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We knew this in our hearts about 21 days ago, but today a judge confirmed it – we are the parents of a wonderful little boy! Before we tell you about court, we’d like to introduce you to Makseem (Max) Gregory German: Now that you finally made it past the pictures, let us tell you a little more about court. First, the weather was actually quite cool here today, which made sitting in our finest much more pleasant since there didn’t seem to be any AC in the courthouse. They did have, however, the most uncomfortable benches ever. We think this is probably a part of the justice system as an added incentive to avoid court appearances. Around 10:45 we were called into the chambers for our hearing. After the usual pleasantries of having everyone formally registered as present, and a few formalities to insure that we were aware of the proceedings, we were given time to address the judge and give our prepared speech. Next, the Representative of the Body of Guardianship and Trusteeship and the Head Doctor of the Baby House spoke about Max and how we have bonded well with him and recommended that the adoption be granted for the best interest of the child. The public prosecutor then asked a few questions about Max and then we formally requested that the judge grant our adoption. Then we left the chambers to give the judge time to deliberate and peruse our information. After about 5 or so minutes, we were called back in and the judge delivered his decision to grant this adoption. Yahoo!

Now we have a 15 day waiting period and then on the 16th day we can have full custody of Max. Our “Gotcha Day” will be July 3! After that it is just another 2 or 3 week wait for visas and passports. From what we understand, there are a variety of stages for this. First, we need permissions to take Max out of Ust. Then we need permissions for him to leave Kazakhstan. Finally, we need permissions for him to enter Canada. We now see why this may take at least a couple of weeks. So, as it turns out, we don’t expect to be home before the 23rd of July, if all goes well. We’ll keep you posted on our actual travel itinerary once we know.

Word definitely travels quickly around Club BH. When there is a break in the routine, everybody knows something’s up. We were met with many congratulations and some questions when we arrived for our afternoon visit (we missed our morning visit because of court). Even Max was waiting for us. When we arrived his group was playing a game and singing songs in their play area but he just couldn’t stay sitting with them. He waited for us at the edge of the play area and beamed when we finally arrived. After our visit this afternoon, we headed out to Pizza Blues for a celebratory supper with the other two families who had court today (all successful, by the way).
Posted by R&T at 9:11 AM Deamel said...

Congrats Mommy & Daddy!!!
Awesome news. We are glad to hear your day went so well,we knew it would, who can resist such a cute couple like you two. Max is beautiful and we are proud to be his auntie, uncle, & cousins.Way to go to the other couples as well.
Talk to you soon
Auntie Mel, Uncle Deano , Cousins Ian & Sean

June 17, 2008 at 9:42 AM Todd & Rebecca said...

That is such great news. Max is absolutely beautiful and we think he looks like Rod. See you soon.

The Farrell's

June 17, 2008 at 10:06 AM 
I'm so excited for the both/three of you. He is such a cute boy.

June 17, 2008 at 11:43 AM Karen & Glenn said...

Congratulations! Love that name! :-) He even looks like our Zakary Makseem! I cannot wait to introduce them officially to one another. Your court appointment sounds exactly like ours. We are so happy for you! Congratulations, family!!!!

June 17, 2008 at 2:33 PM Butch & Tracy said...

Wonderful news. YIPPIEEE

I am happy to know your day in court went great. Your son is beautiful. I can only imagine the joy you feel knowing he is your little boy.

June 17, 2008 at 3:21 PM bgabel said...

Congratulations Mom & Dad.

Makseem Gregory German is a gorgeous baby boy!

Your blog is great. It is keeping us up to date with your adventure in Kazakhston.

We are anxiouisly waiting to meet the new man in your life.

The Gabels

June 17, 2008 at 5:14 PM dnd82001 said...


Your son is precious!!

Enjoy your remaining bonding time and congrats again!!!


June 17, 2008 at 5:36 PM Kaitlyn P Crowley said...

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. German!! Cant wait till you come back to Canada with Max!! once again congratulations Max is so cute!!

June 17, 2008 at 7:13 PM Julian and Sara Yeomans said...

Congratulations!! Makseem is a beautiful baby!

June 17, 2008 at 9:47 PM Diana & Bob said...

OMG he is adorable! BIG CONGRATULATIONS!!!

June 18, 2008 at 9:10 AM The Willners said...

Hey you guys!
We are all thrilled that you have Max! He is beautiful and we have his picture on our fridge! Can't wait to meet him! Have a safe trip home!
The Willner Family
p.s. Riders are 1-0 in their pre-season games!

June 18, 2008 at 7:23 PM 
Congratulations! Great, great news! He is such an adorable boy! I am so very happy for you.

Hope you are on your way home soon!

June 18, 2008 at 8:29 PM Michelle and Michael said...

Congrats!!! It is so exciting for us to follow the blog of fellow Canadians. We got the site address from the canakaz yahoo group and we have been addicted to it since you left for Kaz...We love the pics of Max, he is gorgeous!!! Wishing you all the best with the balance of your stay.
Michelle and Michael

June 18, 2008 at 8:51 PM Cindy and Mike said...

Oh my gosh Tammy - he is ADORABLE!!!! I can't wait to meet little Max. He's lookin the perfect Eric buddy. We are so excited for you and can't wait to meet him!

June 19, 2008 at 6:32 AM 
Oops - I did that too fast - congratulations to you too Rod!!

June 19, 2008 at 6:33 AM Starfish said...

He's so beautiful, congratulations!! And I'm so glad you're staying there the whole time. We stayed in Colombia with our little guy and although it was sometimes tough to be away for so long, I look back and am so glad we did.

June 23, 2008 at 7:17 AM BG & JoG said...

Congratulations from the BG household on the newest addition to the GERMAN clan!!! He is adorable and he fits well with the both of you!!! Finally got on to the blog and now can have more interaction with yous and hear what's happening...Can't say enough about how happy we are for you two and WELCOME to parenthood!! After I talked to you last Sunday, I forgot to say, "Happy Father's Day to you, Rod!!!" Glad court went well and I can imagine how excited you are to have him soon with you on JUly 3rd!!!
God Bless and see you soon!!!

June 25, 2008 at 10:39 PM So Where in the World Are We? Flag of Kazakhstan 
Saskatchewan, Canada
