One Week Done

January 31st was National Vodka Day! Rada told us it is to celebrate the Kaz chemist who invented the drink in the 1800’s. Not too sure about the validity of this story, but we say what the heck - “Cheers”!

We have now completed one week of visits! Dr. Victoria, the director of the Children’s Hospital, came to talk with us about Owen’s medical file. Nothing unexpected and by now we are much calmer when hearing various Russian diagnosis, especially when we can see for ourselves that Owen is healthy and happy. Dr. Victoria shared his schedule with us and commented that he was always happy to be held, liked everyone, and was a “calm gentleman just like his dad”. She’s only known Bob for a little while but I guess she likes him! She also told us that the caretakers call Owen and his four nursery buddies “the hamsters” because there are so many of them and because of their big cheeks!

As we mentioned before, Owen has his two front teeth; Dr. Victoria said they came in the week before we arrived. In Kaz, they believe that once babies have a tooth they should start on solid food, so she recommended we feed him the following:

1st – small grain cereal
2nd – boiled mashed potato and cabbage with butter and salt
3rd – egg yolk and milk mixed together
4th – boiled mashed potato and minced meat
5th – ground apple

I wrote this all down and nodded seriously, all the while thinking of the bright little packs of Gerber’s carrots, squash and green beans awaiting him at home.

Owen continues to charm us. One of his signature moves is the “bridge” demonstrated in one of the pictures (Dad K – we think you may have your wrestler!). Owen is getting more vocal each day, and his sweet little laugh is the best. But I think my favorite part of the visit is when he falls asleep in my arms before we leave; is there anything in the world more peaceful than a sleeping baby?

One thing I do a lot of is asking Bob “did Cearra do that?” I know that at times being here is bittersweet for Bob especially – he misses his “baby” girl so much. We think about her all the time and proudly show her pictures and brag a bit about her to everyone here. Rada and our driver Vladimir also saw a picture of our house today and commented that it was huge and beautiful. We told them that we were very blessed with everything we had in our lives, and Bob added that we would give up all our material possessions as long as Cearra and Owen were healthy and happy. So true.

It’s truly wonderful to be here with the biggest group ever to come through Kokshetau, and each and every person is great. We had Maureen and Sean over for dinner (chicken, onion and potato pie from the Viola market) one night, and on Saturday the group is heading over to Joan’s apartment for pizza and lentil soup. Our shish-k-bob night at the Rainbow Café was a big celebration, complete with lots of pictures, great food and many vodka toasts. We are also trying to find a way to watch the Super Bowl together at 6:00 am Monday morning. And as further proof that we are making ourselves at home, our favorite shop clerk from the Viola market was at the Rainbow Café and made sure to wave and say hello to us. I think Rada was a little mystified as to why we knew the locals and she didn’t! Yep, we are sure enjoying this adventure!

P.S. Big thanks to Alison L. for posting this and forthcoming entries!! I so appreciate it!