Happy Birthday to Lucas!!

Okay, so I'm a day late... but still! And when a certain little mister passes his illness on to his mother, she's not up for much internet time...

The celebration was quiet and subdued - and slightly diminished by the fact that some of the families headed for home on Friday night and will be back in a month for their baby. I suppose I am lucky I have the option to be able to stay - even if I have to send my hubby home.

It was rather cute today, because the little guy who's parents headed home to Texas was crawling around the floor and started crying about something, so I picked him up to consoul him (daddy had Lucas) - and boy, did I get a look from Mr. Lucas! It was like, hey - what's he doing in your arms? So then I had to put him down and grab my little munchkin. It was just too funny! I guess he really does know who mommy is!

Attached are some pictures from his birthday yesterday, and our celebration toast the other night - enjoy!

A mommy without a baby...

Don't worry, nothing happened - and that's the problem. He is still in the orphanage, and I had to come home to the apartment to see an empty crib, waiting for my baby. Don't know when he will be "ours" for real...

This morning, he was very lethargic, and sucky - the doctor said he had a fever, and he was obviously not well. At 2:00, when we came back, he was much better - playing and all. But, then, at about 3:30, he suddenly felt very hot again and he had a fever, so the doctor is keeping an eye on him tonight, and we'll see how he is then.

And... Celebration! Five of the six families went out last night for a little celebration dinner - and had a shot of cherry juice and vodka in honour of the occasion - and I liked it! It was a good time.

Pictures...

BEST DAY EVER!!!

Yes, the court agreed to allow us, "...to adopt the child, Ruslan Yrchevsky, to register us as his parents, to give him the family name of Slater, and the first name of Luscas Ruslan." (Ruslan will be his middle name)

So... intorducing, Lucas Slater! Born July 24, 2009... which means, we have been made his parents just in time for his first birthday! We still have to wait through the appeal period before the adoption decree will be finialized, but will be dated today. So, excepting the reappearance of the disappearing mother, he is our son!

That was the saddest part of the whole thing - the number of times I heard, `the child was abandoned and has been at the orphanage since September, 2009.`I was like - no, his mother did not abandon him, his mother is right here! And I suppose now that is true!! Yippee!

And there are some pictures to satisfy the masses...

Stand by me... again!

Yes, he sure does love to stand! He's not quite ready for walking or even taking steps, but he wants to stand! The other day, he figured out how to get his one leg out from under him to get half-standing on his own - but today, he pulled himself all the way up! Of course, mommy (or daddy) is never far away, because he is not too steady on those legs - yet. I know it won't be long...

And... we do have teeth! Okay, so they haven't broke through yet, but I know they are there, and that hand seems to have permanently found his mouth... and this morning, he was Mr. Cranky Pants - I think because his teeth were bothering him. At lunchtime, I took our translater to get some baby oralgel - and bought a second one to leave in the room for the other babies.

I am not even sure how to describe it, but he definitely knows we are his parents now. The past few days, he has just been a completely different baby - he is more vocal, more responsive, more excited to see us, and when he bumped his head, he was definitely milking us for attention, even after the pain was obviously gone. Mostly, he has been very quiet, almost subdued - but very observant and aware of what's going on around him - but not so much anymore. He wants to be moving and exploring more now - with a few hugs and kisses from mommy and daddy to recharge his energy. Even the care giver yesterday said, he knows you are the parents. What a feeling!

Stand By Me...

Well, maybe I was jumping the gun a little bit on the whole crusin' thing... but he sure does love to stand! That's all he wants to do - and today, he spent almost twenty minutes standing up against the high chair, just watching it. Of course, once he saw the other baby being adopted at the stool, he wanted over there too - but he stood there for another five minutes or so before he got cranky. He's definitely starting to understand there's more to explore than he realized - and is wanting to explore more. It's... I don't know how to explain it, but he's just not interested in moving around yet - at least not standing. I know I said he seemed to be interested yesterday, but today - no interest whatsoever, and when I tried to make him do steps over to the stool, he got grumpy with me, he just wanted to be at the stool, forget the work to get over there! It will come in time though, I know. He is still very much Mr. Observant - especially around new and different people and places, but he gets over it remarkably quickly. Can't wait to get him home to meet all you guys!

Jer is sick again, with some sort of stomach bug going around (I had it a couple weeks ago, and it's being going around the parents, older siblings and even some of the caregivers ever since - knock on wood, I've had my bout...). Anyways, since he's at home regaining his strength (he's getting better, but feeling a little weak since there is nothing left in his tummy), I am staggin' it again. But it looks like I am going to have to get used to it, since Jer is going to have to go home early afterall. Should be fun though - me and two other mothers will be sticking around, so it looks like more parties and get togethers in the park! At least at some point we will be able to take the babies with us.

Uh oh, I think we're in trouble!

Not in a bad way - in that, now he's starting to want to move kind-of-way! The past few days, he has really been enjoying just standing and leaning up against one of the walkers. Well, today, he was trying to like move around and got frustrated when I had to move him because he was going to fall in between the two walkers. And he was quite upset when he was put on the floor instead of standing. I've never quite seen him like that - he wanted to be standing! I think he's going to be cruisin' soon!

The good news is, I think that I way have found a solution to the flight home - or at least for part of the time. Jer has been putting on music from the computer on for the babies - and the other day, we put on Baby Einstein for a few minutes - and he was mesmorized! It might just keep him occupied - if only for a few minutes...

Party at Tony & Cindy's!

Okay, so besides us and another woman from France working with our co-ordinator here, there are three American couples who are also in the process of adopting. Well, yesterday, we went to the park in the afternoon (wish I could have taken our little one with us, but alas, just a little more patience...) and we saw two of the other couples in the park, and we all ended up back at the apartment of one of the couples for a few drinks and dinner! It felt just like home... almost. We miss everyone! But are glad to have made a few friends along the way.

We have teeth! We were getting a little concerned that he doesn't yet have teeth, though we knew it would come. The past couple of days, we have noticed that he seems to be sticking stuff in his mouth all the time, whereas he used to just hold onto it in his hand. Well, we decided to see if we could feel something coming... and we found what we believe to be the begginnings of his first tooth! Hooray for small miracles! It's amazing how small steps can mean so much!

Yesterday, I decided to try out his carrier for the first time - and he seemed to be okay in it - but don't stop moving! The other day, he wasn't too fond of his stroller - but today he did alright. He even cried the other day, but today he actually started to look around - but again, must be in motion to make baby happy!

Music lessons!

This afternoon, daddy brought out the computer and put on some tunes. Mr. B quite enjoyed just chilling in our arms and listening to the music - and it calmed down the rest of the babies in the room too. Even the caregivers were bopping to Bon Jovi (yes, after a little G&R, Jeremy actually put on some of my music)! Daddy says tommorrow we will have to try some Ozzy...

All is well, though every day I am getting more anxious to move on from the orphanage - but it could be along wait yet, as our court date has been scheduled for July 22nd - another 12 sleeps until then!

Okay, this may sound a little rude, but I have to say - can that baby make some gas! I feel rumbles in his bottom - even get a good whif - but it's only gas! Except for once, I haven't seen a dirty diaper - he must be leaving it for the caregivers - but man can he give gas! It's actually quite hilarious, as sometimes it's two or three good ones in a row - but no dirty diaper! I think I'm more shocked about that than anything!

Hope all is well at home - hopefully we will all join you soon!

Musical Cribs!

Yesterday, while we were on our way outside, one of the babies in our room was taken to the next group in line - and when we came back, the pirate was gone too, and there were five new babies in the room! The new babies are babies - not more than 8 months old, I would say. It is sad to think about how much of an assembly line they have going, with new babies coming and going all the time. It is sad - but it is better than no care at all. And now, along with the other baby being adopted out of our room (the couple from Texas started their bonding the same day as us), our little man is now the oldest one in the room - and one of two that is actually mobile! I think if we weren't here, it would have been his turn to be "moved up" a room as well!

Yes, we are having the time of our lives - but I am most definitely ready to bring my baby home! Patience, yes - I am taking it one day at a time - but looking forward to having him all to myself!

The meeting with the lawyer went fine, and I have already prepared our speech for court - now all we ave to do is memorize it! Oh joy! But all will be okay!

Birthday hugs to miss Molly - I hope those horses didn't leave too much of a mess behind...

Couple of sardines in a moving can...

Call Guiness - I think we have the record of the most people on a bus! Don't know what Mexico is like, but just when you think you can't get any more on the bus, they manage to squeeze a few more on... just glad we were one of the lucky ones with a seat! Not sure what the problem is, but I think it was a combination of being a holiday, so less buses, with more people out and about shopping, and a little bit of rain. There are two kinds of buses - "big" buses, which is your standard North American size; and "small" buses, which are a little bit more than a mini van - but not by much. We were on one of those - with about 40-50 others! Maybe not that much, but the standers were definitely getting up close and personal with their neighbours!

Our meeting with the lawyer got cancelled for today - will be tommorrow, but in true Kazakh style, we might get details at 8:30 tonight...

Okay, okay, I will say it - I had a moment of missing the dog today. We had chicken for dinner, and, as I was disposing of the bones, I had to stop myself as I thought, "Got to make sure the dog doesn't get into the garbage with these in it...". Funny the things you miss...

Mr Banana Head? Mr Giggles? He loves to laugh at daddy making faces at him! He has the cutest laugh and the sweetest smile!

More of the same... can't wait to break Mr. Banana Head out! I want to take him for walks along the river at home and through the park with the dog... but I can wait. For those who know me well, you know that I am not known for my patience, but surprisingly, I am taking it all in stride. All good things come to those who wait... and my turn has finally come!

Craziness on the bus!

It happens everywhere... there was a little bit of entertainment on our bus ride here, as there was an older gentlemen who had had perhaps one too many adult beverages and we making some young girls very uncomfortable. And of course, he had no many left for bus fare - and although it was in Russian, I could easily understand the message from the ticket taker - give me 30 tenge (Kaz currency) or get off the bus. Well, needless to say, he got off at the next bus stop. It was quite comical, actually.

Okay, so I have to say it - I AM GETTING BORED GOING TO THE ORPHANAGE! I of course love every minute with my Banana Head, but enough already! I am done the bonding, let me take him home already! But alas, I respect the process and know that it is only a matter of time before he is ours for real.

Yes, we are in Stepnoy - but of course, the smaller apartment, which is not as nice. But at least we have hot water - which is more than can be said about the apartment by the orphanage. And yes, having a cook is quite a delight! Unfortunately, I think that I could get very used to it... (But with all due respect, I have to say we all agree the cook at the other apartment is much better - we go there for lunch. I guess it depends on your taste buds...)

As for some tantalizing hints... we have been told by several of the parents adopting here that he will quite nicely pass as our biological child... It's kind of ironic that way, because with the five or so families that are here right now, we can pretty much say the same thing about all of us. It seems as though the children are finding the perfect match in terms of parents - and so too are the parents!

Crazy couple of days...

Let's start at the end - this afternoon, the baby was seen by the Canadian immigration doctor, for his medical clearance. It was fine, no big deal really - however, he absolutely screamed when the doctor took him! But, then he was given back to daddy and he stopped crying almost immediately! And then, he smiled and laughed at mommy - amazing what 14 days of bonding does! We have no clue what he will be like outside of the orphanage, but if this is any indication, he will NOT be fond of strangers - so all of you out there eager to make friends with him will have to give him some time.

And, speaking of bonding, three cheers to the last day of bonding! Yes, today was day 14 of 14 of bonding. Now we can apply to the court and make it official! Hip, hip, hooray!

Sasha and Ola go home - it is funny how during your two weeks in the room, you get to know the other kids in the room too. There's "Pirate", a little guy who is only happy when he's got toys in hand - and will crawl or roll his way across the room to take it from someone else if he has to! Then, there's these two screamers, who have their cribs next to our little guy - who scream as soon as they are in the crib and when we go in the room to grab our little guy. There's also the three littlest ones - who include the smallest of all in the room, the cutest little girl - that don't get out of the oversized playpen much because of their size. There was also a set of twins - Sasha and Ola - who we were told were just waiting for their new Belgian parents to come back after the appeal period to pick them up. Well, they left yesterday! It breaks my heart to think of the babies being left in the orphanage without homes, so I am glad to know they at least have a new home - I want all the babies to find good homes!

And I love Kazakhstan! We moved into our apartment on Friday night, which includes prepared meals. Well, after eating, I started throwing up as soon as I ate - well the cook must have got wind of my beign sick, because the next day for lunch, the cook brought me some rice - for my tummy! How cool is that? Awesome!

Finally, yesterday, we had to visit the social worker here. Not that it was not a big deal - because it was - but after the 12 hours we spent with our social worker, it was a piece of cake! Then again, I am sure they had a (Russian) copy of the report she did, so all is good.

PS Uncle Bryan - happy belated birthday! Hope it was good!

Let the paperwork begin...

Okay, lots to say...

First, sorry about yesterday - yesterday was pay day and I was having technical difficulty getting into our on-line banking, so the blog took a back seat. But, we got it sorted out in the end.

Second: NOTE: We will be moving into our apartment either tommorrow afternoon or Saturday morning, and we may not be on-line as often, so bare with us while we sort things out.

Third: I say, "Let the paperwork begin..." because we spent at least an hour signing our lives away at the notary's office, giving authority to our co-ordinator, her assistant and our lawyer to take care of everything for us. Our last official day of bonding is Sunday, then we can apply to the court to actually go ahead with the adoption. We meet with the lawyer on Tuesday to discuss details - don't know when court will be.

I also want to say thank you again for all the comments - even if we are unable to take the time to respond to each one individually, we are making sure to read every one and appreciate the support.

I said the other day that he didn't like his carrots - well, yesterday, he literally gagged and threw them back up on daddy! So, no more carrots - at least for now... maybe once he's with us in the apartment and can try real mushed carrots, instead of the jarred stuff.

Today, he was a little out of sorts. It is hot and muggy - sticky and stuffy in the room, and a few of the kids were a little over heated. He got what we called "baby gateraide" - some kind of salt water mix, and that seemed to help. He wasn't the only one, but he seemed to be doing much better.

Hope everyone is enjoying all the Canada Day celebrations - watch a few fireworks for us! I should have brought a Canada flag!

PS - Miss Molly, congrats - and make sure your very special birthday guests eat all our grass for us... it will save daddy from having to mow it!

Oh yah, Jeremy says now that he has found coffee, he is jonesin' for a North American vehicle - enough of this European crap! (sorry mate!)