"Papa"

So, yesterday was the big day. Kevin's birthday, and meeting the boys for the first time. Whew.

We were up very early this morning because we slept from 4-midnight on Monday afternoon. Today was our day to force ourselves not to nap, and go to bed a something like a normal time and sleep all night. We got up at 6 and had a great morning walk in the cool air of Taraz, and then another nice (free) breakfast at Hotel Gazovic.

We haven't posted this yet, because we were very nervous about the possible outcome: Vera asked us on Monday if we would consider adopting a 3-year-old girl instead of one of our boys. She only asked because we had originally - back in July of 2004 - stated on our application that or "first pick" would be 2 infant girls (yes, we're nuts). We told Vera that this was a very, very hard question to answer on such short notice, but that we would agree to at least meet this little girl. We immediately prayed and asked God to show us exactly what we should do, because we did not want to have to make such a decision. Well, as always, God answered our prayer directly and specifically. The first piece of information we learned upon meeting the orphanage director was that the girl had already been referred through another agency. Thank you God for relieving us of such a decision.

The Umit Orphanage is very nice. You'd be amazed at the intricate ornate plaster work on every wall and ceiling. The caretakers are very nice. It is also very warm inside. There are A/C units in most rooms, but they are not used.

We were very nervous sitting in the Music Room awaiting our boys. They informed us that, since the director was in something of a hurry this morning, we would not have to meet other babies, just our boys. Both boys took to us very quickly, although we learned this afternoon that Valeryi (aka Dub, the older of the two) would hug a rock if the rock could smile and open its arms. ;-) He loves everyone. He is all little boy, and we are told he is a favorite in his class/age group. He LOVES Medet!!

Ahat (aka Jack) started off very quiet and nice. His physical development is delayed. He can walk with mama or daddy's help, and he likes to do so. He's very small. Later in the afternoon he got really fussy when we stopped the flow of animal crackers and goldfish crackers.

To top off our visit, Valeryi's first word to us, as Kevin held him up, was "Papa". Yes, this is the order to cry.

So two very good first visits today. From now on, we'll see the boys from 10-1130 and 3-5 each day for the next 2 weeks, which is the "bonding period".

Vera and Medet took us to the Gros Market (imagine the cleanest, most organized grocery store you have EVER seen) to get some basic groceries, and then we came home, pondered a nap, but did not give in. We read a little, then had "american pizza" at Cafe Istanbul down the street. Episode 6 of season 1 of "24" and then we crashed at 9. Kevin woke up at 4, but Angel slept until nearly 7 (imagine that!).

Whew. What a "first" day. Seems like we've been here a while, and we're just getting settled in and into our routine. Today should be educational, both sides of the adoption having slept on this new bundle of information.