tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62795599254766408512024-03-14T00:09:36.625-04:00Kaz AdoptionFollow along with the Straw family's journey to Astana Kazakhstan to adopt a toddler boy.Kazadoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02172943590440100653noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279559925476640851.post-27991133990482544522007-10-18T11:19:00.000-04:002007-10-18T11:41:31.901-04:00Asher is ready to travel home<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Rxd94eQjSVI/AAAAAAAAAVs/LbaFO-eS8mg/s1600-h/DSC04233.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122701510305859922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Rxd94eQjSVI/AAAAAAAAAVs/LbaFO-eS8mg/s200/DSC04233.JPG" border="0" /></a> Dad and Asher up in the mountains in Almaty<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Rxd8L-QjSUI/AAAAAAAAAVk/uqFDiqBC_68/s1600-h/DSC04226.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122699646290053442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Rxd8L-QjSUI/AAAAAAAAAVk/uqFDiqBC_68/s200/DSC04226.JPG" border="0" /></a> Asher waiting in the Dr.'s office.....<br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Rxd6o-QjSSI/AAAAAAAAAVU/hS1EMMTM8qk/s1600-h/DSC04255.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122697945483004194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Rxd6o-QjSSI/AAAAAAAAAVU/hS1EMMTM8qk/s200/DSC04255.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Asher's first camel ride...There are painted camels all over the city.....<br /><div><br /><br />It has been a few good days in Almaty and all the paper work is done so Asher can travel home with us. Yesterday we went to medical clinic so they could validate his health for the U.S. Embassy. He was a very good boy for the doctor and nurses; he didn’t even cry when they drew blood. Today we went to the U.S. Embassy to get his immigration documents and an entrance visa to the U.S. Once through immigrations in the U.S. he will officially be an American. So we are all set to travel home and Asher can not wait to see his sisters and brother. Actually we are all looking forward to be back home as one big happy family.<br /><br />Jen and I are just amazed at how content he is with us; it’s like he has always known us. He is also really showing a true two year old nature. He is hearing “no” from us more than we would like, but some things he just can’t do… like digging through the garbage, touching the hot stove, or playing in the toilet. He has been sleeping pretty good and only got up at 4:40am once. He east almost anything we feed him without complaining, which is more than we can say about our other three darlings. The only issue we are having is how much energy a 2 year old has…. He is wearing us out since we are not spring chickens anymore.<br /><br />Tomorrow we are going to visit Gorky Park, one of Almatys Cathedrals then out for our last Kaz meal then home to pack. Flight leaves at 3 AM Saturday. We are SO looking forward to getting home. Well… I better sign off… busy day tomorrow…we are pooped!!!!<br /><br />Blessing from Kaz<br /><br />J & J</div></div></div></div>Kazadoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02172943590440100653noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279559925476640851.post-1786463583898416652007-10-16T21:13:00.000-04:002007-10-17T05:35:15.107-04:00Breaking Asher out of the Baby House…<div><br /><div><div><div><div>Like much of our worries in life, our worries about Asher not remembering us was just that, worries, because he remembered his mama and papa and came running to see us. He also remembered everything we have taught him such as high five, tickle tickle, and Jen’s favorite… kisses. God is soooo good! <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RxXS-OQjSNI/AAAAAAAAAUs/q4U96dyW_Ss/s1600-h/DSC04110.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122232117625047250" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RxXS-OQjSNI/AAAAAAAAAUs/q4U96dyW_Ss/s200/DSC04110.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122109814136326322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RxVjvOQjSLI/AAAAAAAAAUg/i0Odc9SwU10/s200/DSC04108.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />Before leaving Astana, we took him to his first restaurant and went to the Biterek (Tree of Life), which is their national monument (like our Washington Monument). From the top of the Biterek the city doesn’t seem as big, as you can see the city boundaries and beyond the city all you seen was fields of wheat and corn.</div><br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122233900036475122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RxXUl-QjSPI/AAAAAAAAAU8/Yi0tjkhLZg8/s200/DSC04117.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122234393957714178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RxXVCuQjSQI/AAAAAAAAAVE/0_QyIYkPQu4/s200/DSC04166.JPG" border="0" /><br />We also wonder how he would react to car rides and his first airplane flight, but no problems except he doesn’t like wearing the seat belt on the airplane. Which of course made him cry, something we have never heard him do either. I think we can all relate to this as no one likes to be trapped or not free to roam around and do what we like. But with some reassurance and a few smarties we were able to get him to calm down and deal with it.<br /><br />In the few short hours we have had him, he has talked more than we heard him talk in the whole month we had spent bonding with him. He is speaking Kaz so we have no idea what he is saying, but he seems to be very content with us. During the plane flight he was singing, which was absolutely adorable to see and hear. And like most toddler boys, everything is an adventure for him. He wants to touch and see everything and we mean everything. His whole world has just expanded way beyond anything he has ever known and this is where we know God is going to bless us. We will be reminded of all the simple blessings around us that we take for granted everyday. </div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122235828476791058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RxXWWOQjSRI/AAAAAAAAAVM/RN0lNmg91eE/s200/DSC04205.JPG" border="0" /><br />After a great first day of many new and exciting first for Asher it was time to get ready for bed and why not try the big potty, which he had no problem sitting on, but no luck going. Since we haven’t had a toddler in a while, we forgot not to let him run around with out a diaper… as he was waiting for his bath, he pooped and peed on the floor, but hey that’s what little kids do sometimes. After a nice bath and one of our favorite books, Goodnight Moon, it was off to bed with no complaints or crying and that was for all of us as Jen and I exhausted.<br />God is soooo good! </div><div> </div><div>Signing off from Almaty.....</div><div>Jay, Jen and Asher<br /><br /></div></div>Kazadoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02172943590440100653noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279559925476640851.post-4639239758230434992007-10-15T23:55:00.000-04:002007-10-16T00:02:51.463-04:00Back in KazakhstanWell after about 24 hours of travel plus the 10 hour time zone difference we have made it safely back to Kazakhstan and with no travel issues. Yep... no canceled flights, no delayed flights, and no lost luggage! This is a very nice blessing. Although the travel isn't fun, we are very excited to see Asher. The three weeks back in the states went very fast, but it seems like we left him months ago. We did get a very nice update last week when we were told that he has been talking to his friends about his mama and papa. He also was very excited to hear that we would be coming back soon. God is soooo good! That's the update for now... we are off to pick our new son up and fly to Almaty this afternoon.Kazadoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02172943590440100653noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279559925476640851.post-40072043650828438892007-10-03T11:44:00.001-04:002007-10-03T13:04:32.178-04:00Rest & Relaxation!!!<div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RwPI1uQjSJI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/Iw02Af5PmoA/s1600-h/DSC04001.JPG"></a> </div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RwPI1uQjSJI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/Iw02Af5PmoA/s1600-h/DSC04001.JPG"></a> </div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RwPI1uQjSJI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/Iw02Af5PmoA/s1600-h/DSC04001.JPG"></a> </div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RwPI1uQjSJI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/Iw02Af5PmoA/s1600-h/DSC04001.JPG"></a> </div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RwPI1uQjSJI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/Iw02Af5PmoA/s1600-h/DSC04001.JPG"></a> </div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RwPI1uQjSJI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/Iw02Af5PmoA/s1600-h/DSC04001.JPG"></a> </div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RwPI1uQjSJI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/Iw02Af5PmoA/s1600-h/DSC04001.JPG"></a> </div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RwPI1uQjSJI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/Iw02Af5PmoA/s1600-h/DSC04001.JPG"></a> </div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RwPI1uQjSJI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/Iw02Af5PmoA/s1600-h/DSC04001.JPG"></a> </div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RwPI1uQjSJI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/Iw02Af5PmoA/s1600-h/DSC04001.JPG"></a> </div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RwPI1uQjSJI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/Iw02Af5PmoA/s1600-h/DSC04001.JPG"></a> </div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RwPI1uQjSJI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/Iw02Af5PmoA/s1600-h/DSC04001.JPG"></a> </div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RwPI1uQjSJI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/Iw02Af5PmoA/s1600-h/DSC04001.JPG"></a> </div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RwPI1uQjSJI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/Iw02Af5PmoA/s1600-h/DSC04001.JPG"></a> </div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RwPI1uQjSJI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/Iw02Af5PmoA/s1600-h/DSC04001.JPG"></a> </div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RwPI1uQjSJI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/Iw02Af5PmoA/s1600-h/DSC04001.JPG"></a> </div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RwPI1uQjSJI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/Iw02Af5PmoA/s1600-h/DSC04001.JPG"></a> </div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RwPI1uQjSJI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/Iw02Af5PmoA/s1600-h/DSC04001.JPG"></a> </div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RwPI1uQjSJI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/Iw02Af5PmoA/s1600-h/DSC04001.JPG"></a> </div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RwPI1uQjSJI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/Iw02Af5PmoA/s1600-h/DSC04001.JPG"></a> </div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RwPI1uQjSJI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/Iw02Af5PmoA/s1600-h/DSC04001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117154426899089554" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 173px" height="204" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RwPI1uQjSJI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/Iw02Af5PmoA/s200/DSC04001.JPG" width="200" border="0" /></a></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RwPIluQjSII/AAAAAAAAAUI/UzuPw5IFXvY/s1600-h/DSC03971.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117154152021182594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RwPIluQjSII/AAAAAAAAAUI/UzuPw5IFXvY/s200/DSC03971.JPG" border="0" /></a>The kids with the dunes in the back Zoe with her Daddy!!!<br /><br /><div>Our first weekend home we decided to take the kids up north for a family get away!! We ended up in Ludington for a nice fall weekend. We hiked in the state park to the light house. Then we went up 100 steep stairs to the top.. what a nice view.. We played football with the kids, went swimming and just had some great family time. It was hard being away from them but the end result of bringing Asher home will be well worth it. The kids are excited but I do not think Zoe understands that this will be a big change. I keep telling her she will now be a big sister...</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117154641647454370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RwPJCOQjSKI/AAAAAAAAAUY/Zn_LFDkSTjA/s200/DSC03992.JPG" border="0" /><br /></div><div><div>We leave in 11 days which getting on the plane for another 14 hours is not appealing to me... but this will be the last long trip for a while. We have left the suitcases out and have started to fill them..... this time though I will need more toddler things... I am going shopping this weekend for the necessary items to get me through...<br /></div><div>Friday night my friends Toni, Carrie and Stephanine are throwing a toddler shower for Asher... it will be fun and Zoe and Shelby can feel involved. </div><br /><div>Will post before we depart...I better continue to pack!!!!</div><div> </div><div>Blessings</div><div>~Jen</div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Kazadoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02172943590440100653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279559925476640851.post-29527691587872249102007-09-25T13:08:00.000-04:002007-09-25T13:20:38.546-04:00We are Home!!!Yes we are home and it does feel good and also surreal.. That is the word Jay & I are using. We have no pictures of our return <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">trip home</span> unless you like to see the inside of a plane... 28 hours of travel is not fun<br />We were gone 30 days and the journey was indescribable!!! We were greeted by 3 eager kids ready to see their parents and once we got home a tub of mail to go through.. We still have suitcases all over since in 3 short weeks we will be leaving again to pick up Asher. The time will fly by as we are getting things ready for his homecoming and keeping up with our 3 kids activities.<br />While we are gone I am hoping Asher does not miss us too much.. A mom who is still visiting her baby for another week has been sending us pictures of him. Also we have the 1,500 pictures from our trip to go through and have printed...I think we will be putting a power point together so when he gets older something from his country. <br />We will <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">continue</span> to blog on our return trip... Grand Rapids to Astana leaving October 14<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span>....<br /><br />Blessings<br />Jay & JenKazadoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02172943590440100653noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279559925476640851.post-13730515297599099122007-09-21T06:12:00.001-04:002007-09-21T07:00:54.105-04:00A Special Anniversary!<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RvOa3OQjR-I/AAAAAAAAAS4/YENA0AXkBXs/s1600-h/DSC03857.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112600275506644962" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RvOa3OQjR-I/AAAAAAAAAS4/YENA0AXkBXs/s200/DSC03857.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br />Well today is our 28th day in Astana and our last… at least for this trip… and it is also our sixteenth wedding anniversary. Although we didn’t celebrate our anniversary in the usually way, it has been an anniversary that we will never forget and we have received many blessings…<br /><br /></div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RvOhYOQjSGI/AAAAAAAAAT4/9r0kQzjCh_8/s1600-h/DSC03938.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112607439512094818" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RvOhYOQjSGI/AAAAAAAAAT4/9r0kQzjCh_8/s200/DSC03938.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /> </div><div>We received an early anniversary surprise last night when our travel agent e-mailed us that he was able to get us on an earlier flight than Monday. Jen was ecstatic about this news…<br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RvOhuOQjSHI/AAAAAAAAAUA/9leLlRSAY0k/s1600-h/DSC03937.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112607817469216882" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RvOhuOQjSHI/AAAAAAAAAUA/9leLlRSAY0k/s200/DSC03937.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div> </div><div>…but also sad as it meant that we only had one visit left with our new son.<br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br />We started off the day with our usual call to talk with our children back home which has been a blessing to hear their voices! The time away from them can never be replaced, but we know once they meat Asher that they will realize it was worth it. </div><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112606129547069522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RvOgL-QjSFI/AAAAAAAAATw/7V1dibcwNcM/s200/DSC03924.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>We had a very special visit with Asher and an emotional one. Like usual we were greeted by a very excited little boy that pushes through all the other children to make to us with a big smile and gave us hugs. </div><div><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112604755157534786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RvOe7-QjSEI/AAAAAAAAATo/1TN8dfE0XDU/s200/DSC03889.JPG" border="0" /><br />We spent most of the time inside today, as the weather is very cold, playing with blocks, reading books, giving high fives, kisses, tickles, and a few new sounds…<br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112600816672524274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RvObWuQjR_I/AAAAAAAAATA/JML0qviS2z0/s200/DSC03871.JPG" border="0" /><br />Our last visit was also with some of the other adoptive parents, so Asher spent some time with his new friend Sabina…</div><div> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112598862462404546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RvOZk-QjR8I/AAAAAAAAASo/n5InZfUKDI4/s200/DSC03916.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>The little time we spent outside was spent looking for birds that Asher just loves to chase around...<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RvOcU-QjSBI/AAAAAAAAATQ/nzTEBUyw7Ao/s1600-h/DSC03907.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112601886119381010" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RvOcU-QjSBI/AAAAAAAAATQ/nzTEBUyw7Ao/s200/DSC03907.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RvOb1uQjSAI/AAAAAAAAATI/7UlOzjoMTvw/s1600-h/DSC03904.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112601349248468994" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RvOb1uQjSAI/AAAAAAAAATI/7UlOzjoMTvw/s200/DSC03904.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div>...and when they fly away he lifts his little arms and gives us a look like… where did they go?<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Asher’s amazing transformation from his first day with us till now is truly the most precious blessing we have received... </div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112603148839766066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RvOdeeQjSDI/AAAAAAAAATg/zu4uYhkRPGs/s200/DSC03909.JPG" border="0" /> <div>After playing a little more inside it was that time that Jen and I was dreading… time to take him back to his room and say good bye.</div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112602581904082978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RvOc9eQjSCI/AAAAAAAAATY/a0zPuj3P55c/s200/DSC03929.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>Fortunately he did not really understand what was going on, but Jen and I had tears in our eyes as we hugged him and kissed him goodbye. We have left him a taggy blanket, a photo book, and his Pooh bear to remember us. We also taped pictures inside his cubby and the care takes will tell him each day that we will return.<br /><br />Thank you so much for following along with us on the first phase of our journey! We will update the blog when we get home and periodically as we get updates on Asher.<br /><br />Jay & Jen</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Kazadoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02172943590440100653noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279559925476640851.post-42233405132049903832007-09-20T13:10:00.000-04:002007-09-20T13:38:22.894-04:00There’s always a silver lining…<div><div><div><div>Well it has been a few stressful days with court being delayed, rescheduling flights, and missing our children in Michigan, but even in stressful times you can find blessings from God…<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RvKqblm9PpI/AAAAAAAAASI/-9SOfOOsUQc/s1600-h/DSC03843.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112335917947633298" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RvKqblm9PpI/AAAAAAAAASI/-9SOfOOsUQc/s200/DSC03843.JPG" border="0" /></a>On the day we were supposed to fly out we had a great visit with Asher. He is starting to imitate us more by doing things like, saying “Hi” and waving, give a high five, say “tickle – tickle” while trying to tickle you, and the best thing he is doing is giving kisses! These milestones might seem small to a parent who has had a child since birth but for our little guy, who has been in the baby house for 2 years plus, this is huge. These kids do not get individual attention and adding all the time we have spent with him it adds up to less than 2 full days. If we would have gone home on Wednesday we would have not seen these milestones, but we were blessed in spite of the disappointment of not going home… We cannot wait to get him home and see how much he grows with his siblings.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112336502063185570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RvKq9lm9PqI/AAAAAAAAASQ/Q4hzHwqeuAw/s200/DSC03811.JPG" border="0" />Today we had our court hearing and it went very well. Their court sessions are held in small rooms with 3 desks in them; one for the judge, one for the prosecutor, and one for the secretary. In our session we did not have a prosecutor which is a good thing, which means fewer questions. Jay spoke on behalf of us and did a great job giving the judge our family history, why we chose Kazakhstan, and the reasons we want to adopt. The judge’s main questions were you have 3 kids why do you want another??? Families here are quite small and she probably thinks we are nuts!!!! We explained that our family is not complete and we feel strongly a little 2yr old guy is missing. After we said our part she dismissed us to go over the documents and make a decision. She approved the adoption, but did not wave the fifteen day waiting period for any potential family to object, so as of October 8th Asher Douglas Straw is legally our new son. He has been in the baby house since birth and no relative has surfaced so we think we are safe. After the court session we had our picture taken with the judge and he asked for a hug, she was taken back a little, but if you know Jay he is a hugger and she obliged. Jay and I did get emotional knowing that we have finally got to this point in the process after a year long paper trail and a month in country our family will be complete when we get Asher home on October 20th. </div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112339701813821122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RvKt31m9PsI/AAAAAAAAASg/1e8aHAHh1RY/s200/DSC03851.JPG" border="0" /><br />We could have never gotten this far without everyone’s prayers, support from friends and family, patience from our children, and God’s grace!<br /><br />On another side not we will be home 2 days earlier as we were on stand by for Saturday…Yes Blessing seems to be all around us and we are so Thankful!!!<br />So we are looking forward to seeing our children in Michigan, sleeping in our bed and if you know me a starbucks coffee…<br /><br />Blessings, </div><div><br />Jay and Jen</div></div>Kazadoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02172943590440100653noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279559925476640851.post-68105546659028997372007-09-18T11:52:00.001-04:002007-09-18T12:04:02.711-04:00It was the worst of times… it was the best of times<strong></strong><br /><div>Charles Dickens was right… It was the worst of times… after being here for 25 days we hit our first snag in the adoption process… our judge is sick and our court date for today has been canceled and is re-scheduled for Friday. Unlike the states, here in Kazakhstan there is no back up person to do your job when you are sick or on vacation. To make matters worst Jen has come down with the flu and she doesn’t know what she feels worst about… being sick or not getting home to see our kids. We have had almost daily calls to the kids and they have been up and down with emotions. We miss each other deeply, but the last few have been better as we thought there would be only a few days standing between us till we are reunited…<br /><br />… It was the best of times… as you know we have also been struggling with leaving Asher behind and one positive is that now we will have a few more days to spend with him before we leave. We will need to cancel our flights for Wednesday and re-book them to the first possible - which may not be until early next week.<br /><br />In spite of the delay we face today we had a great visit with Asher. He is imitating us when we tickle him and trying to say the word tickle. We love his little laugh and his smile as it greets us when we pick him up. He is such a different little boy since our first meeting and continues to amaze us each day. He now likes his Pooh bear and took it outside with us on our walk. We are planning on leaving that with him while we are gone. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111574303808602482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 143px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="113" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Ru_1vz2GwXI/AAAAAAAAASA/PaqO9_yRFLg/s200/DSC03727.JPG" width="200" border="0" /><br /><br />This whole process has been a journey of faith and even though we do not understand why this happened, we do trust that God knows why and that it was meant to happen this way. We also realize that any adventure worth taking will have its challenges and rewards. In the end, rescuing our new son from his current environment will be well worth any obstacles we encounter. We appreciate your prayers, comments, and especially for those helping with our children the extra effort you have made to make them feel loved in our absence!<br /><br />Jay & JenKazadoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02172943590440100653noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279559925476640851.post-57860173991438258492007-09-16T12:09:00.000-04:002007-09-16T21:12:08.478-04:00Last Sunday in Kazakhstan<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>As Jay & I look back this month has flown by but while we were in the midst of it…time I must admit did drag. As we are starting to pack for our departure we did see some great sites and meet some nice people. We have taken over 1200 pictures of our adventure and it is not over till we bring Asher home. Tuesday will be an emotional and hard day for us as we go to court and become his parents, change his legal name and the same day tell him Good bye for a month. I will have the same emotion when I see my three little cherubs at the airport Wednesday night. Time does make the heart grow fonder and we truly miss them. So this entry of the blog is to show some of the great sites we saw and some of the friends we met that made this adventure easier in a foreign country. </div><div></div><br /><br /><div></div>The river walk a short jog from our apartment...<br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Ru1WEj2GwPI/AAAAAAAAARA/KK8tAGXCLQ8/s1600-h/DSC02132.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110835788477022450" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Ru1WEj2GwPI/AAAAAAAAARA/KK8tAGXCLQ8/s200/DSC02132.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The Biterek Tree of Life National monument in Astana...</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110837210111197458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Ru1XXT2GwRI/AAAAAAAAARQ/81xw4rxVs_0/s200/DSC02266.JPG" border="0" />The beautiful gardens by the Presidents house...</p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110837940255637794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Ru1YBz2GwSI/AAAAAAAAARY/amojBo1FEPE/s200/DSC03200.JPG" border="0" /></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Ru1YgT2GwTI/AAAAAAAAARg/dMTTTQBjQN4/s1600-h/DSC03532.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110838464241647922" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Ru1YgT2GwTI/AAAAAAAAARg/dMTTTQBjQN4/s200/DSC03532.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Beautifu Muslim Mosque</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Ru1Zmj2GwVI/AAAAAAAAARw/fjkvaNM2H0s/s1600-h/DSC03607.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110839671127458130" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Ru1Zmj2GwVI/AAAAAAAAARw/fjkvaNM2H0s/s200/DSC03607.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Ru1eOj2GwWI/AAAAAAAAAR4/B_Ni5e3K1zw/s1600-h/Sep+2+Sun+Court+Baby+House+Dinner+060.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110844756368736610" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Ru1eOj2GwWI/AAAAAAAAAR4/B_Ni5e3K1zw/s200/Sep+2+Sun+Court+Baby+House+Dinner+060.jpg" border="0" /></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110839056947134786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Ru1ZCz2GwUI/AAAAAAAAARo/lhbCc_QK8DM/s200/DSC02560.JPG" border="0" /></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Some of the Great friends we met in Astana......</p>Kazadoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02172943590440100653noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279559925476640851.post-30193518582854970992007-09-15T03:12:00.000-04:002007-09-15T04:19:25.591-04:00Go Bucks!!!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RuuHgz2GwJI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/9nY0YcxZ7M4/s1600-h/DSC03156.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110327199924666514" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RuuHgz2GwJI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/9nY0YcxZ7M4/s200/DSC03156.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Well there is going to be one more buckeye fan in Michigan.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Asher was very happy when mommy told him that the Buckeyes have won their first two games...<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110330210696741058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RuuKQD2GwMI/AAAAAAAAAQo/HbinoOh7-uI/s200/DSC02652.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />... and very excited when daddy told him that Michigan has lost their first two games!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110329429012693170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RuuJij2GwLI/AAAAAAAAAQg/rnjDRB9FvGA/s200/DSC03160.JPG" border="0" /><br />Our whole family is cheering on the bucks today as they go against Washington and of course we will be cheering for the Fighting Irish too!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RuuIZD2GwKI/AAAAAAAAAQY/DLQYZvgQDcU/s1600-h/DSC02624.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110328166292308130" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RuuIZD2GwKI/AAAAAAAAAQY/DLQYZvgQDcU/s200/DSC02624.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Just imagine Asher later this year at our home holding a remote control watching Ohio State beat Michigan...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Jen and I have really missed watching football on Saturday afternoons, it just isn’t the same watching Rugby in Russian, but most of all we miss our kids...<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110337950227808482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RuuRSj2GwOI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/Ph75H0NM1Jo/s200/DSC02101.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RuuLHD2GwNI/AAAAAAAAAQw/iz0AfnrT394/s1600-h/DSC03581.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110331155589546194" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RuuLHD2GwNI/AAAAAAAAAQw/iz0AfnrT394/s200/DSC03581.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>We are counting down the days until we get to see them and until we are able to bring Asher home to be united as a whole family. After our last few visits he has been hesitate to go back to his room at the baby house and while we are gone he has been crying and asking for his mama. This is really pulling at our hearts and wish there was a way to stay or at least have the fifteen day waiting period waved. We asked again today if the court would wave this, but they said that it will not happen. We will leave this up to God, but it looks like we will leave Wednesday and be returning on around October 15 to pick him up and hopefully be united as a family on about October 20. We have only two more visits with Asher before we leave and we know the last one will be difficult for us to part.</div><div></div><div>As always thanks for your prayers, comments, and support!<br /><br />Jay & Jen</div>Kazadoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02172943590440100653noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279559925476640851.post-41780820566812489372007-09-13T02:54:00.000-04:002007-09-13T03:58:25.010-04:00Under Construction“Amazing” is the word I keep on using with our driver and interpreter… because the amount of construction going on in Astana is “amazing”. Astana has been a major Kazakhstan city, but every since their president decided to make it their new capital it has been going through an amazing transformation. They are tearing down the old city and constructing a modern city at an amazing rate. The president has shared a vision that by 2030 Astana and much of their country will be transformed. So far we have not been in a part of the city that you do not see some kind of construction. Here a just a few pictures…<br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109589906623205298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Rujo8sQyj7I/AAAAAAAAAPw/QrXj9uDdLiY/s200/DSC03190.JPG" border="0" /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Rujjb8Qyj3I/AAAAAAAAAPQ/T-dRNCiyVGM/s1600-h/DSC02257.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109583846424350578" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Rujjb8Qyj3I/AAAAAAAAAPQ/T-dRNCiyVGM/s200/DSC02257.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RujofMQyj6I/AAAAAAAAAPo/muRiTYSV4H0/s1600-h/DSC02782.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109589399817064354" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RujofMQyj6I/AAAAAAAAAPo/muRiTYSV4H0/s200/DSC02782.JPG" border="0" /></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109588016837595010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RujnOsQyj4I/AAAAAAAAAPY/gbK8MLeYzSE/s200/DSC02355.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109590400544444354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RujpZcQyj8I/AAAAAAAAAP4/EPROLSZLixE/s200/DSC03151.JPG" border="0" /><br />Most of this renovation is being paid for by the Kazakhstan oil industry and most of the construction workers are from outside the country…<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109591633200058322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RujqhMQyj9I/AAAAAAAAAQA/0M9JH9ce8vs/s200/DSC02994.JPG" border="0" /><br />Like his home country, Asher likes to build…<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RujrrcQyj-I/AAAAAAAAAQI/dKkMu66vKBM/s1600-h/DSC03171.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109592908805345250" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RujrrcQyj-I/AAAAAAAAAQI/dKkMu66vKBM/s200/DSC03171.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RujiJ8Qyj1I/AAAAAAAAAPA/m-BKIyPT5mg/s1600-h/DSC03083.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109582918711414626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Rujil8Qyj2I/AAAAAAAAAPI/wwntbkwNGyY/s200/DSC02917.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div></div><div><br />Also like his home country he has gone through a major transformation in just the few short weeks we have been here. As we mentioned before, the first few days with him were difficult because he was almost non responsive to anything we did. After a week or so we were able to get him to laugh and smile by tickling or throwing him up in air. But the last few days when we smile, he smiles back. He is a picture from day one and one from today… </div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Rujgi8Qyj0I/AAAAAAAAAO4/XBOYVTyKW6k/s1600-h/DSC03272.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109580668148551490" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Rujgi8Qyj0I/AAAAAAAAAO4/XBOYVTyKW6k/s200/DSC03272.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RujfisQyjzI/AAAAAAAAAOw/TFDf4X9gQJE/s1600-h/DSC02122.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109579564341956402" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RujfisQyjzI/AAAAAAAAAOw/TFDf4X9gQJE/s200/DSC02122.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Rujgi8Qyj0I/AAAAAAAAAO4/XBOYVTyKW6k/s1600-h/DSC03272.JPG"></a></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Rujgi8Qyj0I/AAAAAAAAAO4/XBOYVTyKW6k/s1600-h/DSC03272.JPG"></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>God continues to amaze us with his blessings and we are confident that Asher will continue to be transformed into a new little man and a very special part of our family. Our court date in next Tuesday the 18th and we will be flying home on the 19th, which will be very difficult to leave him behind for almost a month. We are going to leave him some pictures, a photo book, his blanket, and Pooh bear. Hopefully having these items will remind him of us and when we come back he will remember us and not have to back track.<br /><br />We appreciate your prayers and comments and are we counting the days until our family is complete….<br /><br />Jay and Jen</div></div>Kazadoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02172943590440100653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279559925476640851.post-26514427090767721002007-09-10T05:42:00.000-04:002007-09-10T06:52:54.188-04:00Astana Aquarium<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RuUUxljsm8I/AAAAAAAAAM4/JupcTK57hNQ/s1600-h/DSC03112.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108512194449677250" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RuUUxljsm8I/AAAAAAAAAM4/JupcTK57hNQ/s200/DSC03112.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>On Sundays there are no visitations to the baby house, so we had a relaxing morning at the apartment and then did a little site seeing. We visited the Astana Aquarium, which is unique becasue it is known for being the aquarium that is located the farthest away from any ocean.</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RuUVbljsm9I/AAAAAAAAANA/AQNBqk7Jqk0/s1600-h/DSC03136.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108512916004182994" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RuUVbljsm9I/AAAAAAAAANA/AQNBqk7Jqk0/s200/DSC03136.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>The main entrance was more like a mini mall - it had a few restaurants, video games, different scenes from around the world, and of course souvenir shops…<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RuUW4Vjsm_I/AAAAAAAAANQ/VdrpBGhfKT8/s1600-h/DSC03115.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108514509437049842" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RuUW4Vjsm_I/AAAAAAAAANQ/VdrpBGhfKT8/s200/DSC03115.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108515132207307778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RuUXcljsnAI/AAAAAAAAANY/ASLE8g4jyW4/s200/DSC03114.JPG" border="0" /> <div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div></div><div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108525019222023330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RuUgcFjsnKI/AAAAAAAAAOo/NbAZL6_MFuM/s200/DSC03116.JPG" border="0" /> <div></div><div></div><div></div><br /><div>Once inside the aquarium it was very similar to other aquarium in the states, but one thing that is different is that you need to pay to take picture or video record. Regardless of the cost it is a very nice aquarium and we even saw a famous fish actress inside, but I can’t remember her name??? </div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108521119391718514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RuUc5FjsnHI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/CnTQrbe58O0/s200/DSC03126.JPG" border="0" /><br />We tried and tried to find Nemo, but no luck. We did see many other amazing creatures of the sea, here are just a couple…<br /><div></div><br /><div>... Bruce ...<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108522085759360130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RuUdxVjsnII/AAAAAAAAAOY/mrcLnxh9pmM/s200/DSC03131.JPG" border="0" /></div><div><br /></div><div>... little dude (Crush's son) ...</div><div><br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108522704234650770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RuUeVVjsnJI/AAAAAAAAAOg/e2sYSmffoIE/s200/DSC03124.JPG" border="0" /></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RuUcSFjsnGI/AAAAAAAAAOI/htx80xILbb8/s1600-h/DSC03137.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108520449376820322" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RuUcSFjsnGI/AAAAAAAAAOI/htx80xILbb8/s200/DSC03137.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>... and we met Val, one of our interpreter’s English students, who wanted to practice her English with us. She gave us a tour, was a true delight, and spoke very good English.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div></div><div> </div><div><div><br /></div><div>After the aquarium Val took us to her Aunt’s Korean Restaurant and we enjoyed a great meal in their VIP room…<br /></div><div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108519899621006418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RuUbyFjsnFI/AAAAAAAAAOA/sfzmQMIuLs0/s200/DSC03140.JPG" border="0" /><br />Later Jen and I took a nice walk and took in some of the night scenery…<br /><div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RuUZF1jsnCI/AAAAAAAAANo/DlMac2Hg71s/s1600-h/DSC02501.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108516940388539426" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RuUZF1jsnCI/AAAAAAAAANo/DlMac2Hg71s/s200/DSC02501.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RuUbCljsnEI/AAAAAAAAAN4/sU7JDrhumjI/s1600-h/DSC02144.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108519083577220162" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RuUbCljsnEI/AAAAAAAAAN4/sU7JDrhumjI/s200/DSC02144.JPG" border="0" /></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108517868101475378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RuUZ71jsnDI/AAAAAAAAANw/tVL-Zc4j6Zo/s200/DSC02270.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>All in all a nice day, but we would have rather spent the time with Asher. As each day goes by and he opens up more, it is becoming harder and harder to think that we will need to leave him here for three weeks. We are planning on leaving our pictures in his cubby and after court everyone will start calling him by his new name. We hope the time we have spent with him and the pictures we leave behind will be enough for him to come running to us when we return. </div><br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108516300438412306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RuUYgljsnBI/AAAAAAAAANg/j8GZm1S8CYA/s200/DSC03071.JPG" border="0" /><br />Thanks again for all your prayers, support, and love you have shared with us along this adventure.<br /><br />Jay and Jen</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Kazadoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02172943590440100653noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279559925476640851.post-76572057176495267722007-09-08T06:40:00.001-04:002007-09-08T07:02:29.398-04:00Peek-a-boo<div><div><div><div>Today we had another great visit with our new little man and he is really starting to interact with us. From the beginning of our bonding period we have been playing peek-a-boo with him… with no responds… until today. With his little taggie blanket, that Kristin made for him, he started playing peek-a-boo without any encouragement from us. </div><div><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107782157383539554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RuJ8z1jsm2I/AAAAAAAAAMI/53u_PmyeIus/s200/DSC03091.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107782840283339634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RuJ9bljsm3I/AAAAAAAAAMQ/Us1sBfaA1YA/s200/DSC03090.JPG" border="0" /><br />I know this might seem a little silly, but it is a really important sign that he is bonding with us. We have been getting more and more smiles and laughs, especially when we throw him up in the air or tickle his cheek with Jay’s beard. Asher is still very curious about Jay’s facial hair and feels it with his hands and makes a puzzled little look, like what is this stuff? He also just loves his toy bag and everyday buries his little head in it and pulls out toys to play with...</div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107783566132812674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RuJ-F1jsm4I/AAAAAAAAAMY/Jjr_jhmeHH4/s200/DSC03047.JPG" border="0" /><br />There are two single moms and one other couple here with us in Astana and they are adopting babies. Weekdays we have different times for visitations, but on Saturdays we get see everyone. It was really encouraging today to have the other parents mention how much Asher has changed in just a week. Here is Asher with Max (one of the other little boys being adopted by a single mom from Cleveland, Ohio)... <div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107785223990188978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RuJ_mVjsm7I/AAAAAAAAAMw/ixE1h4nJNkE/s200/DSC03065.JPG" border="0" /><br />The little boy in him is really starting to show through, he even was playing with Jen as she changed his clothes today. God has certainly blessed us with a special new son, that we are sure will continue to progress. Each day our hearts are growing more and more attached to this little guy.</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107784734363917218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RuJ_J1jsm6I/AAAAAAAAAMo/o8Rp0S4i7MI/s200/DSC03096.JPG" border="0" /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107784257622547346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RuJ-uFjsm5I/AAAAAAAAAMg/7EJ7xnZ6030/s200/DSC03032.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>We can not wait to enjoy the up coming Holidays as a complete family. Thanks again for follow along with our journey!<br /><br />May God’s blessings be with you,<br /><br />Jay & Jen</div></div></div>Kazadoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02172943590440100653noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279559925476640851.post-18076376632757724902007-09-07T12:20:00.000-04:002007-09-07T12:54:25.071-04:00Bonding Days<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>One of the reasons Kazakhstan’s lengthy adoption process is because they require a fifteen day bonding period prior to requesting a court date. At first when Jen and I heard about this requirement we were concerned about being gone from home this long, but after discussing it we knew that this would allow us to more one on one time than if we were back home with our hectic schedules. Today we met that requirement and now after experiencing this bonding time we are even more reassured that this was the right thing for us to do. The one on one time with Asher has been very special and it has given us time to understand this countries culture. This will be something we will never forget.<br /><br />Our coordinator was able to schedule our court date for September 18th at 9:30 AM and our interpreter will help use prepare for the court hearing. Jay has to prepare a speech about our family history, our financial status, and how we will care for Asher. Jay will answer the majority of the questions and Jen will agree, nod, or add a few additional comments.<br /><br />Like most days, we visited Asher… he was really tired and is getting over a cold. We played inside for the first half of the visit. He loves his toy bag and plays a new game called… let’s take everything out and put everything back in...</div><div><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107498895700433586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RuF7L1jsmrI/AAAAAAAAAK0/g5p5htNV_1M/s200/DSC02918.JPG" border="0" /><br />We went outside for a walk and little guy was so tired he fell asleep on Daddy’s shoulder. It is nice that he feels this comfortable. We have not heard any new words or sounds from him but he must be so confused. We are thankful for digital cameras as it is hard to get a picture of him. Prior to this he has never had so many pictures taken of him. So he does not understand when you say “cheese”. We do get a lot of puzzling looks and he scrunches up his eye brows. We can usually get him to smile and laugh if we throw him up in the air or if Jay tickles his face with his beard...</div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107502550717602578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RuF-gljsmxI/AAAAAAAAALg/UEoy-daXx_Y/s200/DSC02892.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107501936537279234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RuF981jsmwI/AAAAAAAAALY/kwtYR2XKv5Q/s200/DSC02941.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107500596507482850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RuF8u1jsmuI/AAAAAAAAALI/XIYgLPt4udk/s200/DSC02929.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107499488405920450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RuF7uVjsmsI/AAAAAAAAAK8/qED8s4jdKoY/s200/DSC02958.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107501038889114354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RuF9IljsmvI/AAAAAAAAALQ/K9IyhJlZ5co/s200/DSC02927.JPG" border="0" /><br />As you can see these bonding times are very special. After the visit we did some shopping and then stopped by the local KFC to pick up chicken for lunch… <div><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107502997394201378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RuF-6ljsmyI/AAAAAAAAALo/tuGT8Jvt3xM/s200/DSC02973.JPG" border="0" /><br />Tonight we walked to an interesting attraction… a miniature model of key sites across the country of Kazakhstan, with special focus on their new capital (Astana) and the vision of what the city will look like in the future. Unfortunately all the signs were in Kazak and Jay has been learning Russian, but we still enjoyed the site and we did make out some of the regions of the country. Here are a few pictures of what we saw… <div><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107503547150015282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RuF_aljsmzI/AAAAAAAAALw/EktAOD3Co6M/s200/DSC02978.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107504642366675794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RuGAaVjsm1I/AAAAAAAAAMA/y0eJQ5eolHk/s200/DSC02989.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107504041071254338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RuF_3Vjsm0I/AAAAAAAAAL4/LonRVvnuQCM/s200/DSC02986.JPG" border="0" /><br />Thanks again for following along on this journey with us!<br /><br />Jay & Jen</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Kazadoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02172943590440100653noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279559925476640851.post-85725414998466448972007-09-06T05:41:00.000-04:002007-09-06T14:44:12.349-04:00Blessed by another SonIntroducing…<br /><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107030774329940434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Rt_RbljsmdI/AAAAAAAAAJE/QBobfHZNRDM/s200/DSC02718.JPG" border="0" /></div><div></div><div>Asher Douglas Straw… </div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107031242481375714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Rt_R21jsmeI/AAAAAAAAAJM/t0tO299k_AQ/s200/DSC02713.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />Asher means blessed, we are asking God for His blessing on our new son’s life and Douglas after my brother who passed away a few years ago.<br /><br />He was born July 5, 2005, weighed 4.2 lbs, and was 17.3 inches long. He is now 2 years and 2 months old, weighs 22.3 lbs, and is 32 inches tall.<br /><br />He was born 6-8 weeks premature and spent only a month in the hospital before being sent to the orphanage. Strange as it may seem this was about the time that we started praying about adopting, but even then God knew he was meant to be our son and we all have been adopted by Christ...<br /><br />“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.” Ephesians 1:4-6<br /><br />We have visited Asher almost daily since we came to Astana (As-ta-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">na</span>) and we have already seen a huge difference in him. At first he seem very scared, would sit on the floor, hardly smile, and say nothing. The last few days he has started to babble with us, point at things, hand us books to read, color with us, laugh, and smile as we play with him. We are sure that this is only the beginning to him opening up and becoming a typical little toddler boy.<br /><br />His gross motor, fine motor, and self-help skills are almost on target for a 2 year, but it will take some time for him to catch up with his communication skills. Not only a new language, but in the orphanages most of the communication he gets daily is more of directions (such as time to eat, pick up your toys, time for bed, etc), than a two way stimulating conversation.<br /><br />Our children back home can not wait to meet their new little brother and help him become part of our family. Jen and I both can already sense God’s blessing as we observe our new son's delight in a new world that is just starting to open up to him (he has been amazed with simple things like crayons, books, cars, butterflies, and birds).<br /><br />Legally he will become our son 15 days after our court date and our court will get scheduled this Friday, but will most likely not be around September 17<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span>. Unfortunately due to the long adoption process (15 day waiting period and additional paper work) we will need to leave him here for about a month after the court date. Please pray that the rest of this process will go smoothly and if its God will that the judge will wave the 15 day waiting period, which has never happen in this region. Even though we miss our children back home very much, it will be just as difficult to leave our new son behind. Hopefully by about the middle of October we will all be united as a family!<br /><br />And now the many faces of Asher…<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107032586806139394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Rt_TFFjsmgI/AAAAAAAAAJc/NXtWoulrIvc/s200/DSC02112.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107041524633082498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Rt_bNVjsmoI/AAAAAAAAAKc/gbDjy3bfxss/s200/DSC02606.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107032135834573298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Rt_Sq1jsmfI/AAAAAAAAAJU/OyY3azNyvqU/s200/DSC02235.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107040511020800610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Rt_aSVjsmmI/AAAAAAAAAKM/X5558jzuvk0/s200/DSC02460.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107033218166331922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Rt_Tp1jsmhI/AAAAAAAAAJk/Kgonxlsr_rE/s200/DSC02171.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107034523836389938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Rt_U11jsmjI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/30zDyT2TrjA/s200/DSC02240.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107035017757628994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Rt_VSljsmkI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/HpoXxF-4nKw/s200/DSC02302.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107039845300869714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Rt_ZrljsmlI/AAAAAAAAAKE/yA2bqbNYe3k/s200/DSC02410.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107041004942039666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Rt_avFjsmnI/AAAAAAAAAKU/7f0m0YwdB_I/s200/DSC02529.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107042224712751762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Rt_b2FjsmpI/AAAAAAAAAKk/R69NdUYAdmk/s200/DSC02666.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107042654209481378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Rt_cPFjsmqI/AAAAAAAAAKs/SEKACcFX8vE/s200/DSC02740.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />We could not be on this adventure without God and the support from our families and friends. We thank each and everyone one of you for your continued prayers and especially your comments, both of which make us feel at peace here in a foreign country. <div><br />Blessings,<br /><br />Jay & Jen</div>Kazadoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02172943590440100653noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279559925476640851.post-10716159124282058262007-09-05T13:49:00.000-04:002007-09-05T14:33:30.268-04:00Many Similarities to Home<div><div><div><div><div><div><div>Sorry, but you will need to wait one more day before we introduce you to our new son, but here he is modeling some of his new clothes… </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106787180964780450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Rt7z4ljsmaI/AAAAAAAAAIw/spzaQ2Pg6Eo/s200/DSC02593.JPG" border="0" /></div></div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106786163057531282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Rt7y9VjsmZI/AAAAAAAAAIo/TTCuFBqt6hA/s200/DSC02728.JPG" border="0" /><br />Instead we will continue to give you a sense of his native country. We have now been here two weeks, which is half way through our first trip, and we have adjusted well to our new surrounds. Although many things are different and may not look like home, we have found several things that are very similar to home. Here are some examples...<br /><br />This is the Ram Store (a.k.a. our local Meijer)… <div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106779497268287762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Rt7s5VjsmRI/AAAAAAAAAHs/t7Fmw7Bu708/s200/DSC02220.JPG" border="0" /><br />Just like Meijer’s they have just about everything from canned vegetables to toasters to towels to milk. Well the milk is camel, horse, or goat and is shelf stable (at least we haven’t found cow’s milk yet).<br /><br />This is the Corso (a.k.a. our local Starbucks)… <div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106784986236492146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Rt7x41jsmXI/AAAAAAAAAIY/9nUkzCNmyaY/s200/DSC02790.JPG" border="0" /><br />Just like Starbucks they have many different coffees, snacks, and desserts and they are just as expensive. Unfortunately the menu isn’t in English, but we have learned enough Russian to manage a simple cup of coffee with milk and sugar (try it yourself - phonic spelling: chash-ka koh-fyeh s smah-lah-KOHM e SAHK-ahr).<br /><br />This is the Orda (a.k.a our local 24 hour 7-11)…</div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106780055614036258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Rt7tZ1jsmSI/AAAAAAAAAH0/Wps5cuGbxV4/s200/DSC02223.JPG" border="0" /><br />Traffic is crazy… </div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106785686316161410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Rt7yhljsmYI/AAAAAAAAAIg/k1nElgdVs1Y/s200/DSC02193.JPG" border="0" /><br />Saw a couple of familiar faces… </div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106783203825064258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Rt7wRFjsmUI/AAAAAAAAAIE/8cyjBIQIcQc/s200/DSC02420.JPG" border="0" /><br />There are many other similarities, but the one thing that we have missed and can not find over here are chocolate chip cookies. So with a little creativity (i.e., using chocolate candy bars to make our own chocolate chips), math to convert ingredients to metrics, and some patience with our oven that doesn’t have a thermostat we were able to make our own…</div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106780712744032562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Rt7uAFjsmTI/AAAAAAAAAH8/7Y--5u-f2wY/s200/DSC02422.JPG" border="0" /><br />Our driver, interpreter, and the other adoptive families loved them! God continues to bless us daily, whether it is simple things like chocolate chip cookies, new friends here like the other families, or your prayers and support from home!<br /><br />Blessings,<br /><br />Jay & Jen </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Kazadoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02172943590440100653noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279559925476640851.post-66137734705785641192007-09-04T12:23:00.000-04:002007-09-04T13:03:50.938-04:00The Days are Blurring togetherWell since Jay has been updating the blog I thought I would give my perspective. We have been here approx 11 days and they are starting to blur together. This week we have early visitation for the little guy so we get up early call the kids (on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">skype</span> through the computer it only costs two cents a minute). Our breakfast has consisted of instant oatmeal and apples... we have dry cereal but the milk comes in box unrefrigerated and comes out light brown... not too appealing to me. We arrive at the baby house at 9:30 and little guy is usually in his room eating his snack. He runs up to greet us and we take him to the play room. While we visit him we change his clothes. I brought some 2T clothes with me which are a bit big... I did buy some outfits here. Kid’s clothes in Astana are expensive. Below is what I purchased (the shoes were on sale) and it cost $8800 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">tenge</span> or about $70.00 U.S.<br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106389604432124114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Rt2KSljsmNI/AAAAAAAAAHM/kTaFkSl1Rf0/s200/DSC02390.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br />He seems to loves books, so we read to him, he flips the book over, and turns it around again... this could go on for some time. We also introduced him to coloring books. At first he did not know what to do with it, but he has caught on. Like most little boys he likes to break the crayons. We rotate the toys in his bag each day and introduce him to something new. The first few days were difficult as he was not engaging with us. I cannot image what was going in his little mind... these strange people come every day, bring fun toys, play with me, and leave. The last 2 days we have seen a change in him as he is more comfortable with us and has started to babble. We know he can talk but his conversation skills are very weak. In his group, which he is the youngest, the room is always very quiet except for crying or a few shrieks. I cannot wait to get him home so we can expose him to more books and work on getting him caught up.<br /><br /><br />He has been in the baby house since birth so he does not remember being in a car. So when a car goes by he gets really excited. I know at home it is easy to take for granted the simple things in life like cars, tap water that you can drink, public restrooms that you do not have to pay for, and living in a house. The weather here has finally started to cool down. Today it was in the 70’s which was relief since we do a lot of walking and with no cloud cover the 90 degrees were melting us over here. Even if it is 90 + degrees the culture here thinks all babies need hats on otherwise they would get colds. They bundle the kids up warmly in any kind of weather. Today we took little guy out and he had shorts on which they pretty much go down to his ankles with a coat and hat on.. And here the care giver brings a pair of sweat pants to put over the shorts. It is quite humorous but you go with the flow...<br /><br /><br />Today we went to the Kazakhstan historical Museum. It showed the History of Kazakhstan and we saw various artifact from all regions. It was like a museum back home except it was free to go in but you had to pay for each pictures you wanted to take. I thought that was kind of strange. The rebel in me took 3 pictures <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">unbenost</span> to the guards but we ended up paying for 2 so the cost was 400 tenge (3.50 American)<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106390776958195954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Rt2LW1jsmPI/AAAAAAAAAHc/Az1zFVConZU/s200/DSC02685.JPG" border="0" /><br />A Gift from France...behind it is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">information</span> on all the economic development in the country<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106391472742897922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Rt2L_VjsmQI/AAAAAAAAAHk/KLmrU3OH2kc/s200/DSC02684.JPG" border="0" /><br />J & J in front of the Kazakhstan flag<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106390201432578274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Rt2K1VjsmOI/AAAAAAAAAHU/gK9sFLUk-2Q/s200/DSC02687.JPG" border="0" />A traditional yurt that was for wealthy families<br /><br /><br />Since In Kazakhstan I would post some of my First Experiences:<br />I saw my first accident after being here a week. It was the car right next to us... and let me tell you these folks have no fear when they drive.<br /><br />I saw a hummer who could not make a U turn in the street so he decided to use the sidewalk where we were…<br /><br />I ordered a meal at an American Hotel and received dressing on the side of my salad. I was so happy. If you know my eating habits you would understand.<br /><br />We went out to lunch and paid more for water than the meal. If they have Evian on the menu I will drink <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">peeva</span> (beer) it is much cheaper.<br /><br />I am sure with this journey I will be posting more of my firsts.<br /><br /><br /><br />School started here on September 1st for the kids. The children in Astana dress up for school each day. The boys wear suits and the girls wear dresses with these fluffy white pony tail ribbons in their hair. They go to school 6 days a week and depending on their age it could be 8 hours each day. I bet the kids back home would not be happy about that.<br /><br />The Kids are back in Michigan since having a holiday in Ohio for 1 ½ weeks. They are all excited about going to school. I am getting weepy not being there for the first day of school for them... Shelby starts high school, Hayden is in 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">th</span> and Zoe is in 1st. I think Zoe was the most excited to go. I kept asking them questions and reminding them of stuff and Shelby said Mom do not worry, you are ½ way around the world and we can manage. Being a mom you always worry even if you are so far away. Thanks for everyone helping out with the kids. I am especially proud of Shelby who is being the big sister and pitch hit when Mom & Dad are away.<br /><br />Shortly we will post our son’s full picture with his name. Thanks for all your votes. We can clearly see there is a favorite in the running. Even though we have visited him less than 18 hours since we have been here, we are completely head over heels in love with him... Children are a Blessing from God!!!<br /><br />Blessing~<br /><br />J & JKazadoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02172943590440100653noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279559925476640851.post-91841144676580616162007-09-01T04:32:00.000-04:002007-09-02T04:58:07.365-04:00Kazakhstan National Holiday “Constitution Day”Sorry it has been a few days since we posted... we have had some internet challenegs. We are also sorry that you will need to wait another day or two to see our new son. Mainly because we want our children to be the first to see him and there are still a few details we are working out. Instead this blog update will be about one of Kazakhstan’s National Holidays… on August 30, 2007 Kazakhstan celebrated their 11th national holiday called “Constitution Day”, which marked the 11th year since they established their constitution.<br /><br />Like the US Constitution, Kazakhstan’s constitution starts with a preamble… “We, the people of Kazakhstan, united by a common historic fate, creating a state on the indigenous Kazakh land, considering ourselves a peace loving and civil society, dedicated to the ideals of freedom, equality and concord, wishing to take a worthy place in the world community, realizing our high responsibility before the present and future generations, proceeding from our sovereign right, accept this Constitution.”<br /><br />Also like our country’s holidays the government, banks, and other institutions were closed. This meant unfortunately that we could not visit our new little boy. But we were able to participate with the people of Astana as they celebrate this historic day in their abundant history. Near City Hall they had a large stage with three huge video screens as well as numerous vendors selling food and drinks. The event was hosted by two popular DJs and started out with more traditional music and costumes, but as the festivities progressed they became more contemporary. The best way I could describe one of the more contemporary groups was to call them the Russian Spice Girls. It was very enjoyable, even though we could not understand most of the words and we definitely absorb part of their rich culture.<br /><br /><div><div><div><div> </div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5105156716889938050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Rtko_FjsmII/AAAAAAAAAGk/lEmEThGrn3Q/s200/DSC02364.JPG" border="0" /> </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5105203261450524818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RtlTUVjsmJI/AAAAAAAAAGs/NfH0YHDrEK8/s200/DSC02366.JPG" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5105525723300141218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Rtp4mFjsmKI/AAAAAAAAAG0/H9w5kXT5N0M/s200/DSC02371.JPG" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5105526191451576498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Rtp5BVjsmLI/AAAAAAAAAG8/YMf46K_htmE/s200/DSC02386.JPG" border="0" /><br />We have now been here a full week and are starting to miss home, but we are also enjoying this experience as we learn about our new son’s heritage. We have now spent six days, about two hours each day, with our new little man. We are finally starting to see him warm up to us and we are getting brief glimmers of his personality. The first few days he would just sit their and give us puzzling looks. Today he dug in investing his new toy bag and choose the toys he wanted to play with… <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5105526526459025602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/Rtp5U1jsmMI/AAAAAAAAAHE/uK9aMiiPevA/s200/DSC02454.JPG" border="0" /><br />Sorry he is still a little camera shy, but your sill see him soon. Thank you again for following along with us in this adventure. God has been awesome to surround us with such great friends back in the states, but also new friends here in Kazakhstan!<br /><br />Blessings,<br /><br />Jay & Jen</div></div></div>Kazadoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02172943590440100653noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279559925476640851.post-40805170372402346502007-08-29T01:31:00.000-04:002007-08-29T04:58:10.467-04:00Our new son’s temporary home...<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>As we prepared for this journey we had read about many different country’s orphanages (baby houses as they call them here in Kazakhstan) and what we read described a very clean but rather plain place with little stimulation. Our experience with Astana’s baby house is very different from what we expected. They are very clean, but they are more like a big home with pictures on the walls, many colorful toys throughout, friendly people that truly care for the children, and a schedule full of activities such as music and organized playing. The only similarity to what we read is the ratio of care givers to children (typically about 1 care giver to about 12 toddlers), which does limit how much they can interact with each child independently. Typically these children are 1 month delayed for every three months in an orphanage, which is about what we have seen with our new son, especially communication. To our surprise he is much closer to his age with fine motor, gross motor, and self- help skills. Here are several pictures of the Astana Baby House… </div><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103997943303411714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RtULFljsmAI/AAAAAAAAAFk/CUaCjM4c_xQ/s200/DSC02243.JPG" border="0" /></div><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103998518829029394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RtULnFjsmBI/AAAAAAAAAFs/uFo5WX6fSZE/s200/DSC02246.JPG" border="0" /></div><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103999764369545266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RtUMvljsmDI/AAAAAAAAAF8/z7YabpaE0mo/s200/DSC02166.JPG" border="0" /></div><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103994889581664162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RtUIT1jsl6I/AAAAAAAAAE0/2E4or0GlgOk/s200/DSC02165.JPG" border="0" /></div><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103995980503357378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RtUJTVjsl8I/AAAAAAAAAFE/Amk6aceuN8k/s200/DSC02169.JPG" border="0" /></div><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104000760801957970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RtUNpljsmFI/AAAAAAAAAGM/JZZ7Mw3p5D8/s200/DSC02251.JPG" border="0" /></div><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103997002705573858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RtUKO1jsl-I/AAAAAAAAAFU/yj8fGVHsx2M/s200/DSC02225.JPG" border="0" /></div><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104000296945489986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RtUNOljsmEI/AAAAAAAAAGE/6zwfBSh5iOs/s200/DSC02250.JPG" border="0" /></div><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104001619795417202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RtUObljsmHI/AAAAAAAAAGc/EAlusWFCApw/s200/DSC02254.JPG" border="0" /></div><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103997419317401586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RtUKnFjsl_I/AAAAAAAAAFc/IttfJPLTgfg/s200/DSC02226.JPG" border="0" /></div></div><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103993940393891714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RtUHcljsl4I/AAAAAAAAAEk/heloyj7ktf0/s200/DSC02162.JPG" border="0" /></div><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103996500194400210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RtUJxljsl9I/AAAAAAAAAFM/NhMw3i2HvMg/s200/DSC02224.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104001220363458658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RtUOEVjsmGI/AAAAAAAAAGU/6GNzY3JpZRY/s200/DSC02253.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div><br />As you can see our son’s temporary home is not what most people think of when they hear the term orphanages. Although his new home with us will be much better in many ways, I am sure he will still miss his familiar surroundings at first. We are close to sharing more about our new little man, but for now we will tease you a little by just give you a sneak peak…</div><br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103992544529520482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RtUGLVjsl2I/AAAAAAAAAEU/fsuV6Pi_Jug/s200/DSC02128.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103992093557954386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RtUFxFjsl1I/AAAAAAAAAEM/JtCF982BZds/s200/DSC02237.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103993021270890354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RtUGnFjsl3I/AAAAAAAAAEc/ythcDowBSXA/s200/DSC02123.JPG" border="0" /><br />Thank you for all your comments yesterday, we really appreciate you following along with us on this journey!<br /><br />Blessings,<br /><br />Jay & Jen</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Kazadoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02172943590440100653noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279559925476640851.post-75976365452037066562007-08-27T08:14:00.000-04:002007-08-27T09:28:11.568-04:00Our Home Away from Home<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>Many of you must be wondering when you will see or read about our new son (our kids have asked every day)…<br /><br />While we have one specially little guy that we are focusing on, it has been difficult to see the orphanage doctor and get all the information we want before making a final decision. Today we finally received most of the information and we will have a conference call with our doctor back in the states later today. Until we make that final decision, we thought we would continue to share other experiences, so today’s blog update will be on our new home away from home…<br /><br />We live at 19 Barayev Street Apt #29 (still under some construction)… </div><div><br /> </div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103353307366987298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RtLAy1jsliI/AAAAAAAAAB0/EYFVgS0r5rw/s200/DSC02130.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>Security doesn’t seem to be an issue, here are our keys…<br /></div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103354054691296818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RtLBeVjsljI/AAAAAAAAAB8/RIAVoygqcJA/s200/DSC02186.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>… the outside door has an electronic lock on it that takes a special chip to get in (the little black and silver thing on our key chain)…</div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103354917979723330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RtLCQljslkI/AAAAAAAAACE/3PYNnQ-2BiU/s200/DSC02180.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>…we have two apartment doors the first has two keys (the strange looking things on our key chain) and is a door similar to the outside door…</div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103366321117894434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RtLMoVjslyI/AAAAAAAAAD0/dfYSsV03gOY/s200/DSC02179.JPG" border="0" /><br />…the second apartment door is more like one of our interior doors in the U.S…</div><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103365689757701906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RtLMDljslxI/AAAAAAAAADs/G3mtjVAuDus/s200/DSC02181.JPG" border="0" /><br />…then you finally get into our entrance way… </div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103369074191931202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RtLPIljsl0I/AAAAAAAAAEE/KbSFQbfY6sM/s200/DSC02190.JPG" border="0" /> <div></div><br />…it is custom here to take your shoes off when you enter a home…<br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103362008970729202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RtLItVjslvI/AAAAAAAAADc/bGhfQ_LETKk/s200/DSC02185.JPG" border="0" /><br />…our living room (with one good looking man)… </div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103361317480994530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RtLIFFjsluI/AAAAAAAAADU/jH1ujhB6Bnk/s200/DSC02151.JPG" border="0" /><br />…our bed room…<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103360522912044754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RtLHW1jsltI/AAAAAAAAADM/qNpYMBhvBNk/s200/DSC02158.JPG" border="0" /><br />…our kitchen… <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103360033285772994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RtLG6VjslsI/AAAAAAAAADE/0UILyAXG5go/s200/DSC02145.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103359552249435826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RtLGeVjslrI/AAAAAAAAAC8/LCsoUnPCi4Y/s200/DSC02146.JPG" border="0" /><br />…some of our groceries…<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103358929479177890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RtLF6FjslqI/AAAAAAAAAC0/OhAzEGftypc/s200/DSC02177.JPG" border="0" /><br />…our bathroom (two separated rooms)…</div><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103357400470820482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RtLEhFjsloI/AAAAAAAAACk/riP-WQpt4BA/s200/DSC02188.JPG" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103357937341732498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RtLFAVjslpI/AAAAAAAAACs/qX6zX4adVqk/s200/DSC02149.JPG" border="0" /><br />…our washing machine… <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103356885074744946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RtLEDFjslnI/AAAAAAAAACc/tTocBqpjkNE/s200/DSC02147.JPG" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103356305254159970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RtLDhVjslmI/AAAAAAAAACU/3F6WFgnJj2I/s200/DSC02159.JPG" border="0" /><br />…Jen is still trying to figure our how to work it???<br /><br />…and our clothes dryer…<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103355742613444178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RtLDAljsllI/AAAAAAAAACM/UJe2LAOZZlc/s200/DSC02187.JPG" border="0" /><br />Although it is not home, we do feel very fortunate to have such a nice place to stay and call home…temporarily. It is truly amazing how many things you can do with out and you really don’t miss (like a 42” flat LCD TV, reclining couch, or automatic ice makers). And believe or not only after only a few days, what we miss most, is the sounds of our children (playing, running, and even the fighting)!!! </div><div> </div><div>Feel free to post comments to us... we really do miss interaction with Home....</div><div> </div><div>Dohs-vee-DAH-nyah</div><div> </div><div>Jay & Jen<br /><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Kazadoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02172943590440100653noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279559925476640851.post-1024759016727471552007-08-25T12:45:00.000-04:002007-08-25T12:51:50.512-04:00A Night Out !!!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RtBdr1jslhI/AAAAAAAAABk/yH1WFXjjb8I/s1600-h/DSC02140b.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5102681385503331858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RtBdr1jslhI/AAAAAAAAABk/yH1WFXjjb8I/s320/DSC02140b.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RtBdGVjslgI/AAAAAAAAABc/kOtOe632oYY/s1600-h/DSC02139.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5102680741258237442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RtBdGVjslgI/AAAAAAAAABc/kOtOe632oYY/s320/DSC02139.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Tonight we were adventurous.. and headed out for dinner. We went to a restaurant called Ali Baba an outdoor eatery. We had shish-kabobs but no they were not horse. The chicken here tastes gamey but the beef tastes just like home. We have been here 2 days and it is getting a little easier. We finally got our Luggage Yeah!!! I do not think I could wear the same thing for 3 weeks... It’s amazing how you can make do with what you packed in your carry on.... I am still suffering from culture shock but Jay is as comfortable as a can be. He on the other hand is having difficulty with which child to select. Tomorrow is Sunday and there is no visitation at the baby house so I am off shopping with some of the other Moms from the baby house. (even in a foreign country I can find shopping) I have been reading their blogs and it is so nice to connect. Jay is going to hang back and read/watch dvd's. Sunday night most of the families are getting together for a potluck.... it will be nice to converse with other folks going through the same process.<br /><br />Will update on Monday once we know more regarding little guy!!!! Just a hint he is really cute!!!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>J & J<br /><br /><div></div></div>Kazadoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02172943590440100653noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279559925476640851.post-84491160949968105792007-08-24T19:51:00.000-04:002007-08-24T20:38:00.509-04:00We Are Finally Here!!!!Amidst several traveling challenges, such as a canceled flight, delays, sitting on the tarmac a few times, and losing all of our luggage, we arrived safely in Astana (Aas-ta-nah) about 11:30pm on Thursday. As we write this update, it is Saturday AM our time and we are getting used to the time difference and a whole new culture. So far we have experienced Kaz grocery shopping, a typical Kaz lunch of mostly meat and rice, and Kaz driving. Here there are no road rules (every man and women for themselves). Since we have been buzzing down highways at 90 MPH, Jen no longer feels like she drives fast. We have a translator named Ainura (Ai-nora) and a driver Yerken with us most of the time. They show us the in and the outs of the culture and make sure we know what we are doing.<br /><br />We are in a nice apartment which has all the comforts of Kaz living. Today since we are well rested we will try to explore a little of the area. We are off the beaten path a little of the ways so to get to the store or internet cafe is a little of a hike. The area is city living amongst Lots of construction that is going on. They are trying to rebuild the city and you see cranes all over the place. Here the majority of residents live in apartments so there are high-rises everywhere. <br /><br />On Friday evening we visited the baby house and meet with the director. She asked us a list of questions and wondered why we would want another child when we already have three. After the questions we were shown a few little guys. All are cute and unique in there own ways. We got to interact with one in particular. We took him outside played on the play set. Unfortually all the toys that we brought to interact with our son are in our luggage which is still lost and may not show up until Monday when the next flight from Frankfort arrives in Astana. More than the clothes, we miss all our snack food that I packed. Today we will visit the baby house in the AM and get more info on him and come to a decision. This is the part that Jay is struggling with, but he knows that God will continue to guide us on this adventure.<br /><br />So that is the scoop on our adventure so far... the journey continues and we will update you soon...Kazadoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02172943590440100653noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279559925476640851.post-15137594602402749832007-08-21T07:20:00.000-04:002007-08-21T23:02:41.294-04:00Were Leaving on a Jet Plane....Well in less than 24 hours we are headed to Kaz... Between packing and getting kids organized for school this week has been a whirlwind... Hopefully by the time we get on the plane I can relax and let go!!! By our calculations we will be in Astana Thursday PM and Friday head to the baby house and meet our little guy. We will try to post as often as long as internet connection cooperates. We are also checking our e-mails too... A big Thank you in advance for our family and friends who are taking care of our kids in our absence. We appreciate all that you do!!!Kazadoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02172943590440100653noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279559925476640851.post-69045740161843996632007-08-21T07:07:00.000-04:002007-08-21T23:00:01.854-04:00Were almost Packed and Pooh is ready to Go!!!Here is the Pooh bear we have been sleeping with the last 7 months... He should be broken in by now!!!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RsrKP1jslcI/AAAAAAAAAA8/DoVcRo53ptY/s1600-h/DSC02092.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5101111901374158274" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ur_iX3RzbLM/RsrKP1jslcI/AAAAAAAAAA8/DoVcRo53ptY/s320/DSC02092.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div>Kazadoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02172943590440100653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279559925476640851.post-32615349571509490832007-08-13T18:02:00.000-04:002007-08-13T18:17:11.692-04:00Were OffWell today I officially booked our airfare... We fly out of GR on the 22nd at 1:15 PM. First stop Chicago, then Franfurt Germany and finally to Astana Kazakhstan. We will finally arrive Thursday evening late. I am hoping to take some sleep aid for the flight otherwise I will probably drive Jay nuts. We are still working on the kids sitautaion will know more on Wednesday once Shelbys v-ball tryouts are done. Well I better go and start packing... I'm sure I will be packing and unpacking for the next week...<br /><br /><br /><br />~JenKazadoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02172943590440100653noreply@blogger.com4