Russian circus on ice - no, this is not a drink!

Hi all! Well, yesterday (Saturday)was quite a day! It started off with a visit with Matthew, always a good way to start the day! The play room was packed as it usually is on Saturdays. There were about 19 people present: 10 "parents & aunties" (6 families), six children ranging in age from 7 months to 2 years and at least 3 translators! Aliya called while we were visiting to say that we had to leave early to meet the baggage because the airline was trying to deliver it to the baby house. Not a good idea. Not long after we got home, the bags came, and as Sarah went to get them, Dad phoned from home to say that Lufthansa had just called him to tell him they had found Sarah's bags! That would have been around 1am for him, I think! Getting the bags was just like Christmas.
Sarah managed to catch another quick nap before it was time to head over to the "spaceship" building for some sort of ice show. It is a very interesting building and the main theater area is completely round. I am sitting here stumped because I am not sure how to go on or begin to describe the show. It was like nothing I'd ever seen before! Picture circus tricks and "Cirque de soliel"(sp?) on skates! There were people jumping rope with skates on, riding bikes and unicycles with skates on, juggling many things including fire with skates on, being hoisted up into the air with no safety net or cables and then doing acrobatics-with skates on! There was also a woman who skated on stilt-skates! Seriously, the blades were about 3 feet high! Then there was a disturbing bit involving little, Lycra dressed monkeys driving cars, walking on rolling balls (one was even blindfolded while doing this). They also paraded other animals around the ring - a porcupine, badger, raccoon and a dog in a lion costume. It was like a car accident, you didn't want to look, but you couldn't look away. And this was almost the most popular part of the show for the locals. In fact the man behind Sarah was so into it, he was sitting forward. She had to lean forward too, or his hands were in her hair and HE didn't seem to mind!?! During the intermission, they had a ride for the children that had us fearing for their lives. It was a little wooden seat with a bungee type cord across the front, in which SMALL children were raised to the roof! You wouldn't believe the line up to go on! There was also a "cow" (two people in a costume) that you could have your picture with. This "cow" was featured in the second act along with some clowns - again, all on skates! We wondered what they were skating on because it wasn't real or artificial ice. The whole show was definitely not something you see every day!
Afterwards, Sarah and I went for some pizza and then some window shopping. On our way back we ran into the new couple, Jenn and Jay! We (the girls) are going shopping at the Eurasian mall today! In fact, I have to get going to meet everyone in time! Bye for now, and enjoy the "Circus on Ice" photos!
Sorry, everyone, ran out of time before we left. So now we are back from some power shopping and supper with everyone, at Soraya's.

For those of you who might be confused, this is Matty and mommy!

Matty and Auntie Sarah hanging out!

Hey, Grandpa and Uncle Jamie, is this hat better?!

Take a good look at her skates!


These people are all wearing skates on the unicycles!

Help, my sister is being eaten by a crocodile!

The Auntie has landed!

First I have to give my Dad credit for the title!
Sarah had quite an experience on her trip over. First there was construction on #1 highway, then the 10 minute delay leaving Winnipeg turned into 40 minutes. En route to Frankfurt she had an angry, loud, large family surrounding her and a little girl kicking the back of her chair. Her seat mate was a German man named Herman - Herman the German!!! After some trouble finding her gate (which was changed) and a six hour lay over, she was taken to the plane. She fell asleep almost immediately and when she woke 1/2 hour later, they were still on the ground and the drinks cart was making the rounds! Apparently the wrong info had been punched into the computer and they waited 1 1/2 while it was changed. Meanwhile, I arrived at the airport at 10:20pm only to find out that the plane was an hour delayed! After telling Oshut, I browsed through some gift shops where I found a great book about Astana. It has lots of photos that I recognise, even if some of the buildings weren't built yet and best of all, is in Russian & English! That gave me something to do while waiting. Finally, the flight landed. Then I had to stand around waiting for my first glimpse of Sarah! Finally we saw each other and both began some exuberant waving! Meanwhile, Sarah had met some new friends, Sandra style! A Belgian reporter, a diplomat's wife and a "cute little airport dude" (Sarah's exact wordski's!) who wore fabulous red shoes! All stood (entire flight) around the baggage carousel watching everyone else's bags go around. The tags all said ALA which Sarah thought sounded more like Almaty than Astana which should have been TSE. Turns out they took the wrong bags off the plane. [The plane was continuing on to Almaty after unloading passengers in Astana]. So after an hour of waiting, the Belgian herded Sarah towards the doors, while she was saying, "but my sister, my sister!" While standing in line upstairs to find out what happened to the luggage, Sarah introduced me to a Michigan couple who just arrived via the same flight, to adopt as well! Poor them, they had no luggage as well. Anyway, at 1:15am we finally left the airport minus any checked luggage and the stroller which Chris was coerced into picking up. Poor Ashut was curled up in the car asleep! When we got to the apartment, Auntie Sarah even picked watching Matthew home video over a shower! (Not sure how I felt about that! - Sarah's comments on what she thought I was thinking!) [As I am writing this, she is pacing around and having stroller races up and down the hall! All because we had the call that her luggage has been found and is supposed to be here tomorrow afternoon!]
After a brief night's sleep, we were up and off to the airport because at that point we didn't know that the bags hadn't arrived! She did receive a consolation pack containing among other things, white XL tee-shirt, and "whitening, mild care, reduces skin darkening" deodorant! Because obviously, she needs to be whiter!) We also retrieved the missing stroller! Once back we went to the Ramstore, had lunch and while I watched a movie, Sarah had a nap. I considered poking her a few time, just to see if she was still alive. She was that still! Then it was off to exchange some money and then time to go meet Matthew! Auntie Sarah was impressed with my ability to share! I had to try really hard though, I must admit! Matthew thought Auntie Sarah was lots of fun. She plays fun games like his Daddy! Sarah had made him a book of our side of the family and he enjoyed looking at it and chewing on it! The visit went too quickly as usual. Tonight we went to Ali Baba's for a late supper and had lots of laughs with Soraya, Caroline, Rolando and Denise. Then Sarah and I walked home through the rain, each of us having to hold the umbrella so neither of us could hog it. (And we all know who the hog is! It reminded me of when we were little and Sarah was a bed hog and would even roll right over any barriers I would try to erect!)
Okay, now for some photos.

Mommy and Matty on Thursday evening!

"I'm drooling on you Uncle Jamie!"

"Hmmm, that's what I'll look like with hair!"

I love my Auntie Sarah!

Imagine what we would look like if we had been drinking!

To answer some questions

Hi everyone, I got some good questions on the comments so I figured I'd try to answer them. There was one from a couple of days ago about how long do we get to visit after court. Still the same 2 hours I'm afraid. As to where to shop, just about anywhere! There are lots of shops down Republic. If you are looking for young infant clothes that are reasonably priced, the "baby mall" is the place to go! I think they call it the "Pucha". It isn't very far from the Astana bakery and about a 20 min. walk from my apartment here in Samal. There is a store called "Mother Care". It has really cute clothes and toys too, but is more expensive. There is the "pizza mall" (can't remember the name - think it is the "Soom") which is also more expensive. There is also the Eurasian Mall which is great. It is huge and has lots of selection - prices vary. By the way, if you are thinking of buying a stroller over here, like the cheap umbrella strollers at home, they are expensive! You might want to consider bringing one. One of the moms that was here last month bought a nice stroller that was fancier than an umbrella stroller but not as elaborate as other kinds for about $70 USD.
As to price tags and help from the retailers, it isn't too bad. Most things have price tags on them, just be prepared to see prices like 800, 1,500 and even 4,000 on the tags! (I think the US exchange rate is about 125.9 right now!) So I bring a little calculator with me. To ask some one the price you just have to say "Skolka" or "Skolka eta stoit" and do some pointing. Then if they try telling you the price and you don't understand, point to their calculator and get them to punch it in on it. Be prepared to use all cash. Most stores DON'T take credit cards. Most bank machines accept our ATM cards and credit cards for cash advances, though.
Did I bring clothes with me? Yes, but I was expecting that we would end up adopting a child on the older end of our age range (up to 18 months) so I brought sizes 12 months and 18 months. Matty still fits into mostly 3-6 month clothes! I agree, it is very hard to decide what to bring, especially when you have gender, space and weight issues. We didn't specify boy or girl, but I brought all boy clothes figuring it was easier to dress a girl that way then a boy in frilly pink! I know how hard it was to pack for us and an unknown child in the summer, so I feel for those of you who are hoping to come in the winter! I have seen LOTS of snowsuits in shops over here already, haven't checked the prices, but that may be one bulkier item you could purchase over here since I don't think you would need one right away and you can always borrow one from the orphanage IF they let you go outside with your child! Just something to think about!
Anyway, if anyone has more questions, feel free to ask. I will do my best to answer them. I still find it funny that I am the one being asked instead of the one asking!
PS- At the beginning of your stay, you will have you translator with you and she will show you were to shop and help you with the retailers, so don't worry!

Mommy was bored and so she went shopping!

Hi all, I was at a dinner party last night and didn't get home until the wee hours so I didn't blog! Yesterday, Matthew and I held the fort in the play room while everyone else went out for some air. We (or at least I) enjoyed the time with just the two of us and no distractions! Today's visit was supposed to be 2-4 but then got changed back to 6-8 again so I was a little bored this afternoon. I decided to go shopping and managed to find Matthew a new toy, a pair of jeans (that are huge in the waist and a little long even though they are only size 6-9 months!) and four shirts. Oh, and some socks that actually fit - not too small and not too big! So today's photos have him in some of his new duds. He was a little sleepy but of course started to wake up right before I had to take him back. We also enjoyed a stroller ride (well, he did anyway) and apparently it makes him yawn. Of course I forgot the camera inside. Too bad because he sure looked cute!
I am very excited because in less than 24 hours, I will be picking Sarah up from the airport! That deserves a whoohoo! I can't wait to introduce her to Matty and show her my new favorite places!
Here's a kind of funny thing. Apparently my brain gets very confused by knowing a few words in more than one language. When someone like my driver asks me questions in broken English, I tend to answer back in broken French! That's really helpful, oui??!! I mean, da??!!

Darn, she caught me sitting all by myself!

Again, the shirt says it all!

Mmmm, fish.

Mmmm, turtle.

I love these big brown eyes!

Mostly just photos

Hi all, not much news to tell. I had a pretty quiet day. I am getting Matthew's cold and trying to store up sleep in preparation for next week. Do you think it will work?! We went out for a bit tonight, for a little walk around the baby house. Also, we had a new mom and daughter join our group today! Now we are even, two boys and two girls!

Action shot of something lots of fun!

Outside today. Matthew gets very serious when we go out!

Hmmm, leaves feel interesting!

Mr. Serious. Looks like he might cry, but he didn't!

Hey, how did my picture get on this package?

Skyline tonight as I walked back from the Ramstore.

Three good-byes and a hello

I am happy to report that Michael is back home safely. I tried to report this yesterday, but the computer ate my homework - again. So tonight is going to be the abridged version. Anyway, after several calls home from me, which he apparently slept through, he phoned to let me know he made it.
Yesterday, we - Peter, Maren, Maegan, Tony, Taylor, Annette, Kate, Soraya, Denise, Rolando and I - got together for a potluck to say good-bye to Maegan, Tony and Taylor who flew to Almaty today. It is amazing how you can get so attached to people and a city so quickly. It is so hard to say good-bye. Thank goodness for computers, we can all keep in touch at least!
Today, we (Annette, Kate, Soraya, Denise, Rolando and I were going to meet to do some shopping and go for coffee and otherwise keep ourselves busy and amused on a day where we don't get to visit our children. I have to say that I hope Matthew is as patient as Kate was today! Marwan should be scared, she is going to be an excellent shopping companion for her mother!! The excitement of the day started out early. Poor Denise and Rolando were going to meet me on Republic by the internet cafe. They have to come from the other side of the river so were going to take the bus that they always take to come to this cafe. I sat for awhile and saw every number of bus but the one they were supposed to be on. I don't have a cell over here, but Annette, Soraya and Denise and Rolando do. I decided to go meet with the girls in case they heard from the other two. They hadn't, so after a tour of the mall, went back to the internet cafe to check if Denise and Rolando had made it. They were there, frantically trying to phone to get a hold of someone. Apparently, of the two buses they usually take, one never, ever came by and the other ended up going a totally different route, leaving them in the middle of no where! The street was so quiet they couldn't even find a taxi. They had to walk for 1/2 hour before a policeman stopped them. This was because Denise was crying - from fear, anger and blistered feet. The policeman was worried that there was domestic problems! He helped them get a cab and finally they ended up on Republic. They tried to find us but we must have missed each other by minutes. Of course their cell wasn't working either. It would receive calls, but wouldn't send any. Great in emergencies! After a little coffee break, we did some more shopping and then headed back to Annette and Soraya's place with our take-out lunch. There we had a little scare involving a halogen light that exploded and shards of glass that burned holes in the couch and the blanket that Kate usually plays on. Kate was fine thank goodness, the only injury was a shard in Annette's finger. So all in all, an eventful day.
Only 18 more hours before I get to see Matthew. As far as I know I am still on the 6pm visit. Will have to check in the morning. I don't have a lot of photos to show you as Saturday was a bad photo day. Either I had my eyes closed or we both just look bad in them!

The group- Maren, Peter, Tony, Soraya, Annette holding Kate, Maegan holding Taylor, Rolando and Denise. I am holding the camera! (Kate is figuring out how to get to the toys and Taylor is eyeing up Rolando's coffee!)

I love this idea - a drying rack behind closed doors! No one will know if you dry your dishes or not!

The only cute picture, and he is yawning!

This is from the second week of visiting. Just hanging out!

Same day, now we are tired and cuddly!

Matthew and his first girlfriend, Taylor!

The love triangle!

(I just solved two problems and wish I would have figured this out sooner! If I minimize my photo size first and save it to a separate file, they not only upload 20x faster, but I always know what photos I have posted!!! Sometimes it takes me awhile, but I get there eventually!!!)