back on the swings again...
walking down Kreschatyk
Independence square.
on the way home... (happy anniversary/mother's day flowers)
Although I slept a bit better last night, Shona did not (at least we are taking turns to some extent). We caught the 9:17 train as per usual this morning, and soon saw that it was going to be squishy. On top of that, it was a bit warmer and rather humid this morning. Just before the first stop, Shona said she needed to get off as she was feeling like fainting. So, rather than have her on the floor in a rather full train entrance, we got off. After a couple minutes of fresh air, Shona felt much better and we went into the station to see when the next train was. It came at 10:18, so we managed to get to the orphanage by 11am. We spent the next 45 minutes or so outside walking around with Ivanna – she really likes to stroll. Oh, and we did spend a bit of time with the swing as well (it’s been a while). It was good. She still has incredibly elastic stuff in her nose, but seems to be getting better.
After some shawarma, we came home and had a little nap (weekends should almost always contain naps). Afterwards we walked down to the city centre for fun and to pick up a couple things. It was nice to see all the people walking around on Kreschatyk (the main street, which is closed to traffic on weekends). After seeing the sights (S-which besides lots of people walking around included some buskers, artists doing portraits and people offering to take have your picture with their hawk or SNAKE – I just about screamed as I turned around and there was a guy holding his snake out asking me a question in Russian/Ukrainian. I said an emphatic NYET and carried on), we walked back home along Shevchenko blvd. It’s now nearly supper time, so we’ll soon head for Mario’s and see if the wi-fi is working... It is.
10 comments:
Naps are good!!! Especially when one doesn't sleep too well at night.
Getting off the train for a fresh air break sounds like a very sensible thing to do when the 'crush' of people etc. gets overwhelming. Loved seeing your pics of your tours of Kiyv and museum from yesterday and today. Also glad that you're able to see Ivanna on the weekends, and that you were all able to be outside, and get in some swinging. (nice swingset)
Our saskatoon bush is in full bloom. Maybe this year we will get a decent crop of berries if something else doesn't get them first!
Wally and Erna have been keeping somewhat in touch with you as well (as Alice and Eva) and all wish you all the best, and are keeping you in their prayers. I have been providing printed copies of some of your blogs, and intend to show them how to access your blog.
Take care of yourselves. You are always in our thoughts and prayers.
Love to all of you.
Hi there you two.
So good to talk to you this morning. I'm at lakewood for MIsha's romp'n rascals (or something like that) class. Sam is entertaining hiimself with a pencil while I write (safety first).
What beautiful roses/flowers.
Happy Mother's Day Shona. A happy day for both you and Ivanna. I was just thinking about the wonder of how we as human beings have a great capacity to love. I know that you have lost your heart already to Ivanna and your love will continue to grow, as will hers for you. You've already had a taste of motherhood and there is a lot more to come. Welcome to the challenge, chaos and wonder of motherhood. So glad that we get to experience it together.
As you sleep tonight the first of the showers for you three will be going on. I'm going to drop in for a little while and make sure we get some pictures and some video. There are so many people that want to welcome Ivanna and welcome you both into parenthood.
Shona, I just met Karen (the Karen who is replacing you on your mat leave) just as I walked into the library. She recognized me somehow. Anyway, she sends her love. She has been following the blog. She said that her first week at rehab went well but was exhausting.
Well dear ones, we send our love your way. Can't wait to be able to do it in person.
Love
Tanis
I'm glad to see that you're getting out when the weather is nice. I certainly would like to see some of the sights you're getting to now (although most of them I did manage to catch). There are a few other places I may put on your list of things to do simply to satisfy MY curiosities. At least once you need to catch some rays on the beach at hydropark. See if you can find the nude section. I was also thinking about the couple that is s'posed to be getting there in a couple of weeks and thought you might want to take them to the circus. I just thought that getting tickets for that might be one of the simplest for you since Darren was there when I did it and things are reasonably well put on the sign by the ticket desks. I could also fill you in on the details of explaining it to the lady at the desk. Whatever. I could also give some ideas of getting tickets to the ballet again. I can access their repertoire online, which is kinda cool, and once you know the show you want, it is actually pretty easy if you go right to the place or where I bought them, down on Xpewatik (cyrillic is tough on a latin keyboard). Let me know anyway.
Ok, that is probably too much already. I coulda just emailed. Oh well. We love you guys lots and lots.
Happy Mother's Day Shona! your first of many to enjoy.
Leet me know about church this week. I am curious how your impressions change.
jonathan
ps. I told Misha about his birthday cake that you made ahead of time (not what it is), but thought it deserved attention and he was well reminded of how much you two love him. He certainly is looking forward to having you back, and to meeting his cousin Ivanna.
j
How indescribly beautiful it is to see you with your little girl!! (Alana just gave me the link to your site today). We are SO happy for all 3 of you! And from this brief glance I've seen of the 3 of you together, I'm just struck at how much your girlie resembles you both and how attached she seems to be becoming:)
Happy 1st Mother's Day, Shona!
Our prayers are with all of you!
Les, Sherri & Amanda
Happy Mother's Day Sho! It's so amazing to see the love between Ivanna and her parents grow each day. We love you all.
Hey Darren and Shona!
Finally jumping into blog land here. I was unaware you had a blog (although you probably mentioned it in your letter), so I did a really big catch-up today. I read the whole journery, beginning to end in one shot.... WOW!
THEN, I wrote this really wonderful post... it was long and eloquent, philosophical and funny, full of love and hugs.. and when I went to send it after creating an account.... all was lost.
So, I guess you just need to hear the short version:
1. We love you guys a lot!
2. We are SO happy for you, and it's very obvious that the Lord has ordered this for you with great care.
3. Your experiences are preparing you PERFECTLY to be the parents you need to be
4. Wish we could come and eat pizzas and desserts with you after a night of ballet and theatre!
5. I totally understand the daily rollercoaster of waiting with great anticipation each day to see your child, knowing full well that you'll need to say good-bye in a few hours. I know how it feels to have time nearly stand still, to feel you're on another planet, and to wait daily on the Lord for his grace to have a wide open heart to bond with your child, yet guard it a bit to keep your sanity.
Well, I'll stay tuned to hear how your days are progressing - it won't be long til we see you! Tonight the kids and I are heading to Cirque de Soleil.. the Delirium tour. Dale didn't want to come... silly Dale.
Again, big hugs, have a piece of dessert for us... by the way, just how CHEAP is the art there?
Love Sandra
Happy Mother's Day, Shona! That is such a beautiful thing!
James 1:17
Happy Mother's Day Sho! Your first of many to come. I was at the shower today briefly...it was lovely. There were cupcakes, cookies, fruit, coffee and people who care so much about you three...what more could we want? I hope you're having lots of chocolate desserts for me. I'd have 1 or 2 a day if I was there.I liked Jonathan's comment, first find the nude beach, then find the Canadian couple and take them to the circus. Thank goodness I've been reading your blog and know that the circus is actually the circus and not a synonym for the nude beach. Have a great day! We love you, you're in our prayers.
Happy Mother's Day! What a special way to spend your first of many.
First day of the conference is over... 11 hour day. Luckily today was short. Tomorrow is be there at 7am until 8pm... assuming everything goes well. :)
Take care of each other! I am so lucky to have Val who has been taking care of the kids (and me!) Rest assured I'm making it up to her bigtime on Saturday night and next Sunday (OUR mother's day, a week deferred.)
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