Sept. 1st 2005 "This is the City"

Ah the sounds of a warm summer night. Outside, a dog barks (and barks and barks) a car alarm goes off, our neighbor slamms their door, You hear the hustle of
city traffic passing on a nearby street.(where are they going this time of the night?) The locals honk and shout at each other in phrases I can not
understand. I would close the window but it isn't open.
Inside, the sound of our humming fan is drowned out by my daughter snorting through her cold (she is almost over it). I listen intently as my son hurls him
self over and over again into the side of his bed, screaming (Holly calls it babytalk) all the while without waking up. (he is a wild sleeper, I think this is why he lost that ring of hair) I would go and sleep on the couch but my son just hosed it down as I was a little slow in changing him.
I lay peacefully longing for sleep, my wifes voice breaks my trance,,,,"do you smell poop????????"
In all my sleepless nights I never imagined that phrase, I told her she was imagining things, put my pillow over my head and tried to sleep.

All is right with the world!! Sleep well all.

Thank you all so much!

First a short story about this picture. Last night before going to bed we fixed the kids bottles to save work in the middle of the night. Elizabeth woke up about 2:30. Holly and I both went for her but I told her to sleep I would take this one. (We were both so tired) All went well and I was back in bed around 3:00.
The next morning over breakfast Holly mentioned how suprised she was that Elizabeth would eat so much because she had eaten at 3:45???? You mean 2:45 don't you? Or at least that's what the clock in the living room said. She asked how I would know since I had snoozed through the whole thing. I proceeded to ask her if she had to make up a new bottle and she said she did. I asked if she was even slightly curious as to what happened to the ones we had made up????
That little stinker had both those bottles and still ate all her breakfast!!! The picture isn't as good as the profile but you can see some of her budah belly. Doesn't she look contented though???

Next let me say how blown away we are that you all keep supporting us! We don't deserve such great friends and family but are so thankfull for you all.

To our Church and all the people contacting us from there. We are so blessed to have made such fast friends but with such caring people it is easy. we understand we are even making the big screen on sunday mornings. Wait until we get them home. Then We will really show them off!!!
So many have been responding from our parents churches (Sharpe Baptist & Heartland baptist)too and we have so much trouble responding to everyone but we want you to know how much it means. We love our parents very much and are so glad that you think high enough of them that it carries over to us!!
Terri Allen, (a friend at work that just adopted her second/third child from Guatamala) I am so glad you are home, we lost your e-mail and didn't know how to tell you we had gotten the call. Thanks for all your help.
Mom and Dad & Tommy and Gail - Thank you for supportin us from the begining! I know you will love these kids as much as Holly and I already do. we question each other about what we would do if something went wrong in court. We can no longer imagin living without these 2! We know we will need help when we get home but also know that it is already there waiting on us as it always has been. Dad, I look forward to slipping in a few rounds before the year ends and Tommy, My sawing may not be so much as it has been leading up to this.
Teodozow family (working on the barefeet pics???) And Derek - You too have supported us through this and you will not be disappointed with the results. We know you will be great aunts, uncles and Cousins. I look forward to playing the "Lord of the Rings" with the boys and watching many more volleyball games with the girls. "I only wish I could hot like a girl"
Cadwells - we have often thought of you as family and you now are proving to us why. What have we done to deserve such friends????
Aunt Nancy / Jane /KK / Janice cousins Mary beth / Julie and michelle - I am so honored that you have taken Holly as literally "one of the family" No simple politeness but sometimes I think you love her more than you love me. (which is fine)
Davis family - this has been a busy year for both of us. I miss spending time with you and look forward to seeing you soon. Thank you for being more than cousins but also friends!!!
Putter/Cindy/emm- Who would have thought when I knew putter so many years ago our paths would have crossed again and at such an important time in our lives. Thank you for following us on this journey. and Thank you to all at Western Baptist Pharmacy too!
Kristin, Our apartment is very nice on the inside. Just don't open the door. We see people eating out of the Garbage everyday and it is a wild ride coming up those stairs in the dark. The inside though could be any apartment in Lexington. Holly will try to respond to you later.
Mechele and all from ISP watching - I lok forward to seeing all of you and am thankful that I have such a good job. That doesn't mean I'm ready to return though.
Joy beth and girls- Glad to see we are ranking so high on your list right now, it will do Christy good to have to wait her turn. we are so glad you are enjoying this trip with us. Please tell your parents we love them. They are such good people.
Elva, Glad you finally got Tony hooked on us too. It still amazes us that we have such a fan base. (cute kids don't hurt our ratings:O)
Cecil and Judy, you see by the pictures that one out of 2 like your idea. But really, Elizabeth is afraid of her own shadow. Cecil, I have enjoyed working with you for many years and think you are a wonderful man. (how does that grab you?) I'm glad you're checking in on us from time to time.
San DK and all of moms close friends, She is a wonerful lady and that is why I know you all as wonderful people. She deserves no less. Thank you for caring for her enough to follow us.

And now on to what you've been waiting for_______________________


This girl loves to eat!!!


She just isn't very good at it. She gets so excited it comes right back out with her squeels...

Elizabeth and Andrew tried to talk to their grandparents today (Tommy and Gail).

they were very interested but couldn't work up any sounds that early in the morning. (Believe me, that was not the case all day!!!)

They really do watch each other and play some. I wonder how long that will last??

here is our trusted driver. I would not attempt to drive a golf cart in this city much less a car. but so far we are unscathed.

We went to memorial park today and will post more pics of it sometime. This is a huge monument to some men who stopped the Germans from taking Moscow. It says " Russia is big but we can't fall back, We must hold the line at Moscow"

The Kids both are feeling well and seem very happy but today when we went to get in the car they screamed like you were trying to kill them. They rode home with us the other day from the babyhouse and loved it. Emil our driver, Says they are afraid they are going back to the babyhouse. That is why they scream. If we got out, they calmed pretty quickly. and you could get close to other cars and they were fine but the mere sight of Emils car sent terror through their bones.
I don't know if that is the real reason, maybe they just changed there minds about car rides but it makes us feel good for us/ bad for them.
Sorry I have made such a long post with so few pictures (since I know that is why you come) but I wanted the chance to thank as many of you as possible.

lastly, we thank our babygirl (baby our dog) you have truly been like our child. We love you and miss you very much and know you will be a great "big sister". You have been our constant companion and will continue to be after we get home. we are now a family of five, not a family of four plus a dog!!!! We love you

And we love you all friends and family!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Constitution day

Andrew and Elizabeth took there first ride on a vaccum cleaner today. (he like, she didn't

She still loves her stroller though, maybe that's because we didn't buy one of those cheap imports for her. This one is made locally only a few hours away from here. It's a place called China. Maybe you've heard of it.....

Holly chased the kids with the vacuum cleaner. She does this at home with baby. Again, Andrew liked it, Elizabeth didn't.

Don't know if you can see it or not but this might give you a view of the mountains surrounding us.

Today was some holiday here, Constitution day I think. We walked for hours with the kids and they did great. Even fell asleep some with all the noise. They should be practiced up for a chainsaw carving event!!!

I took a stroll to the store today while the kids took a nap. brought all this stuff up five flights of stairs in the stroller. (not an easy task)
While at he store I bagged my own groceries and their cheap bags fell through as I picked them up from the register counter. Here came the guards and everyone was stareing at the babyfood and glass all over the floor. All the people behind me were griping.( I couldn't understand them but some tones are rather universal. I Couldn't even apologize because again, "I speak no English"!!!! man do I miss home.
The kids are down, For now! and we are going to try and get some sleep cause we are wiped. We expect them to be back up in about 2 hours.
One more note, tonight, Andrew cried almost as hard (because he had to get out of the bath/sink. As Elizabeth did having to get in. She is a little scared of everthing!! But we love her

Afraid we wouldn't post today???

Guess who's feeling better??
Thank you all for praying for our family. We see them answered every day and try to post so you can see it too.
Elizabeth liked her new hat, and I thought you all would enjoy seeing the new bath system we're working on. Andrew Liked it after some initial "shock" but Elizabeth never did warm up to the idea. She is very timid and just about anything can scare her. And she can be the happiest little girl you ever saw, all smiles and giggles. hear her brother crying and join right in. She Loves her brother very much and loves to watch him play. And play he does. Now that he is off of milk he is like a rocket. sometimes we have trouble keeping up with him. He still gives "refunds" on occassion but smiles and goes on about his business.


Elizabeth was about six to one in the stinky diaper department so today for lunch Andrew got some prunes (loved em'). Before he was done eating he was ready to launch. (told you he was like a rocket)
He is Now almost tied up and doesn't show signs of stopping. In the picture you can see he went and found a diaper for us. I think he new he was the stinky one!

Both kids seem to be doing better but that doesn't mean they don't have their moments.

After supper we took our first walk around the city. there are a few parks nearby and it seemed like a nice evening for a walk. The kids never made a sound. I think they were in awe of all the people, cars, sounds.




For those of you interested, we have updated measurements on the kids. Elizabeth weighs 16.53 pounds and is 26.3 inches long.
Andrew weighs 18.07 pounds and is 27.5 inches long

We are doing our best but we know our responses are slow. Hang with us and we will try to do better. It is still a comfort to know you are there for us.
Love the Dunnings

First full day together

Just got a call from more of our family, at least it felt that way. Thanks Kent and Christy for checking in on us. We will try to find a little sister here for Peyton.
We did read the comments for the day but may not get to respond (our schedule is not our own) Please keep them coming and we will try to respond when we can. Please know we definitely are reading them and loving it.
We are very busy today, Elizabeth is still not feeling well so I have to post quick. But here are a few shot to carry you through.

I caught a shot or 2 of Holly and the kids playing on the bed before bedtime.

Andrew loves looking at himself, he thinks he is so handsome. (We think so too) It's a good thing he can't see the back of his head. Looks like a whirlpool hit him!

We fed Bolat some yogurt at the insistance of or coordinator. Never mind that it has milk in it!!!!!!!!!!Refunded!! (here he was just eating it though, Daddy just has trouble hitting the mouth.

There was a walker in the room and we thought they might like it. "They loved it! Andrew goes all over the place in it. Today I went to the market and got a second one. Here you see a jealous brother checking out the new ride.

Andrew is so curious. he watches everything, especially himself.

Here's the Mommy using the clothes dryer.

Elizabeth decided to share part of her new ride with brother.

Two little monkeys, Jumping on the bed.

I told you I had trouble hitting the mouths.

Holly is doing great with the kids, you would think she had done it all her life. Both Andrew and Elizabeth are having trouble today getting comfortable with their new routine. Pray for all of us as we all try to get a little sleep. Would love to post more but "babies crying"

Thank you all for posting! it was very exciting to get on and see all the responses. Please understand we will try to continue to update you but will probably not reply for a few days. I know you all understand.
Also I wanted to think of a clever way to tell you all we had the kids but time was so short and I wanted you all to know so badly that I took the quick way.
I know you all understand what a special day this was for us!!


You can see these 2 are not exactly fish when it comes to water. What A Day we had! The kids have been wonderful. The only time they seemed unhappy was when we tried the baths. That made them very unhappy, (as you can see) Such cries! Just as we put bolat in the tub our coordinator called and said "We come now" . Holly freaked out....They What!!!! She was afraid they would think we hadn't been getting along. We had been expecting them to come earlier since they know the kids go to bed around 8:30. But around 8 is when they came. All went well, the kids went down like angels and Gulnara and Emil stayed for about 2 hours dicussing court and such.
Please keep Sept. 5th (court date) in your prayers. Just because we have them in the apartment doesn't mean it's official. Until the judge says it, it ain't so. Also they are getting very strict on immediate execution (waiving the mandatory 15 day waiting period after court) and Esik is the last place in the country that still does it. It would not be the end of the world if we don't get it but we sure would rather come home on the 14th instead of the 29th.
A quick story,,,You all saw Bolat asleep on my head the other day. Well today they wanted me to show the babyhouse director how much he liked it so up he went and so did his breakfast, all over my head. Thought some of you might enjoy that. Everyone here did.

A comment from Holly
Today was absolutely incredible!! We had been "expecting" to bring the babies back before the 14 day visitation period was over, but weren't completely sure it would happen until our driver called last night and said bring baby clothes, diapers, and bottles, we bring the babies back tomorrow. Yippee!!
Today was rainy and dreary and quite cool, so we didn't take many pictures outside, mainly just the one in front of the babyhouse (previous post). I'll give some details of the day - I know girls like that. We drove to the babyhouse at our normal time (leave around 8 get there around 9:30), we fed them their normal "yummy" breakfast and our coordinator had me try a bite of kasha today, so I would know what the kids have been eating at the babyhouse. Fortunately, I had a babywipe handy and I turned my head and quickly got rid of the kasha. Word of advice - if anyone ever asks you to try kasha - just say no or if you are in kaz - nyet!!
So after we fed them, we put the clothes on that we had brought for them and then went around and took some more pictures with the director, doctor, etc. Sam and I came back to the room to get our bags ready and Gulnara took the children one at a time to the room next door where the doctor was so she could say her good-byes to the children. We couldn't understand what she was saying to them because it was Russian, but it was sweet and soft. Probably wishing them a good life, and much happiness. Oh course, I started crying. It sounded so caring. All of the staff at the babyhouse have been so caring and compassionate, it's so nice to know that they were caring for our children during their early months.
We loaded the car and drove home to the apartment, they slept most of the way, when they woke up they looked wide -eyed out the car window. This is their first car ride. (other than when they were taken to the babyhouse from the hospital). We brought them up the apartment and played for a while then had lunch, napped, supper played some more, than bath time. Neither of them like bathtime the least little bit, I really wanted to scrub them down good, but they will have to wait. Sam finished the rest of the story in his post. We really are thankful for all the prayers, now we would like for you to pray for Alia/Elizabeth, she is running a fever, coughing, and having some very messy diapers. The doctor told us today that she was getting sick, and to give her tylenol. Bolat is feeling better, we started him on soy formula today and he really likes it. It's been a wonderful day for the Dunning family!! Love to you all... Holly

My very exciting day. By Bolat Andrew

This morning when I woke up things were very exciting around the babyhouse. Many of the older children have been preparing a show for constitution day and this
Is the day they will perform. It is cold and rainy outside so I feel cooler than normal but maybe it is because the caregivers did not dress me in the same way as usual.
I was very excited for my parents to visit today. When they come we play for a long time and I can get them to do anything I want. Except sometimes they are holding another baby and I don't get there full attention, I wonder why that is?
Today, They took many pictures with my caregivers. Then they wrapped me in a blanket and took me outside. They also wrapped Alia and brought her along. (I wondered why that was)
WE got in a machina (car) and drove away from the babyhouse. I have never done that before. Along the road we saw many different things, there were people and animals that I have never seen before also.
We saw a bad wreck on the way and some people were hurt but My uncle Emil drove safely on.
On the ride Alia and I took a nap. I liked the car ride and was sorry to see it end. When the car stopped we were not back at the babyhouse but at some dingey looking apartment.
We got out of the car and My new mommy and Daddy carried me upstairs (5 flights) to their apartment. They also carried Alia upstairs. (I wondered why that was)
There we were just the four of us in the apartment, no caregivers or doctors just us. We got in the floor and played. My mommy and Daddy told Alia and I that they loved us very much and that we were going to be a family and that they would always take care of us. they showed us pictures of people back home. They said they were also to be our family and they couldn't wait to see us.
My mommy is very pretty but she cries a lot; nevertheless, I think I will marry her someday. Alia is also very pretty but since she is to be my sister, I guess I can never tell her. I do stare at her a lot though, She makes me happy. My daddy is strong but not much to look at. He makes me laugh and carries me around so I guess I will keep him as a daddy.
All day long new things happened and I wondered why that was. Now I see that all along God had his hand on Elizabeth and me. We are a family, brought together by God!! Now I know Why that was.










We are short on time as you might have figured out. We posted this fast and hope to get on if we get the kids to sleep tonight.
Yes we do have them in the apartment with us. We knew there was a chance we would get them this early but didn't want to get our hopes up.
More later...

Slow day for pictures

Bolat found a feather while we were playing outside. No, he's not eating it. but he sure did like it

Sorry all, I just didn't get many pictures today. I promise to try and make it up to you tomorrow.
Today I thought You could look at a few pictures of the caregivers. They love having there pictures taken, they come in and insist actually. then they expect copies.
Tommy and Gail, We will be in the room most of the evening/ (morning for you). We will stay off the internet until about 8:30pm /9:30am there here in case you call. I know Holly would love to hear from you.
Sara, tell the girls we will be online in the morning/evening for you so if they can get on I will try the instant messanger. probably between 8 and 9 pm for you. I hope it works!! If it does, Any of the rest of you can e-mail me your IM names and we will add you. I think my name is samdunning@yahoo.com but you can call me Kazak Buddy!
It is pouring outside here now but at least it is cool. We might walk to the store shortly (if it stops raining)but won't be gone long. We go there about everyday. Itis very modern and even though we can't read or understand anybody, It feels kinda like walking in the mall.
I will try to make tomorrow more interesting but it is hard to always top the day before.
Still alive and well in Kazakhstan....

You can see Emil in the back ground of this shot

Who do you think Alia is smiling at?




This is a lady we will see in court, The Minister of Education that we mentioned the other day.

I know many of you will have comments but remember, most of our communications are monitored. "Be kind"