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| [8:48 pm] |
| Subject: And then there were three |
| Mood |
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 jubilant |
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WE GOT HER! After fulfilling the remaining obligation on her orphanage contract, Asella has officially left the building and begun her new life with her wacky parents. We started the adoption process in October 2004, and at long last the “process” is nearly complete. We could not have asked for a better baby or a more hassle free experience while here. Thanks to all stateside who helped make it possible.
Gotcha Day has been very exciting thus far as we cross the 8 hour mark since getting her to the apartment. (Sadly, Grant is sick and the orphanage wanted to keep him a few more days until he gets better. Kim’s Gotcha Day will be on Wednesday.) Here’s what happened:
Eugene picked us up at the ungodly hour of 7:45 am and we headed to the orphanage with all our presents for the people there and some cute clothes for Asella to wear whilst strutting her way out of the orphanage. (Nice duds courtesy of the incomparable Ms. Tahi.)
First we headed up to the nursery to give the caretakers their gifts and get pictures with all of them. All the staff showed up (even those on their day off or off their shift) which was really nice. They really do love Asella to pieces and they are very sad to see her go. We got presents from them as well, which was unexpected and very considerate. Asella got some lovely hand-knitted booties and a kazak purse for when she’s a little older. All the caretakers are wonderful women and we’re so fortunate that Asella spent the first part of her life with such caring individuals.
After round one, we headed downstairs to Irena’s office to give her a present and say farewell. Hugs and pictures and smiles all around, then back to the nursery so we could change Asella into her civilian clothes. Kim brought a cake for them and they invited us to join them for cake and tea. More pictures were taken, more staff came in and Asella was acting like queen of the orphanage, just eating up all the attention. Finally we said our last goodbyes and made our way outside.
We got back to the apartment around 10 am and Asella did an amazing job of not flipping out. She loves the full length mirrors on the wardrobe in the living room, so that helped settle her in and feel comfortable. We goofed around for about an hour and then she crashed hard in mommy’s arms, sleeping for about an hour. The change in scenery has not seemed to bother her at all, other than when she woke up from her naps and was a bit confused as to where she was.
We ate while she slept (so that’s how it’s going to be, eh?) and then made her a delicious lunch of fresh mashed potatoes, apple bits, and meat-like baby food jarred stuff. She seemed to enjoy it and gobbled it down like a champ.
Lots of firsts today: first drink from a sippy cup, first meal made by mom and dad, first exposure to stellar Canadian band Bare Naked Ladies, first diaper changed by mom, first exposure to the idiot box, and later, her first message to you all on the blog – she really wants to push the buttons.
After lunch we played around some more, mom filed her nails and Asella continued to make herself at home. We’re a little shocked about how well behaved she is, especially since she’s fighting off a cold. But hopefully all the indications about the perfect nature of this kid we had at the start are correct and she’ll be an angel until sometime around age 12. If we sleep through the night, we’ll be nominating her for sainthood, or a People’s Choice award.
And now, a word from the baby of the hour, your friend and mine, Asella Claire.
Mjl klkljl.km, ,.Z /,KKM M N \P[‘
Okay, so it isn’t going to win the Pulitzer, but give her a break, she’s only 8 months old. And her afternoon nap was only 20 minutes so her mind is probably not as sharp as it could be. But I digress.
Right now Sarah is making us dinner while I type one-handed. (There appears to be some sort of child-thing occupying my other hand.) We’ll probably stay in through lunch tomorrow and try going out for dinner Sunday night. Should be interesting.
So now what: We’ll travel to Almaty on Sunday the 14th (we’re hanging round here while the final paperwork such as passports and birth certificates are processed) then we leave the 17th at 3 am for an exciting 24 hours of airplanes and airports. Woo! Almost done.
There you have it. Our life just changed dramatically. I think I need a nap. Good day.
-The Strauses |
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