Power and Shopping in Kaz

We knew that power outages were common in Kazakhstan, so we weren’t at all surprised when we returned to the apartment this evening and had no electricity. What did surprise us was when we noticed that the apartments across the way had power, as did those on the 1st and 3rd floors of our wing. So we moved the contents of the fridge to the enclosed porch, and called Radda, who called Oleg, who called “the electrician”, and an hour and a half later we have light again!

Our visitation time with Owen is now 10:00 to 12:00, which puts us at the hospital with two other adoptive parents, Steve and Mechelle, and Joan. It’s nice to get the chance to talk with them, especially since they are both here adopting their second child and have some good advice.

There are currently five babies being adopted from the hospital. They were all born in July, and we have found out they all had chicken pox in December. Owen does have a few pox marks from the ordeal, but we have to admit that we are glad we’ve got that particular illness out of the way.

The last two days with Owen were amazing. We think he really enjoys being with us now. Of course the downside to this is that he has begun to fight dozing off during the visits, and when we put him in his crib when it’s time to go he lets loose with some serious crying!

But for most of our visit he is happy to play, bang on the CD player, take a walk outside, enjoy his bottle and a teething biscuit, and try out a pacifier for the first time. He does so many little things that make us laugh and every day brings a new joy. When he reaches for us, or smiles at us, or falls asleep in our arms, we just look at him (and each other) and wonder how we got so very lucky.

And while we’d happily spend all day with Owen, we can’t yet and so we do have to fill up the other hours of the day. Today that meant lunch at the Rainbow Café with the other families and our drivers and interpreters, then shopping at the Green Market. This is rather like a farmer’s market, with butchered meats; stalls of fruits, vegetables, nuts and sweets; and long deli counters. The minute you get close to the counters the saleswomen cut a slice of cheese or salami and offer it to you to try. I finally found a cheese that is somewhat close to cheddar – although when I first asked to sample it the saleswoman said ok, but I wouldn’t like it! It seems that their tastes in food are different here than in the US; they seem to like a lot of either sour, pickled or bland food, and apparently cheddar does not met those criteria. We also got good salami, now we just have to find crackers and we’ll have a favorite snack/lunch.

After the market we went to some other stores and purchased clothes hangers and a sharp knife for the apartment, and some items for Owen to have as he grows up that represent his birth country. Bob also had the opportunity to try on a traditional Kazakh robe (trying on interesting hats and taking pictures is something Bob does often when we travel!), which Radda found rather amusing.

All in all another good day in Kokshetau. Now we are going to fix a vodka and cherry juice (Jodi), grab a beer (Bob) and watch a movie before bed. We hope you are doing well! Paka (bye) for now.

The Start of a New Week in Kaz

We are all so excited … Owen and Cearra have a new cousin!! Mackenzie Nicole arrived (and in a hurry – no time even for her mom to get an epidural) on January 27th. Word from Wisconsin is that everyone is doing great, and that Mackenzie is a little angel. Jeff, Kris, Sam and little M, we are sending you all our love and joy from Kokshetau and can’t wait to meet the newest addition to the Kaufmann/Mommaerts family!

Meanwhile back in Kaz, the Mechems have moved into our new home, a one bedroom apartment on the 4th floor of a Soviet-era building. Interesting architectural details include molded and “woven” ceiling tiles that look like a cross between plastic and Styrofoam, French doors, an enclosed balcony, and some really beautiful doorknobs (the proceeding commentary brought to you especially for Alison!). We have a nice size living room with plenty of floor space for Owen to play once we get custody of him (which will hopefully be Feb 13th after court). Three of the four burners on the stove work and Oleg is trying to find a microwave for us. There is an unpleasant smell here (and also in the Children’s Hospital) that reminds me of cigar smoke, we think it may have something to do with the heating. Radda told us when we bathe we must “turn the hot water on and get wet, turn it off and soap up, turn it on and rinse” because there is only a small water heater in this apartment. Of course if we want a shower instead of a bath we first have to figure out a way to rig up a shower curtain as we don’t currently have one; it’s a good project for the day.

Our visits with Owen continue to go well and we feel like we get to know him (and vice versa) better each day. For example yesterday we learned that the boy can make quick work of a teething biscuit. When offered one he grabbed it right away and ate it like a pro. Of course he didn’t want anything to do with his bottle when the caretaker brought it in a short while later; lesson learned … bottle first, cookie later. We were told we could bring him any food we like, so we may also try some rice cereal.

Owen was in a mellow mood for most of our visit which was fine with us. We just cuddled him and played quietly with him on the blanket, and near the end of our time he fell asleep on Bob – so sweet. He did wake up when we put him back in the crib and he definitely was looking sad that we were leaving; it was so hard to walk out the door. I’m sure that once we are gone he settles himself down and naps, but we are left to spend the rest of the day and night looking forward to seeing him again!

Settling In

The Yanks have invaded Kokshetau! I don’t think this city has ever seen so many Americans walking their streets. There’s Maureen & Sean (TX), Jenny & Darryl (OH), Steve & Mechelle (GA), Joan (CA), and Bill & Jill (WI). We get some stares, but Bob and I don’t feel uncomfortable or unwelcome. In fact we think the greatest thing about traveling is realizing first hand that while we may look different and have different customs and ways of living, everyone really is the same underneath, with similar hopes for a happy, good life.

Because there are so many WPA families here right now, we have been in a hotel since arriving, but will be moving to an apartment on Sunday. There is no washing machine there but a local woman will do laundry for us (about $4 a load but baby clothes are no charge) and we think we will try to buy a microwave to make cooking a little more convenient. We are looking forward to being able to unpack the suitcases and feel a little more settled. Plus the apartment is very close to the Viola market which is good for food and drinks, and the cottage where two of the families are staying.

Last night we went to the local “pick-up store” (a small grocery store where you can actually roam the aisles and select things for yourself as opposed to the more common stores where the merchandise is located behind glass or on shelves and you have to ask the staff to get you what you want) for my daily supply of Coke Light. A young woman who works there shyly approached us as we looked at the beer selection and asked if we needed help; sensing that she really wanted to practice her English we asked her advice on beer, cookies and dark chocolate – so much for losing weight while here - and ended up with a few more things then we originally went for, including a personal interaction that left us (and her) smiling.

Yesterday was also our first day without a nap – which is a pretty big milestone in getting over jet lag. Of course this morning I woke at 4:00 am so we may still have a ways to go. Oleg, the main driver and “get things done” guy here (we tease him that he’s really the Mayor and he usually responds “not yet”) says drinking a little vodka everyday helps your body adjust to the food, and so far I think he’s right as my nightly cherry juice and vodka has kept me feeling pretty good!

I wish we could update everyday but the dial-up internet connection is very touchy and sometimes just won’t work at all. I’ll do my best to provide you all with stories, insights and more pictures of the cutest boy in all of Kokshetau! Know that we love your comments and emails and that while we miss you all, we are safe and happy and having a great time on this adventure!

We Made It!

After a few long and bumpy flights, we are in Kokshetau, and this morning we finally got to Owen! He is amazing, adorable, sweet, beautiful!

He's a very happy and content baby who we quickly found loves to be thrown in the air, bounced about and flown around the room. One of the care takers told our interpreter that we "should not be shy with him; he likes motion". I think the jumperoo at home will be a big hit! He is also pretty smooth with his rolling over action and sits up with help.

Of course we also spent a lot of time just holding and talking to him which he seemed to like - especially if he could grab one of our fingers to chomp on ... his two little bottom teeth are already in!

After his bottle, a diaper change and more cuddling, he fell asleep in my arms. That was the most amazing joy; without a doubt this little boy is so worth all it took to get here.

I'll write more about Kokshetau, our quest for an apartment (we are in a hotel now), our travel partners, food, daily life, etc. in later posts once the routine sets in. Thanks for your comments - we love hearing from you!

Here's Owen

Here We Go

The house is cleaned, our bags are packed, and the cat care schedule is all set (thank you Kim, Casey, Sherry, Jill, Donna and Mom!). We are a little anxious but mainly just eager to get to Owen and finally complete this long, winding journey.

We leave tonight and arrive in Frankfurt at about 9AM on the 23rd, and then press on to Almaty, arriving close to midnight. The morning of the 24th (Kaz time, which is 11 hours ahead of EST) we will meet with the sisters, then board the Yak for Owen's birth city. We hope we will be able to visit him that evening, but if not our visits will start on the 25th. We'll try to update the blog shortly thereafter.

Your thoughts, good wishes and prayers are much appreciated, and we will carry a bit of each of you with us! Check back often!

Year of the Dog

Congratulations to Jodi's cousin Drew and his wife Mary on the arrival of their son Cole Andrew!! Happy to hear everyone is doing well and sending our best wishes to the newest Kaufmann.

Now for some fun information. Owen, as a 2006 baby, was born in the Year of the Dog:

Legend has it that in ancient times, Buddha asked all the animals to meet him on Chinese New Year. Twelve came, and Buddha named a year after each one. He announced that the people born in each animal's year would have some of that animal's personality.

Those born in dog years tend to be loyal, kind, and generous. They will work to right wrongs and are able to keep secrets. People born in the Year of the Dog possess the best traits of human nature. They have a deep sense of loyalty, are honest, and inspire other people's confidence because they know how to keep secrets. Dog people make good leaders.

But Dog People are somewhat selfish, terribly stubborn, and eccentric. They care little for wealth, yet somehow always seem to have money. They can be cold emotionally and sometimes distant at parties. They can find fault with many things and are noted for their sharp tongues (uh-oh).

In addition, 2006 is a year of Fire. Fire Dogs are popular, charismatic people, always surrounded by a group of admirers. Not only admired for their vibrant personalities, these Dogs also possess an attractiveness that makes them irresistible. These people are adventurous and vivacious, yet, honest and openhearted. However, because they are so active, they are generally not the settle down type (hmmm, maybe this is why Owen's caretakers nicknamed him "Sexy"??).

Travel Dates

This is what the Lord says, ... "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."
- Isaiah 43:16,18-19

"The coming month shall bring winds of change in your life"

- Jones Green Apple Soda bottle cap

"Leap, and the net shall appear"

- Zen saying

"Let's go!!"

- Bob and Jodi

Yes, it's almost time ... we got our travel dates, and if nothing changes between now and then we will be heading to Kaz and Owen on January 22nd! Now we do the visa applications, more paperwork, final preparations and packing. Thanks for your prayers and good thoughts - and please keep them coming our way!

Happy New Year

Roar LIONS Roar!!

Outback Bowl ... Penn State 20 - Tennessee 10!