Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Down to the Last Minute

Well, it seems that divine intervention has stepped in on Leia's behalf. Just when we thought we would have to put her to sleep because we had so few options, we found someone who wanted her. We gave her today to a man about our age. He said he'd keep her as an indoor dog. He promised Joe that he wouldn't fight her. It is so hard to just give her away and trust. Good luck, Leia.

Tomorrow is Sophia's birthday. She's been teething in preparation of her big day and for the flight home. She wants to make sure she's as cranky as possible when we get on the plane to head home. We think we'll make a cake for her tomorrow. Too bad we don't have a camera. For her birthday, we got her some toys for the plane. We're waiting to get her "real" present in America.

She's been enjoying playing in our packing boxes and helping us tear apart the apartment. We are almost done packing. How did we ever get so much stuff? Thank goodness the school is moving all of it for us. It should be waiting in our new apartment when we get back.

We look forward to seeing everyone soon!

Monday, June 11, 2007

Our Little Trouble Maker






Here are the latest pictures.

She's getting too big. Just over a week and she's one!

Saturday, June 09, 2007

Joining the Modern World

Well, I'm at an internet cafe. All hope is lost with our school computers. The internet wasn't working for a couple of days. Our computer guy's answer is, "It's not working." Even when it is working, it's so slow, by the time I get the non-working home page to open, my free time is up. So, here I am. At an internet cafe. Ah, the sweet bliss of a working, fast, clear internet connection. The modern world is a great thing. If only our school internet could join it. I guess we signed up on a ten-year contract with some internet company when they were the only ones offering internet services. Too bad.

Things are winding down. We have another three and half days of school. Wasted days, really. It's going to be a week of partying. The parties started Friday, and will just keep going. We are all done really. I have one more test to give. That's about it. It's going to be a good feeling to finish.

Joe and I have started packing up our apartment. We get to go see the new apartment next week some time. We are excited because I timed the drive to work, and it's only about 10 minutes. Such an improvement. The other day we drove home (okay, Joe drove home) in the rain and traffic and construction and crazy drivers and we just about lost it! It's so hard after a hard day at work and a long meeting. I hope that next year being closer to school significantly improves our quality of life!

The days are running into each other, but there are some quality moments that stick out. Sophia has taken a few lurching steps towards her nanny. Not me, mind you. Not Joe. Just her nanny. :) She actually gave Joe and I a "pot-sa-loy" today. That's Russian for a kiss. Really, she just holds her open mouth towards us. It's the first time, though. We were getting a bit jealous since her baby doll was getting all sorts of kisses and we were getting snubbed! She's also completely amused by Joe and I doing our best gorilla imitations. We beat on our chests. When we ask her to tell us what a gorilla says, she tries to beat on our chests rather than her own. She loves it, though.

We are planning on going this weekend or next week to stock up on interesting little toys for the plane ride home. What will this trip home bring? We can't wait to get there, no matter how terrible the journey. Maybe she will sleep the whole way. (Okay, I'm laughing at myself now.) We also have to look for a little something for her first birthday. I think all major presents will wait until we are at home, though. It's just too expensive here!

We had a nice day here. We went for a walk and put down a blanket in the park. The weather has been beautiful. The roses are in bloom and everyday I smell them when I walk into work. It's very green and clear. A very different Almaty from the winter Almaty. They are like two different cities.

I wanted to post some new pictures of Sophia, but I'm having trouble locating the USB drive. There's always something. I will try to post some soon if I can't get it to work.