tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016348233770747152024-02-21T19:05:03.451-08:00timandjenaxtellTim and Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11504036304547559428noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101634823377074715.post-73310151289673533652008-12-31T06:14:00.001-08:002008-12-31T06:41:35.269-08:00Happy New Year!<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsddxjQxe8ss67lnnkjh7K-RnvWxqec4svTcVNWpKIHVBFRddtpYGnD3GD8vVJIiyzxGjpEwjzUMkR-Nx2MEFaJ8QDjA9DppGavUaxQsgpF6MfMeFkw6hyFp5YOx9YwikQTRnHwR6cnZM/s1600-h/008+(2).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285959334833640178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 226px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsddxjQxe8ss67lnnkjh7K-RnvWxqec4svTcVNWpKIHVBFRddtpYGnD3GD8vVJIiyzxGjpEwjzUMkR-Nx2MEFaJ8QDjA9DppGavUaxQsgpF6MfMeFkw6hyFp5YOx9YwikQTRnHwR6cnZM/s320/008+(2).JPG" border="0" /></a> Merry Christmas!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyh4xRw68_I4hCPsOVs2BSqh7ly5mhAXPt456hULllaa9T4Iins_DerExfJxV3-H26sRXdNnpNivt3tMtexnOj-Et5qGUrrjABv9Y-__B5_-xM-xdwMuwEC7s9MVye6D8eSIL9hdMszlw/s1600-h/021.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285959334879882962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyh4xRw68_I4hCPsOVs2BSqh7ly5mhAXPt456hULllaa9T4Iins_DerExfJxV3-H26sRXdNnpNivt3tMtexnOj-Et5qGUrrjABv9Y-__B5_-xM-xdwMuwEC7s9MVye6D8eSIL9hdMszlw/s320/021.JPG" border="0" /></a> Don't I look dapper?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHpOJ6Cjm-gc0u1C21Pu8q5Mp_fNrox9hQI0p9ZxTbdkfg_eMzQAejI5IJKq_Grck_AesZDyIdX8C-j-jCbpJLOx21XHmQcfCZXIByytqAe9CKcNxok7k7p_HiGyn42axmjKoPBOopUfo/s1600-h/097.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285959332361101106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHpOJ6Cjm-gc0u1C21Pu8q5Mp_fNrox9hQI0p9ZxTbdkfg_eMzQAejI5IJKq_Grck_AesZDyIdX8C-j-jCbpJLOx21XHmQcfCZXIByytqAe9CKcNxok7k7p_HiGyn42axmjKoPBOopUfo/s320/097.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ohh</span>.....snow.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiyu_f5GhuC1GSXhy4cko70jcJMeVRcJlKhT8W3ukMhb2y5B7lIBnX1LKw31u-e_Sep9GMQTla50wwcixA-OhkYUCQpX0Jy0wJdkPm_cWWJ6XyXPAWhn3ItrO4ZqWzqRVpzmsk_TXRI4/s1600-h/049.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285959328102127490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiyu_f5GhuC1GSXhy4cko70jcJMeVRcJlKhT8W3ukMhb2y5B7lIBnX1LKw31u-e_Sep9GMQTla50wwcixA-OhkYUCQpX0Jy0wJdkPm_cWWJ6XyXPAWhn3ItrO4ZqWzqRVpzmsk_TXRI4/s320/049.JPG" border="0" /></a>I think I need one of these in my room.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6owV-1LevBUhD75VQkL0V16qlX9NQ_LazEA98gMrkw5JR_Tyb0cc-1eMaboMByPzGX3CtaYRdfv7n1YTcUrOzLk7S8vTQpdKsNkayeewNeXusM3DyoIruTn2I781W6C8C20sAy59F7OA/s1600-h/111.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285959327368787442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6owV-1LevBUhD75VQkL0V16qlX9NQ_LazEA98gMrkw5JR_Tyb0cc-1eMaboMByPzGX3CtaYRdfv7n1YTcUrOzLk7S8vTQpdKsNkayeewNeXusM3DyoIruTn2I781W6C8C20sAy59F7OA/s320/111.JPG" border="0" /></a>B' Jolly.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="left">Our trip back home was wonderful! We left the Wednesday before and had a 2hr flight to Atlanta and a 5hr trip to San Fran and then picked up our rental car and drove 4 hours to Fresno. Whew! Max was good on the plane, but very squirmy. When it seemed like the flight was taking too long, Tim and I would shake our heads and say 'it could never be as bad as that trip home from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Kaz</span>'. </div><div align="left">We stayed at my Mom and Dad's house and they got plenty of time with Max. We went to the zoo one day, we also drove up to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Basslake</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Oakhurst</span> where I grew up. Max got to play in the snow for a bit. One night we drove around and saw the lights on the houses, so pretty! Max also got to see My Dad and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Step mom</span> a couple of times and one trip included some fun at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Chucky</span> Cheese. Max loves that place! Even the adults played some basketball and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">air-hocky</span>. (we are thinking of maybe having his 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">nd</span> b-day at the one in Florida).</div><div align="left">Even though we had 9 days back home, the time went by way too fast! We are hoping to go back every year during this time. Max got to meet all the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">family</span> and my dear childhood friend and her family. The trip was just so special! Max got a ton of Elmo stuff including the new Elmo Live and an Elmo chair and table set.</div><div align="left">The <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">night</span> before we flew out we decided to stay a night in San Fran to break up the trip/drive. We got up early the next day and walked around Pier 39 and watched the sea lions. Our flight back was a little rough as Max started getting a cold. I think the 3hr time difference and sleep <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">schedule</span> was finally <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">catching</span> up to his tired little body and the plane ride was pretty rough! I think we finally got home around 2:30am in the morning. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">We are excited to bring in this new year. In a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">couple</span> of weeks it will be a full year since we met Max. Jan. 30<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">th</span> was our court date, the day that our lives changed forever. Peace and best wishes to you in this coming year.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Happy New Year!</div></div><br /></div>Tim and Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11504036304547559428noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101634823377074715.post-16375775444011498562008-11-27T06:59:00.001-08:002008-11-27T07:26:11.185-08:00Happy Thanksgiving!<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig1MlCdXRluvU1UP2JogpWbAVnua0wDu5aDZSrioFT4nYcGSCIV9GFAJRQRUVmVR0XZCh8V9ryrmsYd7UXb-J3R7X8jij6UCAjdieO8IiBeaNnUmFu3IyHk_RkWvRB5bzNbj6vKcoqL30/s1600-h/003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273354257720841490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 306px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig1MlCdXRluvU1UP2JogpWbAVnua0wDu5aDZSrioFT4nYcGSCIV9GFAJRQRUVmVR0XZCh8V9ryrmsYd7UXb-J3R7X8jij6UCAjdieO8IiBeaNnUmFu3IyHk_RkWvRB5bzNbj6vKcoqL30/s320/003.JPG" border="0" /></a> Going to the zoo...</div><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo9PCGCllCM0gF9QgbGpmc0Q1tcrEthub6pb0j1I9yIW-Y2G7N5reXJuC4o9AmUx7FAmjfRdmxYzEUBsGLMgU7vC5RpjnUZ2j5UQaYklj6HG30k1s7W3npHPHxWWUWUuHGNp4IeNxjZTs/s1600-h/013.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273354251610338674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo9PCGCllCM0gF9QgbGpmc0Q1tcrEthub6pb0j1I9yIW-Y2G7N5reXJuC4o9AmUx7FAmjfRdmxYzEUBsGLMgU7vC5RpjnUZ2j5UQaYklj6HG30k1s7W3npHPHxWWUWUuHGNp4IeNxjZTs/s320/013.JPG" border="0" /></a> Wow, those bears are so big!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjssyGZElf2qt8rnvcX3lt_KGO8yGzVUF05FwbMKM1EbOcepS3VvUWgbejRbu7BMXoiNGOFzWnnQ2hNTk3vhcdicKA3y_4KLn2IpNRD8ASIJA8IUdjCWkgJSZNT1eAhiSyUPlFllgIaTUc/s1600-h/010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273354232666395842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjssyGZElf2qt8rnvcX3lt_KGO8yGzVUF05FwbMKM1EbOcepS3VvUWgbejRbu7BMXoiNGOFzWnnQ2hNTk3vhcdicKA3y_4KLn2IpNRD8ASIJA8IUdjCWkgJSZNT1eAhiSyUPlFllgIaTUc/s320/010.JPG" border="0" /></a> Can you see the River Otter's behind me?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI8fhxEMpzXGAe3T7rY7WI6N8ASLxoYDmC53z12uD1mB8WfmXUazCSPgmzC-1XKs3aXtBXmz08LAs4pQTbPv8AJq5b-MgIa-qqiFd6XLKAvdTwBg5tvF_TcxPi_24xI3BDh7G5QdPWWek/s1600-h/044.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273354231512426450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI8fhxEMpzXGAe3T7rY7WI6N8ASLxoYDmC53z12uD1mB8WfmXUazCSPgmzC-1XKs3aXtBXmz08LAs4pQTbPv8AJq5b-MgIa-qqiFd6XLKAvdTwBg5tvF_TcxPi_24xI3BDh7G5QdPWWek/s320/044.JPG" border="0" /></a>Max & <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Rylie</span> reunite.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhweILlpwcgwDg1ygVlEWZIwtFNPwJcREFUZYkJHBFXh0Rq_wSoUTN0_sU0Lg_kwcRGaDYg13T5RbK0xZM-iXIjIh1T2-o4wlwIPqnHkbqsh7jF3ycqIx-BX_RlL2gyoI4zmtkB98BinRY/s1600-h/008.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273354227215799890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 264px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhweILlpwcgwDg1ygVlEWZIwtFNPwJcREFUZYkJHBFXh0Rq_wSoUTN0_sU0Lg_kwcRGaDYg13T5RbK0xZM-iXIjIh1T2-o4wlwIPqnHkbqsh7jF3ycqIx-BX_RlL2gyoI4zmtkB98BinRY/s320/008.JPG" border="0" /></a> Max and Mommy time</div><div></div><div align="left">Happy Thanksgiving to all! This year has sure flown by quickly. We had the good fortune to meet up with Sara and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Rylie</span> last month. They flew up from Arizona to visit family and we got to spend some time with them. They were in Kazakhstan a month before us, we just missed meeting them over there but we have kept in contact ever since. The neat thing is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Rylie</span> and Max were in the same baby room but I don't think they remembered each other. At first we tried to get them to sit in a chair for photos and they were crying, it was so funny! After a morning of bubbles and snacks and lunch they were having fun together and we got another photo of them together. We only wish that Sara, Adam and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Rylie</span> lived closer to us so we could visit more often. It was great meeting you guys in person finally!</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Last weekend we took Max to the zoo. It was a perfect day, no <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">crowds</span> and a nice breeze. I thought Florida had only one season.......hot! Max's new word is 'giraffe'. He has an animal puzzle (one that Sara and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Rylie</span> got us) and he just loves the giraffe. (I wonder if it has to do with his <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Halloween</span> costume as well) Sadly the zoo did not have a giraffe, but that's <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">OK</span>, we saw plenty of animals and will return soon. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">We are all getting excited about our trip back to California in a couple weeks. My Dad hasn't met Max yet as well as some other family members and friends. This will be our first plane trip since the 'big one' coming back from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Kaz</span>. I think since we are so much more bonded, it should go smoother. I will post on our trip when we come back. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Enjoy the holidays!</div><div align="left">The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Axtell's</span> </div><br /></div>Tim and Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11504036304547559428noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101634823377074715.post-85724551788136541522008-11-01T08:00:00.000-07:002008-11-01T10:08:27.538-07:00Halloween 2008<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEES4W8XRDPhv9OObPrVh1WSqPDPIBVW5Eiz6c65OtoCfqc21_d2DdCYSLWB4brN6HnqVaVBjocRd8J8KsXtpk5Fp5IPxQz50Fq6Do14Iv9nY-F_1ui40wqpJgqTHxhW2OFt1W4HMbmmk/s1600-h/011+(2).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263706953592828466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEES4W8XRDPhv9OObPrVh1WSqPDPIBVW5Eiz6c65OtoCfqc21_d2DdCYSLWB4brN6HnqVaVBjocRd8J8KsXtpk5Fp5IPxQz50Fq6Do14Iv9nY-F_1ui40wqpJgqTHxhW2OFt1W4HMbmmk/s320/011+(2).JPG" border="0" /></a> Am I the cutest giraffe you have ever seen?</div><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR-NTne-46NsNNc7kapR_5z_MEz9iEFNZm1VXdrpSpRvkg2xpgL4W_AnbMsTcMcuJEkvaupN7jvFg37tpOSBOtrymw1WrGXSL1MxGp_GL2qmHIKLFXH-fbVZcK9KnnpOuKv4XN90v9L90/s1600-h/021+(2).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263706947959266546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR-NTne-46NsNNc7kapR_5z_MEz9iEFNZm1VXdrpSpRvkg2xpgL4W_AnbMsTcMcuJEkvaupN7jvFg37tpOSBOtrymw1WrGXSL1MxGp_GL2qmHIKLFXH-fbVZcK9KnnpOuKv4XN90v9L90/s320/021+(2).JPG" border="0" /></a> Story time at the library<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263706936315286242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjnnR3FOsyqCNEOmkcpKddafGulZbdB4WLOOHvKX-SzQ-3lwdWusFMfNzYxmBp23bL4IMvpFj9eVAgXnc4rBgmXqc1egV39OPQGKAQqoaaZ92NpgA12WdL7UHX9XxAPW6H7d8n1ROG0vQ/s320/018.JPG" border="0" /><br />First trip to the pumpkin patch.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-xrjEzqKcy9sywLNNJNqVOdf6-gQRtv6V-S8yQjiWp8r9jcfhuzhYN_3yYYdt0IfbKiLX5KvnZnzadK4epqZmmfxWAYH60HXEPQiSKWf_Zcp_2vvHMHYovZP03tFa0hXqmJEgpZh585c/s1600-h/009.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263706925645158450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-xrjEzqKcy9sywLNNJNqVOdf6-gQRtv6V-S8yQjiWp8r9jcfhuzhYN_3yYYdt0IfbKiLX5KvnZnzadK4epqZmmfxWAYH60HXEPQiSKWf_Zcp_2vvHMHYovZP03tFa0hXqmJEgpZh585c/s320/009.JPG" border="0" /></a> Cali still loves me!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfy-MbuoHvY0yhJjEJ3T-fWTTVDbuN-hQg2svmjrH4y67DIli8-lgHLueMh8zeO40mnVuh5xGWo9XxeqVXl4Pxhqy9Mk3OtTxY0GTOrgZs0vyzM0DkNwE4lFw-_lIKRs-_NNn_NcSe4e0/s1600-h/029.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263706913563120882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfy-MbuoHvY0yhJjEJ3T-fWTTVDbuN-hQg2svmjrH4y67DIli8-lgHLueMh8zeO40mnVuh5xGWo9XxeqVXl4Pxhqy9Mk3OtTxY0GTOrgZs0vyzM0DkNwE4lFw-_lIKRs-_NNn_NcSe4e0/s320/029.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Dinner at Macaroni Grill</div><div><br /><div align="left">Max had a really fun week. He went on his first trip to the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">pumpkin</span> patch. I think he was more interested in the other kids then the actual pumpkins! On Halloween we went to story time at the library in the morning. Max has really been enjoying these events. They usually have one every two weeks at the library. The librarian reads some books, plays music for the kids, has crafts and yesterday the kids got to walk around the library in a parade, showing off all the cute costumes! Later that night we went to the fairgrounds for more trick or treating. We missed the costume contest by a couple of minutes, but he is still our little winner!</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Max just had his 18 month checkup at the doctors. He is coming along just fine, although he is at the stage where he does not like to hear the word 'no' and it's usually followed by some tears. Max gets a break from shots, and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">blood work</span> and all the other things he has had to go through since arriving in the U.S. His next <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">appt</span> is in six months when he turns two. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">It's finally cooling off over here and in the evenings we go down to the pond and feed the ducks and fish. Max still gives plenty of hugs and kisses and right now he is fascinated with walking backwards. He also does this cute little shuffle in place with his feet that reminds me of an Irish jig. He is also talking a bit more each week. </div></div><br /></div>Tim and Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11504036304547559428noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101634823377074715.post-2553077650119453782008-09-22T14:22:00.000-07:002008-09-22T14:51:09.329-07:00We have come so far<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDV2pGbJ2luelENzgmHoV7XCPtpTohc8a8Grs0ACqfYdcvhdQBohnnpB8jlTjAYVo66SX2LxFA7kQYUSeyJbmm570BegTLcBb6799ywR0bTnzWDHMk-_qoT0G1B32gEmtjvOAZuvAxXA/s1600-h/DSC02129.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248961313861685362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDV2pGbJ2luelENzgmHoV7XCPtpTohc8a8Grs0ACqfYdcvhdQBohnnpB8jlTjAYVo66SX2LxFA7kQYUSeyJbmm570BegTLcBb6799ywR0bTnzWDHMk-_qoT0G1B32gEmtjvOAZuvAxXA/s320/DSC02129.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">PJ</span></span> time!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm8RBd8XYAE-cqxHJNAxkEEfy86uU-kLSFpjt0cSKziEKqmP7lPmxa08U3YXSHix2vyzryAJ-ubj_PMPBfC1F6EN_4o0BRunJRQSjl6kc9tcttQwthyCyN4YvWgCWIrmH7BsvmrD91k0w/s1600-h/DSC02085.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248961034724608354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm8RBd8XYAE-cqxHJNAxkEEfy86uU-kLSFpjt0cSKziEKqmP7lPmxa08U3YXSHix2vyzryAJ-ubj_PMPBfC1F6EN_4o0BRunJRQSjl6kc9tcttQwthyCyN4YvWgCWIrmH7BsvmrD91k0w/s320/DSC02085.JPG" border="0" /></a> The next Kobe<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirIEt_4jUVRaupdIu6ULLvKB1fFNQEVmL0y0Uc5pqdxDiv2UwArcS4gVThVr5T3z3CvvoLgQk1TcLGjjD94v1BlMpXQHYXD2isI6DeMN7zABKEQAEI7DpOHTUdB3Mxq2obsyQyo7bhTGI/s1600-h/DSC02092.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248960305625475890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirIEt_4jUVRaupdIu6ULLvKB1fFNQEVmL0y0Uc5pqdxDiv2UwArcS4gVThVr5T3z3CvvoLgQk1TcLGjjD94v1BlMpXQHYXD2isI6DeMN7zABKEQAEI7DpOHTUdB3Mxq2obsyQyo7bhTGI/s320/DSC02092.JPG" border="0" /></a> Love to play outside.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRm0juZcB1TpciAxVmoygX4bya-kKx99ATMKTISLlg0r8xW0A7YLAbvqpFwBdNI1j14pemt0YjGc6cUlvTxuh9SeA3E4rKqIlYVrfJOr9rEfYi3-FHaaGIOopQx7vvkfg24DZ7Db7zXtU/s1600-h/DSC02083.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248960178536535778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRm0juZcB1TpciAxVmoygX4bya-kKx99ATMKTISLlg0r8xW0A7YLAbvqpFwBdNI1j14pemt0YjGc6cUlvTxuh9SeA3E4rKqIlYVrfJOr9rEfYi3-FHaaGIOopQx7vvkfg24DZ7Db7zXtU/s320/DSC02083.JPG" border="0" /></a> Or maybe I will be a drummer?<br /><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP6-jiiEGaqY8TBgwalYgX-XXK0aKEz0hKRJhyphenhyphen4dURBYhcVaX0AjIu0Y3PPrvw9058ryqFvGIxkK1O0f7Sd7l78f45dbKTVdAVJDb4M_1kqVw7opyCJy6f3TZWZfG7CkxYL7QK81-zOUE/s1600-h/004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248959822232346370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP6-jiiEGaqY8TBgwalYgX-XXK0aKEz0hKRJhyphenhyphen4dURBYhcVaX0AjIu0Y3PPrvw9058ryqFvGIxkK1O0f7Sd7l78f45dbKTVdAVJDb4M_1kqVw7opyCJy6f3TZWZfG7CkxYL7QK81-zOUE/s320/004.JPG" border="0" /></a> Sand good in bucket....not so good to eat!<br /><br /></div><div align="left">Max is 17 months today. Last week he finally got his top two teeth in. He has been repeating more and more words and using a couple on his own. He still loves to eat and is not picky about any kind of food. We just booked a trip back to California for 9 days over Christmas and we are so excited! My family and friends live over there and I can't wait for them all to meet Max. We are not thrilled about switching planes and having to drive 4 hours once we get to CA to make a long day of traveling, but if we could survive that horrible trip back from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Kaz</span></span>, we can survive this trip!!</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">This <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Friday</span> Max and I are going to try out <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">story time</span> at the library. The story is about apples so we both are supposed to wear red. I think this will be a fun thing for Max to start <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">participating</span> in. I also booked us for one on Halloween. Max will need to dress up and they have crafts and a small parade. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Max has been enjoying the pool all summer. Maybe even longer as it still is pretty hot over here in Florida. He is starting to kick his legs and move his arms a bit more. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Max is still just an amazing, happy, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">fun loving</span> boy. He is so content. He loves giving hugs and kisses and I sure h<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">ope</span> that never ends! When we pick him up now he lays his head on our shoulders, when we first brought him home from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Kaz</span> he would be all stiff. He also comes over and lays his head in your lap. So much has changed. Max also used to not like books to be read to him. He would push the book away or close it and would not sit still, now he jumps up in your lap and loves bringing books over to be read. I went back and re-read the whole blog and it brought tears to my eyes. We have come so far as a family!</div><br /></div>Tim and Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11504036304547559428noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101634823377074715.post-71887350911710343562008-07-04T10:54:00.000-07:002008-07-17T17:58:06.227-07:00Living the good life!<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX0nISKEMTpMeFms9VDQC2z-pM4slIhDPn_r9TiqZcMlepVwozKDM4EW63jY2ke0xUoq994sV58IepNFU_Evlquz9EeF6jEIdppPt-qK8-60OCr2LaXwKQERUKPyeJgA9sZPi8q-lK6sU/s1600-h/DSC02053.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219221186374139842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX0nISKEMTpMeFms9VDQC2z-pM4slIhDPn_r9TiqZcMlepVwozKDM4EW63jY2ke0xUoq994sV58IepNFU_Evlquz9EeF6jEIdppPt-qK8-60OCr2LaXwKQERUKPyeJgA9sZPi8q-lK6sU/s320/DSC02053.JPG" border="0" /></a> Playtime! Still just have 2 teeth.</div><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7kYfKnqvxRRgaTsxJdQr5D5PwrOg_-zIWw42FHEpVX9JCQ1UFQkD_ZPEys_Xxi0L2dOLu1-LE_xXyCQFNyIW9eX6sVDomeY3HFMCSL3N5jjDMSxO5phboWVKG_0CEzzeskpFwJuoCtFw/s1600-h/DSC02001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219220886674195250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7kYfKnqvxRRgaTsxJdQr5D5PwrOg_-zIWw42FHEpVX9JCQ1UFQkD_ZPEys_Xxi0L2dOLu1-LE_xXyCQFNyIW9eX6sVDomeY3HFMCSL3N5jjDMSxO5phboWVKG_0CEzzeskpFwJuoCtFw/s320/DSC02001.JPG" border="0" /></a> Big boy swing.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFcmANQXP5x30QOQn5lOqNWjou7Q7D88KHVpSgqNqx9ZyaJUALG4TumP629725qrju6fNHn1vmLtBl9ubDh8ZYuvHmiLWOncBu9WXzr9tBHiTiThDaEuMYcrWNIQVZ9gqWOEftMtXadU/s1600-h/DSC02068.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219220318226042290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFcmANQXP5x30QOQn5lOqNWjou7Q7D88KHVpSgqNqx9ZyaJUALG4TumP629725qrju6fNHn1vmLtBl9ubDh8ZYuvHmiLWOncBu9WXzr9tBHiTiThDaEuMYcrWNIQVZ9gqWOEftMtXadU/s320/DSC02068.JPG" border="0" /></a> Who me a big deal? Mom & Dad sure think so!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaKzqpnGEQs5J3hKToY0vGne9AvqcvoguuzWwUww5JFMMpLJRuuNUN0_arlOglIV4ixLjJUphsh3OsJTP0RUwHOhb9a6hUqWQ-7C31a-p9Qr8ZpAAJAtrAERbEJU9Keq28AmtQI8KAFnA/s1600-h/DSC02063.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219219948037675986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaKzqpnGEQs5J3hKToY0vGne9AvqcvoguuzWwUww5JFMMpLJRuuNUN0_arlOglIV4ixLjJUphsh3OsJTP0RUwHOhb9a6hUqWQ-7C31a-p9Qr8ZpAAJAtrAERbEJU9Keq28AmtQI8KAFnA/s320/DSC02063.JPG" border="0" /></a>Not sure I like wearing hats.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIOznxhlxotYoLc1zA1u-TsbfnGjBbapGsJcwb8U8WdHVg92KVS7F1CsIqJPruD6EPNKavkpXu8E0c2KprC_vzMkHbJC8AGjbkJvfufYe71mN5MTfwEexPw82liD3QXq7v4JAGvo89LWc/s1600-h/DSC02070.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219219587886107138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIOznxhlxotYoLc1zA1u-TsbfnGjBbapGsJcwb8U8WdHVg92KVS7F1CsIqJPruD6EPNKavkpXu8E0c2KprC_vzMkHbJC8AGjbkJvfufYe71mN5MTfwEexPw82liD3QXq7v4JAGvo89LWc/s320/DSC02070.JPG" border="0" /></a> I have finally mastered the fork and spoon!</div><div></div><div></div><div align="left">It's been a couple of months since I have updated the blog but Max is doing wonderful. Right after he turned 13 months he was up and walking. Now he is like my little shadow when I turn around. It's pretty cute. He is also saying more words. We were getting worried but now he is Mister Chatter box. With much resistance, he finally got the fork and spoon down. Grandpa and Grandma <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Esparza</span> came up a few weeks ago and we went to the beach and swam and also Max had his first boat ride on the ocean. He seemed to like it, except for having to wear a life jacket! </div><div align="left">There are so many '<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">firsts</span>' with him that we just enjoy getting to experience with him. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">We just had our six month post adoption visit and it went really good. Now we continue these once a year until he is 18. The report goes back to Kazakhstan along with 20 current photos of Max. It's nice that they will get to see Max grow up happy and loved. I heard there is some slowing down of the adoption process, if there are any families out there reading this, waiting to go, hang in there! Waiting is the hardest thing during this process. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Part of me wants Max to stay a little baby, and part of me can't wait until he is old enough to go to all the wonderful theme parks in Florida. There is so much to do and see but we are also enjoying this stage. This is such a fun age. 14 months, wow! Our little boy is growing up.<br /></div><br /></div>Tim and Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11504036304547559428noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101634823377074715.post-4334460987982908462008-04-23T05:59:00.000-07:002008-04-23T07:24:27.488-07:00HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAX!!!!<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLWjqin66H-klzfkXeOTVjfkbX170u5SN9Tu0ObuCvDBz58ngRtLDUpNywfLSUJ0I2wrWXiRUZZUydq2fCc0ir5xs2rhFIAgJASla8URRjFe6e1Z2UfwyeZXubQG3xUXg-pmuSuMdOzhM/s1600-h/DSC01952.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192427898338135682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLWjqin66H-klzfkXeOTVjfkbX170u5SN9Tu0ObuCvDBz58ngRtLDUpNywfLSUJ0I2wrWXiRUZZUydq2fCc0ir5xs2rhFIAgJASla8URRjFe6e1Z2UfwyeZXubQG3xUXg-pmuSuMdOzhM/s320/DSC01952.JPG" border="0" /></a> Max turns one! Look at our matching shirts!</div><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg94AYo6ixyH2yhIKmxUZ-3emnnsw-ZbXp2-cwwuacvydFSd6EJ5eVBEUTBsJEtjtxy8fUe25xGD1zJCgzHmMHaYGeoIwNBmnwPnKcQ5377zrwtjUt9L0_kU7x8jXdXmt1f8YGRIwCP5Rs/s1600-h/DSC01944.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192427464546438770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg94AYo6ixyH2yhIKmxUZ-3emnnsw-ZbXp2-cwwuacvydFSd6EJ5eVBEUTBsJEtjtxy8fUe25xGD1zJCgzHmMHaYGeoIwNBmnwPnKcQ5377zrwtjUt9L0_kU7x8jXdXmt1f8YGRIwCP5Rs/s320/DSC01944.JPG" border="0" /></a>Can you see my two front teeth I just got?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTKmtj1AACWyv4XgC7w68tfLRPwY0aFg19RJHKlfkq8NKlhE5WNZwrCDM1zGnN-QHLfc4iysjzmgvuGMbjoS1SICvSoyRZi1ibRfflieD2dFEM4MsnEEM3KJc9owRX1s-Zqq7J_TVaFDk/s1600-h/DSC01945.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192427151013826146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTKmtj1AACWyv4XgC7w68tfLRPwY0aFg19RJHKlfkq8NKlhE5WNZwrCDM1zGnN-QHLfc4iysjzmgvuGMbjoS1SICvSoyRZi1ibRfflieD2dFEM4MsnEEM3KJc9owRX1s-Zqq7J_TVaFDk/s320/DSC01945.JPG" border="0" /></a> I am ready for my gifts and cake now!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZzAukHRJXU_93-lGJCQH5XHEwusGE-FJufsTswJHWrrUiL5KlFfYvceBzCCuBmlXKpLJ3uUa81RuVpZpt_inEP965LSm0Ull7prMI-IFWuN4BrVfA6fHsnb_OVcoRn7fUgRBGb2A7Ek/s1600-h/DSC01972.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192426734401998418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZzAukHRJXU_93-lGJCQH5XHEwusGE-FJufsTswJHWrrUiL5KlFfYvceBzCCuBmlXKpLJ3uUa81RuVpZpt_inEP965LSm0Ull7prMI-IFWuN4BrVfA6fHsnb_OVcoRn7fUgRBGb2A7Ek/s320/DSC01972.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ummm</span>, yummy! I love frosting!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-W9tDnnPX4yOsIpdqHl7J4UDjMEupOKsoIx8QSbPpKJQKClILiRNftwCIVTLPMVjNx0euMjJ1RfHQh21fnCR-iINPhrsP6lMvZ68IpICqI8tGpmVw5tw61S2VBA9smY0W0y5Jm3Xi1pk/s1600-h/036_36.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192425922653179458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-W9tDnnPX4yOsIpdqHl7J4UDjMEupOKsoIx8QSbPpKJQKClILiRNftwCIVTLPMVjNx0euMjJ1RfHQh21fnCR-iINPhrsP6lMvZ68IpICqI8tGpmVw5tw61S2VBA9smY0W0y5Jm3Xi1pk/s320/036_36.JPG" border="0" /></a>Grandpa's birthday party on 4/14/08. Finally a group shot with Mommy & Daddy. </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div align="left">Max turned one yesterday and all of the family celebrated at 'Steak n' Shake'. Max was so cute. We opened some gifts before we went to dinner and he was all over the place, barely noticing the gifts, it was pretty funny. Then at dinner I think he sensed he was the star of the night. We all sang to him and he looked at his big Elmo cake with huge eyes. Then he got to mash his fingers into his piece of cake and he loved that! (up until he got a little bit of frosting up his nose, then that was the end of that)</div><div align="left">Max got some neat toys including a basketball hoop. He also got his own little inflatable swimming pool with a tree that rains water on him. We will use this at our new place we are moving to this weekend. I can't believe Max is already 1 year old! We look forward to many more birthdays with him.<br /></div><br /></div>Tim and Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11504036304547559428noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101634823377074715.post-28093559279133831342008-04-01T05:56:00.000-07:002008-04-01T06:22:10.690-07:00Cali & Max<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRF8qT9lefMBOP5STOR1hJFVYqvDVFCxc8CcHI707EcW11aqhZh0aZinbPvmGyyMTmhijC3W5SsFOAU05QdyTT_Mpt6w3M5FHHzk83RyrUKgzl1_gbHtz4fKlUudgIiKHtMLvG8SXgWQM/s1600-h/DSC01902.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184263153591163538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRF8qT9lefMBOP5STOR1hJFVYqvDVFCxc8CcHI707EcW11aqhZh0aZinbPvmGyyMTmhijC3W5SsFOAU05QdyTT_Mpt6w3M5FHHzk83RyrUKgzl1_gbHtz4fKlUudgIiKHtMLvG8SXgWQM/s320/DSC01902.JPG" border="0" /></a> I am too cute for Cali not to like.... </div><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCPIPj9Vr2sNSi7v9AXVprjVsnIpF_kPtLh95givyRw8wajd17bzubeAeU9pqM9tYbbSCITk1QN_nAu4jPlkV4rUK5kqacnr7urFJdnfdg2fyCs3nvy7-fJuVl03u3TAR7oka3RO63kls/s1600-h/DSC01905.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184262801403845250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCPIPj9Vr2sNSi7v9AXVprjVsnIpF_kPtLh95givyRw8wajd17bzubeAeU9pqM9tYbbSCITk1QN_nAu4jPlkV4rUK5kqacnr7urFJdnfdg2fyCs3nvy7-fJuVl03u3TAR7oka3RO63kls/s320/DSC01905.JPG" border="0" /></a>Maybe if I stare her down a bit.... </p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXNKrlI3V9uv6Cb5jJPxC-yoH1y0GFz16ade08zgoqjFdUtEnM9cqdnhKEIK6LCOjdMfz5h1VXPrKmVSL63_Nz3xudC7EJ2VcQxlEjICyFrBBU-GV9LlzKzCSa_8K5bC1viiN1GmhyphenhyphenD4/s1600-h/DSC01906.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184262230173194866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXNKrlI3V9uv6Cb5jJPxC-yoH1y0GFz16ade08zgoqjFdUtEnM9cqdnhKEIK6LCOjdMfz5h1VXPrKmVSL63_Nz3xudC7EJ2VcQxlEjICyFrBBU-GV9LlzKzCSa_8K5bC1viiN1GmhyphenhyphenD4/s320/DSC01906.JPG" border="0" /></a>Wait Cali, come back!<br /></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7W17cz4IM3SNxNQ5OquSnUpT6pkr29CHPPMG1mfTJRTFSP0gVC649goXc0xWVPWciuV_GXn6EHj69tIEx0RxP8oSQQe-41CYKNNymNO72I8_15dsT4AXle4b9uO30_eQpII6hhlMPj68/s1600-h/DSC01909.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184261942410386018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7W17cz4IM3SNxNQ5OquSnUpT6pkr29CHPPMG1mfTJRTFSP0gVC649goXc0xWVPWciuV_GXn6EHj69tIEx0RxP8oSQQe-41CYKNNymNO72I8_15dsT4AXle4b9uO30_eQpII6hhlMPj68/s320/DSC01909.JPG" border="0" /></a>I love bath time now! I just don't understand why Dad always tells me to sit down.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLqOWjsFSjQ0tX4RtMVWp6DHM7Z414E70Gw5zXfRu7f9lKdklQodnD4xnrjPy43BFWmDIkW-P5Ewgli4qsJdAeoPLZRHpETy16nj6Zf2DiOaRplF9jEPVI-VuusLLKuUlhle4VH_Zxr8/s1600-h/DSC01917.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184261658942544466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLqOWjsFSjQ0tX4RtMVWp6DHM7Z414E70Gw5zXfRu7f9lKdklQodnD4xnrjPy43BFWmDIkW-P5Ewgli4qsJdAeoPLZRHpETy16nj6Zf2DiOaRplF9jEPVI-VuusLLKuUlhle4VH_Zxr8/s320/DSC01917.JPG" border="0" /></a>It's official, I am a water baby now! </p><p align="left">I am really enjoying Florida. Mommy and me still take our daily walks and now I sit in my little <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">inter tube</span> in the pool with Daddy. I am still working on Cali's affections, but I can tell she is warming up to me. She doesn't hiss or anything at me. When she heard me cry the first few times, her eyes were as big as saucers, now she doesn't seem to mind and she just tries to sniff me. I will learn to pet her 'gently' and we will be best buds in the future.</p><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Love, Max<br /></div>Tim and Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11504036304547559428noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101634823377074715.post-66650077039263569892008-03-23T14:18:00.001-07:002008-03-24T08:47:54.305-07:00Happy Easter! Somebunny loves you!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1OP0xI4uGbcq4L0qdYe_vFzTlAXTFsRB9eTnfQoYrokGYgvUsEk7SmQia4mg-kei8XS7qAn1M2oTmdhyphenhyphenHWcdBDOcJWSmPnMNU3Ja0F1gFCGTqyImt03ofwAij2dHn3oPAEd0r5Ar_KOA/s1600-h/DSC01874.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181051372752247330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1OP0xI4uGbcq4L0qdYe_vFzTlAXTFsRB9eTnfQoYrokGYgvUsEk7SmQia4mg-kei8XS7qAn1M2oTmdhyphenhyphenHWcdBDOcJWSmPnMNU3Ja0F1gFCGTqyImt03ofwAij2dHn3oPAEd0r5Ar_KOA/s320/DSC01874.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiofUsPWm0dxNvKlTC5Q5qvUDZIIBg8bppELHI6fpKuimZDdijlH2SRevH-9UzanOOhwOO1FVV0wWKBqcAuojChrzKnBvAO4uISGKquf351thgDO3lxv-nt9vK7Z20jqgdoXyw_fuFYcso/s1600-h/DSC01875.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181051072104536594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiofUsPWm0dxNvKlTC5Q5qvUDZIIBg8bppELHI6fpKuimZDdijlH2SRevH-9UzanOOhwOO1FVV0wWKBqcAuojChrzKnBvAO4uISGKquf351thgDO3lxv-nt9vK7Z20jqgdoXyw_fuFYcso/s320/DSC01875.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQO_ecGvCD4XOJhykWZGSl_zcv3QcfN-zFhciG8RAh6H6qZbqRHySSjKQ951XX0KB3-MU14l-Wx-V5vY0XvQF1aPogPOuPgjCxl83g-46BxRzsCBDdgJk_jn2EihcW7DgL0SQv6ryrX1k/s1600-h/DSC01862.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181050741392054786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQO_ecGvCD4XOJhykWZGSl_zcv3QcfN-zFhciG8RAh6H6qZbqRHySSjKQ951XX0KB3-MU14l-Wx-V5vY0XvQF1aPogPOuPgjCxl83g-46BxRzsCBDdgJk_jn2EihcW7DgL0SQv6ryrX1k/s320/DSC01862.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7I2e5c1IeYaH8_RXD_KE4Vc3a4iyRU4-QSJUKiJ5v1L4uFpWVn0Rukak1Q_GfYix1pchh8jIT91aZ1wfsmYNcUNL2ViE1xnXj7NL3HQ-PgrbhnduFtGgBhBM5WKXAFNgd5GV7siqXrEE/s1600-h/DSC01863.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181050341960096242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7I2e5c1IeYaH8_RXD_KE4Vc3a4iyRU4-QSJUKiJ5v1L4uFpWVn0Rukak1Q_GfYix1pchh8jIT91aZ1wfsmYNcUNL2ViE1xnXj7NL3HQ-PgrbhnduFtGgBhBM5WKXAFNgd5GV7siqXrEE/s320/DSC01863.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSRrRy6coXFGaF_7wLf6a6zk6jHQ0sd9WfFrmTCucsgvg50UomnHkcBQSu1qkGtBdyAZliaKRV90k_n985XIAtC_pXmJYXRJBPty7bQPR9HegnJFRKcH1Y26fyzHJE2NwKufIloxFNII/s1600-h/DSC01872.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181049964002974178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSRrRy6coXFGaF_7wLf6a6zk6jHQ0sd9WfFrmTCucsgvg50UomnHkcBQSu1qkGtBdyAZliaKRV90k_n985XIAtC_pXmJYXRJBPty7bQPR9HegnJFRKcH1Y26fyzHJE2NwKufIloxFNII/s320/DSC01872.JPG" border="0" /></a>So Max had his first visit to the beach on Saturday. His nice new bucket and shovel lay unused on the blanket as he was more interested at looking at seagulls and trying to eat the sand! It was a rainy day and we only stayed a bit. Tim took Max down by the waves but Max wasn't sure what to think yet. That's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ok</span>, we will have many visits in the future.</div><div></div><div>Sunday Mom & Dad helped Max find some Easter eggs after church at his Aunt and Uncle's house. Of course Mom & Dad got to eat all the yummy candy treats. Next year Max will get to do all the searching himself!</div><div></div><div></div><div><div></div></div></div></div></div>Tim and Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11504036304547559428noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101634823377074715.post-8781791220793499672008-03-17T09:06:00.000-07:002008-03-17T11:35:58.252-07:00Happy St. Patty's Day!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlOnVuwwcqxAGoS_GMV4hI-KPEqLTePlcfTrliBtNAvIff17T3_Awqm_CC1cDiafiPqsyr7viExZNRZ7ipGBqbmdGxcf-Yig6G7TZ9ltzM8n9fXbbXX21CjluuydWRjvnjVzT17eierx4/s1600-h/DSC01843.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178745893607747874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlOnVuwwcqxAGoS_GMV4hI-KPEqLTePlcfTrliBtNAvIff17T3_Awqm_CC1cDiafiPqsyr7viExZNRZ7ipGBqbmdGxcf-Yig6G7TZ9ltzM8n9fXbbXX21CjluuydWRjvnjVzT17eierx4/s320/DSC01843.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjps7pw5RXQSyh54Q7DqVh91q6hXuq44euB2cZrC3xLq7bZjGshOS_3gpxfduzklUelXXRLcAIXWXjrLzXotpn1OT_pTtKjsu-UJHMbSsPzhztbmiTm6iCe0eO-1oDcEtiL5BslC2sJGW4/s1600-h/DSC01842.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178745562895266066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjps7pw5RXQSyh54Q7DqVh91q6hXuq44euB2cZrC3xLq7bZjGshOS_3gpxfduzklUelXXRLcAIXWXjrLzXotpn1OT_pTtKjsu-UJHMbSsPzhztbmiTm6iCe0eO-1oDcEtiL5BslC2sJGW4/s320/DSC01842.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTGV5D1o28TJ73wnaHesz_Vs0FGxCqMmkUqxrg2rWY-56uM8uPWxNQHzueYm-HeAb3b_qeFRuFOX3HQIxr7KN6ZQDyhal8fBYzaMzNVuejDqqLXhOjkw54tNZG-qcmtJ9rJACon3SdO0/s1600-h/DSC01840.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178744867110564098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTGV5D1o28TJ73wnaHesz_Vs0FGxCqMmkUqxrg2rWY-56uM8uPWxNQHzueYm-HeAb3b_qeFRuFOX3HQIxr7KN6ZQDyhal8fBYzaMzNVuejDqqLXhOjkw54tNZG-qcmtJ9rJACon3SdO0/s320/DSC01840.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLR9XHyioj8aTvIcSN5FBZF9KEWFczlm9uYZ9uq1bgH9gu1UtmlViRdjuyLDpz_g5ABlPSOxVg1r00Ee5LBmSRMJ9d69eJcPNcZNrCZb6F_WWRaOwjTIKEIENy9a00IcT8yjFCPCc_eZo/s1600-h/DSC01837.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178744502038343922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLR9XHyioj8aTvIcSN5FBZF9KEWFczlm9uYZ9uq1bgH9gu1UtmlViRdjuyLDpz_g5ABlPSOxVg1r00Ee5LBmSRMJ9d69eJcPNcZNrCZb6F_WWRaOwjTIKEIENy9a00IcT8yjFCPCc_eZo/s320/DSC01837.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRYyhOhxz2rHEvC0zmBEXBfyRiI_igq66bhdeAZdSrJoegFBvGOvsZyWvZsjW16ZEEX9A54R9MVcInla2e0_AJ04fN8DcRHLWoSO2WqjBKVBk_Kw4TV9niR5bTNuqTQE1ov3BUNbGZiMs/s1600-h/DSC01834.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178744214275535074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRYyhOhxz2rHEvC0zmBEXBfyRiI_igq66bhdeAZdSrJoegFBvGOvsZyWvZsjW16ZEEX9A54R9MVcInla2e0_AJ04fN8DcRHLWoSO2WqjBKVBk_Kw4TV9niR5bTNuqTQE1ov3BUNbGZiMs/s320/DSC01834.JPG" border="0" /></a>Happy St. Patty's day! Here is an update since we have been back: </div><div>It's been over a week and things are going well. Max is starting to sleep 7:30pm to 7:00am like his old schedule that week in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Kaz</span>, so Mom & Dad are thrilled! Dad works during the week so Mom <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">gets</span> l<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ot's</span> of play time with Max during the day. Daddy gets dinner time, bath time and putting Max to bed at night. Special Dad & Son time. Max and I go on daily walks with his new jogging stroller. At first I was against this stroller, but now I love it! It is so smooth and even works well on a dirt road near the house. It's nice for Max and Mommy to get some fresh air each day. (I do keep a watchful eye on the bushes and storm drains for a lurking gator though).</div><div></div><div>Max had two welcome home parties from his Aunt and Uncle and Grandpa & Grandma. Thanks you guys! Max got more neat toys, clothes and diapers. Bath time has been going better. (that photo of him was one of the rougher <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">nights but he looks so adorable with his big eyes</span>) We are now using an inflatable type tub so he doesn't slip around so much and the bath tub doesn't seem so big and scary to him. </div><div>Max seems to be adjusting just fine overall and it's cute seeing him with other people. He still goes to anyone and you can usually get a smile out of him pretty easily. Grandpa & <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Grandma</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Esparza</span> are making a special trip to Florida on Father's day weekend in June to see our <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">sweet pea</span>, I can't <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">wait</span> for them to meet him. </div><div>I can't <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">believe</span> he will be 1-years old next month. Still no teeth but he is close to walking. He is also learning to feed himself <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">cheerios</span> and hold his own bottle. Eating is of course his favorite time of day! That one photo above is him eating <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">mash potatoes</span>, his favorite, just like his <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Mom.</span><br />Next weekend we will probaby take Max to his first visit of the beach!<br /></div><div></div></div></div></div>Tim and Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11504036304547559428noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101634823377074715.post-79980071427276749482008-03-08T23:27:00.000-08:002008-03-11T07:03:03.445-07:00The LONG ride home...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKGDF2AwZTxuA_wcdl6BqAoF4aG6LfX-OlTdF7DoCUpDmW4EZV9pWGKctH8_bXUT6uWW73E1auPwIEmINvT5X21HPP1VG404XrosQLff-TU0XvPliEbik5mkAZD3srZmwmzepUtPjJ_Eo/s1600-h/DSC01758_itA_049+(2).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176118705062457554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKGDF2AwZTxuA_wcdl6BqAoF4aG6LfX-OlTdF7DoCUpDmW4EZV9pWGKctH8_bXUT6uWW73E1auPwIEmINvT5X21HPP1VG404XrosQLff-TU0XvPliEbik5mkAZD3srZmwmzepUtPjJ_Eo/s320/DSC01758_itA_049+(2).jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZOW7mv1wuWXWZh4JWy4QWiS4GTy6pxlfcvGHoZK49SWMvbcwEW0g3lqc9u3kYgVuHGLUfBohaW3UHIViFXQmWWZh8tnGwb7IB19r78rbKs7tsb-zBK24Y3U0uDCdNRCSVg-W48hyK1W0/s1600-h/DSC01823_itA_004+(2).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176118009277755570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZOW7mv1wuWXWZh4JWy4QWiS4GTy6pxlfcvGHoZK49SWMvbcwEW0g3lqc9u3kYgVuHGLUfBohaW3UHIViFXQmWWZh8tnGwb7IB19r78rbKs7tsb-zBK24Y3U0uDCdNRCSVg-W48hyK1W0/s320/DSC01823_itA_004+(2).jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhUfcEGgG4i_Z5avuLxXKMh1tUgxtdWBVQvRa_JMty4puSmy0bfiHYUzmd5EReeivPzGmJEVRsGp3MaKwdT2kO-w8AMjE4zdljS0YZskir_vIEX7AvC66jphOd4UArXoSwRBfht10GtgU/s1600-h/DSC01821_itA_006+(2).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176117742989783202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhUfcEGgG4i_Z5avuLxXKMh1tUgxtdWBVQvRa_JMty4puSmy0bfiHYUzmd5EReeivPzGmJEVRsGp3MaKwdT2kO-w8AMjE4zdljS0YZskir_vIEX7AvC66jphOd4UArXoSwRBfht10GtgU/s320/DSC01821_itA_006+(2).jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjttcn6XPTNffo__ROtqCn-_RkWWuBJNXD1AjdGUwGSoHS8oStUD5DqcSBGwpJWh6LAVWSa8vkXlxtHkkKL3eyjKvRRnWR-aPinC-jesKZNGpk5ZK9vo7lGuoM2me8TB2L6rSKEnR4Udxw/s1600-h/DSC01820_itA_007+(2).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176117485291745426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjttcn6XPTNffo__ROtqCn-_RkWWuBJNXD1AjdGUwGSoHS8oStUD5DqcSBGwpJWh6LAVWSa8vkXlxtHkkKL3eyjKvRRnWR-aPinC-jesKZNGpk5ZK9vo7lGuoM2me8TB2L6rSKEnR4Udxw/s320/DSC01820_itA_007+(2).jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7qCZz3wMxjtcVbnocO-lDl3lp9xSxaHljWJXemmq7JKId4cp2E3Elp934gRkoJ9SQOxVlasi1_i-RdHkmYvTxZPFYIff8tVTjSejxyjjJ68kXGf15A2uaj_tiJ8H3u30SX-ZFIlmSejU/s1600-h/DSC01815_itA_011+(2).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176117176054100098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7qCZz3wMxjtcVbnocO-lDl3lp9xSxaHljWJXemmq7JKId4cp2E3Elp934gRkoJ9SQOxVlasi1_i-RdHkmYvTxZPFYIff8tVTjSejxyjjJ68kXGf15A2uaj_tiJ8H3u30SX-ZFIlmSejU/s320/DSC01815_itA_011+(2).jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><div>We arrived at the airport in good <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">spirits</span>, so far so good. We were happy to see Patty, the other single mom who was adopting <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Taylor</span>. She was in Astana the same time we were, but she decided to stay the full 8 weeks. We had a feeling we would run into her at some point. We also met another single Mom and a nice couple from France, all adopting girls. Our flight was delayed an hour and we were waiting around pushing Max in the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">stroller</span>. Over there, you can't check in until 2 hours before your flight, so we were hanging out in the middle of the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">entrance</span> area to the airport. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Next</span> thing we know we see two <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Lufthansa</span> agents running out the door. Turns out they <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">canceled</span> our flight all together and we wouldn't know anything until 12pm, 10 hours later! (no wonder those agents were running, they didn't want to deal with some angry people) All our translators had left <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">and</span> we were stranded! We all started to panic. There was no one to talk with at the airport but this nice French man who <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">spoke</span> Russian, was on our flight and had overheard that we needed to drag ourselves over to some hotel to talk to a rep. One of us went and the rest stayed waiting for info. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Shortly</span> after, cabs began <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">taking</span> us to another hotel where <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Lufthansa</span> would pay for <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">and</span> we would hang out to wait for news. The scary thing about being in another country is there is no one to talk with from the airlines until hours later, no one at the airport and our travel agents are asleep as it's midnight US time. All of us were very tired and feeling very stressed. At about 5:00am we were all checked in and we shuffled to our rooms and decided to meet up later that morning to figure out what to do. Max slept about an hour and we were all up again with red eyes. The nice thing was that the airlines took care of breakfast, lunch and dinner so we would all meet up to discuss what was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">happening and have a nice meal</span>. We all decided to stick together as there is s<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">trength</span> in numbers. Tim would also help the single Mom's with their luggage. This made me proud of him as I hope someone would help me out if I was traveling with a baby alone.<br />By noon we find out there was to be another flight opening up at 1:40am for all those stranded earlier that morning. We put the babies to sleep a few hours before getting up again to do the same thing all over again. (the good news is the hotel was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">beautiful</span> and we had some nice meals such as <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">breakfast</span> potatoes for breakfast, pizza for lunch, and tomato soup and chicken cordon blue for dinner. They gave us a crib in our room as well. It could have been worse, we could have spent the day at the airport!) We all ended getting onto the flight with no problems. By now Max was wearing thin. Poor kid is tired and his cough sounds worse after two days of being awakened in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">the</span> night. It is tough traveling with a baby! The airlines gave us a row of 4 because we couldn't get bulkhead seats and Max was stretched out between us and slept the entire flight! We were very <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">proud</span> of him. It is so neat watching him sleep. He is so precious. I can't help but think about our long journey to get here. It was exactly 1 year ago when we turned in our adoption paperwork. I spent the flight reflecting and just being really grateful and happy and excited for the future!!!<br /><br />Once in Frankfurt we got our <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">connection</span> to Miami and only had a 4 hour layover. We said our goodbyes to everyone else and got ready to board. (Another thing about different countries is that they shove and push and don't care if you have a child. In the US they let people with special needs and children board first, not the case over here and we were getting pretty frustrated and tired at this point and so was Max). Our flight was packed and very noisy. We got a bulkhead with a bassinet that attaches in front of you. It was so bright and loud that Max slept maybe an hour total. The flight attendants I must say are very good with babies. They got us hot water for his bottles and help out any way they can. This 10 hour flight was by far one of the hardest things we have ever done! We were so tired and Max was twisting and turning and wanted to stretch his legs so we went for many walks to the back of the plane so Max could do that. We finally landed in Miami a little shell shocked, but still intact. One day of travel had <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">stretched</span> into two, but we were glad to be home. We had heard rumors of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">people</span> who adopt get whisked away to the front of the passport line, but this was not the case with us. Max was done with sitting in his stroller for so long for the past two days that we held him and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">waited</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">waited</span>. Once we got through we <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">discovered</span> that somewhere along the line the walker we bought in Almaty never made it. That's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">ok</span> though, he has <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">plenty</span> of toys in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Florida</span>. Tim's Mom and Dad met us with a banner and balloons. I can't tell you how good it was to see familiar faces, even <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">though </span>we were only gone a week. Max fell asleep on the way back to West Palm Beach in his brand new car seat. Grandma and I just watching him in the back seat and marveling at how cute he is! Max just loves his Grandparents, already smiling and laughing with them. (I can't wait for him to meet his other Grandparents and rest of the family)<br /><br />It is so nice to feed him in his highchair instead of his stroller and to put him down in a crib! It felt like Christmas time getting to use all his new stuff. It is 1:00am in the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">morning</span> and Max just woke up and it took me awhile to get him back to sleep. I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">suspect</span> his little body it still on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Kaz</span> time. This has been the first chance to update the blog so I took it! </div><div><br />Is it so good to finally be home with our son!!!!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Tim and Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11504036304547559428noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101634823377074715.post-76951934015456937192008-03-08T23:12:00.001-08:002008-03-10T07:27:05.140-07:00SOS clinic<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpxDBO_8cjywwMN6JI8r48JjNTOqNYS4RXmrQET1HoaFPJMUPYFm4eJ2IjIQWh_kwEV01p8bPFsqovdmqpi-h75Kvon-A1bJf9jgGS7QHvNJRfhcTprxcurWgSV9nT3njFDK757OLN1ps/s1600-h/DSC01808_itA_016+(2).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176113250453991394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpxDBO_8cjywwMN6JI8r48JjNTOqNYS4RXmrQET1HoaFPJMUPYFm4eJ2IjIQWh_kwEV01p8bPFsqovdmqpi-h75Kvon-A1bJf9jgGS7QHvNJRfhcTprxcurWgSV9nT3njFDK757OLN1ps/s320/DSC01808_itA_016+(2).jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTESZAUerTRQVCpL8U_Dzl0AdkVOvxxJjcT21sc8vSIB353S-gyHD0G2coly1Un8gI0xtOHScm4IDFvu5QIsliDP_HbYpV7ESK-EiSQFBQpwO_KR8Dt_x9-cFLTEZywkpQtonk0TF_anU/s1600-h/DSC01809_itA_012+(2).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176112851022032850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTESZAUerTRQVCpL8U_Dzl0AdkVOvxxJjcT21sc8vSIB353S-gyHD0G2coly1Un8gI0xtOHScm4IDFvu5QIsliDP_HbYpV7ESK-EiSQFBQpwO_KR8Dt_x9-cFLTEZywkpQtonk0TF_anU/s320/DSC01809_itA_012+(2).jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0SnHIejtvWTD0M7NIp8gGgHwJxBkb-ewxol_uW3Emz5u7n10J9rv2szTbA4QwL2RxUer2YT7CNWiqwq8BJ4zAUL5UDaKkW0lreIH1JKVZiAw0g44WkD02ccoCB63mYG308ICwbHJrar8/s1600-h/DSC01810_itA_001+(2).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176112550374322114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0SnHIejtvWTD0M7NIp8gGgHwJxBkb-ewxol_uW3Emz5u7n10J9rv2szTbA4QwL2RxUer2YT7CNWiqwq8BJ4zAUL5UDaKkW0lreIH1JKVZiAw0g44WkD02ccoCB63mYG308ICwbHJrar8/s320/DSC01810_itA_001+(2).jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG6k4uu5Vb7kB99ZMqdDYg3Wk8lkh2doi27N5ZqD6PqJqXeJdRTj72SJLcqrgeUMOnUD4XKPt6mr0-doOGvTCUbS2koqNcDq7aYLjSTJxS8r03dXZKyTubRNkbw0n_iN508Ng4TErY9bs/s1600-h/255837-R1-19-19A_020.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176110355646033810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG6k4uu5Vb7kB99ZMqdDYg3Wk8lkh2doi27N5ZqD6PqJqXeJdRTj72SJLcqrgeUMOnUD4XKPt6mr0-doOGvTCUbS2koqNcDq7aYLjSTJxS8r03dXZKyTubRNkbw0n_iN508Ng4TErY9bs/s320/255837-R1-19-19A_020.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW50WXexIXPYoyhzHHE5e0CHvjBGwO6YnzHnQE02QdyA4h_LTvSnYxZlNXT6VxqQETnJhs-fFpAWF79BSqN_QRw4fvPWr45UtBrHEATwei95xWZAQfHJ04dVFbK55i95Gr0UsbiKDlGJI/s1600-h/255837-R1-09-9A.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176109049975975794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW50WXexIXPYoyhzHHE5e0CHvjBGwO6YnzHnQE02QdyA4h_LTvSnYxZlNXT6VxqQETnJhs-fFpAWF79BSqN_QRw4fvPWr45UtBrHEATwei95xWZAQfHJ04dVFbK55i95Gr0UsbiKDlGJI/s320/255837-R1-09-9A.jpg" border="0" /></a>On Monday we bundled up Max in a blue snow suit, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">courtesy</span> of another couple, parents of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Berik</span></span>. (thanks Jamie & Gena!) The weather is a big difference from Astana. Instead of ice everywhere, its about 50 degrees, very nice indeed but we still are using the snow suit for our little one, who is getting over a cold. There is a little park near our apartment so we can take Max for a walk each day or walk inside the Mall with the Ram store. So, with Max all covered up we head to the SOS clinic where he gets a poke in his finger so they can take blood. Max didn't cry once, our little brave boy. (it also helped the Tim was making more funny faces at Max to distract him)<br />After that, Max went upstairs to meet with a really nice Russian doctor. She would sing little Russian songs to him and he would just smile and smile. Everything went <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">OK</span> so it was back to the apartment. Tim searched some stores and found a walker to put Max in. A nice orange and green interesting looking walker that Max loves! We found this at the 'Green Market' for only $20.00. This is also a great place for families to buy <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">souvenirs</span>, as we wasted a lot of time in Astana trying to find the best deals. Max raced around the apartment in his new walker. We didn't bring any shoes for him and his socks would be black by the end of the day!<br /><br />The next couple of days we waited for our Embassy appointment that took place on Wednesday. We walked across the street and went through all kinds of security and inspections. Once upstairs we waited for our name to be called and really it was one or two quick questions and we were on our way. We decided to treat ourselves to a scoop of B<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">askin</span></span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">robbins</span></span> at the mall and then off for a nice walk. On Thursday we woke up to rain, it was such a nice <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">surprise</span> as we hardly get any rain in Colorado. The only thing is the power went out about 7:30am until 4:00pm which meant cold food for Max. He didn't seem to mind and play time went without a hitch, despite the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">rain</span>. We could have left on Thursday instead of Friday, but for some reason that day was sold out for flights and just about impossible to switch. We spent the day packing up everything as it takes longer now that our family is bigger with the 3 of us! Then it was bed time and up at 1:00am for our ride to the airport. All in all, the week flew by really quickly as we were busy getting <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">schedules</span> down for Max and learning about each other and being new parents.<br />Our take on Almaty is that the buildings are not as nice as Astana, but it is much warmer weather <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">and</span> the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">people</span> seem to be more friendly. It is more <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Americanized</span> and the stores have more of a selection of items. (well, maybe not the baby food!) I did ask our translator how long the process is to adopt once you are in Almaty, versus Astana and she said it takes a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">month</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">just</span> to get a court date so your looking at about 12 weeks versus 8 weeks! Whew, so glad we are almost home.</div></div></div></div>Tim and Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11504036304547559428noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101634823377074715.post-91657850526880727662008-03-08T22:58:00.001-08:002008-03-10T07:26:22.273-07:00Almaty<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE46V8YsqFxKvolS2hg-VwTmbWn_OG3Xx5jwR_Iad_1UqX6Srng83u-PZFss-1QgzPFujkQzrRY_XGV2p1yrWyEYh7U8OrqLSvgvx5bcjNzIdHEc5iZhb_mmvSFqZzrm28xcWpyBJMsks/s1600-h/255837-R1-08-8A.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176108375666110306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE46V8YsqFxKvolS2hg-VwTmbWn_OG3Xx5jwR_Iad_1UqX6Srng83u-PZFss-1QgzPFujkQzrRY_XGV2p1yrWyEYh7U8OrqLSvgvx5bcjNzIdHEc5iZhb_mmvSFqZzrm28xcWpyBJMsks/s320/255837-R1-08-8A.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRH0cZBJdajZQsm_CNeMyoufgjTFdOjv6iDYI21OmeBsE30FnArUfMYDupXW8WCNJxsO_RhaXzClJgv8uxyMQx2SZUpXyPiJrmYtR1x_RetB0PVLA2FTj71ENWwWBvHVQ2RveTN5JG5JI/s1600-h/255837-R1-05-5A.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176108014888857426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRH0cZBJdajZQsm_CNeMyoufgjTFdOjv6iDYI21OmeBsE30FnArUfMYDupXW8WCNJxsO_RhaXzClJgv8uxyMQx2SZUpXyPiJrmYtR1x_RetB0PVLA2FTj71ENWwWBvHVQ2RveTN5JG5JI/s320/255837-R1-05-5A.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz35Xpivn40EgduPk367tzm1KnmB6VDJhdeVeitCtqDhFsvtWFIs40RrLMlfXFXuJ11kdGPvP4hWwkmPl5pxNG8Gyithpij7524qglkMzME2CbBaEl2yhR5MM9iB7quhVoh2kLNyaBva0/s1600-h/255837-R1-04-4A_005+(2).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176107628341800770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz35Xpivn40EgduPk367tzm1KnmB6VDJhdeVeitCtqDhFsvtWFIs40RrLMlfXFXuJ11kdGPvP4hWwkmPl5pxNG8Gyithpij7524qglkMzME2CbBaEl2yhR5MM9iB7quhVoh2kLNyaBva0/s320/255837-R1-04-4A_005+(2).jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPUWd0KeRto7Wsgg-iiwSSIZy-qv8Ne6wLJn0evXxNo5piw08ZAD77B617lb1IA3rS0w4tp2T5OjeswD1EiS7KTY6BNdhnHKAakcvCrSOVSevmXcMeIsErdCUPB4y92PqbhCLFblgIzmA/s1600-h/255837-R1-03-3A_004.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176106236772396818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPUWd0KeRto7Wsgg-iiwSSIZy-qv8Ne6wLJn0evXxNo5piw08ZAD77B617lb1IA3rS0w4tp2T5OjeswD1EiS7KTY6BNdhnHKAakcvCrSOVSevmXcMeIsErdCUPB4y92PqbhCLFblgIzmA/s320/255837-R1-03-3A_004.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhshQzS7_aXo_iiqpguE1YNK8GHtFvOPJu3eWVF7eNatpmWt1itOxHYlemNycztwurF6QpCFfJWjLGMc6j1Y0098RHFwwh2QOwlbIfUTd70bfUPTGmb1R2WbCZF690Frzh6af0ohEQlJCI/s1600-h/255837-R1-00-0A_001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176105747146125058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhshQzS7_aXo_iiqpguE1YNK8GHtFvOPJu3eWVF7eNatpmWt1itOxHYlemNycztwurF6QpCFfJWjLGMc6j1Y0098RHFwwh2QOwlbIfUTd70bfUPTGmb1R2WbCZF690Frzh6af0ohEQlJCI/s320/255837-R1-00-0A_001.jpg" border="0" /></a> The next few days were quite a blur. Our translator found us an apartment the very next day one block up the street across from the US Embassy and a Ram store! In a whirlwind we packed up and moved to our new home away from home. This apartment, although smaller and not as fancy, was much better then the one in Astana. We had a real shower, 4 <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">English</span> channels, a soft bed, kitchen, big living room for Max to play in and we are close to a major grocery store. We were set! Saturday and Sunday we spent in the apartment with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">lot's</span> of play time with Max. He is clapping now and standing for brief moments by himself. He is just so adorable, growing each day. The doors have glass windows and Max would love to stand up to the door and Tim would hide around the corner, doing funny faces making Max laugh! He is very active and pulls himself up on anything, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">cruising</span> around the room. He is a very good eater and eats everything we put in front of him. Some of the baby foods have such strange concoctions, like veal and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">pumpkin</span> or <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">cauliflower</span> and rice. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Yumm</span>.....! Bath time still isn't happening, Max just cries each time his feet hit the water so we wash him really quickly and then it's bottle time and bed. He sleeps through the night really well. He doesn't have a crib so Tim barricaded some furniture in a corner and we put blankets and pillows for a makeshift bed. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Nap times</span> are usually tough and doesn't last long as he is used to a crib. It is such a joy to be able to take care of him <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">full time</span>. When it's bedtime for Max, it's bed time for his parents as we are new at this and also are <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">facing</span> jet lag still!</div></div></div></div>Tim and Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11504036304547559428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101634823377074715.post-47288627432408485242008-03-08T22:31:00.000-08:002008-03-10T07:25:54.400-07:00"Gotcha Day"<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWEhi1gsgrPx2bv_2amK2UKYBzU1s-LnRoP-2WQa8cWN1TLVsLWWoANokrI2OjJUqqS4RHOcJYvtUPnJLOsnPReHDaEDhbe8S0LO01_WHTNo0boYNVuQitP2L-PcUbQdeYAVvZJJ-9FlM/s1600-h/DSC01789_itA_029+(2).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176115647045742674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWEhi1gsgrPx2bv_2amK2UKYBzU1s-LnRoP-2WQa8cWN1TLVsLWWoANokrI2OjJUqqS4RHOcJYvtUPnJLOsnPReHDaEDhbe8S0LO01_WHTNo0boYNVuQitP2L-PcUbQdeYAVvZJJ-9FlM/s320/DSC01789_itA_029+(2).jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEircjOR8jsdzHTxsl-mv5xy0Vk3TauaNv9BtkjMQ-litaAarK77jxUv9nI0DvFySpXgIPnadytAzOVPLRhe7BA13dJYA21JqYSxHS8R_-VyXFB5X7SEuWWs5FlTVTHFRaaGrXC3NXj1d30/s1600-h/DSC01762_itA_046+(2).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176114938376138802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEircjOR8jsdzHTxsl-mv5xy0Vk3TauaNv9BtkjMQ-litaAarK77jxUv9nI0DvFySpXgIPnadytAzOVPLRhe7BA13dJYA21JqYSxHS8R_-VyXFB5X7SEuWWs5FlTVTHFRaaGrXC3NXj1d30/s320/DSC01762_itA_046+(2).jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7VPaGGBfTZFzKdnMSg9jhmivXq589YwZ1c0yV3k8mcc_kUM0UpALzIuKbpK8vjSwLlz_iwYTX0t_nePW0ng7ExYE93CWGTRwu8ovyufn64XSqP7Yny-QYKSvymK2FCL-fW4dLo13vHE4/s1600-h/DSC01783_itA_034+(2).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176114672088166434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7VPaGGBfTZFzKdnMSg9jhmivXq589YwZ1c0yV3k8mcc_kUM0UpALzIuKbpK8vjSwLlz_iwYTX0t_nePW0ng7ExYE93CWGTRwu8ovyufn64XSqP7Yny-QYKSvymK2FCL-fW4dLo13vHE4/s320/DSC01783_itA_034+(2).jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDMKZNyeZgsnpCS43lFThc1ldP8uRal-blHooSo76VuHx3NCRKGW1MMKI7fESZmcVBZcdKu6ZJ6Barrha0SGHO86r-WdOaCYeRIC25zWeDeNYKfNqJyQ-FEC3np_JJRflVFFZoAJnFbw/s1600-h/DSC01777_itA_038+(2).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176114354260586514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDMKZNyeZgsnpCS43lFThc1ldP8uRal-blHooSo76VuHx3NCRKGW1MMKI7fESZmcVBZcdKu6ZJ6Barrha0SGHO86r-WdOaCYeRIC25zWeDeNYKfNqJyQ-FEC3np_JJRflVFFZoAJnFbw/s320/DSC01777_itA_038+(2).jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPc9rq4jC1KxgDD-6QCYXh1mg32EMNfF4A_QKZAo9cTDz90Z4V3aoujXUgxTG_mlqfmYsafovLwn0wf0ZOslzH5tIJAGtW4vE7e0Thkg0YBRTF8Ybv_PXRPT5JjhSWm4TYdK0cmiOyZiw/s1600-h/DSC01766_itA_042+(2).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176114057907843074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPc9rq4jC1KxgDD-6QCYXh1mg32EMNfF4A_QKZAo9cTDz90Z4V3aoujXUgxTG_mlqfmYsafovLwn0wf0ZOslzH5tIJAGtW4vE7e0Thkg0YBRTF8Ybv_PXRPT5JjhSWm4TYdK0cmiOyZiw/s320/DSC01766_itA_042+(2).jpg" border="0" /></a> We arrived at about 11:30pm in Astana and our <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">translator</span> and coordinator took us to a hotel. The first thing they said was that we looked so confident this time! They picked us up around 9:00am to go to the baby house to pick up Max. At this point we were very excited and were dying to see him but first we handed out all the gifts to the caretakers and also Dr. Alma, the baby house director. We finally get to Max's room and he was eating but he looked over at us with a huge smile! We said our goodbyes and got some photos with his caretakers, the doctors and Dr. Alma. His main caretaker had tears in her eyes when we left, this only confirms how much they love Max and also how great they have taken care of our son up until this point.<br />Next stop was to the Ram store for baby food and formula for Max. After that we went to eat at a Russian <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">restaurant</span> and Max got some mash potatoes. He was doing so good! Then we went to the airport and flew to Almaty to finish out our last week. Max handled the plane ride like a pro! He fell asleep in my arms and also on the car ride to the hotel. That is the first time he has done that and it is such a nice feeling.<br />Our new translator took us to a hotel with a crib and Max went to bed shortly after. We tried a bath but he screamed and screamed. Seems they are not used to tub baths. We told our translator we wanted an apartment with a microwave and more space. (the cost of hotels went up on Feb. 1st and it is quite pricey, and the rooms are very small for a child) After a long day, we turned in. Max woke up once at 4:00am but quickly went back to sleep. Our first day as a family!</div></div></div></div>Tim and Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11504036304547559428noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101634823377074715.post-86445808987383143132008-02-26T12:00:00.000-08:002008-02-26T12:14:40.012-08:00Return to KazWe are finally heading back to Astana on Wednesday at 2pm!! It has been so hard being away from our little lovebug. Most of you know by now, but Tim and I moved to Florida this weekend. We are now living near Tim's family. Max will get to grow up with his Grandpa and Grandma and Aunt's and Uncles and cousins. It was a good <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">decision</span> all around. Maybe even Max will one day like to scuba dive like Tim and his Dad and brothers. We are so excited to go back. We <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">arrive on</span> Thursday around midnight and pick up Max at the baby home on Friday morning. There will be a big 'goodbye' party for Max so his caretakers and doctors can see him one last time. Then we fly to Almaty where we wait for our US Embassy appointment on Monday morning. We have to hang around a couple more days waiting for a SOS clinic and then we head home. We hope to update the blog while we are there, but we know this might not be possible. The great thing is we have Max <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">full time</span> forever on Friday! We can't wait to do simple things like feeding him, bath time, play time even watching him sleep. <br />I wanted to mention that we had two nice <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">baby showers</span> in the past couple of months. (one in California and one in Colorado) If you got us some pink clothes, don't worry. If you gave us receipts, we exchanged them for cute boy outfits, if you didn't we are taking them back with us as part of our donation to the baby home along with some bottles and other items. They will go to good use! Please continue to pray for a safe journey for us. We are so thankful for everything that God has done for us!Tim and Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11504036304547559428noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101634823377074715.post-63990499736843836772008-02-06T12:33:00.001-08:002008-02-12T14:19:06.374-08:00Apartment life<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRihsweTBHWOluoNuS74A64HRB3uypbnV2iKXBHh32kLQ2YcZm-ReUoqMU2FEE3CSxQvrcQpbJAB6uaQpZkH7vEVI29FNtcddlFrFoxQSDRJRfGgen8O5YuJUL0DXkWKK6O5mBk2PF1wA/s1600-h/DSC01745.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163968793620662642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRihsweTBHWOluoNuS74A64HRB3uypbnV2iKXBHh32kLQ2YcZm-ReUoqMU2FEE3CSxQvrcQpbJAB6uaQpZkH7vEVI29FNtcddlFrFoxQSDRJRfGgen8O5YuJUL0DXkWKK6O5mBk2PF1wA/s320/DSC01745.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitMCbAEK9vlBaokPbVOPhIgMFg7b3QxEWuWXJRjt_LI7C9CJJCQNBvXMxbCaXNKsshw4I4YXX36Cfk2PbEHR__nu_NOQm9Q0m4Ab-xsv5x_Q8t0CVtNGeaW1lWaOa7gzct8yBpg39EKlY/s1600-h/DSC01746.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163968810800531842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitMCbAEK9vlBaokPbVOPhIgMFg7b3QxEWuWXJRjt_LI7C9CJJCQNBvXMxbCaXNKsshw4I4YXX36Cfk2PbEHR__nu_NOQm9Q0m4Ab-xsv5x_Q8t0CVtNGeaW1lWaOa7gzct8yBpg39EKlY/s320/DSC01746.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Well, I figured we needed an entire entry to talk about our home away from home, after all we spent about 20 hours a day there. Our apartment had two bedrooms and two bathrooms. It was always warm (we have heard some horror stories from other families about cold apartments) but in our case, it was very toasty. Sometimes we even had to crack a window. I should mention that our digital camera konked out on us in week 3 so most of our other photos are on the video camera, so I will have to go back later and add the photos of the bathroom, kitchen and bedroom.</div><div>Our apartment was located on the 7th floor and we needed a code to get through the door. The security was very good in this place and that is the main reason we picked it. The elevator was pretty sketchy. It shook really bad going up and down and every once in awhile I made the mistake of looking down the big gap between the floor and elevator. You could see way down to the bottom and see little bits of paper. My stomach did a flip-flop when this happened. It also wouldn't always be level to the floor when it stopped. A few times it was broken, and we took the stairs, which wasn't so bad, but it was very dusty and lights were always burnt out, so it was dark a little creepy! Our apartment was more modern with hardwood floors and a stainless steel fridge. Now for the quirks:</div><div>1) Our shower or lackoff. We had this huge jacuzzi tub (jets didn't work) The shower didn't have a shower head, just a nozel with a retractable snake like piece. Your options were to take a bath, or sort of squat low. There was no shower curtian so water tended to spray everywhere!</div><div>2) Washer machine. This machine was pretty tiny and the directions were in Russian. We took a chance and pushed some buttons and it ran all night! The next day our translator asked our landlady for directions and then it only ran 2 hours. Next you hang them up to dry on a rack, and since it's so warm in our apartment, they would dry in a few hours but they were so stiff, that our pants could walk on their own! I still don't have a straight answer to why they don't have dryers over here.</div><div>3) Beds. The beds were rickety, wood frames. The sheets were small and didn't fit the thin mattress. The sheets also were differnet colors, all mismatched and very itchy.</div><div>4) Internet. Never happened. I think the landlady just didn't want to have the wires installed. (note to future adoptive families, if you have a choice on your apartment, make sure that they have had interent in the past at your apt. We basicaly dragged our laptop over there for nothing. This will also cut down on the boredom and isolation factor we faced)</div><div></div><div>Other then that, we had a nice, big warm beautiful apartment. We had about 15 channels on our TV in Russian. Except music videos were in English, and yes, they love Britney Spears over here! We watched bobsledding, ice skating, the Halmark channel and Animal Planet. A lot of those programs were in English but the translator talked over them. You could hear about every 4th or 5th word and follow along the plot. Tim watched this one funny Russian movie about some monkey who was on a hockey team, was kicked off and learned how to skateboard. Let's see, what else. I was reading a book a day and going through my stash of books too quickly so I had to break up my time between reading, working on my jigsaw puzzles and watching TV. Tim really got into crossword puzzles that Aaron and Steph left behind. (they also left us some food, and a couple of toys for Max that they just had no room for on their flight back) Thanks you guys! We also took turns writing in a journal for Max each day. </div><div></div><div>I just remembered one more quirk, no matter what time of night or day, you could always hear honking outside. It reminded me of New York. The driving is very crazy and all over the place. When the police pull you over, they get on their bullhorn and announce to the world your infraction. Our driver got pulled over once when he made an illegal turn.</div><div></div><div>For those of you who don't now, Tim and I had to return back to Colorado on Sunday. We had a number of unfortunate 'surprises' that forced us to return. We will head back on Feb. 27th. We already miss our little guy so much, but he loves his caretakers and we know he will be ok. Check back in a couple weeks to continue our journey with us.</div><div></div>Tim and Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11504036304547559428noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101634823377074715.post-83512937519563465322008-02-05T05:41:00.000-08:002008-02-06T12:23:20.993-08:00Max has already picked a team. Go FSU! (Florida State)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhihHZWDdBC5Ysuv4QRGihTrITqU_a6Q1KWYwIj5Y47jcG2uaBd02anJU9b6OXQKZStUh6nwX_k6RY2R3I-WoBrXbAIvUt22hk6ZnSr_g0YGOmSXM1MdbWLEwV_AVvmNsBzo8OxLOGZiVg/s1600-h/DSC01739.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163493057273153842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhihHZWDdBC5Ysuv4QRGihTrITqU_a6Q1KWYwIj5Y47jcG2uaBd02anJU9b6OXQKZStUh6nwX_k6RY2R3I-WoBrXbAIvUt22hk6ZnSr_g0YGOmSXM1MdbWLEwV_AVvmNsBzo8OxLOGZiVg/s320/DSC01739.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiRwu_vtvpoXSB3JrI7yqFc3UKAgZLrG504wJtZytO6qWLtY2pakQij3tOnIO087sO4qgPspMrp0eJjOSf4hz3PICIDzM9oBOqmCtX5R0eD3FjFX7rpxytW_7H77bU3XvVfcbk-ltXNyY/s1600-h/DSC01737.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163492297063942370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiRwu_vtvpoXSB3JrI7yqFc3UKAgZLrG504wJtZytO6qWLtY2pakQij3tOnIO087sO4qgPspMrp0eJjOSf4hz3PICIDzM9oBOqmCtX5R0eD3FjFX7rpxytW_7H77bU3XvVfcbk-ltXNyY/s320/DSC01737.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3O2tFXAHeVYOnPvY5w3xsutlti4bxKzyjtOP3yq-AjhHtD2J211vxJEp-fDcKvXSNBfOmlecOhWpiLERUcqzmOqL8h4JgMTdpBo024x7YojEP4y1Ul31h5uSg055uOqsM92_J3Sj85-U/s1600-h/DSC01660.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163492331423680754" style="DISPLAY: block; 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MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg30mxmnweUqW5bNW8t9KPJmo2hp6zqK1oTH_e07-6WPo12A-1cfRrLtxG2wgw1_XlwoVBniTWBqzxB2GEL2WvYfBM5H4zfZUaLpD6NtYAov8xMXspoIOEN6umo_Vg58K70O7QJl9GLQ5s/s320/DSC01750.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div></div>Tim and Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11504036304547559428noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101634823377074715.post-72667940085678156502008-02-04T07:54:00.001-08:002008-02-05T11:57:52.232-08:00Photos cont....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbKzPtHIpXgs3hxXbAK7s2GcOWLSNfihW4Ebxm0m_XPeYQtV9x98xsNQMqjOLH2gmaBWTPxuNGQTkeo7PeWNnq3zBlDVk5V8XsjaJm2rfJAIxdVOavO4U2oSZ8LqWZMhxWQTznmv5jlo/s1600-h/DSC01723.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163587537963731266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbKzPtHIpXgs3hxXbAK7s2GcOWLSNfihW4Ebxm0m_XPeYQtV9x98xsNQMqjOLH2gmaBWTPxuNGQTkeo7PeWNnq3zBlDVk5V8XsjaJm2rfJAIxdVOavO4U2oSZ8LqWZMhxWQTznmv5jlo/s320/DSC01723.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKef7O07cGnbjp-sUCROb03On7hPhF01jT0FWuQVF5zW4u_YHDzd8YFo1srqWi34eSoPgzn0dCmgP0OkIKkrzylwHKuj7eov8e7PFhk8jh3l-CMMZrVTuFwITalHfDzDnvIe9urt-qYwk/s1600-h/DSC01683.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163154613850228770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKef7O07cGnbjp-sUCROb03On7hPhF01jT0FWuQVF5zW4u_YHDzd8YFo1srqWi34eSoPgzn0dCmgP0OkIKkrzylwHKuj7eov8e7PFhk8jh3l-CMMZrVTuFwITalHfDzDnvIe9urt-qYwk/s320/DSC01683.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxX-Vm1fnKMMfoddzhgiNIBEoYrdFpiuOcdhPAHGNHKD3-l6b555sTLBlKKkFCfOYzeMsQeFRM7yK5IVV10GejNuOzXhAQGuMGNv2j0U3XsOQVbxz8lNTekSSCYOxG-KyECkFT8RL_7g/s1600-h/DSC01686.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163154622440163378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxX-Vm1fnKMMfoddzhgiNIBEoYrdFpiuOcdhPAHGNHKD3-l6b555sTLBlKKkFCfOYzeMsQeFRM7yK5IVV10GejNuOzXhAQGuMGNv2j0U3XsOQVbxz8lNTekSSCYOxG-KyECkFT8RL_7g/s320/DSC01686.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQal6WD3NYJyV1699bz0boi4dT_itXBTzyT2NA5DjKSMy_188LrRa2Ppd_tqBa2F4D8wkS5Cvx-JpaLJ51XYi_tagRESZnBln_GnXhOdJTe0mld8waBPKu1Jo3Px0EQXFlYOZtW_jvpsg/s1600-h/DSC01703.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163154626735130690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQal6WD3NYJyV1699bz0boi4dT_itXBTzyT2NA5DjKSMy_188LrRa2Ppd_tqBa2F4D8wkS5Cvx-JpaLJ51XYi_tagRESZnBln_GnXhOdJTe0mld8waBPKu1Jo3Px0EQXFlYOZtW_jvpsg/s320/DSC01703.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN16JAi1xrZsfPR_yGjlqmmBxq-6FlGotWvU2OlivcVcrmvwPSrTnOouj8DYyDkjePSl8Ztdc5Qap-r5pkkDbJTm_NnbYuBkBQwOdHYyD-7cq1kDFJnZZzHe-V3HsjaXUkK87XC21beSU/s1600-h/DSC01715.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163154639620032594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN16JAi1xrZsfPR_yGjlqmmBxq-6FlGotWvU2OlivcVcrmvwPSrTnOouj8DYyDkjePSl8Ztdc5Qap-r5pkkDbJTm_NnbYuBkBQwOdHYyD-7cq1kDFJnZZzHe-V3HsjaXUkK87XC21beSU/s320/DSC01715.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqT1dSc00S0UC8Nt12fOY9GwtHe6BzFw4qvqQXJcHw_F4NZXSK1JJaKTrBetu_5u_701LL0RYsdndXGlqipkZf-dqheoGJj7yhHCMcR3xpQ3AucCVyEKgGnJngpcvyIu0EC57DqGgVbRM/s1600-h/DSC01723.JPG"></a><br /><br /><div></div></div>Tim and Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11504036304547559428noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101634823377074715.post-10316085270596575772008-02-04T07:44:00.000-08:002008-02-05T12:01:05.951-08:00More photos...can't resist!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNekm2XHNIdThu7wdvTWEukS45BaWC1UwdA85gAhYBAF-vtIsU_sBxvTyk-foKajwSLDRwRRQz-IpfsdtkSbuNIB09xiDqf0ExNiSvLZf4OZ0vSJ9pVnZ3DlTbCooVK4sumu9YrlWOlpA/s1600-h/DSC01668.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163588568755882322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNekm2XHNIdThu7wdvTWEukS45BaWC1UwdA85gAhYBAF-vtIsU_sBxvTyk-foKajwSLDRwRRQz-IpfsdtkSbuNIB09xiDqf0ExNiSvLZf4OZ0vSJ9pVnZ3DlTbCooVK4sumu9YrlWOlpA/s320/DSC01668.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZk3sRsjWJMWyMRODhz47zAvfrEWV9nAYfE-my42HzcQyo1eC1Wks8PFQwZfUwm3oooLnAFgrmwbaMdOufEu9XWa4byG__dQ3yoGraWVTvIYLw9AdfPJLXhwLqL9DuxxC0imDFYr7vzo0/s1600-h/DSC01667.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163153102021740498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZk3sRsjWJMWyMRODhz47zAvfrEWV9nAYfE-my42HzcQyo1eC1Wks8PFQwZfUwm3oooLnAFgrmwbaMdOufEu9XWa4byG__dQ3yoGraWVTvIYLw9AdfPJLXhwLqL9DuxxC0imDFYr7vzo0/s320/DSC01667.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicTfvzr4BWUA3KwxdiFqGH49OrMzrISz_oemujGGXYJvEzS1TNIWxNkW5WiQqeti8TTBhZ3N3Ttrjqzkpca-3l2wSF7LL31OgU6rJ-Avp0lp4-LceqtY1XQCQxjwbGH3CB-Q83QVS5z1U/s1600-h/DSC01668.JPG"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HlTYedzrWMkwWfq7G9oIZ00ZBlX4hNnBnYIlNWXDBnu-nZcQQE7Ky_dDzwfwKpgsD9-N6hCQiQ5m0wsM_47PUOAbjNlsdwTcq_OndKR7_sHK8QKWSM4C447zadrWtHSC2KkV7KRjxCA/s1600-h/DSC01671.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163153110611675122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HlTYedzrWMkwWfq7G9oIZ00ZBlX4hNnBnYIlNWXDBnu-nZcQQE7Ky_dDzwfwKpgsD9-N6hCQiQ5m0wsM_47PUOAbjNlsdwTcq_OndKR7_sHK8QKWSM4C447zadrWtHSC2KkV7KRjxCA/s320/DSC01671.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOpJKslrwBn10N8LzDijDLZkhc65X1cuUdAD6DurYLHBU5RbH18VL02aYAsjdfaOzF0LGXPWCxhkzu9XZmkSP_wHJjQyTVrDTF6CP0Dw8rbPH5uWBj1ys7bf9dAPydjjf4jwSVW1lyRc/s1600-h/DSC01674.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163153119201609730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOpJKslrwBn10N8LzDijDLZkhc65X1cuUdAD6DurYLHBU5RbH18VL02aYAsjdfaOzF0LGXPWCxhkzu9XZmkSP_wHJjQyTVrDTF6CP0Dw8rbPH5uWBj1ys7bf9dAPydjjf4jwSVW1lyRc/s320/DSC01674.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCNW7Q-2M6GIol5j7ZQBIZboz29aMd2jKhBrqzGp0qRFvUUnl_a-PzJQIjIe92VqcJXODQxiE6ePdFKWZt16J1UK0Js4wZJbG-g0UK5vJ9-6QDxpzE6U7x2MHVVBhRXdj4uXtr4RZpHh4/s1600-h/DSC01675.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163153123496577042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCNW7Q-2M6GIol5j7ZQBIZboz29aMd2jKhBrqzGp0qRFvUUnl_a-PzJQIjIe92VqcJXODQxiE6ePdFKWZt16J1UK0Js4wZJbG-g0UK5vJ9-6QDxpzE6U7x2MHVVBhRXdj4uXtr4RZpHh4/s320/DSC01675.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div></div>Tim and Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11504036304547559428noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101634823377074715.post-37378613710372451272008-02-04T07:15:00.001-08:002008-02-05T11:24:34.161-08:00PHOTO TIME!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3A5_P7kphi1HkFzc8CrALQorr3SrKqRjbGtooha0_L0zpgOZRDOAgZAr5FiZxemH1RBWUM_yEWW5CukFEmYnQhDEAL08-zo91qgKbTp6iVRZ0qkghyphenhyphen_YLhFIjXGaFkEkUbZ9Txt894zo/s1600-h/DSC01642.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163147522859222914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3A5_P7kphi1HkFzc8CrALQorr3SrKqRjbGtooha0_L0zpgOZRDOAgZAr5FiZxemH1RBWUM_yEWW5CukFEmYnQhDEAL08-zo91qgKbTp6iVRZ0qkghyphenhyphen_YLhFIjXGaFkEkUbZ9Txt894zo/s320/DSC01642.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5XFmrsqyxtBF34fb2T44Sn45hlxgOkcjC6J7nmN9XLAyPrVJBTS2tL2etCcvC3YCjHgT49i3amKIaLDkh8Kirtnb4m3vx13gXbJmOTZZcAHjtsvoc09X42fB0JEyg-zak38uwS6FqwMA/s1600-h/DSC01645.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163147527154190226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5XFmrsqyxtBF34fb2T44Sn45hlxgOkcjC6J7nmN9XLAyPrVJBTS2tL2etCcvC3YCjHgT49i3amKIaLDkh8Kirtnb4m3vx13gXbJmOTZZcAHjtsvoc09X42fB0JEyg-zak38uwS6FqwMA/s320/DSC01645.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVglP0OrDU7Kl_-cL953vt768b7kQmgmU-YL3N8trgTIQY7dBzhTFd_Rer_qJjyaQoIdBfRY3TaaTMKQMtASwl8XPjXmEfPAXpTS7EqGQDAJsS7HYFBpg8BR7M3HmIg0FqZ0Xn5CHyfO8/s1600-h/DSC01647.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163147535744124834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVglP0OrDU7Kl_-cL953vt768b7kQmgmU-YL3N8trgTIQY7dBzhTFd_Rer_qJjyaQoIdBfRY3TaaTMKQMtASwl8XPjXmEfPAXpTS7EqGQDAJsS7HYFBpg8BR7M3HmIg0FqZ0Xn5CHyfO8/s320/DSC01647.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSCj-LTPERKxyuRknPYav1Vmt_dBh2o5cmKEKsMXJcGtK_IuASpNOLYmkiQ9AThMsilBkTwa5aKtqRStiJ6TuiWoZlGCyAIsJDnVl5aEmgVAYNN7lxtWPoNHLz09d9eO3svdhk6Kywpbs/s1600-h/DSC01650.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163147540039092146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSCj-LTPERKxyuRknPYav1Vmt_dBh2o5cmKEKsMXJcGtK_IuASpNOLYmkiQ9AThMsilBkTwa5aKtqRStiJ6TuiWoZlGCyAIsJDnVl5aEmgVAYNN7lxtWPoNHLz09d9eO3svdhk6Kywpbs/s320/DSC01650.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKAjigq2iaP9A6msEiAJDmmX_SO2Q0Dz5P6cwGpJELj6I9IzqeWulw8cdJEPa158nyYIkE9DEuO8cw1QTW0nTJvvKgVDBTyg2JlZM9uFyke_IoI8rlG7S49kmd-1sQpTcSxRFnJv_4xu4/s1600-h/DSC01663.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163147548629026754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKAjigq2iaP9A6msEiAJDmmX_SO2Q0Dz5P6cwGpJELj6I9IzqeWulw8cdJEPa158nyYIkE9DEuO8cw1QTW0nTJvvKgVDBTyg2JlZM9uFyke_IoI8rlG7S49kmd-1sQpTcSxRFnJv_4xu4/s320/DSC01663.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>More photos.......</div>Tim and Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11504036304547559428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101634823377074715.post-46035478426177286832008-01-31T02:07:00.000-08:002008-02-07T14:26:46.386-08:00Introducing.........<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKDpvxt4ePkqbYn6d3z2P5HsWlyQcEMSa9yZUUa7YMrPR9VwLVFdR0qYR7wNP28cOp4LWCGEPcpOF3hTsEikZoAfnF14TOJfPWqu7b8Q1jRhJjmho0Au4Q6cAO73lR56JoPjZAoJFb6do/s1600-h/DSC01640[1].jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161583867000670066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKDpvxt4ePkqbYn6d3z2P5HsWlyQcEMSa9yZUUa7YMrPR9VwLVFdR0qYR7wNP28cOp4LWCGEPcpOF3hTsEikZoAfnF14TOJfPWqu7b8Q1jRhJjmho0Au4Q6cAO73lR56JoPjZAoJFb6do/s320/DSC01640%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div>Maxwell James Axtell! We just got back from court where at about 3:00pm Max became our son. His original name is Maxim (pronounced Maxzeem) but we are changing it to Maxwell. Maybe one day he will go by MJ. Court went pretty smooth and lasted about an hour. We both gave speeches and answered questions. We were very nervous though but then the judge came back in the room and made it official! We are going to get some pizza tonight and celebrate!</div><div></div><div>The picture above is one of our favorites, it was the first day we met Max. They had him wearing a pink outfit, which is kind of funny, because we thought 'he' would be a 'she' and we brought a ton of pink clothes. (we did bring some yellow and white pj's though for the other photos). We are so excited right now!!!! He is so sweet. Isn't he just adorable? </div><div></div><div>We will post more photos later, it's hard to do at the internet cafe but we might be able to save some photos on a disc from our laptop and try it that way. We need to sign off again, but had to share the wonderful news about our little boy!!!</div><div></div>Tim and Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11504036304547559428noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101634823377074715.post-91365384363718892042008-01-26T00:18:00.000-08:002008-02-07T14:42:13.877-08:00Court Date is near<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4vVw3xQCsp5MFyqOP4bY8zGIHmmSidQ6dB2nbJePa27W8TohkdmLmNjVuH-6QOoJ58zTHtf4K5I64aizeJwcDmmiMUuTmMRHm-r_XhFH_tWJOxsKVz7TXCP1Po_E7zyHzaA83ikJy2k/s1600-h/DSC01736.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163216658947786946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4vVw3xQCsp5MFyqOP4bY8zGIHmmSidQ6dB2nbJePa27W8TohkdmLmNjVuH-6QOoJ58zTHtf4K5I64aizeJwcDmmiMUuTmMRHm-r_XhFH_tWJOxsKVz7TXCP1Po_E7zyHzaA83ikJy2k/s320/DSC01736.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLI16sHEe-quZ6bUkhyU1rAxanIsm5DPMoqxGZRX8kTMNHxko56BoTIKXeDNv7gIe0jD1VL65mdz0-lsMHr_eXoUFAfxpx7WOx2HBcqJY0gKj_W1uxJpKznk534ItNf1oDTX1Nzz2MpRk/s1600-h/DSC01726.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163216667537721554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLI16sHEe-quZ6bUkhyU1rAxanIsm5DPMoqxGZRX8kTMNHxko56BoTIKXeDNv7gIe0jD1VL65mdz0-lsMHr_eXoUFAfxpx7WOx2HBcqJY0gKj_W1uxJpKznk534ItNf1oDTX1Nzz2MpRk/s320/DSC01726.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>We got our court date for next Thursday. We are so excited and nervous. We hope it goes really smooth. Time is still going by very, very slow for us but we did go to a new restraunt for lunch yesterday. It was a buffet that only cost $7.00 and it looked like an Indiana Jones ride at Disneyland. We felt like we were in a jungle and we walked down many stairs to this dark cave area. The food was a lot of meat and potato type dishes and pilaf which is always good. The chicken is cut in chunks with the bone, I think we are spoiled with boneless skinless chicken back home! We also got some broth soup with potatoes and peas and for dessert we had these cookies with jam on them.<br />Baby A is getting much better. His little spots are clearing up daily. We just love our play time with him. He is so active now and is such a sweetie-pie. I can't believe he will be our son soon. We waited so long to meet him and our hearts fill with so much love when we look at him. Just seeing him smile melts our hearts.<br />I have to sign off again with only a few minutes left at the internet cafe. Take care! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>(I added a couple more photos from our sightseeing tour.)</div>Tim and Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11504036304547559428noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101634823377074715.post-58900543441667325752008-01-22T22:43:00.000-08:002008-02-07T14:48:06.359-08:00Day 15 - Blowing bubbles!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqRFaNGjn_TUQby17OaxIy7UbYBG9cTZqeWjKSsF2sEj15iFbQdOpUVyM-ucX-EGUoU84aCzRd_jWp0gTUcxu8ubqUIOGaHFf3VBCdnrVCYMGIAHKJdcHa3J04Q6dgdqTdOVeK4KZxvCs/s1600-h/DSC01725.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164373594288310674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqRFaNGjn_TUQby17OaxIy7UbYBG9cTZqeWjKSsF2sEj15iFbQdOpUVyM-ucX-EGUoU84aCzRd_jWp0gTUcxu8ubqUIOGaHFf3VBCdnrVCYMGIAHKJdcHa3J04Q6dgdqTdOVeK4KZxvCs/s320/DSC01725.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFppZm1Noxa7ZznkVZtJJziWVsS5wtD_IIv5TEPzPsjIfOWFUegseShQJfEGO_nImtkwhO5KGlu811ujEXkfnOz_0z2N5XKXmXhVftyP3BkhOIm0WqTjvgUrzMyQAdoCjUbTEb-LTVlTk/s1600-h/DSC01723.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163214081967409266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFppZm1Noxa7ZznkVZtJJziWVsS5wtD_IIv5TEPzPsjIfOWFUegseShQJfEGO_nImtkwhO5KGlu811ujEXkfnOz_0z2N5XKXmXhVftyP3BkhOIm0WqTjvgUrzMyQAdoCjUbTEb-LTVlTk/s320/DSC01723.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWmhgFThWFsXUXUQU-jrIkDpsHF4k4fyhoKyW5exYnniotPVBJHC3YSv3xNx0ntFsIDkTdG00a2IOMxyWC6hvbOz8XruMocaf37TAufc4tpGrddkMoFFmBzK-Zi-vzyKuVo9oRTqK8A08/s1600-h/DSC01725.JPG"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieOBpy8qZ3tJ6As8D55yu3MWMJE37xnAxcKWKKv1hdBSFwfbAY1NaW4A6bCCG-LWunxJl_tjC719AsUf85N_S7BO7HvewPVrs9uHfnxHO3P2tLPjKku-OYAJ7FS-NRooq2wth9pZjX1nI/s1600-h/DSC01727.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163214099147278482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieOBpy8qZ3tJ6As8D55yu3MWMJE37xnAxcKWKKv1hdBSFwfbAY1NaW4A6bCCG-LWunxJl_tjC719AsUf85N_S7BO7HvewPVrs9uHfnxHO3P2tLPjKku-OYAJ7FS-NRooq2wth9pZjX1nI/s320/DSC01727.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGsq1TpWpVfjG1hCWkU2ZxTvymo90EhzYAgOVZAOLO0UJzVYBtlWfgV81hcIl9GBsuWfcBpcDRi1EHy7W7ormYsKvc6bxpfQsYmWvccKNLrsoh8ihBFGpBM9a0lrgOvTJNk7mMnv-x-hg/s1600-h/DSC01729.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163214103442245794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGsq1TpWpVfjG1hCWkU2ZxTvymo90EhzYAgOVZAOLO0UJzVYBtlWfgV81hcIl9GBsuWfcBpcDRi1EHy7W7ormYsKvc6bxpfQsYmWvccKNLrsoh8ihBFGpBM9a0lrgOvTJNk7mMnv-x-hg/s320/DSC01729.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkft2PTCBsd_fJ53hEp_JtyBX7-BxAMb3j0qXXj2u917OkqE6HJNGCbTniT2GLFCWFlPlGvkXuKIx_DeJ78fMj4Tw9tIcZPxkHq8T5Cp-z8KLeBCRK3_uSoGPOeBUzB6PLs2ws3LIi5AY/s1600-h/DSC01737.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163214112032180402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkft2PTCBsd_fJ53hEp_JtyBX7-BxAMb3j0qXXj2u917OkqE6HJNGCbTniT2GLFCWFlPlGvkXuKIx_DeJ78fMj4Tw9tIcZPxkHq8T5Cp-z8KLeBCRK3_uSoGPOeBUzB6PLs2ws3LIi5AY/s320/DSC01737.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Hello out there. We finally got to see our little guy this Monday. Those 4 days without him was really tough! It's bad enough we still don't have <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">internet</span> in the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">apartment</span>, but I had to take the batteries out of the clock because I could hear the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">constant</span> ticking. We feel a little isolated over here. We did manage to squeeze in a sightseeing trip and went up the huge tower (much like the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Stratosphere</span> in Vegas) You could see the entire city, it was so neat! We went to 2 big malls and walked around and also went to and 'outdoor' <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">bazaar</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">and</span> an 'indoor' bazaar where you could buy fruit and vegetables. This is similar to a Farmers market.<br />So back to baby A, he is getting better but it was such a shock to see him covered in the green and purple spots we knew he would have! Yesterday Tim taught him how to blow bubbles with his mouth, like a motorboat. Tim's Dad taught him this when he was little. He is just so cute, I can't get over him. Everyone says what strong hands he has and that he will be walking soon. I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">believe</span> them! He climbs over us and likes to bounce up and down, trying to pull himself up on us.<br />We can't seem to open up the comments from the last blog entry, but thanks for all the comments and prayers. Trying to get <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">internet</span> time in is pretty tough. We most likely won't get it in our apartment because they can't run a line to it. We did try to walk on Saturday to the cafe, which turned out to be the coldest walk in History! My legs were purple for hours. Turns out, the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Internet</span> was down anyways, so it was for nothing. At least we got some exercise. We better sign off, just wanted you guys to know we are still alive and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">ok</span>.<br />Tim & Jen</div></div>Tim and Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11504036304547559428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101634823377074715.post-45166527521383180522008-01-15T22:52:00.000-08:002008-02-08T10:26:29.532-08:00Day 7 - Chicken Pox, oh no!Hello again. Today we took Baby A to get his passport photo. He was all bundled up and could barely move. His little eyes peeked out from his snowsuit. We noticed a few bumps on the side of his face and the doctors confirmed he has chicken pox! We figured it was bound to happen as most of the babies in the baby home have it. I suppose it's better to get it here then on the plane ride back. The bad news is we can't see him for a few days, what a bummer! I think that is the first time I almost broke down. We hope he feels better soon as he was getting fussy and didn't feel <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">OK</span> when we left him today. What they normally do is paint this green dye (violet <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">mercurium</span>) on all the spots on their bodies. This is supposed to dry out the sores. Next time we see him it might be a little shock. Maybe we will take photos to blackmail him in the future.....just kidding!<br />Tomorrow we may go on a tour of the city since we can't go to the baby home. Still no <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Internet</span> though so we might not post for a few days. Yesterday we stopped at the mall by our apartment and got pizza! Amazing! A little taste of home. I can see us <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">revisiting</span> many times in the future. I should mention that we also had french fries on Sunday. Aaron and Stephanie brought over some takeout noodles and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">stir fry</span> and french fries. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Yummo</span>! The portions over here are pretty small and we learned the hard way that they charge you for water when you go out to eat. We learned to order a liter of soda to refill your small glass instead of paying for each glass. Tim loves his refills, so that works out better. It's hit or miss when ordering diet soda (coca-cola light) but we did stock up at the local market. We also got these '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Wetzel</span> dogs' at the bakery. (a pretzel wrapped around a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">hot dog</span>) Those are pretty good. They also have Mac n' cheese and popcorn, I suppose we won't starve after all. I will mention the food as we go along so you can get an idea what things are like over here.<br />Thank you for all your prayers and posts, we appreciate it so much!<br />Talk to you soon.Tim and Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11504036304547559428noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101634823377074715.post-36321549169705009932008-01-14T23:04:00.000-08:002008-02-08T10:26:55.690-08:00Day 6 - Baby Axtell crawls<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUijdgzoaxGrlo3TuKBBQLgkwb-mnmd9SPrit6mPaHQfpCLBu5P0rMZ_h0oqXf2ulQzF0H45uanTT9amF8ByZ0JlqdUo6Qsdxib2DBf-bNUXWIsTHwBsoQFh7eAvLDSSVQoEvf-iHIQOY/s1600-h/CIMG0792[1].jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163967028389103970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUijdgzoaxGrlo3TuKBBQLgkwb-mnmd9SPrit6mPaHQfpCLBu5P0rMZ_h0oqXf2ulQzF0H45uanTT9amF8ByZ0JlqdUo6Qsdxib2DBf-bNUXWIsTHwBsoQFh7eAvLDSSVQoEvf-iHIQOY/s320/CIMG0792%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Hello everybody. Sorry for the lack of blog updates, but we still have no <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Internet</span> in our apartment! They say it will be tomorrow, we sure hope so. We have <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">lot's</span> to report about our little guy. He got his first hiccups the other day. We get to feed him this warm 'fruit tea' during our time with him and he sucks it down so fast he got the hiccups. So cute! Let's see, we also were not sure if he could crawl or not, but yesterday he started out on his knees, rocking back and forth and then zoom, he was off! Now he crawls all over the place. (I think he was waiting a week to show us his real 'skills') He is also pulling himself up. He also discovered the mirror last week! First, he smiles shyly back at himself, next he is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">squealing</span> like crazy, flapping his arms up and down in excitement!! Mom & Dad get a huge laugh out of it. We got it on film at least once. I think he already knows what a handsome little guy he is. We also had a mystery diaper incident......we smelled something strange so we laid him down to change his diaper. Meanwhile, he is kicking his legs like crazy, happy for the cool air on him as they wrap them up with so many layers of clothes! Well, at this point we are a little nervous, I must admit, I have changed maybe three dirty diapers in my life, and Tim only one........moment of truth........we open up the diaper, and nothing was in there! This of course made Baby A laugh and giggle as he knew all along he fooled us. Just gas, I guess! What a trickster.<br />Today is a warm day in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Kaz</span>, -30c degrees! Oh yes, it's true. Our faces feel like <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">icicles</span> are forming if you stay outside too long. We get by though. This weekend we had Aaron and Stephanie over on Sunday for dinner and to watch <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Spiderman</span> 3. We had a nice time and also got to discuss the upcoming process with them as they are almost through and should be leaving at the end of the week. On Sunday you don't visit the baby house. We are still a bit homesick, but we are catching up on our sleep. If you count going to bed at 6pm and waking up at 2:00am every night and then getting up to watch <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">TV</span> or movies. We also had one last lunch with our friends Aaron Stephanie and their new son Ayan. (photo of the Hamilton's above) They are heading to Almaty and then home. We ate these meat potstickers at a chinese resteraunt that Tim and I walked too. (actually I popped the meat out and gave to Tim to eat) We wish you guys all the luck in your future!</div><br /><div>Tim & Jen</div>Tim and Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11504036304547559428noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101634823377074715.post-42993924582452251532008-01-10T03:24:00.000-08:002008-02-08T10:25:26.882-08:00Meeting Baby AxtellThe day we had waited months and months for, was finally here!! On Tuesday morning, we arrived at the baby house. After being shuffled to many rooms, we were waiting in an office for what seemed like hours. We briefly met another American family on their last day. It was nice to meet another couple in the process and who spoke English! It was too bad they were leaving and we couldn't talk with them. Next, we were called into another office with the Director of the home. We sat on another couch, waiting and waiting until the big moment. They asked us if we were open to adopting a boy, and we said yes. First came in the boy, we had an instant connection. I know that sounds cliche, but we looked into his eyes and we knew! He is so precious. We can't post photos until our court date, but he has blond hair and brown eyes and he smiles all the time! (he is Russian) He is 8 months old and his birthday is April 22! Tim's Dad and Jen's Mom's birthday is on April 14th so we will have 3 special birthday's that month! We held him only for a little while and then they brought in a girl. She had the traditional Kazakh look, with these cute little chubby cheeks with dark eyes and dark hair but we knew that little boy had us! I know, some of you have bought us girl clothes, but we saved receipts and tags, so hopefully we can take those back. We will donate some of the clothes to the baby house. After we talked business about paperwork, we got to see baby A again. (I also can't say his real name or the name we may choose to name him) We get two hours a day from 10:00am-12:00pm. The time goes by so quickly though! Before we knew it, we had to take him back to his crib and leave.<br />Later that day we went to look at 4 apartments. The last one we saw was the nicest as well as the safest. We will take some photos and upload on the next blog. We still had to go back to the hotel one more night because it was already getting so late in the day.<br /><br />Day 2<br />Happy Birthday to Jen's Dad! We went to the baby home again today to see our baby boy and we also met another American couple adopting another boy. We went to lunch with them. They have been here 5 weeks so they know about the in's and out's of Kaz. It is wonderful getting to spend time with them and trade stories.<br />We look forward to our visit each day with baby A and are getting some great photos which we will share soon enough. He just loves it when Tim blows on the top of his head. He also loves when we do the airplane with him. I can't believe what a happy baby he is! Today we fed him some fruit tea in a bottle that the caregivers gave us. He loves that stuff!<br />We are hoping to get the internet hooked up in our apartment by tomorrow. Our American friends, Aaron & Stephanie were kind enough to let us use the internet in their apartment so we could update the blog. Talk to you soon.Tim and Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11504036304547559428noreply@blogger.com4