Name:
Location: Ellensburg, Washington, United States

I am a deputy prosecuting attorney in rural Washington state.

Friday, November 25, 2005

Day 19: Assorted Progress

We were asked about the upcoming schedule (as we know it to date) so here it is: December 1 is court at Karaganda, Kazakhstan, so we'll both be returning to the United States by the end of the next weekend. Fifteen days must pass, starting December 2, as an appeal period. Then 10 workdays will be required by Kazakhstan officials to process paperwork. When we went to the notary to get documents processed for court, we saw very little computerized work and a lot of manual writing and stamping of formal pages. As our friend Rick explained, Russian and Russian-influenced officials love stamps and seals. After the 10 days are up, we must return to Almaty, Kaz, to pick up the boys and begin US Embassy passport requirements and medical requirements. Then, and only then, may we four go Home. If you count it like we did, it sounds like we'll all be home in early January.

On the homefront here, the boys are doing great. The "Gdjeh Game" which we described earlier remains just about the favorite pasttime for both boys. It's hysterical to see the 18 month old put the head of a stuffed animal in a drawer, with the rest of the body sticking out, and then turn with arms outstretched and imitate the Where Is It? It's been a great review for child development!

Lonya's never ending tea parties keep him and all stuffed animals and puppets occupied for an hour at a time. Now that's a blessing. Everybody gets tea out of water bottle lids. A tea set will be forthcoming. Also, both boys respond with their cupped hand to the ear saying "Allo" whenever the phone rings or buzzes. They keep us busy!

Lonya built a 9-tier plastic block tower today by himself. Little brother never misses the opportunity to kick it down. These blocks are a miracle as they've been used as objects of frustration and coercion when they bounce off little brother's head. Sergey just laughs. Actually, we really do try to stop their more aggressive acts but we also recognize that they've got to work out a few differences. The blocks will likely return to the US with us as they're made of the most soft, malleable plastic one could imagine.

It was a breakthrough with Lonya today. He's sometimes struggled with physical affection but he allowed both of us to give him a piggyback ride. Initially, he was a bit unnerved by the height but then the dreaded word Again came out. It's the beginning of the end. He now loves hugs and kisses and responds positively to "Ya tebya lublu" (I love you).

We had a sweet time after dinner tonight. Outside the window in the light of the apartments across the road, we could see older men in fur hats bent against the snow flurries, and older women in shawls scurrying to their homes. We popped in the 70s CD and each of us danced with one of the best dancers in the room. Of course, the boys led, as strains of Sister Golden Hair or Love Will Keep Us Together kept the swaying on course. They love to dance and both have a unique individual style though they like it best when held close. Ahh...

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