Busy Month!

Just wanted to make a short note that we have a surgery date for Daniyar! He will have surgery on January 11th at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. He will have some cavities repaired, ear tubes and his cleft lip repaired. When the plastic surgeon gets an exam under anesthesia, he will decide if he will repair the palate also. We know recovery will be more painful if both are done but one episode of anesthesia/recovery would be great. We were told to expect 3-4 surgeries until he is 18 years old at least, if all goes well. Wish us luck and send up some prayers!

He is doing great. His new words in the past day were Ironman (Collin's toy), oatmeal (his second favorite food besides fruit snacks), wow!, and pig (in his picture book). He gets new ones every day. Collin has been singing Christmas tunes especially "you better watch out, you better not cry!" a lot and Daniyar sings (babble style) at the top of his lungs with him. Collin asked what pout means from that song and is still convinced it is another word for poot so he puts fart and poot in a lot. Gotta love 4-5 yr old boys!

I'll try to get another photo cd made or get the laptop to a wifi spot tomorrow for overdue fall and Halloween pics.

Grammy and Pa meet Daniyar this weekend and we celebrate Daniyar's 4th birthday Wednesday! We have a lot to be thankful for. Jacqueline

Almaty Pics

Here are some pics from our days in Almaty. Gulnara was an excellent tour guide, taking us to the zoo, the cathedral, to feed the birds and 2 amusement parks. We had a blast!

Finally Alone!

It has been hard to find time to blog much. The boys are trying to work out their relationship and how to share time with Mom. They both want me to hold them all of the time so as you can imagine, not much time at the computer. They did great going trick or treat last night with April, Matt and Jordan and then came home and played without arguing for at least 20 minutes-Yeah! Things are starting to fall into place but we are all a little tired. Dad took them both to McDonald's playland so I could get a little done. I was sick and ended up at the ER for a while on Thursday, dehydrated and feverish but better now. It was officially not H1N1 flu but something similar. Much better today but behind on housework and laundry. I am finally going to put some pics up. I'll start with some here in the US but add some from Almaty too. Thanks for everyone's support. If anyone wants to come over and see the boys, give us a call! Daniyar is very social and doesn't seem to mind company at all.

Settling In

Well, I found some computer time before the boys wake up. We had a couple of days of sleep difficulties as expected. It is hard to make that 10 hour time difference transition. Both boys slept from 9pm until now-yeah! Maybe we are getting on track. Daniyar has been great, laughing a lot and often silly. He even knows how to cross his eyes and then laughs out loud when you respond. He is singing a lot and does silly dances. Of course, he also seems to have a temper when he doesn't get his way, the rolling on the floor kicking and screaming type tantrums but they are short. I seem to remember Mom saying I did that as a little one. Collin was never a tantrum thrower so I'm sure I was due a child that has some. Collin has been a big helper, pushing Daniyar on the swing and making him laugh. I am so proud of how grown-up he has been. He even shares his toys well. He went to school yesterday telling everyone, "I have a little brother now!" We went to Kings Island amusement park for a few hours Sunday. The boys loved to ride together. I'm having trouble getting the computer to read my camera card so I'll get Ed to add the pics later. Jacqueline

We are home!

I'll make this short until Daniyar takes a nap. We got in last night but we were so tired we decided to stay at the hotel near the airport. Daniyar was tired of being strapped into a seat. We all got some much needed rest and a bath and then drove home today. We stopped at McDonald's with a play land and the boys had a great time. Collin was so excited at the airport he just wanted to grab up Daniyar. The flight was a bit of a challenge when we had to remain seated but all in all we survived. He only slept on the last 45 minute flight from Detroit to Ohio after 23 hours of flights and airports. We were both pretty exhausted. I got a lot of sympathy looks from fellow moms when he had a 2 hour fit but everyone was fairly nice.
Daniyar and Collin are playing with the toys now and then we'll have a big nap (I hope). I just can't believe our family is all together. Thanks to all of you who have supported and prayed for us. When I get a few minutes alone, I'll add some pics from this trip and the airport. Jacqueline

Having fun with Daniyar

We are in Almaty now and doing fine. I have had limited email access but wanted everyone to know that I am well and Daniyar is here with me and doing fine. We are still scheduled to fly home Friday morning. I have a tired hungry boy here at the internet cafe with me so I'll keep it short. More later. Jacqueline

Amsterdam!

I am halfway or more to Almaty so making progress. I guess I am about 12 hours or so into the trip. No problems with the Detroit or Amsterdam flights so far. I even managed to sleep a little! Missing my guys at home but so excited to see Daniyar in one day again. I'll keep everyone posted. You wouldn't want to see my picture right now, airplane pillow hair and smudged makeup, dark circles under my eyes. I need to go find coffee, wonder how many Euros that will be? Maybe a massage too, I have a few hours to kill. Thanks for my party at work and for everyone being so supportive. Next stop, Almaty! Jacqueline