Thrilled to Introduce the Little Boy We Have Been Dreaming Of!!

Posted on by Stephanie Karp

Batyrhan – Meaning: Leader, Hero, Athlete and The Dashing Equestrian. But most importantly, the boy who will become our son! After all these twisted roads, it all came down to this. Congratulations to Big Sisters Emma and Eden!! Mommy and Daddy have found our little brother!!

Click on photos to enlarge.















Pause playlist at the bottom of my blog to hear these videos — special moments from our first official day of bonding today. After 10 minutes of crying today, Batyr Han finally settled in with us exceptionally well. Enjoy!

Photos taken during Day 1 of Bonding — Tuesday, December 15, 2009 4-6 pm Almaty, Kazakhstan BH #3

I am writing these notes 36 hours after this day happened and though I said I’d remember all the details, it is hard. I can remember that Batyrhan was brought in to see us in a tiny room off of his group’s room. It was a room in between a few rooms and therefore was a passage way for the passing by of caregivers and staff. The room had a desk, and above that was a list of the children in his group and their birthdays. His schedule of classes was also listed. The children get up at 6 am and go to sleep at 9 pm, with a nap from 12-3. They are woken up so early and go to bed so late I guess to allow time for the caregivers to handle the needs of the 8 children. They are fed every 4 hours. I think there is one caregiver and one teacher in his group, though by now it looks like I have seen three different women with him. Or maybe they are all blending in together. Some of them wear medical masks so it’s hard to tell. In the room also is a high up window covered by a gauzy curtain, a small refrigerator and a hot plate. There are also lockers on the walls. The rug is an Oriental style rug. Everything seems overall sparse and clean, though far from modern.

Batyrhan was brought in by a caregiver who held him outward with his back against her chest. When he saw us, the first sign of his distress was a very heavy breathing through his nostrils, as if to try to contain himself. But hold back he could no longer do and he cried and cried and cried. The caregiver, desperate to make him stop, got down on bended knee to where I had laid out some toys on a small child’s wooden table and just started talking to him and bouncing him and shaking toys in his face, and now this one, and squeak this one and here’s this toy and that. All the while Batyrhan was distressed and crying and there was no opportunity, though I was beside them, to do any calm mothering. Finally, our translator said something to her in Russian and the caregiver got up quickly, placed Batyrhan on the floor facing us and quickly hightailed it out of there! She did come back with two candies and one Animal cracker. These candies are such that I would never ever give a child of this age, especially with all the choking fears I have after having witness severe situations with Eden and Emma. The candy was like a very hard caramel, shaped like a small tootsie roll but a very hard chew. He put the whole thing in his mouth and seemed to do fine but my heart was in my throat.

After about 10 minutes of solid crying after which I kept murmuring my concerns over his sadness, he discovered that he loved the Gumball machine toy which spits out the balls when you press a lever, donated to us here by Jen. We taught him how to use it and he eventually got the hang of the process of put balls in, press lever down and back again. He enjoyed the game where Gary would teeter the ball on the edge and then push it in.

We took out many toys but the gumball was a favorite as well as a few finger puppet books. Surprisingly bubbles did not go over so well. He did his heavy breathing a bit and then didn’t look too interested. The balloon was only interesting for a minute. But I also think that, since he liked balloons after Day 2, all this was just because everything was so new and overwhelming, and the room was distracting in a way.

As the photos show, we did manage to get some giggles and smiles from Batyrhan. What a joy to see his little teeth (8 on top and 6 on bottom — 2 molars each on top and bottom). What a joy to see bright eyes and a wide smile and adorable teeth.

I kissed his cheek for the first time today and breathed in, wondering what this boy would smell like and was happy to detect a faint scent of a baby style soap. His face could look cleaner, but he’s also eating candy and cookies. But his hair looks clean and his fingernails look clipped well.

One interesting thing I noted was that I wanted to take a peek and see what his back looked like and when I left up his 3 shirts, he whipped around so fast and pushed my hand away with strength. He did not like the touch of my hand on his bare skin, and yesterday did not like Gary to touch his leg over his tights. (Day 2 was different as he wanted to be tickled.) Soon enough, I was able to blow cool air on his back with my mouth and make him smile (he was probably boiling hot!) and by the very end of the visit, I was able to gently caress the 3 square inches of his lower back while he played happily and ignored my touch. I guess it is all about trust.

When it was time for the caregiver to come take him back, we all waved and said “paka paka” with this little arm flapping up and down. As we gathered our things, he could still see us through the open doorway of his group’s room and we looked back at him looking back at us and his arm flapped back and forth again.

I left there feeling a happiness, a sweet sadness and a relief – this little guy is going to be our boy and it’s going to work out just fine.

79 thoughts on “Thrilled to Introduce the Little Boy We Have Been Dreaming Of!!”

  7. He's adorable and looks like he warmed up to the two of you!!! Can't wait to see more!
    XXOO, Melissa

  8. He's adorable and looks like he warmed up to the two of you!!! Can't wait to see more!
    XXOO, Melissa

  9. He's adorable and looks like he warmed up to the two of you!!! Can't wait to see more!
    XXOO, Melissa

  18. Oh my, what a punkin pie! Look at those kissable lips and chubby cheeks! Kazakh kids are so beautiful, aren't they? I am just happy beyond words for you guys. Enjoy these special times – they will fly by!

  19. Oh my, what a punkin pie! Look at those kissable lips and chubby cheeks! Kazakh kids are so beautiful, aren't they? I am just happy beyond words for you guys. Enjoy these special times – they will fly by!

  20. Oh my, what a punkin pie! Look at those kissable lips and chubby cheeks! Kazakh kids are so beautiful, aren't they? I am just happy beyond words for you guys. Enjoy these special times – they will fly by!

  22. He is perfect and gorgeous and wonderful. I'm in love and I can tell that you are too. I have been crying on and off since you got to Kaz!!!! So glad things are going so well. You guys deserve it!

  23. He is perfect and gorgeous and wonderful. I'm in love and I can tell that you are too. I have been crying on and off since you got to Kaz!!!! So glad things are going so well. You guys deserve it!

  24. He is perfect and gorgeous and wonderful. I'm in love and I can tell that you are too. I have been crying on and off since you got to Kaz!!!! So glad things are going so well. You guys deserve it!

  25. What a cutie he really is adorable, he looks like he is really enjoying his time with you guys, he is going to be so loved by Emma and Aden

  26. What a cutie he really is adorable, he looks like he is really enjoying his time with you guys, he is going to be so loved by Emma and Aden

  27. What a cutie he really is adorable, he looks like he is really enjoying his time with you guys, he is going to be so loved by Emma and Aden

  34. He is really adorable, I love his smile and his eyes. I think he will fit great in your family. Congratulations from all my heart,
    Catalina .

  35. He is really adorable, I love his smile and his eyes. I think he will fit great in your family. Congratulations from all my heart,
    Catalina .

  38. Congratulations, your son is adorable!! Your posts & videos brought back memories. We adopted our son (two years from today!) from Almaty BH#3. Our travel blog was woods2kaz.blogspot.com Enjoy this unique bonding time – it will go fast. What a Merry Christmas you will have!! – Julie Woods

  39. Congratulations, your son is adorable!! Your posts & videos brought back memories. We adopted our son (two years from today!) from Almaty BH#3. Our travel blog was woods2kaz.blogspot.com Enjoy this unique bonding time – it will go fast. What a Merry Christmas you will have!! – Julie Woods

  40. Congratulations, your son is adorable!! Your posts & videos brought back memories. We adopted our son (two years from today!) from Almaty BH#3. Our travel blog was woods2kaz.blogspot.com Enjoy this unique bonding time – it will go fast. What a Merry Christmas you will have!! – Julie Woods

  44. Steph, I have been thinking about you guys from the moment you landed in Kaz. I am beyond thrilled that you and Batyr Han have FINALLY found eachother. Isn't it crazy to think that these past 2 years seemed to take forever and you are now holding your long awaited son!!! He is juicy and cuddly and so lovable. Enjoy this special and unique time with him… And congratulations on becoming a mommy once again!!! lots of love, Sharon, David,and future Batyr Han gal pals; Maya and Shayna 🙂

  45. Steph, I have been thinking about you guys from the moment you landed in Kaz. I am beyond thrilled that you and Batyr Han have FINALLY found eachother. Isn't it crazy to think that these past 2 years seemed to take forever and you are now holding your long awaited son!!! He is juicy and cuddly and so lovable. Enjoy this special and unique time with him… And congratulations on becoming a mommy once again!!! lots of love, Sharon, David,and future Batyr Han gal pals; Maya and Shayna 🙂

  46. Steph, I have been thinking about you guys from the moment you landed in Kaz. I am beyond thrilled that you and Batyr Han have FINALLY found eachother. Isn't it crazy to think that these past 2 years seemed to take forever and you are now holding your long awaited son!!! He is juicy and cuddly and so lovable. Enjoy this special and unique time with him… And congratulations on becoming a mommy once again!!! lots of love, Sharon, David,and future Batyr Han gal pals; Maya and Shayna 🙂

  47. oh good lord! i am moved to tears! i don't know where to begin! first and foremost i have to send a special something to gar-o! omg! gary, gary, gary! i thought i couldn't love you more and now i see you with your son! you are such a special man and you are going to be an amazing strength, support and guide to your new son! god bless!
    and steph…..wow, you look so radiant and beautiful!
    it looks all so natural, you were meant to all find each other. i am so excited i can hardly contain myself!
    may god keep you all safe and bless you !
    love you
    kimmy

  48. oh good lord! i am moved to tears! i don't know where to begin! first and foremost i have to send a special something to gar-o! omg! gary, gary, gary! i thought i couldn't love you more and now i see you with your son! you are such a special man and you are going to be an amazing strength, support and guide to your new son! god bless!
    and steph…..wow, you look so radiant and beautiful!
    it looks all so natural, you were meant to all find each other. i am so excited i can hardly contain myself!
    may god keep you all safe and bless you !
    love you
    kimmy

  49. oh good lord! i am moved to tears! i don't know where to begin! first and foremost i have to send a special something to gar-o! omg! gary, gary, gary! i thought i couldn't love you more and now i see you with your son! you are such a special man and you are going to be an amazing strength, support and guide to your new son! god bless!
    and steph…..wow, you look so radiant and beautiful!
    it looks all so natural, you were meant to all find each other. i am so excited i can hardly contain myself!
    may god keep you all safe and bless you !
    love you
    kimmy

  52. WOW!!
    crying into my cup of coffee!!!
    your Kazak Prince is a sweetie pie!! THANK YOU for inviting us along. . . enjoy every second!

    Jean (Colin and Molly's Mom, Henry's future mother-in-law!!te-he!)

  53. WOW!!
    crying into my cup of coffee!!!
    your Kazak Prince is a sweetie pie!! THANK YOU for inviting us along. . . enjoy every second!

    Jean (Colin and Molly's Mom, Henry's future mother-in-law!!te-he!)

  54. WOW!!
    crying into my cup of coffee!!!
    your Kazak Prince is a sweetie pie!! THANK YOU for inviting us along. . . enjoy every second!

    Jean (Colin and Molly's Mom, Henry's future mother-in-law!!te-he!)

  55. Steph,

    I keep going back to the blog and sharing at the pictures and watching the video over and over again. I can not stop crying, I am just sooooo happy for you and Gary. Your little kazak boy is just so perfect and adorable. I feel so blessed that not only do I get to follow along on the blog (what a honor) I get to meet this little person in real life and I get to have a "forever" relationship with him too. My heart feels so full and overjoyed with happiness. My God Step, I love you so!!!

    I can not wait to get the "3" boys together, what scream that is going to be! Lea and I LOVED skyping with you last night. You look wonderful. It was great to talk with Emma and Eden too, they seem so happy too.

    Big hugs to you and Gary and make sure you hug and kiss the boy from me too.

    xxxxxxxxxoooooooooooo

  56. Steph,

    I keep going back to the blog and sharing at the pictures and watching the video over and over again. I can not stop crying, I am just sooooo happy for you and Gary. Your little kazak boy is just so perfect and adorable. I feel so blessed that not only do I get to follow along on the blog (what a honor) I get to meet this little person in real life and I get to have a "forever" relationship with him too. My heart feels so full and overjoyed with happiness. My God Step, I love you so!!!

    I can not wait to get the "3" boys together, what scream that is going to be! Lea and I LOVED skyping with you last night. You look wonderful. It was great to talk with Emma and Eden too, they seem so happy too.

    Big hugs to you and Gary and make sure you hug and kiss the boy from me too.

    xxxxxxxxxoooooooooooo

  57. Steph,

    I keep going back to the blog and sharing at the pictures and watching the video over and over again. I can not stop crying, I am just sooooo happy for you and Gary. Your little kazak boy is just so perfect and adorable. I feel so blessed that not only do I get to follow along on the blog (what a honor) I get to meet this little person in real life and I get to have a "forever" relationship with him too. My heart feels so full and overjoyed with happiness. My God Step, I love you so!!!

    I can not wait to get the "3" boys together, what scream that is going to be! Lea and I LOVED skyping with you last night. You look wonderful. It was great to talk with Emma and Eden too, they seem so happy too.

    Big hugs to you and Gary and make sure you hug and kiss the boy from me too.

    xxxxxxxxxoooooooooooo

  61. Grandma & Eden just watched the first day of bonding video again and eden thinks that her brother was cute and funny! Eden also said it was enjoyable!! Eden thinks her brother is handsome!

  62. Grandma & Eden just watched the first day of bonding video again and eden thinks that her brother was cute and funny! Eden also said it was enjoyable!! Eden thinks her brother is handsome!

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