Grandma Takes a Spin at the Keyboard!

Babushka says--hi you all!

Family and friends....Soooo, I am a bit thinner and a bit grayer, but I am a babushka! Marina has become the love of my life, Poppy you will understand! People tried to tell me about being a grandparent and so far, this exceeds anything that I could have imagined.

I watched Lonnie and Pammy as they bonded with this little baby girl and saw their joy and my heart felt like it would burst. Their three year journey has been so very hard. Now I watch Pammy over here, laughing, playing, teaching Marina, and just loving Marina with all that is within her, and my mother's heart just sings with praise to God for I know she has so much love to give.

Today is a very windy and chilly day, and we have been in our room most of the day. Another adopting couple, who Marina has fallen in love with, asked us to lunch in their room. They treated us to delicious grilled cheese sandwiches, yum-yum. I tried not to gobble mine down, but I think I failed because it was so good. Well, so much for manners. They chose a cute little girls who is just blooming. Loving these children just changes their lives.

We are meeting many good people, other adoptive parents, and also people from here. The people at the hotel are very good to us, and most of them know Marina and come up to say "privet" , which means Hi.

One parent left with her two boys, and that was very heart wrenching, especially since her one boy called me "gram-me-mall". What is that saying, "people come into your life for a reason, a season, and then..... someone help me I can't think of the rest of it."

Lonnie, we are working on papa, but so far we have only mastered mama and baba. Your daughter has quite the personality, you won't believe how she has grown.

Our best to you all, thank you for sharing in this journey. Help us to finish by keeping us in your thoughts and your prayers.

paka paka from
babushka, pammy and marina

Saying Good-bye to a Friend!

Hello,

Today, we are a bit sad, as our friend is going to be leaving soon. We get to be a like a little community over here, sharing such an intense emotional experience and journey. We are all going to have a little party tonight. However, we keep trying to keep in mind that she is going HOME, and we are just a bit behind her travels. And, that thought makes us very happy :-)

Our day was typical. Walks, naps, lots of feedings for Marina and diaper changes, for Marian, too. :-) Mom and I are trying to keep our strength for the marathon trip home. I think we calculated that from the time we leave Almaty until we pull into home, it should be almost 30 straight hours of traveling. UGH!

Well, this is brief for the day, because we just finished feeding Marina and are heading down to the party. Please keep us in your prayers, that our health with hold and that the time will pass quickly.

Love to all of you,
us

I Can Sit All By Myself!!

Okay, Okay.....

The title refers to Marina, as Mom and I can already sit by ourselves and we consider that not too impressive on our accounts. But, Miss Marina learned to pull herself up to the sitting position all by herself today!! Mom and I started cheering and clapping and she sat there and proud as pie!!! I even called my dad and he was all proud and I left a message for daddy on the answering machine--I thought it would be a nice surprise when he got home from work.

Notice the pictures today--Mom tried the hat/hanky she picked out for Marina today because it has been very hot and she doesn't sweat so bad in it. Doesn't she just look too cute. :-) The one of Marina and me is taken in front of a yurt, a traditional dwelling of kaz. It is in the hotel gardens. The ones of M in the stroller are her just entertaining and putting on for the camera, she likes to ham it up!!!

Today was typical. Mom and I went to breakfast. Mom thought to take the ketchup to breakfast for her omlette.....she was so happy to have thought of it, as she said it was yummy. Then, we did our walks today. And, I got to go to market today and I got to go to the BIG market----I was so happy to get out. I bought 7 large containers of water and everyone was laughing at me, including the cashier when I told her I had seven bottles (well actually, sem--seven in Russian). I found some cookies called Dominos, for mom, they looked like Oreos, so I thought she might like them. She tried them after supper and decided that they are pretty good, she had seconds (something that doesn't happen too often over here).

Our friend, Ceil, is preparing to leave very soon. We are excited for her, but anxious to get home ourselves. Mom is counting down the days, and was very excited to check off another day this evening.

Well, that is about all for now. We are tired and have a bit of time to play with Marina before it is time to put her to bed.

love to all,
Us

Off To the Races!

Hello,

The featured pictures for the day include one of Marina learning how to sit in her crib. One of the three of us in the park with the turtles. Notice, the matriarch of the group is on the wise, old turtle, I am on the medium turtle (I guess in wisdom and age), and Marina is beside the itsy-bitsy turtle. Also, the ones of Mom and Marina on the horse have been what she is waiting for. Ever since the first day we walked in the park, mom has been waiting to climb up there and get a picture with Marina.

Today was typical for us. We spent about an hour in a gazebo in the garden. It was very hot today and there was a nice breeze going through the gazebo. Marina napped, so we rested. Then, this afternoon, all of our adoption community got together and we went for a walk in the park. Marina has decided that she would rather chew on her hat than wear it. However, that doesn't sit well over here, since not wearing a hat is NOT acceptable. So, mommy, being ever so clever, gave her a water bottle as a diversionary tactic. And, it worked like a charm. The hat stayed in place, completely out of mind. However, Miss Marina discovered that she would rather throw the bottle on the ground and let mommy pick it up rather than just play with it. And, mommy played this game for at least 10 tosses. Then, mommy got well, not smart, but ticked, and kicked the bottle down the parkway. Grandma and her friend thought that was quite entertaining. :-)

Not too much else going on over here. Mom and I started going through our food stash and giving some away. We have counted down the days we need stuff for and are getting this ready for travel. We are litterally counting down every day and hour!!! Please continue to keep us in your prayers--that we may soon return to our homes and all of you in a quick and safe manner.

lost of love,
US

Along For the Ride in Kazakhstan!

Hi,

So, my title today is paired with the picture of M(my nickname for Marina). The one with her in the walker. Doesn't she look like she is on a Hersheypark ride!! :-) She was having a terrific time motoring around in her walker.....she is into everything!

Interesting story for the day: I woke up and took care of the morning rituals...changing, feeding, bathing, dressing M. Then, it is grandma and mom's turn to get ready. So mom was all ready and I was trying to blow dry my hair. Now, you might recall the adventures we have been having with the hair dryer. Mom pitched a fit the one day it wouldn't work. We reported it not working on three separate occaisions. One of those occaisions led to her being practically proposed to by Mr. Electrician guy.... Anyhoo, I digress.....today I was attempting to blow dry my hair and it wasn't working properly. So, remembering Mr. Electrician's gesture to push, hard on the button, I did so. It worked at times and then it started to smell hot. I called mom over to sniff out the appliance. Side note: for the following you must remember who I am married to---mr. inquisitive/fix-it, thus, I pushed really hard on the button to see what it would do. Well, it made a really loud noise, really loud (it hurt both of our ears), blew up and flames shot out of it. I screamed, not typical of my better-half, and threw it in the sink. Then mom yelled, "why did you throw it in the sink, there is water." To which I replied, "there were flames and I thought I would contain them in the sink bowl." Rather rational thought process, I thought. After we realized we were not going to burn down the hotel we thought it quite funny. That was until we walked out into our room and discovered that the TV, fridge, hot plate...well everything that plugged into an outlet didn't work. Oh NOOOOO! Then I trekked down to the front desk to relay this information, only to discover that the receptionist spoke very little English. So, I did my best with broken Russian, English and very detailed and elegant charades to convey my problem. Rest easy, our stuff works and Mr. Electrician replaced our hair dryer. However, he wasn't as nice to mom on this visit. :-)

So, that was the highlight of our day. We also went for a walk to market with our friends here. And, of course, mom stopped for her ice cream on the way back. She was kissing it, sorry
dad :-)

Not too much else to report. We are counting down the days to food, friends, and family (not necessarily in that order :-) It is time for me to go. Mom and I are going to have some popcorn (UMMMMM) and watch a movie.

much love,
all of us

Being Cute Is Just Such Hard Work!!!

Hello All,

Today's blog features pictures of Miss Marina all dressed up. Mom and I have a little too much time on our hands over here..... We were sitting around, being bored, and we thought, what can we do? We know--let's dress Marina up and take pictures. We thought it would be cute and fun. However, Marina did not agree with us. She thought it was very taxing and hand melt-downs in between every wardrobe change. :-) But, aren't the pictures cute!!!

Currently, mom is working on putting Marina to bed. Mom's theory is make the crib and bedtime a happy place and experience. So, let me paint you the picture..... We change Marina's diaper, get her dressed for bed, and put her in the crib. Mom starts with toys, to make it extra happy. Then, she removes the toys, after a bit, "to reduce stimulation". Then, she talks to Marina and plays with Marina in an effort to wear her down, so that she may very peacefully drift off to happy dreamland. After about 45 minutes, mom has now changed Marina again, for bed, and is still wearing her down.....it is like a war of attrition. I must inform you that Marina looks no worse for the wearing down, then she did 45 minutes ago. But, mom says, hey, she isn't crying!!! At the moment, Marina is talking and blowing rasperberries......clearly a sign of a very tired little girl :-)

Our day wasn't too far from normal. We walked in the park and then walked in the hotel garden. We tried a new food item off the hotel menu. Stewed vegetables. We didn't really know what we were going to get. Mom and I thought we would celebrate Friday by going to the restaurant instead of ordering in, but Marina had other plans. She was tired and cranky, so we didn't want to chance that in the restaurant. So, we ordered the stewed vegetables, which were quite good, rice, and you'll never guess......french fries (which we add a ton of Heinz Ketchup to)

Well, that is about all for today. We are really going stir crazy and can't wait to come home. Please pray that all the paperwork will be done on time and that we will have safe travels.

lots of love,
all of us

Booty-liscious :-)

Hello All,

Notice our title today. Thought it was very creative and funny. (Hey, we are operating on very little food over here, mom couldn't even spell boot---her version-bott. ) Allow me to explain our most catchy title. We set off on an adventure to find Marina very cute booties to wear. And, what did we spy, but only pair, the pair she is modeling on the pictures. Are they very beautiful....nice and orange (Uncle Kerry will like them), and they have funky pictures on them. Mom and I are so embarassed to have to dress her so rag-tag. We were just commenting again today that we can't wait to get her home to dress her like a little girl. :-)

Anyway, not too much going on today. We have been spending lots of time playing with Marina. She laughs out loud a lot and talks a great deal. And, I am proud to say that she says mom mom mom and baba baba baba. We went to the market to exchange money for our tickets from Karaganda to Almaty (Halleluja---we hear music in the background and singing...:-)
We took our friends who recently arrived so that they could get their mini-kitchen set up in their room, and another friend who has been here for awhile went with. It was great to get out. As usual, Marina loved the adventure.

Our newest food discovery is fruit salad. At first, we were reluctant to try it. But when you are hungry enough you throw caution, common sense, and all mental activity to the wind. It was great. It is a mixture of yogurt, kiwi, bananas, orange, apples, and grapes. Mom and I scarfed it up, along with our side of fries, of course :-)

Not too much else to report. We are planning on watching a movie later tonight and resting--that is our favorite hobby.

Please continue to keep the comments coming, they brighten our day, especially in the home stretch. And, please continue to hold us up in prayer. We can't wait to be reunited with you all.

lots of love and slobbery kisses,
the love from mom and me, the slobbery kisses from Marina

Walkin' In Squares!

Hola!

So, see the title....that is our life at the moment. The weather is still chilly, so we can't take Marina outside. Thus, we walk around the second floor of the hotel for about an hour and a half at a time, twice a day, and guess what shape it is???!!! However, I am glad to get out of the room and stretch my legs. I do have to tell you that after about an hour Marina gets a bit heavy....she is not exactly light. :-)

Funny story for the day involves Mom, of course. Let me preface the story with the information that before we traveled, we were informed to remove any diamonds or expensive jewelry. Thus, mom removed her wedding band, as I did. However, I went to Kohls and purchased a ten dollar sterling silver band to wear. I kept asking mom if she wanted me to buy her one too. She kept insisting that it was not necessary. I kept advising that I thought it would be a good idea. Back to the story. Our hairdryer has been on the blitz for a few days. And, when it is on the blitz, so is mom. We were told the elecrician would be up to fix it. So, today, who appears, but the electrician. He is an older gentleman and apparently has developed quite an eye for mom. He came in to look at the dryer and showed mom that you must press the button really hard. He grabbed her hand and showed her. Then, she made the universal sign for muscles...... at which point, he grabbed her hand and pointed at the absence of a wedding band. He kept going on in Russian and the maid pulled him out of our room. Not the end of the story. Then, we are walking Marina in the afternoon, and who do we spy, but Mr. Electrician. And, what does he do, why he points to his ring finger and at mom and shakes his head. I found the entire thing to be quite amusing. :-)

Other than that, our day has been uneventful. Last night we ordered french fries, we order them just about every night because they taste like home. These were thin cut and if you closed your eyes, you could imagine you were eating at McD's. That is exactly what we did.

Well, Marina is tired and fighting sleep as always. Every single kid from the orphanage fights sleep. It is a real battle to get her to go down. However, once she is down, she usually sleeps through the night or takes a decent nap. Her gums are getting white on the bottom and swollen, so we think that the teething thing has something to do wiht her cranky fits as well.

Well, our french fries just arrived, but they are not the good, skinny, McD-like ones, but we will ravish them all the same.

Miss you all. Love
the three of us

Happy 8 Months Birthday, Marina!!

Hi!

Another day in and closer to home!! Yippee skippee. We had a very busy and eventful day. Let's see where to begin.....It was chilly out today, so we stayed inside all day. That usually makes for a very long day, but not with all of our adventures.

First, Mom and I were walking around the hotel with Ceil and her two boys. I had Marina in the snugli and we were talking and walking. Then, out of the blue, some wierd guy started talking to me......I'll fill you all in on the details at a later date.

Then, our frieds from our agency arrived. They are very nice and we are so glad to finally get to meet them, as we have been in touch via email for awhile. We spent time talking with them and getting their Internet up and running and showing them the ropes of the hotel.

Then, I got some interesting emails to respond to....so I have been very busy and am tired. BUT, the BIG event of the day was Marina's 8 month celebration. For this huge event, mom made a wonderful paper-plate sign and for a gift we gave her a Pringles chip lid to play with, she loved it. See pictures above. :-) See how resourceful and creative we are in Kazakhstan :-)

Well, mom is reading and I would like to rest and do the same. So, until tomorrow---be safe, be well, be loved!! ( I am turning into quite the philosopher over here....NOT)

love,
us

Home Is Where Our Hearts Are!!

Greetings,
Another day in, only about two and a half weeks to go.....not that we are counting or that mom has a daily count down....or anything. Every day mom can't wait until bed-time to x-off another day. Then, as we were walking today, she realized she was 2 days off, so we are actually two days closer to home than she thought....she actually did a jig as we were walking--for real!! :-)

It was very chilly outside today, so we did not take Marina out. Rather, we put her in a snugli and did many laps around the hotel halls. I got to go to market today.....it was a highlight for sure. I must have walked around the small building five times---just because it was a bit different than my usual surroundings. I was thrilled when I found Heinz ketchup to put on my french fries that we order from the hotel. Mom and I ordered some tonight and savored the ketchup. I also purchased some M&M's--mom has been hooked on those lately. I can't wait to get home and go to Wal-Mart!!!

Notice the crazy pictures today. Mom discovered how to take pictures without looking through the frame...so she just holds it up in front of her and snaps away.....it passed about a whole 5 minutes. Lonnie told me this morning that Hootch brings my sneakers and shoes out to him every morning when he eats breakfast....I really miss my doggies. Every time I see a stray over here I almost break into tears.....lack of nutrition and sound sleep will do that to you.

Well, not too much else to report for the day. We are literally counting down the days until we get home to loved ones. Please continue to keep us in your prayers, and for safe travels home when the date arrives.

Much love,
US

Aroiund the Globe for 7 Weeks

Hello All,
I hope that this update finds you all, our friends and family, doing well. We are all holding our own over here. Today was a typical day for us. Not too much out of the ordinary, but we did have an exciting night last night--allow me to explain.

So, let me set the stage. Marina was sleeping, peacefully, and mom and I were watching a murder mystery on dvd. We were settled in for the night and pooped. About 20 minutes into the movie, we heard someone rattle our door handle. Mom was like, "I am sure that it was the door outside of ours...no big deal." So, we settle back into our movie. As the plot thickens, in the movie, we hear our door handle rattle again. Okay, definitely not able to excuse this one. :-) Thus, mom, being the matriarch of our little klan over here, got up, got brave and barracaded the door with a little table, a drying rack, Marina's walker, and a chair. Then, she got the container of cooking utensils, which includes the weapons of spoons, forks, a spatula, and a paring knife and pair of scissors, and put that near her bed. Her escape plan was that she was going to lower both Marina and me out the window, from the 3rd floor, mind you. And how, you ask, was she going to do that, why knot the bedding together, of course! :-) Anyhoo, I was too tired to stay guard, so mom stayed up awhile and then exhaustion took over and we both slept, but not well. And, when morning arrived, we were safe and had a funny story to tell. We think that it was either kids going around and rattling knobs, there was a big wedding party here, or other people making jokes, as it is really rowdy over here on the weekends.

So, our day pales in comparison to our life, the continuting novel/saga. :-) Mom was playing with Marina this morning, after she ate. I warned her that she was going to get puked on, but what do I know. And about 1.2 seconds after I said that, Marina puked a nice stream all over Grandma, including her hair. I got a really good laugh out of that one. Other than that, our day was pretty average. We keep walking to pass the time. Oh, this morning as mom was giving Marina breakfast, she noticed that her gums on the bottom are all white. We think that her bottom two teeth are beginning to push through, but we'll have to keep you updated on that development. :-) (hey, it is big news for us over here.)

Notice the pictures I posted today. Specifically, the one with me pointing is the leap frog globe. Notice that I am pointing to NORTH AMERICA!!!! I keep telling Marina that we will be going there, but not soon enough.

Well, that is about it for today. Mom is down helping Celia, I think, as she has been gone for over half of an hour and that is the direction she was headed. Marina just went to sleep without too much of a fuss and crying. I walked the crib, which is on wheels, around the room and then wore a hole in the floor pushing it back and forth. But, she is down for the count, and without a major melt-down. Yeah, mommy!!!

Please continue to keep us in your prayers, as it looks like we will be here for the full time of our trip. I don't think we are going to get to leave early, not even a few days. I guess there is a holiday during our time in Almaty and that will slow us down. We keep praying that we will travel in God's time..... a lesson that has been long and tough these past few years.

Lots of love,
Us

Making Raspberries = Fun -- Learning to Sit = Hard Work

Hi!

It's me with the daily scoop. Let's see what we have to report today. Not too much--it is amazing how we can spend a whole day doing a whole lot of nothing. :-) Today was the usual routine of feeding, napping, diaper changing, and walking outside. We have realized that if we get two walks in to the park per day, it really helps pass the time. As we were walking this evening, we saw three different wedding parties getting their pictures done at the park. It was neat to see the similarities and differences. It was our entertainment for the day. At our hotel, which is considered very classy over here, there are always weddings on Saturdays.

Notice the pictures that I posted today. Marina is learning to sit by herself, no small feat for such a petitte, well, pudgy--rolly polly girl. :-) We got tired of seeing her in all the little boy sleepers that mommy packed, since daddy thought we were getting a boy, :-) and we put her in a dress, really impractical by the way. Anyhoo, we thought we would take a few pictures. These are the good ones, minus the face plants and nose-dives into the bed. But, grandma and I had fun and a few good laughs out of the adventure. Also, notice the one of her in the crib doing raspberries. This is her current favorite thing to do! She raspberries the air, her arm, the mattress, our arms, legs...whatever! She also discovered her hands today, and they simply amaze her. Also, she has learned how to stick her tongue out, another of her favorite greetings!

Well, I guess that is the synopsis for the day. Mom and I have been getting creative with our cooking over here. We spend more calories daydreaming about food, then we get eating it. :-) But, we are holding up pretty well, all things considered. We are still waiting for notification on our departure date, we are praying for the end of August.

Marina is done for the night, so Mom and I are going to settle in and rest. You know we practically ran a marathon today, well maybe we just took care of a baby, but they feel about the same, at least in my imagination. :-)

Much love and God Bless,
Us

Marina Goes to Market and Plays at the Park!

HEY YOU ALL,

Life over here is alot of routine and a whole lot of Marina! Last night she slept from 9:00 P.M. till 7:30 A.M. which is very much appreciated by her Mom-a and BaBushka. There is a park nearby that Marina loves and then after lunch we ventured to the market to buy her a hooded jacket because the weather can be very hot one day and cool the next. At the market Marina picked out a present for her Poppy and Grandpa Ken. Let's just say the Grandpa's can wear their presents when Marina wears hers....that will keep you Grandpas thinking :-)

We miss Lonnie very much, all his help and all his humor. I was counting the days till we came home but now I think that Pam is more anxious since Lonnie has left. I know he misses Marina because she is Pop-a's girl. Another adopting parent toolk a picture of us all together and we show it to Marina, point to Lonnie and sy Pop-a, Pop-a! She loves when we show her the picture and coos and laughs.

The people over here even though they seem reserved are very nice to us and keep telling Pammie that Marina is beautiful. Isn't it neat to know that were ever you go people are basically the same when it comes to family, chlildren and love!

Thank all of you for your comments on the blog...each morning when we get up we and read them a couple of times. It feels so good just to know you are following our journey and in a sense sharing each step. It keeps home just a bit closer even though we are so far away. Continue to keep us in your prayers for God is good and hears.

From Half Way Around the World,
Love--Your grandma reporter, Pammy, and Marina

Blooming in Kazakhstan!

What be up?

It is a bit after 8 and we are having our nightly struggle to put Marina down to sleep. She only cries when she is hungry or tired, but watch out when she is either of those two. She fights sleep with everything she has. And, I have never seen one little girl pee as much as Marina. Grandma just asked her if she has a leak. No, but she sure takes a lot of them :-) She has figured out that if she cries, we will go check on her and then she makes happy, smiley faces at us.

Today, we all got to get outside and go for walks. We were all so very happy to get out of the hotel room and walk around the park. It was a bit chilly this morning, so we bundled Marina up and then covered her as well. We walked for a long time and she fell asleep. Then, we went out to the park again for an afternoon walk....she enjoys the stroller. Mom has just taught Marina to shake her head "no"---she now thinks she is a child prodigy. Personally, I am working on teaching her to say, "Poppy (Grandpa Ollar), want that." :-) That may be a bit too advanced for a 7 month old. Anyhoo, the picture of the camels is from the park in back of the hotel. The picture of Marina in front of the flowers is in front of our hotel.

Our favoritest part of the day was the blueberry pancakes that mom made for supper......yummy. I am so desperate that I even ate egg salad today for lunch and I hate eggs. :-)

Well, we are very tired, as two walks of over a mile each, one little girl, and itsy-bitsy portions of food will do that to you. Please continue to keep us all in your prayers and we are literally counting the days until we see you all.

love from Grandma, Mother, and beautiful daughter Marina (translation from mom's sign-off last night.

Blooming in Kazakhstan!

I Want to Come Home!!

Greetings!

So, check out the pictures of Marina. We were cracking up when we saw these. She looks pouty, like get me outta here and take me home. :-)

Today, it was really chilly outside, so we couldn't take marina outside. It is difficult staying inside all day. Hopefully, tomorrow will bring warmer weather. We can't believe that the weather has been as cool as it is. I went for a walk with Ceil and her two boys around the park, it felt good to go out a bit. Mom stayed with Marina and said she tried not to spoil her too much.

Marina continues to eat well, she really digs Similac in her bottle. And, she is starting to refuse the cereal and food from over here. She likes the American cereal and formula. She slept through the night for us, from 8 pm to 6 am. Then, she only took two cat-naps during the day for about 20 minutes each. She is still suiggling around in her crib, and it is 8:40pm . She really fights sleep, as she doesn't want to miss anything.

Our interpretor came to visit us this evening. That was very nice an thoughtful. She has been taking really good care of us and is truly concerned about all of our welfare.

Mom and I are still eating the same old food. Today, mom started imaging all the food she wants to get when she gets home. Nothing tastes good anymore--we eat to exist at this point. We are so jealous of Lonnie who will soon be home eating American food. I think that has been the toughest part of the entire trip.....lack of American style food.

Well, I am going to hand it over to mom, so I don't tend to repeat myself.....
It is very hard not to spoil Marina, as I just want to pick her up all the time and kiss all that sugar our of her pudgy cheeks! I use the excuse that I have to kiss her for everyone back home, Grandma Gerri, Grandpa Ken , Poppy Butch , Uncle Kerry, then there are the Great Grandma'a and well you get the picture...alot of kissing going on! She is a very content baby who seems so far only to cry when she is tired or hungry. Lonnie and Pamie have been doing so well with her i stand back in amazement at times. Even though Lonnie pestered me alot, I sure do miss him after only two days. We keep talking to Marina about Pop-a because, well I can't be sure if He picked her or she picked him and I know it was hard for Lonnie to leave and Marina just loved when he was around.
I feel like a very blest person to be able to be here with my daughter and granddaughter, even though I had to trust in the Lord to give me strength and courage to make this trip...I am so not a world traveler! This will be a life experience that words will not be able to express but the heart will hold forever!
Thank you all for your continual prayers, they are so important to us.
love from "BA BUSH KA" "MAT" "KRAVISY DOCH - Marina"

No, I Won't Go!!

Hola!!

Well, Mom and I have officially logged our first full day with Marina. Let's see.... last night we spent time getting up to make sure she was still breathing. We drove Lonnie crazy, as he was trying to sleep. Marina woke up at 5 am and was hungry, so we all, collectively fed her, it takes a village you know. Then she dropped a diaper full, and in a confined hotel room with no outside garbage can, that is not a good thing. :-) Daddy was like--you stink!! Then, she merrily went back to dreamy land, and mommy and daddy and grandma crawled back to bed and tried to make themselves go to sleep, fast, so we could suck every minute of sleep out of the nap time that we could. Then, Marina got up around 7:20 and she was hungry again....so we played a bit, fed her, and she got an Americanized bath. :-) she loved it. The rubber duckies I brought with were a big hit. She now smells all Johnson and Johnsoneee... Then we dressed her in a really cute outfit to say goodbye to daddy, but didn't know that it was cool out, cause our room was nice and toasty. So, when we went down to the foyer, some young woman asked mom if she doesn't have any warm clothing for the baby. Mom was really upset as you can imagine and if she weren't lurking my shoulder I would tell you the whole story. But, she deleted half of it. She is all upset that her image as babushka is tarnished. In the process of all of this, I was outside saying goodbye to the love of my and knowing that he was going to fly home by himself and be half a world away. I was strong and with it, until he left in the mini-van and then I cried. When, I walked in the hotel, with tears flowing down my cheeks, mom handed me, briskly, Marina and said, suck it up you have a daughter now. So I snotted in Marina's hair, and she was comforting and understood. So, her hair is a little less Johnson-nee now.

Chapter 2--When we got back up to the hotel room, grandma filled me in on the cold-baby thing, and she immediately whipped out a sleeper and fitted Marina into it and promptly marched Marina down to the concerned young lady to show her that she did, in fact, have warm clothing for the baby. The lady informed mom that it was better. Then, mom went on a show off Marina parade. Until we leave, we will have pictures with the entire hotel staff. :-) We then played with Marina and put her down for her nap at 1pm. She slept from 1-4 Yippee and mom and grandma rested. Oh, and I also recorded in my journal all the places I want to go to eat when I return home and what I want to order. I am really hungry!!! Marina woke up at 4 and we fed her and then did laps around the hotel hallways, as it was raining outside and we needed to escape the confines of our room. We then came back and played and had some juice and then met the other Americans here for supper. We ordered out from the bar, mom had spring rolls, and I had mashed potatoes....plus a few other things from our rooms. We were all exhausted until the supper was over. So, mom stayed clean up a bit, and I brought Marina back to the room and made her cereal and bottle all by myself....and even managed to feed her. Then, we played and now she is down for the count.....hopefully.

So, that was our day...in a nut shell. We miss Lonnie already. He really did not want to leave. Our interpretor said he was concerned about leaving his three gals back at the hotel....such a sweetee. All the women here just think that he is the best. :-)

Well, I'm tired and it is time to get some shut-eye while I can. We hope to go for several walks outside tomorrow.

lots of love,
the three muskateers