 | Jeff says:
I don't feel like writing anything today.
No, really.
Last night I wrote a Summa Electronica for Travelers, and I offer my apologies to anyone who unnecessarily sat through that whole tome, perhaps even my magnum opus.
Today I completed the readings for my class, and, thereby, for my Master's degree in Theology. Then I started in on my paper, and finished (what I hope is) about 10-20% of it.
I don't feel like writing any more.
But I will, out of compulsion.
I failed to mention that yesterday, while waiting for the judge to direct us into his chambers, that they were playing some local radio station on the overhead speakers. Mambo #5 came on.
I hate that song. Passionately.
But there was something about it that was very distracting from the semi-ominousness of the moment. What the heck am I doing sitting in a courtroom in a little backward city on the border of Europe and Asia listening to a really stale American pop track? By the time I entered his room and sat down in the chair, I felt pretty much okay about everything, confident that "a little bit of Dina's all I need" (pardon the paraphrase, please).
Today, Alex barfed. Blew chunks. Technicolor yawn. Prayed to the porcelain god.
Well, okay, maybe not the last one. But in any case, I do believe Dina was (in a sense) christened. At least, she smelled like she was.
We're not sure if he has a little stomach bug, but we don't think so. I think we just overplayed him this morning, trying to make up for the missed visit yesterday.
Someone from the Ministry of Education came this morning to "observe" our play time. She sat there for no more than five minutes, and smiled a lot. I think it was merely a symbolic (but official) gesture, so that she can legitimately claim she saw us with the children if any questions come up in court. It was nice to have a government official wish us the best.
Alex is continuing to work on his dance moves, as picture #17 witnesses to. Of course, the immediate previous picture shows that he can sing as well. Move over, Gene Kelley!
That's all that happened today. Really. |
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 | Dina says:
We had a fun visit again in the morning. The kids all played together and we got some great pictures of it. I'm going to miss John and Sue and Lance and Nicole after we leave. We've really enjoyed their company. Alex threw up on me today, but it wasn't much. It's sort of my fault. I was probably bouncing him around too much. I learned my lesson. And being the newbie parents, we didn't have a second outfit to change him into. Most of it got on his overalls, so we kept his t-shirt on and put his pants back on from yesterday. It was a fashion nightmare, but he was clean. After that, I thought I'd take it easy with him, so I sat in a chair facing the other people in the room. He sat facing the same way I was, and was chewing on one of his little toys. He sat there, quietly gnawing away, for a good 20-30 minutes. I can't believe he can sit still so long. In some ways, it makes me sad because he's had to learn how to entertain himself for long periods of time. But while he was chewing on the toy with one hand, he was holding onto my hand with his other.
In the afternoon, we walked into his area and saw that he was being fed his lunch. As soon as he saw us, he started smiling and flapping his arms up and down. It sure is good to see him excited to see us. He was all smiles and giggles for the afternoon visit. I was careful not to shake him up, though. The caregiver had his t-shirt off because they had just put some ointment on him for his heat rash. I'm a little concerned about his rash, as it looks more like an allergic rash rather than a sweat rash. I took some photos and will email them to the doctor we used who reviewed his medical. Perhaps she'll have some idea about what might be causing the rash.
In the afternoon, I got brave and ventured out on my own. We are out of bottled water and I was craving a little chocolate. I really wanted Jeff to go since I was intimidated to go out by myself. I don't speak Russian, and I wasn't sure how I'd manage to get what I needed. But Jeff was busy working on his paper, and we really needed water. I made my way over to the bakery. I managed to get three bottles of water, a can of Pringles, a Twix bar, and an assortment of hard candy all by myself. I was quite proud of myself. I got the candy to share with the sweet little kids who live in our building. They were cute when I offered it to them. They were cute and polite and giggled and said "thank you" in English. I replied in Russian. They laughed. :)
Dinner was at the Chagala and we enjoyed watching the Olympics. It was the girls rhythmic dancing routines. I'm not sure if that's the official title, but it's the one where they dance with streamers or balls and hula hoops. It was really fun to watch.
Now we're back in the apartment and trying to let it sink in that we only have a few more days in this beautiful city. I will miss the people here so much, but am so excited to embark on this new chapter in our lives. We couldn't be more happy with how things have worked out so far.
Tomorrow night, we and the Scheblers are planning to take out our "crew" for a final hoopla dinner. These are the last few nights of being "free" and we thought it would be fun to celebrate with our friends here. Speaking of friends, when we were walking back from the Chagala, we were about to cross the street to go back to our apartment. We cautiously stepped out onto the street and saw a car coming at us, but slowing down. He comes up to us and starts honking. We thought it was because he wanted us to get out of his way. It turns out it was Lance and Nicole's driver, Yuri. He was with his family and waved hello. We know so many people here now! Well, sort of. |
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Comments for August 28
Comment from
Yiayia Connie | Hi Dina and Jeff
Maybe I am first today. I had to get out the kleenex when you described how Alex sat there holding onto your hand. That is so sweet!! The days are getting short for you and I am sure bittersweet to leave the sweet little community you have formed there. You will never forget these people and your experiences there. But you have a huge village waiting here to welcome you and Alex home.
Waiting for pics for today, and Jeff's journal too.
Sending love and hugs,
Mom | Comment from
Darcy | ohhh LOVE the hand holding. He wants you near him - you are such a mom! | Comment from
Yiayia Connie | The pictures today are awesome!!!I love everyone of them. The pic with all the babies is fantastic and funny. They are all so beautiful. Alex looks like he holds his own with all of them. He looks like he enjoys their company too.
Thanks for todays treat. | Comment from
Genevieve | It's fun to see more and more smiles from Alex in the photos as the days go on! Such a great thing to see!! | Comment from
Uncle Dan | Jeff: A pox upon you! My screen only showed the first line of your post for today. I thought you'd really abandoned us! The things I said about you curled the paint on the walls! All have duly been retracted!!
Dina: Congradulations on the upchucking episode. It's another milestone out of the way, and no, it probably had nothing to do with your jiggling or bouncing him. It was just time for it to happen and it will again and again. And Murphy's Law will dictate when it will. You'll be in church, or wearing your nicest dress, or trying to convey an aura of Lady Holton with her perfect child, little Lord Alex. Boom! He'll erupt!!
I've already checked out today's pictures. They are fantastic. What is cuter than a picture of a baby? A pile of babies, of course! They make my knees weak and my heart as big as a basketball. Hey, just bring home a basket of those puppies and we'll take care of them all. Ice cream for the lot! Cokes, candy, and trip to the beach!
The days dwindle down to the proverbial precious few ... may they dribble away even more quickly!!
Love, Unka D | Comment from
Pat Shikany | Dina, I was teary eyed like your mom reading about Alex not letting go of your hand. He sure doesn't want you to go very far from him.
Congrads to Jeff, getting all that reading out of the way, not you get to really get sore eyes writing it all down.
You kids look sooooo happy with your little man, and he with you. Can't wait to hear stories about the town, when you get home. We'll get to see your dad's new kitchen too. Have a millon questions to ask. Good Luck on Tuesday and we will be praying that they let you go then. | Comment from
Julianna | What, no picture of the barf? We want to see everything!
Alex' bug bites on his face look so much better today.
I love the picture of the four babies in a circle with their heads next to each other. Too cute!
It was so nice talking to you this morning (evening), Dina! Can't wait till you, Jeff and Alex get home!
-Julianna | Comment from
Julianna | PS
Babies LOVE naked baby time, and Alex seemed extra smiley in those pictures!
-J | Comment from
Angie Morrow | I love picture #20. It is such a sweet mother and son photo. His pictures are just adorable. I can't wait to see and hold baby Alex. God Bless his sweet little soul. | Comment from
Margaret George | I love making up what Alex is saying (or thinking) in the pictures:
#7 = Dad, where are you going?
#9 = We put our heads together and decided to have a slumber party!
#11 = I love you, Mom. (and then he kisses her)
#13 = That was fun!
#14 = Oops! It fell over.
#15 = That tickles!
#16 = Dad, Mom said that when the judge grants you two immediate execution, you are all mine!
#17 = Wait a minute, I have to get my book.
#19 = We have air conditioning at home? I can't wait to get there!
#20 = And this is MY mom!
#21 = Dad's are fun too!
#22 = Wow, you and Mom did all that to bring me home?
#23 = If I blow real hard, this will be the coolest balloon ever!
#24 - I'll have my OWN room???
| Comment from
gramps | O.K....Where's my mugwhump!!!!Enough pictures! You can't squeeze, tickle, giggle with, or play well with pictures! WHERE'S MY MUGWHUMP!?! He and you both still look wonderful. I'm not sure who looks prouder or happier, the new parents or the future progeny. I can't wait till the three of you are home again and we can all get together. Given the size of your family and friends collection, I'ld get all the rest you can now. Once here you won"t be getting any for about twenty years. You'll want to take the locks off the front door to save time when we all start coming to visit. Sorry I haven't written much. I don't have regular computer access. Seriously, I'm champing at the bit to see the three of you when you get back. Mom and I love thr three of you and miss you ALL very much. Is alex going to invite us over for a Kazak BBQ when he"s old enough?
Love ( Alot :),
Nana & Gramps | Comment from
Zach and April Taylor | Hi guys,
Glad to hear you are surviving our trip. Nice piece on eloctronic gadgetry Jeff.
Good luck on tuesday, we'll be thinking of the three of you.
Taylors |
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