hams in our family, y'know.

Vera came to see us this morning to finalize our plans for March 30 ("Gotcha Day", as it's known in adoption circles). We'll probably pick Ryan up as late as 5:00 or 6:00 that day. We presented our gifts today to the BH director to disburse to all Ryan's caregivers, the doctor & the "supplies lady". In that collection was also the gift for the director herself. So, it sounds like all we need to do on Monday is show up with new clothes for Ryan to wear, hand those over to a caregiver and then scoop him up once he's dressed & ready to go. A farewell cake doesn't seem to be necessary and though many other adoptive parents in KZ have chosen to do so, it doesn't seem to be the norm in Kyzylorda.

We're really seeing the light at the end of the tunnel now. Giving the gifts seemed like a real indicator that we're getting close to wrapping things up. We're taking the next few days to determine Ryan's sleeping arrangements at the apartment & buying some necessary items. It sounds like we can't take him out in public until his passport is ready. Believe you me, Lyle & I have learned the hard way how important it is to carry your passport at all times. That's another story. Let's just say Marilyne, Jean & the 2 of us fit nicely in the backseat of an immigration police cruiser!!!