Almost Home!!

Today is August 17th at 12:31 in the afternoon. We leave Koksheteau tomorrow at 2:50 in the afternoon. We get to load all of our own luggage on this flight and it is completely acceptable for the pilot to smoke while flying the plane. The plane seats about 40 people I'd say, and luggage can be placed in the aisle and pretty much anywhere you can fit it. I have to say, I'm glad this will be our last trip on the Yak plane!!!

We picked up Mason from the baby house about 5:30 in the evening on the 15th. And, we got his birth certificate at the same time. As of August 16th, 2006 he is legally and forever, Mason Randall Lanser born on February 21, 2005. Mother is Rachel Nicole Lanser and father is Ryan Roger Lanser. Yes!!!!

And, let's just say the first night was a bit trying, but we made it through just fine. He was perfect in the car and had no problems in the apartment. But, we found out through tears and screams of sheer terror, that he DOES NOT LIKE THE SHOWER. So, we bathe him with a bowl of water with a washcloth. Works fine for now until we can put him in a tub. Also, we found out he does not like noodles, chicken, peas, apples, bananas, or jar baby food of turkey and vegetables. He does like...french toast, baby cereal, baby food fruits, and as of last night, rice with smushed up peas! He ate two plates of that stuff. I'm glad we found something he liked. We can push more for the "eat what you're given" at home, but he has really only eaten baby cereal, bread, and different types of stews. So, the consistency of the foods we tried were not familiar to him and he did not like it at all. He does sleep really well though and goes to sleep without crying (knock on wood). And of course, he loves to play and follow mommy and daddy around the apartment. Ryan and I are adjusting well. A little tired, cause Mason moves around A LOT in the bed, but in Almaty we'll have a crib for him.

Yesterday we took him bowling with the other couples here and he was fantastic. He was very shy and timid when he met the other couples and clung on tight to Ryan or myself. But, after about 30 minutes or so he was playing with everyone and talking away. (baby talk that is) Except for the mama and dada. He does say that and each time he does, my heart melts. And he's always looking for dada when Ryan leaves the room. He will surely be a stick tight when we get home which is fine by me!!! He has Ryans shyness at first, but opens up and is more like me when he's comfortable. God truly knows what he's doing!! He was not born of our bodies, but he was surely born of our souls!!

Today will be our last post to the blog and our last contact before heading home next Wednesday. Woo Hoo. With that, I would like to end with this...as I was lying in bed with Mason last night, waiting for him to go to sleep, I was thinking about all we've gone through to be here with him and for him to be our son and I was still in shock that this beautiful little child was lying next to me and falling asleep on my arm. I cannot believe how time has flown. When we started this process, it seemed as though we would never get here and the paperwork would never stop. But, low and behold, we're days away from being home with our son!! We are truly blessed people and we are forever grateful to all of you who bought a cheesecake, came to the auction or the benefit, or kept us in your thoughts and prayers. Your support has been wonderful and truly heartfelt. So, to our parents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandmas, grandpas, and many friends, we THANK YOU. You are forever in our hearts!!

Love,
Ryan, Rachel, and Mason

P.S. We would like to say Happy Birthday to Brittany on the 22nd. We love you and hope you have a wonderful birthday. We'll see you on the 23rd.

And, happy birthday to Captain on the 17th (today). Have a good one and enjoy a frosty beer for us!