(Maureen's Post)
Well, we missed posting yesterday because it was pretty busy. At least both Sean and I are now almost fully recovered from being sick. All we have left now is just a residual cough, and we are both regaining our strength. Unfortunately, looks like Darryl Kurtz has picked up the bug now. It's definitely making the rounds through all the families here!

Yesterday's and today's visits with James went well. The last few days have been more laid-back. Maybe it's because since we've been sick we haven't had a ton of energy to do all the games with him that we usually do. Also, he still hasn't been able to fully shake the cough and congestion that he had when we first arrived. The past few days Sean has been helping him draw his legs up underneath himself so that he can get into position to crawl. Well, yesterday he ended up doing it on his own, sticking his little butt up in the air. No forward motion yet, but you gotta start somewhere, right? His teeth have been really bothering him these past couple of days, so he's been Mr. Crankypants lately, also. He still tries to fight sleep at naptime and tries to contort himself into the oddest positions when you cradle him in your arms to sleep. Sean thinks he does this to try to keep himself awake, forcing himself to look around the room. We also think this is why he "talks" as he gets sleepy, to help him stay awake. However, he is still going down for naps, but it just takes a really long time right now to do it.

Court is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 13th at 5PM (that's 5AM Houston time on Tuesday morning). We were given passing marks on the first draft of our court speeches - yay! So, now we're in the process of memorizing them. Sean, being the head of the family, will give the more important speech, probably lasting about 15 minutes or so. My speech is simpler, with a more emotional component to it. We will also probably be questioned. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers again as we head towards this major milestone in ours and James' lives. Even if we are given a favorable ruling, the adoption does not become official until after the 15-day waiting period post-court. However, we will still be allowed to take custody of James immediately after court and have him with us during the waiting period. So, we've been gathering supplies to get ready for when James comes to the apartment such as formula, rice cereal, more diapers, baby wipes, baby shampoo, soap, powder, lotion, etc. So, only a couple more days and he'll hopefully be with us!

Yesterday after our morning visit we, the Kurtz's, the Mechems, and our drivers and interpreters all went to lunch at the Rainbow Cafe and had a great time. Afterwards, Oleg and Inna took us and the Kurtz's on a city tour of Kokshetau. It was very interesting to see James' birthplace. We took a bunch of pics, but I think I'll save them for another day's posting. Once we have James with us we won't be out and about as much and may be looking for pics to post to the website! After today's visit we mostly ran errands (donation of 2 reams of paper and some pens for the court, and donation of diapers for both the Maternity Hospital and Children's Hospital), then had lunch at the pizza place near the Tsum store again. Sean ordered a hamburger, but the meat didn't quite look like ground beef, but lighter. So we decided that it may have been veal - or at least that's what he wants to believe it was! As Jenny Kurtz said today, it was a "unique" meal (she had ordered it, too).

So, that's our post for today! Also, please be patient with us as we may not post again until after court on Tuesday. In addition to memorizing our speeches we also have to take care of some other things before going to court. Hopefully next time you see a posting from us it will be with good news!

Paka! Love to all!