 | Jeff says:
On a serious note...
I tend to be somewhat
lighthearted in my posts, but let me just say right out right now that
I don't want to be told about any current events in Russia. None of
you have told me about them yet, thank you. Please don't bother. I
read Yahoo every day. I know what's going on in the world.
We now return you to your regularly-scheduled program...
Playing catchup (or ketchup)...
Andy Stathis, the above picture is especially for you. Have a
little dollop of that on your warrenberger [sic].
Responses
to yesterday's comments...
Cousin Zeina, no, Alex
does not hate the camera. Quite the contrary, he's fascinated with
it. He thinks it is my favorite toy. (And as you know, he's quite
close.)
Auntie Joanna, yeah, I know it's Latin,
which is not English.
J.P., "boleet gorlo" sounds
like a good name for one of one of the freaky-looking cantina doods in
the original Star Wars.
Nouno, I said "best
Italian-style pizza..." I have no interest in sabotaging my
own currently-positive position in the family. While Fawaz' pizza is
the best I've ever had (period), I would not call it
"Italian-style." I would call it "modified semi-American with some
sort of twisted, weird (BUT GOOD!) Arabic flair...like what you'd get
if you created a genetic mutant from recombinant DNA farmed out of
Martha Stewart, Lydia, and Baghdad "Al Sahaf" Bob (there is NO Italian
in this pizza. None. Not ever)."
Mr. Mackey,
yes.
Mrs. Stathis, is that the George Reeves
Superman theme, or the Christopher Reeve? It makes a
big difference, really. Come to think of it, I can't (but should be
able to!) remember the theme from the old TV show. Hmm.
Finally, Jeney, to find out his ethnicity for sure?
Hmmm...don't really care to, but I suppose a DNA test would clarify it
with certainty. He looks pretty Caucasian, as does the other
interpreter, Masha, whose picture you may have noticed a few days
back. That's why I was so surprised that she's half-Kazak. Without
saying so much as to get me in trouble with Dina, I sure won't
complain if Alex winds up looking like a male version of her, 'cause
she's sure okay with me.
Mr. Smiles
Alex found a new toy today that he really likes. It's the carrying
case for our videocamera. He patted it for about ten minutes as we
tried unsuccessfully to distract him with his own toys. Dina lifted
him up to try to get him away from it for a moment, but it rose right
up with him. Dang, that kid has a grip!
On the flip side,
after witnessing that, I've decided who will help us cart our luggage
around the San Francisco Airport when we get back home.
We were stuck in the Cnopm [see yesterday's entry] Room again
this morning, all three couples and all four kids. It was warm, but
it wasn't too bad. We all helped take pictures of each other for our
"pre-court" date in a couple days. It's exciting that we're getting
that close. It's hard to get Alex to pay attention to the camera when
it really matters, so we got a collection of REALLY horrible photos,
along with a few ones that will pass. (Developing them was a little
interesting. We paid a whopping $6.37 to develop a roll in one hour.
You pay in advance here, and they automatically refund you for any
pictures that don't come out. But it was real live Kodak
processing!)
The below photo, from the Sport Room, is
affectionately titled: "Since before your sun burned hot in space, and
before your race was born, I have awaited a question." My mother may
be the only person who gets it, although Andy and Katherine Stathis
may have a chance, too...
Alex hasn't been complaining as much the past couple days
about his gums. He still chews on his puppy, or his mouse, or his
bird (the latter of which generated a wonderful photo to serve as a
warning to Maxwell back home), but he doesn't get really fussy or
cranky unless he's trying to fight falling asleep. We never really
did get him to fall asleep today, but we did play a lot, so that was
alright with us. He did get cranky towards the end of our time
together, so we finally have a good picture of him throwing a cute
little fit. Fodder for his high school senior year yearbook, or to
show girlfriends when they come over to the house.
Yiayia,
as it turns out, really likes his serious-looking photos, so we added
at least one good one in there today. That gives us a nice variety of
moods to share in today's photos.
Alex' sweat rash is
acting up. He looks like he has a little prickly heat going on.
We're looking forward to introducing him to air conditioning. I think
he'll like it. He also has a few new mosquito bites as of this
morning. I am REALLY looking forward to the forecasted thundershowers
tomorrow afternoon. I expect them to clean the pollution out of the
air and cool things off and shake them up enough that the mosquitoes
will disappear for the rest of our time here as well.
Fine dining and such
Here's something Lance
Holm managed to find somewhere in town yesterday. He says it was the
last one. It's the first one I've seen, so it simply must just be a
rarity.
Actually, the label says, "Maoontin Dheeo." Not sure if it's
quite what we think it is. Allthough, the small print definitely
says, "PepsiKo Sey-Schey-Ahh" (which is us).
I think I've
finally figured out how to make telephone calls from a cell phone
around here. It took me five or six tries to get through to Terry Young (aforementioned Peace
Corps volunteer) today. Although it was finally email that made
contact, we subsequently had a few more calls in order to arrange
dinner and such. He and another volunteer (from eastern Iowa) met up
with us and walked us about a kilometer or so to a nice outdoor
restaurant called "Elise."
Actually, "nice" and "outdoor"
may be a bit of a juxtaposition here, as mosquitoes tend to prefer the
outdoor restaurants. They can't afford the cover charge at the indoor
places. Although, that may not be quite true either, as this
restaurant is the first one that's had a cover charge...a mandatory
200 Tenge fee for a raffle ticket (for a raffle that apparently took
place after we left at 9:15pm anyway).
Interesting
restaurant. The menu was entirely Kazak in cuisine, and Russian in
language. The music was a mix of local Kazak/Russian pop, techno, and
a bit of M.C. Hammer ("Can't Touch This") and Elvis Presley
("Jailhouse Rock"). We also heard a local instrumental hit that
sounds something like an amalgamation of Bavarian techno polka with a
cell phone ringing in the background. I kid you not. We heard this
song for the first time last night at the Kamelot, and when it begins,
people reach for their purses to see who's getting the call. Alex,
this ain't your father's Urker.
Of course, it was an
improvement over the music we've been getting at the wacko
medieval theme park Kamelot, which has included over the past
few days instrumental muzak easy-listening versions of Celine Dion's
(and James Horner's!) My Heart Will Go On, the Eagles' Hotel
California, Chris DeBurgh's Lady In Red, Andrew Lloyd
Webber's title track to "The Phantom of the Opera," the theme from
"Twin Peaks" (Antonio Baldissari?), and Chris Isaak's Wicked
Game.
Yes, I actually remember all of those.
Speaking of music, we heard the Backstreet Boys' "Bye, Bye, Bye" on
the radio today. I knew it was only a matter of time. We'd never
actually heard the beginning of the song. As the intro started, Dina
said, "Is this Britney? Sounds like Britney."
After we
realized what it was, she muttered, "Eh, close enough." (To quote the
computer from War Games, "What's the difference?")
They have strange taste in music here.
But anyway, back to the food...
I had some sort of lovely baked chicken stuffed with mushrooms, along with french fries. I was pretty much ready to sample the extremes of Kazak cuisine, but I got put on the spot unexpectedly, told Assia that I wanted chicken, and let her order for me. I was not disappointed. That was one of the best chicken dishes I've ever had.
From the mouths of babes
Tonight, when we got back, one of those local boys from the building passed by and said, "Good eeeev'ning." It's probably all the English he knows, but it sounded eerily Hitchcockian.
I'm becoming increasingly worried that these kids are hiding something sinister. If I get a Rod Serling impersonation tomorrow night, I'm gonna make a run for it.
I don't think Uralsk has any cornfields.
Addendum
Sorry to post this half an hour after the rest of the entry, but check
out the forecast for the next few days from wunderground.com. I
wonder when they'll catch the mistake...
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 | Dina says:
We just got home from one of the most enjoyable evenings that we’ve had here. We went with Terry (Peace Corps guy) and his friend Sue (also Peace Corps, but not a guy), Assia, Alia, John, and Sue to a very cool restaurant, Elise, or something like that. We sat outdoors and they had waterfalls and trees and a stage for karaoke. I had a delicious dinner of pork shashleek (shish kabob). The food was great and the company was wonderful.
After dinner, Assia and Alia came back to watch the ending of My Big Fat Greek Wedding. We never did finish it the other night, and they couldn’t wait to see it. They absolutely loved the movie. Assia and I keep quoting the movie during the day, our favorite lines are when the aunt wants to touch Ian’s “big long hairs” and when Ian asks Toula’s dad if he can date his daughter, and the dad says (after a long pause), “NO!” I guess you had to be there! Jeff and I gave them the DVD to keep so they can enjoy it whenever they want. The only problem is we didn’t bring the jacket to it, we just brought all of our CDs and DVDs in a big wallet. So I’m going to have to ask if another family who is traveling to Uralsk will bring it to her. I’m sure it won’t be a problem.
Visits were great today. We brought a disposable camera with us so we can take pictures to be developed in one hour. We have pre-court in a couple days (probably Friday) and need photos of the baby and us. We got a bunch of good ones, then were told that we need some of Alex alone. We’ll bring another camera tomorrow and get some of Alex alone. Apparently, the judge will take a photo or two to put in Alex’s file.
We went souvenir shopping today with Assia. I won’t say what we bought since many of you who are reading this will be recipients of what we bought. Needless to say, we got some really cool items that we’re excited about (Liz Branch, if you’re reading this, I apologize for my terrible grammar!). We’ll probably ask to go back to that place at least once more before we go since we wanted to get some more things, but we were low on Tenge.
It is still very hot here. And we still have no hot water. As I was taking my shower this morning, I kept reminding myself how hot I get during the day. As it did yesterday, it was helpful in tolerating the shock of the cold water on my body.
Tomorrow, we will find out when pre-court is. We’re thinking it’s going to be on Friday, but we’ll know for sure in the morning after we talk to Olga. It’s kind of a “dry run” of what court will be like, and we have to get all dolled up for the occasion. Poor Jeff and John will have to wear suits in this hot weather. But actually, it’s supposed to cool down a bit by Friday. As I’m typing this at 11:00 PM, it is still about 80 degrees outside. I’m pretty sure when we get home that I’m going to be freezing!
I’m feeling MUCH better today. The Travisil lozenges that Lance gave me seemed to do the trick. I am starting to think that I was having an allergy or pollution problem rather than a cold. We went to a pharmacy and picked up a couple more boxes of the lozenges to have on hand. They cost just 140 Tenge per box of 16 lozenges. That comes to about a dollar. It’s amazing how inexpensive they are.
Thank you once again for all of your wonderful comments. You are all so wonderful and your support keeps us going each day. As far away as we are, we feel so close to you because of your amazing support and love. Julie and Katherine, you win the prize today for making me cry. Julie, your comment about me lighting up the room was probably the sweetest thing you’ve ever said to me. I am so blessed to have a sister as wonderful as you. I hope you know how much I love you. And Katherine, the “full-blown galaxy” comment took my breath away. Thank you for all of your love and support. I love you, and thank you for all of your support that you’ve given us from day one of this journey. You mean so much to us, more than you may know. |
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Comments for August 25
Comment from
Liz Branch | Grammar, schmammar ... no need for correctness right now! You have more important things to do, like snuggle up with the adorable Alex! I'll save my comments for when you get home. JUST KIDDING! Give my regards to Old Uralsk ... I haven't been able to figure out, though, if you are in BH1 or 2? David (who is far smarter than I am) guessed BH1. Take care, and enjoy those cold showers -- can't wait to see pictures for today. Liz (still WFTD, unfortunately). | Comment from
Dina Holton | Thanks for cutting me some slack, Liz! :)
David is right, we're in BH#1. I can't remember where you were.
I am praying for you to get those travel dates, SOON. I can't even imagine how frustrating that must be. I guess it's kind of cliche to say that it's all happening the way it's supposed to. It probably doesn't make you feel any better right now.
You remain in our thoughts and prayers. | Comment from
Joanna | What, no pictures today? How sad. Glad to hear you're feeling better, Dina! Give Alex a kiss for me! | Comment from
Nana Nina | Omigosh! You haven't gone back to Depression Era Earth, have you? Watch out. Edith Cleaver might be there. | Comment from
Nana Nina | Yeah, I'm with Joanna. What gives? It's after lunch and there are no pictures. Ron will think I'm bucking for a raise if he catches me working after lunch instead of surfing the Net! | Comment from
Jeff | Mom, if I didn't know that you were quoting Joan Collins' autobiography, I'd be really upset with you. :) | Comment from
Liz Branch Part II | We were in BH2 .. Thanks for the kind words about the TD's. It's true that everything works out for the best; I needed to be here to put my #1 baby in high school. Don't blink, or Alex will be in high school when you open your eyes!! Enjoy! | Comment from
Uncle Dan | Dina, nice of you to acknowledge Julie's total support, commitment, and love for you guys, but for some perverse reason, I am recalling a card I saw. The front said, "I am smiling because you're my sister!" The inside said, " ... and I'm laughing because there's nothing you can do about it." I'm sure that over the years there were those moments also. Wonderful how life and time evens things out!!
What's all this about Alex's gene pool? Nice bits of trivia to know, I suppose, but who gives a rat's patootie now that we 'know him'. If he's a cross between a tomato and a stick, we are still waiting for him with hearts wide open and ready for a 'fill-up".
Your comments alluding to the passage of time is exciting. All things, good or bad, eventually come to an end. The tension is building like the last lap in the 1500meter run! Yeah, yeah, hang in there baby. You're gonna make it!.
The pictures keep getting better. I'd like to print them out just to review Alex's comfort level ascending over time. Poor little guy. Can he handle all the excitement and attention that he will arouse. His grandpa's comment of a couple of days ago, reflects my feeling entirely; however, I doubt that Gramp's matyrdom is entirely altruistic. I even doubt that he's the best one to keep this kid calm. Grandpa is going to be emitting electical signals of pure ectasy that'll create TV interference all over the Left Coast! He can probably be measured on the Ricter scale! Gee, I'd love to see them together the first time -- or at least right after the part with the tears!!
Love you all,
Unka D | Comment from
Nana Nina again | The pictures were worth the wait. | Comment from
Nana Nina | Unka Dan ~ Do you mean you're NOT printing them all out??? Come visit me if you want to see them all. We could carpet the room! | Comment from
Yiayia Connie | Hello all, Dina I love the picture (I think it is #5) where Alex is looking up to you adoringly, it is so sweet. But what is up with the next one? It looks lke he is saying, "Yikes Mama there is a spider on your face" What a funny expression. The pictures are great as always.
Yesterday's comments were so wonderful from all the people who love you so much. It is so touching to see all of the support and love all of you are receiving. I loved what Julie said too, it is heartwarming for a parent to know their kids love each other so much. God Bless!! | Comment from
Vikki | You look like you are having so much fun....do you really want to come home! What an adveneture! Nice picture of Dina and Jeff today! It was nice to see one of you two together and also to see the pictures of friends and scenery around there....looks like an interesting place! The close up of Alex is so cute, but which picture isn't! Can't wait to see you all at the family picnic! | Comment from
Chrysten | Jeff,
I guess I've been enjoying your site so much, I'm actually beginning to understand your sense of humor! (ha) I finally found a piece of your obscure trivia that I can correct: Antonio Baldissari = Angelo Badelamenti (sp?) What can I say... I was a geek in high school who had a thing for Kyle McLachlin.
By the way, thanks for keeping such a detailed journal. A lot of the time, couples tend to spend a lot of time recording exactly what they eat at every meal on their websites. You actually go to the trouble of taking photos of the condiments. How very detail-oriented of you : )
Tongue planted firmly in cheek...
Warm Regards,
Chrysten (& Silent Ike)
Fellow WPA-ers; Waiting for a referral in So Cal
(And would like to be included in any gatherings in Nor Cal!! We would gladly get on a plane for an hour to meet our fellow loop-mates.)
| Comment from
Margaret George | Your website is fantastic! It’s a great way to share this amazing journey with your family and friends. I love the photos – you can see your relationship with Alex progress day-by-day. And Alex is such a doll. His expressions, his giggles, his grins, his beautiful huge eyes, his mouth, and what I imagine being that darling belly laugh babies have–--all wrapped up into your beautiful baby...Alex. The journals and all the comments are great too. They are funny, insightful, touching, and a delight to read.
There have been so many wonderful photos, and today’s #5 (Alex adores his mom) and #13 (Alex reaching for his dad’s watch) are typical. Obviously he is a very sweet, loving and a very determined boy – what fun!
What a wonderful Thanksgiving you will have!
| Comment from
darcy mcgowan | Love the photos today.... I have to agree with "Uncle Dan" (Sorry for using the familar "Uncle" in there from a non family member) in that the photos show an amazing change in how Alex relates to the two of you. If you didn't know that it has been less than a month since you met your son, for the first time, you would never know from these photos.
I wish I could be a fly on the wall when you get off the airplane and have your family waiting there to greet you. I just start crying thinking about it.
My parents were living in Korea for a few years with the US Army. One year my mom took the "baby flight" in order to have a free trip to the US to visit my oldest sister. THis baby flight was with the Holt Agency and she had three 3 month old Korean babies to deliver to their new parents. (She actually ended up with six 3 month olds as one of the men did NOTHING to care for his three - but that is another story).
She was able to get off the plane and actually hand the baby to the couple directly - I don't know who was crying more, the new moms and dads or my mother!!! :)
How wonderful for your family to be able to see you getting of the plane. Holding your son - not conceived inside of you Dina, but conceived with God's full knowledge that he was truly your son from the very start. God knitted him perfectly for the two of you even before you knew of his existence. Isn't that amazing???
| Comment from
Jess in MD | While I totally agree that Alex's ethnicity doesn't matter--clearly, he's wonderful, whatever genes combined to make him--I was wondering if he would be considered an Asian-American. (I'm remembering the Caucasian high schooler in the US from South Africa, who applied for an African-American award and got in some trouble over it.) Kazakhstan--and Georgia, for that matter--is an Asian country, but would calling him Asian-American be correct? (This assumes that labels are even desirable, which, you know...)
BTW, Dina, the Greek food was yummy, even if it wasn't authentic! | Comment from
Jeff | Jess,
Kazakhstan is mostly in Asia. We're actually in Europe right now, about half a mile from the continental border. | Comment from
Colene | Dina, Jeff and Alex,
I wanted to mention how awesome your photos are from today!! I love them every day, dont get me wrong, but the way your little guy is just blossoming is so apparent! The brightness in his eyes and the happiness in his smile proves it!! I love the night shots too - these are definate framers!!!
I would kill for lashes like Alex has!! He is just getting cuter and cuter!!!
We continue to think of you every day, often and ofcourse send prayers your way for an effortless court date. Im sure it will be fine! Enjoy each moment, stop and take a look around - mark a moment in time. When you look back you will have it, the rest may blur. At the risk of being super corny - each of you needs to take a look at each others face when holding Alex, its priceless and apparent from here - be sure you remember these feelings, the foundation of the family to be. How much more perfect can it get?
Take care of yourselves...Colene
PS. I do have a question, whats with the straws in the beer???? | Comment from
Dina Holton | Colene,
Thank you for your kind words. Your advice is really great. We are enjoying ourselves so much and really trying to savor each moment. When I look at him, I think to myself how much fun we're going to have and how it's all going to go by so fast. I can't wait to watch him grow up.
I agree with you about the lashes, this kid is incredible! :)
As for the straws in the beer, I couldn't tell you! I was actually wondering if anyone would notice that. :) I guess you can drink it faster that way? I thought it was pretty funny! :)
XO,
Dina | Comment from
Ted & Mary Ann Polyzos | Jeff & Dina,
We are still delirious with joy over your informative journal and your precious pictures of Alex. We all feel as if we are in Uralsk sharing this Blessed time of your lives. We feel the excitement your are experiencing and the love and joy that is in your hearts! Give Alex lots of kisses from us all. Karen, Teddy, George, Stephanie & Alexia send their love. We are all so thankful that you are taking the time out of your busy schedule to share these special days of your lives with all of us who love you so much. Kisses to you from all of us!
Love, Theo Ted & Thea Mary Ann
PS: As you already know, I am not that quick when it comes to computers. I posted a comment on your August 9th "Comment" section when the date here was actually August 21st. Sorry about that! I am learning!!!!
Thea Mary Ann | Comment from
Auntie Julie | I noticed the straws in the beer. Go figure! |
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