It's our last day in Pavlodar! WOW WOW WOW! Tomorrow night we leave for Almaty where we will check out at the American Embassy for 2 days! We will then be on our way home to America! Because of the flight schedules we are expecting to arrive at LAX at about noon on the 13th! We can't believe it!
This has been a wonderful first week with Ava. Mornings are a little rough on her for whatever reason. There is a lot more crying in our morning time than in the afternoon. Bedtime has gotten a little better every night. She now goes into her bedroom for night night without any crying. That didn't take her too long! For the most part she is doing better than anyone could ask or expect of her. For most of the day she is happy and full of life.
Ava dancing to the "Get up a Move" Wiggles DVD. I don't think I've ever seen her right arm so high in the air with such an open hand!
She still loves walking and dancing around with a scarf!
Peek-a-boo
This was one of those rough mornings. Ava woke up at 6 and was fussy all morning. At about 9 her and Dada took a little nap. She woke up much happier :-)
Later that day we took a stroll down to the river.
Ava with Pavlodar's Irtish River behind her.
We had a great time and enjoyed the warm(er) weather!
On Easter we celebrated with our friends the Issacs! Here Ava is helping James show pictures of our trip to Europe.
Ava was a very good host
Ava in her Easter best
She loved this dress
Again, dancing to the Wiggles
Between her and our two pets, Mama may never knit again.
Helping prepare the meal
The next day we accidentally stumbled over another indoor playground. I guess these are necessary in places that are covered in snow for 8 months of the year.
We didn't put money in but she didn't know the difference :-)
The ball pit was little scary for her the first time, but this time she enjoyed it very much.
We will update as often as we can from here on out! We are not sure what our internet situation will be in Almaty. We will leave Pavlodar with many emotions. We are BEYOND HAPPY to be coming home at last with Ava D. We will also leave with love in our hearts for the city where our child was born and lived the first 4 1/2 years of her life. There are many people here that we love and that we will keep in our hearts always. Thank you for prayers for our travels! I think traveling this long distance with a little one always requires a little help from above!
10 comments:
I love those in door play areas they look so fun! I also love her Easter dress what a great color on her! I hope your travels go smoothly I can't believe its finally at this point!
We are so happy for you guys. We have been very busy with Logan. We check your blog often. It's hard to believe its almost been a year since we met you guys. email:prudendl@mts.net
Email us.
Linda, Dave, Logan, and Parker(new addition)
It will be WELCOME HOME before you know it! Blessings to you and may God grant travel safety!
Sandra Sherritt
Gotta love The Wiggles! (We watch an awful lot of them at our house)! Hopefully she will be so interested in the new experiences that the travel will go well for you guys! She truly looks like one very happy little girl to finally have her family!
We are so excited to pick you up from LAX! I hope your travels are smooth!! Love you guys! America, here comes our little Ava D!
xoxox Mimi
Oh my gosh! If you didn't know she had CP you would never know but looking at those pictures. Her hand was open so wide in at least two of those pictures. I think they were both dancing pictures....maybe we know Ava's hidden talent and her best therapy! Love the pictures and I am so thrilled you are getting so close to being home!
Help for another family
Hi, I've been following your blog. I'm Susan from Austin.
I'm so thrilled that your're officially a family now and you're heading home soon. What an occasion! Your daughter resembles my beautiful son, Griffin, who is from Petropavlovsk.
There is a family from Texas who is leaving Petro because their son/daughter is not there. Their agency is sending them to Pavlodar. In fact, they're on a train tonight.
If you are available and interested, they would greatly appreciate the opportunity to connect with you. They know nothing about Pavlodar and I think you're experts now! Cortney can be reached at dustncort@gmail.com
Thank you for considering speaking to them.
All my best, Susan
smooretexan@gmail.com
Wow, you are so close to the end of your very long journey and the start of your new life. You are all blessed to have each other and this incredible experience getting this far. Enjoy Almaty and try not to worry about the flight. If she has a hard time, turn the laptop on and play the Wiggles for her. Your neighbors would rather hear them sing then her cry! You all will do great.
Safe travels for this short little flight - haha!
Lou Ann & Lexie too
YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so excited for you! Where are you staying in Almaty?
So excited for you guys!! America misses you and can't wait to meet Ava!! :) Love you all and hoping to come out asap!!
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