 | Jeff says:
Tonight we proved that it is still possible to entertain guests when one has children.
We had Lance and Nichol and Nicholas (who followed us 3,000 miles from Uralsk), and also Zach and April (whom we haven't seen since we initially arrived in Almaty almost four weeks ago) along with Kai over for dinner. The kids played fairly well together. So did the adults. We had beer and pasta. We may offend our children overnight.
When six adults are watching three children all right around their bedtime (the childrens', not the adults'), things seem to work out pretty much okay.
We talked about babies. That's about it. I suspect this will happen for a while.
Earlier today, Alex got over his green towel phobia. Mommy came up to him with one on her head and he clearly understood that she was excited not about the evil slime monster swallowing her cranium, but about the little boy staring at her. I am thoroughly amazed at the capacity and speed with which he picks things up. We're teaching him to clap right now, and we suspect he'll have the hang of it in a few days. Today, we found him standing in his crib.
I finished my paper tonight. Thirty-one pages. It's 3:20 in the morning.
I could really use a warm bottle of milk right about now. Preferably with some Kahlua. Unfortunately, I lack both.
I have formula and vodka, though. Hmmm... |
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 | Dina says:
Today, we relaxed a bit after getting a good night’s sleep. We didn’t go out until around 2:00, when Sasha picked us up to go to the Ramstore so we could pick up a few things for tonight. That was my first “real” time in there, and it’s just like any grocery store you’d find at home.
Alex was very cute and sweet today (of course), but I still feel like I’m doing him a disservice by not having him on a more structured schedule. But like I said last night, it will improve after we get home.
Tonight, we invited Zach, April, and Kai Taylor over for dinner, along with Lance, Nichol, and Nicholas from Portland (our friends we met in Uralsk). We had a great time. The babies are all adorable, and it was fun to have some adult conversation, as well. Unfortunately, John and Sue couldn’t join us with Damir and A.J. Poor Damir has tonsillitis and is fighting a fever, so they stayed home, as not to expose the other babies. I cooked a meatless pasta dish and it turned out pretty good. It was fun entertaining friends while in a foreign country.
Tomorrow, Jeff and I are going to look at rugs to bring home, then we will purchase Alex’s ticket for the plane ride home. We also would like to go up to the mountains. It should be a fun day. We will be back by 4:00 so we will make our medical appointment for Alex. It’s part of the check-our procedures. We’re getting close!
This is my shortest entry so far, I believe. I just don’t have a whole lot to say today. I have a feeling we’ll have more to share tomorrow, since it will be such a busy day!
Only three more days, and we’ll be home! |
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Comments for September 5
Comment from
Julianna | There were two pictures, in particular, that made me very relieved. The first was Dina and Alex with towel on Dina's head. I'm glad Alex realizes all is well. The second picture is the one of Baskin Robbins. It's good to know that Kasakhstan is a civilized nation. :)
-Julianna | Comment from
Yiayia and Jeddo | | Comment from
Yiayia and Jeddo |
Sorry, I hit return by mistake!! The keyboard in the ranch office is one of those ergonomically correct ones with the split keyboard, and it feels strange to type on.
Dad says he misses you both terribly up here and hopes that next year we will be here all together. The pictures are so cute with the babies. They look like they are wrestling. That must have been fun to get together with all of your friends. The days are getting shorter and shorter and we can't wait to see you!!
We will call you when we get home, probably Tues. morn for you. Love and hugs and kisses to all of you.
Yiayia and Jeddo | Comment from
Aunt Janet Holton | How wonderful that you are living ordinary (well, sort of ordinary) lives with your child and he's so happy and adjusting so beautifully to being just that--your child.
God is so good; His plan for parenting is perfect--and He chose a good pair for young Alex.
God bless you all and protect you as you travel.
Aunt Janet | Comment from
Uncle Dan | The pictures of the 'boys being boys' or wrestling is so cute that it stinks!! I desparately want to get on the floor with the lot and play horsey -- ruptured disk and degenerated verterbrae bedamned! Let's just have some fun here, OK. I bet they'd love to go fishing. (Give a man a fish and he has food for one day. Teach him to fish and you're rid of him for the whole weekend!)
Three more days! Three more days! How great does that sound! It has been a beautiful way to make a family and I can only speculate on how much richer your lives will be as a family for having had such a life altering experience. Having a bady the 'conventional' way is life altering, but I can't find the words here.
Yes, Jeff, you'll find that the main topic of conversation when your friends gather will be children. And no, it's not boring except to those who have none yet. It's also a bit more interesting than politics and the weather -- and I love to talk about the weather! I'm the ultimate wet-blanket at a party. I don't know what's the deal with talking about the kids when you're supposed to be having a pleasant adult evening without them, but there it is. Deal with it. I think it has to do with both confirmation and affirmation.
The new parents at first always turned down social invitations because of the baby. Later they'd get a sitter and go out, but always excused themselves around 9 or so 'Because of the baby.' After about a year of this, when a hosts phone would ring, they'd shout, "If that's our sitter, we're not here!!" Hey, not really, but things will relax a bit down the road. Right now, you're afraid that if you can't see Alex, he'll cease to exist. He won't. He'll be right there when you return ... likely with a poopy diaper.
I can't tell you how much we love you guys and how much we are looking forward to meeting Alexander.
Jeff, I will send you an email tomorrow with a theological question. Congradulations on getting the paper done. YOu thought you'd someday be through with your masters and have some time for yourself. Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Man, you don't have a life anymore. You're a daddy! Lift that bale! Tow that barge!
Look forward to being able to talk with you guys on a domestic phone call!
Unka D | Comment from
mary and Lou Evans | Nice to hear your events of the day. We just returned home after seeing a most depressing movie "Open Water." So your journal and of course, photos were a nice ending to our day. We went to the Livermore Wine Festival this afternoon. We saw a Mary Kay mobile. Event was fun, but it was very hot today. We may take Matthew and Angela with us tomorrow to have lunch at "one" winery. Also went to Half Moon Bay this weekend. Good night and God Bless. | Comment from
tesa | Jeff, congrats on finishing your paper and completing your masters!!! I'm amazed that you were able to focus on your reading and paper with the adoption of your son. Way to go!
We are praying for safe and smooth travels back home. What a special time for you all.
Tesa |
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