Friday, February 16, 2007

Fri., Feb. 16th and Sat., Feb. 17th

Friday, we went out to lunch at Cafe Istanbul (the first time this trip). I ordered cheese pizza (duh!) and Brad ordered salami pizza. We figured the salami pizza would be similar to pepperoni. It had 2 other ingredients on the menu, but they were not in english so we did not know what they were. The salami that we thought may be pepperoni turned out to be more similar to ham and the other toppings were mushrooms and CORN! I thought that was hilarious! Brad ate it (of course) and said it was good. (But corn on pizza was kinda weird--Brad)

Then, at the usual 2:30, we were picked up by our driver to go to the Baby House. The driver doesn't speak English, but he asked, "Assyra?" We said, "Neeyet, Assyra." She usually is waiting for us at our hotel, but today she wasn't there. Last trip, it wouldn't have been unusual for just the driver to pick us up and drop us off at the orphanage because Sholpan, the college student who was practicing her English with us, was there to help us. Now, she's back at school, though. The driver was very nervous, you could tell, and he drove us like a bat out of you know where to the baby house. We assumed he would go back to the hotel to see if Assyra was there, but we didn't know for sure. When we got inside the baby house, we weren't sure what to do, but we were able to mutter a few words and motion that we needed the key for the music room. Once in the music room, we waited. Then, I ventured up to Caleb's room. I said hello to them in Russian, and said, "Roman." One of the caregivers said "aheoouoeuouoah rlenelkjoi ajkdjoio dohtoioj thohoeho." (Just kidding, but that's pretty much what it sounded like to me.) I figured she was saying she would feed him and bring him to us, which is what they always do. I pointed to myself and then pointed downstairs and said, "Musica." She said, "Da, Musica!" Most of the caregivers in the orphanage don't speak Russian, they speak Kazakh. I don't know any Kazakh words except "thank you," which sounds something like "rockmit." I went back to the music room where Brad was waiting, quite proud of myself. A few minutes later Assyra came in with Caleb. She said, "the driver didn't wait for me." I wanted to tell her, "Hey, we managed pretty well on our own!"

A little bit into our visit, we were booted to the small room because, how dare they, they actually had a music class in their music room!

After we went to the baby house, we ate dinner at our hotel and then watched the last few episodes of season 1 of Lost. Since they left us hanging, as they usually do for season finales, we wished we would have bought season 2. Oh well, we also brought a couple seasons of the Sopranos, thanks to Brent and Karen, that we'll be watching next.

On Saturday, we visited Caleb in the morning. We were picked up by our driver and Assyra at 9:45. Assyra was nice and early this time! Yesterday I had asked Assyra about Caleb's schedule and the food he eats. Today, while we visited with Caleb, she said she would get a copy and translate it for us. We had to be in the small room again today for some reason. Also, we were cheated 30 minutes of our visit today because they eat at 11:30. Well, it didn't seem to matter during the last trip, but we never know what to expect. As soon as you think you have somewhat of a clue about what's going on, you find out that you don't!

Tomorrow, we won't get to see Caleb since it's Sunday, so we probably won't have another blog entry until Monday.







5 comments:

Lanoma said...

Caleb gets cuter every day. Today's pictures are just the most previous yet. The family picture is perfect and that one with him smiling a big smile is the best. I think he looks like he is getting the idea that these two people who keep coming to see me are special!! Little does he know who lucky he is. He's looking more and more relaxed with you. Your blog was hilarious today. You are going to have some great memories after all you have been through. Do I see two bottom teeth and maybe two more on the top? Pethrie-I just wanted you to know there are still plenty of shoes along Gibbs-Sprawl on the way to school. Yesterday there was nice brown sandal but no match so I didn't stop--HAHA!! There was also a blouse yesterday so maybe they are opening a clothing road too. Can't wait until you get home. Praying this time will go fast for you. Love, Lanoma

Mom & Dad A. said...

Hi!
The pictures of Caleb with his Texas outfit are so cute. He seems happy to be with you. Ya'll both look great also. Dad is playing in a golf tournament with First Baptist today. It's kind of cold, but the sun is shining so I think he'll be OK. Our temperture got down to 26 degrees, but no rain so no problems. Ashley is getting one of her top teeth, so soon she'll look like Caleb. We love you, miss you, and are praying for you. Can't wait till you're back. Give Caleb a kiss for us. Love mom & dad a.

Mitzi/Tony/Tyler/Anthony/Mom/Dad said...

Hey guys,
We all loved the two pictures where he's grinning! What a cutie! Tyler kept coming to the computer and saying Bebe. He wanted to see the baby. He got another owwie at daycare, so his whole face looks like he's been in a fight. Poor kid, Tony keeps saying he's tough, he looks like a bullrider. Anyway we miss you. We're counting down the days! Tony says he can get Caleb a sheep, too, for the mutton-bustin' when yall get back:)

Love,

Ginny said...

How cute!!! it looks like teething has subsided for now. Heh! He has gotten the chewing ones and they seem to match so it will be hot dog time by the time you get back. I just got back from Dallas. Donna Keeland and I went to the Irlen Conference. (Gary did keep me updated with the blog while I was gone) It was good, but we usually have the Monday after the conference off for Presidents' Day. Not this year it is one of our make-up days. Which probably works out for the best since Tuesday is the first TAKS test for these poor kids. I'm doing the dyslexia bundle so I have two days to look forward to. Heh!!!Well Caleb looks like he is ready to come to his new home. He looks more and more comfortable with you guys. It sounds like you can handle yourselves quite well with the Russians. It won't be long now. Always in our prayers Love Ginny and Gary

B, K & Ash said...

He looks sooooo happy. Love that grin! The pictures are great. It's so good to "see and hear from you guys". Ashley says hi and sends a great big hug and kiss! Miss you and look forward to seeing you soon.