Hanging out in Hotel Kazzhol
Well we made it into Almaty after a very rough 2 hour flight. Az would not close his eyes and go to sleep. We left Pavlodar at 11:00 pm and an hour before that we gave him a dose of Benedryl. We just knew that everything would be fine because he would go to sleep. Well we were wrong. The screaming and whinning was so bad one of the passengers with a 3 year old girl came up to meet our whinny baby. She was very nice and did help calm whiny but down. At the very end of the flight the pilot turned the lights off and he settled down and fell asleep with a sucker, “Chupa Chup” in his mouth. Thanks to Kim for the suggestion.
Once we got to the hotel he was fast asleep and does not remember coming in or riding on the elevator. Nickoli our driver told us that he would pick us up at 9:15 to go to the doctor, a very short 7 hours away from the time we got to the hotel.
Az woke up around 7:30 and was ready for breakfast. We got dressed and went downstairs to the café for a buffet style breakfast. Breakfast is included with your stay. The food was pretty good. We had a mix of scrambled eggs, bananas, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a variety of breads. After breakfast we went back to our room and got ready to meet Nickoli in the lobby so that we could go to the doctor.
After about a 15 minute ride we made it to the SOS International Clinic. This medical exam is required by the US embassy. When we walked into the waiting area there was a little girl and her parents, who thankfully spoke English (they might have been American but we weren’t sure). She was there for a checkup and shots. Finally, it was Az’s turn. The nurses weighed him and checked his height. As of June 12, 07 he is 21.8 pounds and is 81 cm. Next, he had to have some blood drawn for an AIDS test. He was very brave. He didn’t make a sound. Finally, the doctor examined him. He thought that Az was very healthy and that we shouldn’t worry.
After the doctor’s visit, we had to go a get some more pictures made of Az for the embassy. Apparently the ones made in Pavlodar were not sufficient. We were then dropped off at the hotel and told that Oleg would be here in about 45 minutes to fill out the paperwork for the embassy. We waited for about an hour and ½ but no Oleg. Az was getting very fussy because he was starving. The only place that we could go was the hotel café because we didn’t want to miss Oleg. Our lunch was nice. We had a variety of breads. One had dill and onions baked into them and the other had poppy seeds. Az had a soup with meatballs and potatoes and Amy and I shared some pasta with tomato sauce and parm cheese. Near the end of lunch Oleg finally showed up to fill out paperwork. Oleg thinks that we will have our exit interview on Friday. While Amy filled out the paperwork I kept Az busy, but he was getting sleepy. We finally made it back to the room for a long overdue nap. Az went down pretty easy with only a couple minutes of crying since he was soooo sleepy. Amy and I also got a nap. We all slept for about 2 and ½ hours.
Because we had not been taken to a grocery store to buy some necessities, we decided to explore Almaty and try to find a supermarket. The receptionist gave us directions to a large shopping center called the Silky Way. We made our way to the destination and found a very nice area like Main Street in Memphis. There were stores lining both sides and there were vendors selling all kinds of things on the street. This was nice to see but it was not what we were looking for. While we were looking around we ran into the couple that we met at the doctor’s office that morning. We talked with them for a few minutes this morning and their child was there for shots and a checkup. We just happened to run into them on the street and they directed us to a grocery store on the other side of this area. We thanked them for their help and took off for the store. Unfortunately, we did not find it but we were glad for the advice.
We decided to head back to the hotel and try to find a small convienent store. Luckily Amy and I remembered a store that we went into in December. It was a tiny store but it had what we needed. We were able to pick up some water, apple juice, milk, bread, crackers, and yogurt. At least we now had some snacks for Az if he got hungry. We got back to the hotel and went downstairs for dinner. Amy had a chicken casserole and I had some steak with onions, bell peppers, potatoes, and squash. They called it Meat on Texas. It was ok, but nothing like home. After dinner we made it back to our room to settle down for the evening. Our first day here ended with all of us glad for bedtime and we all went fast asleep.
Day 2 in Almaty went a lot smoother that the first. We did not have any meetings or appointments. We woke up and had breakfast in the café. Then we wanted to try to find a grocery store. Since it was a fresh set of receptionists, I went to ask if they knew where a grocery store was located. She told us of a place about 3 blocks away. We struck out and were able to find what we were looking for. We were so thankful for the directions. It has everything that we could possibly need for the rest of the stay. We got lunch there instead of eating at the hotel café and picked up some diapers and fruit. It will be nice not to have to eat at the hotel café for every meal. We made it back to the hotel with goodies in hand and Az had some lunch. We bought him a hot dog in a roll. He devoured it along with some strawberry yogurt. Amy and I just snacked on some bread since we had such a big breakfast.
After lunch Az played around the room with his toys and us. We were able to get him down for a nap pretty easily. I had an idea to put him in the stroller, lock the back wheels, and lean it back on a chair. He went fast asleep without any tears. It was so nice although he didn’t last long in the stroller. He started to wake up and I moved him to the crib where he cried for several minutes but then fell fast asleep. We plan on exploring some more of Almaty this afternoon and having dinner in our hotel room.
Thursday will be the same as Wednesday. We hope to explore more and take some pictures of the area. We hope everyone is doing well at home and know that we are only 5 days away from being home.
If you have any suggestions about flying with a toddler please feel free to help out. The doctor suggested trying the Benedryl again, although it didn’t seem to work on the first trip. Az fought sleep the entire trip until the very end. Any advice will be great.
Look forward to seeing everyone.
Love, David, Amy, and Az
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11 comments:
Your last leg of the trip will go faster than you think if you stay busy, and it sounds like you are.
I have a suggestion for you on keeping Az from crying so much. It will sound crazy but it works. I learned this when I was a waitress. I used it on many irritable kids in the restaurant and on my grandkids. It's worth a try. When a baby has been fed and changed and there is no reason for the crying, or in your case when you are traveling.....Cut up some lemons, take the seeds out of course, and when he starts to fret put a piece up to his mouth and let him taste it. He will make a face at first but put it back to his mouth. He will suck on it and get quiet. If it doesn't work it will be the first time I've heard of it not working. Let me know how it goes.
We love you all,
Mickey & Pat
Papa & nanny
I was sorry to read that Az didn't travel well. I sent Rachael an email asking for travel tips since she travels with Jared often. Maybe she will write soon with tips. Chad suggested that you keep Az awake as much as possible just prior to traveling so maybe he will be sleepy and settle down quicker. I hope the rest of your time in Almaty is fun and fast. Can't wait for Monday evening! Love to all three of you,
Gran and Grandaddy
GOOD MORNING; WE SURE ARE GLAD YOU MADE IT ALMATY SAFE. I KNOW THAT THE TRIP IS GETTING CLOSE TO AN END AND EVERYONE IS FILLED WITH EXCITEMENT. I KNOW THAT YOUR FLIGHTS ARE GOING TO BE LONG ONES AND I HOPE THAT YOU CAN COME UP WITH SOMETHING TO COMFORT AZ. MAYBE HIS FAVORITE TOY OR SOME LOLLIE-POPS TO GIVE HIM SOMETHING TO DO. GOOD LUCK WITH ALL YOUR EFFORTS!!!!!!!!
MUCH LOVE HUGGES AND KISSES
DAD AND PAT
SEE YA MONDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!
I would try the Benadryl again in the upcoming days before I got on the plane. Our peditrician told us to give Lydia a double dose when whe had the chicken pox. Three days later she was still awake and whinning. Some kids are sensitive and a high pitched shine is an indicator of sensitivity to Benadryl.
Candy, candy, candy. You can deal with the sugar high when you get home. Also if you have earphones, and can let him listen to his soundtract of "Happy Feet." Also, if he isn't alredy attached to a "lovey" start with a small stuffed animal or blanket that becomes his soothing item.
Prayers are with you.
I talked to a nurse at our church tonight who has a very hyper adopted little boy. She said that when they flew back from Germany recently that they gave him a remote to the TV and that he surfed channels (or just enjoyed punching the buttons) all of his awake time and then would fall asleep. She also said that sometimes for kids who get a reaction to Benadryl that giving them some caffine settles them down. If all else fails, try some coke.
Hope to see whinny baby soon!
Mary Ann
The plane ride hurts thier ears, just like yours. The sucking releaves the pressure.
Gum when he's alittle older, sippie cup helps, put some dry cheerios in a baggie, this helped Matthew on his 1st plane ride.
Lots of crayons, or one of the toys where you can write then slide the button to the other end and it's blank again.
Hi Amy, David & Az,
Time is flying by and you will be home before you know it. All of the adoption will be behind you.
I spoke with Dr. Stocks about Az's ears during the flight. She suggested you give him Tylenol along with the benedryl (if you have some)before your flight. Maybe the 2nd flight will be easier on him. She was excited to hear that you have chosen Dr. Lana for his pediatrician.
Take care and enjoy Almaty over the weekend...your 1st vacation with your little boy!
We are anxiously waiting for Monday. We will see you at the airport. We love you all,
Mom, Rick & Rebekah
hey guys
I read all the comments and think you should combine everything. I always give Jared medicine but I acutally start about 1 dose ahead. so if you take it every 4 hours then his 1st dose should be 4 1/2 to 5 hours before your flight so he can take the 2nd dose right before the flight. Try to keep him up before the plane ride. I always have plenty of juice, water, whatever for jared to drink because it helps, the suckers too, gummy bear- like treats I think they are call gerber grautates!!. Books, crayons, your head phones were a good idea, some airports sell flash cards. Even the magazines they have on the planes, anything he can look at and or rip up... as long as it helps this trip you can brake the bad behavor later. Be prepared with 16 hours he will probibly be awake for 10- 12 hours unless your flight is at night. if all else fails let him walk up and down the asle and meet people. At least if he feels he can move around he will not be so cranky. people understand long flights and will help you along. just take a deep breath... this is the only time you have to go through this!!!
hope to hear from you soon,
ggos luck,
rachael
oh sent an email to a friend who also adopted (flew from Russia) to see if she had anything to add if there is I will post again asap.
Amy & David,
I am soooo excited for you!!! To finally have Will with you away from the baby house and on the last leg of your journey!! I will continue to pray and think of you. Can't wait to hear that you and your son are HOME!!!!!!
Love you all,
Aunt Sherry
Happy Anniversary! Hope you have a wonderful day. We are counting the hours until you arrive.
All our love,
Gran and Grandaddy
No one was calling for help and herewas a woman in need and he was a super hero after alland it was his job to fulfill the needs of this lonelylady. ``That was my fear, initially, she said, putting her arms around hiswaist.
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No one was calling for help and herewas a woman in need and he was a super hero after alland it was his job to fulfill the needs of this lonelylady. ``That was my fear, initially, she said, putting her arms around hiswaist.
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