 | Jeff says:
Today I watched my son fall asleep in his mother's arms. It was unbelievably sweet. It took all of about five seconds. He was trying to chew on Winston's red paw, having a difficult time fussing to reach him, and then...BAM...he was out. He slept like...well...like a baby. Unfortunately, I left the card for my camera back in the apartment. Fortunately, I took plenty of still and video footage on mama's camera. I'll get it posted up here eventually.
We definitely confirmed that he loves being held up over your head. He has the sweetest laugh. I love to hear it.
A son. I'm still trying to get used to this. I have a son! Am I jumping the gun? Is it possible that a judge might declare me unfit to be a parent, say, because I'm descended from those duplicitous Ukranians or something pathetic like that?
This morning while I was looking at him, something happened. Remember the scene in How the Grinch Stole Christmas when his heart grew three sizes? I was looking at Alex, and all of a sudden, the theory of loving a child turned to praxis. I was so filled with awe and wonder, hope and protection, that I thought my heart was going to crack. It's impossible to describe--because it is impossible to comprehend--what a joy this little package is.
One of the main reasons that I set up this journal the way I did was so that Alex would someday be aware that a community is created by people who take a sincere interest in one another, in the well-being of their fellows. We grow when we open ourselves up to another and accept new ideas, mull over them, filter them through our own values, and then adjust ourselves accordingly. This can be a passive or active occupation, of course. But interaction makes us change. We become a little bit like the other person, and we still have the opportunity to resist where necessary. Likewise, the other person becomes a little like us, with the same opportunity to reject those influences one might consider inappropriate. To refuse interaction is to stagnate!
If there is a common theme in in all the comments we have read, it is that everyone loves this little boy! Gosh, that's sure alright with me. Love is the driving ethic that builds community anyway, so it sounds like a plan.
Therefore, I reminded myself last night that the purpose for the comments is to engage in *dialogue* with all of you out there in TV land. Although the below may seem a bit disjointed, it seemed appropriate to me to respond to a few of the comments I've read over the past few days.
1. The air freshener solved the problem with the bathroom
2. The Russian word for orange is "apple."
3. The Russian word for apple is not "apple."
4. I am giving serious consideration to buying a guitar and leaving it here.
5. I also want to get Alex a shirt that says, "My parents adopted me in Kazakhstan and all I got was this stupid t-shirt."
6. The mosquito thing is over, we think.
7. Handwashed clothes take two full days to dry.
8. Masha (the Schebler's translator) stopped by two nights ago to pick up a package. I answered the door "Kto eta?" (We're not supposed to open it for anyone, and are supposed to just repeat, "I don't speak Russian," if it's some official trying to threaten us out of money.) I invited her in and she told me my Russian is quite good. On the flip side, Assia (our translator), just giggles when I try to speak Russian, and then translates for me. On the flip side of *that*, we did have an interesting conversation today on the differences between trial and court, and between judge and referee, and also about what phrase you shout at the stadium when you are displeased with the referee's decision. I tried to explain to her that "boo" was sufficient, unless you were in New York, in which case "Killdaumpire!" would be more appropriate.
9. No, Jeney, he doesn't seem to be crawling yet. He turned a little when we put him on his tummy, but got a little frustrated while waiting for his legs to move him somewhere.
10. Katie, Alex is in Gruppa Chetiri. (That's Group 4.)
11. April and Zach, did you email us your phone number? Zach, if I hold off on getting a guitar until Almaty, think we can stand on a street corner and become a popular American band?
12. Geoff, after THAT comment, you're darned right you'll cry if I get near you! Augh, nix that. Hitting a pacifist is like hitting someone wearing glasses. Course, between the two of us, it's a bit of a mix of both, isn't it. I guess we can grant each other immunity for the time being. :)
13. Ms. Bosso, what's up with your comment that Dina is BEAUTIFUL and *I* am WHIMSICAL?!? Hmf. I've always thought of myself as a sort of poetic studmuffin, but ok, I see how it is now.
14. Melanie, I checked his fingertips. They ARE the finest fingertips I've ever seen, so I'm not quite sure how to respond to your comment from the 12th. :)
15. Amanda, we haven't had an opportunity to go to the preschool orphanage yet, but we do hope to.
16. Mama, yes, I designed and implemented this website. If y'all knew how juryrigged and hole-ridden it is, you might not be so impressed. Still, it accomplishes its purpose. :)
17. Thea Julie...high temp was 102??!? I think we'll stay here, thanks.
18. Nancy Burns, no, I don't think we're in the same building. I seem to remember a sign on the corner saying something akin to "Tolstoy Street," although the two do seem somewhat related. We're about a block-and-a-half from the church, behind a market that sells furniture downstairs, and appliances upstairs. This building's a little too run-down to have any pictures of a boy and girl munching morozhenoye in the hallway.
I also didn't know that Igor was Philipiche's son! I just noticed your comment yesterday morning and made a point to tell Philipiche (in my severely broken Russian) that I had found that little tidbit out. I mentioned to Philipiche that Igor was a "xoroshovo melenkii malchik" (good little boy). He thought that was funny. Either that or he was just laughing at my Russian. Maybe "broken" is a less appropriate phrase than "grinded to a point of unintelligibility."
19. Melanie, re: your earlier comments: "You finally comment and it was to correct someone's SPELLING???!!! Good greif!" Did you do that on purpose?? You are a twit. I love you, but you are a twit.
20. Mom, the hot sauce is for making your food spicier, duh. ;)
21. By the way, I never publicly thanked all those who *indirectly* helped me solve the photo thing. Now THERE'S a foundationally important use of dialogue here! Some offered space to post. Others offered ideas. Somewhere in the combination of the two, I realized I could sneak into my box at home and tell it to log into my Mac here in Uralsk. Thanks to all those of you who got my brain going enough to figure that one out. Without that, you'd be looking at a blank blue background and imagining what Alex looks like.
22. Unka Dan, "ersatz labor" probably doesn't start until the adoption becomes legal at the end of this month. Then we go immediately batty from the sudden transition from uber-geeks to bottle warmers. Also, the 90s may have passed you by while you weren't looking. ;) Most electronics manufacturers now include power supplies that will handle 120V and 220V on the same adapter. It's smart enough to figure it out. (Notable exceptions include hairdryers and wireless ethernet access points.)
23. Tabatha, yeah, the oil thing worked out well. I actually had some oil from the Kiev Lavra set out at home, but we rushed out the door and forgot about it. Yiayia managed to find another vial at home, and it turned out even more appropriate. Gospodi pomiluiy!
24. And finally (since I was working backwards) to Jean Bisordi...if you had half my wit, you'd only be a quarter-wit. Don't wish that on yourself. :) |
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 | Dina says:
We’re establishing a pretty nice routine now. This morning, when we went to get Alex, he was naked and we were told we could dress him. Again, he screamed bloody murder while we dressed him, but was fine as soon as we got his clothes on. We’re still trying to figure out why he hates being changed. Our first session was spent with John and Sue and their two little ones, A.J. (Artur) and Damir. A.J. and Alex are in the same group in the baby hose. I learned today that there are approximately 80 babies in this baby house. There are 10 groups of about 8 babies each. Alex and A.J. are in Group 4.
Alex is such a sweet baby. He loves to be held and loves kisses. It’s a good thing, too, since I know so many of you at home can’t wait to get your hands on him! I love to hold him close and he really likes to be cradled in my arms. He will look deep into my eyes, as if he is an old soul. He is so amazing.
The surefire way to get him to laugh is to hold him up above your head and say anything to him with a big smile. It’s so cute when he giggles, then he starts drooling like crazy. He’s definitely got some teething going on, as he loves to chew on his toy puppy’s ears. He also used Jeff’s nose as a teether at one point today.
We had lunch at the Chagala hotel again. Jeff and I split a pizza and got an extra one to take for dinner. Tonight was the first night we’ve eaten dinner since we’ve been here. We haven’t been too hungry, and we try not to go out at night since it still feels a bit foreign to us here.
When we got to the baby house for our second visit, they brought Alex out to us totally naked. This time, Jeff wanted to dress him all by himself. So I took out the video camera and caught him in action. He did a great job and Alex didn’t cry at all! What an improvement! Even though Jeff put Alex’s diaper on backwards at first, he managed quite well and Alex was very patient with him. We took him outside this visit, and bundled him up more that we did yesterday. He looked so cute with his little hat on. We played outside for a while, then I took Alex from Jeff and all of a sudden, he put his head on my shoulder and fell asleep! I felt so complete with him sleeping in my arms. I don’t know what it is about having a baby sleeping in your arms, but it sure made my day.
Tonight, we were invited to a football (soccer) game. We went with our driver, Phillipiche, and the other driver (his son) Igor, and Igor’s two sons. Our travel partners went as well. It was a nice way to spend the evening. Sue had me laughing pretty much the whole time. She is so quick-witted and is so much fun to be around. Even with her entertainment, I found myself drifting away during the game and all I could think about was Alex. I just can’t wait to see him again, and I especially can’t wait until he’s finally ours. We continue to pray for positive visitations and when our court day comes, that the judge grants our adoption (no reason why he wouldn’t) and grants us immediate execution so we can come home instead of staying for the 15 day waiting period.
Thank you again for your love and support. You all mean so much to us. |
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Comments for August 14
Comment from
Jeddo Fawaz | Loved talking to you this morning! Again, the photos are precious. The one of him (8/13) peering into Jeff's eyes and soul is amazing. All what I do now is dream of THE DAY!!! Kiss him for me until he's chapped. Oh maybe not that!! All my co-workers are now addicted to the website. There is so much LOVE on this side of the world for you, it's unbelievable. Thank God incessently. Love and Kissess t the three of you. | Comment from
Yiayia Connie | Hello again,It was wonderful talking to Dina this morning . It just makes me feel so calm and reassured when I speak to you in person. We were soon rewarded with the new pictures,. what a doll he is. I can't stop saying how beautiful he is. Ltw of love, kisses and hugs to all of you and expecially to Alex. | Comment from
Julianna | I love the pictures! Thanks for sharing picturs of the area and places you have visited, too. Do you think your interpreter, driver and travel partners would mind being photographed? I think we'd all love to see what they look like. :) | Comment from
Deltamiss | Mercy! This is the FOURTH time I've checked the website today. I was afraid there would be no pictures...I need my daily fix.
I am so very happy that things are going well. The Lord has been so good to you.
The website was such a good idea, guys. We need to be reminded what life is all about from time to time...love. | Comment from
Tesa | I love the pictures of your son! I have to admit it . . . I'm hooked. I love following the journey of your adoption through this website and check it several times a day!! Alex is beautiful and seems so happy with you all (including Winston) :)
Tesa | Comment from
Lana | ahh I love him he is my new favorite cousin by far!!!! I can't believe it!! It's incredible!!<33333333 times 1905612956126987
smooches <88 Lanaaa!! | Comment from
Melanie | Ahh... the fingertips. They'll be glowing soon enough, I'm sure. :)
On purpose? Me? Sure... we'll go with that. ;)
The pictures are AMAZING... more and more, please!! | Comment from
Uncle Dan & Aunt Samar | There is no cure for what afflicts you, Jeff & Dina, and you would not want to find one anyway. You have come down with acute and incurable mamapapaitis! And all who have seen the pictures know what little germ has eaten its way into your hearts! Heck, we haven't been able to touch or to smell him and we've all got the Alex syndrome too.
Reading of Jeff having to handle a naked infant and him falling asleep in Dina's arms brings back a rush of the nicest memories. I'm so happy that you're experiencing these sensations. On dressing a naked little boy: As Dina mentioned a day or two ago, be sure which whay his water equipment is pointing. An unexpected shower can complicate things considerably. Who to clean up first? And the falling asleep. Until it happened with Samantha and Daniel, I had no idea how long I could be totally and absolutely still just to enjoy the warmth of their tiny bodies and to feel thier hearts beating against my chest. You're enjoying Alex now, and it will only get better for the next 14 or 15 years, then it all seems to go to hell in a handbasket, but remains woth the anguish.
We love you, all three of you and can hardly wait for a face to face, squeezes allowable, confrontation with his Alexhood!
This website if fantastic. We are enjoying our trip to Kazakhstan tremendously!
Love,
All of us | Comment from
Darcy McGowan | This is so wonderful and special for you to have this journal for Alex, your family, your selves and for all the rest of us who are glued to our seats waiting news and watching this love develop between parents and a child.
I love the picture of Alex between the two of you getting kissed. That is the same look my daughter gives when we do the same thing to her...kinda happy and a bit "get off!!! the other babies are watching!!!" :)
I'm so happy for the three of you.... For Alex to fall asleep in your arms is a strong sign of trust from him.
You are all in my constant prayers!!!
Darcy
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Darcy McGowan | by the way.. he really is a beautiful boy. Those eyes!!!!
congratulations! | Comment from
jeney | I'm so glad he's not crawling yet! You get to see it when it first happens now. Melanie has been praying for that, and I just had to confirm that her prayers were answered :D
Dina has perfect eyebrows.
You are right, I - along with everyone else - am so in love with that boy. He's perfect.
Jeff, you described what it's like the first day you bring your baby home from the hospital perfectly. At least as perfectly as an indescribable event can be described.
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Thea Evonne | I love looking and the pictures and reading your journals. He is a beauttiful baby and I know you guys are a good match. I hope everything continues to go smoothly for you. God Bless all of you and keep you well. Waiting eagerly for your return (like everyone else!). | Comment from
Sarah Jane | I want to add in with everyone else that Alex is absolutely beautiful and obviously brilliant :D
As for not enjoying the diaper change, Dina, it's pretty common. Randall went through at least a month at about the same age where he HATED having his diaper changed. At that point, I really regretted having removed the safety belt from his changing table. | Comment from
Angie | There's something universal about baby boys, they hate to be changed. Trust me, I know. Your comments about parenthood touched me deeply. It's amazing how a little person can change your life around. No longer are you so important. Your love for that precious child and the intensity of it all is overwhelming and beautiful. They capture your heart and never let go. God bless you all. | Comment from
Steve Huntington | This baby has such personality in his face. Very expressive! And very beautiful.
I've read a bit of your journals, Jeff, and all I have to say is...
So NOT 1! Negative 1? i-squared. You get the idea.
Love ya both | Comment from
TheOneWrung | Mr. Huntington, tho most on here would not understand it, I must say that coming from you, that is one of the kindest things anyone has ever said to me. Thank you! :) | Comment from
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guess who | can I borrow a cup of sugar? | Comment from
John "cuz" Alfiers | Jeff ~ Dina
This site is an incredible journey-journal... not only YOUR journey but more so ALEX's. GREAT IDEA!!
Katherine forwarded the link to your site. I've just caught up on your adventures. I think what you two have decided on is remarkable.
I'm certain that your lives will be full of love, joy and barrels-full of moments that will continuously confirm your life changing decision to include this little man as a loved member of your family.
Looking forward to seeing the 3 of you upon your return to CA.
Some have said that the human experience from ages zero through 5 are "FOREVER". You're anchoring ALEX's heart in WARMTH, CONFIDENCE & LOVE!
I'm sure you've already realized, by the dozens of entries on this site... YOU ARE LOVED! | Comment from
Colene | A note to Alex,
Someday - when you are old enough to read all of these posts, I hope you are able to see how much you are truly loved.
Your parents waited a very long time for you, thought about you at night before they went to sleep, and first thing upon waking. You are the answer to their dreams. This is so apparent in the pictures. Not only can we see that they adore you - but your smiling face and bright eyes show us you feel the same way too, right from the beginning.
There are many of us, not only in the US but around the world that care for you and that makes you such a special boy. Remember and believe in the magic of love at first site, that dreams do come true and anything is possible and if you do, your life will overflow with happiness and joy.
Bless you and your family.
Our thoughts are with you!
Colene and Jeff
WPA waiting to travel, NJ
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