In his heart, a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9

Friday, November 27, 2009

Kurban Bayrami



Today is a holiday, the Feast of Sacrifice. It commemorates the story from the Koran where Abraham goes up Mt. Moriah to sacrifice his first son, Ishmael. It is one of the major holidays, as families and friends often spend much time together eating the animals slaughtered (bulls or sheep).

This video is a little graphic, but it's only the cleaning of the bull after it's been slaughtered.

Thanksgiving




We had a great Thanksgiving dinner with some of our friends here. Everyone brought their favorite Thanksgiving food and everything tuned out great.
One of our friend's kids gave up his spot as youngest around to Anastasia. He was entranced by her.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

My first bath at home



So I was all warm and ready for bed after coming to this nice new place. And these people who have taken me there suddenly grabbed me and put me in this wet stuff and kept rubbing me all over! I told them to stop. I told them over and over and even started to scream at them, but unfortunately I left my mace at my last home so I was completely defenseless. Eventually, it was over and I got to go back to life as usual in my nice warm bed.

Grandparents!



Luke's parents, Walter & Sue, made it in just in time before Thanksgiving. They have really enjoyed geting to kknow their new granddaughter.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

I wasn't aware of the time when I was making this video, but it was around 6 AM the next day. That's about 9 hours after she'd been born. Everyone remarked about how she was so alert right after she'd been born--came out with her eyes open! Once she woke up again, she was right back to taking everything in.


Anastasia Zoe!



We'd like to announce the birth of our daughter, Anastasia Zoe. Her name comes from John 11:25 meaning "resurrection" and "life."
She was born at 8:13 PM local time, weighing 7 lbs 12 oz/3.52 kilos, measuring 19.5"/50 cm long.
She's very healthy and was very alert for her first 2 hours.

In the hospital


So we have internet access and nothing better to do. Here are a pic while we're waiting.
The nurses are getting a kick out of helping us. They have been great--even bringing tea!

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Baby countdown...

We went to the doctor today and the doctor said...no more monk...
Sorry, wrong story. Anyway, there probably won't be any monkeys jumping in a crib for at least another 4 or 5 days according to the doc. Still looks like there's some more days coming beyond that, but patience is needed!
Nov. 16 is the due date, Nov. 23 would be the latest day for the inducement if necessary.


Here's a shot from when our friends Al & Izzy came over. They love them some Wii!