Day 33--The End of Our Final Trip

Day 33-- February 20, 2009

Today is our final day in Kazakhstan. The end of one journey and the beginning of another. Aidar woke up as a happy little boy, of course, which can only start our day with a smile. We visited with Aziz, our translator from our last trip, and went to see his wife’s store. It is in a market area that is just as you would imagine it—small shops, fruit stands, a little bit of everything with people everywhere. We couldn’t stay long because we had to get to the embassy, but it was so nice to spend time with someone so kind.

Ducien, our driver, picked us up and took us to the embassy. He, too, is one of the kindest people you would ever meet. Just as we arrived, it began to snow. It was a really pretty, wet snow—the perfect kind for a snowball fight. We met up with Olga, and went up to the U.S. Embassy. It’s not at all what you would expect. It’s on the top floor of a bank building. It’s a waiting room similar to DMV (except no one is ever there), and we simply went to a window to pay for Aidar’s visa ($400—Yikes! We didn’t see that one coming), and then to another window to pick up our documents. The entire process took maybe fifteen minutes.

We went back to the apartment, where we left Aidar with Ducien, and Olga, John and I went to meet with Assya, our translator, and Aidar’s father. He is such a kind man who is so incredibly sad. His tears broke my heart. His wife did not have the strength to come. He wanted us to know that they would have kept Aidar if only they had the money and the resources in Kazakhstan to help him. He also wanted us to know that he and his wife are healthy, and they don’t understand how Aidar was born with a cleft lip and palate. They do have one son who is older than Aidar, and he showed us a picture of this handsome little boy. I think his wife feels incredibly guilty; thinking it somehow must be her fault. He said that since Aidar was born, his wife has simply existed, and that they’re afraid to have more children. He asked us to tell Aidar when he grows up about them; that they love him and would not have given him up if they could have kept him. We assured him that Aidar will always know—not only when he is an adult. We told him that Aidar will know that he has two sets of parents: one in Kazakhstan and one in the U.S. He cried probably three or four times. It was so sad. I hope we gave him some peace in his heart.

So we leave tonight with both joy and sadness. Olga said that this is the first meeting that she knows of between birth parents and adoptive parents. I know she feels his anguish as well. We are almost in disbelief that we are leaving….but we’re not on the plane yet. Hopefully, we’ll be home Sunday and you can all meet the little guy in person.

Day 32--It Couldn't Last Forever

Day 32-- February 19, 2009

Well, it was a good run while we had it. We knew it couldn’t last forever! The knocking on the door and waiting…forget it. The going to bed and not getting up….nix that, too. Not liking raspberry preserves and apple juice….he was just kidding. Still, just when you think you couldn’t love him any more, you do.

Our day turned out to be not so busy after all. Our driver showed up unexpectedly and told John that he and John were going to the embassy to drop off the documents—no wife and no baby. That was great because I wasn’t ready, and they were back in no time. We took a taxi to the museum near the Ministry of Education. It cost about $7.50 USD each way. The museum was only about $1.50 for both John and me! What a deal! We spent the afternoon there (about 2 ½ hours), which was relatively quick, considering most of the displays had information only in Russian and Kazakh.

We went to dinner, and again, Aidar ate everything—his dinner, half of my dinner, most of the bread. When we got home, he went straight to the kitchen and pulled out a chair to eat again! I swear this child has a tapeworm in his belly! The thing that really surprises us is that he never spills his food, even though he has a bilateral cleft palate and lip. He eats yogurt with no problem, and tonight, he had chicken noodle soup. His clothes are as clean after eating as they are before he eats. I hope I don’t jinx him by writing that!

We don’t know if we’re meeting with his birth parents tomorrow. We haven’t heard back from our translator on that. We have to be at the embassy at 3:00, and our translator has a class at 5:00 (she’s in college), so there won’t be much time in between to meet with them.

As for our trip home, Lufthansa canceled Aidar’s ticket yesterday, after having reinstated the return portion of the original roundtrip ticket (that they had also canceled) last Friday (a one-way ticket would have cost around $8,000, so I bought a round trip ticket for $1500 thinking he could just use the second half of the ticket; they canceled it when he didn’t fly the first leg). Their explanation for reconsidering was that it would cost almost $3,000 for the flight, so they were canceling it again. This happened two days before we’re to fly. John sent them a note saying he was really disappointed that it came down to the dollar for them, and that the fact that we’re adopting a special needs child with dates that keep changing is irrelevant to them. I guess we’ll have difficulties to the end. God knows that I will be happy in more ways than one to get home.

FYI, the picture of the building is the museum where we spent the day.

Day 31--The Perfect Child Gets Better

Day 31-- February 18, 2009

OK, it only gets better with this kid. He knocks when doors are closed (and waits for a response before entering), he goes to bed at 8:00 (and doesn’t get up after we leave the room), and he is happy from the moment he wakes up (which is too early for me) until the moment he goes to sleep (which is too early for him). He LOVES taking a bath—especially when John dumps water on his head again and again. Just before going to sleep, he loves for us to “relax” him as we call it with Karis; his favorite body part to be touched ever so lightly are his feet.

We discovered another food that he doesn’t like: raspberry preserves. I had some toast today, and he wanted no part of the piece that had the preserves. Of course, he scoffed up the other piece that had just butter! He has also taken a preference of water to apple juice (that’s a good thing), and doesn’t like to drink milk, but will eat it with his cereal. He is also an ambidextrous eater. He must have a fork and spoon—one in each hand—for virtually every meal. He eats pizza with a fork, as hard as we may have tried to let him know it was OK to pick it up with his hand. John taught him how to tip the bowl and drink the milk out of the bowl when his cereal is gone. And I thought Karis learned that on her own. Silly me!

Our day started off slowly, revved up quickly, and then ended slowly as well. We spent the morning waiting for our driver to call/arrive to take us to the medical center and to have Aidar’s passport photo taken. I swear this kid is going to think we’re wealthy; what a disappointment it will be for all of us to not have a driver when we get home. As I’ve said before, I just close my eyes when we’re on the road. You don’t want to look forward, but you don’t feel any better when you look out the side windows, either. Our driver says that 50% of the drivers are crazy and 50% are stupid. It’s like NASCAR on every street.

Once we got on the road, we got everything we needed to do accomplished in record time: we picked up the translated documents; we had his photo taken for his visa; while the photo was being developed, we bought toys for the baby house (Marianne--the children’s store in the same building as the Russia grocery store is great for this (not too expensive)); and we bought flowers for the doctor of whom we have become so fond at the baby house. Our driver dropped us off at the baby house, and we delivered the wonderful surprises. Unfortunately, the doctor was sick, but we wish her a speedy recovery. Flowers always help you to feel better!

We walked to an indoor strip mall where we bought some items in the past, and we bought Aidar the cutest little slipper boots that look like colorful horses. Two stores (one across from the other) were competing for the sale, so had him try on slippers in both stores. When we asked him to choose which pair he wanted, he went over and picked up his very own shoe! Too much pressure!

We had a relaxing late afternoon at home before dinner and a bath. Aidar is asleep in bed now, and John is asleep on the couch, as your day is just beginning. Tomorrow is another busy day for us at the Embassy. For those of you wondering, I am still pretty sick, not sleeping, and still cannot talk. But, as I’ve said, being sick doesn’t preclude you from being a mom, does it?

Our coordinator asked if we would like to meet with Aidar’s birth parents on Friday. I am so glad to know that they would like for us to stay in touch. I also like that Aidar will grow up knowing them. I think meeting will bring peace to their hearts. And it brings a sense of fulfillment to mine so that I am not worried about them and how they feel to lose the child they cannot help. John is a little more nervous than I that everything could change even as late as just before our flight if they decided to change their minds. I think we all have to have faith that this is the right thing to do.

Day 30--The Perfect Child!

Day 30-- February 17, 2009

What a perfect child! He comes to us already potty trained, he eats anything, he can play quietly by himself, he puts everything away (including our stuff), and he stays clean. What a child! He woke up a very happy boy this morning. He and John slept in the bed, and I slept on the couch (I can’t get rid of this cold for the life of me). We took him to the SOS clinic this a.m. where he was given a clean bill of health. The doctor kept talking about his little Buddha belly, since he ate so much last night and for breakfast.

We took him to Silkway City (the mall with the playscape). As we entered, John stopped to pick up a phone card, so Aidar and I stood by a storefront to wait. He looked up at me and said “Hey!” and pointed—to a manikin! He was totally amazed at this fake “person”. He actually went into the store to touch it. There are so many “firsts” for him! Another first was the playscape where played for a little while; he wasn’t too fond of the balls or heights, which leaves a lot out in a playscape!

We went back to the apartment and met up with our coordinator to go over the documents for the Embassy. Kai (Aidar) sat in the other room and put a puzzle together while we talked. What a good boy. When we were finished, we headed over to Café Ajour, which also has a playscape. Again, he’s not big on it. He didn’t even want to go in this time. So, we had dinner, and he played with his Matchbox cars. We did find two foods he doesn’t like: pickles and ketchup. I’ll give him the pickles—not many people do like them—but, ketchup? I’ve never heard of a child not liking ketchup!

Once we got home, he went with John to do all of he things a good boy should do at the end of the night: he went potty, washed his hands, and brushed his teeth before he was to go to bed. The thing that truly impressed me was that he came to me and signed that he was doing all of that! We are truly blessed to have him.

The journey is almost at an end. Tomorrow, we go to pick up his translated medical documents and get his picture taken for his visa. We go to the Embassy on Thursday, and then pick up all of his documents from the Embassy on Friday. We head back late Friday night/early Saturday morning, but must spend the day in Germany because there are not enough seats on Saturday’s plane without paying fees that would buy the plane itself. We’ll be home Sunday night!!!!!!!!!

I want to thank all of you who are posting comments to our blog. I’ve tried replying to your comments, but did not have access to you. I want you to know how much we appreciate your thoughts, and that your little ones are absolutely ADORABLE!

New addition to Our Family

Day 29-- February 16, 2009

We have Aidar with us now!!! Olga picked us up about 10am and took us to the “baby house”. Our translator was sick so we could only have translation over the phone. We were instructed to take clothes for Aidar to change into before he leaves the baby house. Ohhhh…. that’s a problem because half of his clothes were in Cindie’s luggage that had not arrived. We did have a shirt, jacket, mittens and a hat though. Well they were just going to have to let us take him home in the pants and stuff from the orphanage. After we arrived at the baby house, we met with the Doctor of the baby house that we like so much, Batama. We showed our passports to her and we signed in her book. We were very anxious to see Aidar. She then escorted us down stairs and asked for the clothes we had brought. She opened the door to Aidars room and all the kids were already dressed to go outside, including Aidar. We saw Aidar just for a moment through the door way, we waved but it was so chaotic we not sure if he saw us. The door closed and we were told to wait.

The video camera on and ready, I was waiting to capture the moment. Finally, at 10:30 Olga said I could go back with the camera. A bit shocked as we have been told not to go in the rooms before, but off I went. I was motioned back into the play room where all the kids and care takers were ligned up for a picture by one of the other caretakers. When they had finished taking pictures, I took a picture of Aidar with the caretakers. Aidar came to me and I picked him up and gave him a big kiss. We went out to the hallway were Cindie was and he went over and gave her a big hug. Olga took our fist picture of us with our new little boy.

After a few more pictures, we left the orphanage, with Kai Aidar! Olga took us back to our apartment. Our new life with a little boy begins. After playing with some of the familiar toys it was about 11:30. We showed him around the apartment, albeit its only 3 rooms and a bathroom, but he was amazed at everything.

Hooray!!…. Cindie’s luggage arrived; Olga picked it up from the hotel we had stayed at.

Time to eat, and for Kai Aidar, it was eat, and eat and eat. Good thing I went to the store the day before. He loves crackers and just like our last trip, he loves apple juice. After lunch we tried naptime, although that was the plan we had for Kai Aidar, that was not his plan. I tried to lay down with him to get him to rest, then Cindie tried but it just was not happening, for him at least. We could have slept for a couple of hours, but Kai was not going to let that happen.

We decided to get out side and let him use some energy on the little children play scapes in the courtyard. He had fun until he walked right into a puddle of melting snow that turned out to be even deeper than I thought. Of course he started to fall but I managed to catch him by his coat before he completely went down. Good thing the other suitcase arrived, he needed some dry pants.

We then ventured off to the grocery store to pick up a few more items and water. We can only imagine that this was his first trip to the grocery store. Just like other children, he wanted to grab everything off the shelves. We loaded up the basket and made our way back to the apartment. By this time, our little guy was hungry again, and he will fit into the family just fine, he loves bread and crackers. This held him over until he ate some yogurt before the main course. The main course was supposed to be shrimp, rice and peas. Well the shrimp and peas were right, but when I opened the box of “rice” Cindie picked out, it was not like any rice I had ever seen. Turns out, they were buckwheat grouts. What……? Well the directions were just like instant rice. All and all, it turned out fine, could have used some flavoring but not bad considering the very limited kitchen with no seasonings. Kai Aidar ate his bowl full though. Then we gave him a chocolate chip cookie for desert.

Then it was bath time, or first time giving him a bath. Again, he had an excitement look on his face as I was filling the tub. Although he seemed to know what to do, he started to take off his pants. He enjoyed putting his face in the water and when I scooped the water over his head. My guess is that he is not use to a tub with as much water and him the only one in it. This hopefully means he will love swimming.

Finally, it was time for bed. We put him in a one-piece footie pajamas and I tried to read him a story. Although he wanted to just turn out the lights, so no story. He was restless for a few minutes but he finally went off to sleep. A big day for us all!

Tomorrow, we take him to the International clinic to verify his immunization records for the visa. Tell our little sweetie at home we love her and send kisses and hugs! Love to all our family and friends! Until tomorrow. --JH

Day 28--Last Trip!!!!

Day 28-- February 15, 2009

John and I made it back to Kazakhstan in record time—a mere 23 hours. So, what’s the only thing worse than traveling when you’re really sick? Arriving two days before your luggage. That’s right, my luggage didn’t make the Washington to Frankfurt flight, and since there is only one flight per day from Frankfurt to Almaty, I must wait until Monday a.m. to get my clothes. A good piece of advice for anyone traveling with more than one bag: put a set of pajamas, clothes, toothbrush, etc. in each suitcase. Fortunately, we stayed at a hotel the first night, so I at least today had soap, shampoo and a new toothbrush/toothpaste—and access to John’s clothes.

We slept the day away, and met up with Olga late this afternoon to take us to our apartment. It is really, really nice, and in a great location. There is a great playscape here, the restaurant with the indoor playscape is just up the street, and the mall with a playscape as well is relatively close by. The grocery store—the “Harris Teeter” of grocery stores--is only ½ block away.

We go tomorrow a.m. to get Aidar for good!!!!! I hope someone has explained to him what will be taking place. I know he will miss his friends and the staff at the baby house. We didn’t get to see him today since we were awaiting Olga’s call this a.m. and were going to the apt. this afternoon during visitor’s hours. I am so worried that I will get him sick. I guess that’s the only thing that’s worse than traveling when you’re sick: forcing your child to travel when he’s sick.

We will go to the SOS Clinic on Tuesday to get his medical clearance. Thursday will be a busy day: his passport is due back (we think it includes his visa), and we have our interview with the U.S. Embassy. We’re scheduled to leave early Saturday a.m. (around 4:30), but will spend the day in Germany, since there are not enough seats on the flight back to the U.S. for the three of us. We can’t wait to bring him home to meet everyone! We brought a number of pictures of our family and friends so that he will recognize everyone when we get back to the States, and won’t be so overwhelmed.

Thanks to all of you for your warm wishes, your help, and your prayers. It looks like this is finally coming to fruition!

Court Paper Work Should be Complete!

Monday the 2nd of February 2009 - Court Paper work is supposed to be completed. Our agency says everything is "fine." In that case we celebrate our new addition. We will not see him until the 12th of February when we go back to Kazakhstan. We can now post and show everyone a picture of him.


We brought Aidar a treat to celebrate after our court approval by the judge on our 2nd trip. He sure did enjoy this lollipop!

WE cannot wait until we go back and can bring him home. This process is starting to wind down but our excitement is ramp-ping up. Then our new journey with a family addition takes off. (Pun Intended) We still have to work out some flight arrangements to bring him home but we will have that set before we leave the US. We will schedule flights to return to the US on the 21st. The thought of packing for 3 is almost surreal. We can pick him up the day we get there so we will take clothes, shoes, everything for him to wear.
Until we post again, Many Blessings to all!