Back At Home

We apologize for not updating the blog earlier! We had every intention of updating our blog a lot while we were in Kazakhstan but technology doesn't always make that possible. Our computer was unable to connect with their internet so we had to use their computers in the "business center" and that very difficult. Anyway, we are now back home in Chicago, Illinois and miss Nora very much. We left Kazakhstan and are having her escorted back here for several reasons and all are in Nora's best interests. Legally Nora is now our child (the 15 day waiting/appeal process has passed). We expect that she will be with us in approximately 3 weeks if all goes well with the visa/passport paperwork and the escort process. So we will recap and blog some experiences until her arrival, we miss her very much!

Hockey Night/Court

Sorry for not putting more updates and/or quicker updates. The internet frequently goes down and when its up we're at the baby house (go figure). When it is up, there is a mad dash for the 2 computers that are probably 10 years old. So anyway, hockey night was a lot of fun although the home team lost 2-0. Everyone seemed to have a nice time and it was nice to get out for a couple of hours.

Court for us was on Thursday March 6th. Everything went well and we were very relieved. It was an emotional landmark for us. We were excited, relieved, happy, and emotional all at the same time. The 15 day waiting period is now in day 3 for us. After 15 days, we can bring her back to the hotel. We are anxiously awaiting that date of course...... After that, the paperwork for us to leave can begin and we can look forward to returning home.

As I write this, most everyone has returned home to the U.S. We hope that everyone made it home safely to their families. Some will be turning around and coming back in two weeks. Of course without Amy here it just isn't the same.....

Dana has been battling some type of sickness the last few days. Nora has been pretty much sick the whole time we've been here. I battled some home sickness yesterday but am better today. When we left the baby house today, Nora cried as we left her - a good day believe it or not......

Hope all is well back home, we'll write more as we can!!

When does March Madness Begin and End????

The Little Russian Is Doing Well

Well today's events started off with making razberry noises. The Russian was keeping up with the Americans at first. But in the end, the Americans won but only because they are more obnoxious. But in the temper tamtrum event, the Little Russian conquered all and took the Gold. The Americans were in awe as the Little Russian destroyed them - maybe tomorrow we'll have a rematch. HA

Speaking of sports, Bill is going a little crazy due to the lack of US Sports to watch. He can only watch so much soccer or skiing. So who could be surprised back home to hear that Bill set up a hockey night. He bought 20 tickets for the adoption families to have a night out - Ust versus Russia. We have heard that there are actually 8 players from Kazakhstan in the NHL. One is even on the Chicago Blackhawks, he will be our new favorite player. We can walk to the game and the price was right - 250 tenge or about $2.25 per ticket.

Well Nora is still fighting congestion in her chest. She doesn't cough as much but when you hold her, you can feel it. Her behaviour hasn't changed because of it thankfully. She crawls, crawls, and crawls it is so hard to keep up with her. I swear I do my hair and make up every day but after one hour with Nora I am a complete wreck.

I can't wait for everyone to see her facial expressions. She has several different smiles. One look for her and you want to give her whatever she wants to see a smile. She's a looker and cute as a button.

Its hard to believe we have been here for 2 weeks. I miss home, I cried when the internet went down. I wish I could see Nellie my dog and I want my mother too. Everything is ok though because Bill is here. No way could I do this without him, he is my rock. We have been watching the series 24 (1st season) with Kiefer Sutherland, its pretty good and fills up our nights.
Well, I better go for now. If anyone doubts that the United States of America is not the greatest country leave it for a while, you will change your mind. Yes we are very patriotic these days. There is no greater place in the world to me than home: The South Side of Chicago in a little house in the Mt Greenwood neighborhood. Love, Love, Love, Dana