We will start off with Wednesday morning and it began with another outing, allbeit a short one. We had to take Matthew to get a passport photo taken and I think by this time, the little guy was wondering what is with all this taking me everywhere. He gets pretty serious on these outings b/c everything is new and fast moving and nothing is familiar. They also don't worry about seatbelts or car seats or anything like that - coupled with the driving in this city - a very bad combination. I think it made Jennifer nervous at first, but we have a lot of confidence in our driver. Once we got to the photo place, it took a little longer to get Matthew's attention as he sat on Mom's lap to take several pictures as he was quite interested in everything around him.
We were only gone maybe 20 minutes total and then it was back to the orphanage. One of the caregivers told us that they give him juice (real juice) that comes in little bottles of many different flavours (fruits). We were really glad that he couldn't have anymore of that sugary fruit juice as all it's made of is sugar. So later in the morning we gave him some of the juice (apple with a little water added - about 180 ml) and he just sucked that back in no time. I think he is used to getting fed so quickly by the caregivers, that he just thinks that is the way everything has to be. So the next day we brought some of our own juice and when I showed him the juice before I gave it to him, his eyes went big and he got very excited.
Also, we found out that his original name Milat is actually spelled Milyat - we were just given the wrong spelling originally. Matthew's ancestors were Tatarian, as far as they know anyway, which is a part of Russia.
On Thursday, we went to a business lunch that was very close to the orphanage - probably only a 3-4 minute drive. It was a very big place inside and quite fancy like the other one we had gone to before. Again, this one only cost 700 tenge/person and had quite a selection of Kazak foods. After lunch, we weren't sure how we were going to get back home, as it was too far to walk. We thought of just getting a taxi, but we were afraid we would get hosed b/c we weren't from around here, so we took the bus instead. The bus is very cheap, but this one didn't have any side windows that would open - just 2 little roof openings and the front door was left open. Everyone else on the bus but us looked comfortable and we just stayed standing as sweat dripped off of us.
Thursday night was movie night at Annette's, but before that we went to a shopping mall close to her apartment.
Now to the title of this posting - LAST DAY OF BONDING PERIOD - which doesn't mean we stop seeing our little boy, but just that our official 2 week period is over and now our coordinator could petition for a court date. After our visit with Matthew at the baby house we had to get some forms signed for POA. While we waited, we asked Bayan about the results of the blood work and everything, to our relief came back negative, which means that everything is fine! Tomorrow, a Canadian recognized doctor from Karaganda will come to the baby house to do a general checkup of Matthew and review his medical records. Hopefully that all goes good as well! This little boy has sure had to go through a lot of tests this week - between getting blood samples 2 different days, to going for 2 different ultrasounds, a test to check his heart, and then a doctor coming to do the checkup. Hopefully Bayan can get the petition to court started today, because that would mean that we would only have to wait about ten days before we actually go to court. We will find out more tomorrow (Saturday) about this.
While we were on our way to the orphanage, we got to learn some Kazak words. We learned how to say hello which is pronounced salamatzitsba (a mouthful), thankyou - pronounced rrrackmyet (roll the r), how are you? - kul kaliy, goodbye - sow bolinas. You don't even want to know how they are spelled! We can now say these words in four different languages - english, french, russian, and now kazak. Friday morning, I used the Kazak hello and how are you and our driver just says Mikael, Mikael(pronounced a little different) - and laughs. Our driver, Ashat, is very funny, and always tries to say some english words so I thought it was only right that I could say some in his native tongue. We get a real kick out of our driver as he always has something to say, even though many times we need our translator to tell us what he said. When he pulls up to where Aliya lives, he is not even there and he is already honking his horn with several short bleeps - waits a few seconds and does it all over. She usually comes out very shortly after, but walks to the car in a very calm but deliberate manner. Had to add this b/c Jennifer finds it very amusing.
Most people in Astana, according to our translator, can speak both russian and kazak.
We were only gone maybe 20 minutes total and then it was back to the orphanage. One of the caregivers told us that they give him juice (real juice) that comes in little bottles of many different flavours (fruits). We were really glad that he couldn't have anymore of that sugary fruit juice as all it's made of is sugar. So later in the morning we gave him some of the juice (apple with a little water added - about 180 ml) and he just sucked that back in no time. I think he is used to getting fed so quickly by the caregivers, that he just thinks that is the way everything has to be. So the next day we brought some of our own juice and when I showed him the juice before I gave it to him, his eyes went big and he got very excited.
Also, we found out that his original name Milat is actually spelled Milyat - we were just given the wrong spelling originally. Matthew's ancestors were Tatarian, as far as they know anyway, which is a part of Russia.
On Thursday, we went to a business lunch that was very close to the orphanage - probably only a 3-4 minute drive. It was a very big place inside and quite fancy like the other one we had gone to before. Again, this one only cost 700 tenge/person and had quite a selection of Kazak foods. After lunch, we weren't sure how we were going to get back home, as it was too far to walk. We thought of just getting a taxi, but we were afraid we would get hosed b/c we weren't from around here, so we took the bus instead. The bus is very cheap, but this one didn't have any side windows that would open - just 2 little roof openings and the front door was left open. Everyone else on the bus but us looked comfortable and we just stayed standing as sweat dripped off of us.
Thursday night was movie night at Annette's, but before that we went to a shopping mall close to her apartment.
Now to the title of this posting - LAST DAY OF BONDING PERIOD - which doesn't mean we stop seeing our little boy, but just that our official 2 week period is over and now our coordinator could petition for a court date. After our visit with Matthew at the baby house we had to get some forms signed for POA. While we waited, we asked Bayan about the results of the blood work and everything, to our relief came back negative, which means that everything is fine! Tomorrow, a Canadian recognized doctor from Karaganda will come to the baby house to do a general checkup of Matthew and review his medical records. Hopefully that all goes good as well! This little boy has sure had to go through a lot of tests this week - between getting blood samples 2 different days, to going for 2 different ultrasounds, a test to check his heart, and then a doctor coming to do the checkup. Hopefully Bayan can get the petition to court started today, because that would mean that we would only have to wait about ten days before we actually go to court. We will find out more tomorrow (Saturday) about this.
While we were on our way to the orphanage, we got to learn some Kazak words. We learned how to say hello which is pronounced salamatzitsba (a mouthful), thankyou - pronounced rrrackmyet (roll the r), how are you? - kul kaliy, goodbye - sow bolinas. You don't even want to know how they are spelled! We can now say these words in four different languages - english, french, russian, and now kazak. Friday morning, I used the Kazak hello and how are you and our driver just says Mikael, Mikael(pronounced a little different) - and laughs. Our driver, Ashat, is very funny, and always tries to say some english words so I thought it was only right that I could say some in his native tongue. We get a real kick out of our driver as he always has something to say, even though many times we need our translator to tell us what he said. When he pulls up to where Aliya lives, he is not even there and he is already honking his horn with several short bleeps - waits a few seconds and does it all over. She usually comes out very shortly after, but walks to the car in a very calm but deliberate manner. Had to add this b/c Jennifer finds it very amusing.
Most people in Astana, according to our translator, can speak both russian and kazak.
Here is a picture of Matthew's belly - you are starting to get the pieces to the puzzle (he is quite a tease at this young age!)
7 comments:
Hi Mike and Jen,
Well, we're following along in your journey. I just shiver with excitement for you and can't wait to meet Matthew. Cute belly! All the best and we hope court all goes well.
Love Paul, Michelle, Bethany and Ava
Hello there. Glad all the tests came back okay.Hopefully the Doctor's findings are a clean bill of health also. I like the belly shot, he looks lean like his cousin Ethan was. Anyways got to go, stay safe and say Hi to Matthew for us and give him a big squeeze. We look forward to hearing about his last Dr. appt and to the next picture of the puzzle!!
Tracy
I hope everything goes well at the next Dr. appointment for Matthew. Since your bonding period is over, does that mean you can take him out on more family outings? Sounds like Matthew enjoys ALMOST enjoys them as much as you do. Thanks for another puzzle pic. Take care and give your little man a squeeze form us. Love, the Bensons
Glad to hear all is moving along and going well. We were very excited to see Matthew, even if it was just a belly shot. Good luck as you continue on your "baby journey". It is great to read about your experiences. It makes us excited about what we have to look forward too! Thanks again for sharing.
Can hardley wait for the next puzzle piece. Looks like a healthy young man and hopefully the Dr. agrees tomorrow. You are having a fantastic experience..........I can't imagine how you have taken this all in. You seem to pick you the pronounciation easily!! Do hope you get your court aptmnt soon. Take care and we will look forward to your next blog. Love G & K
HEY! Nice bidou! you'd fit right in at dc. They love showing off their bidous too. It's fri of long wknd. I'll get your info on tues, and send it back. Keep up the updates, we love them. It's become a nightly ritual before going to bed! We especially love the pics but what a tease to see the face! All the best, love, the mc's
Yes, I think it's an adorable belly too. Who wouldn't? Congrats on coming to the end of your bonding period. Hope you get a quick court date. Hang in there and enjoy your time with M. --JG
Post a Comment