Magical Church and Anelya Shows Her True Colors

We had a long night from Tuesday - Wednesday. Anelya slept fine, but once we were awake, we were awake. I have to get over that! Our days start early here and pretty much all of the families are in our room by 7:30a.m. We go to breakfast together and then usually for a walk.

Yesterday, Tammy, Dad, the girls and I took a lovely walk down a tree-lined promenade about four blocks through a park which lead us to a gorgeous Russian Orthodox Church which was built over a century ago with no nails. At the turn of the 20th century, there was a devastating earthquake in Almaty. All of the building feel except this church. It is exquisite. Unfortunately, we were not permitted to take pictures inside, but we were able to look around and lucky for us, the church was in service when we got there.

When we entered , a choir of six people were singing a hymn. It was absolutely breathtaking and honestly sounded like the angels were singing from above. As Anelya slept in her stroller, I started to cry and think about what it will mean to take her away from her birth country in just a few days. I choke up thinking about it now.

My new hot mama style.

Happy Kalamkas eating a croissant on the walk back

Anelya joined the club and gummed her first ever piece of bread (a croissant, of course hahaha)

Hoovie is officially superman and has been everyone's extra grandpa, just like Baba was when she was here.

Anelya and I stopped for a Latte. I had the mama version, she had the formula version. We call them both lattes.

Dad babysat all afternoon while I went on a much longer than expected trip to the Tsum and to bring take out home for everyone. Thanks, dad. You are a saint.

This is a Kazakh boy playing the Dombra, the national instrument of Kazakhstan. I took avideo and will post it asap.

So, it would seem that a combination of a sugar high from very watered down juice and several days of iron has turned Anelya into a real little monster. Last night she was just bananas. It was the funniest thing I have ever seen. Whenever I walk into the room she goes ballistic. Smiling, jumping screaming, "MAMAMAMMA" and then she starts this panting/laughing. It is hilarious. She was really starting to walk last night while holding my fingers. It's amazing that just 5 days ago she wasn't even crawling. Now I cannot keep up with her. I am in SO MUCH TROUBLE. Mom, wait until you see how this girl has changed!!!

Because she was so bananas, she went to bed at 6:15pm, woke up for a bottle at 10, a change at 3, and then slept until about 6. So, my girl is a good sleeper, it would seem. Now if only the mama could could follow suit! Sorry so short. This is all I have time for. Saint Hoovie took Anelya back to the hotel and I need to get ready to go to the Embassy.

On a final side note, I got our passports with extended visas back yesterday. Here's one, they told me that if I had tried to leave the country without it, I would have been arrested. Not happy about that...