Silly picture from the other day (Nathan and mom)
Here is a car picture for Brian's friends - notice the early 50's Ford Styling. Who can come up with the name of it first?!? (Brian's betting on Craig).
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So what does one do the day after they're named parents after 4-years of waiting? Well, really the same thing as last Saturday! We slept in a bit – I slept great last night--- no dreams or anything! Brian didn't sleep as well but I think his fall from the morning started affecting him. He has a bit of a sore shoulder and side now and I'm sure it was because he just went down – no thought of stopping! So he's taking the Advil today – really the first time we're using anything out of my medicine chest of stuff I brought along!
We had some phone calls this morning and we're reading and re-reading the emails and comments. We love them! Thanks especially to you "first time posters!" It means so much to us!
Then we went out for lunch. We went back to the café where they speak English and explained why we missed the Rotary Meeting the other night – she understood. Then we had a nice lunch – tried some different salads…one with crab, one with 'meat" (ham), Brian had pizza and I had borsch (very good, much better than the Fiesta's). They gave us a piece of chocolate as a treat. We think the place just opened recently so we're happy to help support them while we're here!
Then we went grocery shopping – our fridge was bare! I'm making spaghetti for dinner tonight and picked up some more chicken. Got some staples and also makings for egg salad. We have a few meals available to us again! We probably will eat breakfast and supper in the apartment and lunch out somewhere as that's cheaper (under $10 for the both of us usually). Once we have Nathan we'll be eating in the apartment probably all the time so we need to experiment now while we're alone. We are getting pretty adventurous and not afraid to stop at places that don't have an English menu. Somehow we always get something to eat and it's always been good (other than those hamburgers the other day but we got what we had coming, right?) I try to use the big supermarket for the "basics" but I like to support the little stores across and down the street when possible also. So we'll be getting the cabbage rolls from the store by the stadium one of these nights… They had other good looking items also so we'll try!
Otherwise a very low key day. Even after sleeping so well I'm tired but trying not to nap so I sleep well again tonight. We continue to watch the Music Channel and some of our DVDs. We keep busy!
Alex came by with two friends who supposedly know electrical things about 5:30pm… they seem to know what they're doing! Brian assisted by holding the flashlight and turning the breakers on and off.
Note to anyone who might be in this apartment – don't run the washing machine and the hot water (for drinks) pot at the same time… it makes the power go out! Good thing Brian knows where the breaker box is!
We also asked Alex about next trip to Cheremkhovo. They are very cautious on procedures so we won't get Nathan Genya until the wait period is up but we'll travel up there 2-3 times more. It is very expensive (how much, don't know – was afraid to ask!) to go there so we'll plan out the trips in the coming days. But we know we have tomorrow free so will have to plan what to do!
11 comments:
I'm glad y'all are getting out as much as you are! Even though we are not in close enough proximity to walk to the city center, we did go alot of exploring when Mike was here, especially when it was him, Skip & I. With Harry, I don't dare go exploring beyond the neighborhood supermarkets and shops. Unfortuantely we have no cafes within walking distance. I would love to be able to do that!
As for Nathan, it's too bad he can't come sooner, but, it gives you and Brian a chance to explore and take pictures, and enjoy the culture. That way you will have lots to tell him when he's older -about the regioon where he was born. Many adoptive parents don't get that opportunity!
Congratulations! Everyones prayers were definitely heard! Now lets pray for your safe return. Can't wait to see you back in Husty. I can't even imagine what you and Brian (and even Nathan) are feeling right now. God's Blessings. Kathy U
hello
finally you can make plans with thefour of you . how great is that everyone here and at the bank are so excited . enjoy your time together love mom N
Think of all the firsts Nathan is experiencing, First Mom and Dad, first brother, first grandparents, first extended family, first plane ride. Maybe first time traveling out of Cheremkhovo... Lot's of firsts. It will likely be overwhelming, and a little bit scary. Enjoy the weekend! Answer: Volga 21; English Ford Cortina look. Volga made a cool looking Chrysler 300-ish looking hardtop too.
We are all so excited and can't wait to meet Nathan. Many tears of happiness were shed. God has given you both and all of us a very special gift.
So Andrew and Maria want to know do the cars park on the sidewalk? Have you found a McDonalds yet and is it like around here? Rachel would like more info on the mall. Please continue to give us all kinds of tidbits on the daily life.
God's riches blessings!
The Wis Carters
So great to see the pictures. I think I've mentioned before the similarities in JJ and Nathan's faces - I think especially the mouth area, but JJ has those unmistakable deep dimples. One other observatioin about the pics - that Subway seems to stand out like a sore thumb with the bright colors amongst the relatively neutral colors of all the other buildings around it.
You have been working so very long, so very hard, and with such conviction for this goal and I try to wrap my brain around what it must feel like for you. Perhaps like a prisoner being set free - you are finally free of having to prove yourself to the Russian court and filing papers, notarizing, medical requirements, agency requirements and so on......I understand there is still some of that you have to deal with but it must seem pretty minor after all you've had to do getting to this point. Without a doubt you must wish you could just pack your bags, grab Nathan and get on the next plane out of there, but at least now the court monkey is off your backs and perhaps the rest of the stay will be less stressful.
Hope Brian's aches will be releived soon and that you'll be able to spend more time with Nathan soon.
Counting with you the days till Nathan realizes what being "home" will mean for him for the rest of his life.
Carleen
NE looks adorable! Love the 'do, too! So happy to see photos of him with you as his parents. Can't wait to see the first family pic of the four of you!
Enjoy your remaining time, there. Praying for a smooth transition for everyone.
Hi Brian & Deb
It seems a lot warmer here after receiving the wonderful news! We thank God for blessing you with this precious child. You have just won a major spiritual battle and we could not be happier. God is so good! The Holy Spirit sure took care of buisness on 1/31/09. Look forward to, and pray for your safe return home. God bless your family.
With love,
Ken & Bev
Hi again Brian & Deb,
Just want to correct my comment about the Holy Spirit. The date obviously was intended to be 1/30/09, even though I am quite confident that He took care of buisness today as well.
Ken
Car – I vote Studebaker or Avanti – no? OK, I give up!
On traveling back and forth – I don’t even want to know how much…going to Sholokhov was $80 a day, and that was only a ½ hour trip (going in the morning, and then again in the afternoon).
Did you get the low-down on the gift thing? The nicer gifts? Still not clear on that. I remember back in the day – after court, it was customary for the family to take everyone out to dinner. And I remember someone telling me that was a very expensive dinner.
Did Alex’s friends get the power fixed? Do you have pics of the apartment? I’ve stayed at 3 of Alex’s apartments, but can’t remember if I have stayed at the one you’re at.
I bet you are anxious to see Nathan!
By the way...adorable do in the pic! You should really consider the pic tail thing for your every-day look!
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