Today is Monday, we were unable to get to the internet yesterday. We were also unable to go to the zoo, as our translator Natasha said it was too cold to take Zhanna outside. Mom and Zhanna stayed in while I attempted a trip to the "mall " with Mellissa and Karen, another Mom and daughter team from Loudonville. We had fun, malls here are interesting, and quite different from American malls. The weather is colder here now, it was -5celcius last night, and there was some ice. Not sure about the conversion, but cold...
Madina has been blossoming more and more every day--it is amazing to see the difference in her everyday with the one-on-one stimulation. Well, three on one anyway! This is photo in peach is one of the outfits I brought, right now she fits perfectly into a 6-9months--the camera does put on 10 pounds, she is not as big as she looks!! She is walking when you hold her hands, and can sit up very well by her self. She babbles a bit, more and more each day. I'm not sure she can ever catch up with Zhanna!
There is another Mom here now, from Spain, adopting a baby boy. Zhanna is determined to tell her about the new baby, and language is not much of a problem, thanks to Dora. She is now using Russian words as well as Spanish. There are many wild dogs here, and last night Zhanna said, "Gabba, hear that Baka?" Sabaka is the Russian word for dog. She amazes me every day. The caregivers in the orphanage still take her for a walk everyday to say hello to everyone, and she comes back loaded with candy and choclate from the staff. When we leave Madina she says goodbye in Russian and blows kisses to her and the caregivers...the girl knows how to work a room! She told my mom to "call Papa to pick us up" today, she is "ready to go home". She is tired of her "new yellow house" which is the hotel. The days are going by, and we will be home in about 21/2 weeks, hopefully on the 24th. If all continues to go smoothly, we will have court on the 21st of April, and then go to Almaty for some "business" at the consulate before our flight home. All for today, will try tomorrow!
15 comments:
You didnt miss much at the zoo. Sounds like your weather is like here-very variable.
We are still checking out special needs daycares and nannys. Still no luck.
I can see Zhanna working the room. Its so like her. Chloe would have if we let her but we were so paranoid (and we were right to be wth her now that we know what we know) so we tried not to let her out of our sight.
Chris, by the time you come home Zhanna will have two languages. Children are really quick to pick that stuff up. I bet Bonnie cant wait for you all to get home. It will be an amazing summer.
Take Care,
Beth
You really can tell how much she is changing everyday you post pictures. She feels all that love her momma and sister is giving her.
Glad you got out and about to walk around the mall.
Were you there when my sister had to sit on the translators lap...how funny! Sounds like you girls have a good time together!
Glad things are going well.
Which Natasha do you have as your translator? The one with long dark hair?
The photos are great and I love hearing Zhanna's reactions ot being back in Karaganda. You are so lucky to have your mom with you for the entire time.
Are all the other adoptive parents staying at the Dostar Alem too?
cindy
That's cute how Zhanna is speaking some russian.Tomorrow it's going to be 63 degrees here. I cant wait until you come home.Love you!
Nadia<3
Dad Has been very excited to see your new baby and Bonnie keeps him informed. What a beautiful little girl!! Patty and Steve Veselka
Hi!
We loved the mall. In the gift wrapping area where you can buy cakes there was a man who made bows for gifts. They were just like the ones you buy in bags at Christmas time. We found it amazing he could whip one up in two minutes. When we were there we stayed in the blue hotel which was right around the corner from the big mall and across the street from the smaller mall. So we went would go every day.
Glad to see that you are all doing so well. You must have gotten our cold weather as it is finally turning into spring here. We are looking forward to temperatures in the high 60's this week.
The 21st is alot closer than it feels right now. Things have changed so much in the last 5 years. When does Madina get to come home? Will you stay and wait for her?
Lisa
Chris,
We met in Kate Burns office - I've been following along on your trip. Congratulations!!!! Madina is a lovely child - you're so blessed! I'm so happy for you and Zhanna! I hope the trip continues to go smoothly!
MaryHelen
Mama to Rose
Christine,
OMG...I have been so busy that I haven't had a chance to check your blog until today, please forgive me. I am so excited for you. I'm bursting with joy over Madina. She has an absolute angel face. She gorgeous. Oh, I can't wait to meet her in person. You have two of the most beautiful little girls now. My heart is so full for you.
I'm all farhklempt reading your blog and looking at your photos. Like Heather, I get very nostalgic thinking about our days at Mylutka. Nothing can replace these special days with your daughter. Take lots of photos and write everything down. It all becomes a fading memory so quickly. All the pain and anticipation of waiting just vanishes from here on out.
I'm so glad to hear that Zhanna is having a good trip and the plane rides went smoothly. We took Alan & Paul when we went to get our girls and it was so much easier to have them with us then to worry about them at home. You're a good mother. She must be yukkin' it up with all of her old caregivers and having a riot. They must adore you to see how well she's doing and to see first hand how loved she is. I'm sure it is a comfort for them to actually see the end result of where their children end up. I remember Rosa telling us that even though we didn't adopt Alan & Paul from Kaz, it was a relief and joy to see how happy and loved they were.
I can't wait to hear more and see more photos. We're heading to Florida on April 10th, so sending you comments might not be too easy, but you can count on me checking the blog every day for sure.
Oh, if you haven't figured it out by noe, this is Laura Hegeman. I'm going to have to send this under anonymous because when I try to sign in, for some odd reason, my account goes into all cyrillic writing. Go figure?
Anyway, all my love you, your Mom, Zhanna, and now baby Madina. I love that your keeping her name too. So I can still sing, Ho Zhanna, hay Zhanna, Zhanna, Zhanna, Hey Zhanna, Ho Zhanna, Hey Zhanna and now I can also sing She was a Funky cold Madina to the new baby...yippee...LOL
Love you, stay safe, stay happy, and get some sleep before you come home with TWO girls.
Laura :-)
Hi Christine~
Kim is here for the Lifebook Workshop and just gave me yours and Melissa's blogs. Kim says "hi"! I love the photos of the girls... just beautiful!
~Joan
Christine, life in Karaganda looks as good as it can get. I have the MOMS CLub following your blog and I'm saving things for your returen.
We thiink of you daily!
Love,
Heliena and Kendra
Christine, I have so many adccounts, it has taken me a while to figure out how to contact you!!!
Congratulations, Madina is beautiful and Karaganda looks much better without snow. I'm keeping the MOMS up to date with you adventure. We think of you daily.
ove,
Heliena and KEndra
Hey Christine
I think Laurie H gets the award for longest post (Lisa Wilson was in the running for several days!!)
Just got back from Lifebook adoption scraping nite and I had Joan go on your blog!- We had a good time talking about you and how I met Melissa at the all day crop a couple of weeks ago!
Madina just gets more adorable daily! You and Zhanna's presence works wonders (and your Mom's too!0
Had a nice playgroup at Heather's on Sunday- we had several families come. i am hosting one this Tuesday- think you can make it?? (LOL) wont' be the same without you- you are always a steady freddy at these playgroups!
Are you at the half way mark yet??
64 degrees tomorrow - yahoo- now if i could only find something to wear....
It is 10 pm...off to bed soon!
Kim
Dobra ootra, I think that means "Good Morning" just ask Zhanna. lol Chris it is great seeing you and your lovely family. I am so happy for you, but more so for the kids because they have one of the nicest people I know to be their mom. I can't wait to see all of you. I wish you nothing but the best. Oh by the way, it is 11 days and counting until my daughter's wedding. whoohoo!
Chris W
Christine,
Congratulations!!! Love the photos they are both adorable. What a beautiful family. Best of luck for the remainder of your trip and safe travels home. Look forward to hearing stories when you return to work.
Susan Ambrosy
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