my journey to Josie

No promises

2011-03-30T12:11:00.006-04:00

Where does the time go? I've received a couple of new comments in the last few months, so someone is finding us. I can't believe anyone still reads the blog, since I haven't updated it in so long!

I'm always interested in hearing from anyone who adopted from baby house #2, Almaty, especially. So many things I didn't ask or get to see, and one day Josie may want to know more than I can give her. So, for anyone reading this who adopted from the same baby house ...

Did you get to see, or photograph, any of your child's living areas or caregivers? Everything was very secretive during my visits ... everyone seemed to tiptoe around the when and where we would visit. I'd love to hear more "behind the scenes" details.

On the last day, I took gifts, candy and food as special thank you and assumed I'd get a chance to see/meet her caregivers, but the director had someone "important" in her office and we were sent off very quickly. Maigul, who managed the visits and knew all the kids, was great. She let me photograph her with Josie and was very sad when we left. It's good to be able to show Josie someone who loved her before me : )

Another year gone by!

2010-12-09T11:07:00.003-05:00

It's been nearly a year since I posted - how fast time flies! Josie's a big girl, now, no longer a baby (most of the time!). I just watched some videos from last Spring and can't believe the huge difference. I guess it will always be this way : )

Today is the second anniversary of our first meeting, and I thought I'd post the "one year later" photos, just for fun.

More "one year later" photos

2009-12-29T10:19:00.005-05:00

December 2008, Babyhouse No. 2, Almaty, Kazakhstan

December 2009, at home in Michigan

A day to remember!

2009-12-09T20:11:00.013-05:00

One year ago today, Josie and I met for the first time, beginning our journey to become a family : )

People ask me what I thought when I met her for the first time. My answer is that there were no specific "thoughts," just an wonderful, all-encompassing, deep to the bottom of the soul feeling of rightness. "This is MY daughter. SHE's the one."

Apparently some families meet several children before making what must be a heart-wrenching choice. I never even thought to ask the people at the baby house if I could meet other children. Once I saw those beautiful chocolate-brown eyes and that sweet, serious, curious little face ... Total love at first sight.

Anyway, we celebrated tonight with spaghetti (Josie's favorite) and the coziness of an impending snowstorm. Here are some pictures of my little sweetheart, then and now. awww.

Very first photo - look at those eyes!
.

Josie's Halloween party photo ...
.

Making "happy face" for Momma and Grammy ...

.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

2009-12-05T10:49:00.007-05:00

So, what's with all this cold, frozen stuff, anyway?

Snow day

2009-12-04T22:13:00.003-05:00

So, winter finally arrived, and since Josie was still tiny last year when we came home (and it was late February), this is her first real snow fall. We went out to get the mail in light flurries yesterday and she was fascinated with the whole experience. This morning the ground was covered and by mid-afternoon we had 8 inches of snow. Felt bad that J was sick, since she would've loved to go roll around in it. Oh, well, the stuff doesn't stop falling until Spring, so she'll have her chance : )

sick days ...

2009-12-04T20:01:00.005-05:00

We've been home sick all week with a "killer" virus (and double ear infections for Josie that are taking forever to clear). Poor baby is miserable and not sleeping well and we're really a sorry sight (no photo, for obvious reasons)

I do, however, have photos of her two best buds MacKenzie and Gracie (the cat girls). MacKenzie has been gentle and generous in allowing Josie to "pat pat," hug, squeeze and otherwise terrorize her with only a mild protest or two.

Gracie, up until now, has been more distant (literally). Her defense was to pretend to be invisible, and oddly enough, it worked. Josie left her pretty much alone. This week of togetherness has breached Gracie's natural reserve, however, and she allowed the occasional "pat, pat," tail tug and hug. (Which she is now probably regretting as she's become the ultimate prey for my tiny cat chaser - and, as you can see from the photos, the cat girls are always a little iffy about the embraces)

Of course, this has escalated the game - chasing down the cats and being heartbroken when they escape ... Kunzeee!!! Gakseee!!! ... Mama!!! ... sob.

Thus is the life of the cat lover : )

Winter fun

2009-11-30T12:31:00.007-05:00

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow ... Okay, I guess we'll call it winter fun, since Thanksgivings past have seen the white stuff in massive quantity (mostly as my leaves are still falling, making for a soggy thaw cleanup just before Christmas). Josie's been doing the family thing, first with her oldest cousin Ashley (photo above) and all the family, then Thanksgiving with everyone local. Both extremely nice times for both of us.

Other photos above: fashion fun, basket fun, shoe fun and a glimpse of "Baby."

"Momma ... pup, pup!!!"

2009-11-19T11:42:00.009-05:00

btw, this is NOT the potty seat : )

For a while now, Josie has been "telling" me when she has a poopy diaper - "Momma, pup, pup!" along with a crotch grab. Her new potty seat was well received, although more as a novelty than a useful object. Which is okay with me - I'm not trying to hurry her along. She needs a few more words and a little more self-control before we end our diaper dependency : )

Last night was our second night actually "using" the new potty seat and we had success right away - although Josie was quite surprised that something other than a "pup" came out first (I know, Val, TMI). I was WAY more excited than she, and we called Grammy to fill her in - Josie "telling" in pantomime, which would've been a cool video.

As fun as that was for me, I thought I'd update on what Josie really enjoys:

dancing - she still LOVES music;
feeding "Baby" and putting her to bed (there's still just the one Baby (capital B) ... the other four babies have been "napping" in Josie's room for a week or two);
putting on shoes (anyone's);
"talking" on a phone (pretend or real);
chasing kitty cats;
hugging stuffed animals (and MacKenzie when she can catch her - but not Gracie, who stays far, far away);
playing with her Fisher Price "Little People" (has quite the village of people, animals and vehicles);
sorting shapes;
coloring;
reading books;
setting the table in her play kitchen
playing "dress up" and going bye-bye with her purse
wandering around the yard looking at leaves, rocks, bugs, and searching for the neighbors' dogs ("bow wows")

Yes, we're quickly approaching the Terrible Twos, but she's a sweet, smart, loving, well-balanced and funny little girl. I marvel at her personality and beauty every day. What more could any parent ask?

As we come up on our first "one-year" marker (when we met on Dec. 9, 2008) I find I can't imagine life without her anymore. When I first started this blog, I quoted another wise adoptive parent, "Keep your eyes on the prize." Well the prize I got is way more than I could ever have imagined : )

More fall fun with leaves and apples

2009-11-15T21:28:00.009-05:00

As you can see, Josie's having a great time with the warm fall weather we're having. No snow yet, and it should be in the 50s until at least Thanksgiving : )

Pictures of Josie and her activities:
- playing in the leaves;
- eating dinner (look at that action with the fork and spoon!) and carmel apples (than you, Melissa!);
- "Harvest" party at daycare (her costume was an MSU cheerleader. She didn't get to go trick-or-treating because she had the flu);
- brushing her teeth (this is her favorite thing to do, aside from feeding the cats)
- playing the piano (lots of talent already : )
- riding the "bike" at Grammy & Bampa's house
- reading books
- getting a haircut with Alexis
- trying on hats and coats
- playing on her slide and with toys
- The Running of the Wild Thing, parts 2 & 3
(Some of the photos are screen captures from videos, and kind of low resolution, but I couldn't pass them up).

All in all, a very fun fall season for Ms. Josie. I'll update more later ...

Fall Fun

2009-11-15T15:16:00.006-05:00

"Row, row!!!"

2009-10-19T21:49:00.003-04:00

Last night in the bathtub, Josie said her first understandable sentence. Okay, "said" isn't quite the right word, but it was definitely a sentence.

Josie's daycare teaches the infants and toddlers a number of words in baby sign language and her spoken vocabulary is also increasing every day. Last night I sang some of her favorite songs to her while she had her bath and she turned to me and signed "more, more, more" "please" and said "Row, row!!!" followed by some vigorous rowing motions. Thankfully, I was familiar with not only the signs, but the song and we spent the next 10 minutes with (the only verse of) "Row, row, row your boat."

I'll need to get a songbook from her daycare (and learn a few more signs) if I'm going to keep up. Tonight she asked for a different song (I think) and I couldn't figure it out ...

Cheers!

2009-09-24T12:08:00.005-04:00

A special salute (Cheers!) to Josie's best friends and biggest supporters: Grammy and Bampa, with whom we spent tons of time with this summer at Glen Lake. They've been loving grandparents since 1991, when cousin Ashley was born, and are kept on their toes by Miss Josie and her antics. Here are a few of their summer highlights!

.

no, no NO!!! Land ...

2009-09-21T20:08:00.004-04:00

Yes, we've reached that magical place where every child eventually
goes: "no, no, NO!!!" Land. Josie has a full and complete grasp
of the power of "no, no, NO!!!" and uses it freely and often. She even
tells the cat, "no, no, NO!!!" when she feels her toys are in jeopardy.
And, yes ... along with "no, no, NO!!!" came "MINE!!!" accompanied
by the grab, clutch and run maneuver. Ahhh, my sweet baby
is actually a toddler : )

But, doesn't she look just swell in her new shoes?

.

"go, go, go!"

2009-09-21T13:43:00.002-04:00

Obviously, the little Spartan cheerleader wasn't enough to help MSU. : (
But, doesn't she look cute? More photos to come ...

More Josie fun ...

2009-09-15T22:35:00.007-04:00

This past weekend was a fun one ... not only did we aquire a "new" Little Tykes car to ride in (garage sale find, thanks Nora!), but we enjoyed good company and delicious grilled chicken with our neighbors (Scott & Nora, Megan & Katie) and watched some more (sad) MSU football. Josie scooped LOTS of water from her big, pink pail and played with her kitchen.

What Josie's been doing for fun all week:
swimming like a froggie, while blowing bubbles in the tub
dancing to the ice cream truck song (Popeye the Sailor Man)
reading her animals of the world book
"playing" naptime in her crib or lying on the floor and being covered by a blanket
playing on Mom's big bed
repeating and saying lots of words (still only once, but is trying out lots of sentences, too, if only I could understand them)
practicing her baby signs: eat/drink - uses it ALL the time (I mean ALL the time ... it's sort of a composite of both, but I think she's working on it)

Suggestion from Mom: "Hey, why don't you get that paper wet and wash your car?" prompted an immediate and thorough washing of the left rear bumper ...

Where the heck was the camera???!!!

.

Gotcha!

2009-09-12T22:36:00.003-04:00

Josie playing "gotcha" with Mom ... only I got her in a picture, instead. This is one of Josie's favorite games, where Mom chases her from one room to the next and then catches her - with lots of laughter and tickling all around. Her other faves are hide-and-seek and peekaboo and she never tires of any of them.

Josie's summer fun

2009-09-11T20:28:00.003-04:00

There were tons more "summer fun" pix, but I got brutal and narrowed it down to ten : ) All are pretty much self-explanatory, except the last one: Josie's first time watching an MSU football game. She took to it from the first big play, and cheered like a lifetime fan through the first half. (slept like a tired baby for most of the second half). Her support paid off with a win : )

such a big girl, now!

2009-09-11T14:45:00.010-04:00

In the last few months, Josie has really blossomed! She’s so much
more toddler than baby now and a joy to watch : ) Communication
is growing and we can now pretty much understand each other
most of the time (Mama says “yay!”).

An update for all the Josie watchers:

Josie's most-used words:
(There are others, but I can't remember them right now!)
Mama (Ma, Mom, Mommy)
Mmmmm or yummm
kitty
kitty cat
Gammy (or gama or ama or mmmmma)
Bampa (or bapa)
banana
Mac Kenzie
Gracie
Bow wow (dog)
down
chair
cracker
car
spoon
teeth (loves to brush her teeth!)
gorilla (more like ga-illa. This is when she reads her animals book)
Caroline (more like Ca-la-line. She's repeated this after me and on her own
several times when looking at my niece in a family photo.)
ssshhhh (with finger to mouth)
’kay (Okay) – I haven’t heard this one yet, but Miss Deb did at school

Pretty much any word starting with a “b:”
bear
book
ball
bed
babe (baby)
bowl

Lots of words repeated when someone else says them:
Cow
Turtle
Sparty (no, I swear she did! Only it was ’Party, not Farty like Patrick used to say)
Blanket
Doll
Box
Go
Down
More
Nora (Nona)
Bobbie (Baba)

They’ve been learning Baby Sign Language at school, and Josie has a consistent
repertoire of at least 4 signs (that Mom can interpret, anyway):
More
Thank you
please
Eat
Mama (maybe)

She makes the animal connection pretty well.
Favorites are:
ooooooh (cow)
maoh (cat)
bow wow (dog)
rrrrrr (tiger – see, Andrew! Another tiger fan)

Songs:
I've Been Working on the Railroad
Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes
Shoo, Fly
Miss Molly Had a Dolly Who Was Sick, Sick, Sick
Ring Around The Rosie
Pop Goes The Weasel
Sing A Song of Sixpence
Patty Cake
If You’re Happy and You Know It
(really, she likes all songs and will “dance” just to a rhythmic beat …
one evening we were playing outside and the local high school band
was practicing – Josie rockin’ along with them : )

Foods (almost always using her spoon – and very well, I might add):
bananas
any other fruit, including melon, peaches, raspberries, blueberries, applesauce …
pasta (spaghetti, ravioli, Mac & Cheese, Chicken & Stars …)
tuna
Salmon (our favorite “go out to dinner” order together)
cottage cheese
scrambled eggs
Cheerios, bananas & milk
Pancakes
everything, really, the child has never met a meal she didn't participate
in (picture head over bowl, scooping as fast as she can and not missing a drop
– okay, but not many drops!)

favorite things and things to do:
kitty cats
puppy dogs
baby dolls
stuffed bears or cats
musical toys
drawing pad (magnetic, with a pen)
SHOES!!!
Minnie Mouse, Cat in the Hat and Froggie
Barbie and Dolly at Gammy & Bampa's
feeding dolls and pets
playing with cousins
borrowing the Baldwin's car
playing in the Play House
Jumping on pillows
Playing with the “new” toys she got from the Sanders, who live next door
(a kitchen with play food!!! Doll stroller and cool pink chair)
sitting on porch reading newspaper with Mom
pursuing MacKenzie
catching MacKenzie
gathering all her toys (dolls, stuffed animals, etc) in a group
putting on and taking off shoes
Grammy's phone
Watching the neighborhood from the front window (when WILL I be big enough to ride that school bus?!!!)
Going to the beach: digging in the sand, standing in the waves and watching all the other people and boats
Scooping in a pail of water and dumping it on myself
“swimming” like a baby froggie in the tub
blowing kisses
and, seeing Mom come pick me up at the end of the day at school : )

Many (many) fun summer photos to come ...

.

Memories old ... and new

2009-09-11T13:00:00.003-04:00

This morning Josie and I made the trek out to my adoption agency to drop off our first post-adoption report. During this first year home, I am required to send a summary of Josie's life and progress back to Kazakhstan every six months. Then one a year until she turns 18. I see it as a positive that her birth country is concerned about her welfare. Anyway, it's a very basic report and was easy to type up, since she's glowing with health and developing like any other 16-month-old.

The fun part of this little trip (only 15 miles from home, and one of the reasons I chose this agency), was meeting up again with Chandra, my AAI adoption consultant. Chandra was my consultant from the beginning and witnessed all the ups and downs of my wait for Josie to come home. She's not only great at her job, but was always up front with me and was a huge source of support.

I was happy to see her and give congrats, as she's just gotten married ... and she was excited to meet Josie in person (as was everyone else we encountered in the office : ) Josie got to meet some new people, make an escape down a long hallway, play with new toys and show Chandra how to get a timeout from Mom.

So fun! (see how happy we are in the photo?)

Wild Thing

2009-08-11T14:11:00.004-04:00

The running of the Wild Thing through Grammy and Bampa's living room this Spring. Oh, to have that energy : )

a day at the beach ...

2009-08-10T16:40:00.003-04:00

Another fun visit with my Aunt, Uncle, cousins and little cousins started with a trip to "the creek," and fun in the Lake Michigan waves ...

cousins

2009-08-06T16:18:00.003-04:00

First cousins? second cousins? cousins once removed? ... it was all moot when the ice cream and brownies came out and the afternoon became even sweeter : ) Here are a few photos of the second cousins. Aren't they cute?

2009-08-04T16:17:00.000-04:00

In the good old summertime ...

2009-08-04T16:06:00.005-04:00

Josie's been having tons of fun visiting at Glen Lake: playing with cousins, borrowing the Baldwin's car, going to the beach and hanging out with her two favorite people (formerly known as "Ga" and "Da," now referred to as Gammy and Bampa. Some photos to share : )

Happy Independence Day!

2009-07-06T11:36:00.010-04:00

Had a great weekend visiting Grammy & Grandpa again at the lake. Josie had her first boat ride and parade and a tasty dinner at a favorite local restaurant. It's so fun to have people who sit near us them marvel at her table manners. (okay, not her manners, exactly, but since they undoubtedly sat down thinking, "Darn it! Right next to a baby!" Her relatively quiet concentration on eating must be a happy surprise : )

Pictures to come ... but in the meantime, here are a few more of Josie's favorite things to do:

- Eat (we've established this, so I won't keep mentioning it). Apparently "mmmmmm" will be Josie's first word.
- Feed baby or teddy bears (and one time even the cat, although the spoon didn't end up even close to MacKenzie's mouth ...)
- Arrange baby or teddy bear in a basket or box. She's very fussy about this, and will spend 15 minutes arranging and rearranging their position until she finally hits the wall of frustration. This weekend Grammy figured out that what she REALLY wants is for them to sit upright, not lay down ...
- Hug, pat or jump on Minnie Mouse, Froggy, Cat in the Hat and other big stuffed toys or pillows. Again, MacKenzie's a bit harder to nail down for this ...
- Read books (Favorites are still "Bear Wants More" and "Moo, Baa, La la la." But she loves anything with a flap to lift or babies or objects that we name over and over. She also has a little photo album with all her family members that I brought to Kazakhstan on our last visit. It's a big hit, and she points to everyone.
- Play peek-a-boo or hide-and-seek. The hiding is now just as much fun as the "jump out and laugh loudly" part.
- Put on ... take off ... put on ... take off ... on ... take off ... the shoes. Josie says, "Velcro rocks!"

and finally ...

- What I fondly call "Getting Mommy's Goat." This is a game where Josie does something she knows Mama doesn't want her to do and then laughs or grins devilishly as Mama reacts predictably (and loudly).

The photos at the top of this post are a perfect example of "Getting Mommy's Goat." Although they're totally faked in Photoshop (you know I didn't catch this in camera. Mayfly photos courtesy freenaturepictures.com)

Playing outdoors typically ends with Mama issuing the ultimatum "If you put one more thing (rock, leaf, twig, stick, piece of bark) in your mouth, we're going inside."

Saturday she did one better - a nice, juicy bug. (Mayflies everywhere, dead, half-dead, mostly alive). I didn't have the camera up, nor did I issue the ultimatum. I ran toward her, squealing like a girly-girl.

Grammy yanked the disgusting thing out and threw it in the grass. Eeeeuuuww, but okay - bug gone. Until I said, "I think you missed something." and she turned to see my little pink princess with one remaining Mayfly wing hanging delicately from her lips.

Mmmmm.

... and the cat says ...

2009-06-30T12:47:00.002-04:00

Ga and Da

2009-06-30T12:40:00.002-04:00

Josie and I visited Grammy & Gramps (aka, "ga" and "da") last weekend at the lake. Too cold to swim yet, but maybe next weekend. Josie had fun playing in the yard and swinging on the hammock with Mama and Grammy and discovered the "play" house for the first time. Hopefully we'll have photos of that next weekend, when we go back to celebrate Fourth of July Independence Day with Josie's two favorite people : )

For now, some new photos ...

Cutie

2009-06-22T16:01:00.003-04:00

Mothers Day

2009-06-09T08:21:00.003-04:00

My mom shot this on Mothers Day. Josie's first try at eating out, and although she did get a bit cranky and overtired, she was good as gold through church and most of brunch. This cute dress, which you only see a bit, was from Grammy, and has American flags across the tummy. CUTE!

More Mothers Day photos later.

Recent photos

2009-06-08T11:50:00.001-04:00

little sweet pea ...

2009-06-08T11:23:00.002-04:00

Sometime soon (I promise!) I'll post photos of Josie's baby showers, baptism, Mothers Day and all other fun first events. Obviously being a mom with a darling little sweet pea to photograph did not make me better at getting the photos made, or even posting them on the blog ...

I've started to lose track of all Josie's "firsts," too. She's just like a little sponge, soaking up knowledge and astounding her Mama everyday. I don't know how many times I've said, "There's no way she actually knows that!" only to find that, indeed, she has a whole encyclopedia and vocabulary in her head that's growing constantly.

She understands abstract concepts and appears to "get" things I'm sure I never taught her (was it just my last post where I was bragging that she could "follow" 2-step commands?). Lest you think we're running out to join Mensa tomorrow, however, her favorite activity is still playing tag with the cat ...

Other things Josie likes to do:
- attempting to put her shoes on (her feet, my feet, Minnie Mouse's feet ...)
- eating
- playing or listening to music
- eating
- hugging her toys
- eating
- playing at the computer with Mama
- eating
- exploring outdoors
- eating
- meeting new people
- eating
- playing in the tub
- eating
- hugging, touching, jumping on, poking, tickling and being held by Mama
- and, of course, eating

Josie's still working on a really clear first word, although, by the tone of her babbling, I'm probably going to look back at this as the good old quiet days ...

One real first, which has not been mastered since? The poo-poo in the potty. Although a complete fluke (comprised of an unusually aware and fast-moving Mama who noticed gas bubbles escaping in the tub - and a cooperative baby, who popped out the rather large nugget with panache).

Hey, my friend Karen says babies get credit for everything they do, whether they did it on purpose, or not.

Anyway, we're working on achieving this desirable potty activity again, since it's shorts weather, and last night had a close brush with success. Josie "told" me she had a poo-poo and headed off to the bathroom so we could have the fun of dropping pants and flushing Louie down the sewer (don't ask why ... It's Pooey Louie and Wetty Betty ... but we don't have a name for what comes out of the nose yet ...)

Sorry for the potty talk ...

Busy, busy ...

2009-05-12T10:43:00.002-04:00

Josie's on the move constantly, so catching her at an activity that she loves is the only way to get the photo sometimes. Here are a few of her favorite activities that involve sitting still. However, if Gracie or MacKenzie are cooperative, a game of follow the kitty is still much preferred : )

Birthday girl

2009-05-04T20:42:00.007-04:00

Other new firsts:
Identifying body parts. No, my little Einstein can't find her nose, but ask her where her tummy is (or her favorite, "belly button"), and she's got it down. But, only at bath time, when that button is easier to find!

Following 2-step request from Mom: Can you get your kitty and bring it to Mama? (referring to the kitty TOY, not the real kitties. As we all know, she can't catch them yet : )

Buckles and straps and snaps ... oh, my! Last night she grabbed my (discarded) bra off the floor, pulled it around her waist and tried to connect the hooks. Where was the CAMERA!!!??? Josie is fascinated with all of her buckles and belts (car seat, stroller, high chair) and can spend long, concentrated minutes trying to figure out how they work. Should I be scared?

Funny girl

2009-05-04T20:35:00.003-04:00

I think the faces tell it all. We're having such a fun time together and getting to know more about each of our personalities every day. The little imp just makes me smile, and now that she KNOWS when she's being an imp, well, the mischief begins. Tonight she had so much fun splashing in the bathtub - the entire room was drenched, Mom only a little damp after taking refuge behind the bathmat. Wish I had a camera to capture the sheer joy in her whole little body, just pounding the water and laughing. Of course, the camera would be ruined and no more Josie pix for me to share!

Enjoy these glimpses. My personal favorite is MacKenzie, the cat, entertaining her by walking in circles around the room, enticing Ms. Josie to follow. It's best viewed with all 4 photos, but I restrained myself to just one. "All around the mulberry bush, the monkey chased the weasel. The monkey thought ' twas all in fun. Pop! goes the weasel"

A day of "firsts ..."

2009-04-29T16:43:00.001-04:00

Today is Josie's first birthday, which is amazing enough by itself. However, I find it refreshing and exciting to realize how many of her "firsts" I've actually experienced in the two months we've been a family. So, to document this momentous day, I've compiled a list of Josie's recent "firsts:"

Clapping hands (Grammy taught her with Patty Cake ... current favorite is "If You're Happy and You Know It" song)
Pulling to a stand
Cruising the furniture
Walking
First visitors (Grammy, Anne C., Nuge 6)
Waving bye-bye
Bad cold with fever (here at home)
Eating solid food all the time
Going to daycare (see first bad cold)
Parties (2 wonderful baby showers - more posted later)
Trip away from home (Grammy & Gramps)
Feeding her own bottle
Drinking from a sippy cup
Drinking from a real cup (we're working hard at this messy job)
Trip to work with Mom
Word(s): Alright, it did turn out to be "Mama" or rather, "Mamam," but "kitty" is still hanging in there as well as "cat," "boo," "hi," and "see-see" for herself ... and she gets meaning out of lots of my words. ("no," "no touch," "no, No, NO, NO!!!" and "go get your kitty toy" to name a few)

Some more photos to come, soon, I promise : )

oops! one more

2009-04-29T11:49:00.001-04:00

Photo update ...

2009-04-28T11:45:00.003-04:00

I'm really behind in updating Josie's blog. Chalk it up to busy-ness and business ... we're now in our 3rd week of daycare/back to work and feeling way more comfortable at both ends. I'll get more updates going as soon as possible, but here are some photos, which are the best part anyway!

2009-03-30T20:36:00.001-04:00

One Month Home : )

2009-03-28T20:09:00.003-04:00

Friday marked the day - one month since Josie and I began our life together at home. I can't say it hasn't been an adventure; it has been the biggest, riskiest and most monumental of my life so far.

But it's also been the richest and most rewarding month of my life: watching Josie learn all the new skills that babies seem to absorb like sponges; experiencing all the riches and sacrifices a new parent makes; and seeing the joy and welcome in the faces of my family, friends and neighbors (and in nearly every person we encounter at the store, on our walks ... well, the child IS adorable, if you forgive a mom's biased opinion).

We have 2 more weeks of leave time left, and then on to the new challenge of balancing work and family life. I'm sure that will be challenging and rewarding, also ...

Sharing with you a couple of shots of my happy little girl. Hopefully I can sort through the photos from a recent baby shower given by friend and post of few of those, too!

HALT!

2009-03-20T11:46:00.005-04:00

HALT! Is my baby a Dr. Jekyl/Mrs. Hyde? or what?

I continually bow to the wisdom of my friends and family (many are seasoned parents). My good friend, Karen, gave me this succinct summary of baby's crankiness and how to deal with it recently when I complained of a diet heavy in whine ...

H-A-L-T. It stands for Hunger Anger Loneliness and Tiredness. The idea is that after checking for physical reasons for whining and fussiness, you should HALT and think of those four words. You're sure to find an answer, if not a solution.

Works like a charm to calm (me anyway, if not Josie : ) Even when I can't imagine she could be hungry or tired, she sometimes is. The lonelies and anger I sometimes can't help with, but at least I get where Mrs. Hyde is coming from.

Karen says that even with her three, who are 9-16, the HALT explanation still works. (I think it works at 45, too ...) Thanks!

It's Real!

2009-03-16T14:55:00.003-04:00

After two weeks settling in and getting to know each other's ups and downs, Josie and I are really a family. I don't know what I'd do without her (although you know I do wonder what it'd be like to grocery shop alone, just once!). Every funny face, every sleepy cry ... even the teething-inspired whine or two ... just became a part of everyday life. Snuck up on me, you might say, without my seeing it coming : )

She's grown so much since she came home, and I don't mean just her chubby little belly (that's a good thing ... she was a bit low on the weight percentile). How do little people learn so much and figure out how everything works in such a short time? I AM IN AWE of this child. If only my brain cells were still firing that well ; - )

More later. I hear the dirty dishes calling from the sink.

Tomorrow the cable people come and reconnect me to the electronic world. Yay! A home office and my own internet connection! (No, don't even ask how I'm doing it now ...)

paka paka

More Josie at home

2009-03-08T22:30:00.004-04:00

Some "hangin' around the house" shots ...

Josie at home

2009-03-08T22:16:00.005-04:00

After 2 weeks together, and one week taking it easy at home, Josie and I are feeling much more mellow (and well rested). Last night, 10.5 straight hours of baby snooze time! I know that's not necessarily the new standard, but did it ever make us each more pleasant this morning?!!!

We've been to the pediatrician (thumbs up, but with some blood tests, etc to go) and the grocery store (go faster, Mom!) and hosted my brother and sister-in-law and their 4 kids for the afternoon. That was tons of fun, and some of the photos I'm posting are from that day. Connor, especially, was very excited to meet his new cousin. That's so great, since he's the closest in age at six. Andrew, Caroline, Patrick, Aunt Laura and Uncle Chris all had some fun Josie time!

more later

K&J

airports

2009-03-05T21:19:00.002-05:00

Had a comment/question posted about spending time at the airport between flights ...

I think the reference was to Almaty's airport. It's a different experience, for sure. The airport is small ... but also a very different kind of terminal than I'm used to here in the States. Everyone waits in a central location until the flight is ready to board, then the officials open a door, where there's a mad rush to the front, where they check passports/tickets and you're off down a hallway to your gate. Announcements are in 3 languages, one being English (the others Russian and Kazak, I presumed). The departure boards are in 2 languages - one being English, which helps.

It's a bit confusing the first time. They also control the timing of who can get in to the ticketing area ... a certain amount of time before flights and they announce that you can go in ... maybe 1.5 hours ahead of boarding? I'm not sure. Then you go through passport control before entering the waiting area. Outside the ticketing area there's the luggage scanning area and shopping (also some shopping inside the waiting area).

Amsterdam, of course, is much, much larger and there's lots of options for shopping and eating and even leaving the airport for a tour of the city.

Hope that helps : )

ahhhh ... home at last

2009-03-03T15:26:00.004-05:00

The divine Ms. Josie is taking her afternoon nap, as I will be in a few moments, also : ) We're still working on the time zone changes and a little girl who doesn't seem to sleep more than 2-3 hours at a stretch. Now that she's getting a bit more settled in at home, I'll start working that out.

Met a nice family at the Almaty airport, as we were both waiting to depart. She was traveling with her newly adopted 4 year old son and her sister in law. We chatted about the state of adoption in Kazakhstan in general, and it brought home to me how really, truly lucky I am to have Josie in my life.

It's becoming difficult to adopt infants from Kaz., according to this experienced mom (this little guy is her second adoopted from the same Baby House), and rarely are any children under 12 months availble. Her sons both had fixable medical conditions that the Kaz. citizens apparently felt was too much to deal with. She's got a real gem, anyway. He smiled and entertained J during our long wait at the airport and seemed a really happy little boy.

My happy little girl is having a blast, playing with mom and her kitties. (Grammy just went home. We owe her such a HUGE thank you for all she did ... supporting, loving and nurturing both J and me through 3 international trips and all the way on home. Talk about teaching by example. I only hope I can be as giving as a mom.)

Well, the extra wide hallway gate came today, thanks to my dad working behind the scenes to get everything ordered, so we could have a good trip and safe, secure home. Can't wait for him to see his newest little grandchild again.

Off to grab some sleep while I can. I'll take some pix and post them as soon as possible.

Special "hi" to Katie (and Jenny). I can't wait for you to come to visit, too, so Josie can meet her new "California cousins." ; )

.

Last day in Kazakhstan

2009-02-26T09:23:00.002-05:00

Had a lazy day playing, eating and packing. Josie's already taking big steps away from the insecurity of needing Mama within touch ... crawling around after me and Grammy, and pulling herself up to standing ... mostly on her favorite people. All ready for bed soon, and planning a 6:00 am pickup tomorrow for the airport. Hoping for as smooth a trip as can be expected with a baby. Keep the good thoughts going : )

As a last thought from Almaty, I'm posting a few photos. Josie and I leaving Baby House No. 2 ... and with the goofy Mama and Grammy.

paka paka
K, J & M

Last day in Almaty

2009-02-25T23:20:00.003-05:00

Well, we're down to the last day, here in Almaty. It's sad, in a way to be leaving the place of Josie's birth, and one day she may want to visit here, but I'm ready to go home and get started on our life together : )

A little update on the sweet thing ... hopefully I'll get another post in with a few photos before we head home, too.

---

Yesterday we were all suffering from J's lack of good sleeping during the night and tried to nap with her every time she slept. I guess this is what everyone told me about - the lack of sleep is killer : )

Got the Embassy paperwork filed on Tues. and had a quick meeting with Emb. official yesterday. I have all her adoption/birth certificate papers, along with a translation into English. Also have the ultra secret sealed envelope that I can't open - it goes to the immigration officials at the first US airport, where she touches the ground and becomes a US citizen.

She's a very good baby ... a little clingy - won't let me leave her, even to play on a blanket. That's getting better by the hour, though, and she's exploring a bit of her surroundings. I think she'll be all over the place at home, once she gets secure, but for now, doesn't go far. Except for some "staying asleep" issues, she goes down for sleep pretty easily and enjoys all her food.

Lots of playful smiles and interaction. She's a real character, and repeats sounds and kissy noises and all right back at you. A little charmer, she has Mom and I wrapped around her finger already : )

We are family ...

2009-02-23T10:29:00.003-05:00

The only description I can give for today is "busy, busy, busy." The trip to the grocery to buy cakes and candies for the caregivers and officials at the baby house was rushed and crowded, due to today being the "unofficial" holiday of "Men's Day." Apparently May has a "Women's Day," and this one was needed to balance it all out. Everyone and his sister was out buying cakes and goodies for home and work to honor the men. But we succeeded in the end and made our way to the baby house.

Josie came in, dressed in the outfit I brought for her to leave in. Cute as a button, still, of course! Both she and Maigul, her head caregiver, were obviously sad to part, and there was a rush to give us a happy send off. Some tears from Josie that dried up very quickly as we made our way back to the international clinic and had our doctor's appointment.

The timing on this was a bit unfortunate, as it forced Josie to miss her scheduled nap! We returned to the hotel to hang out for the rest of the day. Little Miss J then refused her next nap (loudly) and spent the afternoon playing with Mom and Grammy and eating. For such a little peanut, she has quite the appetite. That bodes well for the future!

Got her down (hopefully for the evening, unless she wakes for a bottle). Mom and I are heading off to bed to shore up our sleep, just in case.

Tomorrow is the US Embassy paperwork, then Wednesday the Embassy interview. Friday a.m. we head home. Can't wait!

hello, from Amsterdam!

2009-02-21T08:09:00.003-05:00

The long-awaited day finally arrived. Our final leg in the journey to Josie : ) Very soon she and I will begin our life's journey together, which is one of the best trips anyone could make.

Mom and I are in Amsterdam, having completed the first 2 flights smoothly and safely. In four hours we leave for Almaty, arriving at 6 am. We'll have one day child-free (Sunday), and then go to Baby House No. 2 on Monday morning to pick up Josie.

It's still so unreal to me that I will go home changed as a person and family. I remember when I started calling my mom and dad "grandma and grandpa" after their grandchildren began to arrive 17 years ago, and now I'll be "mom" instead of just me. Unbelievable.

This past week is a blur, filled with so much to do, and the anxious, overwhelming feeling that I left so much undone! My friends assure me that that means I'm already a parent, "so get used to it!" Oh, my.

I'll probably get in a few blog updates while in Almaty, maybe Josie and Grammy will do some, too : ) But, once I get home you'll have to be patient while I price out and get the cable and internet connections set up. Can you say "welcome to the 21st century?" (yes, I'm still watching analog tv, too)

.

8 more days ...

2009-02-12T16:44:00.006-05:00

One week from tomorrow I leave for the final trip to Kazazkhstan. Will I miss the long flights over and back? No. Will I miss the interminable waiting between visits? No. Will I be so excited and nervous that I can't sit still or sleep? YES! (But save your pity for my mom, who'll be traveling with me : )

One more week and I'll officially be a "real" mom. 24/7 ... all day, every day. Diapers and new teeth and no sleep ... All the experienced moms out there can laugh, but I am really looking forward to the day-to-day, routine, boring, take-it-for-granted stuff. It means I finally got to that "prize" that I've had my eye on all this time.

In celebration of the countdown, I'm sharing a photo of the beautiful quilt my friend Karen made for Josie. It arrived yesterday from California, where the great artist resides (check out the artinthegarage.blogspot.com link to the right on this page).

I've known Karen since we were 18. She's a former math teacher who went on a mission several years ago to find her creative self. And did she ever! Karen is not only a painter and mixed media artist, but a talented writer, photographer and quilter, also. Check out some of her art quilts on her blog. THANKS, KAREN!

Thank you all!

2009-01-29T17:35:00.003-05:00

While waiting to go back to Kazakhstan to pick up my baby girl, I'd like to thank each and every reader of our blog!

I may not have answered every post or email personally (you know I fully intend to ... some day), but it's meant so much to me to read your supportive, happy responses to our journey. The path hasn't always been smooth, and I haven't always been as patient and upbeat as I feel today, so I've relied on your words to keep me going.

So, thank you all - family, friends, coworkers, adoption consultants (and even the drop by blog lurkers).

I hope you all have someone to support you when you need it. I'll do my best to be there for you, too : )

Josie's Mom

Home again 2

2009-01-22T10:14:00.003-05:00

We arrived back on Sunday in pretty good order. Odd airlines happenings in Almaty, though. We arrived with our new etickets for the new British Airways flight info (if you remember, KLM called my Dad on Saturday and had cancelled our KLM flight and rebooked us on British Airways). British Airways then told us that our reservation had been "cancelled," and that we should check back with KLM. Who had us back on the original flight ... long story short, it all worked out, but the added stress was a killer : ) My advice to anyone flying into or out of Almaty is to book yourself with plenty of leeway in case of changes ...

I'm working on Josie's room and babyproofing the house. I can't believe that she'll actually be here in a month! Will be making the big purchases (car seat, stroller, high chair) soon, so if anyone has advice ...

I'll post every so often as I prepare to go back for the final trip. There's still a bunch of US Embassy paperwork to complete, so I'm sure I'll stay busy.

Happy ... sad ... happy ... sad ...

2009-01-17T09:49:00.003-05:00

Our last visit to Josie today was one of discovery. Her first tooth has erupted and is about half way grown in. What a milestone! What a fussy baby! She couldn't decide if she wanted to play, cry or just be held. And, so it starts. I didn't have the heart to tell her she has 31 more to go : )

Found out we won't be coming back until a week later than I had calculated. Probably leaving February 20, so will go get her from the Baby House on the 23rd and go through the US Embassy stuff for 3 days. Home on Friday, because Northwest/KLM doesn't fly out on Thursdays. Sigh. Seems so far away, but all will pass soon enough.

Just heard that our KLM flight tomorrow morning has been canceled - they're sending us via British Airways, instead of KLM, though, and leaving only an hour later. FINGERS CROSSED.

Feeling kinda crabby myself! : )

Josie says "hi"

2009-01-16T10:50:00.001-05:00

Today we visited Josie for the first time as “legal” Mom and Grammy. She was somewhat unimpressed, but despite still feeling a bit punk, she did demonstrate to Grammy her new prowess in crawling. It was, of course, impressive and brought home to me how much she'll change in the next month while I'm away. Can't be helped, of course, but I wish I could just tuck her in my carryon and smuggle her off right NOW. Grammy enjoyed hearing her extensive vocabulary of sounds and watching a lot of “gum chewing.” : )

Anara accompanied us to the National Museum, which was filled with lots of interesting bits of Kazakhstan's history and development. Lots of nicely preserved artifacts (clothing, tools, jewelry, etc) and some very nice displays identifying the various nationalities living in Kaz. (Kazakh, Russian, Tatar, German, Polish, Korean, Uzebek, Jewish, etc). She very kindly walked us through the whole thing, explaining and translating as necessary. Very interesting. All this on a beautiful, sunny day, high of about 36 degrees.

Welcome to the family, Josina Margaret!

2009-01-15T02:43:00.001-05:00

The day finally arrived to go to court. As you could guess, I've been worried for the last couple of days about the outcome. Mom's been a great support and has kept me as calm as possible : )

The courtroom was in an unassuming building. The room itself a white rectangle with the judge's desk at one end, a desk on the left, where the prosecutor and court secretary sat … and another on the right, where the guardianship representative and the Baby House rep. sat together. At the back were several wooden benches where Anara, Zhaniya and I sat. My “speech” to the court was well practiced and went well – Anara translating a sentence at a time. I was allowed to take a copy of it with me, which I referred to briefly a couple of times. Then some questions from the judge, prosecutor and guardianship rep.

The judge asked several basic questions, some harder and a couple of really off the wall, odd questions. My favorite? “It's a tradition in Kazakhstan that if a brother has many children, then he can give one of them to a family member with no children. Why doesn't your brother with the four children just give you one?” He asked this with a smile, but pursued it with a follow up question along the same lines … seemed obvious that he was joking… I think. My answer was that I'd take any of my nieces and nephews in a minute because they're such good kids, but that their parents would probably be unhappy to give them up. (Chris and Laura may have their own answer to that, depending on the day!)

In the end, he debated a few points with the guardianship rep. and then granted my petition for adoption. Yay! I am now legally Josie's mom! We still have to wait for the appeals period and paperwork to be completed. But in about a month, I can return and bring her home forever. This is truly the happiest day of my life : )

Yesterday's visit to Josie was nice. She's still sick, but improving. Mostly she just wanted to be held, but we did spend quite some time blowing raspberries at each other and “practicing” our babbling. In the three weeks since I last saw her, she's learned how to crawl and makes good speed across the room. So, back home to baby proof the house and finish up her room!

Tomorrow Mom and I will go to visit Josie – don't know if we'll be going on Saturday yet, so this may be the last visit until we return. Because we won't be allowed to visit next week (too many other families there and sickness amongst the kids), we've changed our return tickets to leave on Sunday.

With much happiness!!! Kelly

Note to anyone reading this in Grand Rapids – could you get me a newspaper with today's date (January 15) to keep for Josie? I have two from Kazakhstan (one in Russian, one in Kazakh), but it would be a nice keepsake to have one from her new hometown, too : )

The upside ...

2009-01-13T09:22:00.003-05:00

The upside to the day was getting to see J again. I got the call this morning that I was to be allowed to see her. Yay! However, when we arrived, we were told that she was sick and there was initially some doubt as to whether I could visit. I was okayed, but for a half-hour visit only. Apparently colds/virus/flu runs like wildfire through the rooms, and J's whole "group" had fallen ill.

She was a bit listless, so we took it all slowly. We rocked and I sang her the more soothing of my two-tune repertoire. She does really love music ... whether singing or toys. Maybe she'll keep that love of music all her life. I'd love that : )

My facilitator and translator arrived early this evening to review the court procedure, discuss the details of my "speech" to the judge and my answers to possible questions. It's all very nerve-wracking for me, because this court decision is so very important. Apparently families' experience in court varies widely, from "it was a breeze" to, well, the other end of the spectrum. I'm hoping for the former, but preparing for the latter. Anyway, we'll know on Thursday, hopefully. (Although the judge can take several days to decide).

I won't be able to visit J next week. Too many families on first trips using all the visiting rooms and too many sick babies. So, hopefully I get to see her a couple more times this week. It would be great to see her feeling better before I go home.

Got just a couple of photos after she perked up somewhat today. Not her usual wide-eyed, healthy wonder, but I'll share anyway : )

Hello, from Almaty!

2009-01-12T10:10:00.003-05:00

Mom and I are back in Almaty for visit No. 2 (of 3). This visit will be for court, with the bonus of being able to visit J for a few days, also. I'm feeling a bit nervous about court, but I can't wait for the day J legally becomes my daughter. She's already in my heart, but having those papers is the next step in bringing her home.

Our flights here were uneventful and mostly on time. We were a bit worried about getting out of the midwest, as there was bad weather at our first two airports. Never fear, fortune smiled on us and our pilots took off and landed in less than great conditions. The challenge, as always, was to get through 2 long flights with very little sleep and uncomfortable seats, and endure a lengthy layover. But, we survived!

Whether because of the less crowded flight or non-holiday conditions or just our own familiarity with the process, the airport scramble to get to customs seemed almost easy this time. Our driver from last trip, Gabit, picked us up from the airport and dropped us at the hotel, where we were greeted warmly (return guests!) My facilitator, Zhaniya, and translator, Anara, came today to take me to a notary to get papers properly set for court. Apparently, I'll have a "pre-interview" with the judge the day before court, then the official meeting on the 15th.

Assuming I get a positive ruling, then the 15 day appeals period begins (required by law). At the end of that period, J is legally my daughter and my coordinators can begin the paperwork to get her new birth certificate in her new name with me listed as her parent (!) and then begin the U.S. immigration and Embassy travel paperwork. Best guess is that we could be back in a month to take her home.

Keep fingers crossed!

Home again

2008-12-29T13:14:00.002-05:00

Our flights home were on time and smooth. Although I do have to point out there was a HUGE difference between the KLM leg from Almaty to Amsterdam and the Northwest leg from Amsterdam to Detroit. Granted, it was a smaller plane, but the KLM flight was so much more comfortable and pleasant. If you want details, ask me, otherwise, enough said : )

Back home again and into the old routine. Sort of comforting to get back in the swing of things, but still more travel to plan and paperwork to prepare. I got the word from my Kaz. facilitator (on the ride to the airport!) that my court date is set for January 15 and I need to be there before the 14th to go over things and prepare.

We'll have to leave on the 10th to get there in time, as KLM doesn't fly from Amsterdam to Almaty on Sundays (the 11th, which would've been better). January 10 is only 12 days from today - Yikes!

However, the timing does clarify one thing for me regarding 2 trips vs. 3: there is not enough time at home to get things done to prepare for J's arrival, and not enough time at work to prepare for me being gone on leave. So ... It will have to be 3 shorter trips, rather than a 2nd long one. More fun on the plane, yay.

Hopefully, I'll be allowed to visit J on this next trip. It's specifically for the court date, which usually consists of the judge, a prosecutor, and other court personnel; the Baby House director, a member of the Education department, my facilitator, a translator and me. (I think that's all). Upon a favorable ruling (could be that day, or take several days), a 15-day appeals period begins, and paperwork is begun that will be filed in Astana, the capital. Total stay is about a week, plus travel time. The third trip is a bit shorter and involves receiving custody of J, visiting the American Embassy doctor, finalizing paperwork and travel documents for J. Then home. I can't wait for that last part!

Paka paka (bye bye)

2008-12-25T05:58:00.001-05:00

We're scheduled to fly out early tomorrow morning. Keep fingers crossed for good traveling. Bye for now. We wish all our friends and family a very Merry Christmas!

Kelly and Marilyn

Countdown ... 1 (Christmas Day)

2008-12-25T03:21:00.003-05:00

Grammy, Mom and baby J had a good time on our last visit to Baby House No. 2 - for this trip. We played all our usual games, smiled, drooled and watched the other family across the room. An extra special day, because we don't know when we'll be together again.

I can't express how hard it was to leave her there, but I know she's well cared for and treated with affection : ) Here is a poem (or song lyrics?) I found on an adoption site. When I find out who to attribute it to, I'll add that to the post.

Kisses in the Wind
I hold you in my heart and in my dreams.
You are here each day with me, that's how it seems.
I know you wonder where we are. It's been so long.
Just remember, child, that God will keep you strong.

Now go outside, feel the breeze and let it touch your skin.
Soon you'll have a family, I promise you again.
Miles away we wait for you, but it's coming to an end.
But for tonight, just as always, I'll blow you kisses in the wind.
Kisses in the wind, kisses in the wind, kisses in the wind.

May God hold you in His hands until we get to you.
I promise you that we will see you soon.
May He wrap you in His arms and hold you tight,
and let the Angels bring our kisses every night.

Now go outside, feel the breeze and let it touch your skin.
Soon you'll have a family, I promise you again.
Miles away we wait for you, but it's coming to an end.
But for tonight, just as always, I'll blow you kisses in the wind.
Kisses in the wind, kisses in the wind, kisses in the wind.

Countdown ... 2 (Christmas Eve)

2008-12-24T11:32:00.003-05:00

Today's visit to J was an absolute joy : ) The other family from the US was with us again today, and they and their 6-year-old provided lots of distraction for Ms. J. She had lots of tummy time (which they don't normally get), even turning to me once and spontaneously smiling at me when I greeted her. (yes, I got it on video : )

We had a nice surprise at the hotel this afternoon. They found out that we celebrate Christmas and had been greeting us with "Merry Christmas" all day. About mid afternoon, two members of the staff brought up a Christmas card (with a nice note in English), along with a plate full of fruit, champagne and two glasses. So very nice!

I suspect that Zhaniya was behind their knowledge of our big holiday, as she also arranged a very nice Christmas Eve. dinner at the hotel of several traditional Kazak dishes. MMMMM. Very yummy. Zhaniya and Anara, along with the other US family, plus Mom and I had a leisurely celebration. Very nice for us, being so far from home. What a very thoughtful thing to do!

Mom got another great "present" today. She has permission to visit the Baby House again tomorrow as it's our last day. So much fun, for all 3 of us to get another special day together : )

Countdown ... 3

2008-12-23T11:01:00.003-05:00

Fun day today at the Baby House. We shared the 2nd floor room with the new family. Their daughter, 14 months old, was a bit uncertain and cried much of the time. J and I played our own games, but looked on in sympathy occasionally. Got some chuckles and baby babble, plus a lot of smiles today. Moments I'll remember : )

Back "home" and off to the last hike to the grocery with Mom. Mostly needed water (can't wait to get home to drink unlimited water ... right from my own tap!) and some yogurt and fruit to tide us over until we leave.

Sad to think of leaving J behind, but we're so much closer to our future together. I would've had a hard time making this trip without the support of my mom and dad, who've shown me how far a parent is really willing to go to make their child happy. The best Christmas present I could ever receive!

* photo at top of Maigul, main caregiver at Baby House No. 2; and a pensive shot of Ms. J from today

Day 11

2008-12-23T10:50:00.002-05:00

Day 11 was Monday. I started out early, joining another (new) family working with the same facilitators, but with a different adoption agency. They brought with them their 6-year-old daughter and we all squeezed together in the van. They were on their first day: city council building, meeting baby for the first time. Kind of fun to look back to my first day with J. : )

J and I had fun in the first floor visiting room. Not our favorite room as it's not as sunny and the pink walker toy is upstairs. Shorter visit because we came later, but important in that it's our last official visitation day. I did get the word that I'll be able to visit her all week, though, right up until we leave. Yay.

Picked up Mom and we all went to the American Bar & Grille (Am Bar), which is sort of a diner-like restaurant with English menus and wait staff with pretty good English. We had burgers and fries, but they have a bunch of down home choices. Light dinner at "home" and watched an entire soccer match. Yes, I know.

In case you wonder ... television-wise: we've watched soccer, skating, table tennis match, a well-dubbed Russian version of "Meet the Fockers," (yeah, I know) and a badly dubbed episode of "Friends." Beats CNN and BBC, once they start repeating : )

later.

aaargh

2008-12-23T04:44:00.002-05:00

For anyone who has been trying to reach us via email or who's a regular on the blog ... we're having trouble keeping a continuous internet connection. I may not be able to reconnect and update the blog, but be assured I will when we get home : )

I am not able to get to my regular email account, as of this moment, so if you're one of the few with my yahoo address and are desperate to hear back, try that.

Otherwise, all is well here, baby J is still great and we're still under less snow than Michigan!

Kelly & Marilyn

Day 10

2008-12-20T03:06:00.003-05:00

Grammy and I went to see J today. She was in a pretty good mood. We enjoyed our time, as she played with a musical toy and chewed on her keys. It was hard for Grammy to leave, knowing she won't see her again for awhile, but we'll be patient and wait for next trip.

We had fun and took some video of J rockin' out to her tunes ; ) She was her usual captivating self, chuckling and babbling a bit. I do think we heard her say "mama" today. Could be "mamamamama," but close enough and caught on tape.

The weather the last two days has been below freezing. Roads and trees are icy, but the driving is okay. Staying in for more meals, because of the slippery paths.

Our best to everyone back at home; all our family and friends who have been so supportive. We love and miss you all : )

Day 9

2008-12-19T09:24:00.003-05:00

So, you might wonder at the decrease in quantity of really cute pix of J. That's because the little sweetheart has been a bit cranky the last few times I've visited. Tired, chewing on everything and wanting to be held ... doesn't lead to Mom taking great photos. Just know that there have been chuckles and playfulness and wide-eyed-wonder ... just for my eyes only, sorry : ) Tomorrow Grammy gets her second visit (and we'll try to show you some more of J's antics.)

How do Grammy and Mom pass the time waiting for the daily visits? There's only so much wandering the locale and eating pizza that two foreign gals can stomach. Well, there's also Scrabble (Grammy 75, Mom 1) and blackjack (Mom 10, Grammy 3), reading, crosswords and sudoku. Except for leaving J behind, I think we'll be happy to go home next week. Fingers crossed that all goes well on that journey. Got an email from Gramps ... he's home safe after 2 days of travel. It's a relief, but we miss him : )

Day 8

2008-12-18T09:53:00.001-05:00

Today J and I joined two other families in the playroom for visitation. One from Italy, and the Spanish family I met previously. It was much livelier to have a 3 groups talking and playing at once, and fun for J in that way. Anara told me that all 3 kids were from the same “group” at the Baby House, and so know each other. J certainly couldn't take her eyes off the other two, who, being 12 and 14 months old, were much more mobile and active. Of course it meant less focus on each other for J and me, but it still was a nice visit. Not many pictures. Some video, which I'll have to figure out how to post when I get home.

Last night we got a dusting of snow, which melted in the street but remains on the ground. Colder than when we first arrived, but nothing like at home, I'm sure : )

Day 7

2008-12-16T09:02:00.003-05:00

J and I celebrated the Kazakhstan independence day in the Baby House with piano playing, book reading and playing with toys. All in all, much like any other day. As we're counting down the days until the "bonding" visits are completed, I can't imagine going back home ... to wait another month or more before I can see her again.

I'm including a few photos in honor of her many faces.

Mom, Dad and I found a new place to eat tonight. Good pizza and wine, and not too far from where we're staying. That's good, since Mom and I will need somewhere fun to go after Dad leaves tomorrow. Bon Appetit!

oooooh ... scary baby!

2008-12-15T09:57:00.003-05:00

Day 6

2008-12-15T09:48:00.002-05:00

More fun at the Baby House today. We played with all the "big" toys ... Mama's way of seeing what happens when there's nothing small enough to put in J's mouth. Not much, except a bit less contented of a baby girl. Still had fun and a good visit.

Today was Mom and Dad's 52nd wedding anniversary. Who would've guessed back on Dec. 15, 1956 that they'd be halfway around the world in 2008? So fun to be here with them for their day. Zhaniya and Anara gave them a beautiful bouquet of flowers. So sweet and nice of them!

Enjoy the pix.

Day 5 photos

2008-12-13T23:41:00.001-05:00

Guest columnists ...

2008-12-13T23:25:00.002-05:00

The Long-Awaited visit
Apa and Ata (Kaz. for Grandmother and Grandfather) are only permitted to visit the Baby House on Saturdays and so we had to be very patient for 5 days. Saturday arrived bright and sunny and off we went!

Upon arrival at the BH, they brought in dear little Josie. What a doll! Petite and cute as a button, she looked us over and then happily accepted us.

For over an hour, Josie was entertained by 3 gaga adults - and then it was time to go - much too soon. Hugs and kisses and then a group picture and she was whisked off. We're in love with her already and thrilled to have another grandchild. Can't wait until next Saturday!

Grammy and Gramps

more photos

2008-12-12T11:17:00.004-05:00

Here are a couple of pix from Days 3 and 4 ... not a lot of variation. Just the same adorable cute girl and her mama. Tomorrow Grammy and Gramps get to visit the Baby House with me, so that should be fun and maybe some cute shots to post ; )

Day 4

2008-12-12T10:56:00.006-05:00

JMI and I had a great day today, playing and talking and zooming around in the walker toy. Too bad those things are considered "unsafe" (kids can zoom down staircases), because she really loves it and I'd get her one at home ...

We were all alone in the playroom for visitation, and enjoyed having the space all to ourselves. JMI is so sweet, just like any 7 month old, I guess, who is still all about the simple things: a warm, comfy lap to sit in, stuff to chew on and cool toys to play with. Of course, I'm only there for a short time each day, missing all the difficult parts of the day. Plenty of time for that when she comes home : )

She definitely shows interest in the books I bring to read to her. Current favorite is "Moo, Baa, La La La" by Sandra Boynton.

"The cow says moo. The sheep say baaa. Three singing pigs say La La La. No, No, you say. That's not right. Pigs say OINK all day and night ... "

As you can see, I kind of like it, too : ) She's oh-so cute when I read it to her; she really zooms in on the animal pix and grunts a little and pats each page. I do the "cats and kittens say, MEOW" with an actual meow. As we know, I'm really good at that, being a cat mom already. She really perks up and stares at me intently. Maybe meow will be her first word, who knows?

I talked with Zhaniya today about JMI's future official name, and it seems that I won't be able to add Irina to the official Kaz. papers. The forms only allow for 2 names and a last name. So, I'll have to add the Irina informally or something. Anybody know ... do Episcopalians get to add a baptism name? But, I'll still keep calling her JMI on the blog for now, just to keep it simple.

I hear it's really cold and snowy back home, but here we are hovering around 35-42 F each day, and no precipitation at all (unless you count fog and smog, which they have in abundance this time of year). They say this warm weather is unusual, but it's okay with us. Zhaniya and Anara took us up into the mountains today. Beautiful and clear there, where we stood overlooking a 10,500 square metre speed skating ice rink, Medeu, at the site of the 7th Asian Winter Games, which is much like an Olympics for this area of the world. Very cool.

***The Government of Kazakhstan plans to allocate US$726 million in the 2008 budget for construction and renovation of the sports facilities for the games, including the Medeo skating rink and the Shymbulak skating area to the south east of the city.[2] Timur Dosymbetov is the Director General of the 2011 Asian Games Executive Body. The games are considered good experience in hosting for the city of Almaty, and will likely be a strong point in their planned bid for the 2018 Winter Olympics.[3] (wikipedia.com)

K, M & G

Day 3

2008-12-11T09:36:00.005-05:00

Thanks so much for all the comments on the blog and your email messages. It's so nice to know how many people are interested in our journey! We've had issues keeping a consistent internet connection, and since that's how we access the blog and email ... new posts and email reponses are a bit slow to come.

JMI is doing great. Yesterday was a cranky visit, but today's was more fun. Playing with toys and interacting and a little smiling (yay!) and it was over way too fast, of course. Another family, from Spain, was sharing the playroom. Their son is 14 months old and walking quite well. Really cute, too, but can't hold a candle to JMI. (who could?) I liked meeting them, but we were each focused on our own "thing," so didn't talk much. Just between us, they were a bit distracting, since JMI was fascinated by little Pablo Renat, and I was jealous (haha)

Got the word that Grammy and Gramps will be allowed to visit JMI on Saturdays. Yay, again. It's been terrible for them to see me off every day not knowing if they will see her in person. Hopefully, we'll get some better pictures and maybe a little video while they're there.

It's hard to get pix of a little one (as you probably know) who can't stay sitting up by herself and is sitting in your lap most of the time. I got some terrible/hilarious video of her in a little walker toy. Most of the footage was of the floor or my own nose, unfortunately : ) Anyone who knows me well knows that it's tough for me not to get the good shot!

We're having fun trying some new restaurants. Very yummy, and no horsemeat yet, to Mom's relief.

More tomorrow. Pix to come.

I will post more photos tomorrow. Be patient. Her cuteness doesn't fade!

So sorry

2008-12-11T09:30:00.001-05:00

I just realized that I forgot to turn on the "anonymous" option in the comment area under each post. So sorry! I turned it on today, so if you held off on making comments because you didn't want to set up an account ... now you're all set.

Some cute pix

2008-12-10T09:11:00.002-05:00

The rainbow came out one day at the Amsterdam airport. Seemed like a sign, somehow! The shot of my mom and dad reading the blog was just too perfect to pass up : )
The shots of JMI and myself are from Day 2 visitation. Cute hat, huh? I think they keep it on so she stays warm enough. LOL.

Day 2

2008-12-10T08:28:00.008-05:00

Today was my second day visiting baby JMI. (I can't keep typing out her full name Josina Margaret Irina ... that's way too long for such a tiny peanut of a baby, and she's technically Irina until after the court date and appeals period ... so JMI).

We meet from 10:30 to noon each day ... cushioned on each side by a harrowing car ride across town Kazakh style (think 10,000 New York cabbies combined with the Indy 500) ... today JMI was a bit cranky. Teething, maybe, but also a little unsettled by being left alone in a room with a virtual stranger. Well, time will fix the teeth and the acceptance. We did rather well together, but she was only happy being held in my arms or on my lap. That was okay with me. More chances to give kisses : )

We went to Panfilov Park afterward with Zhaniya and Anara. An impressive area with a memorial dedicated to the memory of soldiers of the Panfilov Division who were credited with helping save Moscow from being overrun by the Germans in 1941. Also home to the Russian Orthodox Cathedral, a rococo style building, built in 1904. At one time an officers club and then a museum, it was restored to all its glory as a place to worship in 1991. Ate pizza at an Italian restaurant, bought some food and bottled water to take back with us.

Photos to follow ... No award winners, since we had a cranky day and I found it hard to justify photos when hugs worked so much better. But a couple of cute shots, anyway.

All in all, a great day!

Meet (Josina Margaret) Irina

2008-12-09T11:15:00.001-05:00

Welcome!

2008-12-09T10:52:00.002-05:00

We arrived on time Monday morning and were picked up at the airport by Zhaniya, my facilitator and her daughter, Anara, the translator. Very nice people, who spent most of yesterday helping us find a nice place to stay (Alma Hotel) and taking us on a short walking tour and to a grocery. We have a refrigerator in our room, which we've stocked with breakfast and beverages (lots of bottled water!) We've also been to a couple of nice restaurants and had tasty, but not too adventurous meals!

But that's not what you really want to know, is it?

This morning I had my meeting with the City Council/Education director, who approved me to continue on to the Baby House. After picking up a woman from Washington DC, who is on her final trip to bring her daughter home, we went on to the Baby House, where she was having her goodbye party and I was to meet my baby.

So ... welcome little (Josina Margaret) Irina to the family. She was born April 29, 2008 and is an adorable baby with brown eyes, dark hair and a little button of a nose. We met for about 15 minutes and she was very sweet, interested in me and all the toys ... and put everything in her mouth like any 7 month old! She's of Korean descent (go figure) and has lived at the BH since she was 2 weeks old.

Tomorrow I start my daily visits (1.5 hours a day) for 13 more days (not including Sundays). I'll post a photo on the blog as soon as we get them downloaded. She has that delightful, big-round-eyed stunned look in each one (much like myself, I suspect). Cute.

Once the visitations are complete, we file papers for a court date. On the next trip I go to court and hope for a positive ruling. Fingers crossed ... little (Josie Margaret) Irina will finally be a member of the family then. : )

More later. Hope everyone is well.

Kelly
Grammy & Gramps

Waiting ...

2008-12-07T08:22:00.002-05:00

hello from Amsterdam
Long story short ... we're still at the Amsterdam airport. Our second day here waiting for our flight to Almaty. The first was cancelled yesterday (after 10 hours of waiting in the KLM lounge) then we were being routed through Moscow later in the evening. That flight also was cancelled, so we spent the night and are "freshly" awaiting the same 6 pm flight out tonight. Better rested due to our stay in the airport hotel and a nice breakfast.

Keep the fingers crossed and the prayers going out!

Kelly, Marilyn and George : )

On our way ...

2008-12-05T09:29:00.002-05:00

Today's the day! Our flight leaves Detroit at 9:15 pm, arriving in Amsterdam nearly 8 hours later. Then a 7 hour layover in Amsterdam, before making the final leg of the journey to Almaty. (about 6.5 hours). That's a lot of traveling for this homebody!

But what is awaiting me at the other end is priceless ... The anticipation and the gift I will receive is far better than any Christmas morning in my memory (that includes 1969, the year I got the stuffed dog AND the lifelike baby doll).

The endless rounds of updated paperwork and documents to be notarized and apostilled is done - for now. The overnighting of our travel visa application, the scramble for unsullied cash to take for exchange and the rush to buy baby clothes, toys and caregiver gifts is over. The suitcase is packed (42 pounds, under the limit if you trust my scale ... ) and I am as ready as I'll ever be.

Are you ever ready?

As is often the case, best laid plans ... the idea was for me to go to the Baby House on Monday, December 8, but Monday is a Kazakhstan holiday. (Kurban Ait - Feast of Sacrifice) So I'll be meeting the little sweetheart on Tuesday, instead. More time to recover from jetlag and get our bearings : )

I don't even know where to start thanking all the people in my life who supported me in this journey and who continue to send their best wishes. You are all truly wonderful, fabulous people. Yes, fabulous : )

My next post will be from Almaty, Kazahkstan, where tomorrow's weather should be mostly sunny and 39 degrees Fahrenheit. Gotta think that's better than snow and 19 ...

Kazakhstan bound!

2008-11-21T10:55:00.002-05:00

I got the call yesterday afternoon that the Letter of Invitation had arrived! It confirms that we'll be traveling to Kazakhstan to meet my future daughter, leaving the weekend of December 6 (most likely, to get there before the 8th). My mom and dad will make the trip with me and we'll most likely be there over Christmas.

It was so hard to be here at work, instead of at home or with family and friends, since I wanted to laugh, cry, dance - all at once. Except for the ongoing dilemma of how to get my mom a travel visa with more than 30 days for the second trip ... the world is a happy place. Now, to rush around updating the last documents and figuring out how to pack light (LOL!)

Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers for a safe and successful trip.

omg, this is so exciting!

Marginally relaxing

2008-11-19T17:45:00.002-05:00

What’s new this month?
It’s possible I’ll get the Letter of Invitation as early as next week, although they say it still looks like the earliest we would travel would be sometime during the week of December 8th. How’s that for good news?

This means I’ll continue to update some documents (doctor, employer, immigration fingerprints, FBI fingerprints … all are close to expiring. That also means another round of notarizations and apostillings (okay, it's not a word, but if I have my way Websters will acknowledge it by 2010). Plus, travel visa applications and passport style photos to be taken. Still, a far cry from the preparation needed for the full dossier.

What about when I get there? As is normal in Kazakhstan adoptions, you go in blind. No referral, no photo, no medical information. When you meet your child, you have a day or so to make a decision and possibly fax medical reports to an adoption doctor here in the States.

I’m in a quandary over whether to take the international fees with me in cash or to try to take travelers checks and get them cashed. Most agencies recommend the cash option, but that’s a scary proposition. Hmmm. Checking into the options, there.

My agency’s contact from Kaz. has hooked me up with a family that just returned from their first trip. What a nice family. The mom emailed back to me with her impressions and suggestions – wow, was that helpful! I admit to being a bit stressed and worried over all the little details. I may call her tonight for a chat. Did I say nice family?

My boss also gave me a great contact person … his father-in-law, who travels all over Asia for his job and very nicely offered to talk with me also and says he has friends and contacts in Kaz. if I need them. That sound you hear is me, marginally relaxing.

Almaty, maybe

2008-10-24T17:42:00.002-04:00

Talked with my agency consultant today. She says my documents came out of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, presumably on to Ministry of Education next. Our “connection” in country thinks the most likely region is Almaty.

I was a little uncertain about going to the big city … I had a picture of myself slowly whiling away the peaceful and boring hours in a smaller town. My parents, who will be traveling with me, are thrilled, though. Somewhere to shop, to eat, to tour while we’re waiting. (Okay, I’ll live with the smog and the big city … )

... as one wise blogger put it, “Keep your eye on the prize.” And that’s what she’ll be – a prize and a treasure. Someone I’ve waited for for a very long time.

The only drawback? They’re talking about maybe three trips. THREE!!! I freaked out for a bit over that, but apparently it can be made in two. Our only issue is whether my mom, who’s going with me on the second trip, also, will be able to get a visa that extends more than 30 days.

Closer, closer ...

2008-09-12T17:41:00.000-04:00

After arranging a courier service to pick up and mail it forward to Kaz., my dossier has been sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Astana, Kazakhstan. Closer, closer, closer …

2008-09-10T17:40:00.001-04:00

So I was home today with my mom, who was visiting to keep me company after I had a little minor surgery. I got a phone call from a man with an accent. A little hard to understand until it sunk in … HE WAS FROM THE KAZAKHSTAN EMBASSY and he informed me that my dossier had cleared the consulate. (WAY earlier than expected!)

More dancing to a joyful tune! (Literally, this time, with my mom as dancing partner). It actually cleared yesterday, but they emailed it to my work email and I wasn’t there. This was so much better, though, to share it with my mom.

I’m approved. It’s all so real now.

Oh, happy day

2008-08-04T17:39:00.000-04:00

Oh, happy day! The dossier is on its way to the Embassy. This is probably the first feeling of undiluted joy I’ve felt since I began the process, nearly two years ago. Dancing to a happy tune in my head: )

Something happening ...

2008-07-25T17:39:00.000-04:00

The dossier is back from translation. Now I feel like something is FINALLY happening. I still need to work on a cover letter and then arrange to Fed Ex it to the consulate in DC.

This is progress

2008-06-13T17:37:00.000-04:00

I haven’t written in a while, which I should have, if only to document the painstaking and painfully detailed steps involved in producing a Kazakhstan dossier. But the good news is that I sent it off today to be translated into Russian. Pray for its safe arrival and good reception!

I’m so totally excited by this “milestone.” I guess that’s what you’d call it. There hasn’t been much to celebrate lately, and this is PROGRESS.

Fingers crossed ...

2008-04-25T17:07:00.001-04:00

Well, I talked with my agency consultant about the pros and cons of moving forward and completing my dossier. The main drawback is that the documents are dated, and some may expire before the dossier gets approved or before I complete the trip.

On the assumption that taking any action is better than sitting on my hands and worrying, I told her that I’d like to forge ahead. I’m a little nervous about that, but I feel much better with an “action plan.”

So, fingers crossed : )

Spoke too soon ...

2008-04-02T12:05:00.003-04:00

Although the intent to allow Kaz. adoptions to continue has been verbalized, the D.C. consul is still holding up processing. My consultant at the agency is trying to find a way to work around it. Apparently there's a consulate in NY also, but they're worried about a sudden influx of dossiers ...

My poor mom (grandma to 5 and future grammy to Kazbaby) is feeling the strain almost as much as I am. She's planning on going with me for the whole trip, which is huge and very appreciated. (She needs to stop mentioning my advancing age every time there's a delay, though.)

So, still waiting. Good thing I'm a patient person.

Good news!

2008-03-25T18:36:00.002-04:00

I heard from my agency today that the Joint Council met with Kazakhstan Ambassador to the United States Erlan Idrissov and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Michelle Bond.

The good news is that the temporary suspension of dossier processing has been lifted. I am so happy! Just waiting to hear from my adoption consultant whether she expects any changes in the process before proceeding. They are saying to expect delays.

Click here for the whole statement.

Onward and upward (fingers crossed!)

The saga continues

2008-03-19T18:46:00.006-04:00

Sorry for the lack of posts in the last month. The world of intercounty adoption can be uncertain, as I’ve found out yet again. And I find it hard to write when I’m feeling down.

Several weeks ago, word oozed out that there was a problem with adoption processing at the embassy. I was advised to hold off on my remaining paperwork until the situation was worked out. (This suggestion is intended to keep the paperwork as current as possible, datewise).

Still waiting.

Just this week a statement was released from the Joint Council for International Children’s Services (JCICS) stating that adoptions from Kazakhstan are “temporarily suspended.” Check here for the official statement.

This is very scary news, considering that this was about where I was last year with the process in Guatemala. I feel a depressing sense of deja vu. It’s like I’m standing outside of the gate, and no one will allow me in.

My adoption consultant, who’s in touch with “people in the know” assures me it’s nothing the same as Guat. and has advised me to hang in there. Apparently, it’s an issue with the Consul at the embassy here, not an issue for the Kaz. government (who are proceeding with cases and are supporting the process in country). Hopefully, this will be worked out soon.

Sigh.

*** JCICS is a “membership association of licensed non-profits, international adoptions agencies, child advocacy groups, parent support groups and medical clinics. ... whose mission is to advocate on behalf of children and to promote the highest standards of ethical practice in intercountry adoption. So they KNOW.

The back story ...

2008-01-28T20:03:00.000-05:00

There’s not much new to post. Got my immigration approval (actually a change of country, since I had prior approval last fall). Ordered apostilled (not certified!!!) birth certificates and started my doctor on the med. forms (always a slow process). I continue to produce and fill out the many forms required by Kaz. law and I'm pursuing FBI fingerprinting and clearance.

It’s a strange feeling, living in two parallel worlds. One where I do all the normal things (work, grocery shopping, cleaning, paying bills, talking with family and friends) and one where I’m in a perpetual, uncertain, paperwork-filled limbo. It’s a little disturbing and often leaves me feeling a bit out of sync.

Anyway, I’ll post more progress as it comes to me : )

A little of my personal backstory, while I wait ...
Why adoption? For my first 30 years, I just assumed I'd have kids of my own, complete with hubby, house, 2 dogs and cool job. (sweet youthful dreams). Instead, I have the house, a cool job, five fantastic nieces and nephews to spoil and two adorable felines. Not a bad haul, so far. But, though the ticking of my biological clock has slowed to a near halt, I still harbor dreams of having my own family.

I explored adoption at a local informational seminar over fifteen years ago, well before I had any real intention of following through on this plan. My friend Mary, bless her heart, coerced me into keeping her company while she explored the possibilities for her own family. We split up to cover more ground, she to international adoption topics and I to domestic. We learned that choices for single women are fewer than for married couples. (And if you’re a single man, good luck.)

I began to think about international adoption as the most likely path to my future family. As the years passed, I avidly read magazine articles and books about international adoption and single parenthood. I engaged in a constant and low-level debate with myself. Can I do it? Should I? What will my family think? Finally, I gave myself a deadline.

So, here I am. Hoping to find Baby J in Kazakhstan, a country of great beauty and diverse culture.

Photo bonus!

2007-12-21T14:37:00.001-05:00

Three more great kids, who inspire me not only to parenthood, but to proper football attitude and attire: Jenny, Katie and Joel.

Choosing a name

2007-12-18T18:15:00.002-05:00

How did I choose my future daughter's name?

I've always loved that my mom named her kids after family members. My own name is my mom's maiden name followed by a shortened form of her favorite aunt's name. I want to do something similar for my child.

About fifteen years ago, when I moved back to Michigan after a brief stay in Minnesota (land of 10,000 lakes), I accompanied my mom and grandma to a local cemetery. While there, I found that my great-grandmother's true given name was Tona Josina. Until that point I believed her given name was Josephine.

I loved that name, "Tona Josina." But I also wanted to use my grandma's name, Margaret (on mom's side. My other grandma, Christine, was already immortalized through Christopher and Christina).

A baby name wesite divulged the following:
Josina , a variation of Josephine, means "God shall add."
Margaret can have two definitions. In Greek, it means "a pearl." In Persian, it means “a child of light”

So, my future bobek kuz* will be named "Josina Margaret." meaning either "God shall add a pearl" or "God shall add a child of light" Isn't that great? I'll most likely add another middle name after I meet her, to honor her birth name.

*From a list of Kazakh words: Baby = bobek; Girl = kuz; Boy = bala
From a list of Russian words: Baby = ryebyonak; Girl = dyevochkee; Boy = malcheekee

Photo bonus!

2007-12-18T18:15:00.001-05:00

This beautiful woman is my great-grandma, Tona Josina De Witte Weisel:

And this lovely girl is her daughter and my grandma, Margaret Weisel Kelly:

DENIED

2007-12-18T15:01:00.000-05:00

My adoption coordinator sent me a link to a group of wonderful adoption blogs a couple of months ago. She also suggested I find a Kaz. adoption group on Yahoo to join, so I could have others like myself to talk with ...

I found three and requested to join:
- one for people in Michigan with Kaz. kids (accepted)
- one for people adopting from Astana, Kazakhstan (accepted),
- and one for people adopting from Kaz. in general; a huge group with no specific city, and recommended by a great Kaz. website (DENIED)

Of course, I'm irrationally upset that a faceless, nameless entity has denied me membership in their elitist little clique.