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!

January 22, 2009 (Thursday)

(Pictures of our rooms in Hotel Alma-Aty)

We arrived home Saturday night after a 35 hour trip. We went through Istanbul, and had eggs and sausage along the way. Since Turkey is four hours behind Almaty, we were able to try the eggs a second time on the trip from Istanbul to Munich just in case we weren't sure about them on the first trip. The trip from Germany to the U.S. is the one that always gets to me. It's the last 1 1/2 hours that makes me so antsy. We flew from Munich into Philadelphia, and then home. Oh my gosh, were we tired. We cannot thank Beena enough for taking us to the airport on the way to KZ, and Beth for picking us up.

It was an exhausting trip, but it all melted away the moment we saw Karis. She was so excited to see us, and we were just as excited to see her. She has been such a trooper through all of this.

We are preparing to head back, and have sent Jeff our passports to have the visa updated. We need a couple more passport photos, and need to sign more forms since we've already run through those that we already had with our first two trips.

A tip for those of you yet to pick up your child: you will need ten passport pictures of your child for all of the documentation.

We will go back to KZ somewhere around Feb. 11th. We will take Aidar to the SOS clinic for his medical clearance on 2/13 and then will wrap up his visa, passport and other docs the following week. We have an interview with the U.S. Embassy on 2/17, and should be able to bring him home immediately following the interview.

Aidar has no idea how many wonderful people have waited so long to meet him. I think this journey is virtually all of your's as well as our's, and we thank you for going on it with us. It takes a village to raise a child, and we live in the best village of all.

We'll write more as the next excursion approaches.

Day 27--Court Date #2 and #3--January 15, 2009

Day 27-- January 15, 2009

And the verdict is…………………………………….court was delayed until 1:00. Agh!

(11:40 a.m.) We didn’t have enough time to visit Aidar, so we changed clothes and went out to walk off some of this nervous energy and practice for the 700th time what we will say in court if given the opportunity. Our 1st court day the judge asked us very little about Aidar himself, and Olga suggested we talk about the emotional side of the adoption—how much we love him and he loves us.

We were at the court at 12:00. Our translator did not want to get held up by traffic, so we were early. We waited in our translator’s car and chatted. We saw the judge arrive, and the prosecutor leave. Then we saw what we thought was the judge leaving. OK, John didn’t think it was the judge in the first place, but Azziz and I were convinced.

1:00 p.m. Still waiting…….

1:30 p.m. The judge leaves the courtroom and passes through some doors to the world of the unknown. Uh-oh. Are we going to be delayed again?

1:32 p.m. Everyone starts speaking in Russian and stands up. Is this good or bad? They said it was time. But where was the judge?

1:33 p.m. They ushered us through the doors to the world of the unknown, and up some stairs. My knee is still blown out from falling the other day….ouch…ouch…ouch…with each step. They take us to an office. And then an office off of the office.

1:36 p.m. The judge arrives, sits down with two huge sets of documents and begins looking through one as our translator begins speaking to us while the judge speaks. John has rehearsed in his head a thousand times what he is going to say about the love we have for Aidar and how it is reciprocated, but the judge doesn’t ask us if we have anything to say. The judge apologized for the delay, that he was running behind because of criminal cases, he thanked us for waiting, etc. etc. etc. Finally……

1:42 We are approved!!!! John was grinning from ear to ear (or as he says “Like a mule eating briars”). Hooray!!!! I was listening to our translator continue on—did I really hear what I thought I heard? The judge asked us to not let Airdar forget his homeland, to bring him back to visit. Yes, it must be true! The judge said that maybe he would come to visit the U.S., smiled, said congratulations, and then we were whisked out of his office as quickly as we had come into it. We all signed our names on a couple of sheets of paper, and that was it. Can you believe it? If anyone wants to hear John’s speech, I’m sure it will be in his head for the next couple of years.

We then went to lunch with Olga to celebrate, and learned that when Olga spoke with the judge on Tuesday evening that he had asked her to again contact the birth parents and have them come to court on Friday. Olga was able to convince him that with the two documents she had from them relinquishing their rights to Aidar, that they are certain that they will allow this adoption. As such, the judge agreed to approve us today without pursuing any further action with his birth parents.

It is mind blowing to me how we can go through so much, and it can all disappear with a phone call. Or two.

I later thought that this was a lot like having a baby in that you forget all of the pain once you actually have the child. But, unlike having a second child, I don’t think I could go through the anxiety that goes with an adoption again. Thank God for Aidar and Karis. They are all we could ever want in children.

We saw Aidar this afternoon and decided that we must usurp his energy in the morning sessions because he was full of energy this afternoon. John bought him two more cars, and we played with them for a while. We brought him some apple juice again (shhhhhh—don’t tell anyone), and he loved it. He was so affectionate this afternoon. We’d like to think that he knew something was up. We were told that they’ve explained to him that he will be coming to live with us. We hope that he is excited about that and that he won’t miss his friends too terribly when he leaves. We know that he will be happy that he will only have to wear one layer of clothing.

John is already planning Aidar’s hunting license. Can he become a redneck that quickly?

We meet with the baby house in the a.m. to get Aidar’s passport photos, and then we meet with Olga at 1:00 to go over the embassy documents. Aidar will become our’s officially on January 30, 2009. Olga had requested on Monday that the judge waive the 15-day appeal period, to no avail. We wish we could bring him home today, but we know that we will have government documents to be finished.

We leave at 4:30 a.m. on Saturday to return home via Istanbul…and Munich…and Philadelphia. If we don’t get a chance to blog tomorrow night, we’ll fill you in on the much-anticipated details when we see you.

Thank you, everyone for following along with our blog, and thank you for your comments. We don’t feel half a world away when we know our family and friends are so close to our hearts.

Day 26-- January 14, 2009

Day 26-- January 14, 2009

Today was actually restful. We tried not to dwell on our court day tomorrow and just spend some time together, with Aidar and rest if we could. We went to Aidar’s house at 10am to spend the morning with him. He did not play with any of the toys coloring books or the puzzle we brought this morning. He only wanted to listen to the ring tones of the cell phone and dance. It’s hard to imagine that we could spend an hour and 45minutes playing with a cell phone but we did. We taught him to say the word “up” the other day so we practiced that a few times when he wanted to be picked up. He likes us to hold him so we can dance with him in our arms. We are trying to teach him some rhythm and moves, but he definitely seems to like music. Another sign that he will fit into the family just fine! Although we could all use help with the rhythm and moves.

Cindie and I came back to the hotel after our morning time with Aidar to eat a sandwich from items we bought from the store. We ate lunch watching it snow and listening to music on the computer. It was very peaceful. Cindie caught up on some reading and I caught a nap.

For the afternoon time with Aidar, we stopped by the convenient store and picked up some apple juice for him. For the past few days he has been very lethargic and seemed to just zone out when we got there and took him to the playroom. Again, we picked him up today and sure enough he wanted me to just hold him. I did that for a little while then he wanted to get the flashlight out and play with it. That is when we broke out the apple juice. Ahh…., nothing like sugar to get a Kid going right. Needless to say, he loved it. He wanted to drink it all at once and he would have if we would have let him. Well that was the trick. After he drank some juice, I asked him to get the “machinea” Kazakh for car, and we played with the matchbox cars for a while. Then he wanted to color in the coloring book. He is actually doing a lot better at that by not scribbling all over the page and just in small area with little strokes. Then he pulled out the “Sesame street” puzzle, it’s only 24 pieces and forms about a 10”x12” picture. We took it over to the side off of the Persian rug so it would be on the hard surface of the floor. I told Cindie we would let him try it all by himself. Other than flipping a few pieces over on their correct side, that was it. He started by a small section of “Big Bird” Oddly enough, he started with them upside down. That was bugging Cindie. After he put about 5 pieces together, with the picture facing upside down, Cindie could not stand it anymore and turned it around so the picture would face him correctly. Much to my satisfaction, on his own, he turned it right back around so he could assemble another piece. Finally, after assembling one complete side and most of the top portion, he rotated the assembled piece’s so the picture would face him correctly. Cindie was then satisfied. He worked diligently at it for almost 20 minutes. Then he was finished with the masterpiece. He was proud and then turned to us for hugs. After that, we played with other toys until time for him to go back to his room. Of course he reminded us that he still had apple juice to finish.

We decided we better just head back to the hotel and finish leftovers to save some money. After all, we may be celebrating Thursday night. We will let you know the verdict after court tomorrow.

We did talk to Karis before she went to school Wednesday. She sounded so happy but told me that she was calling for mommy last night. Karis talked to Cindie for a little bit and wanted us to bring her a present, and then she started to get sad while talking to Cindie and started to cry. She wanted us to come home. Hopefullly she did not cry long. Usually not if there is a cartoon or something she wants to eat near by. We completely understand her pain. We think this is a crazy process also, to be required to be here so long. We feel like crying too Karis! Give Karis big hugs and kisses for us and we will see her real soon. Thanks again for taking Care of her while we are going through this. --JH

Here is another view from our hotel at. We have to enjoy while we have it so we wanted to share! The moon was out so it lit up the mountains in the background. Of course I had to slow the shutter speed down to capture it all.