Ring in the New Year

New Year's Eve has finally arrived in Kaz and we're going to whoop it up! Well, not really. In fact not at all. That's not exactly true as we are heading over to Karina's family in a couple of hours for a traditional Muslim feast (New Year's Eve and New Years also happen to fall on the big Muslim holiday). We were invited to go to Uncle Shamrat's this evening but the little guy would be thrown completely out of wack - schedule wise.

Yesterday we, along with the Brabsons, went to the main mosque in Astana (mitchet in kaz/russian). It's relatively new - built around 5 years ago when the capital moved to Astana. It's was interesting to see as we've never been in a mosque. After that we went to the Astana Ball to get pics of us and the kids in front of it - by the time we got there little man had fallen asleep in the car (compared to his meltdown car ride on Friday) and it was so windy that I just had my pic taken there and on the mall. We then went to check out the Astana Ice City. Similar to the St. Paul Winter Carnival Ice Palace except that there are alot more sculptures and several big ice slides that look like Mayan temples. The kids all looked like they were having a blast so I thought I'd give it a whirl. Unfortunately jeans don't slide well on ice and I didn't have one of the little plastic discs or a piece of cardboard to set my bootie on to get cruisin.

Here are some pics from yesterday - will add more of the festivities of tonight and update that later. Happy New Year - S Novim Godom!

He's Back!!

Allelujah! Kurt arrived back yesterday and I am soooo glad to have him here with us! It has been an exhausting week doing the single parent thing. I have a new-found respect for all the single parents out there (Mickey - don't know how you did it in Kokshetau). The Brabsons got back 2 days before Kurt and were a welcome sight! They definitely helped me in the home stretch. Serik and I did get into a routine on our own but the first couple of days were rough. The first night he slept from 6:30-12:30 and was up until 7:30 in the a.m. - fun. He did well he next night but got thrown off his schedule on Christmas when we went to Christmas dinner at the Lloyds (3 different agencies were represented there). Since then the little man has been sleeping through the night about 8:30-6:30 and naps a bit during the day. Apparently they're supposed to sleep from 8-10, 12-2, 4-6 - not our little guy. He's down for about a half hour in the a.m., 45 min around lunch and an hour before dinner. We'll work on getting him on a schedule that's good for him when we get home. And speaking of home...11 days and counting. We leave for Almaty on the 4th and then back to the states on the 10th. Today we're going with the Brabsons to the main Mosque (is it capitalized?) 'Mitchet' and then to the Ice City that has been built. Hoping the little man will hold up okay while we're out and about. He had a melt down in the car on the way back from the airport with Kurt yesterday. The following are pics from the day I picked him up at the baby house, back at the apartment, the baby house director and a fabulous sunset from the other night.

More Randomness and Good News!

Ok so a few more random thoughts and an apology for a lame last post - I was so tired the other day that all I wanted to do was go to sleep.
First off: they don't salt the roads ot the sidewalks which is great for the cars but not so great for people trying to walk. They have put sand down once and it was right before Independence Day - other than that it's slip sliding away. I've gotten really good at hunting out the packed snow to walk on so that I don't land on my butt.
Second: Bathrooms - have forgotten to fill you all in on the public bathrooms. Won't be much of a suprise for anyone who has traveled to Europe or Asia before. 20 tenge (about 10 cents) gets you 3 squares of grade school quality tp and some porcelain treads bordering a porcelain hole in the floor. I've had this luxury before in Italy - thankfully no emergencies which if I remember correctly is a bit of a different story for my dad (sorry dad). I've only run into the hole in the ground here once though. The toilet at the baby house doesn't have a seat or tp so it's 'squat and shake' if you've forgotten your tp (i rarely forget). The other day I was thinking - 'gee this bathroom smells awfully familiar' turns out that damp, clorox smell brought me back to cleaning the jons at Camp Huckins. Can't believe that I can't even remember what the name we used for 'chores' was there - pititful of me. Our toilet and paper in the apartment is perfectly fine save for the padded toilet seat with the lovely floral print-I've gotten used to the padding. It's always a bit of a shock when I'm visiting a friends house and sit on a hard seat.

Third: The sweep the snow off the sidewalks here. The city does come around and plow the roads every once in a while and then a crab like machine picks up the piles of snow from the side of the streets.But as far as the sidewalks and parking lots it's all about man power. The parking lots usuall have two people working to clear them out - 1 shoveling snow into a sled and the 2nd watching and then dragging the sled away.

Fourth: Don't know if I've mentioned this or not but instead of using strollers in the snow they use something that looks like a carseat ontop of a sledand pull/push them around that way. Makes a ton of sense since the sidewalks are never not covered with snow/ice in the winter.
Walked around the city yesterday taking pics in a snow squall. Tried to get one of a police officer but he said no. They pull people over here using a fire engine like horn and a loudspeaker. The whole world knows you're getting pulled over and why.
Had a good visit with the boy yesterday -relatively uneventful which is the best kind.

Today I spent several hours running around the city on foot to try and gather souvenirs just in case we get custody tomorrow. Good thing I did because I found out that tomorrow a.m the little guy is all ours. Feel sort of sad for the caregivers- I'm sure they'll miss him. Took a pic of one of my favorites with him today before I left. She asked me to get a copy to her - which I'll try to do before I leave. Serik was tired today and spent the last 35-40 minutes of the visit cashed out on my tummy - first time he's fallen asleep with us. He's threatened to before but never has. One other note to the Brabsons - I know how great you thought it was when Kurt and I got the poopie diapers and you never had one- guess what-your precious little girl decided to grace us with the mother load when we picked her up. Fabulous. Irina attempted to change her but it was so lovingly caked on that she gave her to the caregivers. I did, however get a pic for you- enjoy. Note to everyone else - it's gross so try to cover your eyes.

Well folks....this is the last post until Kurt gets here with the computer. I may try to swing a post or two with the boy will see how we both adjust. Know that I'm thinking of you all and can't wait to see you all soon and have you meet our precious boy. Have a safe and Merry Christmas and a belated Happy Hannukah!

To the right is the Astana City Hall and an old Russian era truck.

So it feels like it's been a long couple of days and its only Wed. Serik is feeling better - which is a huge relief. I arrived at the baby house yesterday and he was a giggly little boy again. Phew! Still sounds like he's going to cough up a lung but at least no fever. The docs have been checking him and say he's doing better - so that's good. Yesterday was a lovely sunny day and since we visited the baby house in the morning (it was still their holiday weekend) I had the afternoon to walk around and take pics of the city for those of you who have said you want to see more. I went to the 'Sweet Fairy Cafe' and had a milk cocktail and then Irina made me fish soup. Turns out that I am a specialist at this matchmaking stuff - we introduced her to a local boy (Karina's family) and now they're happily besotted with each other! Who knew we'd come over here and end up introducing two locals. Today was back to morning visits and we took (we being Irina and I) Serik and Kat to the quiet room to play. Those two booked around like race cars - whose engines sounded a bit congested. Serik has gotten quite adept at pulling himself up but is still unsteady when on his feet so no worries about daddy missing his first steps. Counting the days til custody. Hoping to get him on Christmas - will keep you posted.

These pics are of around town: the blue domed one is the museum, happy new year in Russian, and a local house

This is the Eurasian Mall - sight of interesting shopping.

Sick Boy

Quick update from Sunday - very exciting - cleaned house, did laundry, baked banana bread woohoo. Then went to Zaure's house to have lunch with her, Gulia and Baha (Serik was out hunting). It was a good dinner with plenty of food and wine heaped upon me (which I do appreciate). Got there around 2 and got home around 8 - another marathon. They had wanted to go skating too but I was wiped. The visit with Serik today and tomorrow are morning ones from 10-12 because of the long holiday weekend. When I got there today he was still sleeping and I hated to wake him up for his feeding. I thought he felt hot and thankfully Irina was there with me to translate. He wasn't very interested in his rice cereal but was thirsty. After trying to get him to eat a bit I mentioned how warm he felt. The caregiver (through Ira) said 'oh he feels normal'. i didn't think so - so I asked if she would take his temp. She did so begrudgingly and as it turned out he did have a fever - 38.4 and 37 is normal - not sure of the conversions but will check it out when I get home. So the caregiver went to get the doctor who listened to his chest - said he had a bad virus and prescribed all these meds. The only thing they had on hand was the panadol to lower the fever. Apparently his lungs sound clear but I hear him coughing up crap all the time - can't wait to get him home and checked out! We had Katerina Zhana checked too - no fever (see Ira and I are looking our for here Linda) but she also has a chest cold. So the doctor asked us to keep them in their group room and have a short visit. Serik mostly wanted to be held as he was burning up - now I know what a worried mom feels like. He did push himself up to his feet from a kneeling position with his hands up above him on the couch (see pic). When I put him in his crib for a nap he cried - broke my heart to leave him there - only 6 more days!!! After the visit we went to the pharmacy to buy the meds for the babies and then delivered them to the baby house. Hopefully they'll get to the right place - Serik and Zhana. We (Ira and I) went and had lunch at Gulia's today w/ Zaure, Baha, Babushka. More good food and drink. They sent me off with some of Gulia's homemade apricot jam and a homemade canned 'beet salad' - which is actually shreded beet, carrot, tomato, salt and sugar. - very good. Am worried about the baby but will assume that they will give him the right meds...Only took a few pics. Promise to post more of the city.

Friday and Saturday update - Independence Day

First to start it's Independence Day here in KZ - which basically commerates the first battle on their road to succession from Russia. There were fireworks over the river last Sunday and apparently there shold be more tonight. I've got a front row seat from the apartment so we'll see. I've had a great couple of visits with the little man and thankfully we were allowed to visit today (saturday, Independence Day) as well as every day during the coming week. When I got to the baby house yesterday Serik was still sleeping so I was able to see him asleep for the first time and took these pics. I was told I could feed him his lunch after he woke up and I gave it a try. Apparently he had no interest in mashed carrots, potatoes and meat and made a classic face to prove it. I thought for sure his caregivers would insist that he be force fed but said 'oh it's okay just give him his drink' - which I did. The kid drinks out of a cup with gusto. The visit was good and we laughed and played. After the visit I went to the Eurasian Center and bought my Christmas - birthday present;the coat. It's nice and cozy and now I'm not the 'obvious American' walking down the street. The Lloyds came over to play cards last night and I watched a bit o' tv after they left. I was tired this a.m for the Saturday visit (I know just wait right?) and we had a mellow visit which seemed alright for Serik since he puked in the jump-o-lene. I did give him his first bottle from home which was just water - he loved it! Came home after the visit and took a nap - my first I think (or 2nd) since I got here - really! Crashed hard as my sleep as been seriously sporatic over the past couple of days. Heading to grocery shop in a bit and tomorrow I have been invited to eat with Gulia, Zaure, Serik and Baha. Will update more later. Enjoy the many cute pics of the boy.

This is Jamie Lloyds hand - don't worry daddy you're still number one with your boy.
This is a Kaz winter rainbow - formed from ice crystals in the air.

I see the sun!

Finally seeing the sun around here! Can't remember the last time I saw the sun - I'm sure it waasn't that long ago but it feels like it - today is a nice change. So a few random thoughts and observations here - I apologize if I'm repeating myself but I am too lazy to back into old posts to see if I've mentioned some of these to you yet or not.

First - as an ammendment to yesterdays post - the reason they stare is because I'm obviously foreign and by that I mean that I'm wearing sensible Uggs and a non-fur coat. These women are all about looking good - skinny jeans (like in the US - while I'm still in my bootcut ones) or black skinny pants or leggings, knee-high (or higher) stiletto black suede boots (yes through the snow - I think the spike on the heel acts like a crampon for ice climbing), matching hat and scarf. Whew. Must be exhausting. All the women walk arm in arm and it's quite quaint - serves a few purposes I'm sure: warmth, stabilityon the ice/snow and friendship. The carrots here are the biggest that I've ever seen it's like they're some genetically engineered hybrid - maybe a leftover effect from all the nuclear bomb testing in Semiplastnik (i kid - i hope). They are huge and so sweet and delicious. Hmmmm what else. Am getting better at the game of frogger - I stick closely to random Kazakhs (who've been playing the game all their lives) and manage to dodge the cars as I cross.

I walked around for an hour and a half this a.m. and didn't have my camera to take pics but plan on doing that tomorrow. I found a coat and will get it today - have heard that it's supposed to get down to -40 on the 21st. -40 is -40 anyway you cut it - farenheit or celsius - should be fun.

Had a good visit with Serik - counting the days now - just over a week until full custody - yeah! We (Irina and I ) took Serik and Zhana into our quiet playroom and the kids had a great time kissing on the cold windows. More later.

Have decided to start posting in the a.m. at times -vary my excitement a bit. I am tired of being stared at. If I was being stared at because I'm oh-so-attractive that would be one thing but considering that I have bags under my eyes the size of Texas and am dressed like a crazy american, it's getting old. Kids, senior citizens and everyone in between seems to enjoy staring at the american. If I could charge admission than this trip would be paid off by now :)!!

Had a great visit with Serik and the Brabson's little girl Zhana yesterday. We sang Christmas carols to them and they sat there absolutely enraptured. Mind you they were probably enraptured by the spectacle of a grown woman trying to carry a tune and remember what the 12 days of Christmas are but enraptured none the less. Irina wanted to know all about different carols because her mom likes all the american ones. She was singing 'jingle bells' with a slightly different tune than we have in the U.S. - very cute and amusing. The kids were booking around after the command performance - under the tables and chairs, going after electric cords (don't worry we didn't let them get to them), grabbing onto anything they could. Last night after the visit I went to the Lloyds for burgers and fries - homemade fries mind you - so good. Looking forward to seeing Serik today and talking to him all about his relatives waiting at home for him. Only bummer is that this Saturday is Kaz Independence Day - 15th anniversary since the first battle to break away from Russia. So we probably won't get to visit the baby house that day and there are rumors (that I hope aren't true) that we can't visit Mon, Tues or Wed! Will find out today - I'm sneaking in to see my boy if I have too. Here are some pics from yesterday. More later.

All of these pics are of Serik's baby group rooms. That's him under the towel after a quick clean off in the bidet. My camera battery died so will get pics of where he sleeps today.

Tuesday

So apparently the workout worked as I am sore today. My stomach is sore and I'm not sure if the muscles are sore from sit-ups or the uber-massage.
Explored this a.m. and am really getting to know my way around this city - only problem is that my Uggs are apparently giving me some sort of tendonitis on the top of my feet. Oh well.

Serik was in great spirits today. We went back to our 'old playroom' (which is really a conference room) and the nice quiet and familiar atmosphere worked its magic. He was booking around and talking up a storm. The Lloyds joined Irina, Zhana, and me and the boy for a more quiet play time. They had bubbles and the babies were fascinated with them. It was very cute to watch. Milestone today as there was no spitting up or poopie diapers - of course that will jinx the visit tomorrow right?! Left little man in his crib with one of his new pacifiers from home (U.S.) and he seemed to think it was fabulous so hopefyully there will be no issues with the American bottles.

Went with Irina after the visit to check out another shopping center. On a so far elusive search for a shearling coat (no comments from the vegan friends). Found plenty so far but have to find the right one at the right price. They are incredibly inexpensive compared to the US so that's why I would like to get one. That and it's supposed to be getting bitterly cold here in the next week or two. All for now. Hope you are all well.