Wednesday, November 30, 2005

Gift Day for the Orphanage and Us

We have received William's new birth certificate and adoption decree. We took our gifts for the orphanage and caretakers and told them how greatful we are for their care of our son. We took cakes for everyone. Then we dressed our son and left.

No more see you laters. This has been an amazing experience with some frustrating moments, but amazing. We are thrilled.

Our pics for the day...

Tuesday, November 29, 2005

Last Visitation!

Today was our last visitation! Tomorrow we sign all the papers for all of his new birth certificate and passport (yes, more paperwork). We had to buy three cakes tonight, not sure why three, but we did. Tomorrow we give our gifts and give cakes to show our appreciation and gratitude for their care of our son and then grab him and run!

William was a little better today. At least he didn't need four different outfits today from throwing up. He played some and smiled some.

Sorry for the short post today and no post yesterday, but I have not really been in the mood to post. Our post from yesterday is in draft form and is a rambling, very long, post which may or may not be posted at some point, but I needed to get some things off my chest, even if it never sees the light of day on here. We miss everyone back home and can not wait to be back.

Brandon we found a store for you, not sure what they sell and not sure I want to know....lol.

Ok on to the important ones...


Sunday, November 27, 2005

Weekend Happenings

Which were pretty much nothing. We went shopping yesterday with everyone at the Promanade Fashion Center, which is within walking distance of our apartment (two blocks). This has the Gros supermarket in it. If we had known that this was so close we would not have been going to the Nikolski flea market for some things.

It is a very nice upscale mall type place, complete with food court (again if we had known it was within walking distance we would have had more meals out). For those in San Antonio think North Star Mall. We bought some things, walked around, ate lunch and came home. We rested a bit and then walked down to Saint Nicholas Cathedral and took some pictures.

Today we walked back toward the Promanade. This is also in the area where the Wedding House, the Central Stadium and the Circus are next to the Circus is an amusement park with rides. We took a bunch of pictures of these and then walked back to the Promanade and had something to eat. They have King Burger there (not Burger King, but it is curiously the same logo). There is also a Kazak National stand and a pizza stand and an American/Mexican stand. We opted for the American/Mexican stand today (yesterday we had King Burger). I ordered a steak and baked potato. Now to look at the picture this was a harmless plain "American" steak and plain baked potato. When I got it the plate had the steak (which was smothered in ketchup and mayonaise), rice (covered in ketchup) and a baked potato with the ends cut off so it stood up right on the plate with butter and some sort of cheese stuffed in it. Apparently, they think we Americans like our ketchup. It actually wasn't too bad after I got most of the ketchup and mayonaise off. David had a Club Sandwich and fries, which looked really good. The only strange thing on it was hard boiled egg and cucumber. I think I will stick with the Club Sandwich next time.

Well, we are off of here for now. We have not received our call yet telling us when they will be here in the morning (if they will be here). Talk to everyone later, love you and miss you all.


Wedding House

Circus

Sums up our experience so far

Friday, November 25, 2005

Day 31 - Rainy and Cold and Miserable

Today was very rainy and very cold. There is more snow covering the mountains but it hasn't made it to the city yet. Depressing day, to go with my depressing mood. The baby house director is having a "bad time" right now so has forbidden all families from visiting on Saturday and Sunday. This means two days without seeing our son (who technically isn't our son until Wednesday we were reminded today). That's fine, we will go along with their whims, until Wednesday, and then they will need an army to keep me from getting him out of that prison.

William is sick, he has a very deep cough, which he has had for two days, but it must miraculously stop when we leave because according to his caregivers they have not heard one cough from him yesterday or through the night. He was not himself today he barely smiled. There are so, so, so many things I would like to write on here but can't, not until we are home anyway.

For those of you on your way over here remember one thing, just accept what they say and move on because it seems that every time someone complains (not us) or voices a strong opinion about what we should and should not be allowed to do, things mysteriously get taken from us. We are foreigners being given a privilege of adopting a child of their country. We cannot lobby their judges or prosecutors or congress (do they even have a congress) for reform.

Enough wallowing in the pity bucket. We have five more days (now only two of which we get to visit) to do our time and get him the heck out of that place. I just want to go with the flow and get it over with, with as little unwarranted added stress as possible.

Our pic of the day.....

Thursday, November 24, 2005

Day 30 - HAPPY THANKSGIVING

To everyone back home. We are missing having Thanksgiving with the family, but for a great reason. We went to Mad Murphy's to have our "Thanksgiving" meal with our adoption buddies. We had chili cheese hamburger, bbq pork sandwich, french fries and tried to imagine it was turkey. Needless to say this didn't work...lol. But we were thankful for a night out with our new friends. The weather turned cold and rainy tonight. Hopefully this is not a sign of snow on the way.

We thought we had seen everything until this morning. Remember the "anybody can be a taxi" entry? Well, this morning we saw a well dressed gentleman standing slightly in the road with his hand out for a ride. The interesting thing was in his other hand he was holding a rope which was attached to his car with the flashers going. So apparently you can not ony be a taxi but also a tow truck if willing. Sure enough someone pulled over and they agreed and he tied the rope to their bumper and off they went. David and I were cracking up.

William was his usual cheery self. We love his laugh. We spoke too soon about the red suit being gone....it reappeared today! Complete with pink, yes I said pink, booties. Apparently they are not fashion concious between boys and girls. I promissed him he would never be in pink again when we get him home. We got to feed him today. They brought in his "Thanksgiving" meal of mashed potatoes with some sort of meat mixed in. Now, I had heard stories of the gigantic "shovels" they use to basically shovel the food in as fast as they can and move on to the next baby, but I didn't believe. Well, it's true. They brought us this huge spoon "shovel", which is bigger than our table spoons (pic below). Thankfully, mama packed a spoon we had brought with us for the trip home that was more his size.

We miss everyone and can't wait to be home. Talk to you later.

On to the pics of the day....


Yes folks, the red outfit is back!

How the heck does this even fit in his mouth?

Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving!

Wednesday, November 23, 2005

Day 29 - I think....

We are losing track of our days. David's mom called at 8:00 this morning (their 8:00 pm) to let us know that his dad's surgery went very well. William says get better grandpa, we love you, and we will see you very soon.

Well, today's outfit was a similar version to the red and yellow one, but not as bad. He had on a blue sweatsuit, the same style as the red one, a red shirt (which David thought made him look like a lumber jack...lol) and red knit pants with green socks and gray knit booties (can we hope that this outfit won't last as long as the red one?). Our adoption buddies' little girl was beautiful as ever.

William was very excited to see us today, at least I think it was us...lol. Maybe it was his magic bag (as his caretakers call our diaper bag stuffed with toys). We were in a different visiting room today, as our usual one was being used. This actually turned out to be a good thing. This room is smaller but not sweltering like the bigger one, it was actually comfortable. So mama didn't strip him today...lol...ok I did take the jacket off, but that was only to find him underneath the layers.

It is very hard to watch him being carried off when the visit is over. Our adoption buddies and us are in a quiet mood, which makes the trip back to the city seem longer and longer. Well, we are off for now. We miss everyone and we will be home soon. Paka Paka for now.

On to the pics of the day...



Tuesday, November 22, 2005

One More Week

We have made it to the half way point of the 15 day appeal period. One more week of visits, one more week of see you laters. William is wonderful with everything, he is smilling more and babbling more. Today he tried to patty cake for the first time. It was so cute. And at least it is not the red and yellow outfit again.

The weather was actually very nice today, cold still, but not as bad. David's cold seems to be getting better, while mine is hanging on.

Our pics for today (hopefully..lol). Ok if anyone knows what is going on with uploading pics could you let me know. We have not been able to upload for several days. It looks like they are uploading, it even says they are done, but then they do not show up.

I will try again later. We miss everyone and can't wait to be home. Talk to you later.

Ok now it looks like the upload is working.

Studying my family.

Blowing kisses

My own personal fan.

Word of advice, layer your clothing. You will need it for outside in the cold. They keep the visiting room about 100 degrees I think.

Sunday, November 20, 2005

Update - We are not in Texas anymore Toto!

Ok this is an update of the last four days. One day the phone went out (I miss ma bell), the next day the internet didn't want to cooperate (I miss Time Warner - high speed), yesterday Blogger wasn't working and David and I have been extremely under the weather. So today the gods are with us and it looks like everything may be cooperating.

Thursday we hung out at home, David has been very sick with a major cold. Unfortunately, our winter coats are good for Texas winters but not the bone chilling, freezing temperatures of Almaty. It is a wet cold, not just cold. So pack a parka if you are from a southern state and not used to this cold stuff. If you are like our adoption buddies who are from Minnesota, I am sure you will feel right at home.

Friday we went to the grocery store, woohoo...big excitement.

Saturday we went to the 28 Panfilov Soldiers Park, where the big yellow wooden church is that everyone takes pictures of when they come here. The park was very nice. We took lots of pictures. It was freezing out though, so of course now I am sick also. Well between the cold air yesterday and David trying to hack up a lung, I am sick now.

Sunday (today) we had a visit from the pipe workers who come to clean out the pipes if there is a problem. And of course, yesterday evening we had a problem. The kitchen sink backed up, the toilet would back up and almost overflow when we flushed. Then we noticed that the kitchen floor was getting flooded with water. We called An, and of course she had to call someone else. Then we were basically told that the pipe workers only work until 6:00pm and it was 8:00pm, so they wouldn't be here until the morning, just don't use any water until then. We spent and interesting evening trying to figure out how to go to the bathroom, wash dishes, wash our hands.

The pipe worker came, he spoke no English, we very little Russian, but with the point to the issues method and 1,000 tenge later we were able to use the facilities again. By the way, they don't have plungers here. He wrapped a hand towel around his hand and shoved his arm as far as he could get it down the toilet as the plunger, then graciously tried to hand David the towel.....lol. David graciously pointed to the trash can to put the towel in.

Ok we are off for now. We truly, truly miss everyone at home, and the little conveniences that we take for granted. Lauren and Brandon, Uncle David said it was great to talk to you both, we miss you so much.

Wednesday, November 16, 2005

Touristy Stuff

We went to the Art Museum today (officially called The Kasteev State Museum of Arts of the Republic of Kazakhstan). It was very nice. The price to get in is very cheap 80t per person. On the first floor they have a couple of shops to buy things, of course we weren't sure of the prices as nothing was marked. For some reason An stayed in the car, she said we didn't need her in there it was just pictures on the wall so she got us in the door and then went back out.

There is a carpet shop in there. An asked if we were planning on buying any carpets to take home (apparently big with some people to do this) because this guy was pretty good. I don't think we need any carpets, although they are beautiful. We did buy some post cards and a nice book of the museum pictures. We did the point at the item and I am getting good at saying skoylka etta schtoyt (phonetically spelled how it is pronounced) which means How much does this cost. Or you can just say skoylka (how much) and they will get the picture. Most people know you are a foreigner and get the calculator out to show you or write down how much it will be in tenge. This has worked for us so far...lol. We were allowed to take pictures in the museum, just not of the 17th and 18th century exhibits. Did I mention I am not a history buff? I am not even sure what years the 17th and 18th century encompass. We did take some pictures, I tried to stick with anything after 1900, I figured I would be safe with that (hopefully). Although one picture I got of the Icons, I was told it was ok to take a picture of. If you are unsure there are ladies in every room (who follow you at a distance, kinda creepy) you can point at your camera and at the picture and they will say da or nyet.

The weather wasn't bad today, still cold but at least no rain or snow. We are counting down the days to be home. Thank you everyone for all of the congrats on here and in emails I received we really appreciate them. We miss everyone back home. Talk to you later.

Pics for the day.....(ok will try again later, not working right now)

Monday, November 14, 2005

Day 20 - It's Official

We have been questioned and approved by the Prosecutor, Judge and Social worker! Court was pretty easy, nerve racking, but easy. David may be loosing his charm with the women...lol. He was asked a couple of questions, I don't think they believed his answers and had me stand up and asked me the same questions. They asked David who decided to take a boy, him or me. He told them we both talked about it and fell in love with Alibek (William). I think the judge thought it was more HIM than me, she shook her head frowned at his answer and then asked me who decided a boy...lol. Little does she know it was actually ME that wanted a boy, but I think she thought the man must have put his foot down and chose the boy...lol. I think the toughest question to David (and I am glad he got it) is why did we choose Kazakhstan. He told them our reasons, they seemed satisfied and motioned him to sit. It was my turn to stand in the hot spot.

My questions were pretty routine, how many children do you want, can you handle his medical conditions, will you return to work, who will watch him when you return to work, pretty much they ask the women these questions, because it is our "job" to raise the child. They grilled me more than David. But even at that it was only about seven or eight questions, David only had three.

On the way back from the Baby House it started to snow. David was in heaven, he has been waiting for this. I am thinking YUCK!

So it's official William is now ours. We went to visit after court.


Wow, all dressed up just to see me?

Sunday, November 13, 2005

Day 19 - Getting Ready for Court

It stopped raining today but it is cold. We just hung out here at home getting ourselves ready for court and getting all the gifts together and ready to take with us tomorrow. We are very excited and nervous. Al gave us a run down on Friday as to what we should expect and how to handle some questions that might be asked, so I guess we are ready for this. Wish us luck. I doubt we will sleep much.

Saturday, November 12, 2005

Day 18 - Rainy and Cold Day 2

Ok, we are SERIOUSLY missing San Antonio weather! Again, I just want you to know that you guys suck.

We hung out at home today because it is just nasty out. We did venture out for lunch though, to Mad Murphy's. Good food (not as good as Dublin Pub). When we got there they had no electric lol. This figures, our second time venturing to a restaurant and we may not get to eat. We did meet another couple there who are also adopting. This was great fun. They are a very nice couple. The electric finally came on about 20 minutes after we got there, so not bad. The menu is in english and russian. This is apparently the big hang out for adoptive families. They even have a corner of toys and a little tent of balls for kids to jump in.

Our only pic from there and it is not the greatest, I was shivering!


Day 17 - Rainy and Cold

This seems to be the forcast for the next several days. We went up the mountain in the cable car today. Of course, it was raining and misty and very thick fog so we couldn't see a thing lol. It is 300t (per person) to go up the mountain and 300t (per person) to get back down (my suggestion, unless they get things improved greatly, or perhaps it is a beautiful day, save your tenge). What we could see of it was in need of and getting a much needed makeover. They were planting new trees and shrubs and flowers. We could only see the famous radio tower a little ways up, the top of it was shrouded in fog. There is pretty much nothing left of the scenery on the montain itself (although they are working to repair and spruce it up), I can't comment on the view of the city from up there since it was a bad day. We couldn't go all the way to the radio tower because they were working on the walkway and had it blocked off. It became even foggier (is this a word?) as we were getting ready to leave.
Our pics from up there.

Foggy and cold! This is the big apple (no not New York)

For those who are interested Almaty used to be called Alma Ata (Father of Apples) because of it's famous huge apples.

Replanting and spucing up.

The car for the ride back down. Where did the cables go?

Thursday, November 10, 2005

Day 16 - The Almaty Zoo

Today we went to the Almaty Zoo. We had a great time and took lots of pictures. The zoo has been around since I think 1937 and has some interesting animals on display. Lots and lots of birds, an aquarium, a reptile/night animal house, racoons, pigs...you know the usual zoo fare. It was 200tenge per person to get in and another 30tenge to go in the reptile house. An wasn't going to go in with us but David and I insisted and paid her 30tenge for her. You should have seen her face, she was like a little kid in there...lol. You can tell as she is telling us all about not only the zoo but other things in Almaty she is very proud of her city.

The Presidential elections are coming up in December. She is very excited to think that the current President will win again because under him they have lived in peace with no wars or difficulties or struggles with their neighbors, as she puts it. It is fun to see the excitement in her face as she tells about these things and to see a different perspective on things here. We are outsiders and we may not always see things the way the locals do. We find it funny when she tells us about paying the government $10 per month for the pipeworkers who have to come and fix anything wrong with the pipes in the apartment buildings. We think this is nothing because when we call a plumber it is $80-90 an hour, but when you think about how little they have here $10 may as well be $100.

Here are some pics from our day at the zoo.... (ok maybe not, either blogger or nursat is having issues tonight, I will try again later)

Wednesday, November 09, 2005

Day 15 - St. Nicholas Cathedral

We went to see St. Nicholas Cathedral and the market next to it today. Of course, I left the camera in the car so we didn't get any pictures of the Cathedral. Oh well, we walk to there almost everyday so I will get some later. Our adoption buddies (sounds so much better than referring to them as the "other couple") went in and looked around. An, David and I stayed outside. An because she didn't have a skirt on or a head covering. Me because I didn't have a head covering (for you back home, it's a Catholic thing, kinda like needing to know that the Crucifix was in his room before I get on a plane with him, just go with it lol). David, I think just wanted to hang out with us lol. Our adoption buddies aren't of the Catholic religion so it was ok and didn't bother her that she did not have a head covering. They said it was beautiful inside. I will have to get a scarf so we can go in one day.

Tuesday, November 08, 2005

Day 14 - We Made It!

Today marks the Official last day of our 14 day bonding period. A chapter in our story closes and another begins, waiting for court. It also meant more, you guessed it, paperwork! We signed more documents today all in duplicate and all in Russian, for all we know we could be signing away our income for the next year, but it would all be worth it. No, seriously, Al is always very thorough in explaining everything we are signing.

These were documents for after court to get William's Kazakhstan passport and stamps and registration to be able to live permanently in the U.S. It seems like we just got here. Everything has been so great so far. It still seems like a dream sometimes that I don't want to wake up from.

Our pics for today...

Monday, November 07, 2005

Days 12 & 13

The weather has been really nice during the day and freezing at night. The other couple we are with is loving this weather, of course they are from Minnisota, they are used to this. For us Southern people, it's for the birds! Except David, he is loving it and is walking around in his shirt sleeves much to the shagrin of the babushkas here. They are always admonishing him (in Russian, so who knows what they are saying lol) probably saying crazy American is going to die of the cold.

I see San Antonio is having beautiful weather! I just want you to know you guys suck, ok! We went to the Tsoom store again on Monday and bought a bunch more stuff (ok not a bunch, but enough). On our way there guess what we saw! A NASCAR sign. Not sure if it was a store or what but it was great. Darren (husband of the "other couple") is a NASCAR fan also. So we want to find it again and take a picture of it. We also went to the chocolate factory....supposedly very good chocolate, best of Almaty, according to An. Those of you that know me, know I am a chocoholic, I know good chocolate! This is ok chocolate, it is very fresh I will give it that. But think more of very rich cocoa tasting chocolate molded into bars. It's not Cadbury's or Hershey's but it will do. I thought I was going to have to send an SOS to Chris to send more smarties, but this might hold me over till we leave.

Pics for the day....


Sunday, November 06, 2005

Day 10 & 11

Everything here is great. We are enjoying every minute with William. We are also enjoying our time around Almaty.

William is getting more active and smiley every day. We miss everyone back home and can't wait for court on Monday the 14th, because that will mean we are that much closer to being there. Although we are going to miss Almaty when we leave also. David said he could see us living here if I got a job (hmm does this mean he thinks I am going to work while he plays Mr. Mom?..lol) But we truly do love it here it is so beautiful and everyone is very nice.

The Disco across the street is hoping lately. Oh, and for those of you worried about what to wear not to stick out, don't. We have seen everything here from jeans to skirts so short you wonder if there is really material there. The women love high heeled boots. And I don't mean just high heels, I mean 4 to 5" spiked stilettos. You could kill someone with some of these spiked heels. Of course, I would break an ankle if I tried to walk all over town in those things.

Our pics of the day...


Thursday, November 03, 2005

Day 8 & 9 - More Paperwork

Just when you think you are finished with paperwork...wham. We have signed more things since being here, some in English, some in Russian. Al, our translator for the Baby House visits, is great. She really explains everything to us and the other couple. We had to stop by the court house on our way to drop off some of our paperwork. It is a tiny little building in a villiage or two before you get to Karakastek. By the way, we have a court date!! Time to get really nervous now. November 14th we will go infront of the judge and plead our case to adopt William and beg to see if our 15 day appeal period will be waived (which they say is highly unlikely in this region, but I guess it doesn't hurt to try). Did I mention we have two translators? One for here in Almaty, whom I love and is so sweet, An (just first letters) and then Al (just first letters) who takes us to the Baby House.

We feel like royalty sometimes lol. Two translators, two drivers and our coordinator who does all the running of our court stuff and passport stuff.

On to our pics of the days (hopefully...lol).

Can we say enough with yellow and red thing!!

Ok, I am stylin' now

Thank you for saving me from that outfit!

Wednesday, November 02, 2005

Day 5,6,7 - Touristy Stuff

Playing catch up because of the internet being down or 1/2 working since Sunday.

Sunday we spent the day doing touiristy things. We walked (David is saying..and walked and walked..lol) to the great Tsoom (how it is pronounced not spelled if you are looking for it, spelled with the Russian uym) department store/third floor anything you could want in Kazakhstan souvenirs store. When they say department store they mean bazaar in our terms I think (you know like a lot of booths with goods for sale). It was great, 1st floor mostly electronics, second floor any fancy name brand you can think of and of course the third floor of souvenirs (which is where we spent most of our time..lol). So to all of you back home, since I won't have time or probably the inclination to Christmas shop when we get home, we did your Christmas shopping here (now to get it all back home...lol).

Monday the Baby House was in "quarantine" as they call it and we did not get to visit long. We tried to go to the Central Museum but it was closed for cleaning of the exibits...maybe another day. So we went to Republic Square and put our hands in the hand print of the President of Kazakhstan, which according to tradition is supposed to bring you great riches and fame for the rest of your life.

Tuesday we had a great visit and mommy got to put him in his Texas outfit (because she is SICK of the red and yellow outfit of 6 days now). Ok upload is not working at 33.6 speed so I will try again later.

On a side note:
They thought we had a lot of luggage when we got here (they should have seen what we didn't pack...lol). Ok perhaps 4 check-ins (which turned into six when we left London because they have a different weight limit for carry ons than the US so the stroller bags had to be checked), two carry on stroller bags, the laptop stroller bag and a diaper bag stuffed to the brim may have been a little excessive. But in our defense two of the check-ins and one stroller bag were gifts for the orphanage and gifts for all the workers and our LMI staff here and William had a check-in plus the diaper bag all on his own. So in reality David and I only packed one check-in and one stoller bag for us...lol. Plus, you know we had to buy some duty free stuff in London and on the way to Alamty on the plane. You should have seen M's face when she saw it all. Luckily they know that we Americans bring a lot of luggage so they had a van to pick us up at the airport.



For anyone reading this and getting ready to come over, I will let you know a couple of things. One, peanut butter can be found in Almaty (even though we were told by several people it could not be). I found it at Silk Way. Two, if you are bringing new clothes for the Baby House donation or for your new child remember to cut the tags off of them and wash them. I did not know this and it got two of our bags searched by customs. This was the only thing we were questioned about by customs at the airport. They asked what the new clothes were for, we told them we were adopting and they seemed ok with that answer and let us go on our way. Then M tells us we should have taken the tags off the clothes (a little late then lol). But as my father-in-law told David, just play the dumb American who doesn't know any better, worked for us (thanks for the advice Dad, it has come in handy on more than one occasion). Talk to everyone soon, love you and miss you and William says hi.