 | Jeff says:
As I write this (just after midnight on the morning of the 27th), I
have 89 pages left to read for my Master's degree. Ah, after ten
years, I have 89 pages to go. It's remarkably anticlimactic to have
the end in sight. I casually estimate that I've read somewhere
between 100,000 and 250,000 pages for this over the past ten years.
Now I have 89.
I also am pleased to announce that as we
begin this fourth day without hot water, I will now cease keeping
count. We have been informed that the hot water is generally turned
off in Uralsk during the hottest portion of the summer in order to
effect repairs to the infrastructure in preparation for Winter.
Strangely, this makes total sense to me. We've gotten quite used to
it, really.
I wonder if this can be related to current
events. President Nazarbaev has launched a campaign to turn
Kazakhstan into a "paradise by 2030." (This is a completely symbolic
motion, as he will certainly be long removed from the picture by
then.) I would not be surprised if, tomorrow, they told me that all
cars were being removed from the road for three months to effect
enhancements to engine efficiency, for example, to replace all the
combustion motors with hydrogen cells.
Which reminds me,
the following sign does not mean what you think it means...
This does not show a man and his child
outrunning traffic in a desperate attempt to save their lives, which
are worth 40 points each. It actually IS a notice to motorists to
compassionately apply extra attention to the presence of children, and
to maintain a reasonable speed limit of 40km/h. Isn't that sweet?
Even here!
Speaking of care for children, my son fell
asleep in my arms for the first time today. He was remarkably warm,
and if for this reason we were both somewhat uncomfortable, for all
others we were both in a state of bliss. What a blessed and tender
moment, which I'm sure will be repeated a thousand times before it is
repeated no more!
We were all kind of tired today, so I
honestly can't really claim that an assorted collection of other
particularly interesting things took place. But I will mention that
tomorrow is our pre-court session with the local judge. He will ask
us perfunctory questions (such as, "After two weeks of visitations, do
you still want to go forward with this adoption?" to which we shall
not answer, "Like, duh, dude"). At this session we will be assigned a final court appearance, which will likely be next Tuesday, as Monday is a holiday--Constitution Day.
In the next few days, my life will change. I will officially have a son. My identify and purpose will shift towards one of parental devotion. I do not say this lightly, but nor do I say it with any measurable degree of trepidation or fear (though perhaps I should!). I merely accept the fact that by this time next week, my official title will no longer be "husband," but "husband and father." This is a similar and related, but drastically redirected, role. Also, there is something overwhelmingly auspicious about the fact that I shall complete my graduate work with readings on dialogue between East and West while sitting here in a city which effectively straddles the border between Europe and Asia.
Tomorrow, I will wake up, iron a nice shirt, put it on, and go meet a strict man (whom I cannot understand) who will then, in a few days, juridically declare my identity permanently altered.
How strange. Mysterious and wonderful, to be sure! But strange.
Tonight there was--as predicted--a thunderstorm and a corollary deluge. I cannot say at this point that there was much relief from the heat, but I suspect that tomorrow will be a beautiful day.
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 | Dina says:
I’m sitting here at 10:00 at night and it is pouring down rain and there is lightning and thunder. Now, I knew it was coming, but it still scares me. I will be fine, of course, but it does add a little “excitement” to our day! Jeff and I are armed with flashlights just in case we lose power, but I don’t think it’s going to be an issue. I am grateful for the rain, I’m hoping it will “wash” the air a bit. I’ve come to the conclusion that I am not sick. I am suffering from allergies/irritation from something in the air here. I had a pretty rough night last night and woke up many times. I’m sure I’ll get a great night’s sleep tonight.
Our morning visit was fun. It was somewhat of a zoo, as all three families were in the music room. We’re all feeling more comfortable with one another and sort of let the kids have at it and crawl where they wanted and play with what they wanted. They all seem to be interested in all the toys that don’t belong to them anyway. Alex was very interested in Nicolas’ choo-choo train, Nicolas was very interested in Alex’s block set, Damir was very interested in me, and A.J. was very interested in sleeping in his papa’s lap. It was really a fun morning. Alex wasn’t so scared of Nicholas today, and you’ll see the two of them in a couple of the pictures we’re posting today. Damir was so cute with me today. We played for a long time together and he loves to laugh. He’s such a little monkey! Alex ended up falling asleep in Jeff’s arms, which was a first, and it was very very sweet to watch.
We had lunch at the Chagala (big surprise). In case you are all thinking that we are incredibly boring, if you were playing all morning in a room that is about 85 degrees, and it’s 90+ degrees outside, you’d want to be in air conditioning, too! We really enjoy just relaxing there, having lunch, and watching TV in English.
The afternoon visit was a bit mellow, we were in the sports room. When we went to pick up Alex, who was just finishing lunch, I had the chance to say hello to every baby in his group. There are some beautiful babies there! One little guy in particular has the fullest head of hair I’ve ever seen on a baby. It’s as thick as mine is; I just had to touch it. It was soft and thick and very dark. He seemed to enjoy the contact with me. Too cute. As I picked up Alex and walked towards Assia, she reached out to say hello. He really loves her and is always ready with a big smile. Except for today. Her coos and smiles to him were returned with a giant burp from the little guy. I felt it vibrate through his whole body! We’ll have to have a talk when he’s older about the proper way to flirt with girls.
We learned that our pre-court is tomorrow morning at 10:00. This evening, Olga and Assia came over to prepare us with what to expect. It will be very similar to our meeting with the Minister of Education we had when we first got here. I am not particularly nervous about this, I’m more excited. I realize how important this is, and how it’s getting us one step closer to becoming a family. We will find out when our actual court date is at tomorrow’s meeting. We are anticipating it will be Tuesday, as we had expected all along. We will keep you posted on that.
We went to Chagala for dinner (how original). I had actually wanted to go to Kamelot, but the Scheblers and Holms had already arranged to meet there. No big deal. The food is good and the atmosphere is nice. As we were walking back, we noticed the huge, black rain clouds in the sky. We walked back really fast and not ten minutes later did it start POURING. Good timing on our part!
We found out that we probably will not have hot water for the rest of our stay here. Apparently, they shut down the hot water in the city around this time of year in order to do repairs on the system before winter rolls around. It makes sense to me. In fact, my shower this morning wasn’t too bad. I’m starting to get used to it. We’re just so spoiled at home, it really makes me appreciate what we have.
You are all so wonderful and Darcy is today’s winner for the Comment Most Likely to Make Dina Cry. All I can say is, WOW.
I’m going to take some Baby Benadryl and get some sleep tonight. You are all in our thoughts and prayers and we love you! |
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Comments for August 26
Comment from
Uncle Dan | Hello!! Calling Jeff. Where are you? Get that post up. Dina is fantastic at telling what happened each day. I enjoy your 'analysis' of events. You ARE a good team!!
Well, I'm excited about your 'pre-court' appointment! I know it's just a formality and that all will be clear sailing, but it's another benchmark or hurdle along the way. As I'm writing this, due to time-difference, it's probably all over, but like every other impatient soul addicted to this process, it'll be late tonight or tomorrow before we know how it went - and when it the final court date. Well, who said life was fair?
Can hardly wait for the next entries -- and Jeff's contribution for today.
Love -- Unka D | Comment from
Uncle Dan | Just looked at today's pictures and can't resist returning for another comment. Dina and Alex together are always beautiful and endearing - Madonna and all that. For obvious reasons, I am more attuned to the ones of 'Dad' and kid. The one today of Alex laying atop Jeff going for his glasses left me weak-kneed with nostalgia ... and an urge to start the fatherhood thing all over again. Been there, done that, loved every moment of it.
Also, before fatherhood, the mere sound of the words 'v-o-m-i-t', throwup, etc. made me feel queasy. Strange how things change when it's your kid. I'd had it in my hair, down my shirt, into my shirt pocket, on my newspaper, and across the table. After a couple of times, you just wipe it aside and keep going without missing a beat!
I'll spare you the forewarnings about starting to change a diaper before the kid has finished the job. You'll see. Your day is coming!! Take solace in knowing that I'm giggling as I write this! Hard to believe, but they are fond memories.
Unka D | Comment from
Katherine | It just occurred to me as I logged in yesterday and today that you might think about posting Alex' photo on the first page (instead of yours). Not that I'm getting tired of seeing your faces, but I REALLY want to see Alex' face. Any way you can change that?
Andy read your August 25 posting, Jeff. He understood both your messages. You guys are something else!
| Comment from
Katherine | Are you OK, Jeff? Didn't see a posting from you today. | Comment from
Joanna | Hi kids. Hope you made it through the storm ok, dina. Good luck to both of you on your pre-court date tomorrow...I know everything will be fine! | Comment from
Julianna | Hi all! Jeff, I LOVE the picture of Alex asleep on your shoulder! So sweet! And the shots of Alex on each of you while you're lying down, adorable!
September is creaping closer and closer! I'm so excited for you three!
-Julianna | Comment from
Jeff | Apoloigies to those who waited an extra hour or two for my rant. I was, as you can see, furiously reading. I'm hoping to finish tomorrow, although 89 pages may be a bit ambitious.
I need to get on to the writing already, though! I must admit that you've all been the unwitting wittnesses to my writing exercizes in preparation for constructing an intellectually-satisfying paper.
And you thought I was just doing this for free? There is no such thing as a free lunch.
Or, to quote the Blues Brothers on some obscure album, "Whaddaya want for nothin'? Rrrrrubber biscuit?"
Katherine, my original plan was to put up *no* pictures of Alex until the actual court date had declared him ours, at which point I would post one main picture at the entry page, and then retroactively open up the dailies for viewing. I'm sure you're all quite glad I ditched that plan, but the first reactionary portion is still operative. Although we have bonded quite well with Alex, we will replace that main picture with a family portrait when we are--by Kazak law--a family. | Comment from
Karen Walton | Jeff and Dina,
Neither of you know me at all, but our e-mail must be on your list due to Jeff's college aquaintance with my husband Dave "Astro" Walton. I thank the Lord, though, that we were on your list. I visit this site every day to hear the unfolding of your beautiful story. Praise God for His perfect gifts!
Psalm 68:6 "God sets the lonely in families..." Thank you for sharing this testimony with us.
| Comment from
ammo ramzi | Again, I feel so blessed to watch this
network of Love wrap all of us around the globe
in one harmonious love song for Alex and
in many ways for one another (How poetic..)
That little Guy does not know what He started...
| Comment from
Yiayia Connie | Hello, I am posting late today because I have been busy getting ready for school to start. I finally had time to relax and enjoy my treat for the day. Adorable pictures today. The ones with all of the babies together is so cute, you can tell that they are used to being together. Dina and Jeff you are goig to have to find some bebies for him to play with so he oesn't get bored with all of us overly anxious adults!!
I also love the ones where he is lying on top of each of you. He looks completely comfortable now. You are definetely a family. I can see his rash in these pictures, I hope it is not making him too uncomfortable. Mayube if it cools off it will go away. Love to you all. MOM | Comment from
Aunt Janet Holton | I spent a week visiting a friend in B.C. what a lot of catching up to do. I was on line hours yesterday reading and looking. I do believe that you have changed your son...yes, I know the judge hasn't said so yet, but he will. He was always adorable, but his manner, or facial expressions, or alertness or something is different AND better. You are as good for him as he is for you.
I know God is working His perfectness in this whole experience and of course will continue to bring you to His perfection over the course of your lives.
I do hope you will either keep the website or in some manner let all of us who can't touch or hug or kiss this handsome young man in your life keep a little connected. It would be a terrible let down not to know "the rest of the story".
Much love and blessings,
Aunt Janet Holton | Comment from
Auntie Julie | Dina,
The picture of Alex on top of Jeff lying on the ground reminds me of a circa 1974 photo of me lying on Dad on the yellow shag carpet with Dad in his funny brown Arabic robe... do you remember the one I mean?
I can't believe how much Alex has changed over the past 2 weeks. What is so remarkable to me is the variety of emotions and expressions we see displayed on his sweet little face: everything from sheer ecstatic happiness, to heartbreaking disappointment, from curious bewilderment, to intense contemplation, from bitter frustration, to the triumph of discovery... but what warms my heart the most is his vividly obvious absolute adoration of the both of you. He is truly an old, wise soul, thoughtful and intelligent to his very core.
Missing you terribly...
Julie | Comment from
Katherine | Jeff, thank you for designing this website so expertly. A fabulous job. |
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