Day 21 December 27

Today was the hardest day of our entire trip. It was our last day at the baby house. Although, we are thankful because they gave us an extra day to see Eva seeing Sunday is normally an off day.

This morning it was so great to see Eva. She was in her walker waiting for us yet again. She ate some yummy porage for breakfast with some tea. As Eva was eating, Pappa entertained a little boy (we think) for a bit. He/she was wearing a pink jumper Eva was wearing the other day so we are not sure. LOL. After eating we went to play. Today Eva was so cheerful. She was still missing her favorite toys but she made due of what was there. She played with her friend Kia for a little bit but we kind of hogged her to ourselves this morning knowing this was our last morning at the baby house. After our time was up, we brought Eva to her room for naptime.

Between visits we ran to the market to grab some diapers, ate some delicious PB & J Sandwiches, ran to the Kodak store to develop a few photos then went to the Bazaar with Carl, Gretchen and Angela. It was so busy out there. After being there for a bit we all decided it was a little too cold and busy there so we found a taxi to get back to the hotel. All 5 of us piled into one car to get back, little squished but it made the day fun.

Back to the baby house we went for our afternoon visit. Eva was "sleeping" when we arrived. Well, when the caregiver went to peek in at Eva, of course she was up and ready for someone to rescue her out of her crib. We changed her diaper, fed her a bottle, finished putting on more layers of clothing and went to the playroom for some fun. Again this afternoon she was in a happy mood which we were so glad of. Lots of photos were taken today. We exchanged addresses with everyone there. We visited with everyone a bit, said our goodbyes, spent alot of one on one time with Eva and brought Eva back to her room. The afternoon visit went so fast. When we put Eva down in her walker and tried to say goodbye, Mommy started crying and the caregivers gave her hugs and told her not to worry. We think they were staying don't worry the time will fly by and then she will be in America with Mamma and Pappa. All the caregivers that were there today gave both of us hugs goodbye. We again gave our little girl hugs and kisses goodbye and left her another "family" photo of us and a few of the toys that she has been playing with.

Angela still has about 2 1/2 weeks left to go so she told us she will keep popping in on Eva and take some photos to send to us.

We have all the faith in the world in the caregivers in Eva's room. They are all so wonderful and have done a wonderful job with Eva for the first 8 months of her life. She is in good hands while we are gone. She will be home soon enough and we will have the rest of her life with her.

Tonight when we got back to the hotel from our afternoon visit, the parking lot was jammed packed. There were New Years celebrations going on. The restaurant we normally eat at was not open for us to sit down there. We all ordered room service and we all ate picnic style in Angela's room. It was a nice way to end our last night here at the hotel. Good food, good friends and some laughter.

Tomorrow we leave Karaganda in the morning and catch a flight to Almaty.