Mr. Mom & his Mom

Here we are after court at the Children's Hospital

Just a little over 48 hours after Alia was named our daughter, I left Kokshetau to fly out of Astana early Monday morning. After 35 hours of travel, I arrived back in Carbondale Monday night. I was greeted by Luca, who was watching his favorite show Ninja Warrior, and my mom who has taken such good care of Luca both times we were gone.

Scott and his mom stayed in Kokshetau to take care of Alia and finish out the process. They are due back at the end of the month. This arrangement is not easy at all, but it is working. Why did we decide that I go home? We didn't think that we could ask Luca to go 4 more weeks without us. He has been great. He has been a trooper. My mom has taken good care of him, but it is still a lot for him to handle. His life has barely changed for the last 5 years and now we were gone for weeks, he has a new sister on the way and started kindergarten where he is learning in a completely different language. We thought he would benefit from some stability before Alia joins us at home.

I am also teaching 2 classes. It is hard to remember that sometimes :). I was so lucky to have a colleague and Graduate Assistant take over my classes during the last trip, but I felt I could not miss 4 more weeks of class (that would be half the semester!). Scott, however, is on sabbatical, so he does not have any classes this semester.

All is well at the cottage in Kokshetau. Scott, Jean and Alia are getting along well. Scott reports that she is a happy baby. She is sleeping and eating well. They went on their first walk today. He strapped her in the Baby Bjorn and they went and sat on one of the benches that lines a pedestrian walkway to the park. Apparently, she intently observed everything around her. This was the first time she spent any significant time outside.

I am not surprised that things are going well there. Scott has always been a hands-on dad. He gives Luca a bath and puts him to bed almost every night. He volunteers in his classroom at school. Scott takes him for outings and works outside with him every weekend. At school Luca was asked for an example of people working together and he responded by saying, "Washing the car with my dad." Scott has a great bond with Luca because of these things and much more. I am sure the same will be true of he and Alia. He is an excellent father and for that I am grateful.

I know you all are waiting patiently for a photo. We will post lots after the 15 day appeals period is over. We are so close and don't want to take any chances. Thanks for your patience. Believe me, I cannot wait for you to see her!