We made it through most of the day thinking it was Friday! Whooo Hoooo! Then, we discovered it is only Thursday. Boo Hoo! It’s the little things from home we’re beginning to appreciate the most, like knowing it’s Thursday because Scrubs is on TV. Soft toilet paper, not the kind here resembling paper sacks from the grocery store. Beds with a box spring AND mattress. Ceiling fans. Qdoba. Ice. Dairy Queen. Diapers for Jacob. FYI. They don’t use diapers so you must be very careful when playing with the boy. You’ll have to forgive us tonight. It rained like crazy here yesterday creating the thickest, stickiest mud you’ve ever seen. That being said, plus the continued rain today, prevented us from touring gerbil-land (aka “the track”) so we’re feeling a bit stir crazy tonight. Have we mentioned before that it gets dark here around 10 PM?
On the positive side of things, we found Coke Light in the little corner store today. I am so happy to have my fix. I rushed home and drank one warm. The Coke Light isn’t quite as good as our Diet Coke but it will do…. Yes, it will do….
On the extreme positive side, Jacob was just a hoot today. When we arrive at the orphanage, we head to the “big room” and one of us goes to Jacob’s room to let his caregivers know we’ve arrived. Today, when I walked in the room, Jacob was chillin’ with a few of his peeps in a large, wooden playpen (Yup, Dad. Another one painted with lead-based paint for sure). He looked up as I walked in and started waiving his hands in the air with a gigantic grin on his face, as if saying “dudes, that’s my mom!”. I entertained his peeps while one of his favorite caregivers dressed him in three layers for our indoor playtime. It’s about 80 degrees here today yet they love to bundle their kiddos up.
Jacob now babbles “da da” most of our visits. It makes Tim very proud. Beyond playing piano today, Jacob’s favorite game was shaking a very loud rattle. What is it about rattles that fascinate the minds of the little ones? He was highly entertained by it for at least 5 minutes! I’m telling ya’, this boy has focus!
Our afternoon visit was cut a bit short, as it appeared the orphanage was preparing for a party. The big room was decorated with streamers and balloons and there was a festive feeling in the air. We took pictures of the signs displayed but couldn’t translate them once we arrived back at the flat. Therefore, we have no idea what they are celebrating. However, our suspicion is they celebrate birthdays once a month. Jacob really liked the balloons. But no. For those of you on the arrival committee (and you know who you are J), he didn’t show any preferences for a favorite color balloon as his brother did while still in orphanage care.
We believe we are quasi-confirmed for court on Monday, June 11th at 2:30 PM. This holding true, we plan to jump the 6:00 PM overnight train right after court, arrive in Astana the morning of the 12th, hop a flight to Almaty that afternoon and leave for home on the 13th. If all goes well, we expect to be home by the 15th. We believe the paperwork needed to bring Jacob home should be complete by mid-July so we'll start planning that trip upon our return.
Gotta’ run! Despite the screens on our windows, the mosquitoes have decided I taste really good. It’s time to doctor my bites and begin yet another movie or book.
Thank you for following along! We love everyone’s comments. Cheers!
On the positive side of things, we found Coke Light in the little corner store today. I am so happy to have my fix. I rushed home and drank one warm. The Coke Light isn’t quite as good as our Diet Coke but it will do…. Yes, it will do….
On the extreme positive side, Jacob was just a hoot today. When we arrive at the orphanage, we head to the “big room” and one of us goes to Jacob’s room to let his caregivers know we’ve arrived. Today, when I walked in the room, Jacob was chillin’ with a few of his peeps in a large, wooden playpen (Yup, Dad. Another one painted with lead-based paint for sure). He looked up as I walked in and started waiving his hands in the air with a gigantic grin on his face, as if saying “dudes, that’s my mom!”. I entertained his peeps while one of his favorite caregivers dressed him in three layers for our indoor playtime. It’s about 80 degrees here today yet they love to bundle their kiddos up.
Jacob now babbles “da da” most of our visits. It makes Tim very proud. Beyond playing piano today, Jacob’s favorite game was shaking a very loud rattle. What is it about rattles that fascinate the minds of the little ones? He was highly entertained by it for at least 5 minutes! I’m telling ya’, this boy has focus!
Our afternoon visit was cut a bit short, as it appeared the orphanage was preparing for a party. The big room was decorated with streamers and balloons and there was a festive feeling in the air. We took pictures of the signs displayed but couldn’t translate them once we arrived back at the flat. Therefore, we have no idea what they are celebrating. However, our suspicion is they celebrate birthdays once a month. Jacob really liked the balloons. But no. For those of you on the arrival committee (and you know who you are J), he didn’t show any preferences for a favorite color balloon as his brother did while still in orphanage care.
We believe we are quasi-confirmed for court on Monday, June 11th at 2:30 PM. This holding true, we plan to jump the 6:00 PM overnight train right after court, arrive in Astana the morning of the 12th, hop a flight to Almaty that afternoon and leave for home on the 13th. If all goes well, we expect to be home by the 15th. We believe the paperwork needed to bring Jacob home should be complete by mid-July so we'll start planning that trip upon our return.
Gotta’ run! Despite the screens on our windows, the mosquitoes have decided I taste really good. It’s time to doctor my bites and begin yet another movie or book.
Thank you for following along! We love everyone’s comments. Cheers!
P.S. We think Jacob may be walking by the time we leave here!
4 comments:
What a delight, two messages in one day. I went to check the page out to recommend to a prospective family to read your blog because it is just great reading, and was excited to see a new post and picture. He is so darling and what a wonderful disposition. I love that he is getting excited when he sees you. JAN
I showed your blog to JC today and he said "Is that my brother? Is he a big kid or a baby?" I assured him that he will be the big kid & Jacob is a baby! Better re-check the baby proofing of your house if you are going to have 2 mobil & crazy boys around!
Take care!
Aunt Jill
Tim and Sherry
We are so excited for you both and have had you in our prayers. What a precious boy! I loved the pics of Jacob. I encourage a friend of mine to read your blog....they have been waiting so long. Safe traveling and much happiness!
Love Jeanne and Bob (Proud Aunt Jan's best friend)
Sounds like 16 More days ...yippee! It made my day to know that Sherri has Coca Cola Light. I'm sure it made being caged up due to the mud much more bearable (for Tim too). I would add to the list of dislikes the techno music. Is it as bad in Kaz? Never- is as soon as I want to hear it again. I love your descriptions of your time with Jacob. It is so wonderful that he recognizes you! It is such a great feeling to know that the bonding has started. Take Care
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