plane delayed!

Well...after a sleepless night packing...we found out this morning that our plane is now delayed until 4 pm. We now are in the apt with nothing to do since everything is washed (no easy feat) and packed....Hopefully we can still go out for supper to celebrate my birthday. If not, we will simply have to celebrate tomorrow but right now...the thought of the Move and Pick ice cream is getting to me ;0))) Patience, patience ;0)

PS - ok...now REALLY ready

Bad bad karaoke next door - our last night here...it's like they know. I can't say that I will be missing our neighbours....grrrr!

Paka Paka Petro!

Bye Bye Petropavlovsk!! We came... we found our daughter... and now we are more than ready to be making the first stint in our journey back home.

When you add our stay here this summer, we will have spent approx. 3 months in this city...In a bizarre way, it began feeling like home. We had settled in...but my heart began racing yesterday when Sven took out all the suitcases....Almost had tears in my eyes....Yannik as well. We are ready.....we need to really begin our lives as a family of four.

We'll post from Astana where we hope to take advantage of all the amenities and have a bit more fun while we wait for Annabelle's exit visa.

Good night....our flight leaves mid morning...but will 7 suitcases, a toddler and an excited 6 year old...we plan on getting up early.

Yes, Annabelle...you are coming home too!

The one item we are making sure not to leave behind ;0)) Encouraging to see that she wants to come home as well!

Getting to know Annabelle

It struck me in the middle of the night while I was watching Annabelle sleep, that we have only been scratching the surface with her. We are now only beginning to see glimpses of her personnality. After a week with us, she is no longer the same child we visited at the orphanage. (Kaz had that right....those 2 weeks were an amazing way of helping us to bond....but bonding goes both ways...nobody really talks about the parents getting to know their child...it is always focussed on the child getting used to the parents. I have to be honest,it is quite an adjustment for our family as well ;0)) Just when I think I have figured her out, she switches gears on me. Imagine that ;0)

Adopting a now 21 old month toddler is as rewarding as it is a challenge. I think what I love most is getting to know her personality. I really hated going back to work with Yannik when he turned 1 since he had just begin to really become a little person and develop his personality. With Anna, I will be lucky to have the year with her just as her personality is starting to blossom. We are beginning to see glimpses of the "true" Anna since she has been with us. So far, in the short 10 days that she has been with us, we know that:

- She is very kind and generous. that is saying alot for a) a toddler and b) a child who is sooo carefull with her food. Although she is yet unsure whether more will be coming, she shares her food with us. She also brings toys to Yannik and shares easily with him.

- She is quite the tease and playful, just like her parents (see that teasing look in the picture..that's the true Anna). We're a family of goofs.... Sven especially! He loves to make loud noises when he kisses you on the cheeks...He does it to her all the time...and to me. Yesterday, he was planting a noisy one on my cheek and I was squirming in protest and looked at Anna and shook my head...She just laughed and laughed...she understood and shook her head as well ;0)))That shared look with my daughter at her dad's expense was a moment I'll always treasure....Yep, Papa is bizarre....but he is fun and we love him!

- She is very observant. She doesn't react on the spot...she takes time to first observe and then makes her move ;0)) She is pretty patient (except for food) and is a really quick study. Sven keeps saying what such a smart kid she is and I have to agree.

- Like her dad, she is usually pretty easy going. Loves to be cuddled and giggle. She is very funny actually. Great sense of humour that we are witnessing over and over again.

- Boy can she frown....She walks around and frowns, like she is "thinking" of something or is determined to do something (once again, reminding me of Sven)...but she is so transparent. We need to get that on tape ;0)))

Can't wait to get to know you more, little one!

Little Anna in a Big Parka

Fur earings

I know, I know...but who could resist these, now really! What a unique souvenir from the land of fur ;0) Alot more affordable and easier to pack!!! Speaking of packing, it has begun! Two suitcases done...about 3-4 more to do. We have 6-7 suitcases here since we had left some here this summer. I don't know if we will make use of them all...wouldn't surprise me if we did actually....I'm no longer if the mood of "carefully packing" to find every inch... I just want to move on at this point.

The Astana team has found us an apt there close to everything and I have been researching the city re attractions.... I think we will have plenty to entertain both Annabelle and Yannik. Yannik, now especially, is finding it really difficult. He's been really excited to see me beginning to pack. Have to admit, it's energizing us as well! 10 days to go before we head home!