Photo above taken at the end of our visit.
Batyhan sure does enjoy his Papa.
I write this post at 3:30 in the morning after having already slept 8 hours. Our schedule is so off that when we get back from the baby house a little after 6, I am too tired for dinner. I go to sleep happy and peaceful feeling like we hit the jackpot. Sometimes when I review our video, I think to myself — how did i get superimposed into this video, like the countless ones I have seen before of moms bonding with their children? Is this some sort of internet application where I “elfed” myself onto the dancing body of a mom with child. I am still in awe that this is me, that here I am, that I can now look out my window at the darkened mountainous sky of Almaty. I feel so grateful, beyond belief.
Today’s visit began at 3:45pm and ended about 5:40pm. This time we went into the Music Room to meet Batyrhan on the second floor which means we had the opportunity to walk down the halls and up stairs a bit. There are blue mosaic tiles on the floor with more caulking than tile but pretty. There are child friendly painted murals on some walls and Christmas decorations and streamers against the bare white walls. How many children live here, I wonder if I will ever be able to tell. Though I have seen some of the other children in passing and heard a few cries, I don’t know where they are during the time we are with Batyrhan. We have discovered his name is spelled as one word and that the accent is on the “han”. Now we will be able to call him correctly, or at least I hope. We have also discovered that “han” means Sultan of King. He is already a leader with all the wonderful meanings of his name. Hero, Leader, Man of Courage, Dashing Equestrian and now King.
When Batyrhan’s caregiver brought him too us I was struck by his bulky outfit in this hot room. He wore a corduroy jumpsuit over 2 t-shirts and another velour shirt (same as yesterday but looked clean.) Underneath, on his bottoms, he had blue tights (yesterday was orange) and socks and very tight (I loosened the buckle) girls white buckled shoes. When I was fixing his overalls i was able to see that he wears a diaper and over the diaper he also wears a plastic non disposable diaper. He is like a little Michelin man.
Corduroys, blue tights, socks and shoes.
He was walked in to see us yesterday and began to cry. We had already lain out a sheet on the floor with all the toys. He was brought to us and we quietly offered him his favorite ball and game from yesterday. He clutched three animal crackers in his hand. He cried for about 2 minutes this time, compared to 10 from yesterday and 30 from the day before. Soon the balls attracted his attention and he put his cookies down and resumed playing as he did yesterday.
Tatyana had brought us to a pharmacy to purchase medical masks that she said we’d have to wear. Somehow when we arrived, we got away without it and just resumed playing as usual. I want Batyrhan to see our faces so I am so glad we got away for at least today without it.
Let me talk about my dear dear dear Gary. I could say how could I have ever doubted him, but his behavior while here and with Batyrhan goes far and beyond more than I ever could have dreamed up, and perhaps more than he ever could have known himself. His heart has already opened to Batyrhan and I asked him this morning in bed, Do you think you can love him? and he quickly said Yes. Jokingly he told me that he is a good leader and he masterminded this entire plan to make me think that I was the one who thought of adoption but it was really him. In fact he said, you think you’re writing in your blog because you want to. I have masterminded that as well. I know he was joking, but I also know that he has changed his tune and the story of this adoption will be one he will tell with pride as time goes on.
We have found out that Batyrhan is healthy and the only concern he had earlier on was an umbilical hernia which seemed to have already closed. Before even having gotten the medicals, this Little Brother was coming home with us, no doubt. He is 22 lbs.
Yesterday there was a part of me that felt nervous during the first 20 minutes of the meeting. Like I was on a first date and how could I be interesting — should I sing first or read a book or show this toy or that. I know it was overwhelming for Batyrhan – small room, two new humans in his face, calling him in a different language. We were in a room that was a passing point for caregivers, there were cries from his group in the next room and it was distracting. Today, I laid low. In fact, I would say I let Gary take the lead and let the bond between Papa and Batyrhan take its course.
Batyrhan speaks Kazakh and when our translator Alicia spoke to him and told him “give ball to papa” and “sit on papa”, he listened and followed. I have learned a few words as well such as “ma” =take, “tata”=this one, “auter”=sit, “paka paka” – bye and “Jut”=let’s go. Alicia gave me a list of some other key words and I will discover others that I’d like to use with him, like “hug” and “more” and “eat.”
We had the pleasure of meeting and shaking hands with one of his caregivers, Svetlana, who said he is a very smart boy (in Kazakh to our translator.) She also said he was very loved while in the Baby House and is the only boy out of his group — with 7 other girls.
Svetlana, one of Batyrhan’s caregivers, who appears to love him.
Our translator, Alicia, interacting with Batyrhan, held by his caregiver.
Papa, Mama, Svetlana and Batyrhan in front of the lovely curtains of the Music Room.
Overall, while in Kazakhstan, I feel a peace. The system works beautifully — how Tatiana picks us up to help us get our needs met, if any with shopping and such. Even the silence of Emankule in the car, interspersed with his Russian to Tatiana, has become reassuring. I feel part of a well worked machine that is on track and doing it’s thing.
Yesterday was independence day and there are other celebrations over the next few days. Gary and I hope to finally walk again and explore the city. The jetlag is such that we wake up in the middle of the night and are so tired in the morning we can’t get get ready on time to get out and about and then we are waiting for Tatiana’s call in the hotel. We are going to get a cell phone today so we can go take long walks. The weather is mild, warmer than in NY and the other day it was 53 F. On that day, Gary chose to step out of the car to shop in the grocery in only a t-shirt without his jacket and was met by stares from the street as if he had 4 heads. These Kazakhs value warmth and what he did is just not done. We already have a list of local restaurants to try and the mall to visit and hopefully some other cultural things. It’s a pleasure to speak to Tatiana because she is a very smart woman who has traveled all over the world, knows so much about her country’s history and has been able to provide a background of sorts for why we are here in Kazakhstan adopting. She is cryptic and vague about some things too but I have discovered this is just her way.
We miss Emma and Eden very much and love seeing their faces on Skype. At the same time we realize how this could not have happened with them with us as well as we feel it’s going. We know that what we need to do here will only benefit us all when we go home, and my missing them diminishes knowing they are on the other side of the world thrilled with their new little brother and being taken care of extremely well.
Here is a video that speaks volumes about how today went. Please pause my playlist on the bottom of the blog so you can hear Batyrhan speak and giggle. We could not have asked for more.
He is soooooooo beautiful Steph! Wow! He is perfect and wonderful and adorable and… most definitely a Karp!
Many congratulations again! He is so darn cute I have go watch the video again!!! 🙂
He is soooooooo beautiful Steph! Wow! He is perfect and wonderful and adorable and… most definitely a Karp!
Many congratulations again! He is so darn cute I have go watch the video again!!! 🙂
He is soooooooo beautiful Steph! Wow! He is perfect and wonderful and adorable and… most definitely a Karp!
Many congratulations again! He is so darn cute I have go watch the video again!!! 🙂
Awww, so sweet!
Awww, so sweet!
Awww, so sweet!
Steph, I can not stop crying… it is like I am reading a book, it is almost unreal how perfect this little boy is. He hugged you and he talks!! I can not get over this little boy. And Gary, I knew he would love his new son with all his heart.
The boys watched the video and Henry kept saying dada and mama and trying to say his name. He loved watching it.
Steph, can you believe this is not a dream… it is real and you are living it right now in Kaz. Truly AMAZING!!!!!
I love you
Steph, I can not stop crying… it is like I am reading a book, it is almost unreal how perfect this little boy is. He hugged you and he talks!! I can not get over this little boy. And Gary, I knew he would love his new son with all his heart.
The boys watched the video and Henry kept saying dada and mama and trying to say his name. He loved watching it.
Steph, can you believe this is not a dream… it is real and you are living it right now in Kaz. Truly AMAZING!!!!!
I love you
Steph, I can not stop crying… it is like I am reading a book, it is almost unreal how perfect this little boy is. He hugged you and he talks!! I can not get over this little boy. And Gary, I knew he would love his new son with all his heart.
The boys watched the video and Henry kept saying dada and mama and trying to say his name. He loved watching it.
Steph, can you believe this is not a dream… it is real and you are living it right now in Kaz. Truly AMAZING!!!!!
I love you
Stephanie, What a joy it is to see you with your little boy. i feel so blessed to be your friend.I al so touched to see you wearing the necklace that Gary gave to you when Eden was born.I saw that in the video and cried.
Gary is so amazing in the pictures and on video ,i would hope one day to have a husband such as he and a father like Gary for my son.
God bless you both…
Lea
Stephanie, What a joy it is to see you with your little boy. i feel so blessed to be your friend.I al so touched to see you wearing the necklace that Gary gave to you when Eden was born.I saw that in the video and cried.
Gary is so amazing in the pictures and on video ,i would hope one day to have a husband such as he and a father like Gary for my son.
God bless you both…
Lea
Stephanie, What a joy it is to see you with your little boy. i feel so blessed to be your friend.I al so touched to see you wearing the necklace that Gary gave to you when Eden was born.I saw that in the video and cried.
Gary is so amazing in the pictures and on video ,i would hope one day to have a husband such as he and a father like Gary for my son.
God bless you both…
Lea
Look at the eye contact! I remember that room so fondly. It is neat to read as you describe the same place I was just 4 years ago.
Happy Bonding!
Amanda in Cleveland
Look at the eye contact! I remember that room so fondly. It is neat to read as you describe the same place I was just 4 years ago.
Happy Bonding!
Amanda in Cleveland
Look at the eye contact! I remember that room so fondly. It is neat to read as you describe the same place I was just 4 years ago.
Happy Bonding!
Amanda in Cleveland
Stephanie – I'm so, so happy for all of you. Your boy is perfect – no doubt you all belong together! Have fun, and enjoy!
Kristi
Stephanie – I'm so, so happy for all of you. Your boy is perfect – no doubt you all belong together! Have fun, and enjoy!
Kristi
Stephanie – I'm so, so happy for all of you. Your boy is perfect – no doubt you all belong together! Have fun, and enjoy!
Kristi
Beautiful of all of you! Isn't it just amazing how it feels.I bet you can't imagaine yourself with any other little boy! He was meant to be a Karp. Enjoy these special moments.
xoxo Julie
Beautiful of all of you! Isn't it just amazing how it feels.I bet you can't imagaine yourself with any other little boy! He was meant to be a Karp. Enjoy these special moments.
xoxo Julie
he is such a sweetie pie, such a blessing. the sound of his laughter is music!
xoxo
sara
he is such a sweetie pie, such a blessing. the sound of his laughter is music!
xoxo
sara
Oh my…what a beautiful little boy! So many blessings from Kazakhstan, and you apparently have found the one meant for your family! Enjoy Almaty!
Quaintance
(mom of Madina from Almaty)
Oh my…what a beautiful little boy! So many blessings from Kazakhstan, and you apparently have found the one meant for your family! Enjoy Almaty!
Quaintance
(mom of Madina from Almaty)
Oh my…what a beautiful little boy! So many blessings from Kazakhstan, and you apparently have found the one meant for your family! Enjoy Almaty!
Quaintance
(mom of Madina from Almaty)
steph! gary! i just watched the video! i think i am having the same issue as you..can't sleep… filled with excitement for you all.. wondering what you are doing and when! loved the video, he seems to really be taking to you both. i am so glad your experience is pleasant and things are growing and moving at a nice pace…i am sure the girls must be brewing over with excitement to see their new brother! and what a set of teeth! i can't wait to kiss that face!
god bless, be safe
x
kimmy
steph! gary! i just watched the video! i think i am having the same issue as you..can't sleep… filled with excitement for you all.. wondering what you are doing and when! loved the video, he seems to really be taking to you both. i am so glad your experience is pleasant and things are growing and moving at a nice pace…i am sure the girls must be brewing over with excitement to see their new brother! and what a set of teeth! i can't wait to kiss that face!
god bless, be safe
x
kimmy
steph! gary! i just watched the video! i think i am having the same issue as you..can't sleep… filled with excitement for you all.. wondering what you are doing and when! loved the video, he seems to really be taking to you both. i am so glad your experience is pleasant and things are growing and moving at a nice pace…i am sure the girls must be brewing over with excitement to see their new brother! and what a set of teeth! i can't wait to kiss that face!
god bless, be safe
x
kimmy
Steph, you make me smile. This is not an Elf Yourself – This is not a figment of your imagination — This is really happening and it's YOU and Gary falling for one very cute little Kazakh boy!
I love the video. His little voice is so sweet and his laugh is like music. He seems to have an open heart. Still reminds me quite a bit of Milo. Exactly how old is he?
By the way, Malla Dyet means Good Boy in Kazakh. It was probably one of our most used phrases. Not that we knew very many. 😉
Funny you should mention the curtains. That was one thing I noticed in Kaz — all the curtains are very beautiful even if the room was not.
Happy bonding!
Hi, I love the video of day two. Oh how wonderful, but it broke my heart to watch him walk away. I can't imagine how you feel.
Thank you so much for sharing. I can't wait until it's my turn.
Hi, I love the video of day two. Oh how wonderful, but it broke my heart to watch him walk away. I can't imagine how you feel.
Thank you so much for sharing. I can't wait until it's my turn.
Hi, I love the video of day two. Oh how wonderful, but it broke my heart to watch him walk away. I can't imagine how you feel.
Thank you so much for sharing. I can't wait until it's my turn.
Hi, Stephanie and Gary–
We are all (Aunt Esther too) sitting here just spellbound by the photos and video of this amazing, beautiful boy who looks so right with the two of you! He is absolutely precious–that giggle, those cheeks, not to mention the eyes! Please give him a bazillion hugs and kisses from his faraway family until the happy time when we can smother him ourselves! Be safe, take care of each other, and know that we love you and are thinking about you.
Love, Aunt Esther, Penney, Jeremy and Michelle
Hi, Stephanie and Gary–
We are all (Aunt Esther too) sitting here just spellbound by the photos and video of this amazing, beautiful boy who looks so right with the two of you! He is absolutely precious–that giggle, those cheeks, not to mention the eyes! Please give him a bazillion hugs and kisses from his faraway family until the happy time when we can smother him ourselves! Be safe, take care of each other, and know that we love you and are thinking about you.
Love, Aunt Esther, Penney, Jeremy and Michelle
Hi, Stephanie and Gary–
We are all (Aunt Esther too) sitting here just spellbound by the photos and video of this amazing, beautiful boy who looks so right with the two of you! He is absolutely precious–that giggle, those cheeks, not to mention the eyes! Please give him a bazillion hugs and kisses from his faraway family until the happy time when we can smother him ourselves! Be safe, take care of each other, and know that we love you and are thinking about you.
Love, Aunt Esther, Penney, Jeremy and Michelle
Hi there. Oh my! What a handsome little Kazakh devil!! He is one cute kid, his giggle is infectious!! He looks to be so full of energy (he reminds me of our Kazmanian devil at the same age – busy, busy, busy!!)
I just found your blog and love it. Enjoy your bonding and wishing you the very best of luck in your journey.
The Keoghclan
Toronto, Canada
Parents to Orin from
Karakastek BH, Almaty Region
Hi there. Oh my! What a handsome little Kazakh devil!! He is one cute kid, his giggle is infectious!! He looks to be so full of energy (he reminds me of our Kazmanian devil at the same age – busy, busy, busy!!)
I just found your blog and love it. Enjoy your bonding and wishing you the very best of luck in your journey.
The Keoghclan
Toronto, Canada
Parents to Orin from
Karakastek BH, Almaty Region
Hi there. Oh my! What a handsome little Kazakh devil!! He is one cute kid, his giggle is infectious!! He looks to be so full of energy (he reminds me of our Kazmanian devil at the same age – busy, busy, busy!!)
I just found your blog and love it. Enjoy your bonding and wishing you the very best of luck in your journey.
The Keoghclan
Toronto, Canada
Parents to Orin from
Karakastek BH, Almaty Region
OMG I'm a fountain of tears every single day I check your blog! What a mush. He's just so precious.
OMG I'm a fountain of tears every single day I check your blog! What a mush. He's just so precious.
OMG I'm a fountain of tears every single day I check your blog! What a mush. He's just so precious.