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Journal for August 30, 2004

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Jeff says: Happy Constitution Day! Today, the road back to our apartment was blocked for a while because we are right by the city center. They had a concert of some sort there. The crowd looked big, but I couldn't hear the entertainment. Dina and I have been buying an ice cream bar called--I kid you not--the "Governator." I'll have to find a wrapper and take a picture of it, since otherwise none of you will believe me. Ok, I admit it. It says "Gubernator." But I still think it would sell for more than 40 Tenge if they put Ahnuld's picture on it! Philipich has been trying to teach me Kazak. So far, all I've gotten is "how are you?" (kal kallai) and "good" (jax(u)i). This morning, I learned that my son apparently has aspirations to become a Pentecostal preacher. Actually, worse things could definitely happen! Please do note in the photo page for today that he obeys mommy's instructions to touch Damir "gently," identifies his ills with some sort of Vulcan mind meld, and then "heals" him. Note how Damir falls to the ground, slain in the spirit. Ah, my son is so gifted! Be HEALED, Damir! Hallelujah. On our lunchbreak, we went grocery shopping and then stopped in front of the maternity hospital where Alex was born. Dina stepped out to take a few photos. I should have stepped out as well, but I was pinned in by groceries. In the afternoon, we took Alex outside for a bit to try out the Snugli again. We're getting quite good at it. He didn't take too well to the hat we brought from home, so we tried one of the generic babyhouse hats. That worked better. He got really fussy once we came back inside, though. Dina couldn't really calm him down, so she passed him to me. Ah, no problem. He didn't quite fall asleep for me, but he was darned close by the time we had to leave. We bought baby food. I took lots of pictures. We didn't find any music, yet (but the Scheblers bought compilation albums of current radio hits, so I know exactly what we want!). We came back to the apartment for a preparation session with Olga. We went out to a nice Chinese dinner with the Sheblers, Masha, and Assia. (It wasn't any Chinese food with which I was completely familiar, but then, to be fair, the Chinese food we get in the States is just American food in a very thick disguise.) We came back and I wrote a statement to present to the judge tomorrow. That's it. I'm writing a couple pages for my paper and then going to bed. When I wake up in the morning, I will get ready to go stand in a room where a man will declare me a daddy. To quote 20th century philosopher Keanu Reeves, "Whoa."

Dina says: Court is in less than eleven hours. I am excited, but a little nervous. I know I probably don’t need to be nervous, but I am a bit. This is HUGE. I can’t believe we’ve made it this far. I am so blessed to have the opportunity to be the mommy of such a beautiful baby! Alex kissed Damir this morning, it was the sweetest thing ever! I had both of them on my lap, then Alex reached over and put his hand on Damir’s head (see photos from today). I said “gentle”, and the next thing I know, Alex leans over and kisses the top of Damir’s head. It was so sweet! Maybe he remembers how nice Damir was to him the day he was crying, early in our visits. During our lunch break, Assia took us shopping to get some baby food. I have to admit, it was a bit overwhelming for me. I remember the first time I walked into Babies R Us to try to figure out bottles and nipples and everything else. It’s one thing to be confused in your own city, but to do this in a foreign country when you don’t speak the language- well, that’s even more difficult. Even though adoptive parents before me it’s not necessary to bring food over, if I were to do it again, I would bring enough for at least a couple days. The transition period is going to be difficult enough. It would be nicer to know that I’m able to read labels properly and prepare his food. Assia translated everything for me, though, and it will be fine. So please don’t any of you worry. Alex was a bit fussier in the afternoon. We took a walk around the baby house in the Snugli. He seems to be okay in it, I hope that continues for the trip home. We forgot to bring a hat, so we borrowed one from the baby house. You’ll see his fashionable pink hat in the photos from today. He got VERY fussy in the afternoon (maybe he was mad at us for putting him in a pink hat), and I felt so bad for him. In the end, it was his daddy who got him calmed down, and he would have fallen asleep in his arms if we hadn’t been told by Assia that our afternoon visit was over. We came back to the apartment, and I wrapped up all the gifts we plan to present at the baby house tomorrow. These are small tokens that we will give to the women who were a part of Alex’s life before we even knew him. We will be forever grateful to these loving women. Assia came with us to the apartment after our second visit since she needed to be here at 5:30 with Olga for our pre-court briefing. We enjoyed her company, we ended up talking quite a bit about Mary Kay Ash and what an influential woman she was. Apparently, Mary Kay products are considered VERY exclusive here. If a woman uses Mary Kay, she’s thought to be very good to herself and have very good taste. What can I say, these people are brilliant!! As for the briefing, it went well and I feel very prepared for court. Sue was craving Chinese food, so we all invited Assia and Masha out for our last meal as childless people. The food was very different than what we have at home, but it was delicious! We really enjoyed the company. I will get some sleep now, so I’m ready for our important day. The next entry I make will be a great one!! Love to you all!

Comments for August 30 Comment from I pray for calm nerves for all of you tomorrow. Will Alex be at the court with you? Do you go get him after the court? When is he yours yours...all yours? Comment from Uncle Dan Am I the first today? Well, I've been waiting the longest. Fair is fair. You finally got a post up here. I'm overwhelmed by the magnitude of the next few hours. For once in my life, I am speechless. I also must confess to a horrible secret. I think that I am one of Ahnuld's "girlie-men". If not, why am I headed downstairs to find a hankie? Hell, I don't care. I'm so very happy that Alex is getting you guys and am a bit anxious as the moment of truth arises. I'll be here bright an early for the next journals. Don't disappoint us by making us wait. That'd be cruel and unusualy punishment. Jeff, hip hip huray for getting all that reading done and congradulations on the completion of your masters. Good Job! Unka D Comment from Laura & Paul Congratulations on reaching this amazing milestone in your journey. You are about to officially become Alex's parents. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and hopefully the entire court process will be quick and painless. We will look forward to hearing the good news tomorrow. All three of your lives are about to change forever. What a beautiful thing! Comment from Julianna I'm so excited! Can't wait for your next post! Alex: I can't wait to meet you! Pictures just aren't enough. I need to hold you and squeeze you! Alexandra is excited to meet you, too. She told me so! :) I'm sending all my warm fuzzies your way! -Julianna Comment from Andrew Jeff & Dina - Hope court goes well. We're thinking good thoughts. Andrew Comment from Lou and Mary Evans We'll be thinking of you transglobally in about 8 hours when your court hearing starts. Please post early. EVERYONE WANTS TO KNOW IMMEDIATELY!!!!!!! p.s. Alex is even pretty in pink! Comment from darcy Ya, know Dina, I was going to comment on how lovely your skin looked - even without makeup and sweat!:) That should be quite the testement for Mary Kay! :) Comment from Yiayia Connie Hi Jeff and Dina, Well just like everyone else we are anxiously waiting for your court day to be over so we can celebrate from here. Our prayers and thoughts are with you three constantly. I know you are well prepared and there is nothing to worry about or be nervous about. What a glorious thing it will be to have a baby in the family. (Unka Dan, you are too cute... are you thinking of a trip here for Christmas so you can do your sqeezing and cuddling in person?) Good Luck and LOTS OF LOVE AND KISSES. Yiayia Connie Comment from Nana Nina No, no, no ~ not a Pentecostal preacher ~ a barber!! Or one of those guys in the carnival who tells your fortune by reading the bumps on your head? What big word is that? Frizzyologist? I just love the photos with the babies all together. And Dina holding two is so cute ... I'll have my phone right by my bed. Comment from Ammo Ramzi Julie.. You could not put it more beautifully.! Jeff and Dina.. You have performed a true Miracle by touching everyone's heart by making Alex part of our daily life. As for Alex, my goodness what can I say!! You have graced everyone of us with a touch of joy. Even I, who hardly writes find myself writing and talking to you as if I have known all my life. Your lucky parents performed the ultimate generosity of let us all share in your love, your smiles,your burps,your ---- and your naps. and you know Oops!It seems that I was a day behind!! Comment from Lana Praying like WHOA for you guys for the big day!! alright, finally a chance to catch up! I hope you guys don't think I'm slackin off so I'll make up for it with a really long comment!! Alex my friend/cousin be prepared for the rollercoaster known as the Khanachet Family although it may not look intimidating just wait you're going to be fought over, bothered by, and taken care of by some of the best uncles, aunts, cousins, moms and dads (plural) and you'll love it!! I know I do...And think of all those great trips down south to Florida(hint hint)where we'll teach you about sweet tea, cheese grits, and them fine Gearogia peahces and Florida Orranges (yes with 2 R's)!! Oh and I must not forget a whole new meaning to the word ya'll and those great lapses when all of a sudden you end up with a southern accent? How that happens is beyond me but since this seems to be turning into somewhat of a novel I'll finish up with a big hug and kiss!!! I'm praying for all of you!! I won't be able to pay attention in chemistry tomorrow thinking about what good news I'm going to hear!! (thanks alot guys!) haha so with that I wish ya'll LUCK even though you won't be needing it and I'm going to be praying for you like I said!! <3 I told you it would be long I warned you!! Comment from Judith Keiderling Good luck in court! We'll be thinking about you and will pray all goes smoothly and you aren't too nervous. Comment from Francesca (from LJ) Wow! It has been so amazing to watch and read about your journey--it has been a beautiful story. My thoughts and prayers are with you! Comment from ghassan and hala hi guys this is so exciting . i have been looking at the beautiful pictires whenever i got the chance to. we are both very happy for you guys. congratulations to the new beautiful family. we love you. Comment from Vikki WOW....the count down is really on! Today is 10, tomorrow 9.....and when you get here what is everyone going to do?? Jeff I think you need to add more days to this website.....everyone has come to depend on it to make them feel good! I'm sure you'll keep us posted on a daily basis....of course, you could always set up your isight and run a live webcam. Then we could all really watch Alex grow up!! (just kidding ) Comment from Jeddo Fawaz Thank God, THANK GOD! He is ours!! This message is for the family, extended family, friends and wonderful people who have been participating in this remarcable, incredible love volcano. It might take a bit for Jeff and Dina to post, so I felt I should proclaim the ecstatic news. HE IS OURS. Praise the Lord. It is absolutely beyond measure the hapiness that descended upon us hearing Dina's voice saying:HE IS OURS!! It took a bit to collect our collective selves and get some details. Everything went great and I will leave to Jeff and Dina to give the details. I just wanted you all lovely people to know quickly. I AM A GRANDPA. A real honest to goodness JEDDO. Thank God. Comment from Thea Evonne Can't wait - I can feel your nervousness and excitment for the adventure on which you are to embark Hope everything goes smoothly (I'm sure it will).

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