CUSTODY APPROVED!!!!
Yes, that is right...the Russian courts granted Wayne and I custody of (now) Jakob Paul Turpin!
The court hearing went very smooth and it was an interesting process to go through...hearing the judge speak Russian and trying to concentrate on what your translator is saying to you at the same time. No real difficult questions were asked.
We had to bring photos of our house, pets, etc. Everyone in the court really enjoyed the photo of the dogs with their fleece vests and antlers from Christmas a few years back...I think it helped lighten the mood as they were all passing the photo around. They didn't even ask us (although other families got asked) how the dogs were with kids. I think after that photo, they looked completely harmless.
After the court hearing, we were supposed to go to the orphanage to get his passport photos taken, but because he would be napping at the time, they just had us go for 1 visit today at 4 PM. Instead, we went to Arbat street and had lunch and did some shopping. We found some plates, napkins and a few other things to take for his birthday.
We had an extra long visit with him today (2 hours 20 min)! He is still obsessed with the NutriGrain bars and kept rubbing the grey backpack and pulling on the zippers looking at Wayne with his big brown eyes...hoping to get another. He seemed to be feeling a bit better today, although still quite warm. He was very clingy with me today and a bit hesitant around Wayne, but could have just been he was not feeling well (or Wayne's deodorant didn't make it through the day).
We enjoyed playing with the piano today...he absolutely loves it...anything involving music! He also seemed to be talking a bit more (our Russian is not so good so not sure exactly what he is saying). He did repeat me saying "flowers" when we looked at a book together. He was also very interested in the stray dog that was outside (hopefully he will like dogs). Jakob also very much knows who Mama and Papa are. Anytime I ask him in photos or anything, he always gets it right.
Lisa and David were back in the room with us today with Patrick after just coming back from their passport photo shoot. They said Patrick was just shaking the whole time...very nervous to be out of the orphanage and in the car. So, not sure what to expect tomorrow.
Tomorrow we will see him in the morning and get his passport photos taken and then we will go to the airport to pick up my bag (finally...just 2 days before we leave!) and then go back for 1 more visit in the evening. We will also pick up a cake for his birthday which is Wednesday.
We are off to bed now as the jet lag is certainly setting in! It has been a long, but very happy day for us. We hope to find out sometime this week of our final date to return to Russia to bring Jakob home.
More tomorrow...
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6 comments:
Dearest Courtney & Wayne,
We are so elated to hear the news!
Thank you for opening your hearts to Jakob, giving him a forever family and a life beyond the orphanage walls. No doubt tomorrow's passport photo outing, actually many of Jakob's first adventures in his new life with you, will bring to the surface a flood of emotions. He's a little guy facing big plans! Stay strong and remember you're in the prayers of many.
All Our Love,
Christi, Larry & Autry
Courtney & Wayne,
What a blessing Jakob is going to be for all of us! He just looks too cute today in his little outfit. I'm glad he is feeling a bit better, maybe it's best that you won't be going out until tomorrow - maybe he will feel better. For all that you've told me about Jakob and from just observing him, I think he will be very excited about the car ride - what an experience it will be for him. So, Courtney, what's it like to be a mother? I must say, you have kept your figure beautifully.
Much love to all of you,
Mom/Pam/Nana Pam
WOW - I think we may have a concert pianist on our hands. Jakob already seems so comfortable with you both and you are to be commended how you have handled this whole adoption process as I know it has been very frustrating at times, but great things come to those who are patient - and Jakob is definitely a great thing. I was so glad to see the video because it just make it seem like we are right there with you. Thanks for including all of us in this milestone in your life.
Love, Hugs, Kisses, & Prayers your way,
Mom/Pam/Nana Pam
Congratulations Turpin family. Hey, Jonas and Jakob are practically like best friends - Jonas has the exact same sweater as Jakob in the photos. I think that when you take Jakob out for the photos, just give him lots of reassuring hugs as he already seems to relate to that as his way of feeling comfortable. We all can't wait to one day meet your son. You're the best.
Nat, Martin and Jonas
Wayne and Courtney,
We are so very excited for you!!! I can't believe that we are soon going to have another little one in the family. It is truly amazing that this little boy's life is going to change so dramatically and he will have two wonderful parents to help him along the way. You really are giving him a precious gift, and he in turn is giving one to you as well. We can't wait to meet him, although you might want to think about having him meet the ENTIRE family all at the same time. It might be a bit intimidating, Elizabeth was 17 when she met the entire family and I think it traumatized her!!!! :-)
Love,
Jeff, Kelly and Elizabeth
Courtney & Wayne,
How wonderful - we are so excited for you and already in love with Jakob. He looks so happy with his new parents and you two with your new son. Jakob is a lucky little boy to have two such caring, loving, thoughtful, people to show him this big, wonderful world. Our love and prayers are with you. Thank you for sharing this experience with us.
Love,
Penny and Jeffery
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