What a fun and eventful Saturday. We started off the day at the baby house and we got to feed Bekbolat Serik his morning meal. He had just woken up and was a bit groggy. The meal consisteted of a rice porridge and plum juice (which i think is prune juice). He had a good time eating and we think that he enjoyed have a bit of a break between bites. Seems that they keep shoving in bites here without giving the kids a break. So he would look around between bites, check out dad and what was going on. After a while one of the caregivers came to take over the feeding - think she thought we were being too slow. I asked our translator Irina if they had to finish the bowl (bigger than what I eat in the a.m.) and I thought she relayed the question. Turns out she told the caregiver that he wasn't hungry anymore so the little guy got off without getting his gullet stuffed like a goose. Then it was on to the plum juice - he sucked it down like there was no tomorrow. We then changed him and took him to the playroom. No spit-ups or poopy diapers today (although with the plum/prune juice we understand where it's coming from)at least not initially. At the very end of the visit he graced us with a giant puke of plum juice all over my shirt - fun. We left the baby house and went to the Eurasian Market to buy veggies - 15 potatoes, 7 huge carrots, 8 tomatoes and 2 onions cost a grand total of 550 tenge abotu $4.40 in USD. As we were getting ready to leave Murat our driver was hit by another car so he piled us into a 'taxi' that brought us home. Once home it was time to nap for a bit. We left the house around 3:20 to head to the circus where we were meeting Scott and Linda and their interpreter Malika. The circus was fun - although the dancers who distracted us while things were being set up where much more like Vegas showgirls (thongs and all)then any circus dancers I've ever seen.
The circus had feats of strength (guy got run over by a car), balancing acts (see pic), dancing bears and monkeys and lions that were ready to swat their trainer. After the circus we went to Samovar Restuarant where we had the Nikolashka (see pic) - essentially a shot of vodka where you suck on a lemon with coffee grounds, do the shot and then suck on the other half of the lemon slice that is covered with sugar.
We enjoyed a nice meal with the Brabsons, Malika their interpreter, and Murat (their Murat - both of our drivers have the same name). We can hardly believe that we've been here for 3 weeks and that Kurt and the Brabsons will be leaving Kazakhstan in a week (sigh...).
5 comments:
Hi there :-) I tried to call again and the pin was in use, then I could not get through. Hope you had a nice dinner. I wanted you to hear Ellie, her new thing is to grunt when she is pooping and trying to get out of her swaddle blanket. She moves her head side to side to try and free her arms :-) Its sooo funny! We cannot wait to see you guys...and we are already planning a trip home in February to see our new nephew and cousin! We love the photos of Serik, he sure is a HAM-mond! As we look at the photos of all of you and all the writing, Chandra, it was just meant to be. Not everyone could do what you are doing, being over there, so organized, and do it so well. You were meant to be there and find Serik and give him such wonderful love and a beautiful home! I cannot wait to see it! I bet you are both dying to see your new home done. We love you sooo much and if we don't talk, travel safely Kurt and see you on the 13th. Love, Sara, TJ and Ellie :-)
One more thing...Chandra, we will miss you so much at Christmas. We will take lots of video and photos so you will feel like you are with us. Have a great time with your little buddy, I can tell he loves his mommy so much! Love, Sara
Hello, Chani, Kurt, and baby Bek,
Jason and I are so happy for all of you!!!! The pictures are amazing and Bek is so adorable!!!! The trip sounds like it has been a great adventure and we can't wait to hear more about it when you all come home!
Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this amazing time!! Happy Holidays!
Love, Beth and Jason
Ummm . . . what exactly is my nephew's name? Cause you've called him a couple different names lately . . . just wondering!
Love, Caryn
Chandra and Kurt - greetings from Park City! Sara just told us about the blog and I read every post. SOOOO happy for you and your beautful baby Serik. He is one lucky little boy to land in the Hammond family, he must have angels watching out for him. We are so excited to meet him and continue to hear the stories. We will be thinking of you in the coming months and look forward to hearing of your arrival back in the States. If you are boted, check out our blog 6000feet.blogspot.com. Love to all of you! Sherri, Brook, Summer and Paige
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