Two weeks down, ? to go

Pondering from Papa. Well as the 2nd week closes, this journey continues to ever change, evolve, What a wonderful change we have seen in Nurik (Nick) over the last two weeks. Where there was uncertainty (and some fear) there is now the beginnings of trust. First comes trust then comes love. What a wonderfully amazing thing to see in such an out in the open environment such as the green room. I have gone from being a spectator to being able to hold an play with the little fellow. Today he was feeling sick so he just wanted to be held by both of us. Nurik has also discovered that papa's mouth make a very good disposal for the food he doesn't wish to eat (especially partially eaten bananas and apples). Karen is very happy that he has chosen me for such an honor as this. He has also discovered he can reach much higher when pap lifts him. He has a mischievous side to him and still likes to test where the boundaries are. One of the things I have truly enjoyed over the last two weeks has been watching how much he is bonding and growing in his trust of him Mama. It is hard to believe that in a few short days we go to court to start the process of becoming a true family. Nervous doesn't begin to describe how I feel about this next step. But with each passing day I realize a little more that this is the right direction for all of our lives.

As Karen has written it is very cold here. I actually had to buy a scarf at the open market yesterday. As Karen would say...If polar Boy needs a scarf, it must be cold. On Sunday it snowed most of the day and the wind has been very impressive a lot of the week (especially since there aren't any forests or mountains for hundreds of miles in each direction to stop it). We spent some time entertaining ourselves watching the wind blow the people (literally) down the sidewalks since most of the sidewalks are ice covered (snow removal is not a priority). Karen thinks this may be why so many great gymnasts come from this part of the world since everyone has to walk on the ice for many months out of the year. It is really amazing watching most of the women negotiate this icy area in high heel boots.

Finally, yes Scott we will consider adopting you. However, the girls and Tracy have to come also. Will this mean more free kayaking tours of southern WI?.

We have been getting more adventurous with the local cusine. We now eat fried hot pockets with mashed potatos and dough wrapped sausages. We did have a misadventure with what we thought were blueberry wrapped crepes which turned out to be liver wrapped crepes. Not interchangeable!!!!!! This afternoon we go back to the Ministry of education for another interview with the director who was not present when we went the first day.

Please pray that our court day on wednesday (tuesday evening your time) goes smooth and short. As always we enjoy your comments and all of your prayers. Pat and Karen