One more sleep!

Well, as long as Matthew's Russian visa comes tomorrow, we are leaving Astana on the 9pm (local time) flight to Moscow! Today we were busy packing so we only have the last minute things left.
Yesterday we were busy. We went to the internet cafe to call Michael - where Matthew ended up surrounded by the three girls who were working there, all oohing and awing over him! Then we walked to the museum where Sarah got some pictures and we got in trouble from one of the guards for not having a hat on Matthew, even inside! She pointed to the ceiling and apparently the barely noticeable air conditioning was a worry for his bare head! So I tossed the spit up blanket over his head! Then we went to the Ramstore for some water, where we met Peter getting some Rinat supplies! After a quick nap at home (Matty, not me) it was off to the Astana bakery for some pastries for supper at Soraya's. Auntie Sarah went to get the supplies, while Matthew and I waited out side in the shade. While waiting, who comes along but a man who lives in our building. He said "Zrast" (hi), pointed at Matthew and asked something, then pointed at the cafe behind us. I think he wanted to know if we were thirsty, since it was about 35C out! When Auntie Sarah came out she had bought herself a ginormous (her word) beer which she was so excited she could drink while walking down the street. She managed to get yelled at by a passing motorist when she bent down to check Matthew and he must have thought she was going to give Matty a sip of beer! We went to the mall by Soraya's to stock up on food for Matthew - they have a better selection. I did not think things through when I bought as much as I did. That poor stroller was loaded down! But it gets worse! We met up with Peter, Marin and Rinat at the store and walked to Soraya's together. The elevator in this building will accommodate three bigger adults. Peter went up with Caroline and her friend from her building. We waited for the next turn. I got on with Matthew and his loaded stroller. Sarah got on next. Then I just had to say to Marin, get on, we'll be fine. So she did. The elevator moved inches then stopped. (Thank goodness the doors opened and we could get off.) Of course the elevator was stuck. Poor Sarah had to load up her backpack with most of Matthew's food, Marin carried our 5L of water and then Sarah and I proceeded to carry the stroller up 8 flights of stairs! I tried to get her to give me a turn with the backpack, but you know Ms. Stubborn! Of course, shortly after we made it, the d*** elevator was working again!
We had a great supper cooked by Soraya and Caroline. We had three babies present! Matthew, Rinat and little, but active Claudia!! It was very sad to say good-bye. Good luck with Almaty and your trip home Rolando, Denise and Claudia and Peter, Marin and Rinat. Good luck with your bonding and court Caroline, Jay and Jenn, and congratulations on your son, Soraya! I hope that the rest of your journeys go smoothly. I have enjoyed meeting all of you and hope we can all get together with our children in the future!
Today as a reward for all our work packing, we met up with Jay and Jenn and went to the Derby grill. Matthew was really good! Then we walked to the Ramstore since it was beautifully cool out and Matthew was asleep in the snuggli. I had put him in that since it was quite windy, and earlier in the afternoon we had had a dust storm!
The last couple of days, Matthew has been clingy. He just wants to cuddle and has been kind of fussy. He also hasn't been sleeping very well. Last night I thought we were going to have a great night because he slept from 10 until 2 without a peep! But then he scared me out of sound sleep with a great cry and after that was up every hour! Sarah took pity on me this morning and let me have a nap! The poor kid is just all mixed up. I don't see it getting any better in the near future. He was also eaten alive by some sort of bug, probably mosquitoes, two nights ago. When he got up in the morning he had three huge bites on his head and face and one on his leg. They finally look better today. Anyway, if you don't hear from us for a couple of days, don't worry. In fact I hope you don't hear from us, since that means we are on our way to Moscow, and then home! We will be pretty busy getting paper work done. So keep your fingers crossed for us!

Look, Soraya, I am wearing the jammies that were too small for Max! Thanks for them!

The dust storm. There are supposed to be skyscrapers in the background!

I am helping to pack!

The latest group of parents, minus Michael. Us, Denise, Rolando and Claudia, & Peter, Marin and Rinat.

Auntie Sarah and her beer on a hot day!

Matthew and me outside a traditional yurta (sp?) at he museum.