Day 4 (Wednesday April 30, 2003) – The Day the Camera was Unleashed!

Another big day for Team Kaz.  Started off a little upsetting but turned into a great day.  The morning visit had a very fussy and emotional little Miss Alia.  She’s at the point of crying quite a bit in the morning.  Leilani can calm her down now, but is still wondering why Alia gets so upset.  (She just needs time to get used to us.  Remember, she’s been institutionalized since birth and she only knows and trusts these women who work here at the orphanage.  However, realization and acceptance are two entirely different things.)  The end of the morning session included another blowout of emotions from our little beauty, which caused Leilani to be upset as well.  Alia was feeling a little feverish and her teething must have been driving her batty.  Leilani was valiantly trying to hold it together at lunch, but finally let loose with a few tears.  I think the waiter thought it had something to do with the fish on our pizza.

Well let me tell you, it just all turned around in the afternoon.  First Galena (our coordinator) showed up and introduced herself (she was in another region of Kazakhstan helping out some other couples adopting).  She will handle all the paperwork and official documentation for us and on top of that she definitely has some major clout at the orphanage because the photo embargo has been lifted.  Despite my sticking a camera in just about everybody’s face this afternoon, the kids did great.   Karsten is having some major bonding with Pam.   His favorite place in the entire orphanage has become Pam’s lap and we all have been able to get smiles out of the little guy (mostly Pam though).  He’s a tough nut to crack a smile, but Pam’s doing a great job mostly because of her amazing patience.

And our little Kazakh Princess was a true winner this afternoon.  She was just as pleasant as could be.  We laughed and played for the entire afternoon session and she and Leilani just had a blast together.  She even let me in on the fun.  Also, I believe that she may just be the biggest ham in the world.  She just perks right up when that camera comes in view and starts jabbering when everyone isn’t paying attention to her.  She’s just a peach Ladies and Gentlemen.  And we can’t wait for tomorrow.

After we finished at the orphanage, the girls (Leilani, Pam and Roza) dragged me along for some carpet shopping.  Boy was that fun (almost as fun as when I had all four wisdom teeth removed).  By the way, can some one explain to me the need to buy something just because it’s a great deal?  After that, Roza’s husband, Ildar, stopped by the apartment to put some final tweaks on the dial-up connection so that I can get on-line from the apartment.  What a genuinely nice couple; we’re so lucky to have Roza as our translator and Grand Prix driver.  The evening ended with some leftover pizza for dinner and introducing Pam to the game Wizards.

Good night/day and thanks to those who have signed into the guest book (it’s a great life line).  If you feel like dropping us a line, please feel free to email us at aosnatca@hotmail.com.  I cannot log onto my work email from any internet hook-up I’ve used so far here in Kaz, so use this one.   I cannot guarantee we’ll be able to respond back to you (while we can get online from the apartment, the connection is still pretty darn slow).  But I do guarantee we’ll appreciate the thoughts.

And now without much further ado, the long awaited pictures…….

Click on the Thumnails to Enlarge the Picture

Here I am. For my long awaited debut. Ain't I cute!? See that guy over there that keeps saying "Daddy" right in my face...yup got him wrapped already.

Oh my God! Please tell Leilani isn't trying to teach Alia how to dance. Can anyone say Elaine Benes?

I think I'm diggin' the feel of this goatee thingy.

That's funny Dad. Did you just tell me that the Mets are in the NL East basement. Boy that Rob guy (you know, the Ron Hextall look-a-like) must be miffed.

There's the Yannone family's new buds. Karsten and mommy Pam.

Alia and one of her favorite caretakers. This is the lady who gives her a massage everyday. No wonder she cries when this lady leaves us.

Pssst. Hey! Don't look obvious but is there some big hairy faced guy following me?

The great & mighty Karsten chowin' down a little light reading.

After a morning of many tears (from Alia and Leilani), the afternoon brought some great fun and a look of true contentment from Leilani with Alia the Happy.

Karsten hanging out in his new favorite spot...right in his mom's lap.

All the toys and playthings Mommy & Daddy brought for me and my favorite is Daddy's watch. By the way....did I hear that My Godfather (Uncle Teddy) is a jeweler? Oh boy, I've hit the jackpot!

Mom's really worried about my fashion sense. She doesn't think Joan Rivers would give me a Golden Hanger with this get up.

mmmmmmm. Tastes like chicken.

That's right Austin Powers I said I wanted one meeeellion dollars.

Boy, these Kazakh pacifiers are a real pain in the butt.

Medical Reviews - $300 Dossier - $1,500 Homestudy,INS and other miscellaneous fees - $5,000 Agency & In country Adoption fees - >$15,000 Tickets for a 20 hour trip to Kazakhstan - $4,000 The look of joy on these two faces after finally meeting - you guessed it, priceless!

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