Saturday

Happy Weekend to everyone! Today was our first full Saturday in Kazakhstan. Can’t believe it’s been a week already. Everything really has been great and we’re happy to have almost a week of our required visits with Aidan already completed.

Today was moving day. This morning before the baby house we finished packing our bags for the transition to the Pushkin hotel. While we’re excited about our new accommodations, the staff at the Victoria have been very nice and to all of us, and sweetly tolerated our limited Russian – I think the only Russian we effectively communicated all week was “Do bray Utra” – good morning – and “Spasiba” – thanks. We’re really appreciative of their hospitality but are at the same time looking forward to some TV channels in English, and a softer mattress.

For our morning visit, all three families were in the playroom. Today Aidan discovered the wooden baby swing. We of course put him in it and pushed him a little. I think he couldn’t decide if he liked it or not. In general, he likes it most when either Scott or I are holding him. He’ll go on his stomach to play for a little bit, or sit on our blanket, or crawl a little to investigate the other babies, but if we let him go too long without picking him up or putting him on our laps, he’ll make a little fussy laughing/crying noise until we pick him up. Also, today we introduced him to a new toy! We brought an electronic key toy that plays different variations of “Wheels on the bus.” He loved it. So did Shaylen and Clara, the other babies. We were jokingly offered $25 bucks for it but I think we’ll keep it for Aidan’s musical pleasure.

At lunchtime we moved to our new hotel. I was happy to see when we arrived that there is a lit Christmas tree in the hotel lobby. Reminds me of the Christmas decorations at home! Our new apartment suite hotel room is just so nice. We have a little kitchenette with a fridge, oven, and stovetop, and a little sink. We also have a kitchen table and chairs, a really soft puffy couch and chair, and a big TV. Our bathroom has a spa type shower, and we have a nice big bedroom with a king sized bed. We unpacked most of our bags since we’ll be here about two weeks before we return to Almaty. We realized as we did so that most of the clothes we brought are Aidan’s. He’ll certainly be well-dressed.

In the afternoon, Aidan spent a lot of time chewing on his lobster toy, making babble noises. We’re sure he’s getting more teeth because he puts absolutely everything in his mouth. My hair, Scott’s hand, the musical key, the lobster, the beach ball, his bib – you name it. Of course we monitor for safety but he just loves to chew. I’ve forgotten to mention that we feel a little bit initiated as parents too because he has spit up on us each of the last three days! Not too much, just enough to warrant a little clean up with the baby wipes. Even though he loves to play “big boy flying” and “jumping jacks” we cut back on those fun games after he spits up. But it doesn’t stop him! Today we learned that he likes to take a few tiny baby steps (with us holding him) between Scott and me. He is very proud of himself and grins from ear to ear!

Also, we are excited because today we signed some paperwork at the baby house for Aidan’s passport, and they will be coming tomorrow to take his picture! Another step towards the completion of the process!!

For dinner tonight we ate in the hotel restaurant – Italian food, fairly similar to what is available at home. I had spaghetti carbonara and Scott and spaghetti Bolognese, and we both had apple strudel with vanilla ice cream for dessert. Another perk of this hotel is that we receive half off on our dinners, so that is very nice!

Have a nice weekend and stay warm in all that snow we’ve heard Cincinnati has received! Believe it or not, it was above freezing here today because the snow was melting!

Talk with you tomorrow!