February 5th, 2004 - 9:45 PM Moscow time

One more update before our life is turned upside down with two children....

Mary Katherine Olga continues to be a bundle of energy and very sassy. She appears to lead the pack of boys. Moreover and unfortunately, she does not like to be told no. It is almost comforting that she is in her terrible two stage already. Today, she said her first word that we understood - talking on a play telephone - "Allo!!" What a relief!! Up until that point, we didn't know if she could speak. We hope to get her tomorrow from the orphanage, so please keep your fingers crossed. The sooner we get her the better.

Frank Payne Sergey is a sweet boy and loves to laugh and play. Unfortunately, he is teething and for the first day in 14 days was not a happy boy. We hope that the tooth/teeth will cut before we get on the plane. Payne loves to play with other children and also plays well by himself. We'll see how long it lasts when Mary Katherine starts terrorizing him.

We are scheduled to come in on February 13, 2004 at 11:00 p.m. into Armstrong International. If something happens with that time, we'll let you know either via e-mail or a phone change. Please come meet the children whenever you have time.

Love to all and continue to keep us in your thoughts.

Georgia and Thad