Comment from
| Oh gosh! Poor Jeff!!! But you HELD him!!!! Oh, my gosh!!! |
Comment from
Dad Fawaz | It was soooooo good to talk to you. I wish I had advanced you some $$$ to buy a lot of calling cards. We'll call you to the apartment.
Your narrative of the first encounter with Alex was beautiful. Keep that up. My anticipation to MY first encounter with him is almost too hard to bear. We are waiting now for the photos.
I must tell you, seeing and reading all these messages to you makes me so happy and blessed to realize that you have so many great friends who surround you with love and affection. Thank GOD for that. Until our next communication, may God keep his eye on you and protect you. Lots of LOVE to the three of you. |
Comment from
Melanie | Wait... that was me up there. |
Comment from
Jess | Yay! :) It must have been so incredible to see him. I'm sure you can't wait until he's with you 24/7.
The jet lag killed me when I was adopting. Hopefully, you'll get used to the time change before too long. If you have any tummy troubles (as I did, which is why I'm mentioning it), Borjomi water can help, though I'm not sure if it's available in Uralsk. |
Comment from
deltamiss | I'm sitting at my computer at school CRYING! I cannot wait to see pictures of that baby!!! Give him a hug and a kiss from the strange stranger from LJ. |
Comment from
David Branch | So glad to read that you made it to Uralsk and have finally held your baby. Just a thought, but your baby is probably afraid of Jeff's beard, as they have very little contact with men in general, and facial hair can be quite scary (nothing personal Jeff...). Liz and I ran into this with our daughter Lisa in 2001, and I don't even wear a beard -- it was just my 5 o'clock shadow that scared her the first morning we had her in the apartment after court.
Also -- Just wanted to thank Jeff for taking the time to provide a tour of the refrigerator...(by the way, Jeff -- FYI, the Baltika Piva is numbered from 1 to 9 based upon alcoholic content...the British oil workers have lovingly nicknamed the #9's "blinders", which I found out after the fact...)
Well, enough of the cultural education -- NOW HOW ABOUT SOME PICTURES OF THE BABY!!!
...David Branch (Liz's husband on WPA loop) |
Comment from
Melanie | YAY!! PICTURES!!! I'm a mess over here!!! Those are simply beautiful. The one of Dina kissing his little cheek is my favorite. You can see his tears AND hers! ;)
I can rest easier now... but I'm not completely satisfied until we get some of Jeff on there, too! Tomorrow's meeting, I'm SURE! :)
We love y'all!!!! |
Comment from
Jess | Yay, pictures! Oh, he's so adorable! :) Forget this vicarious adoption thing, I want to adopt another one! ;)
I do think that David raised a good point about the beard--Hannah was afraid of most facial hair even a month or two after she got home. It took us a while to figure out that this was why she started crying whenever one particularly baby-wary friend tried to approach her. ;) |
Comment from
Nana Nina | Oh, my poor little boy! I'd suggest that perhaps Alexander has some relation to Maxwell and only likes women!
No, all kidding aside, babies take time to warm up to folks, and perhaps Alexander has some intuition or something that tells him something's up. He's young enough that if you just provide love (and food) he'll never remember the trauma he's going through. And Jeff, if I remember correctly, all babies want to suck on other folks' fingers. That's how they explore the world. Put some fruit juice on your finger the next time.
Pictures, please, if they're not already there.
Love,
Mom |
Comment from
Nana Nina | Oh, my goodness! How wonderful! I just saw the photos and I'm crying too, Dina.
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Comment from
Jess M. | I saw the pictures and he is BEAUTIFUL!!! I'm so glad you were able to sooth him Dina, and hold him. And hopefully Jeff will be able to hold him tomorrow.
Thank you two so much for sharing this!!! |
Comment from
shemaiah | Jeney told us the pictures were up so I had to pop over. He is just so precious! Thank you for sharing the whole experience with us. It is just amazing. |
Comment from
Karyn | Oh my gosh...he is beautiful!!! You are blessed to have him, but he is also blessed to have two such wonderful people as parents. I pray that you will continue to have wonderful bonding moments.
The pictures are fabulous...I can't wait to see more photos! |
Comment from
Karen in Castle Rock | Wow! What an amazing day! I am just so excited for all of you. I love you guys and will continue to keep you all in my prayers!
Karen |
Comment from
laura | I'm an online friend of Jeney's... your story was so fascinating to read, and Alex is really cute. I hope you have a really good life with him :) |
Comment from
jeney | I have nothing new to say, except that I am still crying!
My kids think I'm having a breakdown!
I love you guys. This is so amazing. Thank you SO much for taking the time to share this with us. |
Comment from
jeney | I have nothing new to say, except that I am still crying!
My kids think I'm having a breakdown!
I love you guys. This is so amazing. Thank you SO much for taking the time to share this with us. |
Comment from
jeney | Maybe he was crying because of that gigantic ape in the background! ;) |
Comment from
Nana Nina | I don't know you, Jeney, but I just wanted to say I can't stop crying, either. September 8 is such a long time away.
Oh, and I agree with the beard estimate, also. It might be time to shave, Jeff. |
Comment from
Nana Nina | So, how many messages can you absorb in one day from the same person!! Your poem was incredible. But, honestly, I think you need to get some sleep, Jeff! |
Comment from
WhosYourDaddy | Hey, Jeney, who are you calling a gigantic ape?? :) |
Comment from
Auntie Julie | Oh dear, I am afraid I contributed to this journaling Shakespearian monster. 'Tis a shame you don't have a guitar with you Jeff, then we could all listen to Quicktime recordings or download mp3s of your songs about this experience that are sure to come.
WOW. After seeing those incredibly beautiful photos all I can say is WOW!! So unbelievably and powerfully touching. These are surely memories in the making. Savor it!
God bless!
Julie |
Comment from
The Nigri Family | Jeff & Dina - so happy to see that you've arrived safely and have met your beautiful little boy. Well, even though we can't see his photo yet (Jeff, any luck?) I just know he's beautiful!! You are in our thoughts and we're so happy to be sharing the journey with you!
Cheryl, Brian & Lauren Nigri (fellow WPA-ers)
Saunderstown, RI
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Comment from
Yiayia Connie | |
Comment from
Yiayia Connie | I LOVE the pictures. He is so precious and looks so intelligent. You can tell from his eyes that he is studing everything around him. Don't worry as you bond with him each day he will grow to trust you and know you and he wil be just fine. I can't tell you how happy my heart felt when I saw my baby holding her baby. Wow what a glorious day. Everyone here is so excited about this adventure. Angie called me a few minutes ago and said her whole family is so excited and happy and can't wait to meet Alex. Jeff, thank you for your geekiness. It ha enabled all of us to share your excitment and happiness day by day. I hope to see you and Alex together in the next set of pictures. Love to all of you. |
Comment from
Katie Nagel | We too found out about Baltika 9 the hard way. More than 2 will knock you out! I'm so glad you're posting pictures. It sure doesn't seem like we were there only 3 months ago. Who is your travel partners' driver? What group number is Alex in? |
Comment from
Kerri, Bert &Anna | Hooray! I loved reading the notes and seeing the photos. Keep the stories coming. I can't wait to see the Jeff holding Alex photo! |
Comment from
Deltamiss | Oh, Lord! The tears started again! That is such a precious little thing! I'm with Melanie...I love the pic of Dina kissing Alex. His eyes! Magnificent! |
Comment from
Jenn | Twice I've been brought to tears thinking of you guys today. First time was in the car listening to the Tarzan sound track - the song "You'll Be in My Heart" made me think of you and the joy and love you must feel about Alex. And, of course, the second time was when I saw the pictures and read your journal accounts. Wanted to let you know I'm thinking about and praying for you. |
Comment from
| Dina & Jeff,
Alex is absolutely beautiful, even with those big dark eyes full of little tears! Congratulations on your beautiful first meeting moments and trust me, Jeff, by the end of the week Alex won't be able to get enough of you!
Glad to hear everything is going so well. You are in my thoughts,
Michelle Menard |
Comment from
Sam | Parenthood...you'll never feel more excited and more scared about any one thing at the same time all the time for the rest of your life. This profoundly unique time in a child's (and parent's) life sets the tone for the love and values they'll receive as they grow. Alex is that much more blessed that he has parent's like you with endless amounts of love and values to share. He may not know it for many years to come but his life will be what it is because you two are his parents. God speed to a healthy and safe stay in a far land and a return to Alex's home. Note to Jeff: Go get a baseball, sit down with him in front of it and you'll be his hero forever. |
Comment from
Jean Locurto | How wonderful for all of you! A new family. I have chills for you! Don't worry Jeff, soon that baby will not let you put him down! God Bless. |
Comment from
Mairesue | The pictures - wow! Your son is amazing and adorable! I was having a cranky day and seeing the pictures and reading your journal has changed all that. Of course like most everybody I am crying at the beauty of it all. Thank you so much for sharing this journey with all of us strangers as well as your family and friends. *off to look at the pictures again.* |
Comment from
Joan & Charles & Josie | Don't worry, Jeff
Albeena Josette
Did the same thing to me-
She was very upset!
(OK, I wrote that for Charles, who is at work!)
Wow, This is the post we've been waiting (and checking every hour or so) to see! Congratulations, you made it! Alex looks great! It took Josie several days to warm up to both of us, especially Charles (again with the beard!) He really had to ease in slowly and eventually she let him in. Now, everyday, when she hears him come in the back door she tears out crawling toward his voice and squeels with delight when she sees him!
Have a great trip, we'll be watching everyday!
All our best, Joan and Charles and Josie in Ben Lomond |
Comment from
jeney | I've left comments in the wrong days!!
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Comment from
Angie Morrow | I'm sure you are saving all of the comments and your narratives. Baby Alex will read them over and over again someday...when he learns to read, of course. It's such a joy to read your daily adventures. Baby Alex is beautiful!!! He looks very intelligent/alert. How thrilling it must have been for you, Dina to finally hold him and kiss him. He knows you are his Mommy now. Jeff, give it time. He'll warm up to you soon, and then he'll know his Daddy too. His eyes are so huge and beautiful. What an adorable and precious baby. God bless you all.
Love,
Angie |
Comment from
Nana Nina | The poem changed since the last time I read it. (Yes, I keep accessing the site and looking at everything over and over ~ what a dork your son has for a Nana.) How come the poem changed? What happened to the former verses? And what does the Russian phrase mean?
Dina and Jeff, you're sound asleep now, but I'm sitting here at my office computer pretending to work, just waiting for tomorrow's journal and photos. Nighty night. |
Comment from
Melanie | Okay, that fifth verse is a BIG stretch, you do realize that Len would pull his hair out if he saw this.
But the poem worked for ONE thing... it stopped my tears of joy! HA! |
Comment from
joanna | Ok, now i'm in stitches and I really shouldn't be laughing this much at work. they're starting to turn around and stare at me. he's soooo cute!! |
Comment from
joanna | ok, now after reading all the journal entries and comments from everyone, I'm starting to cry! I'm so happy for you guys! |
Comment from
Cheryl Nigri | LOVE the photos!! Keep 'em coming! What a cutie-petutie Alex is. I'm sure both are crazy in love with him. (Hey, I recognize your apartment - the Viponds stayed there a few weeks ago.)
Blessings,
Cheryl |
Comment from
April & Zach Taylor | We are so very happy for you 3. Be patient, Alexander will be putty in your hands. He will soon see what it took us about 1.2 seconds to see: that you are loving, funny, interesting and wonderful people. Enjoy your visits and good luck getting over the jet-lag, we are almost there. Please don't hesitate to give us a call if you want to hear a familiar voice in Kaz.
xoxo April & Zach |
Comment from
Geoff | Jeff and Dina!
Congratulations! Your little one is so beautiful! And to be able to hold him must have been wonderful! I can't imagine. (And, quite frankly, I'd be crying too if Jeff got anywhere near me...)
Thanks to God for this blessing!
Continued prayers...
-Geoff |
Comment from
Len | Hey, guys. This was so excellent. What an amazing, emotional, wild and crazy day. I'm so happy for you, and I'm praying that things just get better and better with Alex. ;-)
I'm sure he'll be a daddy's boy some day. He just needs a little time. It's all very scary for him. Here he was expecting an American dad, and he got a Boris instead.
Jeff, your iambic pentameter could use a little love, too. ;-)
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Comment from
Julianna | Oh My Gosh!! I'm so happy for you guys! Alex knows somethings up, he can feel it. That's why he's a little upset. I'm sure the teething isn't helping matters, either. I'm so glad, Dina, that you were able to comfort him. That will make him trust and love you so much quicker! I can't wait for the next post!!
-Julianna |
Comment from
Jennifer Bosso | |
Comment from
Jennifer Bosso | WOW-what a poet~ I laughed out loud at your whimsical ability with words. Dina you look so beautiful ...congratulations
Jenn |
Comment from
Amy & Robert Murphy | Dina, Motherhood certainly agrees with you - you're positively glowing! Alex is beautiful and so lucky to have found your family. I'm sure Jeff will win Alex over with the poetry of his heart. Congratulations!!!
Amy and Robert, WPA waiters |
Comment from
Jess in MD | Since multiple Jess-es seem to be posting, I figured I'd qualify which Jess I am. ;) I forgot to mention that I dreamed about you guys the night before last (that'll make it the night of the 11th?). Actually, I dreamed that the web page had been totally designed, and that pictures of Alex--which I hadn't yet seen; his hair was darker in my dream--were EVERYWHERE. Possibly, I have been checking the site too much. ;)
Hopefully, today's (August 13th) visits go/have gone well! |
Comment from
Katherine | After spending the last hour studying each of these UNFORGETTABLE images, I'm feeling great respect, admiration and love towards each of you. The photos show a family--complete and bonded. Alex is yours; you are his.
He's handsome. He's intelligent-looking (that high brow! those dark, expressive eyes!). He's absolutely, utterly, supremely adorable.
I want to get my hands on him, but I'll be patient. I have no doubt it will be difficult to get him away from you and your parents for even a second or two. This child will always be envloped in love.
Thank God for bringing you together. There is no greater gift.
Andy and I send much love.
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Comment from
Tina Howard | What a stunning face Alex has - just the most beautiful baby face ever!!! I can't wait for more pics and more stories. Love to you - Tina, Bo and Sasha from the WPA loop |
Comment from
Melanie | Jeff got him!!! And he's SMILING!!!!!!!
I see ICONS!!! LOTS and LOTS of icons!!!
Of Alex, that is... not saints. Not that Alex may not be a saint... but you know what I'm saying. HUSH! |
Comment from
Nouna Maria | I'm a few days behind on your journal. What an exciting story. It must have been the greatest feeling to hold him in your arms and know that he is yours!
Many prayers and much love to you all. Can't wait to scroll ahead for the pics.
Love,
Maria |
Comment from
Uncle Dan & Aunt Samar | |
Comment from
Uncle Dan & Aunt Samar | AAAARRGHHH!! We can't figure out why some are seeing pictures and we aren't. We'll be calling Fawaz & Connie right away for advice.
If we're as dewy eyed here as we are, reading these posts must have the senior Khanachets and Holtons reduced to blubbering bawling idiots! Jeff and Dina have in some way given us the honor of sharing this adventure with them, and boy, are we there!!
Jeff, don't worry about the rejection. Just get ready to administer a couple of feedings and change a couple of uncomfortable seat covers and Alex will figure it out! As small as they are, these little ones are smarter than you think. They know where the 'feel goods' come from! Trust me, the time will come when you'll wish that he didn't know the word 'Dad'. And if you think you love this littel twept noe, just wait. You may not believe it possible, but you'll love him more every day forever. I can't figure exactly how that works, but it's true.
Awaiting the next post and access to the pictures.
Dan, Samar, Samantha, and Daniel
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