We have our Ava again, and it is wonderful. We got to Almaty at around 4:20 AM (flight from Frankfurt was delayed 4 hours), met Lola, got to our apartment around 5:30 AM, showered, and then tried to rest a bit. At about 8:20, we met the car downstairs, and sitting in the back seat was our Ava nicely bundled in her snowsuit. Amber quickly grabbed her, and it was just a wonderful moment that we’ve waited so long for. We gave her hugs and kisses and she was all smiles. It did seem like she remembered us – almost that she was surprised to see us!
We then went to the doctor’s office. They took her weight and height, a blood test for HIV, and then a general exam. The only problem is that she has a little head cold right now, so we’re going to try to help her feel as good as we can before the flight home. The pediatrician who brought her down on the train said she was perfect the whole way, staying quiet and very content for the 10 hour train ride. Hopefully she likes flying too. She’s been a lot more talkative so far than she was on our first trip, but other than that and being a little longer; she’s very much the same little girl we left – sweet, smart, and easy going. She still has only the one tooth, though it’s much more pronounced.
The apartment is pretty nice, though not exactly baby friendly. We have no crib, and there are a lot of low things for her to go for. The toilet is in its own room as is the shower with the only sink being in the kitchen, which is inconvenient to say the least. The décor again is a bit odd, just haphazard like Karaganda. The grocery store is a block and a half away, but it’s a long block, past their “White House” and uphill. Almaty has some really good architecture, and the drivers set a new standard for barely controlled lunacy.
Tomorrow at 3 we go to the US Embassy to finalize her US papers and get the US visa for her Kazakh passport. From what we’ve been told it’s a straightforward process, but it is all needed to get her to leave the country. She’s our child officially to Kazakhstan, now the US has to agree. According to our plan, after that Friday & Saturday will be leisurely days getting to know our baby and her getting to know us, then a long trip home with our Ava.
Internet access so far has been a little problematic, so I’m not sure how many updates we will have this trip, but here are a few new pictures:
17 comments:
How perfect and natural the three of you look together. It has been a long time coming. Welcome to parenthood. You guys look amazingly happy and content. We are all super excited for your new family. I can't wit to meet her myself. p.s. I I hope she is feeling better before your trip back.
Love,
Lisa
Jason, Amber, and Ava:
We are so ecstatic and proud of you all. Soon all the traveling and paperwork headaches will be a distant memory...we can't wait to see you all at home.
Love,
The McGoverns
Hi guys. Well, it's finally actually happening and we are so excited for all three of you. It's too bad she has a little cold but at least you can give her all the TLC she could possibly ever want. The pictures tell it all, you are a FAMILY. Congratulations on a long journey completing it's first leg and now the fun really starts. We can't wait to see you all and are counting the hours until we can. Enjoy this time as much as you can and we'll see you soon.
All our love. Grandpa and Grandma
Congratulations!!! We are so happy for you, and we are so appreciative that we've been able to follow your journey. (Our dossier is at the Consulate). Your having made two trips has enabled us to learn so much about it and to grow more comfortable with the idea. We are so thankful that you enabled us to learn from you. Again, congratulations on becoming a family.
We are so happy for the three of you, and can't wait to see you all together and in person!! What a great feeling that this day has finally come! We are truly thrilled to pieces!! Hope little Ava feels better, and we'll see you soon!
lots of love, hugs, kisses,
Aunt Heidi & Uncle Joel
Oh, I bet you can't take your hands off of her!! Have a safe trip home and we'll give you guys a call when you're all settled.
Wow! Congratulations! We can't tell you enough how happy we are for you! We love the pictures - you are complete now! We can't believe that the day is finally here! We can't exactly find the right words to explain how overjoyed we are for you. Thank you for the update and the beautiful pictures! We miss you and love you all very much!
Love Always,
Uncle Puck and Auntie Amber
Reading your post and seeing the pictures made today a PERFECT day. Ava is with her forever family and it doesn't get better than that. She is such a beautiful child and seeing the photos of each of you with her just makes me happy for all of you. What a Christmas holiday you'll have!! As soon (maybe next week!) we'll be seeing our grandbaby with her parents -- you continue to inspire! PLEASE keep posting Ava pix when you get home - she has a fan club out there who can't wait to see her thrive even more!
Yea!! Yippee!!! Hooray!!! Yahoo!!!
We're so excited that she's finally with you, all yours. Have a
safe, and uneventful trip home. We love you guys, and can't wait to meet your little girl.
The Wilkes'
Two is company, three is JOY! You both look so contented and happy, we can't wait to see all three of you! We love you and miss you already, but will see you SOON! Love and hugs and kisses, Mom and Bill
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!
Congratulations on having precious little Ava back in your arms again. The whole world feels a little warmer now. :-)
Amber and Jason,
We are very happy that you three are now reunited and are a now a family! You became a family of 3 while in Karaganda just as we became a family of 3 there too..in the one place it counts- your hearts!! Sonya and I are glad that we got to meet Ava in person while we were in Karaganda, she has such a wonderful smile and personality!
Blog well while in Almaty as we will be on your heels in a few weeks, and will look to you for "hints" as to what we should expect.
What a wonderful reunion it must have been for you, God bless you all!!
All the best,
Brent and Sonya
Hi Amber & Jason, I can see the overwhelming happiness in your face Amber, the almost unbelievable time of joy is here that Ava is yours to keep and Jason the peace and contentment with your little girl for the rest of your lives! And Amber, you look so sweet feeding precious Ava, she has her Mommy & Daddy for keeps now! I'm so HAPPY for you all! You haven't heard from me for a while because since I've been home, I couldn't find your blog. Thanks for the pictures and CONGRATULATIONS!!!! You make a wonderful, loving family!
Love, Cindy
Just beautiful. What a great picture and you guys look so happy. I am thrilled you guys are back together and it is reassuring to know that even with two trips she remembered you. I can't wait to see updates.
Sandi
Congratulations!!!
My little one actually slept almost the entire flight home. It was much easier than I ever could have expected. It was the first week home, adjusting and readjusting to the time zone that was probably the most difficult, although I hear it's a breeze for some.
Safe travels home and on your new life with your beautiful daughter!!
Hi Guys,
Ava looks so content, your really parents, it's amazing!! Mom and Dad and Cathy wanted me to tell you they can't wait to meet Ava and they love you. They can't seem to leave a comment for you. I can't wait to give Ava tons of love, she's the most gorgeous baby girl!! See you soon. Love,
Auntie Yvonne
Hi there, my name is Jennifer (I'm single and will have my mom traveling with me for both trips)and I too am adopting from Kaz with Reaching Out/Child Promise. First of all, CONGRATULATIONS!!!! She is SOOOOO beautiful. I've read your entire blog and had to wait for my tears to dry up before continuing in some sections.
Don had actually told me about you when Kaz re-opened, and then I was actually with him in the office WHEN you sent the very first pic of Ava to him!! I was wondering if you wouldn't mind answering some questions? It looks like I'm going to travel late Jan early Feb! It amazes me that MY daughter could have potentially been in the baby house with you!(oh and thanks for that comment about the weather and your glad YOU'RE not there in Jan! HA HA)
I was wondering if you were allowed to leave anything WITH Ava when you left after the first trip? Like a toy or blanket...or maybe they made you leave stuff? Also, when they brought her to you in Almaty the 2nd trip, did you provide her clothes or did they let you keep what they brought her in? I'm trying to figure out what to bring on what trip! Anything you wish you DID or didn't bring? I don't know where to start. My email is kazhereicome@yahoo.com
Please email me when you get a chance. Thanks!!! And I guess you'll be home in 2 days!!!!!!! :)
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